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
From warm brown and beige to fresh cream and soft peach, the underlying tones of the season are the kind we might usually expect to find in a barista’s cup. Subdued but sophisticated, this trend makes a statement in a subtle, understated way, promising to energise any look without being too obvious about it.
Put some extra pep in your step with pieces like Anine Bing’s classic coat from Muse Boutique, Alexandre Vauthier’s sumptuous boots from Faradays or Acne Studio’s bucket bag from Workshop — all examples of how new season neutrals are taking cues from coffee.
CLOCKWISE from top left: Bottega Veneta Hoop earrings FROM Net-a-porter, Anine Bing Dylan coat from Muse, Garrett Leight Ace Prosecco Sunglasses from Parker & Co., Alexandre Vauthier Geraldine Boots from Faradays, KAIA NORTH/SOUTH SATCHEL from Saint Laurent.
CLOCKWISE from top left: Isabel Marant Lecce leather belt FROM net-a-porter, Matteau Summer Chino from Muse, Vanessa Bruno Jovanka houndstooth jacket from Workshop, belt bag from Gucci, Loewe Leather Chelsea boots from Net-a-porter, Lamé GG jacquard cardigan from Gucci.
CLOCKWISE from top left: SL 214 Kate sunglasses from Saint Laurent, Heritage trench coat from Burberry, Reversible Check and Monogram Cashmere Scarf from Burberry, Cargo Shorts from Moncler, leather and fabric boots from Prada, acne studios musubi midi bag from workshop.
It’s time to celebrate the best local haunts. These are the places that act as magnets, drawing people near and far to the little slice of Tāmaki Makaurau they call home. A good neighbourhood restaurant is a community in and of itself, welcoming patrons with the same warmth whether you’re on a first-name basis or simply passing through. The beauty of these eateries is they’re your ultimate local, and there’s no one better placed to decide than you. Cast your vote below, and if there’s a neighbourhood eatery you believe has been overlooked, let us know in the comments.
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 Neighbourhood Eatery’ Shortlist:
Poring over industry data, it’s clear millennials and (drinking age) Gen Z’ers are imbibing less alcoholic beverages than their predecessors. While there are many factors at play, one of the main reasons given is the want of wellbeing — which is only amplified by time spent in lockdowns.
“We are more aware than ever how alcohol fuels a range of mental and physical health issues,” says Tyler Martin and Sophie Heatley of Yes You Can. “Being stuck at home, we naturally found ourselves drinking less and noticing a huge change in how we felt. We don’t want to give up how ‘clear’ we feel as we navigate what the world looks like moving forward.”
Taking matters into their own hands, the couple developed a beverage brand that challenged preconceptions of the non-alcoholic category — Yes You Can. Over months of refining its formula alongside world-class mixologists and food technologists, they created a multidimensional flavour profile that actually tastes and feels like classic alcoholic cocktails. Its proprietary ‘Flashback’ blend of all natural botanical extracts creates a burn at the back of the throat — without leading to those other kinds of ‘flashbacks’ after a night out drinking.
Yes You Can launched in September 2021 with three flavours to sip and savour — a zesty orange Spritz, a refreshing G&T, and a highball, but low- stakes, Dark & Stormy. While Covid restrictions affected hospitality sales at first, they had a successful soft launch online and were inundated with distributor requests for New Zealand and Australia (the latter is where they are currently based). Most immediately, they’re thrilled when they see someone holding one of their cans, or even seeing them squashed in a recycling pile on a morning walk around their Sydney suburb.
Martin, who was an Olympic Water Polo player before starting a sportswear brand, and Heatley, a New Zealander who worked at Google before pursuing postgraduate studies in Psychology, see themselves as being a small part of the cultural shift for those who wish to be sober, or even slightly more sensible. “A shift where mindful drinking and essentially mindful socialising is the new norm.”
The plan is to rapidly expand Yes You Can, including its global product range, distribution, talent, marketing and strategic investment. Cracking open the mindful drinking movement, while cultivating devoted followers? Why yes, they can.
It’s always a good time to think about what you could be doing to give back to the community and those in need. In this series, we highlight initiatives that we deem worthy of your support — and this is certainly true of the youth support and mentoring organisation I Have a Dream.
The Philosophy Founded in 2003, the team at I Have a Dream believes all children deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, working from the ground up to affect positive, long-term, generational change. The programme is based on the original work of the U.S. foundation of the same name, and focuses on providing children and young people with access to the resources they need to succeed, academically and otherwise — along with consistent, caring adults (known as Navigators) to guide and support them.
Who they are The foundation is helmed by CEO Chris Twiss, who has joined the team after over 25 years in venture capital and private equity investment and technology innovation spaces. Trustees are renowned fashion designer Kiri Nathan, Chief Executive of Ki A Ora Ngātiwai health trust Lynette Stewart CNZM and Director of Educational Initiatives at the University of Auckland, Professor Graeme Aitken, while Ice Angels founding member Scott Gilmour is the chairperson. On the ground is a dedicated team of Navigators who, guided by Team Manager Mo Matautia-Tepania, currently work within the Tikipunga, Otangarei and Totara Grove communities of Whangārei.
What they do Working with its Dream Partner Schools, I Have a Dream offers the services of a consistent, caring adult (Navigator) for up to 15 years of a child’s schooling life, providing mentoring, tutoring, life coaching and support. Aiming to instil values of higher education, career aspirations and life success, they ensure every child has the resources, opportunities and networks they need to succeed. At this stage, the intention is to be present in the Whangārei community for a long time, working holistically and in partnership with family, schools and the wider community.
How to get involved There are several avenues for supporting I Have a Dream. A number of volunteer positions are available — on a regular or as-needed basis, such as after-school programme assistants, mentors, tutors, guest speakers and more. If you have a particular skill you wish to share, get in touch and let them know. Should you want to do something even more impactful, signing up to be a mentor is hugely rewarding for both the mentor and mentee. For at least a year (but ideally long term), mentors are a consistent, dependable and respectful presence in a young person’s life, providing one-to-one guidance, support and encouragement — and demonstrating how valuable a good role model can be.
As the organisation is completely privately funded, it relies on the support of generous donors to operate, so financial contributions are welcomed via one-off or recurring payments. Monetary donations can enable a child to participate in an event or programme they might have otherwise been denied, and ongoing monthly payments will enable a child to receive the entire I Have a Dream programme and Navigator support.
When a chef is at the top of their game, they create far more than just a plate of food. Often, they are crafting a narrative, celebrating both culture and tradition; innovation and provenance. The amount of drive, inventiveness and skill demonstrated by many of our local chefs is, we think, certainly worth celebrating. Have your say below, and remember, you can nominate anyone you think we may have missed.
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 Chef’ Shortlist:
Since ancient times, homeowners have designed their personal spaces with the hope of finding a sense of inner calm. From the Chinese feng shui to a Roman penchant for earth tones, we’ve sought to restore a natural balance. After all our time staying indoors, creating a living environment that meets our biophilia is of utmost importance.
Whether tranquillity comes from an artfully designed infrared sauna or artisanal backdrops, the crucial element of all of the following interior interests is that they give us a sense of accomplishment and closure, as we prepare to move forward.
Beverly Hills Home by Jeremiah Brent.
Homegrown Health One’s individual wellbeing has never been so top of mind, and as we become ever more self-sufficient from the home, adding life-enhancing upgrades to the interior mix is only increasing. While previously it might have been a garage or basement featuring one or two pieces of equipment, the home gym now far surpasses the basics and is being transformed into the wellness hub of our dreams. From steam or infrared saunas to full-length lap pools, dedicated meditation spaces and workout rooms that boast picturesque views, people are wanting to enjoy both a sweat session and serenity under their very own roofs. Thoughtful features like extra sound-proofing, under-floor heating and sophisticated ventilation are practical touches that add a sensation of separation and comfort, so residents can take the time to truly switch off.
Hillside Residence by MASS Beverly.
Tech Touches The digital revolution continues, and constant new advances mean high-tech homes are embraced by designers and residents alike. Increasingly sophisticated virtual design tools support the ability to further streamline the creative process around renovating and building, while home automation has never been smarter thanks to innovative gadgets and devices. Control the heating, adjust the lighting or check who’s at the door with a tap of your smartphone screen, or make sure you can breathe easy with new-generation air-filtration technologies.
Left: Home by Jake Arnold. Right: Cheviot Hills by Studio Life/Style.
Artisanal Backdrops While many of us embrace natural materials within our furniture and furnishings, why not imbue the very walls of your home with the same warmth? In recent years, there’s been a clear movement towards utilising Venetian plaster and lime wash — and this shows no signs of slowing down. A blessed departure from the Tuscan trend of the 80s and 90s, today’s expression of this ancient technique is enchanting when wielded tastefully. Rendered in earthy and neutral tones, the method is a beautiful way to add interest and depth to the room, while still complementing minimal aesthetics. It’s also eco-friendly, usually containing no added plastics or chemicals. The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi is all about finding beauty in imperfection; with Venetian plaster and lime wash often displaying visible brushstrokes and texture, it’s an utterly chic way to invite this feeling into your abode.
Curve Your Enthusiasm Smooth, contoured curves are said to be perceived in the subconscious as safe and welcoming. It makes sense, then, that we’re drawn to these looping lines as many other things seem to fall sideways in the outside world. The severe, straight lines of 20th-Century modernism that have been the benchmark of refined design are bending to our intrinsic affinity for the shapes we see in nature. In sculptured sofas and armchairs, in particular, curves have an added benefit of being able to embrace the sitter. Round them out with other curvilinear shapes, and you will come full circle in creating a heart-warming abode that acts as a new kind of aesthetic sanctuary. The ultimate luxury in life, after all, is comfort.
L.A.Studio Interiorismo featuring the Camaleonda sofa by B&B Italia available from Matisse.
Returning to Form They say good design is intelligence made visible, and as classic styles continue to reappear in our homes, the importance of these pieces is made even more clear. Introducing an iconic design into your home lends a new beginning to a piece that already has a storied history. The Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia is an award-winning postmodern Italian piece that changed the way we think about upholstered furniture. Its generous curves and mastered materiality opened the doors to the freer lifestyles we continue to seek. From Akari lanterns by Isamu Noguchi hanging from the ceilings, down to the Eames lounge chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller and the Wiggle chair by Frank Gehry, there’s a whole catalogue of archetypal designs to make your own.
Los Angeles home by landscape architect Chris Sosa.
Courting Green Spaces While we may be retreating indoors over autumn, we can still capture the pleasure of the great outdoors in elevated spaces. Carefully created courtyards, for example, bring breathing space to a home’s design — and adding an evergreen tree will quite literally enhance air quality. Offering shelter from the cool winds, these sophisticated sun traps will encourage more time outside. The introduction of floor-to-ceiling glass windows or doors will lead the eye to the calming scene, even if you don’t step out there often.
While keeping things fresh and exciting is the mark of any good restaurant, there is often one dish so beloved it would cause an uproar if it were to disappear from the menu. These dishes are a must-order, whether it’s your first time visiting or your fiftieth; you want every moment to taste as good as that first bite. From tried-and-true staples to new indulgences, now is the time to have your say and crown your absolute favourite dish in town. If there’s any dish 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 Dish’ Shortlist:
Those looking for ultra-effective skincare products that are also kind to the environment would do well to turn their face towards Sothys’ new Organics Range. Developed in the heart of the Corrèze, a stunningly beautiful region in central-southern France, the line is both certified organic and vegan, created within rigorous parameters using potent, precious natural ingredients.
Sothys Organics currently comprises four fresh products, and is recommended for normal to combination skin, young skin, and both men and women. If you already prioritise a natural or organic skincare, you’re sure to love this range.
Melt off the day (and any waterproof mascara) with the Cleansing Oil, formulated with oleo-extract of honeysuckle for use on both the face and eyes. Packed with antioxidants, this cleansing oil transforms into a milky emulsion when water is added, leaving the skin looking more radiant and feeling more supple and comfortable.
For that once-a-week scrub, the Skin Radiance Exfoliant delicately removes impurities with raspberry seeds and Camargue rice grains, while the Revitalising Hydrating Emulsion is a lightweight moisturiser for day and night that contains a complex of organic plant actives including birch sap which is one of the hero ingredients of the range.
Harvested in the border area between Cantal and Corrèze, birch sap is rich in minerals and sugars which impart revitalising and moisturising properties into the skin. Another hero ingredient, also present in the Hydrating Emulsion, is Alfalfa — renowned for its retinol-like activity that stimulates collagen synthesis by a reported 201 percent.
The Radiance Mask rounds out the selection, with birch sap bringing a splash of hydration to the visage. Hot tip: Leave this one on as a night cream, rubbing in the excess after it has sat on the skin for 10 minutes.
In keeping with Sothys’ commitment to the environment, all the materials used for the range’s packaging are recycled and/or recyclable, so you can rest easy knowing these are products that care for the earth as much as they care for your skin.
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