This week, we are collectively craving Ebisu’s deliciously fresh, entirely satisfying bento boxes — a curated selection of the eatery’s most-loved Japanese fare. Here, at the Britomart stalwart (and long-time favourite of Team Denizen) the bento boxes sit as a delectable smorgasbord of the contemporary Japanese flavours Ebisu has been known for turning out across the past decade.
Each box, available for a modest $39 per person (or $49 with the addition of a glass of wine or tap beer), features a tasty mix of free-range karaage chicken, tuna sashimi salad, homemade pickles, miso soup, and steamed rice, served with your choice of either free-range teriyaki chicken, chargrilled Angus scotch fillet with wafu sauce, daily market fish with yuzu ponzu & white miso puree, or crispy, fried teriyaki tofu. Better still, there’s an option to upgrade your rice to either a salmon avocado roll or the teriyaki chicken iteration, for $7, or swap out your karaage chicken to crisp soft-shell crab for $10.
Be it a quick lunchtime bite or a delicious dinner paired with a bottle or two of satiating sake for the table, we suggest making for Ebisu this weekend and indulging in one of the delightful bento boxes yourself. And if this style of eating isn’t for you, you’ll find a menu packed with fresh sushi and sashimi, mouthwatering meats, inventive vegetarian dishes and flavourful umami bites — sure to satisfy any and every taste and proclivity.
The 2024 Iconic Auckland Eats list, featuring 100 of Auckland’s top dishes as nominated by the public, has just been released — giving Aucklanders and those visiting a comprehensive guide to what to eat across the region. Developed annually, the list sits as a celebration of Auckland’s incredible, diverse culinary scene, highlighting unique and beloved dishes bespoke to Tāmaki Makaurau.
Left: Bar Magda’s lamb ribs. Right: Cassia’s Pani Puri
Now in its fourth year, Iconic Auckland Eats was established by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited as a way to showcase the vibrancy of the region’s gastronomic offering, highlighting legendary dishes that range from fine dining to cheap and cheerful — covering everything in between, too. The dishes, submitted for consideration by locals, capture the essence of Auckland, embodying the cultural melting pot and richness that makes the region so special.
When it comes to what’s included, many Denizen favourites made the cut — from Bar Magda’s beautiful lamb ribs, served with pyanggang, green sambal, and a soft herb salad, to Amano’s famous scampi pasta (swoon), Depot’s fish sliders — unsurprisingly on the list for four years running, and Hello Beasty’s moreish prawn & crab toast.
Left: Sneaky Snacky’s hot chicken donut burger. Right: Amano’s scampi pasta
Icons like Eden Noodles’ dumplings in spicy sauce, Fish Smith’s fish tacos, Gochu’s milk bun, The Oyster Inn’s Te Matuku oysters, Soul Bar’s mouthwatering macaroni cheese, and Daily Bread’s irresistible custard square all feature, too, in amongst quirkier additions — from Lilian’s prosciutto and grape pizza to Sumthin Dumplin’s beef and cheese iteration, Sneaky Snacky’s hot chicken donut burger, Culprit’s ‘ugly carrots’, and Ahi’s scampi corndogs (a must try).
As has been the case since the initiative’s inception, the variety of cuisines on the list reflects the incredible mix of ethnicities in Auckland, and each nominated dish has a story behind the submission, with locals sharing insight into what the dish means to them.
While reading through the thousands of submissions, the team behind Iconic Auckland Eats selects a favourite entry that embodies the list’s ethos. This year, Tracy Berno was selected as a winner, receiving vouchers to enjoy all 100 dishes across the year. Tracy’s story told of her connection to Homeland’s delicious ika mata — a dish that pays homage to Auckland’s Pacific culture and heritage, and embodies the region’s multiculturalism and unique food scene.
So, be it inspiration for a venue to visit, or a specific dish to satisfy a craving, Iconic Auckland Eats’ top 100 list rounds up some of the top spots across the region — sitting as an incredible resource for locals or those visiting from further afield.
With awards season in full swing, London Fashion Week coming to a close, and Milan and Paris fashion weeks just around the corner, the breakout hair trend of the year is making its mark: picture-perfect, sleek, silky, photo finish hair. According to hairstylist to the stars and industry stalwart Sam McKnight, there’s been a definitive move (back) towards more done hair, where subtle volume, shine, and gloss reign supreme.
A step back from slick buns, the idea here is a cool girl ponytail with a luxe, mirror-shine finish. To achieve the look, cleanse hair — thoroughly rinsing to avoid conditioner residue, before using heat tools to completely smooth any frizz or flyaways. Once light and fresh, sweep the hair into a tight pony using lightweight styling products to boost shine, before finishing with an oil — the secret to runway-ready locks.
As much as we love the countless eateries in Auckland serving up both delicious food and elevated settings in which to enjoy it, it’s not every day that we have the time to sit down and enjoy a long, languorous lunch. Often, in the midst of a busy day, we simply need something quick and tasty to grab on the go, and luckily, there is no shortage of lunch spots in the city delivering just that. From satisfying sandos to pizza by the slice, satiating sushi, fresh salads, and delectable sweet treats to finish, here’s where to get your lunchtime fix.
When it comes to dressing in 2024, aesthetics are only one piece of an intricately woven puzzle. Wearability, versatility, functionality and durability all play an important part, amongst a host of other considerations — something Jaimie Webster Haines understands implicitly. Her eponymous label, Jaimie, is popping up this Thursday — Saturday at My Exhibition on Faraday Street in Parnell, showcasing the designer’s beautifully considered collection and offering styling advice and insight into the brand.
Left: London Shirt Release #01. Right: Bow Bow Bag
Having worked as a DJ, model and most recently, designer, both in New Zealand and abroad, Jaimie launched her label as an extension of her creative world — bringing together her passions for art, fashion, photography, and music, with her innate design sensibility and impeccable eye for detail to offer a concise edit of timeless, quality garments.
London Shirts & Karate Pants both from Release #01
The ethos behind Jaimie (the label, although the same could be said for the woman) is first and foremost centred on quality. Jaimie sources linens from Japan and Turkey and wool and cashmere from Italy, taking care to select fabrics that have enduring appeal and are built to last. The brand also utilises deadstock and textile mill leftovers where possible, as well as producing in small quantities — all with an eye to the environmental impact of the business. When it comes to production, Jaimie looks to local artisans and suppliers, carefully choosing partners that share her uncompromising commitment to craft and detail. The resulting pieces — from beautifully tailored shirts and trousers rendered in classic linen and the best quality cotton (the core of the label’s offering) to the occasional easy wearing dress or stand out accessory, are crafted with the objective of enhancing the daily life of the wearer. Any given piece by Jaime promises to provide not only comfort, but an intrinsic, emotional comfort, too — and an innate sense of confidence.
Left: Kyoto Shorts Release #01. Right: Vitals London Shirt
But don’t just take our word for it. The thing about quality design, exceptional fabrics and considered craftsmanship is that you need to experience it first-hand to truly appreciate its appeal. Knowing this, and in celebration of her new pieces and the launch of her website, Jaimie is taking up residence this weekend in the beautiful My Exhibition space. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the collection and Jaimie herself, who is around all weekend offering styling advice, insight into the garments, and of course, serving up epic tunes.
The Jaimie pop-up is running from Thursday 22nd — Saturday 24th February at My Exhibition, located at 15 Faraday Street.
It’s no secret that the statistics around New Zealand’s poor mental health are staggering. Our nation’s rates of mental health challenges are shockingly disproportionate to the rest of the world, and often, it’s our most vulnerable communities that are the most greatly impacted. But increasingly, we’re seeing heed paid to an issue that has long been shied away from — with a growing number of Kiwis having the courage to speak up and seek support, and in doing so, inspiring those around them to acknowledge their own feelings.
There are a host of charities in New Zealand doing incredible work in this space — changing the narrative, raising awareness, removing the stigma, and shifting our collective thinking to incite radical change. One such organisation is Voices Of Hope, whose goal is spreading hope through the voices of those with lived experience. They also provide a safe space for those facing mental health challenges. This month, the charity is furthering their important and impactful work, shining the spotlight on a diverse range of individuals through a moving audio-visual exhibition entitled Behind the Smile.
Within the exhibition, open to the public now at Allpress Studio, 11 everyday kiwis have been profiled, shot by renowned photographer Tom Gould to capture the essence of each person in their ‘happy place’. The series features intimate, raw interviews that reveal the lived experiences and mental health struggles each person has faced, portraying vulnerability and strength through Gould’s moving portraiture. The hope is that, by witnessing a group of New Zealanders from all walks of life laying themselves and their struggles bare, others will be empowered to tell their stories and seek support, too.
Everyone faces struggles you can’t see behind the smile, and while this campaign and exhibition set out to spread hope to people who may be struggling, it also sits as a call to arms for us all to look past the surface and be more aware, empathetic, and in touch with our humanity.
Behind the Smile is a free exhibition at Allpress Studio, running from 16th February — 8th March
As summer draws to a close we’re finding ourselves dreaming of journeys to far-flung places, filling our calendars with holiday bookings to quell any post-summer blues. As always, Europe beckons, but instead of making for the usual metropolises we’re eager to explore lesser-known locales, seeking a vacation outside of the ordinary.
As well as scouting for destinations to explore anew, we’re considering our mode of transport, so as to maximise vacation time, and there’s a certain type of travel that sees a trip become as much about the journey as the destination. Yes, we’re talking about seafaring, and we’ve got our sights firmly set on the intimate luxury and exceptional itineraries of Ponant’s Grand Voyages. Ponant, the elevated French cruising company founded by a group of professional sailors in 1988, has been perfecting the art of sea exploration since its inception, and now, the 13-fleet company specialising in small vessel cruising has expanded their offering with the addition of their incredible Grand Voyages through Europe.
Sauna on Le Lapérouse. Picture Ponant
Left: photo credit Nick Rains for Ponant. Right: Dining Room on Le Lapérouse, Picture Ponant
Ponant’s ships are yacht-like in style, hosting between 32 — 264 guests per voyage, which, when combined with quiet, comfortable spaces, hospitality excellence, and luxurious offerings encompassing spas & salons, entertainment areas, shopping and more, 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. Their experts know travel better than most and take immense pride in not only creating incredible onboard offerings, but mapping out exceptional itineraries that offer guests insight into the authentic beauty of the world — featuring visits to iconic ports, as well as exotic destinations that are off the beaten path.
Underwater Blue Eye Lounge on LE LAPÉROUSE. photo credit Vutheara Kham for Ponant
For an in-depth exploration of the Mediterranean, look to the all-encompassing Lisbon to Antalya route — a 29-day voyage traversing seven countries and calling at 28 ports. Here, you’ll discover the major cities of the Iberian Peninsula; explore UNESCO world heritage sites — from the Silk Exchange in Valencia to the tower of Belém, the Acropolis in Athens, and more; discover the captivating beauty of the Balearic; dive into the azure waters of Sardinia and Sicily; journey between Malta, Italy, Greece and Turkey, discovering some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful antique sites in early spring; and much, much more. This is a truly magical, once in a lifetime exploration of Europe not to be missed.
Prestige Stateroom on Deck 4 aboard Ponant Explorer, Le Lapérouse.Picture Ponant
Or, perhaps it’s the intrigue of Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, and Denmark on the Helsinki to Lisbon route that will prove your ideal voyage. On this 12-country, 24-port journey, tailored to curious and discerning travellers, you’ll be met with not only an incredibly well-curated exploration across 26 days (with excursions in major cities and lesser-known locations — from Amsterdam, Antwerp and Stockholm to the charming coastal town of Scheveningen and the Hanseatic Town of Visby), but incredible insight into the destinations, too, with onboard Smithsonian Journeys experts and an exclusive discussion with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate, Lech Wałęsa, while in Gdansk.
However, if it’s an exploration of the ancient sites of Greece, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia and Turkey that you seek, look no further than the Antalya to Venice voyage. Spanning five countries and 16 ports across just over two weeks, this varied cruise journeys through lively cities, historic sites and charming beaches — from the pearls of the Cyclades (Santorini, Delos, and Mykonos) to the striking landscapes of Puglia, The Acropolis of Athens, the sacred island of Delos and more, this trip aboard Ponant’s sleek, refined L’Austral ship is a guaranteed journey to remember.
Santorini Greece. Photo credit Nath Michel for Ponant
Whether an incredible journey to your next destination or an unforgettable holiday in its own right, Ponant’s 2025 Grand Voyages are a sublime way to explore the wonders of the world. Secure your spot on one of the intimate luxury cruises for the 2025 season now, and sail into the sunset in unmatched style.
From the classic ‘jeans and a nice top’ (forever a winning combination), to romantic lace, sweet florals, the dark romance of all black ensembles, and the timeless allure of diamonds, there are more than a few ways to dress to impress — ensuring cupid’s arrow makes its mark this Valentine’s Day.
In a bid to provide you with ample inspiration, we’ve curated an edit of pieces perfect for any upcoming date night, no matter your plans.
VALENTINO GARAVANI Appliquéd mini dress from net-a-porter
The Chinese New Year (also known as the Lunar New Year) ushers in new beginnings over 15 days of celebration, this year beginning on February 10th. Marking the transition between zodiac signs, 2024 is set to be the Year of the Wood Dragon — a spirit animal known to bring evolution, abundance, improvement and good fortune. Here in Auckland, restaurants city-wide are paying tribute to the festive season, marking the occasion with themed set menus, tempting specials, bespoke menu items and more. So, toast to new beginnings and enjoy a celebratory feast at one of the city’s top dining destinations — rounded up below.
Viaduct Harbour’s Grand Harbour is an institution that has cultivated a loyal following of customers and a strong reputation for being home to some of the best dim sums in town, with over 80 different varieties to choose from. While it may be hard to secure a booking at such a busy time for the Hong Kong-style restaurant, it’s still worth trying your luck for its bustling atmosphere alone. Book a table here.
Jervois Steak House is inviting revellers to usher in the Year of the Dragon with a celebratory set menu. Dishes have a decidedly Asian influence, including a tantalising aromatic ‘fortune broth’ with chicken and mushroom dumplings, succulent premium Wagyu scotch, and a delicious fresh snapper dish. Available from 9th — 11th February, this is one celebratory feast not to be missed. Book a table here.
Welcome in the Chinese New Year at Bivacco, where convivial Year of the Dragon celebrations will run from the 2nd to the 15th. Whether it’s a cherished reunion dinner or a lively festive catch up, here, you can savour a decadent menu including a family-style vongole, local crayfish mornay, and a tuscan T-bone to share. Plus, given the location, you’ll do well to pair your chosen fare with a celebratory tipple or two — we’d suggest the Negroni Jelly or, if you’re feeling adventurous, the Pomodorino which pairs olive oil-washed vodka with cherry tomato, white balsamic, lemon and pepper. Book a table here.
Renowned for its commitment to luxury, Faraday’s Bar is set to host an opulent, complimentary traditional Chinese tea ceremony to bring in the Lunar New Year, inspiring hope for a promising year ahead. On Friday 9th February, make for Faraday’s where you can explore the venue’s unrivalled selection and enjoy a soothing tea whilst welcoming the Year of the Wood Dragon in unrivalled style.
Celebrate prosperity, abundance, and good fortune in the heart of Auckland with Park Hyatt’s Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea. Indulge in a delightful selection of savoury and sweet treats, thoughtfully curated to bring good fortune and joy. Here, you’ll be greeted with a delicious mocktail on arrival, closely followed by the likes of steamed paua and pork buns, roast duck and hoisin pancake, yuzu, ginger & mango tarts, and green tea, honeydew and burnt vanilla chox — in amongst a host of other delights, all perfectly befitting to the celebratory occasion. Book a table here.
Chinese New Year has come to be known as a time for feasting with family, and, fortunately, Ebisu has curated a decadent set menu that will ensure everyone is satisfied. The bespoke offering features a selection of Ebisu favourites, including its signature sushi & sashimi platter with oysters, scampi, and fresh market fish, plus a Japanese Wagyu, and King Crab leg with garlic and green chilli butter. We recommend matching the meal with one of their themed cocktails list, selected to mark the occasion. Book a table here.
Throughout Lunar New Year, Homeland is offering a bespoke dish, crafted specially for the milestone — pork, prawn, salted duck egg and five spice sausage, fish dumplings, egg noodles and mushrooms in a crayfish broth. And, for those looking to take their celebratory feast up a notch, on the 10th of February Masterchef winner and author of Modern Chinese, Sam Low, will be running a Lunar New Year cooking class, teaching the art of dumpling preparation. The Year of the Dragon is all about the renewal of strength, luck and abundance – and dumplings represent luck, wealth and togetherness. What better way to kick off the year ahead. Secure your spot here.
To see in the Lunar New Year in style, make for one of Azabu’s two locations, where Chef Darren Johnson has created a decadent platter and a bespoke King Crab special to inspire celebratory indulgence. The platter is our pick, and includes the freshest market fish sashimi, omakase nigiri, scotch fillet, prawn tempura and tuna piri piri roll, with an option to upgrade to scampi and wagyu. Divine. Book a table at Mission Bay here & Ponsonby here.
Meaning ‘nectar’ in Mandarin, the masterful Huami restaurant promises something beautiful and precious at every sitting. The Sky City stalwart is offering an exploration of traditional, signature dishes this Chinese New Year with their bespoke ‘Nectar’ menu, or, bring the family together and experience the delicious sharing-style festive fare on offer that celebrates the very best of the Lunar New Year. Book a table here.
Discover the finest in Japanese cuisine this Lunar New Year at MASU by Nic Watt. Nic and the kitchen team have crafted an exclusive Shomi menu, featuring the likes of fresh sashimi and exquisite sushi rolls, perfect when paired with one of MASU’s famous cocktails — inspiring celebratory indulgence. Or, if you’re looking for a taste of the familiar, savour MASU’s Greatest Hits menu; a compilation of beloved classics available until the end of February. Book a table here.
Onemata at Park Hyatt is celebrating the Lunar New Year with two specially-crafted menus that marry tradition with a contemporary take to offer something more than worthy of a celebratory feast. Opt for either a three-course lunch or six-course dinner, and enjoy the likes of jade green broth, drunken chicken, and braised baby paua — all of which have been crafted to suit the occasion perfectly. There’s even an option to add to the set menus, elevating it your feast to new heights with a delectable buttery crayfish tail. Book a table here.
Explore Pacific flavours this Lunar New Year at Metita. If you’re rounding up friends or family and have a group of nine diners or more, you’ll be invited to indulge in either a four or five-course speciality set menu, designed to be shared with the whole table. Or, if you’re opting to celebrate on a Sunday, discover Metita’s Toana’i Sunday Long Lunch — a ritual in Samoan culture inspiring a moment of repose to celebrate what is important to you. Book a table here.
Take your Year of the Dragon celebrations to soaring new heights with The Sugar Club’s four-course Lunar New Year set menu, on offer for the 9th & 10th of February only. Here you’ll find both regular and plant-based menus to choose from, with the former featuring the likes of lamb tartare with oyster, pear, peach and parsnip, and the latter including cauliflower with macadamia, baby onion and kimchi and a delectable chilli pineapple sorbet. Book a table here.
Devonport go-to Vic Road Kitchen is inspiring locals to celebrate Lunar New Year with their special Asian-inspired food and drink menu, running from 7th — 10th February. Here, you’ll find all manner of delicious fare and libations to match, crafted with a focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Spots are filling fast, so nab one before they’re gone. Book a table here.
This February, perennial favourite meal kit subscription service My Food Bag is adding a delicious, limited edition gourmet edit to their offering. Across the month of February, subscribers, newcomers and one-off customers alike can get their hands on ‘The Gourmet Edit’ — a culinary journey that sees recipes from three of Auckland’s best restaurants and top chefs on offer, carefully curated with the home cook in mind.
Seared Beef Eye Fillet from Anise
From the kitchen of Sid and Chand Sahrawat’s innovative new pan-Asian eatery, Anise, comes an inventive beef curry dish crafted by Sid himself. Here, Sid looked to Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine for inspiration, pairing a delectable seared eye fillet with a vibrant and flavourful rendang sauce — the richness of which is offset beautifully with the addition of a punchy Thai-inspired nam jim dressing. There’s a crisp roti on the side, too, to ensure every last bit of this tasty creation is thoroughly enjoyed.
Josh and Helen Emett’s impressive Euro-inspired restaurant, Gilt Brasserie, has also crafted an exquisite dish for My Food Bag’s edit — with Executive Chef Glen File turning out a New Zealand-caught, pan-seared snapper, perfectly pairing the fish with braised courgette orzo and a silky lemon butter sauce. The paired-back, simple but thoughtful flavours in the dish ensure each individual element sings — coming together to create something you’d expect to find at any modern European restaurant on your travels.
Pan-Seared Snapper from Gilt Brasserie
Lastly, it was to the sustainable seafood experts at Kingi that My Food Bag turned, and the resulting dish is as delicious as you’d expect. Tom Hishon dreamt up a summer snapper dish bursting with flavour — from the fresh, line-caught snapper, to the potato and tomato ragù, peach courgette salad, and accompanying crusty Daily Bread sourdough, the masterfully crafted meal delivers on all fronts.
As is the case with the rest of My Food Bag’s meal kits, the recipes, along with the fresh ingredients, will be delivered directly to your door, meaning all that’s left to do is pour a glass of wine, string on an apron, and make like one of New Zealand’s top chefs as you prepare any one of the elevated meals on offer.
Sid’s dish is the first cab off the rank, available for delivery on February 11th; Glen’s creation for Gilt is up next, delivering on February 18th; and Tom’s snapper recipe is the last delivery, on February 25th as part of the 30+ weekly recipes available via My Food Bag. Make sure to place your order now — an exquisite culinary journey awaits.
These stunning meal kits are also available in February as Limited Edition single meal kits that serve two – perfect for those new to My Food Bag who just want to give it a try.
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.
