There’s never a shortage of reasons to visit Ayrburn, from the stunning grounds to the exceptional hospitality to the ever-lively vibe, and this winter, the precinct has a full rota of exciting goings-on to make a trip all the more alluring.
With the spectacular mid-winter Christmas spectacle still taking over the grounds (and our social calendars), this month sees a number of events that are sure to inspire indulgence.
Christmas High Tea in the Woolshed
Christmas High Tea in The Woolshed
When: July 27th, 10am — 12pm, The Woolshed Bookings:book tickets here
An elevated affair to remember, Ayrburn have teamed up with local fashion designer Caitlin Crisp for a magical morning filled with festive cheer at the Christmas High Tea in The Woolshed. Here, guests are invited to indulge in seasonal treats, from traditional mince pies to luxurious sandwiches, paired perfectly with a selection of beverages, with all of those in attendance in to win a luxurious Caitlin Crisp winter cashmere bundle.
The Barrel Room Concert Nights
When: July 24th & 31st, The Barrel Room Bookings:book tickets here
Relax in the underground mystic charm of The Barrel Room while enjoying intimate and enchanting live music. From the dulcet tunes of native New Yorker Margaret O’Hanlon who, on July 24th, will bring the Big Apple to life in a wintery tour of New York’s most iconic names (Frank Sinatra, Alicia Keys, and Billy Joel, to name a few), to Charlotte Graf’s ‘Blue Christmas’ show, where rock and roll meets Tinseltown on July 31st, Ayrburn presents two alluring reasons to emerge from winter hibernation.
Après-ski at Ayrburn’s Manure Room
Après-ski at Ayrburn
When: Now until September 22nd, The Manure Room at Ayrburn Bookings:book here
With rousing DJ sets, winter specials, and delicious food, Ayrburn has become the home of Après, inviting slope-goers to round off the day well with daily drink deals from 4pm, food specials to refuel post-exertion, and, come Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, DJs taking to the decks to get the party started.
With Auckland’s winter cultural calendar already in full swing, there are a number of exciting happenings inspiring us to step outside of the comfort of our homes and immerse ourselves in the intoxicating nature of live events. And sitting at the top of our list is Synthony Pride — a music event like no other and a world-first new show, reimagining the world’s biggest dance and pop anthems with the power of the Auckland Philharmonia, along with instrumentalists, guest vocalists, dancers, drag queens and kings, and some of the country’s most celebrated musicians.
If you have plans to head along (or now feel inspired to secure tickets), we’ve compiled a discerning list of where to stay, eat, drink and celebrate around the event, encouraging you not just to make a night of it, but an entire weekend.
Where To Celebrate
Pre-Show
SkyCity’s Drag Queen bingo pre-party with Kita Mean
To get you well and truly in the spirit of the evening, SkyCity is hosting a Drag Queen bingo pre-party with Kita Mean. Look to the skies as the Sky Tower dresses in a fabulous dynamic rainbow light display, and start your night right with SkyCity at the official Synthony Pre-party where revellers are invited to make the most of the glam squad station (replete with false lashes, face gems and glitter galore), before partaking in an uproarious round of drag bingo — sure to set the tone for all that follows. There’s also free transportation for attendees, with complimentary buses running to and from Spark Arena for the first 200 people at Flare Bar.
Seasonal Arancini, Whipped Ricotta & Selection of Cured Meats and Cheeses from Bar Non Solo’s Pre-Show Menu
Bar Non Solo not only promises an ever-lively ambience, but also offers a bespoke Pre-Show Menu — perfect for those on their way to an event at Spark Arena. Available between 4pm and 7pm, for a mere $30 guests can dine on a selection of plates that includes marinated olives, whipped ricotta, seasonal arancini, cured meats and cheeses, and two delicious pizzas. It’s the perfect way to ensure you are satiated for an exciting night. Bookings for this experience are essential to ensure you arrive at Spark with plenty of time to spare.
Get things moving and grooving with Cafe Hanoi’s espresso martini
Cafe Hanoi (only a quick walk from Spark Arena) is open on Saturdays from 12 ’til late, meaning that parking up for an afternoon drink and bite (or convivial long lunch) is not only possible but encouraged. The eatery’s extensive and always delicious menu is filled with fare that will suitably line your stomach for an evening of moving and grooving, while the cocktails — including a bespoke espresso martini with Vietnamese coffee and gingerbread syrup, are sure to get the party started.
This iconic restaurant is small but mighty. Offering a curated and concise menu, and an intimate, calm setting, Ortolana is one spot to which we always find ourselves returning to in the Britomart precinct. With a delicious edit of sharing plates (and some incredibly tasty pasta options, too), a thoughtfully crafted drinks menu, and service that is always swift (if needed), a pre-event stopover at this stalwart eatery is always a treat.
Enjoy a delicious selection of contemporary delights at Cassia
Cassia at SkyCity takes modern Indian to new heights, with a delicious selection of contemporary delights perfect for sharing with a group pre-event. In the most central of locations, with a dimly-lit, vibrant dining space, as well as a number of set menus to choose from for those looking to turn lunch or a pre-event bite into a gastronomic delight.
Where To Celebrate
Post-Show
Join Kita Mean alongside Tess Tickle & Rita Menu at SkyCity’s Afterparty
Continue the fun post-event and catch the Queens of SkyCity at the precinct’s uproarious afterparty. A resident DJ will keep the party going long into the evening, while the delightfully sinful ‘Queens of SkyCity’ midnight show will feature comedy master of ceremony Kita Mean alongside Tess Tickle and Rita Menu. They’ll be sure to bring their fabulous costumes, dance numbers and cheeky humour, inspiring revellers to finish the night off in style.
While Culprit’s innovative culinary concept is perfect for a pre- or post-show bite, with an ever-changing menu comprising trolleys of snacks to share, the eatery’s ‘mischievous younger brother’, Little Culprit, is a fantastic spot to keep the party going. Quaint and chic, this cocktail bar and wine lounge boats an elevated yet relaxed atmosphere, and is perfect for those seeking a nightcap.
Set in an atmospheric, underground spot on Queen Street, The Nightcar evokes after-dark sophistication with a film noir edge — with an impeccably crafted drinks list and late-night contemporary Chinese bites plus a number of tasty desserts. Open until 3am, this subterranean sanctuary is an ideal spot to make a night of it.
Recently opening on a rooftop within the Commercial Bay precinct, Queens Rooftop boats 270-degree views of the Waitematā Harbour, delicious food, and one of the best drinks lists in town. Open from 11am ’til late seven days a week, here, you can grab lunch, a pre-event bite and glass of wine, or a post-event cocktail (or two) — taking in the incredible views from the comfort of the well-heated and always-lively rooftop terrace.
The perfect nightcap spot, on Palmer’s sweeping terrace
Taking cocktail hour to new heights, Palmer Bar is the central city bar and eatery with a positively elevated outlook. Whether you’re seeking a low-key daytime drink or a convivial post-event nightcap, Palmer’s inviting ambience and exceptional drinks menu always inspire another round. With a chic interior and sweeping terrace that provides the perfect alfresco spot to revel in a beautiful afternoon, and a roaring fire which takes centre-stage as the sun goes down, no matter the hour you visit, this is one spot guaranteed to deliver.
Gastronomic bliss and refined relaxation abound at SkyCity, where a more-than-perfect place to rest your head awaits. From a luxurious, five-star stay at The Grand by SkyCity, to a perfect platform for staying and playing in the city — SkyCity Hotel, to the city’s newest benchmark in luxury accommodation — Horizon Hotel, opening only two days before the event itself, here, there’s something for every kind of getaway.
Stay in one of The Hotel Britomart’s Landing Suites
Nestled in the heart of Britomart, this chic hotel offers exquisitely designed rooms (plus five suites) designed to provide a calm respite from the bustle of the city. With warm, modern interiors and located within close walking distance to Spark Arena, not to mention the option of ordering room service from none other than Kingi, this centrally-located spot is a delightful place to rest your head.
Globally renowned hotel group InterContinental recently opened an Auckland outpost, occupying a coveted site on Auckland’s waterfront overlooking the harbour and offering guests direct and easy access to some of the best restaurants, bars and retail the city has to offer. But, given the hotel’s utterly luxurious rooms and in-house hospitality with Advieh, there will be little need to leave at all.
Drawn to the building’s history and charm, and seeing “so much unrealised potential,” Donna Hutchins and business partner Shaun Margan jumped at the opportunity to take over a striking heritage building in the heart of Henderson, transforming it into The Alderman — a charming neighbourhood café surrounded by native bush.
Hutchins and Margan both come to the new venture with 25 years’ experience in the industry, and, in seeking something new, were instantly inspired by the building The Alderman now occupies and it’s striking surrounds. “Our building was built in 1873, and was the first hotel in Henderson, so it has always been entrenched in the hospitality culture of the west,” says Hutchins, “As the current custodians of The Falls Hotel building, we want to keep the hospitality legacy going.” And so far, so good, with The Alderman already becoming a fixture in the local dining scene, with locals embracing the newcomer wholeheartedly. “The weekend vibe has been all about local families and dogs so far!” says Hutchins, “We have a lovely north-facing outlook to Falls Park, where the kids can explore nature too, and locals have been using the beautiful walkway and bike path to get to the eatery.”
Drawing inspiration from laid-back, relaxed daytime eateries in Melbourne and Sydney, the pair have kept the space simple — letting the building’s historic interiors and surrounds become the focal point, and leaning into the light and airy space. “The space gets all-day sun (when it’s shining), and the building is nestled next to a patch of native bush, giving it a lush, green outlook,” Hutchins tells me, saying that the pair called on friends for support in realising their vision, “Our friend Ryan Strawbridge from Our Projects was amazing, bringing our loose plans, drawn on a paper napkin, to life.”
The menu offers an approachable take on modern classics, from granola with warm vanilla custard and poached fruit to chilli scramble on sourdough on the breakfast menu, to chicken schnitzel with savoy and fennel slaw and 12-hour lamb shoulder flatbread on offer come lunch. The Alderman Big Breakfast and a tasty avocado cornbread feature on a concise menu that’s available to order all day. Hutchins’ favourites? The wagyu steak on sourdough with peppercorn sauce, and the Dusty Apron English muffin with pork and fennel sausage with Al Brown’s kasundi relish.
As for the drinks, you’ll find expertly prepared eighthirty coffee, alongside craft beers and a concise wine list — something the pair have plans to expand on as the weather warms and they begin to make the most of their covered outside area.
Ultimately, in The Alderman, Hutchins and Margan have created a laid-back spot where locals and those coming from further afield can enjoy a long lunch with friends or family, leaving feeling satisfied and relaxed.
Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS Rob Menzes | 17 Jul 2024
Serving fresh and traditional Indian food, the way it was done ‘back in the day’, Rahi is a modern Indian restaurant in the heart of Ponsonby, adding further to the suburb’s vibrant melting pot of cuisines. Rahi’s head chef and director, Man Mohan Singh, brings a wealth of experience, passion and creativity to the eatery, having now spent over fifteen years honing his craft, both in the kitchen of many of the city’s most-loved Indian eateries, and at some of India’s best hotels.
Now, though, Signh is ready to do things his way, drawing on his learnings and extensive experience to open an eatery that showcases who he is as a chef, and his native India.
Rahi’s cosy space, featuring tribal artwork from India
Stepping inside, Rahi’s dining room is cosy, casual, and carefully laid out, with dark wooden panelling, exposed brick, and, running throughout the space, a tribal artwork from India. Traditionally referred to as Warli art, the pattern represents celebration. The bar sits as a focal point on the rear wall, designed to showcase the art of mixology, and the laid-back vibe is accentuated by the old school hip hop and jazz playing through the sound system, and the warm and knowledge staff adept in the art of hospitality.
Dahi Kababs
Rahi’s Masala Goat Curry
On the food front you’ll find a comprehensive menu that showcases the best of contemporary Indian cuisine. Made up of small dishes, kebabs, curries, naan, and a few delicious desserts, the menu acts as a flavourful journey (a nod to the Indian translation of Rahi, traveller), harnessing the richness of the Indian flavours we all know and love, approached with a contemporary lens — with freshness reigning supreme. There are dishes from across the entirety of India; North, South, East and West, and the menu will be ever-changing based on seasonality.
One of Singh’s highlights from the menu, the Prawn Uttapam
For Singh, highlights include the Prawn Uttapam — a delightful dish comprising tiger prawns cooked in Moilee sauce (a south Indian fish sauce), served on mini rice pancakes, the delectable, melt-in-your-mouth Dahi kababs, served with house-made apricot chutney, and the show-stopping Palak Burrata, Singh’s inventive take on burrata, served on spicy spinach gravy.
When we visited, we opted for the ‘Traveller’s Menu’, which sees guests journey through India, following the rickshaws illustrated on the menu. For a modest $59 (very modest, given the exceptional quality of fare on offer), you’ll experience two small plates, a kabab, two curries, naan, a side of rice, and a dessert. Our favourites included the impossibly soft lamb chops, flavoured with ginger, garlic, lime and a secret spice blend, as well as the Papdi Chaat with crispy pastry, sweet potato, tamarind, sweet yoghurt, mint, and cumin.
Rahi’s Pickle Paloma
The cocktail list is unique and extensive, offering a mix of originals, contemporary takes, modern classics, and everything in between. Designed by Sahil Patel, Rahi’s mixologist, the list promises a host of never-before-seen libations — harnessing a diverse ingredients list, from milk, cheesecake, and ricotta to spicy mango pickle (but not as you know it). Here, you’ll find the likes of Clarified Mango Lassi, Milk Punch, and Coffee Negroni all on offer. We opted for the Pickle Paloma — which I’d liken to an elevated spicy marg. Pairing spicy mango pickle infused Mezcal, grapefruit, agave, and lime, with a delicious salty, savoury spice rub lining the glass, it was both a explosion of flavour and subtle enough to sip on all night. We can also attest to the deliciousness of the Crimson Sour — Rahi’s gin sour, which was as stunning to behold as it was to imbibe.
Rahi’s gin sour
While there is no shortage of great Indian eateries in Auckland, Rahi feels like something else entirely. A masterclass in contrasts; casual yet elevated, contemporary yet traditional, this modern Indian eatery brings together the true flavours of India with a quintessentially Kiwi, laid-back ambience. And it’s an exceptional combination indeed.
Opening hours: Tuesday — Thursday, 4pm until late Friday — Sunday, 11.30am until late Closed Monday
Held in Ayrburn’s The Wooldshed, followed by the after party in the Barrell Room, Chris Meehan and his team at Ayrburn gathered guests from up and down the country (and a few from further afield) for the sprawling hospitality precinct’s inaugural Winter Ball. Unsurprisingly, given Ayrburn’s standing in hospitality excellence, it was a night to remember.
Ayrburn does nothing by halves, and given how adept Meehan and his team are at conceiving an exceptional design, it’s little wonder that the utterly luxurious (and fabulously over-the-top) setting had guests stopping in their tracks. From sumptuous velvet drapery adorning the entrance (Ayrburn’s elevated take on a red carpet entrance) to the larger-than-life floral displays to the showstopping spread, no detail was left to chance, and it showed.
Festivities kicked off in fitting style, with Chris and Michaela Meehan greeting guests on arrival before the revelry began, as guests bedecked in flawless finery and jaw-dropping threads celebrated with gusto.
From relishing the incredible food on offer (something the hospitality destination has quickly become known for) to sipping on Ayrburn’s own collection of stunning wines and a few Broken Shed Vodka cocktail options, to dancing the night away to the tunes of DJ Myles Taylor, the inaugural ball was one hell of a party.
Fancy a sneak peek inside? Relive the night that was through the lens of photographer Holly Burgess.
“At Pie Rolla’s, every bite is a tribute to our heritage, combining time-honoured family traditions with exceptional flavours, using recipes passed down through generations,” Lewis Mazza-Carson tells me of his new venture, an epic, artisanal pie shop on K’ Road he’s opened the doors to with friend (and ex-Ada sous chef) Patrick Marckus.
“Pie Rolla’s journey began 13 years ago, with my parents’ first café, Salvation Kitchen, in Avondale,” Mazza-Carson tells me, “My mum handmade pies from my grandmother’s recipes, which quickly gained a loyal following,” he continues, “At that time, handmade pies created with such love and care were hard to find. After my parents moved on to their next café, the beloved pies faded from the spotlight. However, in the past year, I decided to revive the tradition.” and thus, Pie Rolla’s was born.
The Creamy Chicken, Brie & Chutney
Teaming up with friend and revered chef, Patrick Marckus, Mazza-Carson’s family recipes have been elevated to new heights, with fillings that harness Marckus’ extensive experience both within New Zealand and at Michelin-starred restaurants in France. One thing that hasn’t changed since those early days, though, is the pastry, which according to Mazza-Carson, “Remains a family treasure, and is only with real butter.” Each bite of a Pie Rollas pie, he tells me, is a tribute to his late grandmother who developed the recipes from scratch.
The concise menu, already drawing serious crowds, comprises Kiwi classics and a few more contemporary takes. From the Classic Mince and Cheese — a quintessential Kiwi staple (but not as you know it), to the much-belovedSteak, Stout, and Cheese, to the bestselling Smokey Brisket, Jalapeno & American Cheese (known to often sell out in under 15 minutes).
The Steak & Stout
Beef aside, there is also a Creamy Chicken and Brie number, which, Mazza-Carson tells me they’ve elevated to “a new level of deliciousness” with a creamy béchamel sauce. There’s also a pitch perfect House Smoked Fish Pie which very much has my attention, a Layered Potato Pie for the veges, reminiscent of a potato gratin with caramelised onions, Mazza-Carson’s personal favourite, the Bacon and Egg Brekkie Pie, and last but, certainly not least, the Pulled Pork Pie — currently a weekly special, but so wildly popular that it will soon become a permanent fixture on the menu.
Drinks are super easy, with just the classic Karma Cola range on offer. The duo opted for Karma as they are B Corp, certified for their sustainability standards, which resonates with Pie Rolla’s sustainably-driven ethos. Mazza-Carson and Marckus have been able to limit the eatery’s pastry waste to 0% — avoiding food waste while using less energy, water, and ingredients in the process.
The space itself is pared-back, light, and minimal, with Mazza-Carson and his mum taking the reigns on the fit-out, “Mum and I worked together to bring the space together,” he tells me, “We used a simple colour base to make the Pie Rolla’s blue pop, and kept things simple and understated — letting the food speak for itself.”
The pair pride themselves on hand rolling their pastry, producing fillings with love, and providing every customer with welcoming, quick, and easy service. And, we’d add to that list: turning out the best pies in the city.
Filling, a bit indulgent and ultimately very satisfying, Pie Rolla’s’ epic pies are the quintessential comfort food we’re craving. And if you, like us, can’t wait to get your fix, we suggest getting in quick — as these tasty morsels are (unsurprisingly) in hot demand.
Opening hours: Tuesday — Sunday, 10.30am until sold out
Few places offer vibes as consistently lively as Viaduct Harbour stalwart, Soul. With a food menu that runs the gamut from light and refreshing to comforting and hearty, a drinks menu that always inspires indulgence, and the exceptional, consistently warm service of Liv Carter and her team, no matter what you’re in for, you know its always a good time at Soul.
Soul’s peanut nutter
This month, giving us yet another reason to visit its lively locale, Soul has revamped its cocktail menu entirely — adding a host of inventive new libations (and a few more classic renditions, with a signature Soul twist) to compliment the exceptional food on offer.
From sweet to sour, fruit-forward to more savoury sips, the newly-added cocktails join familiar favourites on the menu (don’t panic, the Pornstar Martini remains) — offering a soulful salve to the dreary winter days ahead. Here, we round up our picks. Salute!
Office Manager Ivan’s Pick
Peanut Nutter
Peanut Nutter
Pairing Irish whiskey with peanut butter whiskey, oloroso, maple, and chocolate bitters, this delightful drop has all the makings of a perfect winter cocktail. Warming, comforting, subtly sweet, and entirely satisfying.
Digital Director Sammy’s Pick
Bringing Sexy Back
Bringing Sexy Back
This fruit-forward cocktail is vibrant enough to lure even the most winter-adverse amongst us out of the house. Melding żubrówka vodka with fresh peach, raspberry, and acidified apple, this delectable drop is a crowd-pleaser, through and through.
Editor Sjaan’s Pick
Grapefruit Gimlet
Grapefruit Gimlet
Soul’s elevated riff on a gimlet pairs gin with Aperol, grapefruit cordial, thyme, and anise atomiser — resulting in a heady delight that packs a punch and tastes like it belongs on a Mediterranean seaside.
Commercial Director Ange’s Pick
SOUL Punch
SOUL Punch
Akin to a rum punch, but with a decidedly elevated spin, Soul’s SOUL Punch is a punchy blend of rum, pineapple, passionfruit, orange cordial, honey, and falernum. One is never enough.
Creative Director Anna’s Pick
Nogroni
Nogroni
And last, but certainly not least, Soul’s non-alcoholic Nogroni offers a sophisticated take on the drink of the moment, pairing London dry, with Italian orange, aperitif rosso, and rhubarb and orange bitters.
With a stellar line-up of venues, from Gochu, Gemmi, and Ghost Donkey, to Burger Burger and the newly-opened Kome, the One Queen Dining precinct within Commercial Bay is one of the city’s best spots to park up for a drink and casual bite. Now, adding to its ever-present allure, the dining destination has unveiled an Aperitivo Hour, with a host of exceptional offers to choose from.
Ghost Donkey’s beef & black bean tostadas with their hibiscus chilli margarita
Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday between 5—7pm, each of the five eateries with the precinct will be showcasing bespoke food and drink pairings, with a series of tantalising deals sure to satisfy. At local favourite Burger Burger, you can get potato skins and two Aperol spritzes for $32, while at Mexican-inspired tequila and mezcal bar Ghost Donkey, you’ll find two beef or black bean tostadas with a hibiscus chilli margarita for $25.
At the newly-opened sake bar and Japanese eatery, Kome, you can sample chicken kaarage, Tokyo chicken wings and skinny fries for $30, and modern Korean bar and eatery Gochu will be serving two delicious fried chicken sliders with a house beer or wine for $25. And last but not least, neighbourhood trattoria Gemmi rounds out the Aperitvo Hour offering with their cacio e pepe fries and two tap beers for just $29.
Gochu’s delicious fried chicken sliders with their house beer
Plus, to celebrate the launch of the limited edition menus, Commercial Bay will give the first 200 patrons who partake in Aperitivo Hour a 3-hour parking voucher to truly settle in and unwind after hours.
This enticing, limited-time offering is available from Thursday July 11th until Saturday August 3rd, every Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 5—7pm.
“San Ray is a place where you can eat, drink and stay all day,” Rebecca Smidt tells me of her and her partner’s new venture occupying the space that, up until recently, housed Orphan’s Kitchen. “We’re inspired by the slow pace of driving the Pacific Coast Highway, Baja, and Mexico” she continues, “We love the bright flavours of Oaxaca, and that’s what you’ll find peppered throughout the menu.”
Rebecca and Dariush are the hospitality stalwarts behind Cazador (and offshoot, Cazador Deli), the eatery they’ve now run for over 10 years, cultivating the institution’s incredible legacy. Call it the 10-year itch, or simply the desire to branch out, but a few months ago when the Orphan’s space came up, Rebecca knew it was time to give something else a go, “We’ve always wondered what we’d create if we didn’t have Cazador’s legacy — if we were starting from scratch,” she tells me, “and San Ray is the answer to that question.”
Left to right: Burnt Confit Leek and Chargrilled Mushroom Skewer
From what I’ve seen, it’s a fantastic answer indeed — a space that caters to all, with myraid options for drinking, dining, stopping by, staying all day, or anything (and everything) in between. “At San Ray, our guests are invited to ease into the day with eighthirty organic coffee, take back the lunch hour with a carafe of wine, order a small plate, maybe another… or go all out with a multi-course dinner, paired drinks, and dessert.” Rebecca proudly states, “It’s about taking it slow, being indulgent and eating well. All day.”
When it comes to the eatery’s layout, not too much has changed since Oprhan’s, but there’s been a definite face lift, with subtle changes elevating the eatery and shifting it’s usage ever so slightly. Stepping inside, expect a relaxed and comfortable dining room designed by Forma, with inspiration drawn from the lilac hues of the Monmouth Glass chandelier. Out the back, the covered patio has been given a laid-back makeover, transforming it into a more than perfect spot for convivial drinks and snacks, and the space upstairs has been transformed into a private (and very chic) room for party people.
On the food front, the options are diverse and plentiful, from breakfast favourites like eggs, crumpets, and toast, to an all-day menu with confident versions of the classics — from caesar salad, crudo, an Ohau farm wagyu rib eye steak, and tajín fries, to a number of tasty snacks, decadent desserts, and a few more tasty surprises yet to come.
The drinks list is extensive, elevated, and everyman, with a wine list highlighting premium local producers and quality internationals — with a few tasty drops on tap, and an extensive cellar. Cocktails include mezcal margaritas, Svitlo Ukrainian vodka espresso martinis, and micheladas, while there are a few favourite beers on tap for those languid afternoons come spring and summer.
San Ray 1/2 Bird Wood-Fired Chicken
Inspiring early knock-offs (just like the good old days), at San Ray’s Golden Afternoons (Tuesday to Saturday, 3-5pm), there’s a feel-good trio of house-made chips, dip and a glass of Champagne for just $30 per person. Champagne Collet Art Deco Brut is the house pour, and you can go large and add Sturia caviar if you please.
With Rebecca’s hallmark well-informed and generous service, Dariush on the tools in the kitchen (a job he’s very adept at indeed), and a thoughtful, elevated-yet-casual menu spanning both food and drinks, San Ray has all the makings of a future institution.
Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS Ema Peter | 10 Jul 2024
Architecture — Su Casa Design Interior Design — Tomlenovich Design
Italian-Canadian interior designer Marianna Tomlenovich is known for her captivating homes that are as unique as the individuals who inhabit them. So, when it came time to turn her attention to her own personal residence, the designer looked to her background for inspiration, drawn to the elevated simplicity and understated elegance of Italian design and architecture.
Wanting to create a calm canvas for the busyness of family life, Tomlenovich employed a soothing and tranquil palette, bathing the entire house in a single, warm, creamy hue. The majority of the walls are rendered in a micro-concrete, lending texture, depth, and a decidedly European slant to the home, while light, wide-plank oak hardwood flooring infuses spaces with warmth.
“Wanting to create a calm canvas for the busyness of family life, Tomlenovich employed a soothing and tranquil palette, bathing the entire house in a single, warm, creamy hue.”
A soaring, 7.3 metre-high ceiling marks the home’s entryway, leading into the expansive, open-plan ground floor. Here, soft, curved lines set the tone, with a striking brick arch framing a semi-circle window looking out onto the pool, while a central, undulating fireplace cleverly separates lounge and dining.
This curvilinear theme is continued in the home’s grand kitchen, with a soft-edged monolithic island anchoring the space, complemented by half-circle stools and offset with a striking, deeply veined Italian marble splashback.
Wanting to conjure a spa-like ambience in bathrooms, Tomlenovich embraced a luxurious, rich material palette, combined with soft lighting and clean lines — avoiding anything too angular and sticking to neutral hues. Tumbled edge marble and limestone add depth and warmth, with Taj Mahal countertops furthering the home’s emphatically calm aesthetic.
“Bedrooms offer an elegant escape, with quietly luxurious details and thoughtful textures combining to stunning effect.”
Bedrooms offer an elegant escape, with quietly luxurious details and thoughtful textures combining to stunning effect. In the master suite, generous windows bathe the space in natural light — dappled by the mature trees lining the quaint street, while the stunning adjoining dressing room is lit from above by an expansive skylight.
While this home’s design leans wholeheartedly into the beauty of simplicity, there is no shortage of considered details which nod to the Italian art of timeless elegance. From a series of striking vignettes to a considered material palette to the clever use of curvature, ultimately, what Marianna Tomlenovich has created is not just a minimalist masterpiece — but a perfectly-realised family home.
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