Have you heard? Auckland Bagel Club is Ponsonby’s newest artisanal bakery serving some of the best bagels this side of New York

Words Sjaan Askwith | 23 Aug 2024

With 15 bagels to choose from, 14 delectable variations of cream cheese on offer, and a number of made-from-scratch fillings, Auckland Bagel Club is the tasty new bagel shop in Ponsonby from a team of talented chefs and bakers that are dedicated to doing things differently.

Through the addition of mānuka honey and the best quality New Zealand butter, Auckland Bagel Club (ABC) has managed to develop a truly novel bagel dough — one that maintains a unique, moist yet light and fluffy texture, and subtly sweet, deliciously bready taste, that sets them apart from traditional bagels. So fresh are these tasty morsels, that the team at ABC confidently recommend enjoying them straight from the cabinet, untoasted.

When it comes to the flavours on offer, the options are plentiful — from classics (salmon with dill and caper cream cheese, house-smoked pastrami and pickle, and tomato, cream cheese and basil) to the inventive (crème brûlée, brown butter, olive and parmesan, and apple dulce with fresh, new season apples). There are also a number of vegan options, that use plant-based cream cheese and fresh produce, and a few salads for those looking to go sans-bagel, although, when they’re this good, we’re unsure why anyone would go without. You can also grab a four pack of fresh bagels of your choosing to take home and DIY.

Alongside bagels, you’ll find freshly baked (and entirely delicious) levain cookies and basque cheesecake in a number of tasty flavours, and an extensive drinks menu centred on Supreme coffee. The ABC team handcrafts bespoke syrups to jazz up your coffee order, and the masses are flocking — with the butterscotch caramel, real fruit strawberry compote, and Belgian chocolate ganache all in incredibly hot demand.

enjoy the uniquely moist yet light and fluffy bagels straight from the cabinet

The small, laid-back eatery is cosy and comfortable, with antiques and vintage furniture adding character to the space, and the team is already planning to expand beyond the Ponsonby outpost, to the city and North, beyond the bridge. Here, service is quick and easy, and there are a number of tasty deals on offer to keep things cost-effective, including a delightful breakfast special with a flat white and bagel for under $10.

With a menu featuring almost exclusively hand-crafted ingredients (from the bagels themselves to the pastrami and sauces), quick, easy, and friendly service, great coffee, satiating sweet treats, and arguably the fluffiest and most flavoursome bagels in the city, Auckland Bagel Club is a spot that should absolutely be on your radar.

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday, 8.30am until 2.30pm

instagram.com/aucklandbagelclub/

Auckland Bagel Club

234a Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby
Auckland

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Heading to Barcelona for the Cup? Consult our definitive guide on where to stay, shop, eat and drink

Words Sjaan Askwith | 23 Aug 2024

For those fortunate enough to be making the pilgrimage to sunny Barcelona to watch all of the America’s Cup action unfold in real time, we’ve rounded up where to stay, shop, eat, drink and (hopefully) celebrate our many victories.

Barcelona City Guide

Where to Stay

Barcelona City Guide

Where to Eat

Bar Canete
Touted as one of the best spots in the city for tapas, getting a table at Bar Canete is no easy feat, but the juice is worth the squeeze.

The Whittmore Hotel
The Contraban restaurant within The Whittmore is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, enveloping diners in a warm, intimate space that’s great for a romantic rendezvous.

Rabbit’s Bar
This vibrant hotspot offers an elevated, inventive twist on classic tapas, heroing fresh, local ingredients — served in a laid-back venue in the most central of locations.

Mont Bar
A Michellan starred eatery with a gastro-bar ambience, Mont Bar is a must-visit when in Barcelona. The wine list is exquisite, and the fare is contemporary and casual.

Sato I Tanaka
An intimate Japanese eatery with some of the best sushi in town, this is the perfect place to deviate from tapas for the evening.

Botafumeiro
Operating for over 30 years and purported to serve some 300 diners at a single sitting, this celebrity hotspot is as traditional as it comes, promising an always lively ambience.

Barcelona City Guide

Where to Drink

Grand Hotel Central
Sunset drinks at the Grand Hotel Central will see revelers not only sipping some of the city’s best cocktails, but afforded one of the best views in town.

Paradiso
Entered through an unassuming fridge door at the back of a pastrami shop, this clandestine spot is one of the world’s best bars, with an elevated edit of inventive drinks sure to satisfy.

Bluesman Cocktail Bar
Those looking to keep things low-key will find sanctuary at this celebrity haunt — a back-in-time cocktail and jazz bar hidden beneath the infamous El Palace Barcelona hotel.

Cecconi’s
Soho House Barcelona’s Cecconis is the perfect place in which to enjoy a convivial beverage or two, with the beloved Italian eatery offering one of the most lively vibes in the city.

Marlowe
Operating since 1979, and still one of the city’s best bars, Marlowe offers a personalised service with cocktails based on your mood — which will hopefully be elation post-race.

Two Schmucks
Touted as the ultimate ‘five-star dive bar’, this characterful spot promises a vibrant atmosphere in one of the city’s up-and-coming cultural hubs.

Barcelona City Guide

Where to Shop

Passeig de Gràcia
Home to a vast array of opulent shopping destinations, here you’ll find a number of dedicated boutiques — from Rolex to Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel, and Loewe, set amongst striking Gaudi architecture including the modernist Casa Batlló.

Santa Eulalia
Also located on Passeig de Gràcia, the chic, Catalonian Santa Eulalia is a historic, family-run department store dating back to 1843. Stocking Victoria Beckham, Bottega Veneta, Celine, and more, Santa Eulalia is a bastion of luxury in the heart of Barcelona.

Eliurpi
For those looking for a chic sunshade, artist-run Eliurpi stocks impeccable, bespoke hats that are a must for discerning Cup-goers, as well as sculptural wares and a concise edit of luxurious woven bags. Only available to shop by appointment, Eliurpi is a must-visit.

La Comercial
For a one-stop-shop, with clothing, accessories, beauty, and homewares under one roof, La Comercial offers an extensive edit of covetable brands in a sprawling (and well air conditioned) space.

Los Feliz
Vintage lovers will find their fix at Los Feliz, an eclectic boutique in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter which holds an incredible array of unique, one-off vintage designer pieces from the likes of Moschino and Loewe.

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New & Noteworthy: This is everything on our radar this week

Words Sjaan Askwith | 23 Aug 2024

From an incredible escape to a notable new fragrance launch from Troye Sivan, this is everything that has our attention this week.

Edra’s Cipria Sofa

The whimsical Cipria Sofa by Fernando and Humberto Campana for Edra takes on a life of its own, its nine plush cushions reminiscent of an interconnected series of powder puffs offering an inviting embrace atop an invisible metal frame. The soft pink iteration, rendered in plush eco-fur, marries comfort and visual intrigue, redefining the art of seating.

matisse.co.nz

Tsu Lange Yor

Founded by Australian singer-songwriter/actor Troye Sivan, Tsu Lange Yor is a new, genderless fragrance brand offering unique fragrances and home objects to support creativity and self expression. Yiddish for ‘to long years’ and ‘to good years,’ Tsu Lange Yor is a brand for the self and the sanctuary, with a series of personal fragrances, candles, burners and oil blends inspiring exploration of beauty and belonging.

mecca.com

White Desert’s Echo Camp

Inspired by the age of space exploration, White Desert’s Echo Camp sits in solitude among pitted rock formations and sprawling snowy landscapes, evoking an otherworldly experience. The space-age ‘Sky Pods’, modelled on Mars landers, house six individual luxuriously appointed private rooms along with a central shared amenity space. With the seal of approval from ISS by former astronaut Terry Virts, who praises Echo’s stunning landscape, this Antarctic camp offers a luxury escape unmatched anywhere in the world — or outside of it.

white-desert.com

Blunt x I Am Hope Umbrella

Blunt and I Am Hope have joined forces to create an umbrella that does more than protect you from the rain. Featuring an abstract wave design symbolising the ups and downs of emotions, this umbrella is a statement of support for youth mental health. Available in two sizes, $20 from each purchase goes directly to I Am Hope, funding free mental health education and counselling for young people. Under the leadership of mental health advocate Mike King, I Am Hope’s programs work to normalise conversations about mental health, break down stigma, and build resilience in a safe and supportive way.

bluntumbrellas.co.nz

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra

Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra motif — an emblem of luck, has been in continuous evolution since its inception in 1968, with countless combinations across the past five decades. In its latest iteration, the deep sheen of guilloché yellow gold finds a striking pairing with the nuances of blue agate in the Sweet Alhambra watch and the Vintage Alhambra reversible ring. A pendant and earrings, both in blue agate, complete the set.

vancleefarpels.com

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Glenfiddich has collaborated with Monmouth Studio on a bespoke glass

Words Sjaan Askwith | 23 Aug 2024

Artisanal excellence and unmatched craftsmanship collide in Glenfiddich’s bespoke glassware collection, created in close collaboration with Monmouth Studio. The striking glass, designed to work as well as a snifter as it does a cocktail vessel, boasts a sinuous form, expertly crafted to enhance the drinking experience of Glenfiddich’s esteemed, most-awarded Scottish single malt whisky.

When Glenfiddich NZ brand ambassador Drew Down approached Monmouth Glass Studio to
collaborate on a bespoke glassware range, co-owner and renowned master glassblower, Stephen Bradbourne, was delighted to learn that the sinuous shapes of his unique vessels would impact the experience of drinking such an esteemed libation. “Over the last three decades, I’ve made a lot of different-shaped drinking glasses and thought I knew quite a bit about how different shapes affect the drinking experience. For example, the wide variety of wine glass shapes that are specific to particular wine varieties or the many cocktail glass shapes that are specific to particular cocktails,” he said, “I wasn’t as familiar with the many whisky glass shapes, so our conversations with Drew about the shape and function of whisky glasses have been a real education.” This collaboration has been a great opportunity to design a glass that works equally as well as a snifter but also as a vessel to serve a beautiful cocktail.”

Bradbourne and Down agreed on a piece of glass that could not only function as a traditional whisky-nosing vessel but also break with convention by being used to house a beautiful light and bright ‘Spritz ‘-style cocktail. “Just as with our craftspeople at the distillery, it was inspirational to work with two masters of their craft at Monmouth — those who are continuing to perfect ancient practices with modern sensibilities. Plus, we just really wanted to make a beautiful piece of glassware,” said Down.

With a base inspired by the iconic Glenfiddich bottle shape, rendered in the green hue synonymous with Glenfiddich 12 year old and featuring Glenfiddich’s eponymous 12-point Stag (Glenfiddich’s Gaelic translation is ‘Valley of the Deer’’), this limited-edition piece stands as a testament to the world-leading distiller’s constant evolution — perfectly embodying the brand’s essence.

For those wanting to experience these exceptional vessels for themselves, we recommend paying a visit to O’Connell Street’s award-winning cocktail destination, Panacea, where the expert bar team will craft a refreshing Glenfiddich creation — served in bespoke Monmouth glassware.

Photography and videography by WITH Jane

glenfiddich.com

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Inspiring us to embrace the season of change and reawaken our senses, Denizen’s Spring Issue is here

Words Sjaan Askwith | 22 Aug 2024

Denizen, at its core, is a magazine that uplifts and inspires; celebrates and challenges, and, ultimately, gives rise to New Zealanders doing exceptional things, both here, on home soil, and the world stage. This spring, Kerikeri-based, Hollywood actress Lydia Peckham graces our cover, accompanied by the cover line ‘reawakening’ — a sentiment for which she is the perfect paragon.

Within the pages of this issue, we explore the notion of reawakening our senses. Stepping offline, putting down our phones, slipping our headphones out of our ears and back into their cases, and reconnecting with the innate, intrinsically human parts of ourselves that are being lost to digitalisation. Peckham’s fascinating story of her dichotomic life, much of which is lived on a sprawling plot of native bush in small-town New Zealand (the rest spent filming blockbusters with the likes of Rami Malek and Russell Crowe in Hollywood) sets the tone for our Spring Issue — a magazine filled with endless inspiration to embrace the here and now.

From our exclusive interview with world-renowned Kiwi sailor, Blair Tuke (who, when we speak, is gearing up to take on the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona), to an illuminating conversation with up-and-coming artist Jamie Te Heuheu, the individuals on these pages serve as a reminder that there’s a world to be lived offline, and highlight just how much more there is to life than what can be found behind a screen.

We also have a comprehensive guide to the upcoming America’s Cup, and, as always, an all-encompassing overview of the trends worth knowing. From design to fashion, wellbeing, gastronomy, travel, and more, we round up the new and noteworthy pieces to add to your homes and wardrobes, the corners of culture worth exploring, and the destinations worth visiting this spring.

Ultimately, this inspiring new issue is an invitation to stop and smell the roses. We think you’ll be surprised at what happens if you do.

Our Spring Issue is available at all good newsagents and supermarkets, or simply subscribe to the magazine below.

Subscribe to Denizen Here

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Have you heard? Me Thai is the epic, authentic eatery on Franklin Road serving some of the city’s best Thai

Words Sjaan Askwith | 21 Aug 2024

Thai is a universally beloved cuisine, known for its bold, spicy, and ever-flavoursome fare that never fails to satisfy. And, while there is certainly no shortage of great Thai food in Auckland, we think we may just have discovered one of the city’s best Thai eateries yet.

Me Thai quietly and confidently opened its doors at the end of last year on Franklin Road, and the family-run eatery has since made a name for itself for its exceptional service (always with a smile), low-key and homely dining space, and comprehensive menu.

With an offering that runs the gamut from classic (the Pad Thai here is without a doubt one of the best in town) to inventive (the Tom Yum Fried Rice is a must-try) and a full spectrum in between, there is no shortage of epic dishes to choose from, no matter your mood or the proclivity of your dining companions.

The starters are great, and we can personally attest to the quality of the light and crisp spring rolls (no soggy, oil-laden rolls in sight), as well as the juicy prawn toast with homemade plum sauce, and the coconut-marinated chicken satay skewers with flavoursome peanut sauce.

Left: coconut-marinated chicken satay skewers. Right: Me Thai’s juicy prawn toast

On the mains front, it becomes a little more challenging to pick a favourite — so extensive (and delicious) are the options. The fried rices range from classic to pineapple to a green curry iteration, while the stir-fried noodles span everything from traditional Pad Thai to Me Thai’s bespoke ‘Me Thai Noodle’ which is based around cashew and chilli. The Thai curries are amongst the best you’ll find anywhere (the Penang is a must), while, if you’re after something lighter, the salads are as fresh as they come, and the noodle soups are excellent and soul-warming.

The Thai Street Food menu offers up a number of more adventurous dishes, from Thai pork leg on rice to Khua Kling — a yellow curry stir fry with a sunny side up egg, and, when it comes to sides, the coconut rice is an essential addition to any order.

If you’re dining in, you can grab a glass of wine or bottle of beer to wash it all down, or there are a number of Thai-style teas if you’re looking for something a little different.

Ultimately, flavoursome, vibrant, and great quality food is what you’ll find at Me Thai, with excellent service on the side. And really, at the tail end of winter when all we’re really craving is soul-warming takeout, what more could you ask for than that?

methai.nz

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Parnell’s favourite local has had a facelift

Words Sjaan Askwith | 21 Aug 2024

Parnell institution Non Solo Pizza has had a makeover, with the much-loved Italian eatery getting a new lease on life just in time for long, leisurely lunches this spring. With a newly minted private dining room, a fresh new look, a kitchen upgrade, and an updated menu, the beautifully refurbished Osteria is now even better poised to welcome discerning diners for long lunches, afternoon aperitivo and convivial dinners as we look ahead to the warmer months.

The newly renovated dining space and bar

The brief renovation has seen the exclusive dining space given a light, bright and decidedly European facelift, with chic accents and a deep green-hued palette offering a contemporary take on the Tuscan-inspired interiors the eatery has become known for.

The intimate private dining room follows a similar theme, with sumptuous seating, parquet flooring, deep, wooden accents and a lofty ceiling making for a perfect, cosy space to while away a long lunch or celebratory dinner with your nearest and dearest. A stunning cellar adds further to the room’s elevated ambience.

featured from the beautifully refurbished Osteria menu — the poached lobster, squid ink aioli CROSTINIS, GNOCCI FRITTO and Anchovy PIZZETTA

Executive chef Chris Rendell is making the most of his newly updated kitchen, crafting an outstanding edit of new, seasonal dishes that have joined familiar favourites on the menu. From a number of delectable new crostinis, pizzettas and desserts sure to satisfy — this menu is the eatery’s best yet.

Prawn Mafaldine with tomato, chilli and seafood bisque

And, if you’re planning a visit to check out the reinvigorated space, we suggest locking in a family-style Italian Long Lunch which, for a modest $55, offers antipasti, secondi, dolce and spritz — with both classic dishes and inspired takes to choose from. If revelry is on the cards, go bottomless on the drinks for $49 per person, as part of Savor’s Spring Food Festival — from now until the end of September.

Regulars will be pleased to hear that the eatery’s much-loved Aperitivo Hour is also back, running from 4pm to 7pm daily and showcasing new beverage specials in the beautifully refurbished Osteria.

Despite a fresh new look and a few menu updates, you’ll still be met with the same, vibrant atmosphere we’ve all come to know and love — and a perfect place within which to enthusiastically welcome spring, drink in hand.

savor.co.nz/non-solo-pizza

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Uber is celebrating 10 years in New Zealand with a world-first alpine experience — and you can book a spot, free of charge

Words Sjaan Askwith | 20 Aug 2024

In celebration of a decade of transforming how New Zealanders move, shop, and earn, Uber has launched a world-first experience in Queenstown. This exclusive opportunity, available to Uber One members (free of charge!), combines the best of rides and dining in the breathtaking Southern Alps.

Members can press a button to summon a snowcat ride for skiing in Mount Cardrona’s backcountry and enjoy the country’s highest altitude fine dining lunch featuring local cuisine. From luxury transfers to and from Soho Basin to a snowcat off-piste, backcountry ski adventure, lunch and drinks by award-winning winery Amisfield, an aprés experience, and a drink at the Rodd & Gunn lodge post-trip, this is a truly once in a lifetime experience that showcases the very best of Uber’s two parts: transport and hospitality.

Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber New Zealand, said of the experience, “Over the last ten years, almost half of the country’s population have relied on Uber to earn, go from A to B, or have their meals and groceries delivered to their doorsteps. We’re delighted to have helped everyone get around easily, and to have contributed to the livelihoods of thousands more. During this special milestone, we want to show our appreciation to the people of Aotearoa by providing a uniquely Kiwi experience that hasn’t been done anywhere else in the world.”

To secure a spot for this limited-time snowcat and dining adventure, Uber Eats users in New Zealand can enter “Queenstown” as their address and search for the “Uber One Exclusive Ski Experience.” Reservations open today (August 20th) at midday local time for a limited period and are subject to weather conditions.

Andy Bowie, General Manager of Uber Eats New Zealand, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are very grateful for all the support we’ve received in New Zealand and wanted to celebrate that partnership in style. The last decade would not have been possible without all the drivers, delivery people, restaurant owners and merchants who’ve trusted our technology to help them earn. We also feel incredibly thankful to Kiwi riders and eaters for sharing this journey with us. Our team is privileged to be able to support you as you go anywhere, and get almost anything, every day. Here’s to another 10 years and even more innovations along the road – starting with this world first activation in Aotearoa.”

The experience, tailored for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders, will be available exclusively to 20 guests per day over three consecutive weekends: Saturday, August 24; Saturday, August 31; and Friday, September 6. Set your reminders — this is a truly remarkable experience you won’t want to miss the opportunity to be a part of, particularly considering this is the last season skiers will be able to experience the wonder of Soho Basin before it’s absorbed by Cardona.

Book your spot — uber.com

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Escape the elements and visit Denizen’s favourite subterranean eatery this rainy weekend

Words Sjaan Askwith | 15 Aug 2024

One of our favourite eateries in the city, Bar Magda, is known for its exceptional, new-wave Filipino fare (Carlo Buenaventura, Matthew Venables, and their clever team never miss), but great food isn’t the only reason we turn to this subterranean sanctuary time and time again. The cocktails also happen to be amongst the best in town.

This month, Bar Magda has a host of inventive new drinks joining the fold, as well as delicious menu items and an alluring espresso martini offering — adding to the many reasons we have to visit this lively locale.

Reasons To Visit Bar Magda

01. New Cocktails

Agua Bendita

A smooth, creamy, and indulgent concoction, here, the botanicals of Peddlers Shanghai gin blend with the nutty richness of macadamia, the sweet-tartness of feijoa, and the lusciousness of coconut cream.

Philippine Pineapple

Sweet Philippine pineapple and tart green mango balance the robust Tanday rum in this tropical and spicy fusion, while gingerbread liqueur adds warmth and complexity.

Saison Rhubarb Vermouth

The tartness of saison rhubarb vermouth is balanced by the bitter notes of East Imperial and cherry bitters in this dry, refreshing, and herbaceous cocktail.

Andre Clouet NV Champagne

A sophisticated and refreshing aperitif. The delicate bubbles of Andre Clouet NV are complemented by the sweet-tartness of preserved black dorris plum and the aromatic notes of farigoule de thyme, resulting in a light and elegant libation.

Last Seasons Feijoa

Complex and tropical, this delicious drop balances the rich, fresh notes of feijoa with sweet passionfruit, tangy tamarind, and the bold character of applejack brandy.

Ube Soufflizzy

A playful, indulgent cocktail with a touch of tropical flair, Bar Magda’s Ube Soufflizzy blends the botanicals of Peddlers Gin with the sweetness of coconut and the unique earthiness of ube to create a vibrant, brightly-hued libation that goes down a treat.

Reasons To Visit Bar Magda

02. Classic & Signature Dishes

Barrys Bay Parmesan Custard

A truly tasty way to start what is bound to be a delicious dinner, Bar Magda’s new, creamy parmesan custard with preserved pimento, served with the eatery’s house-made focaccia, is a must-try.

Tuna and Pork Suglaw

We can always count on the clever team in the kitchen at Bar Magda to turn out fare that is as delightful to behold as it is to savour, and this suglaw of grilled pork, raw tuna, nashi pear, macapuno, and creme fraiche is a shining example of just that.

Lamb Ribs

Any foodie worth their salt would have already indulged in Bar Magda’s impossibly tender, flavourful lamb ribs. And if you’re yet to enjoy what is, hands down, one of the city’s best dishes, we suggest you do so in haste. Served with soft herbs and green sambal, and pulled apart and mixed at the table by the chef, these exceptional ribs are a must-order, every time.

Reasons To Visit Bar Magda

03. Espresso Martini Nights

A trip to Bar Magda is always an enjoyable and satiating affair. Food aside, the cocktails are certainly some of the best in the city, with both inventive takes and elevated classics on offer, and now, the subterranean spot has unveiled a bespoke ‘Espresso Martini Nights’ menu come Friday and Saturday. Here, several delightful renditions of everyone’s favourite party starter are on offer for a modest $18 a pop from 8pm until midnight — setting the tone for a convivial evening.

barmagda.co.nz

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Sammy’s Deli & Diner is the laid-back new eatery in Ponsonby serving comforting, homely fare seven days a week

Words Sjaan Askwith | 15 Aug 2024

“Times are tough. A lot of people have lost the ability to eat out, drink out, and just simply be out, and Sammy’s is our answer to that,” Lorene Politzer tells me of her new co-venture with Tim Nightingale and James Tucker — the trio behind Kohi Beach Store & Eatery.

Sammy’s Deli & Diner is nestled within Ponsonby Central’s vibrant dining precinct and offers no-fuss, quick, easy (and delicious) diner fare with a quintessentially Kiwi slant, “We wanted to create a menu that brings back core memories as well as create some new ones,” Politzer tells me, “Sammy’s is a place where people can come together and enjoy good times and great food — where everyone is welcome, and you can chill for hours, or just as easily quickly grab something on the go.”

Wanting to re-create what they have cultivated at Kohi, which is an eatery centred on community, the trio identified a gap in the local hospitality scene for a warm, laid-back and inviting deli and diner, with a kiwi twist, and set to work in bringing the concept to life. The first step, Politzer tells me, was engaging Emma and Bella at Aura Studio to conceive the Sammy’s brand and really enliven the ethos — a brief they delivered on implicitly. From there, the expertise of Millé saw the space transformed into an open, homely and vibrant dining room, where comfort reigns supreme and homage is paid to the vintage diners we all know and love, but with a decidedly modern slant.

Once the space was complete, the focus fell on the food, with the team — led by Nightingale, the chef and ‘creative mind’ (as Politzer refers to him), looking to food that’s homely and comforting, “We took the concept of a classic, bakery-style filled roll and worked with Dusty Apron to develop a brioche roll that we could load with big, bold flavours,” says Politzer. From Steak & Swiss to a classic Fish Sammy to the delectable Sausage Smash Patty iteration, the rolls are a great go-to, while the dripping sourdough toasties are sure to satisfy hungry punters.

But it’s not just sandwiches and rolls on the menu here, “A diner is all about simplicity, and re-creating what you enjoy at home,” Politzer tells me, listing off a few of the classics that are on offer at the deli and diner, “Delicious steak with crispy, oven-baked potatoes, brick chicken, fish & chips, and Frosty boy soft serve with an elevated twist.”

On the drinks front, everything is on tap, a move that Politzer tells me was to both make drinks cheaper and allow staff to flow freely through the eatery, quickly pouring their own table’s drinks and adding to the more intimate, personal, and community-driven hospitality they are striving for.

With delicious, satisfying, and well-priced food, warm and easy service, and a laid-back and inviting dining room, Sammy’s Deli & Diner is a great place to grab a quick bite, settle in for a long lunch or convivial dinner with friends, or even grab on Uber Eats for those nights you’re craving comfort but can’t face an hour in the kitchen (or a pile of dishes).

Opening hours:
Sunday to Wednesday, 7am until 8pm
Thursday to Saturday, 7am until 9pm

sammys.co.nz

Sammy's Deli & Diner

136 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby
Auckland

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Ube Soufflizzy

Barrys Bay Parmesan Custard

Tuna and Pork Suglaw

Lamb Ribs

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