Christmas hosts, take note. There’s nothing quite like a poorly dressed table to disrupt the flow of a festive family meal — and nothing like a well-dressed one to help create the perfect atmosphere. So, when considering how your Christmas celebrations will come together this year, be sure to consult our guide on the very best accoutrements guaranteed to impress even the most discerning guests.
From whimsical garden parties to tasteful, traditional feasts to Christmas dinners served al fresco, we’ve rounded up a vast and varied selection of exceptional products that will ensure Christmas table settings that are nothing less than perfect.
Setting Style
Garden Party
Make like Alice this Christmas and turn your breakfast, lunch or dinner into a whimsical affair with a table setting sure to stand out. To conjure an entirely magical place, pair less traditional hues of green and red with shocks of pink, pale blues, sunshine yellow and a hint of orange. Intricately printed tableware should take pride of place, alongside block-coloured accents to ensure modernity — here, unique shapes will be a welcome addition. Abundance is key, so go big with florals (and food, of course), layer tableware and glassware, and keep the champagne flowing from dusk till dawn.
Embrace the informality of al fresco dining this Christmas and take your festive feast outdoors. To create a relaxed but decidedly elevated environment that is sure to impress, look to bright colours, patterns, mix-and-match tableware and an abundance of sharing platters. Dinnerware here should be anything but boring — think fun motifs, text, prints and unexpected colour pairings, and when it comes to your centrepiece, colour is your best friend. Mix things up with vibrant florals in mismatched shapes and sizes paired with fresh summer fruits, brightly-hued Christmas crackers, fun flutes and a collection of candles.
For those who begin counting down to Christmas on December 26th, there’s simply no other option than to lean in wholeheartedly to traditional festive decor — and table settings are no exception. Here, it’s opulence that takes centre stage, where perfectly polished silver pairs with deep red and emerald green tableware, crystal glassware brims with champagne, trifles are layered into footed bowls, and pillar candles burn long into the evening. Traditional foliage should act as a base for your centrepiece, and as is such at this time of year, excess in every sense is encouraged — pile the table high with platters, decanters, exceptional glassware and china. The more the merrier, we say.
Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS Pablo Martin | 10 Nov 2023
Perfectly timed to coincide with the beginning of the summer season, with its long, sun-soaked days and leisurely evenings ahead, G.H. Mumm has revealed its latest sparkling wine, giving us yet another reason to celebrate.
In an industry-first, the innovative French Champagne Maison has looked to Central Otago — a region celebrated for its outstanding pinot noir — to create Mumm Central Otago Blanc de Noirs. The release marks the first time a Champagne house has collaborated with this particular region to produce a sparkling wine, and the results are exceptional.
Building on G.H. Mumm’s 200-year history of crafting pinot noir-forward wines, Central Otago was an obvious addition to the Maison’s Terroirs Collection, which celebrates the true sense of a region and the uniqueness of its terroir. Boasting some of the most southern vineyards in the world, Central Otago’s surrounding mountain ranges and cool climate combine to create the perfect conditions for growing outstanding pinot noir, that thrives in temperate climes.
Under the stewardship of Chief Winemaker Jamie Marfell, combined with the G.H. Mumm pinot noir savoir faire, the Blanc de Noirs is produced using méthode traditionnelle, the same process used by Maison Mumm when crafting its world-renowned Champagne. As Marfell tells us, “By picking early for sparkling wine, we were able to capture the purity and essence that Central Otago pinot noir naturally produces while maintaining the juicy, natural acidity that forms the backbone of this wine.” He continues, “Rather than creating a style that was all about the fruit, we wanted to add a little bit of complementary complexity… which was an exciting brief… so in our process we used 20 percent wild fermentation, to add layers of flavour, and 20 percent oak cuvee fermentation, which adds a richness and creaminess to the blend.”
The resulting wine is one of finesse, power and elegance, with complex aromas of black cherry and red plum, complemented by toasty notes of brioche. The palate is elegantly structured with delicate fruit flavour, a fine creamy texture and refreshing natural acidity, while the finish is fresh with lingering flavours of citrus and nougat with a refreshing mineral acidity. As Marfell reveals, “Developing Mumm Terroirs’ Central Otago Blanc de Noirs took time and patience… but the hard work has paid off, and we are thrilled to be able to showcase the craft of G.H. Mumm alongside the exceptional fruit from Central Otago.”
Mumm Terroirs was created in collaboration with Champagne house G.H. Mumm and renowned producers Pernod Ricard Winemakers. The collection is the result of passionate winemakers sharing their expertise and local knowledge to produce a modern sparkling wine using time-honoured techniques to highlight the terroir and pinot noir varieties. “I’m just privileged to be associated with the marriage of two iconic brands,” Marfell tells us. “The G.H. Mumm legacy is built around producing Champagne that is pinot noir dominant, and with the release of this wine, I feel I am respecting this legacy… being 100 percent pinot noir, it also shows how Central Otago can make a world-class sparkling wine.”
Mumm Central Otago Blanc de Noirs is available here, so be sure to stock up ahead of the summer season.
Throughout history, wine has featured steadily within art — used as a visual signifier of class, taste and the divine. But it’s not only this that connects artistry and viticulture. Both hinge on meticulously honed craftsmanship, and akin to an artist’s creative process, winemaking integrates elements of creative expression, instinct, vision and materiality. Recognising the similarities uniting these seemingly distinct worlds, distinguished New Zealand vineyard Church Road, led by Chief Winemaker, Chris Scott set out to bring the two together and in doing so, enrich the cultural landscape of its location in Hawke’s Bay. The result is the Church Road Art Initiative, a multi-year collaboration with MTG (Hawke’s Bay’s award-winning museum, theatre and gallery) which sees the storied winemaker acknowledge, empower, and bolster the careers of burgeoning local artists.
Winemaker Chris Scott and MTG Curator Toni MacKinnon
Each year, the worthy recipient selected will have work acquired by MTG and added to the permanent, on-display collection (raising their profile exponentially) and be given a platform at Semi Permanent Aotearoa, New Zealand’s reverential creativity and design festival, joining a panel on the main stage to discuss their work. This year, Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Reece King was selected after the judges saw promise in the uninhibited imaginativeness and restless energy present in his body of work. King, who is exclusively dedicated to the medium of paint, brings an openness to his craft that allows viewers to experience it on a deeply personal level thanks to the preservation of a unique sense of unfulfilled potential. And just as Church Road’s vintages inspire enthusiasts to explore their depths and draw connections between nuances, so too does the budding artist’s work.
Artist Reece King
“The Church Road Art Initiative, a multi-year collaboration with MTG sees the storied winemaker acknowledge, empower, and bolster the careers of burgeoning local artists…”
It’s not only bolstering the region’s cultural landscape that is driving the winemakers’ forward momentum. King’s appointment coincides with the 2023 Church Road Prestige Collection release which, we have on good authority, is an exceptional expression of Church Road’s expertise. As Chris Scott explains, “These wines are the culmination of vintage, environment and the collective skill and knowledge of 126 years of winemaking.” The 2023 collection, now deemed ready for our eager enjoyment, features two exceptional wines from the prestigious TOM range born from the finest vintages. Church Road TOM Syrah 2021 is brooding and graceful and boasts an incredible depth, while the TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2020 is complex and multifaceted — perfect for long-term cellaring. Building on this release, the unique terroir of Church Road’s finest vineyards is showcased in the Church Road 1 Single Vineyard range, including the Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 and the Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2022. Both are definitively triumphant in their own right.
TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2020 and TOM Syrah 2021
Church Road has remained a symbol of outstanding winemaking in New Zealand for more than 125 years — its pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to excellence showing no signs of waning. The introduction of these exceptional new vintages and the inception of the Church Road Art Initiative only reaffirms its commitment to its craft and region alike. This underscores why, just like its wines, Church Road is set to stand the test of time.
Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS Manja Wachsmuth | 3 Nov 2023
Adding to the cultural melting pot that is Auckland’s dining scene comes Tala, a new offering from Chef Henry Onesemo that showcases traditional Samoan flavours in an immersive setting, paying homage to the Chef’s native South Pacific.
Husband and wife duo Henry and Debby Onememo tested the waters for Tala’s concept at a pop-up within modern Filipino favourite, Bar Magda, before committing to a space of their own. As it happens, the desire for elevated Samoan fare is very much there, and Henry, who has worked in the kitchens at some of the city’s most well-respected dining destinations, has something unique to bring to the table.
Left: Cured Salmon & Palusami Croquet. Right: The Snack Plate
Tala takes over the Parnell site that was previously home to the incredibly well-respected institution, Pasture, which recently closed its doors after seven years. Anyone who is familiar with the space will know of its size parameters, and while Tala will have a few more seats than Pasture’s modest seven, it is purposefully intimate — with just 28 spots in total. Tala means story (or tale) in Samoan, and the space itself tells of the South Pacific’s rich culture. An umu, or open fire, sits at the centre and is used in lieu of an oven — imbuing the eatery with a communal feel and allowing diners to watch on as their dishes are prepared by Henry and his team. The space’s ‘cave-like’ feel was imagined by Seear-Budd Ross, the architecture and interiors company that oversaw the fit-out. Here, textured timbers, deeply-hued fabrics and dim lighting all feature, while the low ceilings and heavy concrete all draw together to make for a refined but homely destination.
Left: Chef Henry Onesemo, Cooking Umu Chicken. Right: Umu Chicken Plated
It was important to Henry and Debby to weave traditional aspects of Samoan life into the experience at Tala. Upon arrival, guests will be presented an offering (such is the way in Samoan culture) and be invited to partake in the apa fafano (a traditional hand-washing ceremony) before dining.
When it comes to the menu, Henry has called on fond memories from his childhood to inform his imaginative creations. The aim is to offer fresh insight into Samoa’s traditional dishes and hospitality, with two experiences available that both act as a journey through the flavours — both traditional and modern — typical of Samoan fare. The Chef’s Journey sees diners seated at the Chef’s Counter for a multi-course meal with a front-row seat to the action, and direct access to Henry and his team. The Fāgogo Journey offers a more concise menu, with guests seated in the intimate main space for a more private and casual experience.
Right: Coconut Bread
Diners can expect a host of elevated takes on traditional Samoan favourites such as spatchcock chicken (cooked in the umu) wrapped in banana leaves with herb and citrus, and Sapasui (Samoan chop suey) with lamb and pork belly. Elsewhere, a deeply nostalgic raw ramen makes an appearance, served with taro and banana chips — a dish that Henry says conjures a key ‘food memory’ from his childhood. In fact, these food memories inform a lot of the menu at Tala, where the aim is the offer an entirely unique take. And that it does indeed.
A curated drinks menu boats the perfect pairing for each dish, just ask the staff for their input. There’s also a carefully crafted mocktail menu, as well as a considered list of local wines and beers available.
With plans to extend the space — with the addition of a bar deck this summer, and the promise of an ever-evolving, entirely experimental menu, Tala is the place to be this summer and beyond.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday — 5.30pm until late
Whether you’re a fervent foodie, a cocktail connoisseur or simply a lover of festive cheer, beloved Remuera eatery Síso is the place to be this silly season. From the 9th of November until early January, diners can expect a fully immersive and enchanting experience with the eatery’s ‘Tis The Season Christmas offering, in partnership with Malfy Gin. From visual delights to indulgent eats to refreshing libations and a healthy dose of convivial ambience, there’s no better place to celebrate the joys of the season in impeccable style.
Right: The Merry Fairy
Transforming the establishment into a glittering, whimsical Christmas wonderland, festive decor inspired by the exuberance of London’s The Ivy Chelsea Garden covers every corner. Adding a decidedly antipodean spin, Síso is bringing the vibrancy of summer in the southern hemisphere to life, drawing on the bright colours of Malfy Gin’s bottles (blue and yellow joined by tangerine and a touch of pink) to theme the space.
When it comes to the all-important drinks menu, Síso has teamed up with Malfy Gin to ensure excellence. A uniquely crafted cocktail menu steeped in festive influences features delightfully effervescent gin cocktails in abundance, each a reflection of the radiant and vibrant spirit of Malfy Gin. The Merry Fairy is the height of festive cheer, pairing Malfy Con Arancia with Aperol, Crème de Rose, citrus and fairy floss, while the delightfully fresh and fragrant Síso X Tree sees Malfy Gin Rosa mixed with Lillet Rose, pomegranate, rosemary and Mumm Marlborough Vintage Rose.
Left: The Malfy Bram-Bell
When it comes to the food, in typical Síso fashion, quality produce and beautifully balanced flavours take centre stage. Chef Michael Hill has curated a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired take on the classic Christmas menu, striking a balance between modern and traditional; light and decadent. Here, Akaroa salmon is cured in Malfy Gin’s Con Limon, paired with fermented fennel, cucumber and dill, while pork chop is topped with smoked jus and served alongside panzanella salad, Sicilian olives and pancetta. To finish, an experimental take on trifle sees the traditional variation given a citrus twist with Malfy Gin’s Limon, paired with whipped pannacotta and thyme.
Diners have the option of two or three courses, available for $79 and $99 respectively, and each includes a cocktail on arrival. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot for an end-of-year function, or simply an exceptional meal to get you in the spirit, ’tis the season to visit Síso. Book here.
Somm Cellar Door has quickly earned a reputation for its impeccable wine list and expansive cellar, but perhaps even more impressive is the staff’s extensive expert knowledge. Whether it’s a perfumed pinot from Central Otago or a delicious drop from Church Road that you’re seeking, the team at Somm will deliver excellence in both education and libation alike.
This Saturday, attention will be turned exclusively to chardonnay at Somm as MartinboroughVineyard‘s head winemaker Paul Mason hosts a guided tasting. The educational event will see keen connoisseurs journey through six different vintages, delving into the winemaker’s pursuit of perfection through a series from the vineyard’s library spanning 2011 to the current 2021 release.
Right: Martinborough Vineyard Head Winemaker Paul Mason
It’s no coincidence that chardonnay is the focus here. Martinborough Vineyard’s quest to perfect the region’s venerable style began in 1980, and the stalwart vineyard now has a reputation for producing the very best chardonnay in the world (outside of Burgundy). Mason, who is passionate about the style’s history, will present the impressive fruits of their labour at this one-off tasting afternoon that must not be missed.
Of course, event-goers will be able to sample more than just chardonnay if they so wish, with both the full food and beverage menu available throughout. If you’re anything like us, a trip to Somm simply isn’t complete without first devouring a cheese platter — the smoked brie really is something else (and the perfect accompaniment to a crisp white, too).
Martinborough Vineyard Chardonnay Vintages
The Martinborough Vineyard Vertical Chardonnay Tasting is taking place this Saturday, the 4th of November, and runs from 2.30pm-6pm at Somm. Spots are $30 per tasting, which includes six wines, and walk-ins are welcome.
There are few better ways to enjoy a leisurely afternoon than by indulging in a luxurious afternoon tea — better still when your venue of choice is Park Hyatt Auckland. Here, you’ll find one of the very best in the city, thanks in large part to Callum Liddicoat, the master pastry chef behind the destination’s immaculate treats. From small pastries to savoury treats to moreish sweet indulgences, Park Hyatt Auckland’s famed afternoon tea is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, or simply while away a few hours in culinary bliss.
Park Hyatt Auckland has become renowned for its exquisite slant on the sweeter side of life, and for the month of November, it’s adding to its offering with the addition of the Rose at the Rose Afternoon Tea. This tantalising take on the venue’s already impressive afternoon tea invites diners to immerse themselves in floral decadence, with each course representing and conjuring a bouquet of refined flavours. Taking inspiration from the vibrancy of spring and the crisp, light and fruit-forward flavours of Château Roubine’s renowned Rosé wines, you can expect an exceptional selection of fresh and flavourful fare.
Strawberry confit with tart rhubarb cream and white chocolate, passionfruit curd brioche doughnuts, and kiwifruit, oabika and pineapple tartlets all feature — sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. For those more interested in the savoury delights, there are elevated clubs (the herbed smoked salmon and cream cheese iteration with confit lemon isn’t to be missed), and a selection of beautifully crafted bites including a goat cheese tart with pecan, cranberry and prosciutto and a deliciously light early summer gazpacho with basil and olive oil foam.
Even the most discerning diners are sure to delight in Liddicoat and his team’s latest creative selection. Park Hyatt Auckland’s Rose Afternoon Tea is available throughout November, running Thursday through Sunday from 12pm to 3.30pm. Make sure to book your spot now so you don’t miss out.
Michael Meredith’s impeccable new restaurant, Metita, has officially opened its doors, and the result is even more impressive than we imagined. Named for the Chef’s mother and inspired by his upbringing in Samoa, Metita is a comment on the richness of Polynesian culture, brought to life through Meredith’s incredibly elevated take on Pasifika cuisine — the first eatery of its kind in New Zealand.
Sitting pretty within the SkyCity precinct, Metita occupies the space formerly home to beloved Gusto at The Grand, and it’s fair to say that the newcomer is already living up to the iconic nature of its address. Here, the ethos is to offer an altogether new take on South Pacific cuisine, elevating traditional dishes with modern culinary techniques, inspiring a deeper reverence for our own heartland and connection to Meredith’s native Samoa, something he takes very seriously indeed.
Fire Roasted Tua Tua, Okra, Harissa
The space itself acts as a vessel for storytelling, taking its inhabitants on a journey through to the sights and sounds of the South Pacific — a vision cleverly realised by the team at CTRL Space. The brief was to honour the essence of Pacific culture with clever but subtle nods that speak to the significance of three fundamental aspects of daily life: connection to nature, a strong sense of community and storytelling. The lighting is a feature, subtly resembling fishing baskets and tropical flowers, while the palette reflects the ever-changing colours of the ocean and sky. A midnight blue ombre rendering on the walls draws the eye upwards, the colours becoming deeper on the ascension, leaving diners feeling as if they’re gazing at a resplendent night sky. Elsewhere, the link to the South Pacific continues with woven elements and lush verdant greenery.
Seating is a mix of cosy booths, flanked by a series of smaller tables, the layout giving the space a communal feel. This theme is continued elsewhere, too; in the kitchen, a bustling hive of activity where chefs are stationed around a large shared workstation, while at Metita’s entrance, a space it shares with SkyCity Grand, there are a number of tall tables where guests are encouraged to gather casually, be it for a quick bite or a knock-off drink with friends, in an in-between space that feels entirely part of the action. The culmination of all of these carefully considered elements is a restaurant that feels homely but elevated, striking a beautiful balance between modernity and informality — here, you can easily picture yourself enjoying a casual, solo weeknight bite or settling in with a group of friends to enjoy a convivial Saturday evening meal.
Pickled Pometia
When it comes to the food itself, as expected with Meredith’s resume in the mix, the results are exceptional. The concise, considered and experimental menu brings together a plethora of textures, flavours and techniques, calling on a unique ingredients list to deliver something truly groundbreaking. Anyone familiar with Pasifika cuisine will be delighted to discover that many traditional favourites take centre stage (pork hock, paua and taro all feature), but what truly makes these dishes stand out is Meredith’s inspired, modern reimagining of them.
Charcoal Margarita
Book in for the Toana’i Long Lunch and you’ll be met with a corned beef bun paired with lardo and caviar, or fried pork hock served alongside sapa sui (Samoa’s famed chop suey). Opt for the tasting menu and you’ll find the likes of paua served with ulu, paneer and burnt orange, fe’e (octopus), veal tongue with green papaya and panipopo (Samoan coconut buns) to finish. If you have the time, though, it’s the three-course sharing menu that we suggest. A gastronomical journey through the Pacific, the menu acts to highlight the very best of Metita’s offerings and is an experience that feels brand new. Here, everything is sublime, but the fire-roasted Tua Tua served with okra and harissa is a dish not to be missed.
Left: Pasifik Koko. Right: Clarified Piña Colada
Of course, the food is accompanied by an impressive list of cocktails, with a focus on the fragrant rums of the South Pacific, and an extensive list of New Zealand wines — much of which is on display in the deep mahogany shelving that lines the eatery. Metita’s signature clarified mai tai is a definite highlight, a treat for both the eyes and the palette, this lively libation is inspired by the vivid colours of the breathtaking To Sua Ocean Trench and as such, features a heady mix of light and dark rum, blue curacao, orgeat and lime. The clarified piña colada is another highlight, comprising five-year-old rum, pineapple rum, falernum, pineapple, toasted coconut and lime, and made to represent the bright yellow tones of the flag of Niue.
Elsewhere on the menu, the pickled pometia is the restaurant’s exceptional answer to a Gibson martini, replacing the drink’s typical pickled onion with pickled longan (an island lychee). And for anyone steering clear of the booze, we’d suggest turning your attention to the charcoal margarita.
Metita’s Private Dining Room
For those looking for a casual bite, Metita’s snack menu offers exactly that, featuring an inspired take on oysters (cooked in bone marrow), crisp lamb ribs, smoked eel with spiced banana, crab and puffed taro and king salmon housed in betel leaf, topped with pickled mango and roe. And for those seeking the opposite, when a special occasion is on the horizon and you’re looking for an intimate dining space to bring people together, look no further than Metita’s exceptionally well-appointed private dining room. The space seats up to 26, but can just as easily cater to small numbers, and brings the very best of Metita’s interiors into focus to create a space well worthy of your attention.
Adding to the cultural melting pot that is the SkyCity precinct, Metita gives Polynesian cuisine the stage it so deserves, bringing something entirely new to the Auckland dining scene that is a welcome addition indeed.
Opening hours Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 5pm until 9:30pm Lunch: Sunday, 11:30am until 3pm Bar: Monday to Friday, from 8am Saturday & Sunday, from 11:30am
Upon opening its doors late last year, Bivacco quickly solidified itself as the place to be for after-work drinks and leisurely weekend lunches alike, offering up views that span the iconic Viaduct Harbour, exceptional fare, an extensive list of libations and consistently good vibes to match. Now, adding to the list of reasons to visit, the beloved dining institution is taking things up a notch, adding regular DJ sessions to its remit.
Bivacco’s Sundown Sessions — running from now until the end of March — promise the perfect setting for summer satiation, with an ever-rotating lineup of DJs every Friday and Saturday and seasonal drinks specials (including a series of summer punches, but we’ll get to those shortly), best enjoyed at one of their long tables and shared with friends. Here, as the sun goes down, the volume goes up.
The hospitality destination’s dedication to aperitivo hour will never change. In fact, if you’re looking to push the boat out (no judgment here), Friday evenings will see this elevated further, inspiring you to celebrate the end of the working week in style. Running from 4pm to 6pm (as it does Monday through Thursday), Bivacco welcomes punters to delight in an array of champagne, cocktail, Peroni (and now, punch) specials, accompanied by complimentary bites.
One of the best spots in the city to make the most of the longer, warmer nights, Bivacco’s extensive list of drinks has something for every taste and proclivity, and the addition of three new, summer-focused punches is a welcome one. The Frutta sees wild strawberries muddled with pineapple, orange, lemonade and a healthy splash of vodka, while the Tazza Di Whisky is Bivacco’s take on an elevated whisky & dry, pairing Glenmorangie, rose vermouth, lime, mint and ginger ale. The Passione Fragola came up trumps for us, though, as citrus, strawberry, grapefruit and passionfruit are blended with vodka to create the ultimate taste of the tropics. If punch isn’t your thing, the margs are a modest $15 and there’s four to choose from: coconut, chilli, passionfruit or original.
When it comes to the food, look no further than their beloved selection of flavourful pizzas. From classic Margherita to mushroom, to spicy salami and a delightful goats cheese iteration, the concise menu features something for everyone’s tastes.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better perch from which to watch the sun go down this summer season. With a stunning vista, an impressive host of drinks specials, fantastic fare, and now, the addition of rousing DJ sets every Friday and Saturday from 4pm – 6pm at Bivacco’s Sundown Sessions, there’s only one thing for it. Make your booking here.
Adding to an impressive laundry list of achievements — including the recent success of their first joint venture, Duo — hospitality maestros (and husband and wife) Sarah and Jordan Macdonald are bringing an impressive new eatery, Osteria Uno, to Birkenhead.
Those residing on the North Shore can now add this delightful Italian spot to their regular dining rotation, as Osteria Uno opens its doors on Birkenhead’s main strip this coming Thursday. Here, the focus is on elevated but approachable Italian, and diners can expect to be met with simple, seasonal fare where fresh, handcrafted pasta is the star of the show.
Left: Creste di Gallo. Right: Crayfish Maritozzi
The pair’s take on a traditional Italian osteria is inspired, which isn’t altogether surprising given their past endeavours. Jordan is who we have to thank for CBD haunts Culprit, Lowbrow and Little Culprit, while Sarah can count Chef at Woodpecker Hill, Culprit and Fed Deli and Masterchef contestant as strings in her bow. The pair opened Duo in March last year and have since solidified the neighbourhood spot as one of the city’s best for elevated brunch and dinner in a relaxed setting.
Left: Rigatoni
Left: Arancino. Right: Strawberries with Yoghurt Mousse
Building on this, quite literally, the team have now taken over the space directly adjacent to Duo, transforming it into a modern Italian eatery. With a vision to create something paired-back but truly unique, Sarah and Jordan engaged Architect Kirsty Mitchell for the fit-out. Having already worked on Duo, Culprit and Lowbrow — she was the obvious choice. Her approach was simple: to marry the building’s existing heritage elements with contemporary touches and create something time-honoured, sophisticated and non-pretentious. She certainly met the brief. Mitchell opted to keep the somewhat scrappy original stained glass windows and brick tile walls (painstakingly stripped back over many attempts by Jordan), adding rich sanguine banquette seating, dark mahogany tables and a heavy marble bench to the space, resulting in a relaxed setting where you can easily imagine yourself spending a leisurely Saturday evening.
Left: Casarecce. Right: Tiramisu
Grilled Courgette
In Osteria Uno’s kitchen, distinguished Chef Gleber Chaparro (formerly Lilian, Amano, Depot and Sugar Club) is at the helm, having recently returned from a stint at Michelin-starred Disfrutar in Barcelona. Pasta making is an art Chaparro takes seriously (anyone who has visited Amano during his tenure will concur) and the quality here is unparalleled. Standout iterations include the casarecce with asparagus and cavalo nero pesto and the bucatini with mussels and fermented chilli butter. For those opting to skip the pasta in favour of a selection of smaller bites, there’s whipped fish roe with crisps, beef tartare pizza fritta with pecorino, or raw market fish crudo with Clevedon Buffalo curd and Sicilian olive. To finish on a high note, the macerated strawberries with buffalo yoghurt mousse is a must.
Left: Pizza Fritta, Fish Crudo & Burrata. Right: Spaghettini
Italian varietals fill Osteria Uno’s wine list, with a few New Zealand and French additions, and the Italian-inspired cocktails are a delight — the limoncello pomelo spritz is the ultimate summer satiation. For beer lovers, you’ll find ice-cold Peroni on tap.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 4.30pm until late
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Soul Bar & Bistro. Sure to be an instant sell-out, the final Soul Punch Sunday of the year is set to be full of festive cheer, sashaying us into the silly season in style. The lights will be twinkling, the bells will be jingling and Soul Bar & Bistro will be serving up a day of unmissable mingling as the viaduct stalwart is transformed into a grotto of fantastic festive fun.
Taking place on Sunday the 26th of November from 12pm until 6pm, Soul Punch’s Christmas-themed affair will certainly be a party to remember. Tickets are $125 per person and will include a flute of Mumm Grand Cordon on arrival, a delicious three-course set menu, cocktail tasters and, as always, an exceptional line-up of DJs. Rock around the Christmas tree to sets by Fabio Bataglia, Brotherhoodjz, DJ Venetia and surprise special guests, sure to get the party well and truly started.
Kick off the silly season in style with the ultimate Sunday session at Soul. Tickets for Soul Punch are available now — be sure to secure yours here before they’re gone.
Somehow, we’ve blinked and it’s October. Labour Day is upon us, and with it comes the final long weekend of 2023. Luckily for those spending a leisurely few days in the city, there’s a host of fabulous food-related goings-on to fill the days. From the best local openings to where to take the kids to dine for free, Denizen has rounded up where to celebrate all things foodie and frivolous in Auckland this Labour weekend.
Ahi steward Ben Bayly’s much-loved TV show is about to air its third season, and once again the esteemed Chef has drawn on his learnings and discoveries whilst filming to bolster the restaurant’s already impressive offering. The result is a new tasting menu that pays homage to Aotearoa’s natural resources; pairing exceptional local ingredients with produce grown at Ahi’s organic gardens to create something truly unique. The concise menu, aptly dubbed ‘The New Zealand Food Story’, is exactly that: a tale of Aotearoa’s abundance, from the land to the sea and back again. Here, there is a focus on underutilised ingredients, think long-finned eel and yellow foot queen pāua served alongside the likes of Coromandel mussel bhaji and ever-changing seasonal salads. The tasting menu, available now and indefinitely, includes four snacks and four courses, plus an additional two koha items. At $165 per person secure your spot here.
Make your long weekend plans with the kids extra special and treat the whole family to a meal at Commercial Bay’s magnifique French destination: Origine. Serving consistently delicious French fare with spectacular views to match, Origine has solidified itself as a go-to spot for elevated dining and family outings alike. With a menu boasting French favourites from faux foie gras (a delectable truffle and duck liver pate) to steak haché (a classic French minced eye fillet steak with green peppercorn sauce & fries), to pinot braised boeuf bourguignon and les moules (an earthy-sweet saffron broth brimming with green lipped mussels and scampi), there’s something for everyone — including the mini gastronomic connoisseurs amongst us. The kids’ menu is a delight, featuring butterfish gougers with buttery peas and fries, fresh-handmade, buttered pasta with new-season asparagus, lamb vol au vents (a scrumptious French pie) and more. The clincher? Kids aged 12 and under now dine for free on the weekends. Merci beaucoup!
A tasty new offering is landing at Somm just in time for the long weekend. Now, every Sunday, Somm is offering two for one on their utterly delicious pizzas — perfect when paired with a crisp drop from their extensive cellar. Somm takes their pizza making seriously, with a 72-hour poolish dough that would delight even without the considered list of toppings. When it comes to choosing flavours, however, the potato, truffle, thyme and smoked brie is a sensation not to be missed, while the raclette, ‘nduja, honey and rosemary is a delightfully failsafe crowd pleaser. Somm’s menu has been carefully crafted to go hand-in-hand with any number of the exquisite wines on offer (pizzas included), so be sure to consult one of their trusted wine stewards who are on hand to ensure you’re selecting the perfect pairing. Sunday satiation has never looked better.
Broke Boy Taco, the hugely popular pop-up serving epic, cult-status birra tacos, has laid down roots in Mount Albert and we’re sure the loyal legions will flock. This long weekend, be one of the first to frequent what will undoubtedly soon be a mainstay in Auckland’s casual dining scene, and indulge in any number of chef Sean Yarbrough’s impressive signature tacos.
To mark Veuve Clicquot’s 250th anniversary, Bivacco has this week unveiled its very own interpretation of the classic Veuve Clicquot x burger pairing, drawing inspiration from the iconic 1964 New Yorker ad which saw a burger and glass of Clicquot dubbed the (un)official après l’Opera snack. Celebrating the storied wine maison and its unmissable yellow label, Bivacco has crafted a burger that borrows tasting notes from the signature crisp freshness of Clicquot. The result? A delightful scallop and prawn patty dressed with guindilla mayonnaise, topped with a handful of crisp lollo rosso to add a touch of crunch, all housed in a pillowy soft bun. Bivacco’s perfect pairing is available at the bar only, for a limited time so book your spot for the long weekend here now.
Mount Eden has just welcomed a cute new spot serving up delicious Korean-style doughnuts that deserve a place on your long weekend menu. Korean-born Chef, Eunsun Jung, is who we have to thank for Small Mercies’ delectable offering, which heroes Kkwabaegi (a traditional twisted Korean doughnut) and features experimental takes on local Korean delicacies such as Chapssal (glutinous rice doughnut balls) and Yakgwa (deliciously sweet, syrup-soaked biscuits) – all equally delicious. Small Mercies has all the makings of the perfect spot to come together with friends and indulge this weekend and beyond.
The newest bar and eatery from the maestros behind Ponsonby’s ever-popular Lucky 8 and Mount Eden’s Mr Hao is Jungle 8, and as the name may suggest, it’s a sight to behold. Taking inspiration from the bustling, fast-paced cities and countries of Southeast Asia, Jungle 8 offers not only a modern take on authentic Vietnamese street food, but also a space that brings the ‘organised madness and explosive energy’ of Southeast Asia to life. Set to be firmly on the radar of anyone looking to enjoy an evening of cheap and cheerful eats in an entirely immersive setting, Elliot Stables’ newest resident is sure to draw a crowd this summer season. Secure your spot for the long weekend ahead (while the masses are out of town) and experience the very best sights, sounds and flavours of Southeast Asia.
In the second instalment of its pop-up series in collaboration with Crayon, this long weekend Annabel’s is once again serving up an evening of jazz, great wine and delectable fare. Returning from a two-year hiatus, the Turtlenecks trio will be jamming out front of the neighbourhood wine bar from 8-9.30pm, so head there early to secure your spot at one of the outside tables, grab a glass from the carefully curated wine list, and ease into the long weekend in style.
Jervois Steakhouse’s hotly anticipated new seasonal menu has landed just in time for leisurely long weekend dining; the host of new dishes a delicious representation of the vibrancy of spring. A sharing cut of savannah rib eye served on the bone has been added, much to the delight of frequent diners, while zesty, Asian flavours sing in the gochujang glazed calamari. The Ponsonby institution’s much-loved West Coast whitebait fritters are back, the lemon butter sauce drizzled over top so irresistible that we considered taking a sip, and the French-inspired market fish du jour with petits pois and pancetta is the embodiment of spring fare. Secure your table for the weekend here, and enjoy the very best of the current season.
Otto hour has landed at Andiamo this week, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend a languorous long weekend afternoon. Otto translates to lucky number 8 in Italian, and lucky it is indeed, with an elevated selection of drinks during Otto hour priced at a modest $8. Running the happy hour from 4-5pm daily was a considered choice, timed to inspire locals to make like the Italians and take a moment of repose to enjoy the warmth of the late afternoon sun. Open throughout the long weekend, we encourage you to perch at one of Andiamo’s highly sought-after outdoor tables surrounding their Jervois Road post and live la dolce vita. Book here.
Giving us yet another reason to park up at one of Depot’s tall tables, Al Brown and his team have introduced a small selection of new dishes to the menu just in time for the weekend ahead. Capitalising on the height of asparagus season, Depot has added a ‘nduja and ricotta iteration that sees the hallmark of spring produce grilled to perfection. Elsewhere on the menu, wood-fired Cloudy Bay tua tua are paired with chorizo butter; melt-in-the-mouth kahawai is served spiced alongside smoky baba ganoush and tart pickled capsicums; and a braised leek flatbread with pickled fennel and beurre hblanc is a must-try. And as is the case with all of Depot’s offering, each of the new dishes are best when shared, so round up your friends and venture into the city this long weekend. There’s free parking for SkyCity patrons for the month of October, too.
Taking inspiration from the bustling, fast-paced cities and countries of Southeast Asia, Jungle 8 is the newest venture from the team behind Ponsonby’s ever-popular Lucky 8 and Mount Eden-based Mr Hao. Paul Wong, Julian Diprose, and Lucas Boucly have set out to create an entirely new offering in Lucky 8 — shaking up the downtown dining scene with not only a modern take on authentic Vietnamese street food but a space that brings the ‘organised madness and explosive energy’ of Southeast Asia to life.
First impressions are everything, and the newly transformed space within Elliot Stables packs a punch. Upon entry, patrons (or party-goers, depending on when you visit) are transported directly to the streets of the southeast. Carefully crafted to emulate the feeling of stepping out of an airport, into the vibrant atmosphere of a frenetic Asian metropolis, Jungle 8 is an immersive, neon-lit, plant-filled oasis.
A series of roof-mounted LED screens envelop the space, playing a loop of jungle-inspired scenes, while a stalking tiger illuminates the long, greenery-dressed bar. Cosy, concave booths line the rustic, exposed brick walls which are adorned with a host of jungle creatures, while tall tables fill the central space for those looking to truly get in on the action.
In keeping with the theme of 8 (the number associated in Chinese culture with generating wealth — and that it will) most dishes and drinks are priced at a modest $8.88, meaning tasting everything on the concise and considered menu is entirely plausible.
Of course, the classics take centre stage — from aromatic wagyu pho, to Vietnamese mainstay — pork Banh Mi, to crisp spring rolls brimming with soft crab and spiced pork (some of the best we’ve tasted); served alongside modern takes such as crispy, subtly spiced eggplant, hot and sour salmon and a show stopping young coconut and prawn salad, all accompanied by cocktails that conjure heady southeast streets. The bar’s signature libation, aptly named ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, is a perfect mix of guava nectar, triple sec, spiced rum, tart lime and Tabasco, topped with crisp chilli guava chips, while its espresso martini iteration — made with traditional Vietnamese coffee and condensed milk — is the perfect post-dinner pick-me-up.
A true feast for the senses, boasting cheap and cheerful fare in a setting sure to delight, Jungle 8 is set to be the new go-to destination for casual eats and good times. Secure your spot now to get in on the action.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
