From Viola Davis to Bob Odenkirk and Selma Blair, the latest celebrities putting pen to paper prove memoirs are not just a chance to tell their breathtaking stories in their own words, but to also create buzz around an astounding literary debut.
Theroux The Keyhole: Diaries of a Grounded Documentary Makerby Louis Theroux Acclaimed journalist and filmmaker Louis Theroux has made a career out of his unassuming appearance that seems to always attract new leads. In his next autobiography, Theroux turns his searching, bespectacled eyes on himself and his family, as he tries to make sense of our strange new world. Weaving in his latest work (including the Tiger King and conspiracy theorists), the result is both hilarious and humbling.
Finding Me by Viola Davis Viola Davis is one of the most decorated actors and producers of our time, and yet she has never felt seen. From a crumbling home in Rhode Island to the glamour of Hollywood, this personal story tells how she found her sense of purpose, and presence — inspiring the reader to rediscover who they are too.
Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama by Bob Odenkirk He calls himself a “determined idiot” but Bob Odenkirk’s Homeric rise from the comedy clubs of Chicago to the bright lights of Hollywood — including on the sets of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and Nobody — makes it clear that Odenkirk is one very entertaining writer.
Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Upby Selma Blair From the ingénue to the ice queen, and a muse to Karl Lagerfeld, Selma Blair has played many captivating roles over her lifetime. Her most important, is to advocate for the multiple sclerosis community. This emotionally shattering memoir tells her hard-won life lessons with wit — as she adds a new string to her bow: accomplished author.
All hail the all-day eateries. Where would we be without these one-stop shops, the establishments that keep us satiated from sunrise to sunset — and all the moments in between. These are the restaurants that execute every meal effortlessly, tempting us to return as soon as we’ve set our breakfast spoons down with the promise of an equally excellent lunch and dinner. With an outpost so outstanding, it’s no surprise that you have a favourite. Take the opportunity to vote for the all-day eatery that you know and adore — and if there’s a spot you think we’ve overlooked, be sure to add them in the comment box.
Everybody who votes goes in the draw to win one of three $1000 vouchers to be spent at one of the American Express Local Dining Collection locations — a list of which can befound here.
Voting has now closed. The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes presented by American Express will be announced in the Winter issue of Denizen magazine (released on 23rd May, 2022).
The Denizen Hospo Heroes 2022 ‘Best All-Day Eatery’ Shortlist:
We’re well into the swing of the working year so there’s no better time to invest in a new briefcase. Far from its stuffy, corporate origins, the classic briefcase has been given a chic reimagining this season, promising to carry you from a day in the office to dinner, drinks and beyond with ease. Matching practicality with polish, these are the bags to invest in right now.
Gucci’s GG Embossed briefcase offers a taste of the brand’s signature cool (without anything more), and Bottega Veneta’s Intreccaiato Leather briefcase brings a modern face to a traditional weave. For those who seek solace in simplicity, you can’t look past The Cross briefcase by a local favourite, Dadelszen.
Clockwise from top left: The Cross Briefcase from dadelszen, GG embossed briefcase from Gucci, Intrecciato Leather Briefcase from Bottega Veneta, Berluti Logo-Debossed Briefcase from Mr porter, TOM FORD Full-Grain Briefcase from Mr porter, steamer PM bag from Louis Vuitton.
Fendi ss22
Clockwise from top left: London Check Briefcase from Burberry, Business case with Interlocking G from Gucci, ELITE BRIEFCASE from Dior Men, ARCO briefcase from Bottega Veneta, SIRIUS BRIEFCASE from Louis Vuitton, Saffiano Leather Work Bag from Prada.
If you have been following Denizen for a while, you’ll be aware of the high calibre of dining already on offer in Auckland. And it’s only getting better. So we thought what better time than now, as the seasons change and our tastes with them, to round up some of the dishes in this city we think you definitely should be eating.
From fresh seasonal offerings at neighbourhood spots to tried and true favourites to menus that have only been circulating for a matter of weeks, these are the delicious dishes that need to be on your radar.
Cappelettifrom Andiamo Head to Herne Bay’s beloved neighbourhood eatery to indulge in one of its new Autumnal dishes. Tasty cappelletti morsels with silverbeet and gorgonzola dole are finished with toasted walnuts to offer a flavour and texture sensation you won’t soon forget. Not too heavy, not too light, this is the perfect dish for Autumn’s changeable weather.
Ada, Hello Beasty.
Duck fat potatoes with sage butter from Ada Here, the classic crispy potato dish is taken to new heights. Served with rich sage butter and topped with fragrant sage, these duck fat potatoes are impossibly crunchy and incredibly moreish.
Korean fried cauliflowerfrom Hello Beasty While this dish might have been on the menu at Hello Beasty since its inception, consider this a timely reminder to pay the Viaduct Harbour eatery a visit. If you haven’t experienced the fried cauliflower before, these bite-sized fried morsels are brimming with flavour thanks to their spicy gochujang glaze and topping of roasted sesame seeds.
Milenta
Pork belly from Milenta It seems that ‘Milenta’ is the name on everyone’s lips at the moment — and for good reason. This Victoria Park newcomer has become a fast favourite for its strong menu of smoky flavours and expertly executed dishes. The pork belly is a standout, with Wairarapa pork that has been butterflied, rubbed in zesty citrus and chilli, cooked perfectly over hot coals and served with impossibly fluffy potato purée and a chicken, tomato and fennel gravy.
Soul Bar & Bistro, Siso.
Beef short rib ragù, pappardelle, chilli and torched raclettefromSoul Bar & Bistro This dish has everything you want from a pasta. Mouthwatering ragù, ribbons of perfectly al dente pappardelle, indulgent swathes of raclette and a hint of chilli to cut through the richness. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to book a table at Soul (like you need one), consider this a sign.
Crushed peas, fava beans, feta and dukkah from Siso Proving the appeal of vegetarian fare when it’s done well, Siso’s delectable crushed pea dish is a textural delight. Served with earthy fava beans and salty feta and topped with a dusting of dukkah, this delicious starter is a light way to prepare the palate for one of the Remuera restaurant’s tasty mains.
Bar Non Solo, Alpha.
Braised meatballs from Bar Non Solo If you haven’t visited Bar Non Solo — which only opened at the end of last year — we suggest you drop in for an after-work drink and bite as soon as you can. Alongside its comprehensive cocktail list is a delicious bar menu with dishes like these braised meatballs served in a flavourful pomodoro sauce with smoked caciocavallo and fresh parsley.
Hot fish sando from Alpha We recommend heading to Parnell one morning to experience the delectable offering from Alpha — the daytime test kitchen of renowned fine-dining institutes Pasture and Boxer. A crowd favourite (and often recommended by the staff) the hot fish sando uses housemade shokupan bread and heroes delicately-battered fish and zingy greens.
If you’re looking for a moment of transcendence in the midst of your inner-city shopping day, you will find it courtesy of London-based New Zealand artist Tiffany Singh, whose installation hangs magnificently in the HSBC tower of Commercial Bay.
Of Indian, Samoan and Pākeha descent, Singh has exhibited all over the world — but her latest masterpiece celebrates the ever-shifting skies of her birthplace, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Commissioned by Precinct Properties and curated by Paul Baragwanath, ‘Ororangi’ renders the space in which it hangs a rainbow wonderland.
“I believe colour is therapy and try to make it as immersive in my life as possible,” said Singh. “I wanted to explore perception of colour, and work through a spectrum that deconstructs and reconstructs itself with the three-dimensional space.”
Three years in the making, ‘Ororangi’ (a name bestowed by Kaumātua Tautoko Witika of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) means “blessings from heaven”, and comprises 40,000 metres of double satin ribbon, with 4,489 suspended elements including finishing sinkers to weigh them down.
The large-scale work is an invitation to pause and immerse one’s self for a moment in what Singh describes as “a study into the physicality of light”, as rainbow ribbons cascade from above to delight visitors both young and old.
Sure, the food on your plate is what it’s all about… But have you ever walked into a restaurant and been lost for words? This new category is all about celebrating two of our great loves; mouthwatering food and really good design. Think of those eateries that people visit just to get the iconic snap; a space that leaves you drooling for more than just the menu. We’ve rounded up some of the best in the city, but we know that taste is subjective (and you’ve got a good eye), so vote for your pick of the best restaurant interiors below. Of course, if there’s a jaw-dropping you think we may have overlooked, be sure to add it in the comment box.
Everybody who votes goes in the draw to win one of three $1000 vouchers to be spent at one of the American Express Local Dining Collection locations — a list of which can befound here.
Voting has now closed. The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes presented by American Express will be announced in the Winter issue of Denizen magazine (released on 23rd May, 2022).
The Denizen Hospo Heroes 2022 ‘Best Interiors’ Shortlist:
You don’t have to go green to bring the outdoors-in. If you’re more calmed by cream, style it with organic wooden accents in the realm of walnut and cedar, and complement the warming palette with brass undertones. Then, simply let the light shine in.
Left: Hamptons Home by Athena Calderone. Right: Perkins Home by Maison Trouvaille.
Perkins Home by Maison Trouvaille.
Atkin Home by Maison Trouvaille.
Alfred sofa by Roberto Lazzeroni for Flexform from Studio Italia.
Left to right: Cask XL ottoman by Expormim from ECC, Pebble Weave Wool rug from Nodi Rugs, Morgan accent table by Kelly Hoppen from Frobisher, Mila sconce by Matthew McCormick from ECC.
Boss Executive table by C.R. & S. RIVA1920 from Riva 1920 from Matisse.
Left to right: O Fruit bowl by Hem from Tim Webber, Dip candle holders from Tim Webber, Dama side tables by Poliform from Studio Italia, Cabin dining chair by Timothy Oulton from Dawson & Co.
Easter is already upon us and despite the fact that there are a raft of delicious bun offerings in Auckland (see our exhaustive list here) there is something so comforting about being able to whip up a batch of hot crossies at home.
So, who better to turn to for a foolproof hot cross bun recipe than Liv Glazebrook from @kitchenoftreats? Our go-to for all things sweet and delicious, Liv’s recipes have seen us seriously step up our game in the kitchen — and thank God for that. If you want to impress the extended family this Easter, perhaps this recipe for easy, at-home hot cross buns is just the ticket.
Kitchen of Treats Hot Cross Buns
Makes 12
Ingredients:
For the dough: 1/2 cup lukewarm milk 1/2 cup lukewarm water 1/2 cup brown sugar 4 tsp active dried yeast (don’t forget to check the expiry date!) 75g butter, melted 1 large egg 1 tsp salt 4 cups high grade flour 3 Tbsp mixed spice 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground cloves 1 ½ cups sultanas (or raisins, or apricots or figs or chocolate)
For the crosses: ½ cup flour ½ cup cold water
For the glaze: 1/4 cup sugar 3 Tbsp boiling water
Hand-kneading Method:
1. Measure the warm milk, warm water and one tablespoon of the brown sugar into a large bowl, then sprinkle in the yeast. Stir to ensure yeast dissolves before adding 2 cups of flour. Cover and leave in a warm place for about 30 minutes. 2. In another bowl mix the melted butter and remaining brown sugar, then beat in the egg, salt, spices, and sultanas. Add the risen yeast mixture and the remaining flour and mix to make a dough just firm enough to knead, adding a little extra flour if necessary. 3. Knead with the dough hook of an electric mixer or by hand on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes or until the dough forms a soft ball and springs back when lightly pressed. Add the dough back to the mixing bowl, cover and leave in a draft-free place until it’s doubled in size – usually an hour or two – it depends on the temperature of the surroundings, among other things. 4. Divide the dough evenly into four pieces then each of these into 3 or 4 (12 – 16 in total). Shape each piece into a round ball and arrange in a square or rectangular roasting pan (lined with baking paper), leaving about 1cm between each bun. Cover and leave in a warm place until buns double in size and puffed up into ‘proper’ bun size (they don’t rise any more when cooking, like cakes do). 5. To make the crosses, whisk flour and water together until smooth, placing in a piping bag and form crosses on the buns. 6. Bake at 225°C for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. 7. While the buns are baking, whisk the sugar and boiling water in a heatproof bowl until dissolved (microwave on high for 20 seconds to help dissolve the sugar). 8. Brush the syrup on top of the buns as soon as they come out of the oven. 9. Serve warm with lots of butter.
Bread Maker Method:
Measure all ingredients (except fruit) into the bread machine. Set to dough cycle and press start (add fruit when the cycle indicates to do so with a ‘beep’.) When the cycle is complete, shape and bake as per above.
Liv’s Top Tips:
Use High Grade flour (if possible), it has a higher gluten content so works better with the yeast.
Check your yeast hasn’t expired and is still ‘active’
Make sure that your salt is thoroughly mixed into the flour, if salt comes in direct contact with yeast it will reduce its effectiveness
Soaking fruit prior to mixing will prevent the dried fruit taking moisture out of the dough – Cover the dried fruit in a bowl and cover with boiling water (or orange juice that has been warmed on the stove.) Seal/cover and leave for an hour or so. Drain the fruit in a sieve before using.
Be patient and let your dough rise in a warm, draft free spot until it has doubled in size. Let it rise again after shaping it into buns.
For defined ‘crosses’ make sure your cross mixture isn’t too runny, if so, add more flour.
For a great fruity alternative to the sugar/water glaze mix 4 Tbsps of Apricot Jam with 1/3 cup of water. Place water and jam into a small saucepan over low heat and stir until jam dissolves. Bring to the boil for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat. Immediately brush glaze over warm hot cross buns.
Got a hot date? It doesn’t matter if you’re sharing a meal with a new squeeze or an old flame, picking the perfect restaurant is serious business. Whether your ideal setting is cool and casual or elevated and impressive, a reliable date night locale will provide the perfect atmosphere, allowing good food, great drinks and scintillating conversation to flow. We’ve all got a type, and while we’ve rounded up the shortlist, we thought it best for you to take your pick of the suitors. Vote for your favourite date night spot below — and be sure to let us know if there’s somewhere you think we have overlooked.
Everybody who votes goes in the draw to win one of three $1000 vouchers to be spent at one of the American Express Local Dining Collection locations — a list of which can befound here.
Voting has now closed. The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes presented by American Express will be announced in the Winter issue of Denizen magazine (released on 23rd May, 2022).
The Denizen Hospo Heroes 2022 ‘Best Date Night’ Shortlist:
There’s nothing better than settling into a satisfying new TV show at the end of the day. From series informed from popular podcasts (WeCrashed and The Dropout) to whole new tales including Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby’s new comedy Our Flag Means Death, there is a moving new show for every mood.
WeCrashed Podcasts have quickly become the most entertaining form of IP as several high-profile audio series are optioned for the small (but mighty) screen. One of the most anticipated limited series from this new well of inspiration is WeCrashed — based on the source material from Wondery. Attracting Academy Award-winners Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway in the lead real-life roles, WeCrashed is the chaotic business-meets- pleasure story of Adam and Rebekah Neumann, the narcissists who built WeWork — one of the world’s most valuable startups (worth US$47 billion in under a decade) until, within a year, its value plummeted. Watch on Apple TV+
Severance What if you could leave everything that happened at work behind you each day? Severance explores an unnerving experiment in work-life balance, where employees undergo a procedure to surgically divide their memories between their corporate and personal lives. Directed and executive-produced by Ben Stiller and starring Adam Scott and Patricia Arquette, this artful thriller goes down the rabbit hole of company agendas, and convoluted consciousness. Watch on Apple TV+
Pachinko Told in three languages, and across generations, this historical drama series is based on the acclaimed novel by Min Jin Lee. Epic in scope and intimate in its immediacy, Pachinko begins with a forbidden love and follows the hopes and dreams of a Korean immigrant family to Japan. It’s set to make international stars of Lee Min-ho and Japanese–New Zealand actor Anna Sawai. Watch on Apple TV+
Reacher Much more on the mark tone-wise than Tom Cruise’s humourless turn as Lee Child’s titular hero, the new iteration of Reacher is a fun, rollicking watch that stays true to the original written series. Action buffs, this is one for you. Watch on Amazon Prime Video
The Dropout Based on the enthralling ABC podcast, The Dropout uncovers the true story of Elizabeth Holmes and her out-for-blood biotechnology company, Theranos. Amanda Seyfried plays the role of the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire, who promised to revolutionise health care, but was instead convicted of criminal fraud. Watch on Disney+
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFE8ASwxmpA
Our Flag Means Death Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby are taking to the high-seas with their swashbuckling new comedy, Our Flag Means Death. Inspired by the true 18th Century tale of ‘The Gentleman Pirate’ — when a retired British army major (Darby) turned to piracy and sailed alongside Blackbeard (Waititi) in what is known as one of the worst midlife crises on record — it has all the wit and whimsy we have come to expect from Waititi. Watch on Neon
Landscapers In one of her most remarkable roles yet, Academy Award-winning darling Olivia Colman stars alongside David Thewlis in Landscapers. The four-episode limited series is inspired by the true story of Susan and Chris Edwards, an unassuming British couple at the centre of an extraordinary investigation when two dead bodies are discovered in the garden of a Nottingham home. Watch on Neon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNn8YJYAyEo
Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber This is the story of one of Silicon Valley’s most successful (and disruptive) unicorns, from the book of the same name. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Uber Co-founder and CEO Travis Kalanick and Uma Thurman as board- member Arianna Huffington of The Huffington Post, this limited series is one wild ride. Watch on Neon
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.
