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Wondering what to eat this weekend? Consult our definitive dining guide

Words Margie Riddiford | 25 Nov 2022

As the weekend rolls around again and we are left wondering how exactly to get the most out of our days off, it is to Auckland’s vast and varied dining scene that we turn, sure to find something convivial or delicious in which to indulge. From celebratory parties to wine pop-ups to chefs in residence, here are all the best foodie happenings to know about (and book into) over the weekend ahead.

Party at Soul Bar & Bistro on Friday and Saturday
Viaduct Harbour stalwart Soul Bar & Bistro is marking its milestone 21st birthday with an all-week party that kicked off on Monday and runs until this weekend. Inviting everyone to come down and celebrate with them, on Friday, Soul will be upgrading bottles of Mumm Champagne to magnums (although only 21 magnums are available, so don’t miss out), while on Saturday, it’s bottles of Mt Difficulty’s Roaring Meg rosé that will be given the upgrade treatment.

Imbibe the best at Ashleigh Barrowman’s takeover at Roses Dining Room
For its inaugural Winemaker In Residence event, Roses Dining Room has called on Ashleigh Barrowman (of Wine Diamonds and Still Life Wine) to curate a dining event anchored by a dream wine list full of her favourite tipples. Set to take place this Sunday (for one night only), Bowerman’s delectable wine list (which even includes some of her own bottles from her now sold-out new release) will be perfectly accompanied by a selection of tasty plates whipped up by Roses Co-Owner and Chef, Karl Bayly. Walk-ins are welcome from 4:30pm, but bookings are recommended (here).

Enjoy a taste sensation at Pickled Plates’ pop-up at Annabel’s Wine Bar
This Saturday (26th November), renowned food writer, author, cook, and preserver Kylie Newton (@themodernpreserver) will be taking over Annabel’s Wine Bar for another round of her popular series, Pickled Plates. Here, she will be creating a variety of delicious small bites based around pickled or fermented ingredients, which will be served alongside Bare Wines’ best new Beaujolais of the season, from sparkling varietals to reds. And with Newton recently releasing an early teaser of what to expect on the menu (think home-cured salmon with pickled pea potato salad, and charred pickled beetroot carpaccio with horseradish rare beef), we couldn’t be more excited for this gastronomic affair. Note, there will be two seatings available, one at 5pm, and the other at 7:30 — bookings are strongly recommended and can be made by emailing Annabel’s here.

Free range chicken schnitzel with whipped feta, zucchini, peas, lemon and anchovy butter and dill from Jervois Steak House

Indulge in Jervois Steak House’s new summer menu
One of our most beloved restaurants has just given its menu a seasonal shake-up, with Jervois Steak House adding a raft of fresh, enticing fare to its already-lauded offering. From Skull Island prawns with n’duja butter, lime salt and soft house-made bread to Free range chicken schnitzel with whipped feta, zucchini, peas, lemon and anchovy butter and dill, the new dishes are utterly mouth-watering and perfect for the season ahead. And if that wasn’t enough, we are giving one lucky Denizen the chance to win dinner for four. See here to read more and to enter.

Try something new at one of Auckland’s newest openings
Switch up your weekend routine by paying a visit to one of Auckland’s new openings. For a flavour sensation and some seriously moreish noodles, head to David Lee’s Aigo on Ponsonby Road. For casual but delicious cafe fare and perfectly elevated Bruch, drop into Huddle in Glen Innes. For an intimate but bustling vibe, great drinks and tasty, seafood-centric food, try Underground Bistro — the new restaurant and bar that has just opened in K’Road’s St Kevin’s Arcade. For comforting Italian (just like Nonna makes) be one of the first to book a table at Bossi — which officially opens next Friday (we are also giving away two tickets to its opening party, see here). Or, for a fun atmosphere, a spectacular view, flowing drinks and a selection of relaxed Italian bites and mouthwatering, made-to-share dishes, look no further than Bivacco — the epic new opening in Viaduct Harbour.

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Take your outdoor area to a whole new level with Kettal’s customisable Pavilion H design

Words Margie Riddiford | 25 Nov 2022

It is around this time of year that we start to think more and more about our outdoor areas, from their layouts and functionality to their furniture. It’s hardly surprising really, given the amount of time we are likely to be spending outside in the coming months. But this year, we think it’s time to look beyond simply adding a new outdoor sofa or coffee table to the terrace and calling it a day. After all, why not create a space that truly gives meaning to the idea of outdoor living?

That is the essence of what Kettal’s Pavilion H offers. A space designed on the same principles of any good interior, but built to withstand the elements, it puts outdoor living on a whole new scale and will provide the perfect place to while away summer days.

Pavilion H is a fully customisable (from dimensions to material finishes), standalone, covered space that is anchored by a solid, aluminium frame. Side panels (available in a range of finishes) help to define its areas and shape its layout — whether realised as wooden slats or sliding partitions or sheer curtains or grid planters — while sliding glass doors work to keep the interior space connected to its surrounding environment.

The ceiling is able to be made in a range of materials too — each offering different degrees of weather-proofing — and is fully equipped with integrated lighting solutions that can be designed to curate the perfect atmosphere. Pavilion H is also fitted with power outlets and the ability to house a TV, should that be deemed necessary. (And considering that the structure can be made to house a full dining room or living room set-up, this may very well be the case.)

Available locally from Studio Italia and promising to take any kind of outdoor space to a whole new level, Kettal’s Pavilion H will make days in the garden, or drinks by the pool, or barbecues with friends more comfortable yes, but a whole lot more chic, too.

www.studioitalia.co.nz

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Denizen’s definitive Christmas Gift Guide: What to buy the gourmand in your life

Words Margie Riddiford | 25 Nov 2022

If someone special in your life is passionate about cooking or just considers themselves a dedicated ‘foodie,’ treat them to a selection of sleek kitchen accoutrements that are as practical as they are polished. From elevated tableware to precise chefs knives to sculptural salt-and-pepper shakers, these are the essential kitchen-adjacent accessories and tools that the gourmand in your life will simply love this Christmas.

Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano tableware from Faradays
Beautiful tableware (particularly of the Italian-made variety) is such a luxury that it always makes for a good present come Christmas time. Ginori 1735 is a brand that has honed its craft over nearly 300 years, and everything about it oozes Italian sophistication and charm — from its exquisite craftsmanship to its artisanal designs. Available locally from Faradays, each Ginori 1735 piece is precious and totally unique, which makes this brand the obvious go-to for anyone who loves to host.

Kai Shun knives from The Studio of Tableware
Very few kitchen tools are as satisfying to use, or as sleek in appearance as a Japanese chef’s knife. Svelte, smooth and meticulously handmade to offer unmatched precision, these Kai Shun Knives from The Studio of Tableware are the perfect gift for anyone who loves to spend time cooking and offer something that the recipient can cherish and use for many many years.

Isosceles Book & iPad stand from Powersurge
If you are looking to buy something for someone who loves a cookbook, look no further than Powersurge’s elegant Isosceles book and iPad stand. Made in New Zealand from pure brass before being hand-finished with a clear satin lacquer, this minimalist stand might be multi-purpose but will look damn fine atop a kitchen bench. It’s the perfect way for your recipient to keep their favourite recipe book at an arm’s length, always.

Junto by Rosenthal Soft Shell Deep Plate from The Studio of Tableware
An ideal gift for the person who just loves to have people round for a drink and a bite, this beautiful plate, part of the Junto by Rosenthal collection from The Studio of Tableware, is a simple but useful addition to anyone’s kitchen set-up.

Mono Germany Zeug cutlery set from Simon James
Step up your cutlery game with this exceptional Zeug cutlery set by Mono Germany, putting a creative spin on staple styles of the old. Originally designed by Michael Schneider and released on the occasion of the brand’s 100th anniversary in 1995, this set’s ultra-modern design was actually inspired by prehistoric tools (the knife after a hand axe, the thin fork after early spit tools and the spoon after a scooping hand), and has remained a covetable cutlery set for over two decades.

Vertuo Next White & Barista from Nespresso
The next step-up in innovative, coffee-making capability, Nespresso’s Vertuo Next White & Barista machine is able to make a vast array of coffee, whether the user is a staunch long-black drinker, or can’t go past a topping of frothy milk. In fact, this machine can create over 20 types of coffee, and delivers them café-quality, at the touch of a button. Moreover, the Vertuo Next machine is made using 54% recycled materials, has Bluetooth smart technology and is Wi-Fi enabled. Trust us, any coffee-lover will be proud to display this in their kitchen. And if you want to take your gifting game to the next level, add Nespresso’s Barista milk frother in for good measure. Beyond the classic cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites, this handy tool will see the recipient making affogatos, iced frappes, mochas and latte macchiatos (to name a few). Its integrated touch screen and connected app will allow them to navigate through recipes and personalise their own recipe with ease.

Anissa Kermiche Tit for Tat ceramic salt and pepper shakers from Matches Fashion
These are the perfect gift for the person who is always seeking out something different with which to dress their dining table. Ceramicist Anissa Kermiche has made quite a name for herself with pieces that are practical but that play with ideas of the human form in their aesthetic, and these salt and pepper shakers are no exception. Designed after the curvy torso of the female form, they are sure to draw comment at any dinner party and offer the perfect injection of personality into any table setting.

Bundles of Iron Bundle in Bronzed from The Ironclad Pan Co.
Buy the foodie in your life something that they can get years and years of use out of with a line-up of premium iron skillets and pans from The Ironclad Pan Co. The Bundles of Iron Bundle includes the brand’s Legacy Pan, Lil’ Legacy and Old Dutch, and is the ultimate package for someone who loves to cook. Oh, and every one of The Ironclad Pan Co.’s products comes with a three-generation guarantee — so you know you’re buying unmatched quality. (You can also opt to have the pans expertly pre-seasoned, to take the gourmet element to another level.)

Aarke Carbonator 3 in Steel from Paper Plane Store
While one might not immediately think of a sparkling water as a typical Christmas gift, this particular iteration is utterly perfect for that practical person in your life. The Aarke Carbonator 3 is designed to be the slimmest, most compact sparkling water maker on the market and makes accessing perfectly-carbonated water easier than ever before.

Serax Surface Casserole Dishes from ECC
Buy your gourmand friend some luxurious casserole dishes by Serax from ECC. Made from cast-iron, with coloured glazing designed specifically to withstand high temperatures and retain heat, these dishes also boast cleverly-designed lids that will moisten a stew or simmer a dish with condensation so that the dish can reduce without drying up. Not only are these dishes some of the highest quality iterations of their kind, but they look the part too, with sleek lines and contemporary finishes.

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Sìso’s delectable summer menu offers a raft of fresh Mediterranean fare

Words Margie Riddiford | 24 Nov 2022

Few things delight us more than a meal at Remuera’s neighbourhood favourite, Sìso. Thanks to its cosy interiors and its fresh Mediterranean fare, this is one eatery we find ourselves rebooking time and time again, whether it be for a romantic date night or an indulgent long lunch or dinner with friends (and everything in between).

Now, with the summer season heating up, it is to Sìso that we turn once again as the perfect place for the convivial get-togethers that inevitably take precedence at this time of year. And given that this stellar eatery has recently launched a delicious summer menu, the prospect of a visit here is even more appealing than ever before.

The new menu reads as an array of bold, contemporary dishes that capture the mouth-watering flavours of the Mediterranean and highlight seasonal ingredients. Those seeking a light, refreshing bite will find it in the grilled local octopus with tzatziki, baby cucumber and dill, the delicate yellow tail kingfish crudo with fermented fennel, chilli and pomegranate or the creamy burrata served with chopped peas, grilled asparagus and almond butter.

That said, the new main dishes do a good job of stealing the limelight here, with options like market fish with Southland clams, saffron risoni, green chilli and lemon, or hand cut linguine with Skull Island prawns, fermented chilli and semi-dried tomato, sitting alongside slightly heavier dishes like scaloppini of veal served with pickled golden beetroot, ras el hanout butter and toasted almonds, and a seriously tender Speckle Park beef scotch with eggplant caviar, whipped tahini and smoked bone marrow jus.

So, when considering where to book for your end-of-year dining affair, or simply for a delicious bite, we suggest that Sìso is one of your first calls. In fact, in light of its recent menu revamp, we have decided to give one lucky Denizen the chance to win a table for six (valued at $600), in order to experience it for themselves.

This competition is closed.

Sìso

311 Remuera Road
Auckland

(09) 522 6688

www.sisobarandeatery.co.nz

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Planning a trip to Fiji? Karen Walker shares with us the best places to stay & everything to pack

Words Margie Riddiford | 24 Nov 2022

There is a reason why New Zealanders have long chosen Fiji as their family escape of choice. Beyond the incredible natural beauty and gorgeous weather of this island nation, its fascinating culture and wonderfully welcoming people are really what has us returning time and time again, each trip a chance to create lasting memories.

This has long been the case for renowned fashion designer, Karen Walker, who first visited Fiji when she was four years old, and counts it as a cherished destination of her childhood. She has since returned over 20 times as an adult, and as such, has become something of an expert in where to go, what to see and (crucially) the perfect things to pack.

Given that Walker recently returned from her latest trip, with husband Mikhail and daughter Valentina in tow, we called on her knowledge to deliver an insider’s guide on everything to consider when planning a trip to Fiji — essential for anyone thinking about making this tropical pilgrimage themselves.

How to get there

One of the biggest drawcards of Fiji for New Zealanders (particularly those with young families) is the ease of travelling there. There are over 20 flights from New Zealand to Fiji every week, with flights taking around three hours and crucially, no time difference to adjust to when you arrive. In fact, you can leave New Zealand in the afternoon and land in Fiji just in time for cocktail hour, set against an exquisite sunset over one of Fiji’s coral atolls.

If you opt to fly Fiji Airways, expect a delectable in-flight service, created by award-winning Kiwi-Fijian chef, Richard Cross, who designed the on-board menu using local ingredients in innovative ways. (Think cinnamon ice cream, Kava and more.)

Once you have landed in Fiji, the process of getting to your resort usually means more than just a simple taxi ride. If you are staying on one of Fiji’s 333 islands, getting to your final destination could mean either a helicopter or seaplane fight or a speedboat ride, all of which allow you to soak in the stunning beauty of your surrounds before disembarking on the doorstep of your resort to be immediately immersed in a traditional Fijian welcome.

As Walker says, “Arriving in Fiji and hearing Bula Maleya (the Fijian welcome song) sung and smelling the syrupy sweetness of white frangipani is one of the best feelings I know.”

Where to stay

On her most recent trip, Walker revisited a favourite island — the Dolphin Island Resort — on which she had three new experiences: The Wakaya Club & Spa, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa and Six Senses Fiji.

Dolphin Island Resort
On this private island, the sleek, luxury accommodation is run by a matronly resort manager, Dawn, who is famous for her hospitality that wraps guests in love and laughter, and has long made this resort one of the most special and memorable you are likely to experience. As Walker explains, it’s the reason she keeps going back. Only able to accommodate a maximum of eight guests, Dolphin Island feels more like being in a lovely home than a resort, and will feel like coming home every time you visit.

Wakaya Club and Spa
Discover another luxurious hideaway at Wakaya Club and Spa, set on a picture-perfect private island paradise and offering accommodation for only 28 guests at a time. Boasting a beautiful, golden-sand beach (right on the doorstep of your bure), incredible snorkelling (thanks to the rich coral reef surrounding the resort) and a spectacularly lush garden from which food is harvested and which can be enjoyed by guests, the resort is truly second to none. As Walker says “[this is] without a doubt the best example of a lush, tropical environment that I’ve ever seen in Fiji”.

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
Set on the sheltered western side of Viti Levu, the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa offers a tranquil escape on the main Denarau Island in Nadi — which makes it one of the easiest places to get to once you leave the airport. The Waitui Beach Club offers adults-only luxury like nowhere else, with lagoon-style infinity pools, a swim-up bar and cabanas galore. But beyond all of that, the Sofitel really leans into its French heritage by offering a gastronomic experience unlike anywhere else in Fiji. Offering stunning experiences such as barefoot dining in the sand, sipping house-infused rum on the Suka Bar swings, taking a walk through the on-site herb and vegetable gardens, or immersing yourself in the Fijian Night at Bazaar Kitchen & Bar, the resort is a foodie destination not to be missed.

Six Senses Fiji
Operating with health, wellbeing and sustainability at its heart, Six Senses Fiji is a calm, luxurious escape that offers an incredible spa and astonishing villas but that also places a strong emphasis on caring for the natural environment. In fact, Six Senses Fiji is home to 39 Fijian crested iguanas, a critically endangered species with less than 5,000 remaining in the world. Karen, Mikhail and Valentina enjoyed a double villa, which offered over 300 square meters of space and not one, but two, private pools.

“Bad lighting is a pet peeve when I travel,” Karen explains, “so I especially loved the care given to the interior and the lighting at Six Senses Fiji and to know it was designed by Kiwi architect Richard Priest is even better.” She adds, “and having dozens of critically endangered Fijian crested iguanas in the rainforest near our villa was pretty darn special too.”

What to pack

In Fiji, make the most of barefoot luxury and the casual, laid-back vibe with a suitcase full of easy, breezy pieces that keep comfort front of mind. Here, Karen Walker delivers her top tips, as a seasoned Fiji holiday-goer.

Pack light — at a lot of resorts, laundry is generally included or at a small cost, so it’s really easy to re-wear your favourite holiday outfits!

Don’t overcomplicate it — Most resorts also have all the gear for activities like yoga, snorkelling, water sports and even quite often have an excellent library consisting of many of the greatest Penguin Classics so that’s half a suitcase freed up right there. My favourite holiday reads right now are Let Me Tell You What I Mean by Joan Didion and Busy Being Free by Emma Forrest.

Multiple pairs of shades, Karen Walker ones (obviously) and a spare pair of spectacles in case of any accidents. Some of my favourite shades right now are the Blow Wave Two Torts (for a classic mood), the Wavy Ultra Two Torts (for a bit more fun) and the True North Wave Sundown Triple (for a LOT more fun).

Don’t forget sun protection — I never travel in summer or to the tropics without a big hat, a paper parasol (which you can get from Wah Lee in Albert Street) and of course, my preferred sunblock, Osmosis’ Protect.

Lots of sandals — my favourites right now are the Birkenstock Arizona EVA’s, or I’m loving the Nomadic State of Mind styles for summer right now.

Lots of swimmers too!

www.fiji.travel

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Immerse yourself in Molteni&C at this one-of-a-kind, luxury apartment by Dawson & Co

Words Margie Riddiford | PHOTOS Simon Devitt | 18 Nov 2022

Anyone who has a piece from Molteni&C in their home will know the beguiling beauty of this brand. Having had the exceptional creative mind of Vincent Van Duysen at its helm for six years now (the brand itself began in the 1930s), Molteni&C produces distinctly sleek and sophisticated collections.

Beyond its design prowess alone, however, it is the quality and craftsmanship of Molteni&C that has cemented its standing as a brand worth investing in. Not only is it one of the only furniture marques in the world with a production chain that is still 100 percent made in Italy (from materials to final products), but throughout its decades of history, it has remained a pioneer, perpetually at the forefront of trends to drive the evolution of the wider industry.

Now, having embarked on a creative collaboration with local retailer, Dawson & Co., the architectural team at Molteni&C have conceived a one-of-a-kind, private apartment in Auckland that showcases the brand like never before.

“When one of our clients introduced us to a private project which included an empty apartment with plenty of potential, we proposed a unique collaboration,” Scott Fisk of Dawson & Co. tells me. “The Molteni&C/Dada apartment is a private residence — part showcase, part accommodation — available for use overnight by invitation only and designed to give potential Molteni&C clients the rare opportunity to sleep, eat and live a Molteni&C life.” Indeed, those lucky enough to experience this new residential concept in person will be able to interact with Molteni&C collections that cannot be seen anywhere else in New Zealand, and gain insight into how certain pieces might be incorporated into their own homes.

Tucked away in one of Auckland’s leafy suburbs and surrounded by hospitality establishments, retail shops and private homes, the Molteni&C/Dada apartment’s unassuming exterior belies the beauty that unfolds beyond the threshold. A perfectly-appointed living and dining space is anchored by a Dada kitchen with a long, travertine bench-top and V-Zug appliances (including a refrigerator stocked with Champagne, wine, cheese, charcuterie and other essentials), while the main bedroom contains an awe-inspiring Gliss Master Wardrobe (a Van Duysen design that is quite possibly the most perfect wardrobe we have ever seen). The rest of the apartment is filled with a range of furniture from Molteni&C collections, where modern pieces stand alongside classics, including some that were originally designed more than 50 years ago by the likes of Gio Ponti, Tobia Scarpa and Yasuhiko Itoh — proving the inherently timeless nature of this heritage brand.

With no detail left unchecked (everything from the tiles to the tapware was conceived by the Molteni&C team in Italy), this apartment is truly a spectacular expression of the brand it showcases, putting into practice the precision and perfection that has long made Molteni&C one of the world’s most sought-after names in design.

www.dawsonandco.nz

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Comvita teams up with international designer Claudia Li in a new, fashion-forward collaboration

Words Margie Riddiford | 16 Nov 2022

Last year, beloved Manuka honey brand Comvita joined forces with celebrated New Zealand fashion designer Claudia Li (known for dressing the likes of Michelle Obama, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid). As part of her Fall 2022 show at New York Fashion Week last year (for which Comvita was the main sponsor), Li created a series of fashion-forward ‘Honey Bags’ made from the same paracords featured in her ready-to-wear, that were designed specifically to carry Comvita’s iconic jars of Manuka honey.

The collaboration was a successful meeting of minds, with both Comvita and Claudia Li connecting over their shared belief in the importance of heritage. After all, Comvita has been taking its premium-quality honey to the world since 1974 and continues to build on that rich history with spectacular products that put the wonders of pure New Zealand Manuka honey on a global scale. In a way, Li is on a similar path. Her eponymous label is not only a testament to her talent, but is a way for her to explore and express her own heritage, and share that with the international fashion community.

Left to right: Comvita x Claudia Li gift box, custom beekeper suits.

Now, the two brands are taking their partnership a step further, with Comvita unveiling a raft of new packaging in a custom print that was inspired by the beautiful pieces Li created for her aforementioned collection. Here, the designer developed a unique pattern that picked up on elements from Fall 2022, but brought something different to the table — resulting in a more sophisticated, modern twist on the classic floral motif.

Alongside the new packaging, Li also created beekeeper suits for Comvita, taking what are typically functional pieces and imbuing them with style and character (and creating the potential for more self-expression in the workplace).

An innovative collaboration and one that we didn’t know we needed in our lives (but certainly do), Comvita x Claudia Li is proving to be a creatively fruitful and interesting partnership, that puts both brands in a bold new light. We can’t wait to see what they do next.

Print by Claudia Li.
Beekeeper suits by Jenny Ruan.
Campaign by Cross Cultural Club LTD.

www.comvita.co.nz

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The wondrous world of Gucci is put on show as the brand’s immersive exhibition lands in Sydney

Words Margie Riddiford | 16 Nov 2022

In 2021, Gucci opened a multi-sensory, retrospective exhibition in Florence to celebrate 100 years since its founding. The spectacular show, ‘Gucci Garden Archetypes’, paid homage not only to the lauded Italian brand’s history, but to the incredible tenure of its current Creative Director, Alessandro Michele. Now, having made its way through Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul, the exhibition has landed in Sydney — giving us the perfect excuse to skip across the ditch.

Taking over the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, Gucci Garden Archetypes comprises a series of distinct, immersive spaces designed by Achivio Personale that feature cutting-edge technology, elaborate hand-crafting and innovative interior design to speak to different aspects of Gucci’s heritage. And, to delve in to the various campaigns that its lauded Creative Director has conceived for the brand since the start of his tenure.

From the exhibition’s entranceway (swathed in a distinct tone of Gucci pink) visitors enter through a multi-media room lined with screens that play all of Michele’s campaigns at once — an immersive ode to the way in which the creative director has shaped Gucci’s visual identity (and perhaps also, to the way in which his creative vision typically brings Gucci’s multi-faceted heritage into sharp focus, and grounds it firmly in the now). From there, the various spaces see visitors move from a floral, olfactory haven to a room finished in floor-to-ceiling mirrors and filled with shelves of soft toys, vintage Crocker and Gucci bags and a wall of cuckoo clocks (Michele has a fascination with collecting things — so much so he has basically turned it into a kind of eclectic art form), to a room recreated as a Milanese subway (complete with a very realistic mannequin).

Gucci Garden Archetypes is a carefully-curated, meticulously detailed look inside the mind of Michele — an iconoclastic designer who has transformed the house of Gucci since he took its creative reigns. If you find yourself in Sydney over the coming months, this fascinating exhibition is well-worth a visit.

On from the 17th of November 2022 until the 15th of January 2023, the exhibition is free to the public. Book your tickets here.

https://bit.ly/guccigardenarchetypes

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The Aotearoa Art Fair kicks off next week, and here’s everything you need to know

Words Margie Riddiford | 11 Nov 2022

One of the most significant art events in our annual calendar is taking place next week, with a vast and varied offering that will delight and inspire art lovers and collectors of any taste. Kicking off on the 16th of November and running until the 20th of November, the Aotearoa Art Fair is returning to Auckland’s The Cloud with a roster of impressive international and local gallery stands, as well as a comprehensive programme of art-related events, industry and artist talks and workshops.

Katherine Throne, ‘Conspirators’, 2022, oil on canvas, 900 x 900mm. Image courtesy of the artist and Sanderson Contemporary.

This year’s Aotearoa Art Fair will welcome galleries from Sydney, Singapore, Melbourne and Hobart, to sit alongside a raft of our best, most-beloved locals, to showcase some truly exceptional works. The paintings of Guido Maestri, for instance, set to be presented by Yavuz Gallery (based in Sydney and Singapore) mark the first time the artist’s work is showing in New Zealand. (In Australia, his pieces have been purchased by major institutions like the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Art Gallery of NSW.) Elsewhere, stunning pieces by Atom Ateng — a South-Sudanese artist who works primarily with photography and video — will be shown by Mars Gallery (Melbourne), while upstairs from the main area in the ‘He Iti’ space (dedicated to young galleries and artist-run spaces) three new galleries from Melbourne — Future, Haydens and Discordia — will be showcasing a range of interesting works.

Atong Atem, ‘The Bride Wore Pearls 1,’ 2022 Ilford smooth pearl print. Image courtesy of the artist and MARS Gallery.

As far as local booths to look out for, Gow Langsford will be showing new paintings by Judy Millar and New York-based neo-conceptualist painter Peter Halley, Sanderson Contemporary will be showing works from Natasha Wright, Kāryn Taylor, Katherine Throne and more, Jhana Millers Gallery will be hosting a solo booth for Jaime Jenkins’ ceramic works, Tim Melville will be showing pieces by Areez Katki and Page Galleries will present works by Reuben Paterson. There will also be an artistic collective of wahine Māori from Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Gisbourne called Hoea! Gallery, showing some incredible pieces in the He Iti space.

Reuben Paterson, ‘Hei Huahari Mā tatou I te Rangi Nei’, 2022, glitter on canvas, 1020 x 1020mm. Image courtesy of the artist and Page Galleries. Photo by Bridget Webber.

Outside the gallery booths, Projects is returning for another year (the non-profit exhibition designed to showcase the diversity of contemporary practitioners working across Aotearoa and the Pacific) curated by Micheal Do. Titled ‘Aotearoa Made’, this year’s exhibition sees the Aotearoa Art Fair commission seven artists from across the country to reflect upon our inherited understandings of land, geography and national identity, and is set to present some stunning pieces, showcased at The Cloud, as well as in Britomart and at the Yu Mei store in Commercial Bay. There will also be a separate Sculpture Space, which will include works by Simon Lewis Green, Semisi Fetokai Potauaine, Gregor Kregar, Monique Lacey and Paul Dibble.

Natasha Wright, Female 3, 2021, Oil on canvas, 460mm x 355mm. Courtesy of the artist and Sanderson Contemporary.

Offering something a little more interactive is the Aotearoa Art Fair’s Talks Programme, curated by Zara Stanhope of Govett-Brewster Art Gallery with support from Creative NZ and comprising a series of panel discussions designed to stimulate public debate. Similarly, there will be a comprehensive programme of Artist Talks on Stands, which will see your favourite artists talking casually and candidly about their works (the timetable can be found here).

All of this offers just a small window into what to expect from this year’s Aotearoa Art Fair. A true testament to the wellspring of artistic talent (and appetite for art collecting) we have here, the Art Fair is a must-visit, and as such, we have decided to give one lucky Denizen reader the chance to win a double pass to its official opening night (the best time to snap up some of the most sought-after pieces before the crowds).

The competition is now closed.

www.artfair.co.nz

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From Sunday lunches to dessert pop-ups — everything delicious to eat this weekend

Words Margie Riddiford | 11 Nov 2022

The end of the week is here, and as the weekend stretches out before us, we thought it the perfect time to remind you of some of the excellent dishes and special foodie events happening over the next few days. From Sunday lunches to tasty pop-ups, these are the dining events to have on your radar for the weekend ahead.

Siso’s final Slow Sundays lunch
Don’t miss the last iteration of Siso’s beloved Slow Sundays lunch series, with the Remuera restaurant waving a final farewell to its mouth-watering menu of comfort food that has kept us so satiated over the last few months. Making way for more seasonally-appropriate offerings we’re sure, Siso’s delicious Sunday lunch has been the perfect antidote to winter’s inclement weather, and while we’re sad to see it go, we’ll happily raise a glass to it this weekend. (This is set to be popular so bookings are essential.)

Milenta launches Sunday Service
Starting this weekend, Milenta will be offering an essential service to those seeking a delicious Sunday lunch. Every Sunday, the clever chefs at this popular eatery will be whipping up Perro Calientes (South American hot dogs) alongside a raft of other tasty dishes to satiate any craving. Open from 12pm.

Homeland’s Friday Happy Hour
Celebrate the end of the working week the best way with Homeland’s utterly delicious Friday Happy Hour. From 4pm until 6pm today, this Viaduct Harbour restaurant will be serving a selection of elevated bar snacks like Pani Puri and three cheese polenta chips, alongside $10 tap beer, $14 signature gin-and-tonics and $18 cocktails.

Ada Sunday Lunch
Serving up flavoursome food and the perfect, end-of-week vibe, Ada’s take on the Sunday lunch is simple, delicious and memorable. Offering a five-course set menu, designed to share, this popular Grey Lynn restaurant is giving us the only excuse we need to get some friends together and see off the week in style. This week’s menu features dishes like smoked kingfish toast with mascarpone and mint, alongside beef short rib with ‘nduja, beetroot and walnuts, and includes a glass of prosecco on arrival. The set menu is $65 per person, and spots can be reserved here.

Cazador Saturday lunch
Rarely open outside its usual hours, lauded destination Cazador is hosting a one-off lunch this Saturday the 12th of November, with an exceptional three-course menu for $65 per person. The experience will start with one of Cazador’s signature charcuterie boards, followed by a delectable Fiordland Wapiti venison shoulder with goat’s curd, mint, chickpea, tomato, spinach, organic greens, asparagus and chilli, and end on a high note — with dark chocolate and brandy mousse. Bookings are essential and can be made here.

Zi Sweet cake pop-up at Kind Stranger Cafe
Whether you’ve ordered a cake from Zi Sweet before or not, you’ll likely be familiar with its decorative, colourful, eye-catching designs. Having garnered a huge following for its cakes that marry tasty flavours with vintage-inspired frosting in fun, unexpected colour combinations, Zi Sweet is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth, and this weekend, is popping up at Kind Stranger Cafe to serve cake by the slice. On from 8am until 2pm this Sunday (and next Sunday too), this is one pop-up you don’t want to miss.

Fundraiser’s Flour Power pop-up
Included in our recent November Dining Guide, this is a reminder that cake- and dessert-maestro Dali McDonald (of Fundraiser) is bringing his signature sweet treats to No.7 in a delicious pop-up on Saturday evening aptly called ‘Flour Power.’ Kicking off from 7pm and serving things like Basque cheesecake, Russian fudge shortbread and lemon citrus cake alongside cocktails and wine, this is just about the perfect way to end the week, we think.

Live music at Public Bar in Harbour Eats
Tonight and tomorrow evening, Public Bar (set in Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats area) will be kicking the weekend into high gear with a lineup of DJs, bands and acoustic performers. Head to this sprawling, foodie destination from 4pm, sit back with a crisp beer or delicious cocktail and take in the rousing tunes and convivial, weekend atmosphere.

Newmarket Festival Italiano
Back and better than ever before, Newmarket’s Festival Italiano is set to take over the precinct this Sunday for a celebration of all things Italy. Marking a grand return for the event after two years of disappointing postponements, this year’s iteration features food and drink, music and performances, Italian cars, activities for the kids and more.

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