Hanoi Haven — a modern Vietnamese eatery with a French influence, has recently opened it’s doors in the heart of Takapuna. Here, fresh, bold flavours abound — drawing on the flavours, energy, and vibrancy of Hanoi.
Inside, diners will a light, airy and vividly decorated dining space, with plenty of seating and no shortage of authentic charm. Teal booth seating meets brightly-hued orange walls, while a contemporary take on basket lighting illuminates from above, and lush, verdant greenery lines pillars throughout the eatery conjuring tropical oases.
The menu is a testament to the enduring legacy of Vietnamese cuisine, celebrating its rich tapestry. Showcasing both classic dishes that have graced tables for centuries, and contemporary creations that reimagine beloved flavours, each bite is designed to harmoniously blend heritage and modernity.
From traditional takes such as aromatic pho with tender beef to fried pork hock, cooked to perfection with crisp, golden skin, a house special glaze, salad, and pickles, a Saigon yellow curry with juicy chicken, eggplant, roasted kumara, and Cha Ca La Vong — a market fish dish with a melange of vibrant spices and herbs, served with rice noodles, to street food (Bun Cha, fried rice, and tasty skewers all feature) to a number of contemporary dishes, there is no shortage of exceptional options to make your way through.
On the drinks front, you’ll find 10 signature cocktails — from Vietnamese espresso martinis to a spin on a classic old fashioned, a number of beers (including a few refreshing Vietnamese drops), the usual Kiwis suspects on the wine list, and plenty of non-alcoholic options, including an edit of mocktails and three iterations of a lemongrass and jasmine-based iced tea.
From the transportive interiors to the menu that conjures far-flung lands, Hanoi Haven is a love letter to the vibrant melting pot of Vietnam.
The original Ladies Lunch is back at Soul Bar & Bistro just in time for spring, and trust us when we say there is no better way to while away an afternoon with your girlfriends (or boyfriends, men are welcome too!).
Auckland dwellers will be well-versed in the glory of Soul (there really is nowhere with an atmosphere quite like it), and the bistro’s infamous Ladies Lunch showcases the very best of the eatery’s offering. From a delectable three-course meal to a glass of springtime bubbles to the picture-perfect water-wide setting and floral-festooned entrance, and, of course, an ever-lively vibe, there truly is nowhere better to celebrate the season in style.
The market fish and a glass of nautilus estate sauvignon blanc
Right: cured salmon on pumpkin seed loaf
Throughout September, from 11am — 3pm daily (excluding the 1st and 25th), you’ll find the Ladies Lunch on offer for a modest $49, which includes a three-course lunch and a glass of Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc.
Diners can expect to find the likes of zesty, citrus-cured salmon on pumpkin seed loaf, fresh market fish with green olive, almond and sherry jus, chicken dijonnaise with mustard cream and herb oil, and espresso panna cotta to finish, served with vanilla vodka mascarpone and chocolate fudge sauce. Coffee and tea is on offer post-meal too.
for dessert — the espresso panna cotta
Or, if you’re anything like us, you’ll be staying put until the evening, indulging in a few (too many) cocktails and seeing where the evening takes you.
For those who take joy from procuring and collecting luxury fashion, the only suitable storage solution is one that puts your prized purchases on display.
If you’re a collector of fine clothes, shoes and handbags, you have every reason to invest in a wardrobe that does justice to your precious investments.
With the luxury fashion resale market bigger than ever, you have a very valid reason to invest in an impeccable wardrobe system that showcases your stunning purchases and protects their quality long into the future.
The master craftspeople of luxurious wardrobes at Italian company Poliform have designed the Stylebook wardrobe system to be both functional, and as aesthetically pleasing as the items within. Allowing your precious finds to be displayed in a gallery-like setting makes for easy contemplation when deciding what to wear, while equally preserving their long-term quality. The essential accessory for any style savant, investing in a customised Poliform wardrobe system from Studio Italia is truly life changing.
From an impossibly chic pair of headphones to a new bridal collection to a charity campaign worthy of your attention, this is everything that has our attention this week.
Denizen’s Spring Issue
It would be remiss of us to round up the new and noteworthy launches this week without including our stunning Spring Issue. Filled with endless inspiration for the season ahead, with the beautiful, effervescent Lydia Peckham on the cover, notable conversations with the likes of sailor Blair Tuke and artist Jamie Te Heuheu, write-ups on Peggy Gou’s stratospheric rise to superstardom and the enduring sartorial standing of David Beckham, a comprehensive guide to the upcoming America’s Cup, and, as always, an all-encompassing overview of the trends worth knowing — this issue is essential reading this spring.
Maggie Marilyn has been a part of many special bridal moments over the last eight years. From British Vogue’s Tilly Macalister-Smith, to actress and climate activist Bonnie Wright, and many Kiwis, too, and as more brides look for chic, understated dresses for the more low-key style of weddings that we’re now seeing, the brand has unveiled a made-to-order bridal collection. The six-strong edit features classic MM styles, available in four silk colourways: white, chocolate, navy and black — perfect not only for brides, but bridal parties too.
Chanel has reimagined its iconic Première watch into an innovative piece of wearable tech —combining jewellery, timekeeping, and tech to create a modern masterpiece as practical as it is stylish. The Première Sound Watch sees a long sautoir necklace fitted with a watch and wired headphones, offering the wearer both a striking adornment and custom connectivity.
Camilla and Marc’s Ovaries. Talk About Them. campaign is back for another year, with the brand continuing to break incredible ground in both awareness and progress for ovarian cancer. Camilla and Marc’s goal of getting an early detection test to clinical trials is in sight — with the incredible, all-female team at UNSW Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, led by Professor Caroline Ford and Dr Kristina Warton, having made groundbreaking progress across the past year, developing a world first, unique 3-target signature that can detect all types of ovarian cancer — which they hope to get into clinical trials by 2026. Join Camilla and Marc on their mission by purchasing a tee or donating. 100% of proceeds go directly toward the development of this early-detection blood test, with the potential to save millions of women’s lives.
The D.157.6 loveseat pays homage to historic design figure Gio Ponti, taking inspiration from his iconic 1954 sofa. The distinctive silhouette of the seat, originally named Due Foglie due to its seamless curvilinear shape reminiscent of a pod and two elongated leaves, has been reimagined to allow for personalisation, with Marta Ferri curating a vast selection of fabrics and leathers chosen specifically for both their visual appeal and performance abilities, as the Gio Ponti archive continues to inform Molteni&C’s style, blending historical values with a forward-looking perspective.
Acknowledging the pure joy in seeking out pre-loved garments and fashion gems, Muse Boutique is relaunching its popular sustainable fashion initiative, Muse Circular. The dedicated pop-up shop, open now on Osborne Street in Newmarket, offers a unique opportunity to discover a curated collection of pre-loved Muse wares at a fraction of the price.
Shopping pre-loved not only reduces the environmental impact of your garments, it also contributes to a more circular economy, with Muse’s unique offering presenting the sartorially savvy with the unmatched thrill of discovering stunning, quality pieces from brands such as Victoria Beckham, Christopher Esber, Harris Tapper, Tibi, DVF, and more that they may have missed out on previously (here at Denizen, we’ve found some of our most-loved pieces at Muse’s previous pop-ups). Muse Circular’s carefully selected items are all high-quality and one-of-a-kind, promising a unique and thrilling shopping experience.
And if you, like us, have a wardrobe brimming with beloved Muse pieces, some of which are no longer getting the wear they deserve — the pop-up will offer the chance to sell your own previously-purchased Muse items, just in time for spring clean season.
Muse Circular aims to inspire customers to embrace a more conscious and sustainable approach to their wardrobe and discover a whole new way to shop and sell pre-loved in the process.
Laundry is a universally relentless household chore that seems never-ending, particularly for those with children, but today Ecostore (one of New Zealand’s leading sustainability and environmental brands) is giving us a pass — encouraging Kiwis to take a day off laundry in a bid to inspire conversations around the somewhat hidden environmental implications of cleaning our clothes (and save a tonne of water in the process).
This year, No Laundry Day invites New Zealanders to consider not just what goes into a load of washing, but what it leaves behind — thousands of microfibres, many of which are microplastics. As global awareness of microplastics and their environmental impact grows, so too does the research into how these tiny particles have ended up everywhere — from the highest mountaintops to the deepest ocean trenches. Studies suggest that microfibres, often shed from synthetic fabrics, are among the most common microplastics in our environment. Every load of laundry can release hundreds of thousands of microfibres, which then enter our waterways.
Adding to this is the significant amount of water New Zealand’s daily laundry habits consume—an estimated 107 million litres, enough to fill over 40 Olympic-size swimming pools. It’s a reminder to rethink how often we reach for the laundry basket.
With this considered, Ecostore are using this awareness initiative to not only encourage Kiwis to skip a load or two of washing, but to raise awareness about the many benefits of embracing more sustainable laundry habits. “Whether the only day you skip doing a load of washing is No Laundry Day or you challenge yourself to one less load a week, you’ll be reducing your impact on the environment while also saving money — washing clothes less frequently conserves water, power, and the clothes themselves, meaning you don’t have to replace items as often,” says Ecostore CEO, Pablo Kraus.
Ecostore Recommends
How to make a Difference
• Wait until you have a full load of clothing before starting a wash, rather than doing several small loads.
• Wash clothes only when necessary, and consider the care requirements for different fabrics. For instance, wash woollen knitwear only at the end of the season.
• Commit to doing one less load of washing per week — No Laundry Day is the perfect time to start.
• Use lower temperatures for regular washes, saving warmer settings for more heavy duty washes. This reduces energy consumption.
• Whenever possible, dry clothes on a washing line instead of using a dryer, as this helps reduce the release of microfibres.
• Opt for concentrated high-performance laundry products like Ecostore’s 3X Concentrated Laundry Liquid, which require less energy and resources to produce and transport, and are cost-effective per use. Check the recommended dosage on the packaging — often people use more than they need, which isn’t economical.
• Choose eco-friendly products that are greywater safe. Ecostore’s concentrated laundry range is made with naturally derived ingredients that are gentle on your skin and free from harmful chemicals, making them safe for you and the planet.
“Hazy Tiger is a Korean tapas bar that reimagines traditional Korean dining with a modern twist,” Ho Byung Yun tells me of his new co-venture — a low-key Korean tapas and cocktail bar in the city.
Stepping through the door here is like stepping both into the future and back in time — the retro-futuristic fit-out inspiring both revelry and relaxation. “Our ambience combines a chill early vibe with late-night DJ sessions on weekends, set in a stylish space designed by Studio Weareyoung,” Yun tells me, “We want Hazy Tiger to be your go-to neighbourhood spot for any occasion.”
Set in an atmospheric spot in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Auckland’s CBD, Hazy Tiger offers an escape, with a cosy, vibrantly-lit dining room (neon features in slimline bars that hang down from the ceiling casting the space in a luminous glow), plush booth-seating, exposed, industrial ceilings, and an intriguing wood panelling on the walls lending the space a rustic charm.
Forgoing the usual larger format shareable portions that many eateries now favour Hazy Tiger has leaned into the Spanish style of eating, with a variety of Korean-inspired dishes, served tapas-style (at affordable prices) making up the menu. “We want to allow diners to sample more options without overspending,” Yun says of the direction. As such, you’ll find the likes of grilled Korean chicken skewers served alongside crispy, deep-fried chicken skin, sweet and sour cucumber salad with gochujang sauce and a crispy crumb, Dak Jeon (a tasty Korean pancake with chicken and spring onion), Hazy Tiger’s signature kimchi tuna roll, and a delectable Bibimbap.
Alongside the food, there is a diverse wine offering, as well as a perfectly curated line-up of cocktails, which, Yun tells me, break away from the typical [Korean] soju-only offerings. You’ll also find a number of premium whiskies, and all of the usual suspects, too. Here, the drinks and food are made to be enjoyed together, and Yun hopes those visiting will branch out and try the eatery’s unique, Korean take on the classics, suggesting that the Elderflower Martini and Hazy Sunset are a great place to start.
With DJ sets on the weekend, a laid-back yet vibrant dining space, and a unique take on the Korean dishes we all know and love (not to mention an edit of seriously beautiful cocktails), Hazy Tiger is set to shake up Auckland’s inner-city dining scene, offering the perfect place to perch for your favourite tipple and a tasty bite — and linger long into the night.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday — 4pm ’til late Tuesday — closed
Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS TONY DRAYTON | 28 Aug 2024
From Tony Award-winning British playwright Dennis Kelly comes Girls & Boys — a shattering, passionate solo drama presented by Auckland Theatre Company set to captivate New Zealand audiences this September. With internationally-recognised, Spanish-born Romilly starring, and Kelly’s impeccable, soul-stirring writing, this theatrical masterpiece is set to captivate audiences this spring.
The play is performed entirely by Romilly (who impressed audiences as ‘Edmund’ in King Lear) with the skilled actress dancing between solo scenes and pieces to the audience as her character navigates — with heartbreak and humour — the forming and coming apart of a relationship. Kelly’s writing beautifully explores the beauty, mundanity, and complexity of a single life, and a woman’s resilience and strength, with heart and empathy.
actress Beatriz Romilly
Here, we sit down with Beatriz Romilly as she awaits the play’s opening night, to discuss her solo performance, the joys of live theatre, and continually chasing growth.
Girls & Boys is on from the 10th — 22nd September at ASB Waterfront Theatre, and tickets are on sale now. Book here.
Exclusive Q&A
Beatriz Romilly
Firstly, tell me about Girls & Boys — in your words, what’s the play about?
This is always a tricky question as I don’t want to give too much away. Here goes… For me, Girls & Boys is about a woman processing, interrogating, grieving and healing from a huge life event. It’s a comedy, tragedy and a rollercoaster of emotions.
What drew you to the play initially?
Two things. Firstly the woman narrating the story. She is so charming, honest and funny. She felt so familiar and full of life, someone I’d definitely want to share a couple of wines with. Secondly, the challenge of the role, I’ve never done anything like this before. These are the jobs you dream of as an actor, the ones that will nurture your craft.
The play tackles big themes, from gender politics to fractured relationships, modern domesticity, love, and the slow unravelling of it — how do you prepare for broaching this kind of subject matter? Did you draw on personal experience, or seek inspiration elsewhere?
With the wealth of detail and information I get from the text, I pretty much have everything I need to spark my empathy and imagination in creating the world of the play. Alongside that, I have also read lots of news articles and books that give me factual information about the subjects I’m covering in the play. It’s essential when tackling such big themes to distinguish the characters experiences from my own, as their voice has to be the clearest.
Girls & Boys is performed entirely by the skilled Romilly
For you, what is the play’s single most important and impactful message?
This keeps shifting for me as we get further into rehearsals. At the moment, without sounding too vague, it’s about not being afraid to open up a conversation about the part we individually play in the gender power dynamics we allow in our daily lives.
Your character is incredibly engaging throughout the entirety of the performance, despite having no one to bounce off. How do you achieve this? What keeps you energised and motivated throughout your performance when acting solo?
The play is split into either ‘Chats’ or ‘Scenes’. In the ‘Chats’, the character talks directly to the audience, it feels like she’s conducting an investigation into her life to uncover and understand her role in the events that come to pass. Her need to discover and move forward, how she digests this information and what this does to her is what keeps me energised. She is so articulate and raw and honest in a way I couldn’t be. I know that every performance will bring new discoveries, this is a very exciting place to be as a performer. Then in the ‘Scenes’, she interacts with her children. These interactions are full of play and are beautiful moments for the character, so I never feel like I’m alone on stage.
As an actor, what’s the most challenging part of a solo production? And what do you enjoy the most?
For me what’s been the most challenging is not having other actors to share the experience with. I have missed the camaraderie, energy and human experience that other actors bring. What I’ve enjoyed most is the challenge, and how much it is stretching me and the amount I am learning about myself and my craft.
Having worked across TV, film, gaming, and the theatre, what’s unique about plays? What do you love most about performing for a live audience?
I love the ritual of how we all gather together to share a story, I think it’s magic. Nothing beats having that immediate response, aliveness and connection. It’s pretty incredible.
How does New Zealand’s theatre scene and audiences differ from the UK?
A theatre scene in any country always has that same magical feel, spaces where stories have been shared and humans have connected. I feel very lucky to have been able to experience it in both countries and be immersed in stories that I wouldn’t have access to in the UK. London and Auckland audiences are pretty similar to be honest, both are warm and vocal and willing to have fun.
What exciting things are on the horizon for you? What are you most looking forward to right now?
I’m excited for Spring and getting my vege garden up and running. That has been one of the wonderful things about moving to Auckland, a climate where I can grow a decent vege garden. Also, to keep meeting and collaborating with different artists here in Aotearoa.
Finally, tell us why we need to see Girls & Boys…
For the female character alone I would go and see this play. Her humanity, flaws, vulnerability, charm, wit, intelligence, resilience and refusal to be controlled or labelled by what has happened to her are so inspiring. She’s remarkable.
As we wrap up our Porsche — The Drive series, Marketing Manager Caitlin Ryan takes her turn in front of the camera to discuss her passion for innovation, the power of storytelling, and her drive to tell the stories of women making their mark. “All four women we worked with on Porsche’s The Drive campaign were passionate, exciting and driven. And although they had very different stories to tell, what really stood out to me was their burning desire to achieve, regardless of the obstacles in front of them,” says Caitlin.
The Drive presented a rare opportunity to not just celebrate these incredible, successful women — all trailblazing entrepreneurs in their respective industries, but also to discover more about what it was that motivated them to continually push boundaries, and the obstacles they overcame along the way.
Caitlin, who easily finds a place amongst these inspirational women, has a story of her own to tell — as the driving force helping to shape the narrative of one of the world’s most iconic marques in new and exciting ways.
There’s no question that Caitlin Ryan is the perfect person to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to marketing Porsche in New Zealand. Her love for the brand is both obvious and heartfelt. “I truly do feel proud to work for Porsche, it’s such an awesome brand that so many people feel passionate about. It doesn’t feel like work to me, it’s something I love doing.”
One of Caitlin’s most notable campaigns during her tenure at Porsche has been her work on The Drive, although she’d quickly assure you that this project was much more than just a marketing strategy — it was an opportunity to speak authentically to women in a way the brand has never done before, “We wanted to tell the story of customers who had inspiring journeys, and really understand what it was that drove them to be where they are today.”
The Drive represented something new for Porsche in the sense that this content is reflective of the attitudes and appetites of a shifting audience — one of the many changes the automotive industry is experiencing right now.
As the brand prepares to launch its next model, an all-electric Macan, Caitlin is excited about the new direction Porsche is heading in to meet changing needs. She also notes that, while the brand is always evolving (and is already famous for its ability to constantly innovate), Porsche still finds ways to stay true to its roots too. “Seeing where the brand has come from to where it is today… it’s so awesome to release a new product like the all-electric Macan that really does set the standard for Porsche and what’s to come,” she says. “It’s the timeless design of Macan that we all know and love, and it’s been combined with new aerodynamic technology that gives it that performance and range that will take it to the next level.”
And, as she gears up to launch the new Macan to market at the end of the year, Caitlin’s dedication to the forward momentum of Porsche is evident — with the passionate marketer showing no signs of slowing down.
In an exclusive collaboration, designer Franco Driusso and renowned chef Andrea Berton have seamlessly transferred the practicality of a professional kitchen to a domestic setting, all while maintaining a modern and elegant design.
Arrital’s AkB_08 kitchen
For the first time, a kitchen for the home has been meticulously crafted to meet the high-performance standards and practicality demanded by a haute cuisine professional, without sacrificing the clean lines and modular sophistication that define Arrital design.
Arrital’s AkB_08 kitchen
Every detail of Arrital’s AkB_08 kitchen, from the appliances to the organisation of spaces, accessories, and materials, has been chosen with precision. The keen eyes of both the chef and designer have scrutinised each element, ensuring a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.
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