Sabato de Sarno’s latest collection for Gucci speaks of encounters, or ‘incontri’, between the city and the beach, a collective reference approached both quite literally in Sarno’s surf-inspired wares and bright, bold colours, and more subtly in the collection’s utilitarian forms. Here, we round up our favourite looks, from elevated yet informal suiting to bold prints to pops of neon and blush.
When it came time to hand over the keys after a week spent behind the wheel of Lexus’ first-ever LBX, I realised just how much I’d enjoyed driving this car. Zipping around the city can be a somewhat (read: very) stressful affair, given my rambunctious toddler is often along for the ride, but this week I truly enjoyed my time spent navigating the streets of Auckland — even as my daughter made her many demands known from the back seat.
I’ll admit that these days, given my life of two halves (spent between toddler pick ups, drop offs, and play dates, and navigating the demands of deadlines, meetings, and events), when it comes to my vehicle, two things are essential: practicality and ease. As I took off in the LBX, I quickly realised that I had found the pinnacle of both in one sleek SUV.
Setting off in the car for the first time, I was immediately struck by the interior, which felt surprisingly spacious (given the car’s modest size), with carefully considered, luxurious finishes adding a sense of comfort I’ve only ever experienced in ultra high-end vehicles. From the monochromatic seating rendered in leather and Ultrasuede™ to the beautifully soft steering trim, the LBX felt just as plush as many of Lexus’ larger, more pricey models. The dashboard’s design is clean and uncluttered, and the central touchscreen is a great size and simple to use, although given the built-in voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay, I barely touched it at all. The head up display just beyond the steering wheel was new to me, but proved helpful for ensuring my driving speed was in keeping with the local speed limits without taking my eyes off the road ahead.
“The driver-vehicle connection felt seamless, while the hybrid powertrain featuring a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine, and high-output bipolar hybrid battery made for an efficient drive.”
As I settled into the car and discovered more about its nuances, the superior handling and the smoothness of the driving experience ultimately won me over. While Lexus is known for considered vehicles that offer exceptional drives, the new, luxuriously crafted hybrid LBX takes the marque’s modus operandi to new heights.
Catering to discerning drivers seeking luxury and practicality, this car is perfectly suited to urbanites with an active lifestyle — particularly given the brand’s move towards a more personalised offering in the LBX. In a move away from vehicle ‘grades’, the LBX ushers in Lexus’ ‘moods’ — meaning that the three iterations of the LBX (Active, Cool, and Relax) are tailored to the behaviour and mood of the unique driver — reflecting individual lifestyles and aesthetics.
My LBX was a ‘Cool’ and, as such, looked sleek and sophisticated no matter the angle. An All-Wheel drive with 18” black alloy wheels and a slick exterior combining a low-slung bonnet, aligned roof, and contoured bumper, in this car, the driver-vehicle connection felt seamless, while the hybrid powertrain featuring a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine, and high-output bipolar hybrid battery made for an efficient drive.
The LBX is ultra smooth and comfortable to drive. The hybrid system is near-silent, while the engine, when it does fire up, barely makes a thrum (I had to check more than once whether the car was actually on). From the driver’s seat, you feel high off the road and can barely detect bumps, while the steering, accelerating, and braking were the smoothest I’ve experienced.
When I took to the open road, I found that the LBX also cleverly adjusts acceleration and deceleration based on road conditions, while the All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control function ensures a secure gap from the vehicle in front by matching its speed, adding an extra layer of safety — something that gave me real peace of mind with my daughter in the car. And when it came to slotting myself into many a tricky parallel park on Ponsonby Road, the LBX’s front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera did the heavy lifting for me — the 360-degree bird’s eye view camera adding an extra level of comfort that I now don’t think I can go without.
Ultimately, what I found in the Lexus LBX was a car perfectly tailored to my current lifestyle. Prioritising comfort, ease, safety, and, yes, style at every turn — from the sleek exterior to the plush interiors, hybrid tech, impeccable handling, practical size, and exterior that exudes style and presence that transcends its size, this is a car made for fast-paced life in the city — offering not only the means to get you from one place to the next, but a moment of reprieve while doing so. I think it’s fair to say that I’ve found my next runabout, the only question is… can I pull off blue?
While Burgout may be a pared-back, casual takeaway burger joint, to owner Youngkaung Lee, it’s much more. The culmination of his passion for great food, a homage to his Korean heritage, and the realisation of a lifelong dream to open a place of his own, Burgout — Auckland’s newest grab-and-go eatery, is a unique spot indeed.
In dreaming up his first solo venture, having cheffed for 11 years, including as part of the opening team at another casual eatery in the city, Lee sought to bring something novel to Auckland’s diverse dining scene. Looking to his heritage for inspiration, he landed on a Korean-style burger concept, and set to work crafting a series of mouthwatering burgers and sides that would honour his heartland while leaning into the gastronomic art of simplicity.
As such, the menu is concise and considered, with five burgers and two sides, served alongside a number of tasty drinks — with Korean milkshakes soon to join the fold. The Classic Burger is exactly that, a classic combination of double smash patties and double cheese, while the Chicken Burger featuring Korean chicken and traditional yangnyeom chicken sauce offers a flavourful taste of Korea. Burgout’s Signature Burger sees a handmade beef patty marinated with Korean BBQ (bulgogi) sauce, while the delectable Prawn Burger offers a unique take, with a handmade prawn patty paired with coleslaw and mustard mayo. There is also a delicious Vegetable Burger on the menu, brimming with crisp vegetable tempura.
When it comes to the sides, mouthwatering Korean chicken strips are served with the same, traditional yangnyeom chicken sauce you’ll find in the Chicken Burger, while the fries are served with Lee’s special seasoning — an essential add-on to any meal.
The space itself is pared-back and lends itself to the casual, grab-and-go vibe, with an open kitchen and tiled counter reminiscent of an American diner, with a Korean-inspired slant. But really, the experience of Burgout is in Lee’s evident passion for his craft. Preparing everything himself by hand, and striving to greet every customer that comes through the door, Lee is elevating the experience of a takeaway spot — bringing a true taste of Korea, both the food and the hospitality, to the neighbourhood community of Onehunga.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday, 11am until 8pm
Burgout
34c Oranga Ave
Onehunga
Auckland
French furniture manufacturer Ligne Roset is known for enlisting the expertise of some of the world’s most revered contemporary designers to create instantly iconic pieces — including Michel Ducaroy’s Togo chair, Yabu Pushelberg’s Pukka series, Pierre Paulin’s Pumpkin chair, and many more. A piece from the iconic brand is always a worthwhile investment, so timeless and enduring are the designs, and now — thanks to a shift in showrooms, you have the rare opportunity to secure a coveted designer piece for a fraction of the price.
With all showroom stock reduced by up to seventy percent, and the likes of the Togo large settee in a stunning moss green and the ever-iconic Ploum sofa, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, on offer, we’re certain this is one designer sale you don’t want to miss. Only on until next weekend (Saturday the 22nd of June), we suggest you get in quick!
Ligne Roset's Auckland Showroom
299 Great North Road
Grey Lynn
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, trends (particularly those attached to colour palettes and tones) tend to ebb and flow with the seasons. Some, however, have staying power, and when it comes to conceiving a colour for the interior of your home, looking to hues that draw from nature will guarantee a degree of timeless appeal. This season, it is the combination of earthy olive greens and clean cream tones that we are loving, a pairing that promises to infuse any living space with warmth, sophistication and a touch of the natural world.
Olive green, reminiscent of lush foliage and offering a sense of calm tranquillity, serves as the anchor of this aesthetic palette. Its muted tones exude a sense of understated luxury making it an ideal backdrop for any room in the house. Paired with creamy neutrals, such as soft ivory or warm taupe, olive green takes on an elevated elegance, and can easily be used to create a space that feels simultaneously cosy and chic. Of course, before considering any major colour changes, it is always to the experts at Resene that we turn first, who not only know how to combine colours in a way that brings out the best of each, but who posses a deep understanding of the kinds of olive and cream hues that will work specifically.
For those seeking a contemporary look, pairing olive green walls with sleek, minimalist furniture and metallic accents can create a sophisticated urban oasis. Look at colours like Resene Miso and Resene Iko Iko to achieve the best outcome, and pair them with others like Resene Organic or Resene Rewilding, to get that olive and cream combination down perfectly. Alternatively, using a tone like Resene Beryl Green as the base and incorporating olive green accents in hues like Resene Gold and Resene Xanadu will, particularly when paired with natural textures and luxurious upholstery, lend a cool, rustic charm to your space.
In today’s fast-paced world, creating a sanctuary where one can unwind and recharge is more important than ever, and thanks to its organic hues inspired by the outdoors, this calming colour combination fosters a sense of tranquillity and balance, turning any room into a retreat from the stress and busyness of daily life.
As beloved for its delicious food as it is for its coveted outdoor tables — thoroughly heated across the cooler months, Andiamo is the perfect place to while away a leisurely few hours in culinary bliss. And now, the stalwart eatery is giving us the perfect excuse to lock in a long lunch, introducing its decidedly decadent menu as part of its ‘Andiamo Recommends’ series, centred on Te Kairanga’s exceptional wines and the seasonal delicacy everyone is coveting — truffle.
Here, the likes of Truffle Risotto with fried enoki mushroom and crème fraîche (best when paired with the 2021 Te Kairanga John Martin Chardonnay), are on offer alongside Charred Leek Pizza with walnut, goats cheese, and truffle honey, Maritozzi with truffle and pecorino crema, and a mouthwatering Short Rib Fazzoletti with celeriac béchamel.
The best bit? You’ll be treated to two courses (with the option to add sides for the table), and an exceptional glass of wine, all for a modest $40.
Or, if Andiamo is your go-to neighbourhood haunt, and you simply can’t stray from your go-to, there’s the tasty option to enhance any dish, at any time, with fresh shavings of locally sourced black truffle for just $10. So, what are you waiting for?
As one of the first areas in the country to plant New Zealand Pinot Noir and to put it on the map globally, Martinborough offers an arguably more complex and interesting palate than its contemporaries. Martinborough Vineyard is one of the region’s most historic wineries, and an iconic producer of New Zealand Pinot Noir, with their impeccable new release — the sixth iteration of their lauded ‘Marie Zelie’ Reserve Pinot Noir, taking this mantle to new heights.
A rare and coveted fine wine carrying the hallmarks of Martinborough Vineyard’s pioneering style and impeccable reputation, Marie Zelie is a wine made only in outstanding vintages, with this 2019 vintage being only the sixth release of its kind across the past 20 years, and the first in over a decade.
The 2019 vintage is Chief Winemaker Paul Mason’s fourth Marie Zelie, within which parcels from some of New Zealand’s oldest Pinot Noir vines were carefully cultivated by Viticulturist Dave Shepherd, hand-picked, and pressed. Aged for 13 months in selected French oak barriques, the wine was bottled in July 2020 and has spent four years resting in Martinborough Vineyard’s cellar awaiting it’s anticipated release. The resulting drop is elegant, sophisticated and seamless, displaying the finest hallmarks of a great Martinborough Pinot Noir; brooding intensity, richness, and depth of flavour. It is extremely limited in volume with just five barrels selected, resulting in only 1,471 coveted bottles of the 2019 vintage.
Having already been awarded 98 Points by top US critic James Suckling, this wine will represent a strong proposition to connoisseurs considering it alongside its Burgundian counterparts.
To be among the first to try this incredible drop, secure a spot at The Hotel Britomart’s celebration of the new release on Thursday, June 20th. Join Chief Winemaker Paul Mason and wine storyteller David Nash at an intimate degustation dinner, with Marie Zelie wines matched with a five-course degustation menu, curated by The Libraries executive chef Andrew Lautenbach. Tickets are $199 per person, and bookings can be made here.
Sign up to the Foley Wine Club here to be amongst the first to access this limited allocation wine.
This competition is now closed.
Joining the exceptional eateries within the Commercial Bay One Queen dining precinct is Kome, a vibrant new sake bar and eatery that marries Japanese culinary tradition with the vibrancy of New Zealand’s produce to offer a novel dining experience.
Kome’s founders bring together a diverse culinary skillset and years of collective expertise, united by a shared desire to craft memorable dining experiences, and a joint passion for the art of sake. “Drawing from the essence of rice, our aim is to offer an innovative dining experience centred around sake and inventive dishes that showcase a harmony of flavours,” Kome’s co-founders tell me.
On the food front, the offering is Japanese-inspired, made with the freshest New Zealand ingredients. Come lunchtime, Kome offers delightful lunch boxes filled with a variety of flavourful dishes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Each lunch box is carefully crafted to showcase a unique melange of flavours and textures, providing a delicious taste of Japan with a Kiwi slant.
For dinner, Kome’s Izakaya menu takes centre stage, featuring an array of small plates and shareable dishes that highlight the best of both Japanese and New Zealand culinary traditions. From succulent seafood sourced from local waters, to seasonal vegetables bursting with flavour, each dish is thoughtfully prepared and sure to satisfy. Whether you’re craving sushi rolls with fresh seafood, or savoury skewers grilled to perfection, the delectable Izakaya menu offers something to delight every palate.
On the drinks menu, Hiro Kawahara — seasoned sommelier and director of Somm Cellars, has led the charge, lending his expertise in liquor — from premium Japanese drinks to unique New Zealand wines, sake, and whisky, to create an unmatched offering. Here, quality and creativity reign supreme, and as such, you’ll find an extensive sake list alongside inventive cocktails and a curated wine list, all of which will pair perfectly with the exceptional fare on offer.
The space itself has been meticulously crafted in collaboration with the hospitality specialists at Izzard Design, known for their unmatched attention to detail and innovative approach to fit-outs. Working closely with Borntobeafro Limited, Kome’s brand designer, Izzard Design curated a space blending modern elegance with the vibrancy and off-beat style of Japanese Izakaya street culture. Drawing inspiration from the energy of the waterfront spot and Japan’s cultural heritage, the design team worked tirelessly to craft an inviting space that enhances the culinary journey. From sleek furniture to thoughtful lighting, every aspect reflects Kome’s commitment to excellence in creating unforgettable dining experiences.
From the moment you step foot in Kome, you’re immersed in the vibrant culinary culture of Japan — it’s casual yet considered ambience, attentive service, exceptional food and drinks, and warm, inviting atmosphere transporting you to another place and time.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday, 11:30am until 10pm
Kome
Commercial Bay
Level 2
7 Queen Street
Auckland
If you haven’t visited Matisse’s incredible new flagship showroom, you’re missing out. Nestled in the heart of Auckland’s design district, at 130 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Matisse’s new location not only marks a moment of evolution for the brand, but stands as the embodiment of the elevated and globally-renowned design on which Matisse has built its reputation. From its incredible layout to its fine finishes, this new showroom is a celebration of 12 of the most renowned international furniture, kitchen, bathroom and lighting marques under one roof, and has come together in such a way as to rival any design showroom of a similar ilk around the world.
Across a sprawling ground floor and two upper levels, you’ll find a thoughtful curation of kitchens, finishes, and furnishings, with many incredible brands exclusively available at Matisse in New Zealand. To mark Matisse’s official move to 130 St Georges Bay Road, leaving behind their old address entirely as an exciting new era for the brand dawns, there are a number of incredible, iconic designs on a rare discount — giving you the opportunity to shop an extensive range of designer pieces at up to 80% off.
With sale pieces available from 99 The Strand, or a smaller selection also available to view and shop online, this is a rare chance to secure a piece of premium design at unparalleled prices.
Here, we round up our Editors’ picks from the sale. From a grey-white Camaleonda sofa to a striking pendant by Carlo Colombo for Penta to the Soda coffee table by Miniforms in a jewel-like amethyst, there are countless pieces sure to elevate any aesthetic vision.
For our sins, we can’t resist the undeniable allure of travel destinations favoured by the world’s most-known figures. Somehow, the seal of approval from celebrity royalty (and, in this case, real-life royalty) carries far more weight than a star rating or review ever could. We were pleasantly surprised to recently discover that Fiji — just a short three hour flight away, is home to many private island resorts that often play host to some of the world’s most notable names, with one destination in particular in hot demand amongst this cohort.
Offering utterly luxurious accommodation at one of Fiji’s most picturesque locations, Vatuvara Private Islands offers guests not only unparalleled amenities, but an unprecedented immersion into Fiji’s magnificent culture. Just three secluded villas, across 800 acres, meld into the island’s lush landscape at Vatuvara, offering an unmatched level of privacy. The villas, as you’d expect given the resort’s calibre, set a new benchmark for luxury travel — each perched cliffside above the Pacific’s shimmering azure waters, complete with a heated infinity pool, personal massage room (and private masseuse), expansive decks, and your very own white sand beach. When it comes to dining (as with everything else at Vatuvara) the focus here is a light touch. The entire island runs on solar-power, with an organic farm and greenhouse providing food for the island’s two on-site restaurants.
At both full-service, five-star eateries, every aspect of the food on offer is approached with respect and reverence for the land and ocean surrounds — from the fresh fish caught sustainably from the surrounding ocean waters, to the virgin coconut oil produced from the island’s many coco palms, and lagoon sea salt — sourced directly from the surrounding Pacific waters. The resort is also home to an impressive fitness and wellness centre, with all of the amenities to continue (or level up) your routine — from yoga to boxing, Pelotons, reformers, and more, plus a 20-metre lap pool. And if it’s culture, or adventure, that you seek, you’ll find both here aplenty.
From exploring one of the most exotic natural reserves in the world to enjoying a multitude of exceptional activities — from hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, and exploring uninhabited islands nearby, to immersive cultural events that offer unmatched insight into the charming Fijian way of life. At Vatuvara, guests are invited not only to observe the exquisite environment that surrounds them, but to engage in an experience that is so special, it is impossible to replicate.
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