Nestled in the heart of Ponsonby, Inca has made an indelible impression on the local dining scene since it opened two years ago, and now, this popular spot is celebrating its anniversary with an unforgettable dinner you don’t want to miss. On Thursday the 7th of March, Inca will host an event centred around a bespoke, five-course menu crafted by the culinary collaboration of Chef Nic Watt (Inca’s owner) and Chef Giulio Sturla of the renowned Mapu in Littleton. For anyone unfamiliar, Mapu was named by the Sydney Morning Herald as one the worlds top 10 places to eat in 2024 and is run as a test kitchen that usually only caters for six people at a time. Sturla’s stint at Inca offers Auckland diners a rare chance to see this lauded chef in action.
Left: Chef Giulio Sturla. Right: Chef Nic Watt
On for one night only, Inca’s birthday dinner will boast a menu that draws inspiration from the vibrant and diverse cuisines of Asia and Latin America, a fusion of flavours that will tantalise the taste buds. Comprising five mouthwatering courses, each chef will prepare two courses individually and one together, curating a dinner that both celebrates the cuisine for which Inca has become so beloved and highlights the immense talents of Watt and Sturla.
But the offering doesn’t stop there. Inca is set to pull out all the stops to ensure an immersive and memorable experience for its guests. Carnival vibes will infuse the evening with joy and festivity, while a guest speaker and sommelier will be on hand to guide diners through an expertly curated beverage pairing, featuring a number of exquisite French and Argentinian wines.
Adding an artistic flair to the event, internationally renowned illustrator and tattoo artist, Matt Jordan from Studio Takitimu, will also be in attendance, developing stunning illustrations of the night as it unfolds to capture the essence of what is shaping up to be a very special celebration.
For food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, this anniversary dinner promises an evening of culinary delight, creativity and community. Secure your spot here for an unforgettable gastronomic journey, expertly crafted by two visionary chefs and the talented Inca team.
Nestled on Dominion Road, Kookoo is a delicious new dining destination serving authentic Korean cuisine with a few tasty twists. Opened by Amy Yun and John Jeon, a couple with over a decade of hospitality experience behind them (both here and in Australia), Kookoo is the product of its founders’ passion for sharing classic Korean flavours with Kiwi diners, and is a very welcome addition to the local food scene.
At Kookoo, a range of traditional Korean dishes are given contemporary twists. But the hero of the menu is Korean-style whole chicken, marinated for 24 hours to ensure tenderness and flavour and served with sticky rice.
As Amy tells me, “this is actually a common delicacy in Korea, but at Kookoo, instead of stuffed sticky rice, we spread the rice on the grill plate to make it more crispy.” She continues, “While there are a number of Korean places here selling chicken legs, wings and nibbles, it isn’t as common to find a place that sells whole Korean chicken, so we wanted to offer something a little different.”
Diners at Kookoo can choose from a range of rotisserie chicken flavours served with crispy sticky rice or a number of delicious fried chicken (the Bulgogi fried chicken is a particular highlight). Complementing the poultry offerings are authentic Korean staples like savoury pancakes and flavourful noodles, as well as ample vegetarian choices like kimchi fried rice available.
Inside, Kookoo has been designed to radiate warmth and cosiness, inviting families and food-lovers to enjoy its relaxed dining experience and friendly atmosphere. “Dominion Road has a lot of Asian food but not many Korean places,” Amy says. “In Korea, we’re obsessed with the combo of beer and chicken combination so we hope that everyone who visits Kookoo are able to experience and love the kinds of food we love eating at home.”
Words Margie Riddiford | PHOTOS Fernando Guerra | 6 Feb 2024
In the heart of São Paulo’s enchanting Pacaembu neighbourhood, a remarkable residence stands as a testament to the profound connection between architectural ingenuity and cherished memories. Commissioned by a couple whose lives had unfolded within this neighbourhood and who wanted to create their forever home there, the Pacaembu House represents a harmonious blend of contemporary design and timeless allure. Studio Arthur Casas, renowned for its innovative approach to architecture, embarked on the ambitious journey of creating not just a home, but a sanctuary that would resonate with the owners as well as allowing them the perfect setting to host friends and family.
The couple’s vision was a unique one: they sought a home that would serve them virtually for the rest of their lives while providing a warm and inviting space for guests. Their request resulted in a series of private and public spaces, designed to offer calm, peaceful oases as well as more communal areas that offered the potential for convivial get-togethers.
“The couple’s vision was a unique one: they sought a home that would serve them virtually for the rest of their lives while providing a warm and inviting space for guests.”
As such, The Pacaembu House unfolds as a beautifully composed symphony, each level revealing a different facet of its harmonious design. On the ground floor, the living room, dining room and a cosy space for a fireplace blend seamlessly into the veranda. There, a sparkling swimming pool basks in the Brazilian sun, epitomising the concept of indoor-outdoor living that has become a hallmark of modern architectural luxury.
Descending to a lower level, one will discover the gourmet area, seamlessly connected to the garden, as well as a serene fish pond. The upper level of the house is dedicated to the private domain, housing bedrooms and a family room designed to exude warmth and comfort.
Yet, the true marvel of the Pacaembu House lies in its architectural features. The swimming pool area, in particular, is a captivating spectacle. Illuminated planes covered in glass are dotted along the terrace next to the pool, tantalisingly revealing a subterranean world below. A corridor, ensconced within cyclopean concrete walls (meticulously moulded on-site with stones), is bathed in natural light through strategically placed skylights. Accessible via a staircase in the living and dining area, this corridor leads to the gourmet space and garden and offers a moment of tranquil respite with its dappled light and tactile, natural finish.
“The upper level of the house is dedicated to the private domain, housing bedrooms and a family room designed to exude warmth and comfort.”
Throughout the home, a neutral palette reigns supreme, emphasising the combination of cast-in-place concrete and wood. The façade and internal coatings boast cyclopean concrete, which presented a unique challenge and required multiple prototypes to land on the ideal pigmentation and stone allocation. In fact, each stone was placed individually, a painstakingly meticulous approach with stunning results.
Similarly, the wood used for the façade’s overhead doors required a high attention to detail, to ensure a harmonious blend with the concrete front, given the home’s extensive overhang.
Inside, the interior design reflects the collaborative effort between Studio Arthur Casas and the clients themselves. Materials echo the rustic stone and wood finishes, with accents of green and orange marble adding a touch of sophistication. Furniture selections feature a blend of natural linen, leather, suede, bouclé-type cotton fabrics and wool, all in subdued colours. Natural stone in terracotta tones and select pieces in dark green subtly draw the eye, without overwhelming the home’s other elements.
“Throughout the home, a neutral palette reigns supreme, emphasising the combination of cast-in-place concrete and wood.”
The furniture here is a captivating mix of vintage and contemporary pieces, showcasing the fusion of different design eras. Sergio Rodrigues’ iconic Tonico armchairs coexist harmoniously with Arthur Casas’ modern creations, such as the Fusca sofas and Copacabana sideboard. Casas’ personal designs, including the Tiles coffee tables, Pitão side tables, Jet Set armchair and Max dining chairs, give the interiors a luxurious, carefully curated feel.
Additionally, Studio Arthur Casas custom-designed a number of elements for the project, such as bedside tables, lamps and other unique pieces that seamlessly integrate into the home’s narrative.
Ultimately, the Pacaembu House is not merely a residence; it is a timeless tribute to a lifelong commitment. Studio Arthur Casas has masterfully woven a narrative of love, art and architecture into the very fabric of this dwelling. With its unparalleled blend of innovation, craftsmanship and personalisation, this house stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of simple but impactful design.
When global superstar Rihanna stepped out on the 2015 Met Gala red carpet in a spectacular dress that came to be known (in pop-culture parlance and about a thousand memes) as ‘the omelette’, it was an iconic moment. But beyond cementing the singer as one of the most exciting and progressive figures in fashion (a title she has continued to build on throughout her career), it propelled the designer of the dress onto the world stage in a major way, and all of a sudden, Guo Pei, the most recognised and sought-after couturier in China, became one of the most recognised and sought-after couturiers in the world.
Now, almost a decade after that viral moment, Guo Pei has brought her breathtaking, otherworldly fashion to New Zealand in an exclusive exhibition at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Guo Pei: Fashion, Art, Fantasy, offers an exquisite look inside the mind of this globally-renowned designer via a meticulously-curated selection of more than 60 of her most iconic pieces. From billowing dresses adorned with impossibly intricate embroidery, to pieces that evoke mythical creatures in their unique, one-off textiles, to those that shimmer with iridescent gold thread or head-turning colours, Guo Pei’s creations are like something that has emerged from a dream. Seen together, they weave a fantastical narrative that speaks to impeccable craftsmanship, the opulence of Imperial China, the transcendence of classical European art and the unpredictable beauty of the botanical world. Even the aforementioned dress worn by Rihanna in 2015 is included in the line-up, a true ode to a designer who has worked tirelessly to redefine the landscape of fashion and couture in her own country, and has made waves around the world as a result.
“When I was little, my grandmother often talked about the garments of her time,” Guo Pei tells me, “the way florets were appliquéd and the lustre and smoothness of the fabric, I was captivated.” We are speaking ahead of her exhibition’s opening, with the renowned couturier offering insight into both her upbringing and her unique, creative process. Before starting her brand in 1997, Guo Pei had been in the fashion industry in China for a decade, where she found her creativity hampered by the restrictions of ready-to-wear. Craving an outlet where she could bring her sartorial visions to life, the designer established her own couture house, Rose Studio, and set about finding and training embroiderers from the villages surrounding Beijing, who would eventually help her to bring to life the sartorial creations for which she is now so beloved.
“The first step was the hardest,” Guo Pei admits, “I gathered all the embroiderers I could and taught them advanced embroidery techniques, one step at a time, based on works I had seen in museums and skills I had learned from reading books.” She continues, “it was a journey of learning and discovery and now, I am proud to say that Rose Studio has grown to be a formidable couture atelier, with more than 200 skilled artisans.”
Indeed, Guo Pei’s lauded couture house is one of the most significant in the world, each of its pieces painstakingly handcrafted in such a way as to speak both to the individual beauty of the client, and to Guo Pei’s own, very distinctive vision. As the designer explains, “every woman possesses a form of beauty exclusive to her, and I hope my designs can bring out that uniqueness,” she goes on, “the magic is in incorporating something special in my design for every client, and I feel fortunate that when I am designing I have the freedom to express myself without constraint… that is the greatest level of creativity.”
When Rihanna’s team called Guo Pei for a gown for the 2015 Met Gala, China: Through the Looking Glass, the designer admits she didn’t know who the singer was, and certainly wasn’t expecting the wave of admiration and recognition that came from her red carpet moment. “I still recall my utter surprise as the presence of Rihanna was met with thunderous applause,” she tells me, “when the dress was first shown in China, it was too heavy for the model to walk properly in it, but worn by Rihanna, it had new life.” The dress was a spectacular yellow creation, embroidered with golden thread that encapsulated the designer’s mandate of revitalising China’s traditional craftsmanship. Guo Pei has long harboured a passion for the intricate beauty of imperial fashion and art that had been all but lost to the cultural revolution (an era of homogenous and decidedly unimaginative dressing). In this dress and many, many others, the designer is bringing the artistry and history of the imperial era back — it’s part of what makes her creations feel so significant.
As Guo Pei tells me, one of the biggest triumphs of her career was the completion of her first couture Da Jing (magnificent gold) garment nearly 20 years ago. Driven by a desire to create something “as gloriously radiant as the sun”, Guo Pei embarked on a journey of learning to embroider with thin and brittle gold thread. Despite injuries to her fingers and needles that wouldn’t work as the embroidery became too thick, the couturier remained steadfast in her vision and, after 50,000 hours of work, created the first of her spectacular golden threaded gowns that eventually would become a signature of her house.
From her incredible story to the way she has made an indelible mark on the global landscape of couture, Guo Pei is a significant figure in global fashion, and her upcoming New Zealand exhibition is set to be an unmissable celebration of her craft and creativity. “Visitors can witness moments in my life and travels when inspiration sparked,” she says, “they can follow my process, and understand my tireless pursuit for both beauty and the art of couture… I hope my works will introduce viewers to the astounding wonder of the world, the profuse beauty of life and show them the dedication required to achieve such a level of craftsmanship.”
Open now and running until the 5th of May, 2024, Guo Pei: Fashion, Art, Fantasy will transport you to another dimension and immerse you in the historic work of one of the most visionary couturiers in the world.
Guo Pei: Fashion, Art, Fantasyis on nowuntil the 5th May 2024. See here for tickets to the exhibition and more information.
Nestled in Ellerslie, Bianca is more than just a drop-in spot, and it’s more than a typical restaurant, too. The brainchild of chef and entrepreneur Hayden Phiskie (co-founder of Cotto and Ada — which he sold in 2022), Bianca is a laid-back, delicious spot that writes its own rules. And it’s somewhere that should definitely be on your dining radar.
Ziti alla vodka tomato
In this 26-seat restaurant the chefs don’t just create the food, they serve it too, creating an intimate experience between those in the kitchen and those sitting at the tables. Here, the menu dances with the seasons, as Phiskie explains how he builds his dishes with vibrant, in-season vegetables first, in order to keep the menu fresh, before adding various proteins and extras. From the Malfadine Pork and Fennel Sausage Ragu to the Rotolo with Beef Short Rib Ragu to the gluten-free Ziti Pasta, each plate at Bianca is perfectly-balanced celebration of flavours.
This is made all the more enjoyable when paired with a glass or two from Bianca’s carefully-curated wine list, brought together by Dan Gillett (of Everyday Wine) to offer a range of delicious, accessible biodynamic drops that accompany the pasta perfectly.
What really makes Bianca’s offering unique is its fresh pasta bags. For those who fancy a flavoursome meal at home, these easy kits are brimming with handmade pasta and delicious sauces, promising a gourmet feast in just five minutes, whether you’re craving a creamy cacio e pepe or an indulgent ragu.
Ziti, beef short rib ragù
Inside, Bianca’s open plan design offers a convivial, community-minded environment where customers feel part of the action. Teaming up with Rios who helped with Bianca’s creative concept, Phiskie wanted to create a space that was both open and intimate, where a simple, clean palette meets uniquely personalised details.
Here, you’re not just a diner; you feel that you’re a part of the culinary process. You can watch exceptional pasta being made right before your eyes while relishing exceptional meals with friends or a special someone, accompanied by a glass of exquisite wine. And now that Bianca is officially open for dinners too (as of yesterday), this must-try spot is set to expand its evening offerings, evolving into a place where you can pick up a takeaway pasta kit, drop in for an easy lunch or head to when a special dinner is on the cards. If you haven’t tried it already, consider this your sign.
Opening hours: Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday, 11am until 5pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11am until late
After a long weekend of mixed weather, the glorious Auckland sun is back, and it’s time to make plans for the week ahead. Considering that our waterfront is just about the best place to be on a sunny day in this city, it is to the exceptional Somm Cellar Door that we shall inevitably head, drawn in as much by its impressive collection of wine and tasty food as we are by its unparalleled position on the water’s edge.
Set in the Princes Wharf site that once housed Euro, Somm not only affords its guests incredible, waterfront views but it also enjoys exceptional sun, meaning that settling in here for an afternoon is one of the smartest ways to enjoy the best that Auckland has to offer.
Making this prospect even more tempting is Somm’s daily ‘Somm Sundowns’ happy hour, where guests can enjoy $7 drinks from 3pm until 5pm. With a line-up of libations that includes Little Creatures Catalina Lager, Grove Mill Pinot Noir, Russian Jack Pinot Gris, Dashwood Rosé and the signature Somm Spritz (among others) this is one sundowner you don’t want to miss. In addition, those who choose to make the most of happy hour on a Tuesday or Wednesday can take their experience to the next level by adding a platter of Somm’s unbeatable $2 oysters, served au naturel with lemon.
For a more substantial bite, Somm’s Sunday pizza offering is a delicious way to round out the week with friends or family. Every Sunday, Somm is serving its moreish pizzas in a two-for-one deal, making a sun-drenched afternoon here all the more appealing. And if you haven’t had the privilege of trying them yet (where have you been?) Somm’s mouthwatering pizzas are made with 72-hour poolish dough (a technique that delivers a lighter and more airy texture and a soft but structured crust) and boast toppings that include a simple pomodoro with garlic, fior di latte and basil, an indulgent raclette option, finished with ‘nduja, honey and rosemary, one with flavoursome palermo peppers, eggplant and mozzarella, and a mortadella option with zuni pickle.
If all this wasn’t enough, Somm is also offering a rotating roster of live music sessions that you really don’t want to miss. This week for instance, on Thursday and Friday from 5pm until 8pm, guests can discover the exceptional musical stylings of Nick Taylor, a renowned bassist who will be bringing with him a series of jazz players to wow the crowd with soulful sounds and laid-back beats. Then on Saturday, from 1pm until 5pm, classic jazz and soul singer Chris Melville of KZ7 will be taking to the Somm stage with his warm, velvety vocals reminiscent of the genre’s greats. (See here for Somm’s comprehensive, weekly live music line-up.)
So, whether you’re seeking delicious drinks in the sun, a quick bite between friends, an elevated spot for after-work wines or somewhere to simply sit back and take in the true beauty of Auckland’s waterfront, Somm Cellar Door is exactly where you should be heading this week.
If the rate at which Rosalia’s pizza slices are selling out every day is anything to go by, I’d safely say that Aucklanders have been waiting for a spot like this for a long time. Opened by Bryan Anderson, Nick Fury and Sean Bone, the trio behind the ever-popular Parade Burger (with decades of hospitality experience between them), Rosalia’s is a new drop-in on Mount Eden Road with a simple concept that seems to be hitting home with local foodies.
“The inspiration for Rosalia’s came from our travels last year and in particular, the pizza al taglio stores littered throughout Italy,” Anderson tells me, “so when we took over this site to use as a bakery for servicing Parade and Bodega [the latter, a New York-style deli that is set to open soon — watch this space] we wanted to use the extra space to sell the food we had loved while abroad.”
That food just so happens to be pizza al taglio and cannoli. For anyone unfamiliar, pizza al taglio is a Roman style of pizza that is baked in large, rectangular trays and served as individual slices, while cannoli are tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough, filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta mixture and finished with dustings of icing sugar and various tasty toppings. “The slices are pizza in its purest form, Anderson tells me, “with cheese made by us, sourdough bases made from our starters and everything else that we can make, handmade from scratch.”
Pizza al taglio
As far as flavours go, Anderson emphasises that Rosalia’s offering will be an ever-changing and seasonally dependent one, with five different pizza flavours a day and three different cannoli options. “My team’s current favourite is the Italian sausage,” Anderson reveals, “and the pistachio cannoli,” telling me that his customers’ responses to the cannoli have been very enthusiastic. “It’s definitely one of the best things we ate when we were away,” he says, “and very few people do them here.”
Ultimately, Rosalia’s embodies the pure passion that Anderson, Fury and Stone have for their work. A small and understated but undeniably impactful spot, it offers its owners the chance to share what they care about deeply with their customers and affords them the space to create.
Pizza al taglio
Cannoli
“It’s a real labour of love,” Anderson says, “and we just want our customers to enjoy the food that we love eating and making for them.” He continues, “If they can feel our passion through what we serve, that’s all we could ever ask for.”
Open now and available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from midday until sold out, Rosalia’s is the perfect place to drop by for some lunch on the run. Add it to your must-visit list now.
Having long been a proponent of the Land Rover marque (and the proud owner of a Range Rover LSE that still reps the mid-90s) I was chomping at the bit to sample one of the newest models from this revered brand — the sleek, sexy and undeniably dynamic Range Rover Sport. Combining the brand’s signature, refined luxury with a slew of exceedingly impressive, on-road capabilities, this car might carry the elegant appeal for which Range Rover is so beloved, but take it for a spin and the experience is more like driving something loud and low to the ground. What I came to love about this car in the few days I was lucky enough to have it, was the unexpected delight it brought to all my errand-runs around Auckland. Underneath its distinctive but understated exterior lay a serious engine and a mind-blowing array of innovative tech designed to deliver a smooth and utterly powerful drive every time I got behind the wheel.
But before I delve into the machinations of Range Rover’s technical prowess (particularly as it pertains to making a big car feel very sporty) I must first touch on the ways in which this car first drew me in: its looks. Seeing the Range Rover pull up with its reductive design, taut silhouette, muscular profile, digital LED headlights and subtly-curved details, I was almost-immediately a convert, but after taking my place behind the wheel, I could see that the marque’s attention to detail was far more than surface value alone. Inside the Range Rover Sport, I felt truly cocooned, the dark leather, sweeping centre console and minimalistic dash cultivating a calm vibe, the sporty shape of the driver’s seat (offering 22-way adjustment, by the way) holding my back in just the right position, and the automatic retraction of the sunroof shade casting the whole scene in a soft, dappled light. The material palette was refined and walks the line between sumptuous comfort and technical innovation, and while the model I drove was finished with black leather seats, the new Range Rover Sport offers a larger selection of sustainable materials than any generation before it, including lightweight Ultrafabrics™ in several colourways.
Here, the design is simple but impactful, based around linear detailing that remains uninterrupted by unnecessary buttons or dials. And there is an architectural lightness, where the concept of luxury has actually been enhanced by a more minimalist approach. It speaks to the overarching aesthetic identity of this car as being both imposing (with an undeniably strong presence on the road) and stealthy (able to express its true nature in more subtle, sophisticated ways).
In the absence of fussy details, I felt calm and clear-headed sitting in the cockpit. Driving to work, even after a busy morning wrangling my two-year-old, I arrived at the office feeling composed and ready to take on the day. Handily, the main (and really only) feature of the Range Rover Sport’s dashboard is its award-winning, Pivi Pro Infotainment touch screen that sits above the console and hosts most of the key functions of the car, including its entertainment systems, climate control, terrain response selection, navigation, cameras and more. This level of premium functionality continues with the Interactive Driver Display and Head-Up Display behind and just over the steering wheel, where I had all the most key information about my drive directly in front of my eyes, able to be controlled via buttons that were right at my fingertips.
Perhaps my newfound morning zen also had something to do with the Range Rover Sport’s 29-speaker Meridian™ Signature Sound System, paired with its Next-Generation Active Noise Cancellation technology, which create an environment totally uninterrupted by the hustle and bustle outside. That, alongside the car’s new Advanced Cabin Air Purification Pro System which reduces odours, bacterias and allergens, had me feeling like I was practically floating down the road, nestled in a space that was quiet, clean and decidedly serene.
But don’t be mistaken. For all of the Range Rover Sport’s focus on comfort and luxury, it has placed an equal amount of attention on performance and grunt, something that I understood as soon as I put my foot down. Despite Range Rover’s smooth Chassis Control ensuring that any acceleration would result in very little impact on my comfort, the Range Rover Sport is a dynamic, agile drive, powered by responsive and technologically-advanced systems that, I learned, are constantly in communication with one another. This meant that no matter where (or how) I drove, the car was able to maintain a consistent composure, a lightning-fast response to my commands and a degree of manoeuvrability that made me feel as comfortable driving it on the motorway as I did navigating the narrow streets around where I live. From its Dynamic Air Suspension and its roll-reducing cornering control, to its collision prevention capabilities and high-performance braking (necessary in Auckland traffic, let me tell you), this car did all the work for me, or rather, it left me to focus on what was important — the driving. But more than that, it allowed me to actually enjoy the drive, no matter where I was going. And while I unfortunately didn’t manage to take my Range Rover Sport for an off-road adventure, I have heard that its performance in that arena is utterly unparalleled, too.
In fact, last year, Land Rover unveiled the new Range Rover Sport to the world with a driving challenge that showcased its truly jaw-dropping potential. The Spillway Challenge saw renowned, James Bond stunt driver, Jessica Hawkins, drive the luxury SUV on the treacherous ramp of the Karahnjukar Dam, where she propelled the car up a 294-metre stretch of spillway which had water furiously cascading down to a sheer, 90-metre drop, providing the ultimate test of traction and driver confidence. Overcoming the challenge with apparent ease and elegance, the Range Rover Sport quickly proved itself an SUV that was not only comfortable and user-friendly, but one that was technologically advanced, interactive, performance-driven and really, unparalleled in its category.
All of this, combined with Range Rover’s intuitive Park Assist function, helped me park the large car in some trickier places around town. The system uses the car’s cameras to not only scope out appropriate parking spots, but, once activated, allowed me to take my hands off the wheel while it carefully manoeuvred into the space for me. I still controlled the acceleration and brakes (we’re not in complete self-drive mode, yet) but it honestly made parallel parking on Ponsonby Road on a busy evening a total joy (and not the sweat-inducing, heart-palpitating exercise it can be when you hit the angle wrong).
Ultimately, what I came to understand about the new Range Rover Sport is that, while it certainly is a car with huge presence and significant X-factor, its focus is, and always will be, on the driver. It puts the driver and their experience first in every respect, from the details of the interior to the construction of the car and all of the clever systems in place to ensure reliability, safety and consistency, as well as a good dose of excitement, performance and thrill. This is the car for someone seeking an all-rounder, the elegance with the practicality, the looks with the performance to match. And for me personally, it was the kind of drive that enhanced my daily life, putting a seriously epic spin on the idea of an everyday (albeit luxurious) SUV.
For now, I’m back in my beloved vintage Range Rover, but my sights are set on its far more sophisticated (and much younger) relative. Might be time to upgrade.
If you consider yourself a fan of the various types of Asian fare available across Auckland’s dining scene, then you will have encountered one of Kyo Shen’s venues. A hospitality veteran for over 15 years, Shen and his restaurant group are the brains behind such places as Eden Noodles, Biang Biang Noodles, Lao Guang Zhou Hot Pot, HITEA and more. And now, the busy restaurateur is adding another name to his line-up. Meet Xiexie.
Left: Mapo Tofu Fettuccine
Tucked away off Ponsonby Road, Xiexie is a cosy and understated but undeniably sumptuous new spot that opened at the end of last year. Designed by Paul Izzard, the space is finished in hues of deep red and blue with luxurious details and booth seating that promises to make any experience here a comfortable affair.
For the menu, Shen was inspired by the idea of fusing traditional Chinese with Kiwi flavours to create dishes that felt both familiar and unique. “Chinese food is one of the greatest foods in the world,” Shen tells me, “but it really hasn’t been presented in a fusion way to local customers.” He continues, “With Xiexie I wanted to mix Chinese and Kiwi culture to present something different and delicious.”
Tibet Sumin Lamb Rack
Some highlights on Xiexie’s menu include the Sichuan Confit Beef Jerky (a customer favourite already, apparently), the flavoursome Kung Pao Lychee Prawn, and the Tibet Sumin Lamb Rack, cooked to perfection and served with an array of herbs and vegetables. The Mapo Tofu Fettuccine with tofu, pork mince and Sichuan Mapo sauce is a must-try for spice and noodle lovers, while the Shiitake Pork Dumplings with truffle béchamel sauce, spring onion oil and button mushrooms offer the perfect, indulgent bites. If you’re looking for something substantial, dishes like the Orange Peking Duck Breast with citrus, seasonal vegetables, spring onion and hoisin jus, or the Male Crispy Pork Belly with tangy apple slaw are sure to hit the spot.
Left: Orange Peking Duck
Alongside the food, Shen has placed particular importance on Xiexie’s wine list, carefully curating it to include drops that enhance the flavours of the food. “We are a modern Chinese wine bar,” he says, “with fusion twists that Kiwi customers will love too.”
Open now, Xiexie should definitely be on your radar for your next meal out. Offering flavoursome fare, a sumptuous setting and beautiful wine, this newcomer is fast becoming a local favourite.
It was Daren Zhou’s experiences living in places like Beijing and London that inspired him to move from a career in video and art direction to one in the hospitality realm. Now, after returning to New Zealand, he is set to open a new venue that promises to bring a sophisticated, international edge to the city’s nightlife scene, and it’s the kind of place we’ve been sorely missing. Meet The Nightcar.
“My favourite kind of restaurant and bar is the kind where I can dine and drink in a boutique nightclub setting,” Zhou explains. “For me, the ideal is when you take the vibes and energy of an upmarket nightclub and the booth-seating and table service of a restaurant and combine the two.” It is this mix that Zhou has adopted for his new venture, citing places like Delilah in Los Angeles, Tao in Chicago and Supper in Amsterdam as his inspirations. “The Nightcar is a third culture lounge bar that will deliver the feel of a luxurious nightclub alongside the flavours of the Yangtze River,” he says.
Set in an atmospheric, underground spot on Queen Street, The Nightcar evokes after-dark sophistication with a film noir edge, with Zhou telling me how his background in video direction saw him naturally draw references from some of his favourite movies and TV shows. “One of my favourite shows is Snowpiercer,” he tells me, “which tells the story of a doomsday train that circles Earth carrying the last of humanity. One of the train carriages is a lounge bar is called ‘The Nightcar’, hence the name.”
Indeed, The Nightcar’s interior, expertly brought to life by CTRL Space, has elements that speak to the idea of luxurious train travel, from the cosy and low-lit carriage-shaped dining room to the sumptuous, deep-red colour scheme. It also boasts a futuristic, backlit bar, heavy drapes, and sleek, glossy dining tables surrounded by plush booth-seating that one could only imagine sinking into to enjoy a nightcap or two, or some delicious food.
The menu, designed in collaboration with The Nightcar’s Head Chef Win Siak Lai, was largely inspired by the unique culture of North West China (north of the Yangtze River), where both Zhou and his business partner William Zhang are originally from. “Our food and culture is still very much unknown, even to Chinese citizens,” Zhou tells me, “so we decided to cook and serve dishes based on what we grew up eating.” Best described as modern Chinese, The Nightcar’s food offering comprises a range of small, made-to-share plates, including both hot and cold vegetarian and meat dishes and a number of noodle options, designed as the perfect accompaniments for a cocktail or two.
“The ‘Zha Jiang Mian’ Pork Belly Yangchun Noodlesis my favourite noodle dish,” Zhou reveals, “which is best alongside the ‘Huang Gua’ with cucumber, minced garlic and vinegar as a cold dish and the ‘Yang Pai’ which is lightly seared lamb spare rib with cumin and chilli (the traditional choice of meat for the nomadic people of China’s North West) as a hot dish.” He continues, “as a dessert I would strongly recommend the ‘Ci Ba’ Rice Cake coated in panko and drizzled with brown sugar — one plate is never enough of this one.”
Alongside the food there is an impressive wine offering, spanning a raft of international and local drops, as well as a perfectly-curated line-up of cocktails, which combine ingredients from different parts of the world and a variety of spirits from The Nightcar’s extensive list. Here, the drinks and food are made to be enjoyed together, with Zhou telling me how he hopes his guests will be able to discover unexpected pairings and new favourites.
Ultimately, Zhou’s vision for The Nightcar is a place that represents his cultural roots while still tapping into a universal appeal. “The term ‘third culture’ is usually used to explain someone being raised in a culture that is not their own,” Zhou says, “but I like to think that today, it means international and inclusive.” As such, The Nightcar, pulls influence from everywhere, seen in its interesting food, its unique fit-out and the way its lounge-bar vibes are enhanced by a roster of music that marries afrobeats with hip hop, Latin, elements of reggae and modern Chinese.
Open from tonight, The Nightcar is a luxurious lounge and late-night spot that offers the perfect place to perch for your favourite tipple and a tasty bite.
Opening hours Sunday & Monday — closed Tuesday & Wednesday — 5pm until 11pm Thursday — 5pm until 1am Friday & Saturday — 5pm until 3am
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