The Savor Food Festival is the gastronomic experience that should be on your radar this spring, with 70 exceptional events taking place across 60 days — at 18 of the city’s best venues. Set to dominate our culinary calendars in the coming months, the event offers fanatical foodies a full slate of unmissable events, one of which is set to take place soon at Britomart stalwart, Amano, with tickets on sale now.
Gastronomes and oenophiles alike will find sweet satiation as they indulge in a delectable dinner with Sir John Kirwan at Amano. Here, an exclusive dining experience will see guests enjoy a family-style, four-course dinner featuring Sir John Kirwan’s JK.14 wines paired with exceptional local produce by Amano’s Executive Chef Andrew Hanson.
Amano
JK will transport guests to Italy with tales of the vineyards his wines are from, and the connection to his family, while delectable dishes are paired with the vibrant wines of JK.14. Trevally Crudo with avocado and lime is enjoyed alongside the zesty Alice Verdeca, the tart notes of each beautifully complimentary, while Amano’s stand-out, whole roasted lamb shoulder finds its perfect pairing in two styles of classic Italian varietals: primitivo and malanotte.
To finish the evening on a high note, diners are invited to enjoy Acqua Di Cedro alongside a crisp, handmade cannolo filled with lime and ricotta. With four masterfully-crafted courses and six wines, this is one event you don’t want to miss, and with limited spaces up for grabs, we suggest securing your spot here today.
It is always exciting when one of our favourite design destinations, Studio Italia, announces its annual sale — the one time of the year that pieces from its covetable collections become more accessible than ever. Offering enticing discounts and immediate delivery on all items in store, Studio Italia is making a compelling case for an interior overhaul.
From the 9000 Sofa for Arflex to the Womb Armchair and Ottoman by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, the range of pieces included in this year’s sale will have you reimagining every room in your house. That said, Studio Italia’s annual sale is always very popular, so we suggest getting in quickly to snap up your favourite pieces. These are our top picks.
Sitting proudly atop a historic, landmark site in Remuera sits The Hill by Fletcher Living — an innovative new development redefining modern living in Auckland. This thoughtfully planned newfound community features 358 meticulously designed architectural residences spanning apartments, detached houses and terraces, all situated on an elevated site that offers uninterrupted northern and western vistas.
The location, steeped in heritage, was previously part of the Ellerslie Racecourse — the vast embankment once the place of the Great Northern Steeplechase, with years of racing legacy adding a layer of historical significance to the contemporary elegance of The Hill.
The Hill looks out across the Ellerslie Racecourse
The master plan, crafted with precision and a careful eye to the future, boasts abundant verdant green spaces, with pathways and gardens seamlessly blending into the topography to create a harmonious environment that feels one million miles from its central locale. While, when it comes to the dwellings dotted across the vast site, the architectural prowess of Warren & Mahoney, Brewer Davidson, and environmental consultants Boffa Miskell shines through in every detail, celebrating the unique landscape and enhancing the experience of home.
Positioned between the established neighbourhoods of Remuera and Ellerslie, The Hill benefits from both quaint, local charm and the convenience of central city living. The development has been designed to cater to a diverse audience, with a range of living options from three to five-bedroom homes to vibrant apartments for luxury later living. The elevated outlook provides iconic views across Auckland’s maunga, creating a refined sense of serene seclusion amidst the bustling city.
On the top plateau, a trinity of apartment buildings make the most of sweeping vistas and effortless living, while, across the embankment sit tiers of bespoke standalone and terraced homes, with the Vivid Living apartments, which offer the best of active retirement, running trackside.
Dining options are plentiful with the likes of neighbourhood eateries Sìso (left) and Spiga (right)
Residents will be afforded the duality of village life and urban vibrancy, with community walkways, shared spaces, and plans of a café to foster a sense of connection. The meticulous planning extends to practicalities, with excellent connectivity via the Southern Motorway ensuring ease of travel north and south, although with so much on your doorstep, there will be little reason to go far at all.
The dining options in the vicinity are plentiful, from Remuera neighbourhood eatery Sìso’s warm hospitality and delectable Mediterranean fare to nearby Knead on Benson, which is home to some of the city’s best baked goods and brunch dishes, to Manzo and Spiga turning out epic steak and Italian respectively. You’ll also find a sophisticated set of stores in Remuera, from fashion boutiques to designer furniture and homewares, as well as the Remuera Golf Course, Remuera Rackets Club, and the Orakei Basin Loop Track nearby.
Enjoy the nearby Remuera Golf Course
The Hill represents a new style of living, where heritage meets innovation, and understated elegance defines the everyday. The thoughtful integration of nature and architecture, combined with grandstand views and well-appointed dwellings, makes The Hill a beacon of contemporary living in Auckland — offering a new perspective on a life lived well.
Due to open in September, register your interest by clicking on the link below.
Kicking off the Savor Spring Food Festival with a bang, Bivacco is set to host a unique degustation in collaboration with storied winemaker, Penfolds, celebrating 180 years of exceptional viticulture, and we have a table for four to giveaway.
One of Australia’s most famed and respected winemakers, Penfolds’ history began in 1844, and by the mid-1880s the winery was producing 1/3 of all South Australia’s wine. Fast-forward another decade, and the company’s first Chief Winemaker, Max Schubert, propelled Penfolds onto the global stage with his experimentation of long-lasting wines — the creation of Penfolds Grange in the 1950s.
Since then, a lot has happened — including Penfolds Grange being given a heritage listing in South Australia, and many a medal awarded to the winery’s ever-growing and always innovative range, but one thing has remained consistent — Penfolds’ unwavering dedication to experimentation, curiosity and uncompromising quality.
Penfolds Vineyard
Now, as the historic winemaker celebrates eighteen decades of innovation and invention, convivial Viaduct Harbour bar and brasserie (and local authority on great drinks), Bivacco, is welcoming those partial to a glass of Penfolds to celebrate this milestone with a unique degustation.
Hosted by Penfolds ambassador Sam O’Connell, this elevated affair will see guests sipping on some of the world’s most celebrated wines while enjoying an expertly prepared, multi-course menu, crafted by Bivacco’s clever culinary team to pair perfectly with the elegant wines being poured.
Guests will enjoy a five course menu with a flight of superb Penfolds wines including the iconic Penfolds Grange,which is known as the most powerful expression of its multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy. On the food front, poached crayfish crostini is paired with Siberian Osetra Superior Caviar, Lake Ohau wagyu carpaccio with wood-roasted beets is topped with burnt butter salmoriglio, and the light, bright Bin 144 is paired perfectly with a tuna crudo, served with buttermilk dressing, cucumber, apple and dill.
With only 40 spots available, this exclusive event, taking place on Wednesday, August 14th, is sure to sell out. Secure your tickets here before they’re gone, or enter below for your chance to win a table for four — valued at $660.
Swarovski has undoubtedly been through an evolution across the past five or so years, with the recent launch of its spellbinding Wonderlux retail stores a tangible representation of the brand’s bold new era. But, as our Editor discovered last week at the Australasian unveiling of Swarovski’s striking Created Diamonds collection in Sydney, the best is yet to come.
Our Editor wearing Swarovski’s Galaxy Necklace
The Galaxy Collection, an edit of impeccably designed necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets showcases the exquisite vision of Swarovski’s Creative Director, Giovanna Engelbert, as the first collection she’s designed for the house. Finding inspiration in the cosmos and the awe-inspiring beauty of diamonds themselves, the edit brings a playful, confident new approach to diamond design, with inventive pieces evoking the wonder of the galaxy.
The pieces, crafted with intensely light, lab-grown diamonds, run the gamut from standalone solitaires to contemporary clusters; each highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship and timeless style Swarovski has become known for.
Swarovski’s Galaxy Ring (left) and Tennis Necklace (right)
After being incredibly well received globally, the collection is now available across Swarovski’s 21 stores in Oceania, including the new Wonderlux store on Auckland’s Queen Street. The Australia and New Zealand range launch also sees Swarovski entering a partnership with the International Gemological Institute (IGI), a global leader in diamond assessment, which will certify all Swarovski’s lab-grown diamonds and guarantee the exceptional quality of each stone. The IGI bases assessments on the same stringent criteria it uses to assess mined diamonds, based on the four C’s — cut, colour clarity, and carat weight.
Ultimately, Swarovski’s Created Diamonds collection adds yet another dimension to the already multi-faceted jewellery house. And as the brand looks to the future, entering the fine jewellery market seems like a natural evolution — a move which, under the tutelage of Giovanna, we’re sure will be well received indeed.
Rhu opened its doors earlier this year and has since, very swiftly, established itself as a place that should be on everyone’s radar. Set in the Parnell space that once housed Alpha, Rhu is an all-day eatery serving impeccably crafted but refreshingly uncomplicated fare that reimagines classic dishes with finesse and flavour.
The eatery’s founder and chef, Tushar Grover, cut his teeth as a chef in New Zealand by working in some of the most respected kitchens in the country, including Huka Lodge and Pasture — one of Auckland’s most distinguished fine-dining institutions until it sadly closed last year. There, the Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef was not only serving as sous in the main restaurant, but he ran Pasture’s bar, Boxer and its bakery, Alpha, for two years, churning out some of the tastiest fare to be found in this city. And, after Pasture, Boxer and Alpha closed, Grover was called on to help set up another elevated spot on K’ Road, Flor (with Dan Gillet from Wine Diamonds) which since opening, has seen an incredible response from local diners.
Earlier this year, the clever chef returned to an old stomping ground to open a venture of his own, Rhu, in the space that once housed Alpha, and hasn’t looked back since. Now, after taking his time to get the eatery’s day service perfected, Grover is expanding into nights — much to the delight of discerning diners city-wide. “Transforming Rhu into an all-day eatery has been fascinating,” he tells me, adding “Now, we’re evolving the space into a warm and cosy den come evening.”
Here, the dinner menu will showcase New Zealand’s finest seasonal ingredients, with winter-focused dishes that provide warmth and comfort, centred on Grover and his team’s love for seafood and fresh produce. “Staying true to our philosophy, our offering is fresh, light, crisp, and fun, ensuring a delightful experience,” the chef proudly states. I’m curious as to which dishes the chef favours, and he tells me that, while the entire menu feels exciting, blending elements reminiscent of summer with those honouring the winter season, his favourites are the tuna with coriander, and the kingfish with vanilla distillate, while he anticipates that crowd favourites will be the A5 Wagyu with berries, and our oyster mushroom skewers.
And with Rhu’s night service comes an exceptional drinks offering, with an exquisite wine list curated by Rhu’s restaurant manager, Pierre Bernardeau. You’ll find intriguing selections from New Zealand and France, with each wine hand-picked to complement the menu and create perfect pairings. Dan Gillett from Wine Diamonds supported the team in building an understand of the local wine landscape and clientele, reflected in the thoughtfully-crafted and entirely bespoke menu. Additionally, Rhu offers beers from favourite New Zealand producers, inventive house-made sodas with flavours such as tomato and shiso, and cocktails crafted with the expertise of Phil Spector.
When reflecting on how evening service will differ from Rhu’s daytime offering, Grover tells us that, where during the day service is quick and efficient, nighttime dining will afford the team more time to provide a creative and immersive experience. Guests can linger for longer, savouring bites and drinks with warm and personalised service, allowing Grover and his team to showcase the full breadth of their hospitality — which is an exceptional thing indeed.
Eschew the traditional stylistic boundaries of living spaces, instead boldly mixing colours, patterns, textures and design styles to bring a depth and dimension to your home not afforded to the beige brigade.
From fluid forms and colourful hues; playful prints to unexpected accents, dare to look outside the minimalistic style spectrum — and reap the remarkable rewards.
Trenzseater, driven by the vision of interior designer Ben Lewis, has luxurious illumination down to a fine art. From sophisticated chandeliers to lighting that leaps out, Trenzseater’s unique and thoughtfully curated selection of wall adornments reminds us to think outside the box when it comes to finishing touches.
bomma dark & bright star pendants
And while, given the breath of the selection, there are countless exceptional lights to choose from, for us, one brand stands out for its unwavering dedication to creativity and craft. Paying homage to traditional glass-making techniques, with distinctive lighting crafted with diverse, design-led spaces in mind, Bomma (available exclusively through Trenzseater) enlivens the form and character of light itself, creating alluring lines of illumination and casting any space in an enchanting glow.
Below, we round up the pieces that have our attention, from the fluid Flare Chandelier — a design that pays homage to traditional glassmaking techniques, to the Ama Pendant, its form visually evoking the delicate shells of mussels that produce treasured pearls.
And, while the design destination is undoubtedly adept in the art of illumination, the experience extends to all corners of the home — a standing now reflected, in Ben Lewis’ winning an award for his residential interior design work in the prestigious International Design & Architecture Awards. Judged by an acclaimed global panel, this achievement is a testament to Trenzseater’s passion for interior design, demonstrating Lewis and his team’s commitment to delivering projects of exceptional quality.
Loud in atmosphere and huge in personality, Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina is Auckland’s newest Cali-Mexican eatery, showcasing the best of California’s vibrant coast and LA’s street scene in a lively locale in Viaduct Harbour.
Left: Guacamole with salsa roja and corn chips. Right: Rosie’s slushy margs
Inspired by the fictional character of Rosie — a traveller who landed on the West Coast and couldn’t bring herself to leave, Red-Hot is a cantina that buzzes with energy from lunchtime to late. Taking up residence in the iconic Viaduct corner location formerly home to Coops Corner Pub, the eatery boasts bold décor, indoor and outdoor seating with sweeping waterfront views, and a private function room for party people — complete with its own bar.
With a menu that spans burgers to tacos (Birra included), chicken wings to ceviche, beers to frozen margaritas — the laid-back new eatery (which also has an outpost on Wellington’s waterfront) is an ideal spot to grab a bite and beverage with friends, leaving suitably satisfied every time.
Back to front: Rosie’s Best-in-Town Chicken Wings and Chilli Con Queso with a slushy marg
On the food front, the white corn tortilla tacos are and essential order, with pork belly, baja fish, lamb, cauliflower, and cheeto chicken all on offer (the latter are a must-try for adventerous gastronomes, pairing schmaltz-dipped habanero tender with shredded cabbage, Calexican mayo, pickled daikon and, you guessed it — Flamin’ Hot Cheetos). On the sharing plates menu, you’ll find Rosie’s signature guacamole, the ‘best in town’ chicken wings — served with Calexican buffalo sauce, sesame, radish, and Xiannaise, and chilli con queso — a tasty melted cheese and chilli pepper dip.
Chocolate Lava Cake
While, on the drinks menu you’ll find many an ice cold beer, a few tap cocktails (and a few shaken classics, too) and a comprehensive wine list, but the real pièce de résistance (and reason alone for a visit) is the eatery’s frozen slushy margaritas. With an ever-changing rota of flavours, these convivial cocktails are sure to satisfy — particularly across the warmer months and are a must-try, pairing perfectly with the fresh and filling food on offer. Or, if it’s a more traditional riff you’re craving, you’ll find three margaritas available on the rocks too. There’s also sangria and troves of tequila — available as is, by the bottle, or as a tasting flight.
Ultimately Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina offers a lively and laid-back centre-city eatery in which friends or family can come together over great food and drinks, guaranteeing a good time.
Opening hours: Monday — Sunday, 11.30am until late
There is a gastronomic experience that should be on your radar this spring, with 70 exceptional events taking place across 60 days — at 18 of the city’s best venues. We’re talking about The Savor Food Festival — set to dominate our culinary calendars in the coming months, offering fanatical foodies a full slate of unmissable events, brought to you by the hospitality maestros at Savor Group.
Epic lunch and dinner deals are sure to inspire indulgence — with something for every taste, proclivity and occasion. From day to night, casual to well-heeled, quiet bites to uproarious celebrations. You can expect guest chefs and star mixologists to be on top form, winemakers and artists ready to captivate, and a number of Auckland’s favourite dining destinations ready to pull out all of the stops.
To give you a taste of what’s to come, renowned Australian guest chefs Frank Camorra and Big Sam Young are flying in for the occasion, along with a number of exceptional winemakers, designers and a few novelists set to make an appearance. From wagyu tastings at Ebisu, to unlimited pinchos at MoVida to the chance to win a diamond at Bivacco’s Ladies Lunch, and with over 70 events to choose from, there’s no shortage of opportunities for indulgence, and with $35 lunches, $55 dinners, and $15 cocktails available across the entirety of spring, there’s no excuse for staying home.
Savor’s Spring Food Festival promises to surprise, delight and captivate this spring, and throughout the festival, consider Denizen your go-to resource for what’s on and when. Below is a snapshot of what’s to come, including a few unmissable events we suggest securing your tickets to, stat, before they sell out.
Savor Food Fest 2024
Secure Your Spot
Dinner with John Kirwan at Amano
An Evening with Sir John Kirwan
When & Where:Monday the 19th of August at Amano Tickets:book here
Indulge in a delectable dinner with Sir John Kirwan at Amano, where an exclusive dining experience will see guests enjoy a family-style, four-course dinner featuring Sir John Kirwan’s JK.14 wines paired with exceptional local produce by Amano’s Executive Chef Andrew Hanson.
Bottomless Long Lunch
When & Where: Weekly, from the 17th of August — 29th of September at Non Solo Pizza Tickets:book here
NSP’s famed Long Lunch has gone bottomless. The lively eatery’s infamous Italian Long Lunch is a more than perfect way to spend a leisurely weekend afternoon, and during the Spring Festival, you can amp the convivial affair up with the addition of $49 bottomless prosecco. Here, enjoy a 3-course meal for $55 per person, alongside bottomless deals for prosecco, and a selection of Spring Spritzes. Sublime.
Bivacco Sunday Feast
The Sunday Feast with Jazz
When & Where: Weekly, from the 18th of August — 6th of October at Bivacco Tickets:book here
Make for Bivacco on Sundays to enjoy generous stations loaded with your favourite dishes and unlimited plates, plus live jazz from a local trio. Take advantage of drink specials, including champagne deals and $15 cocktails, as you end the week in satiating style, relishing the eatery’s perfect blend of great food, refreshing drinks, and live music.
Diamond Ladies Lunch
When & Where: Weekly, Monday — Saturday, from the 12th of August at Bivacco Tickets:book here
While the festival is running across eight glorious weeks, diamonds are forever, so don’t miss your chance to win a striking sparkler from Partridge Jewellers. Running Monday through Saturday from 11am — 3pm, Bivacco’s Diamond Ladies Lunch offers a relaxed lunch for a modest $45, which includes a glass of Cloudy Bay Pelorus and an entry into weekly prize draws.
When: Available at select Savor venues from August 12th Where:Bivacco, Non Solo Pizza, MoVida, Ebisu, Ortolana, Azabu Ponsonby & Azabu Mission Bay
Celebrate the Savor Food Festival with a selection of familiar favourites and inventive new dishes at Bivacco, NSP, MoVida, Ebisu, Ortolana, Azabu Ponsonby, Azabu Mission Bay.
When: Sundays from 18th August — 29th September Where:Azabu Mission Bay
Sundays are sorted for the next 60 days at Azabu’s Mission Bay outpost, where you’ll find an exclusive platter to share featuring locally sourced meats from the robata grill, signature sushi, sashimi, and Azabu ceviche. Pair your meal with the lively eatery’s cocktail, wine, and beer specials from 11am — 3pm, and end the week in satiating style.
When: Saturdays from 31st August — 21st September Where:Ebisu
This is fresh at its best. Make for Ebisu, where, every Saturday a Japanese-style buffet with unlimited fresh sushi, sashimi, and crispy salads awaits. Enjoy champagne deals and $15 cocktails to complement your meal, as, from 12pm — 4pm, you indulge in the ultimate sushi feast.
Savor Food Fest 2024
Drinks & Dining Specials
$10 Peroni’s at Amano, Non Solo Pizza, Bar Non Solo & Bivacco
When:From August 12th Where:Amano, Non Solo Pizza, Bar Non Solo & Bivacco
Across the festival’s entirety, sip on ice-cold Peroni at Amano, Non Solo Pizza, Bar Non Solo, and Bivacco, for a modest $10 a pop. The ultimate in spring satiation.
When:From August 12th Where:Ebisu, Azabu Ponsonby & Azabu Mission Bay
Or, if Asahi’s super dry rice lager is your go-to libation, at Ebisu and Azabu’s Ponsonby and Mission Bay outposts, you’ll find $10 Asahi across August and September.
When:From August 12th Where:Amano, Non Solo Pizza, Bar Non Solo, Bivacco, Ebisu, Azabu Ponsonby, Azabu Mission Bay, MoVida & Ortolana
Throughout the festival, those partial to a crisp glass of Moet et Chandon will find $17 flutes and $99 bottles at all participating venues (except Azabu Misson Bay, who will be pouring Mumm at the same price).
When:From August 12th Where:Amano, Non Solo Pizza, Bar Non Solo, Bivacco, Ebisu, Azabu Ponsonby, Azabu Mission Bay, MoVida & Ortolana
Across many of the exceptional venues participating in the festival (a full list can be found here), revellers are invited to enjoy a selection of $15 cocktails all day, every day.
When:Weekly from 17th of August — 29th September Where:Bar Non Solo
At Bar Non Solo — the city’s unofficial (but undisputed) home of pizza and pasta, you’ll find a rotating edit of new pasta dishes across the festival, with a new flavour joining the fold weekly, available for a modest $20 come lunchtime. Bellissimo.
Amano Bakery’s serving up new creations every week
When:Weekly from 17th of August — 29th September Where:Amano Bakery
Amano, is serving up a new creation from the bakery every week for eight weeks, kicking off on August 17th. Indulge in eight exquisite new creations — four sweet and four savoury, unveiled weekly on Mondays via Instagram, and available exclusively at Amano Bakery.
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