The Double O.G. Cheese Burger.

Tasty burgers and craft beers collide drawing us over the bridge

6 May 2022

There’s something about a good burger that holds our city captive. While the infatuation with other cuisines ebbs and flows, burgers are a constant and any new opening serving up a healthy chunk of meat between two soft buns is one that we’ll welcome with open arms.

When we first heard that Real Burger was set to open in Birkenhead, the Denizen office was immediately curious. And after waiting with bated breath, we’ve finally had a chance to sample the delicious burgers — and we weren’t disappointed.

Real Burger is the creation of brothers Michael and George Blackmore, who decided to open a burger joint on the back of nothing more than a genuine love for the tasty morsels. Lifelong North Shore residents themselves, the brothers saw Birkenhead as ripe for something new, and took inspiration from classic diners to create a laid-back drop-in that has quickly become a favourite with locals.

Real Burger is a marriage of burgers and beer — a holy duo — and when executed well, there’s nothing that hits the spot quite like it. “We just wanted to create a casual vibe, not too serious. And we just thought craft beers go so well with burgers,” the brothers reflected.

The beers are on tap, and usually rotate between seasonal kegs, with customers finding their favourites. There’s no Auckland prejudice here either; the beers on tap hail from all over the country.

When it comes to the burgers themselves, they are some of the best we’ve ever tried. The brothers focused on using the best ingredients they could, making everything in house. “Everything’s fresh, so prep takes a bit longer, and it’s more work, but it’s definitely worth it,” they explain.

And while The Real Burger is an popular star on the menu, The Nashville Chicken is an unexpected hero (something that took both of the brothers by surprise). The public’s reception to this chicken burger even has the brothers thinking about how a sibling chicken shop may look in the future.

With an interior that evokes a classic American Diner (with a touch of Blade Runner surrealism), Real Burger is humble but mighty. And it’s something that the Birkenhead community has been quick to realise. “We’ve been pretty lucky with the community in Birkenhead” the brothers said. I don’t know if we deserve it, but they’ve been great.”

North Shore residents (and those willing to travel), you’ve struck gold here. If you’re looking for a burger on the run or a place to pull up a stool to enjoy some burgers with friends, Real Burger is proving an epic addition to your neck of the woods.

What makes this venue so deserving of your attention is its under-the-radar, word-of-mouth popularity. Despite only opening recently, the burgers regularly sell out, meaning you really do have to get in there early.

It’s no wonder burgers this good can’t be made at home. Try as we might, we’re still lacking the skill needed to execute one as perfectly as the team at Real Burger. And with no plans to go anywhere, we’ll leave the cooking up to them and happily revel in their offering.

Opening hours:
Wednesday – Thursday, 5pm until 9pm
Friday — Sunday, 12pm until 9pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Real Burger

30 Birkenhead Avenue,
Birkenhead, Auckland

www.instagram.com/realburgernz/

Gastronomy

Bar Magda’s new approach is all about community, culture, and considered hospitality

Gastronomy

This month, Amano is hosting a one-night-only collaborative event with Wet Jacket Wines — secure your spot now

Gastronomy

Queens Rooftop has unveiled an epic, limited-time menu, and we have a dining experience for four up for grabs

Mount Eden welcomes Lucky Strike — the cool new cafe and creative hub for locals

6 May 2022

Mount Eden Village has always had good food, but recent years have seen it in need of a bit of a culinary revival. The population of the suburb is shifting, and new residents have been seeking options in the same vein as Ponsonby, K Road, Parnell or even the inner-city, where good brunch and all-day options abound for hungry locals.

Meet Lucky Strike, the new Mount Eden cafe wooing the local crowd with its perfect brews and tasty bites. The cafe began as a pipe dream for Robby Hekkers, a former barista from Grey Lynn’s beloved Crumb. After its closure earlier this year, he realised that there was a need for a good cafe and buzzing local hub in his home suburb of Mount Eden.

Inspired by his partner’s inner-city-store-come-creative-hub Monty’s, Hekkers set his sights on creating a cafe that housed more than just a good brew. He designed Lucky Strike as a place where creatives could congregate, exhibit and sell their work, use the space for inspiration, and of course, get a drink and a good bite to eat — courtesy of some tasty cabinet offerings from Daily Bread .

It’s the kind of cafe that’s effortlessly cool, where the coffee is great and everyone is welcome, and that’s the vibe the owner intends to maintain. Having handled every aspect of building the business, from the fit-out to poster design and working behind the till, Hekkers has exciting plans for the future. But for now, it’s the perfect place for those residing in Mount Eden to adopt as their new local.

Lucky Strike

551 Mount Eden Road,
Mount Eden, Auckland

www.instagram.com/luckystrikecoffee/

Gastronomy

Bar Magda’s new approach is all about community, culture, and considered hospitality

Gastronomy

This month, Amano is hosting a one-night-only collaborative event with Wet Jacket Wines — secure your spot now

Gastronomy

Queens Rooftop has unveiled an epic, limited-time menu, and we have a dining experience for four up for grabs

Eat your way around Commercial Bay with this enticing week-long deal

5 May 2022

With good food a core part of Denizen’s ethos (and our approach to life, really), we couldn’t be more excited by the latest deal coming out of one of the city’s premier dining precincts.

Since opening in 2020, Commercial Bay has been ahead of the game, with Harbour Eats offering an elevated take on a traditional food court experience and restaurants like Ahi providing seriously memorable dining experiences. And if you still haven’t managed to eat your way around Commercial Bay’s offering, its new, week-long meal deal is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Commercial Bay (@commercial_bay)

Launched this week, The $25 Deal will see one of Commercial Bay’s world-class eateries offering up something delicious for the mere sum of $25 every day this week. And with Gochu’s regularly sold-out milk buns, Ghost Donkey’s margaritas and Green Door’s famous pizzas included in the line-up, there’s never been a better excuse to eat your way around Commercial Bay.

Our advice? Valet parking is complimentary for those spending $50 or more in the precinct, so take a friend and revel in the joys of easy inner-city parking.

The daily $25 deals include:
Monday: Burger Burger — Beef & Cheese and Beer
Tuesday: Gochu — Glass of House Wine and Milk Bun
Wednesday: Ghost Donkey — Any Two Tacos & Margarita
Thursday: Green Door Pizza — Two slices and two Garage Project Lagers
Friday: Brothers Beer Juke Joint — Sandwich, small side and house beer or wine
Saturday: Hawker & Roll — Hawker Roll and Can Lah Garage Project Beer

Commercial Bay

7 Queen Street,
Auckland CBD

www.commercialbay.co.nz

Gastronomy

Bar Magda’s new approach is all about community, culture, and considered hospitality

Gastronomy

This month, Amano is hosting a one-night-only collaborative event with Wet Jacket Wines — secure your spot now

Gastronomy

Queens Rooftop has unveiled an epic, limited-time menu, and we have a dining experience for four up for grabs

Press play on these tried and true movie classics for Mother’s Day

5 May 2022

Whether you are able to share time on the sofa, or synchronise your screens and watch these movies together while on the phone, here’s a selection of films that deliver all of the required Mother’s Day feels. It’s worth noting that Meryl Streep appears on the list three times, perhaps making her cinema’s most loved mum (although we did leave out Kramer vs Kramer). Here are the movies to watch, laugh at and cry along with, this Mother’s Day.

Mamma Mia!
The charms of this interpretation of ABBA’s hit parade, with a nonsensical storyline and Pierce Brosnan’s truly woeful singing, are not immediately apparent. But the leading lady trio of Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters, along with mothers-of-a-certain-age catnip Colin Firth, does make this jukebox musical adaptation seep under your skin. By the end credits you may even shed a tear at The Winner Takes It All (not just because of Brosnan’s singing). Watch on Netflix

The Blind Side
Sandra Bullock picked up an Oscar for her star turn as the ultimate Soccer Mom, Leigh Anne Tuohy, who welcomes a black football player from a disadvantaged background into her privileged family. Bullock delivering the line “You mess with my son, you mess with me,” will kick in the most dormant maternal instincts. Watch on Apple TV

Bad Moms
For those wanting a comedic release this Mother’s Day, Bad Moms is a raunchy comedy about rebelling against the image of the suburban soccer mom. Watch on Amazon Prime

The Parent Trap
The epitome of a family classic, this 1998 romcom follows separated-at-birth twins Annie and Hallie on their mission to make their family whole again. Watch on Disney+

Little Women
The most recent feminist reimagining of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, directed by Greta Gerwig, stars Meryl Streep as an eldery aunt along with Oscar-winner Laura Dern as the world’s most saintly mother since Mary. A knockout Florence Pugh as the beautiful Amy and Saoirse Ronan as headstrong Jo round out the girl power casting. See why this enduring story has been a crowd pleaser for 150 years. Watch on Netflix

Serial Mom
Not all mothers are the red roses and Earl Grey tea type, so if yours is fond of a wicked laugh, indulge in the suspicious humour of underground film legend John Waters. Kathleen Turner delivers a delightfully grubby tour de force as happy housewife Beverly Sutphin, who unexpectedly discovers an appetite for murder and potty-mouthed prank calls. For cool mums only (if she has a collection of Josh Groban CDs, maybe skip this one). Watch on Amazon Prime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7sJD0u7AFE

The Sound of Music
If you’re part of a blended family, bypass Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon in Stepmom and go straight to the OG amazing stepmother, a perky Julie Andrews as Maria Von Trapp in this enduring musical. The chocolate box Austrian scenery, sassy nuns and a ridiculously handsome Christopher Plummer will have you holding mum’s hand by the second round of Edelweiss. Watch on Disney+

Lion

If you’re in the mood for a big old cry this Mother’s day then Lion would be our top pick. Starring Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel, this tearjerker follows an adoptive mother whose son travels around the world to find his birth family. Watch on Neon

Postcards From The Edge
You’ve hit the Mother’s Day mothership with Shirley MacLaine and Meryl Streep in the one movie. In the 1990 adaptation of Carrie Fisher’s acclaimed novel (which drew from Fisher’s life growing up as the daughter of Singing In The Rain star Debbie Reynolds) Streep and MacLaine go head to head over addiction, bad relationships, worse marriages and the nightmare of moving home in your thirties. Hang in there through the sharp dialogue and sarcastic asides because there’s a fantastic feel good ending. Watch on Apple TV

20th Century Women
Prepare for an oestrogen overload with Annette Bening as a free-thinking mother raising her adolescent son alongside punk artist Abbie (Greta Gerwig) and provocative neighbour (Elle Fanning). Set in Santa Barbara in 1979, the movie perfectly captures the clash between cultures and generations. It takes a village people. Watch on Apple TV

Steel Magnolias
Julia Roberts makes one of her earliest screen appearances in this certified weepy set in a salon, operated by Dolly Parton no less, in the American South. Sally Field, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah round out the cast of wealthy white women sharing stories of love and incredible loss. The camp classic is packed with wonderful one liners, with Parton’s character Truvey aptly declaring that “Laughter through tears is my favourite emotion.” Watch on Apple TV

Boyhood
Richard Linklater’s masterpiece focuses on a boy over a 12 year span of his early life and not surprisingly, his mother, played by Oscar-winner Patricia Arquette, is an important figure. As Olivia, Arquette is left with the bulk of the parenting duties while young Mason’s father, played by a suitably scraggly Ethan Hawke, slides in and out of their lives. Arquette’s performance is raw and will be easily recognisable to many mothers out there. Watch on Netflix

Coda
In this Sundance film festival darling, Ruby (played by Emilia Jones) is the child of deaf parents (known as a CODA) who finds she has a unique talent for singing. Dealing with what it means to ‘find your voice’ while helping those who don’t have one, it’s a heartwarming film that pushes a known coming-of-age narrative to find new meaning. Watch on Apple TV+

Terms of Endearment
If you’re in need of an emotional release, this 1983 tearjerker has been known to get the waterworks flowing from the most constipated of cryers. Shirley MacLaine as the overbearing mother Aurora and Debra Winger as her daughter Emma manage to capture the complicated nature of many family relationships. Keep a handkerchief close by. Watch on Apple TV

Crazy Rich Asians
Rachel Chu is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. She’s also surprised to learn that Nick’s family is extremely wealthy and he’s considered one of the country’s most eligible bachelors. Thrust into the spotlight, Rachel must now contend with jealous socialites, quirky relatives and something far, far worse – Nick’s disapproving mother. Watch on Neon

Culture

Forget everything you thought you knew about Frankenstein — we’re giving away tickets to a riveting retelling

Culture

The Booker Prize Longlist has been announced — consider this your essential reading for the months ahead

Culture

Here’s everything we know so far about The Devil Wears Prada sequel…

Denizen’s definitive guide to the best noodle dishes in Auckland

5 May 2022

Diverse, delicious and comforting noodles are something we really start craving as the weather cools down. From spicy noodle bowls to fulfilling noodle soups and everything in between, we have rounded up a list of the best to keep you satiated as we head into winter.

XO Noodles from Gochu
Described by some as a Korean ‘spaghetti bolognese’ these incredibly tasty noodles are back on Gochu’s menu after a hiatus in which they were sorely missed. Returning to sighs of relief from anyone who loves this innovative Korean restaurant in Commercial Bay, the chewy noodles are served topped with flavoursome Korean pork XO, indulgent cashew cream and perfectly pickled radish.

Seafood Laksa from Selera
It’s hard to beat the laksa from Selera. You don’t even need to be a noodle fanatic to appreciate the greatness of this dish — it really is that good. The soup is like a thick curry, and the egg noodles soak up all of its deliciousness while maintaining their perfectly-chewy texture. Also loaded with fish balls and plump prawns (or even pillowy prawn dumplings if you wish), it never fails to leave us feeling absolutely satiated.

Spicy Sichuan Noodles from Hello Beasty
One of our favourite Viaduct Harbour spots to head to for a tasty bite, Hello Beasty serves up a hearty noodle dish that is flavoursome and fulfilling. Soft egg noodles are piled into a bowl and topped with delicious crispy pork mince and a mixture of chilli, black vinegar and mustard greens before being finished with sesame seeds and roasted peanuts, which offer a much-needed crunchiness to balance out the soft textures of the rest of the dish.

Number 37 from Xi’An Food Bar
A dish so iconic that the people behind the counter usually assume it’s what you’re after the moment you walk through the doors (and usually they’re right), the Number 37 is something else. Pulled pork sits atop a bed of noodles surrounded by a pool of spicy chilli sauce in what we can promise will be some of the sauciest noodles you have ever tried.

Kalppong from Kaya
Serving up South Korean noodles, Kaya on Lorne St or in Albany is the place to go. Kalppong is a combination of two noodle dishes that are extremely popular in Korea — kalguksu and jjamppong. Kalguksu means knife-cut noodles, which sees each noodle in this dish carefully hand-cut to achieve a consistent size and texture. Jjamppong is renowned for its spiciness and seafood-rich flavour, and Kaya has married the two ideas for a one-of-a-kind dish.

Dan Dan Noodles from East
With an innovative menu that sees traditional Asian-style dishes given a modern, plant-based twist, East is a delicious vegetarian spot that delivers on flavour every time. Served with sesame, peanut, soft egg and a hint of spice, East’s Dan Dan noodles are not too heavy, not too light and perfect for refuelling on a temperamental autumnal day.

Kitsune Udon from Udon Works
This Japanese udon dish is simple yet delicious and will leave you feeling wholly nourished without feeling overly parched from a lot of salt. A slightly opaque dashi broth is supplemented with thick, satisfying udon noodles, and fried tofu finished with a light sprinkling of spring onion, seaweed, and bonito flakes.

Bibim Guksu from Ockhee
This delicious Korean eatery has cultivated a loyal following for its unique take on ‘Seoul food.’ Promising the perfect antidote to this increasingly chilly weather, Ockchee’s Bibim Guksu noodles offer a delicious yet simple bowl of Somyeon (wheat flour) noodles in a Gochujang based spicy sauce that will warm you up from the inside out.

Wan Dan Hor + Vermicelli from Bunga Raya
Tucked away in New Lynn, this tasty Malaysian restaurant is home to one seriously delicious noodle dish. Wan Dan Hor is often found in Malaysian and Chinese restaurants, but no one does it better than Bunga Raya. There are two versions of this dish on the menu, the original or one with the addition of vermicelli, which is what we recommend. Fried vermicelli noodles offer a perfectly crispy counterbalance to the soft rice noodles, drenched in an egg gravy — a tiny tweak that makes a big difference.

Twelve-hour Organic Beef Brisket Ramen from Chop Chop
While it’s hardly surprising that this Ponsonby Central noodle house serves some of the tastiest noodles in town, Chop Chop’s twelve-hour organic beef brisket ramen is something else. The bowl of rye noodles is served with pieces of slow-cooked beef brisket that work to give the entire dish a rich flavour, alongside strips of bacon, shiitake mushrooms and egg before being topped with spring onion, sesame, and black garlic.

Tonkotsu Shio Tanpopo Chasu Ramen from Tanpopo
When it comes to Japanese ramen, Tanpopo is a great place to start. Its signature dish is the Tonkotsu Shio Chasu ramen, which sees thin noodles drowning in a rich, salty pork broth, topped with tender slices of pork and flavoursome black garlic oil.

Rare Beef Rice Noodle Soup from Try It Out
Finding a solid bowl of Vietnamese phở is not the easiest task in Auckland, but Try It Out leaves us impressed every single time. Its broth has an unbelievable depth in flavour and allows the rare beef to cook slowly underneath the surface while you slurp your way through the thin rice noodles — which surprisingly never go soft or mushy.

Gastronomy

Bar Magda’s new approach is all about community, culture, and considered hospitality

Gastronomy

This month, Amano is hosting a one-night-only collaborative event with Wet Jacket Wines — secure your spot now

Gastronomy

Queens Rooftop has unveiled an epic, limited-time menu, and we have a dining experience for four up for grabs

Meet utterly chic home and tableware designer Zoë de Givenchy as she delves into her inspirations

5 May 2022

Zoë de Givenchy (niece of the late Hubert de Givenchy) celebrates artisanal craftsmanship, authenticity and heritage through her exquisite tableware and home brand Z.d.G — available exclusively from Faradays in Australasia. Here, the tastemaker gives an insight into her stylish world.

My personal style can be defined as: Classic with a twist.

The last thing I bought and loved was: The Gunther handbag with passementerie detailing from a friend’s wonderful new brand, Destree.

An unforgettable place I visited was: The Monumental Gardens of Valsanzibio, in the Veneto region; specifically, the labyrinth. It is one of four allegorical gardens created by Luigi Bernini in the 17th Century for the Barbarigo family. The four gardens were designed to be a metaphor for the human spiritual journey.

Z.d.G by Zoë de Givenchy available locally at Faradays

An object I would never part with is: My Cartier Baignoire watch. To me, the design is perfect.

When I was younger, I wanted to be: Prime Minister.

I am inspired by: The beauty and mysteries of nature and its seasons.

My favourite cultural or style icon is: The late Debo, Duchess of Devonshire is a favourite for her wit and grit.

The secret to creating a cohesive and impactful table setting is: Start with one idea and build around that. Always use the very best you can afford.

A design characteristic I find myself drawn to is: Restraint and symmetry.

Left: The late Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire. Right: Pierre Yovanovitch’s Château de Fabrègues in Provence.

I’m obsessed with the architecture, furniture, or design work of: Pierre Yovanovitch and Tom Scheerer. Pierre’s Château de Fabrègues in Provence is a dreamy masterpiece; and Tom’s almost puritan American aesthetic is a lesson in restraint.

The best book I’ve read in the last year is: Dreamscapes by Claire Takacs and Planting the Natural Garden by Piet Oudolf. There is a theme here…

My three dream dinner party guests would be: Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, and Mona von Bismarck.

When I return to my home country, Australia, my must-visit store, restaurant, and natural landmark is: Icebergs on Bondi Beach and the 12 Apostles (by helicopter) in Victoria. And a shop at Belinda in Sydney for its excellent edit of luxury fashion labels.

My favourite artists are: Right now I am buying Annie Morris and Marco Del Re — clearly I am reconnecting with colour!

My favourite film of all time is: A Room with a View made me want to pack my bags and move to Florence, aged 12.

Something I recently discovered is: The joys of weekends spent in Malibu.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: Take time to know yourself. When you know who you are, you can be decisive and wise about your goals, your standards, and your choices.

Something coming up for Z.d.G. I am excited about is: Expanding into some new categories and collaborations, including an Objets Trouvé section of our website.

www.faradays.store

Coveted

Shop the season’s hottest accessory — the luxe hand fan

Coveted

Shop the Look: These are the handbags defining the season

Coveted

We explore the life and style of one of the world’s most iconic design duos — Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

From the team behind Candela, K Road’s bar offers an intimate experience, oozing with cool-factor

4 May 2022

There are few venues across the city that are held in as high regard as Candela, the Spanish-inspired eatery and wine bar on Karangahape Road. Now, the popular restaurant has added a new, after-dark offering with Barcita — a bar at the back of the existing space that extends the Candela experience and promises to keep us hanging around long after the last course is over.

Taking up residence in an area previously used for private events and exclusive evenings, Barcita is now opening its doors to the public as a walk-in-only bar. From its delicious menu of Spanish-inspired bites to its superb by-the-glass wines and inspired cocktail list (trust us, these are some of the best high balls in the city) Barcita is looking set to offer the perfect after-work aperitif.

What makes Barcita so special is the way that it combines the effortlessly cool K’ Road experience with something more intimate and romantic, extending the moody ambiance of the restaurant to which it is attached. It is modern and sleek, while still offering the quirks of its Barcelona wine-bar heritage. And at the back of Barcita is the most beautiful backspace balcony that feels far removed from the city in the best kind of way.

With events like last month’s pop-up with Hero Sandwiches set to happen with more frequency in the future, the space will also still serve as a private event venue, offering guests an opportunity to take over the area for convivial, cocktail-infused nights. Beyond all of that, Barcita really is the perfect place to pop into for pre-dinner drinks or a late-night haunt (you’ll certainly find us at the bar).

Barcita

155 Karangahape Road,
Auckland Central

www.candelabar.co.nz/barcita

Gastronomy

Bar Magda’s new approach is all about community, culture, and considered hospitality

Gastronomy

This month, Amano is hosting a one-night-only collaborative event with Wet Jacket Wines — secure your spot now

Gastronomy

Queens Rooftop has unveiled an epic, limited-time menu, and we have a dining experience for four up for grabs

As another Met Gala draws to a close, we round up the best looks from fashion’s biggest night out

4 May 2022

The first Monday in May carries special meaning for the fashion set, marking the most significant event on the calendar — The Met Gala.

Inaugurated as an annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, The Met Gala has become synonymous with outrageous outfits and iconic celebrity moments. It is an event that has come to capture the imagination of even those completely uninterested in fashion or glamour. And while almost every notable figure in Hollywood receives an invite, from style icons to actors and musicians (and more recently, to TikTok stars) we are left to look on from home — taking on the role of fashion critic to dissect the outfits of those in attendance.

Each year guests are asked to dress to a theme reflecting that of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, and this year’s take on American Fashion in the ‘Gilded Age’ promised opulence and drama. This year’s Gala was a continuation of last year’s (which had been delayed by the pandemic) and gave guests a second chance to interpret the theme: In America: An Anthology of American Fashion.

Drawing inspiration from a time when New York socialites had more money than sense and fashions were at their most extravagant, this year’s Met Gala gave fashion designers a creative carte blanche to play with opulence. On the red carpet, we saw a number of corsets, bustles and suiting, alongside gilded details and over-the-top silhouettes. And while there were certainly a few misses, there were a number of attendees who just got it so right. These are the looks that left a lasting impression.

Kacey Musgraves in Prada, Dakota Johnson in Gucci.

Winnie Harlow in Iris Van Herpen, Kiki Layne in Prabal Gurung.

Jodie Turner-Smith in Gucci, Kaia Gerber in Alexander McQueen.

Cardi B in Versace, Anderson .Paak in Gucci.

Kate Moss in Burberry, Lizzo in Thom Browne.

Alicia Keys in Ralph Lauren and Tiffany & Co.

Gemma Chan and Phoebe Dynevor in Louis Vuitton.

Shawn Mendes in Tommy HIlfiger, Billie Eilish in Gucci.

Evan Mock in Head of State, Carey Mulligan in Schiaparelli.

Khloe Kardashian in Moschino, Molly Sims in Monique Lhuillier.

Nicola Peltz-Beckham in Valentino, Anna Wintour in Chanel.

Cara Delevingne in Dior, HoYeon Jung in Louis Vuitton.

Sydney Sweeney in Tory Burch, Jacob Elordi in Burberry.

Janelle Monae in Ralph Lauren, Alessandro Michele and Jared Leto in Gucci.

Eiza Gonzalez in Michael Kors and Bulgari jewellery, Laura Harris in Glemaud.

Katy Perry in Oscar de la Renta, Quannah Chasinghorse in Prabal Gurung.

Coveted

Shop the season’s hottest accessory — the luxe hand fan

Coveted

Shop the Look: These are the handbags defining the season

Coveted

We explore the life and style of one of the world’s most iconic design duos — Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Remuera welcomes Waku Waku — a delicious Japanese eatery serving classic dishes with an inspired twist

3 May 2022

Remuera’s dining scene is burgeoning brilliance. The recent openings we’ve tasted have inspired a new take on dining in the suburb, and the latest addition brings a touch of elegance via expertly executed Japanese cuisine. Waku Waku is a visionary new restaurant from Makoto Tokuyama and Jason Lee, offering an approachable (but inspired) dining experience perfect for the whole family.

Left: Sirloin with Garlic puree and yuzu radish.

The pair have a 20-year-long history of working side-by-side; loosely translated, Waku Waku is already something of a well-oiled machine, reflected in the entire experience. Treating traditional Japanese fare to some delightfully modern twists, the menu is flavoursome and unique and was created by Tokuyama who pulled from his experience at the likes of Cocoro to make some seriously special dishes. In the kitchen, these dishes are perfectly executed by Chef Lucas Lee (ex Clooney, The French Cafe & Cocoro).

It is this mix of expertise with innovation that is Waku Waku’s crowning jewel. Offering a curated selection of Japanese specialties, entrees feel both authentic and modern, with exciting twists to be discovered. One of our favourites was the Kara-age chicken with tapioca and smoked yuzu mayonnaise. Mains offer a similar take — market-fresh fish with yuzukosho dashi, choy sum and daikon puree. Waku Waku’s drinks are no less inspired, where cocktails are served with Asian twists, and sake forms an essential part.

The hallmark of a perfected dining experience considers all elements, and Japanese dining is often synonymous with refined, moody interiors. In Waku Waku, the authentic experience is elevated by the combination of old and new, and details that speak to a more traditional Japanese aesthetic. The kitchen features an intimate seating area for 12 diners — a space we recommend booking for groups — and the courtyard is set-up with a bar and sashimi station. The finishing touch is harnessed light, setting the perfect ambiance and complementing the whole experience.

Waku Waku truly leaves a lasting impression where, in the heart of Remuera’s growing dining precinct, it sits as a clear stand out for Japanese cuisine in the city.

Opening hours:
Monday — Sunday, 5pm until late

Waku Waku

1D/415 Remuera Road,
Remuera, Auckland

www.instagram.com/waku.waku.modern_japanese/

Gastronomy

Bar Magda’s new approach is all about community, culture, and considered hospitality

Gastronomy

This month, Amano is hosting a one-night-only collaborative event with Wet Jacket Wines — secure your spot now

Gastronomy

Queens Rooftop has unveiled an epic, limited-time menu, and we have a dining experience for four up for grabs

Celebrate International Sauvignon Blanc Day with the perfect pairing — a glass of NZ wine and half-a-dozen oysters

3 May 2022

Holding our own alongside the likes of historic winemaking regions like Tuscany and Bordeaux, New Zealand remains one of the most revered producers of wines in the world. And considering how our Marlborough-derived take on the classic ‘Sav’ has put us firmly on the global map, it is with pride that we celebrate International Sauvignon Blanc Day this Friday with a glass of Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc — one of our favourite drops of the white varietal.

Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

Despite only dabbling in Sauvignon Blanc for around 50 years, New Zealand has produced some world-class iterations (mostly out of Marlborough) and it is this style of wine that still dominates the local market today. Now, not only do we have 28,000 hectares of vineyards dedicated to growing the grape, but it makes up nearly three-quarters of the industry here.

In light of our affinity for a delicious ‘Sav’ (particularly when paired with fresh seafood) and the fact that International Sauvignon Blanc day is coming up this Friday, Villa Maria, one of the country’s most established winemakers has taken on the host role in a sav celebration worthy of attention.

This week, from Wednesday until Saturday, wine bar La Fuente will be serving the ultimate pairing of Te Matuku oysters and a glass of Villa Maria’s most popular, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc so that you can raise a glass to the varietal that put New Zealand wine on the world map.

International Sauvignon Blanc Day celebrations cost $45 per person, with a glass of Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc and half a dozen Te Matuku oysters with tepache pineapple, Sauvignon Blanc and Jalapeno ice.

The pairing runs from 5pm to 10pm this week. Bookings are advised.

www.villamariawines.com

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Gastronomy

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Gastronomy

Gastronomy

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Culture

Gastronomy

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Coveted

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Gastronomy

Coveted

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Gastronomy

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Gastronomy

Connect with us

CURRENT ISSUE

Gastronomy, Style, Culture, Design, Wellbeing, Travel.

Sign up to the Denizen Weekly

Interested in Advertising?