Viaduct Harbour favourite Bivacco has long been one of our go-tos for after-work drinks or delicious weekend meals with friends. Now, the eatery has just released tickets for its third iteration of ‘In Fashion’ — drawing us down to the waterfront for a fabulous event showcasing Elle & Riley Cashmere and Partridge Jewellers.
Here, on Thursday 6th June, the Viaduct Harbour destination will play host to a fashion show by Elle & Riley and Partridge Jewellers and a special lunch where attendees are invited to indulge in an exceptional three-course shared menu featuring Bivacco’s signature dishes while immersing themselves in the elegance of Elle & Riley’s Winter 2024 collection of luxurious cashmere (shoppable on the day), perfectly complemented by Partridge Jewellers’ exquisite diamonds and fine jewellery.
Taking place from 12pm until 4pm, event-goers are invited to enjoy a three-course shared lunch of delicious dishes, as well as a flute of Moët & Chandon Champagne on arrival and a glass of Whispering Angel Rosé with lunch, as well as a curated selection of gifts to take home.
For lovers of fashion, food, and fine jewels, Bivacco’s ‘In Fashion’ event with Elle & Riley Cashmere and Partridge Jewellers is not to be missed, so gather your nearest and dearest and lock in your tickets early. Given the sell-out popularity of the past few years, we suggest securing a spot now. Tickets can be bought here for $125 per person.
One of our favourite eateries in the city, Bar Magda, is known for its exceptional new-wave Filipino fare (Carlo Buenaventura and his clever kitchen team never miss), but a perhaps lesser-known fact about the K-Road hotspot is that they know how to put on a damn good party.
In celebration of three great years in business, during which time they’ve firmly established themselves as one of Auckland’s most-loved venues, Bar Magda is hosting a month-long celebration filled with exceptional events not to be missed. To kick things off, Buenaventura has invited one of the city’s top mixologists, Ahi’s bar manager and founder of Bayside Rum Co., Egor Petrov, to join him on the 14th of June to host an evening of convivial cocktails, fantastic fare, and a rousing DJ set inspiring revellers to make a night of it.
On the food front, as always Buenaventura will be putting his best foot forward, serving up two courses comprised of four sharing plates that will be sure to surprise, delight, and satisfy — and pair perfectly with the inventive cocktails on offer.
Behind the bar, Petrov, who is known for his unique, creative and considered drinks, will join bar manager Matt Venables, crafting an edit of tropical-themed libations for the occasion. Each bespoke drink will marry the vibrant flavours of the Filipino cuisine Bar Magda harnesses so beautifully, with Bayside Rum Co.’s vibrant, locally-made rums, to create something truly novel and inspired.
Post-meal, come 9.30pm, a DJ will take to the decks and Bar Magda will throw open its doors, inviting those out and about in the city to come and experience Petrov’s creations, alongside four additional drink specials available for the evening — priced from a modest $12.
There’s a $60 per person minimum spend on the evening, and you can secure your spot here.
A meal at Commercial Bay French favourite Origine is always enjoyable, and we have a number of favourites on the menu that we find it hard to deviate from. But, with that said, a seasonal shake-up is always welcome, and Origine’s new menu is perhaps their best yet.
From a tasty new smoked salmon entrée to the comforting Ora’s Farm mushroom risotto, perfect for cold winter days, these are the dishes on Origine’s menu that will make you deviate from your go-to order.
3 Must-try Dishes
Shaved cold-smoked salmon with New Zealand citrus, crème fraîche & chives
Bostock’s organic chicken, roasted breast & leg with Ahi garden carrots and turnips, sauce suprême
Ora’s Farm mushroom risotto with velouté of New Zealand chestnuts
Soft, fluffy, and impossibly fresh bagels are what you’ll find at BB’s Bagels, the tasty new bagel shop in the heart of Ponsonby from the team behind Takapuna’s much-loved Domo Bakery. From sweet to savoury to Soy Mochi and more, here you’ll find something sure to satisfy, with a number of cult classics and novel takes on offer.
Right: Soy Cream Mochi bagel
On any given day, you’ll find an incredible array of unique and inventive bagels on the counter, as well as a four-strong savoury made-to-order menu covering the classics, from salmon and cream cheese with red onion, capers, and dill, to a delicious-looking corned beef iteration with mozzarella, cheddar, onion and a special burger sauce. On the sweet side of things, from what we’ve seen, flavours are ever-evolving, but the matcha bagel has our attention, as does the pistachio, and the blueberry is a delight both to behold and enjoy.
Left: Classic smoked salmon bagel
And while the menu clearly has an American influence, the clever team at BB’s Bagels have woven in a Japanese slant too, with the likes of Soy Cream Mochi on the menu (for those not familiar, Mochi is a cult Japanese dessert that sees pounded sticky rice in the shape of a sphere filled with ice cream, and it’s phenomenal), alongside Hojicha (a roasted Japanese tea leaf), Black Sesame, and a tasty Yuzu number.
There are also more decadent options on offer, from Biscoff to whipped feta, scallion and cream cheese, with more to join the line up next week. When it comes to the drinks, there’s fresh coffee, as well as matcha, hojicha, and a stunning, bright purple ube latte.
Left: Matcha, blueberry, and hojicha bagels. Right: Blueberry bagel
The American influence is clear in the fit-out, too, with green and white check detailing throughout. Floors are rendered in unfussy polished concrete, with pared-back, mismatched wooden seating spanning several small tables, benches, and one larger communal table inside, with bench seats in the front window and outside to perch and watch the world go by.
From what we’ve seen so far, and given the clever team on the tools, BB’s Bagels is a new spot that is well worthy of your attention. And given the inclement weather ahead, we can’t think of anything better than a tasty, satisfying bagel to quell the winter blues.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8.30am until 2.30pm
In typical Denizen fashion, we’ll be making the most of the weekend ahead, with plans to get our social and cultural fix before cosying up at home with a good book or captivating film to round off the week. If your own weekend agenda is lacking, consult the below edit of everything we’re currently enjoying (or planning to relish over the coming days) — from must-try new dishes and cocktails to immersive cultural experiences and the books and films that have our attention.
From a delightful new burrata iteration to an impressive, French-inspired anchovy pissaladière (a delectable pizza-esque topped flatbread), Somm’s latest sharing plates have been thoughtfully crafted to compliment the incredible, extensive list of drinks on offer. Make for Somm this weekend to revel in its many gastronomic delights.
Left: Somm’s New sharing plates. Right: Bivacco’s Dopo Cena Cocktail
Settle into the season with this rich, smooth, and irresistibly tasty libation from the clever bar team at Bivacco. Marrying white chocolate liqueur, cream, and Cointreau, the decadent Dopo Cena cocktail is the ultimate indulgence, perfect to enjoy post-meal, paired with dessert.
Auckland Writer’s Festival is taking place this weekend, with a number of major literary voices taking to the stage to discuss the nuances of their work, alongside an impressive list of local talent that is just as worthy of your attention. There are a number of incredible events that still have tickets available, such as Katy Hessel‘s discussion on her groundbreaking book, The Story of Art Without Men, or Trent Dalton‘s conversation with Samantha Hayes, which is bound to be brilliant.
Left: The Idea of You on Prime. Right: Trent Dalton at Auckland Writer’s Festival
With nearly 50 million viewers and counting, it’s fair to say that The Idea of You is worthy of a watch. The film stars Anne Hathaway alongside Nicholas Galitzine in an age-gap romance, telling the tale of a 40-year-old single mum who ends up in a complex entanglement with the 24-year-old lead singer of the world’s biggest boy band. Based on the book by Robinne Lee of the same name, the film presents a tender portrayal of women and relationships, while maintaining a lighthearted (and at times hilarious) tone thanks to the stars’ unfaltering performances. Pitch perfect escapism.
Artist, producer, DJ, and cultural trailblazer Peggy Gou’s new single, Lobster Telephone, releases today, taken from her long-awaited debut album I Hear You — out next month. The song is a perfect distillation of the kind of balmy, technicolour house music that Gou is globally renowned for, and also happens to be the artist’s personal favourite from the album, named for the Salvador Dali sculpture of the same name.
Left: Peggy Gou’s New Single. Right: In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
This inquisitive epic charts the astonishing story of a microbiologist who makes an extraordinary discovery that forces into focus everything she thinks she knows about life on our planet. With compassion and curiosity, In Ascension encourages introspection and illuminates matters of the heart, promising an unforgettable journey.
It’s as winter nears that we find ourselves craving the comfort of a shared, Sunday lunch or dinner. There truly is no better way to end the week well than gathering your loved ones for a comforting, hearty feast (with a glass of red for good measure), and thankfully one of our favourite, neighbourhood eateries has just announced the return of its popular Sunday series, Sìso Slow Sundays. A weekly event that began in 2022 and has continued ever since, so loved has it become, Slow Sundays offers a curated take on the traditional roast with a mouthwatering menu of dishes on offer for lunch and dinner that are reminiscent of a meal made at home (although with a decidedly elevated spin).
Right: Porchetta
In a banquet-style feast, guests will be given the option of two mains: a porchetta with free-range pork, braised puy lentils and pancetta, or a slow-roast lamb shoulder served with wild herb tabbouleh, pomegranate, golden raisins and pistachio. Both of which are to be enjoyed with an impressive array of toppings including romesco, jus, labneh and green harissa, and delicious sides like sautéed greens with lemon and toasted almonds, roasted heirloom carrots with pistachio dukkah, and harissa-roasted baby potatoes. It is a long lunch offering that perfectly showcases Sìso’s signature, culinary approach — simple food, exquisitely done.
Left: Slow roast lamb shoulder
Just like the traditional Sunday roast, Sìso Slow Sundays are designed to embrace food as it was meant to be eaten — unfussy, full of flavour and much better when enjoyed in good company. The menu is designed to be shared (among a minimum of two guests), making it the perfect excuse for getting together with friends and family at the end of the week.
Sìso Slow Sunday Menu
Available on Sundays only, bookings are essential with 48 hours’ notice, and at $45 per head, it is an easy Sunday commitment we’re willing to make.
Ayrburn is nothing if not consistent. And the sprawling dining destination’s latest venue opening, The Barrel Room — an opulent underground bar and event space, is yet another example of how Chris Meehan and his team continue to redefine the boundaries of hospitality, offering unmatched and world-class gastronomic experiences.
Come King’s Birthday weekend, the subterranean sanctuary will transform into a regal banquet hall bathed in candlelight, where guests are invited to indulge in a decadent feast accompanied by the finest Ayrburn wines, soothed by the melodies of the venue’s grand piano.
Bubbles will greet guests upon arrival, followed by a three-hour beverage package showcasing Ayrburn’s curated range of wine, while on the food front, a delectable, share-style spread that heroes the best of local New Zealand produce promises to surprise, delight, and satisfy.
Following The Royal Feast, those indulging will be invited to linger over a glass of wine or two, and allow the night to reveal its secrets — for an uproarious evening will undoubtedly follow.
With only 50 tickets available, seats at this intimate, candlelit soirée are sure to sell out — so secure your spot today, and celebrate the monarch’s birthday in befitting style.
The Royal Feast is taking place at The Barrel Room on Saturday 1st June from 6.30pm — 9.30pm, and tickets are $289 per person. Secure your spot here.
“We want people to come in hungry and thirsty, and leave thinking ‘damn that was good’,” John Austin tells me of his new venture, Twofold — a retro-modern, Americana-inspired pub in the heart of Parnell.
Austin co-founded Twofold with friend (and fellow beer aficionado), Bernard Neate — a partnership that, he tells me, was a long time coming. “Twofold has been stewing away in our collective heads for a good few years now,” says Austin, “We wanted to create a place to enjoy with our friends, families, and workmates, and while Twofold is a brewery, we want it to be more than that. We want it to become a place that fosters community; where customers can really get to know one another.”
Left: anchovy po-tada.
The beer list (and entire drinks list, which spans beer, cider, wine, and cocktails on tap, plus a considered list of bottled wine, made-to-order cocktails, and several non-alcoholic options) is concise and incredibly considered. There are six beers and one cider on tap — featuring a range of styles that will pair perfectly with the tasty food on offer, served alongside three tap wines (a white, rose and red), and three tap cocktails, with a bottle list that spans a range of options from local and international makers, and a short list of inventive takes on classic cocktails thrown in for those looking to indulge.
Here, the offering is approachable but refined, and there really is something for everyone and anyone — something the duo placed much emphasis on. “We’ve worked extensively on our beverage programme with our front of house manager, Harry Huxley, who has recently been nominated in the Lewisham Awards for Outstanding Bartender,” Austin tells me, “We wanted a drinks list that catered to a range of beer, wine, cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverage drinkers alike, and a food menu that boasts a mix of fresh and bright options served alongside some inventive bar snacks and pub classics.”
The concept for Twofold was shaped and inspired by visits to breweries and restaurants across New Zealand, and the pair’s time spent exploring Australia, the United States, and Europe over the years. The European influence in particular is evident in the contemporary, all-day menu, which is split into sections based on what guests are in for. The ‘larder’ section is perfect for light snacking, and includes the likes of duck liver parfait and gabagool, while the ‘raw & oyster’ section is perfect for those looking for a tasty morsel to pair with a glass of sparkling. The ‘small plates’ section is perfect for sharing with the table, and the ‘large plates’ are best for those seeking the perfect, comforting feast to enjoy alongside a crisp drink or two, with the likes of steak de jour and burgers both featuring. A few stand out dishes across the board are the buffalo oysters, venison carpaccio, anchovy po-tada, lamb ribs, charred cabbage, and chilli oil chicken.
Right: charred cabbage
The fit-out is light and bright, with cleverly conceived details injecting life into the ex-restaurant. The Twofold team worked with hospitality design experts Millé to help bring their vision to life, changing the layout of the interior to breathe new life into the space and creating a clean and modern look. “We worked with brand specialist and graphic designer Carly Black through Millé, who was spot on with our retro-modern American themes,” says Austin, “They wove everything together to create a space that is great for people getting together for a good time.”
Given the pair’s collective background, it’s little wonder that an establishment of their own was on the cards. Neate is the head brewer and has just finished an eight-year stint leading Tantalus Estate’s on-site brewery, Alibi Brewing Co. where the ex-winemaker honed his skills (and picked up a few awards along the way). Austin, the brewery’s general manager, got his start in brewing at a small brewpub outside Aspen, before a stint in craft beer importing, distribution, retail and events, followed by a role that saw him visiting nearly every brewery in the country managing kegs, studying beer and brewing along the way.
Pooling their diverse skills (and calling on the skills of their families, too), Austin and Neate have created something novel in Twofold — bringing together the casual and convivial vibe of gastropubs and the more refined and considered nature of modern breweries to bring a new kind of hospitality venue to Auckland’s vibrant dining scene. And one that is proving a very welcome addition indeed.
Austin finishes our chat by telling me, “We want people to enjoy a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with great food, great beverage, great service, and some good old-fashioned fun,” and it seems like what they’ve created is a space where people can do exactly that.
Opening hours: Wednesday, 4pm until 10pm Thursday to Saturday, 12pm until 11pm Sunday, 12pm until 9pm
Across the past year, there’s been burgeoning interest in two striking holiday spots that sit in stark contrast to Europe’s ever-beckoning shores. Here, travellers are offered a vacation far more intrepid and eye-opening than a summer jaunt spent sipping margaritas on Ibiza’s picturesque white sand beaches. We’re talking, of course, about the two, snow and ice-covered Poles located at the Southernmost and Northernmost points of the globe, fast-becoming the most desirable destinations to vacation.
Leopard seal in the Ross Sea, captured by Ian Dawson
As winter settles in, so too does the impetus to plan our next escape, and we’ve got our sights firmly set on the intimate luxury and exceptional itineraries of Ponant’s luxurious small ship polar expeditions. The elevated French cruising company was founded by a group of professional sailors in 1988 and has been perfecting the art of sea exploration ever since. With 25 years spent visiting the polar regions of our planet, their industry leading captains and destination experts have carved out bespoke itineraries to immerse guests in the wonders of these great white lands, each offering a true exploration experience like no other. The 14-fleet company specialises in small vessel cruising, with capacity up to 264 guests, offers unmatched access to both the Antarctic and the Arctic Seas.
Left: Free-flowing French Champagne captured by Violette Vauchelle. Right: The elusive polar bears of the Arctic captured by Ian Dawson
Sauna with a view
Ponant’s ships are yacht-like in style, which, when combined with quiet, comfortable spaces, hospitality excellence, and luxurious offerings encompassing spas and salons, entertainment areas, shopping and more (not to mention a 24/7 open bar including free flowing French Champagne), makes for an experience akin to sailing on a private yacht of your very own. When it comes to the voyages themselves, few do it better than Ponant. With exceptional itineraries that offer insight into the authentic beauty of the world — featuring visits to iconic ports, and exotic destinations off the beaten path.
HIKING THE ANTARCTIC COAST captured by Olivier Blaud
Left: One of the Zodiacs visiting ashore. Right: Antarctica’s Adélie penguin
KAYAKING EXCURSION IN GREENLAND captured by Daniel Ernst
Ponant’s luxury polar expeditions include daily excursions led by expert guides, both on Zodiacs over water or visiting ashore. Opportunities for kayaking, hiking and wildlife encounters abound — from meeting Antarctica’s majestic penguins, to the elusive polar bear of the Arctic, while Ponant’s small ship fleet allows access into the farthest flung areas of the Poles, and as such, offers opportunities to visit rare ports of call — including Shackleton’s Hut in Antarctica (a place fewer than 1000 people have visited).
When exploring Antarctica with Ponant you’ll have the opportunity to hike snow-covered landscapes, visit research stations, and immerse yourself in informative lectures covering everything from wildlife to environmental protection, while in the Arctic, sail past volcanic islands, black sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs, as you delve into the traditions and customs of the Sami people of Norway, and marvel at the geological wonders of Iceland.
For intrepid explorers, Ponant’s expertly designed polar Grand Voyages combine multiple itineraries, so travellers can delve deeper into these remote regions and experience the ultimate adventure. From soaking up the beauty of the towering glaciers and rugged coastlines of the Antarctic Peninsula, to sailing through the fjords of Spitsbergen, these combined itineraries offer an expert-led and comprehensive exploration of the polar regions, allowing guests to venture further and linger longer in these extraordinary environments.
Le Soléal exploring Neko Harbour, Antarctic Peninsula captured by Olivier Blaud
Thanks to Ponant, these wondrous regions are now more accessible than ever. For a limited time, Ponant is offering a flight credit up to $2,500 per person* on a selection of Antarctica and Arctic 2025/26 luxury expedition itineraries. And for those wanting to stay longer, take advantage of 10% savings on second and subsequent itineraries when you book a Ponant Polar Grand Voyage*. Conditions Apply.
Need To Know
When to Visit: The best time to visit the Arctic is April to September and for Antarctica November to March, when wildlife is most active with long sunny days.
What to Pack: A comprehensive list of requirements is supplied by the specialists at Ponant. Comfort is key with winter trousers and waterproof over trousers a must. A Ponant polar water-resistant parka is offered to each adult guest for all departures with an Expedition programme. And remember to pack binoculars and a great camera for wildlife viewing.
*See au.ponant.com for terms and conditions or call 0800 767 018 to take advantage of exclusive polar savings today. For more information email [email protected] or talk to your preferred travel agent today.
If you’re anything like us, when you book a table at Soul, it’s not just for the lively vibe, consistently impeccable service (Liv Carter and her wonderful team never miss), and irresistible list of libations. It’s with your favourite, go-to dish in mind. We all have one, and no visit is complete without it. And while a whole world of delectable delights awaits, deviating from your go-to is near impossible. But, perhaps providing the inspiration to do just that is a raft of new menu items that showcase the very best of the season.
From a delectable crudo to crayfish and saffron campanelle, prawn and chorizo risotto and an unmissable cheesecake semifreddo, there are a number of inventive new dishes that may just knock your go-to from top spot. Or at the very least, inspire you to think outside of the culinary box and mix things up on the table — grabbing a few new takes to enjoy alongside your failsafe favourites.
And if you’re planning a visit, do yourself a favour and make it soon, as Soul’s effervescent 600 Reasons celebration is still running throughout May, providing diners with endless wonderful surprises. Trust us when we say that this is an event you don’t want to miss.
New Favourites
crayfish and saffron campanelle with curious cropper tomatoes and fennel seed
yellowfin tuna crudo with wasabi, pear, daikon, and ponzu
prawn & chorizo risotto with lemon, parsley, and crispy rice
cheesecake semifreddo with macadamia, miso, mango, and passionfruit sorbet
Old Favourites
scampi cocktail with jalapeño, lime, and edamame
macaroni cheese with ham off the bone, truffle, and parmesan crust
pure south handpicked scotch with montpellier butter and truffle fries
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