Good quality, simple food, made well shouldn’t be hard to find, but it’s something that many people can tend to overcomplicate. But after spending 10 years working his way up in the hospitality industry, Johnny Bae knew that it was what he was destined to do. Now, with the help of his younger brother, his dream of opening his own space is finally coming true.
Chur Bae, the newest addition to City Works Depot, opening this Friday, is an ode to casual dining, comfort and community, that comes off in an effortlessly cool and chic way. The reality of getting there has been more arduous for the brothers, but opening the doors to a lifelong dream has made it all the more worthwhile.
“We want to create dishes that are simple, but executed to perfection,” the older brother says.
The owners agree that the hospitality industry has grown a lot, and it has naturally changed a lot too. But for some people, there aren’t venues that provide the same comfort and community they have been used to. Chur Bae has been thoughtfully created as a space where customers could become friends with the owners, where they could come in simply for a cup of coffee and spend a couple of hours – with no obligation to overspend.
And the spaces’ casual, welcoming nature is quite simply reflected in the name. They tried more formal ideas like Olive and Grace, but it turns out taking the family last name and turning it into an age-old Kiwi saying was a natural fit. The menu reflects the space between their heritage; Kiwi classics with a Korean take on seafood, and offering something for everyone.
Completing Chur Bae’s beautiful, simplistic offering, is the fit-out, which was created in collaboration with Johnny’s high school friends. Paired back joinery, dark stained woods and forest green upholstery pay homage to the space’s former use as a florist, but invite a new crowd for this change of guard.
Chur Bae officially opens its doors this Friday, April 1 after a long-awaited arrival, and they’re ready to serve up delicious food and old-school hospitality.
It’s a rarity to have a clear vision of your future career from a young age, but for actor Grace Palmer, there has never been any other vocation she could imagine doing — and it’s easy to see why.
Her intrinsic gift for performance and comedic timing have seen her be a fixture on our screens since 2008, from presenting as a teen on iconic Kiwi kids show What Now? to a memorable three-year stint on Shortland Street, plus acting credits on series The Dead Lands, Brokenwood Mysteries and more.
The last year has seen Grace’s range expand and take an exciting new turn, thanks to the release of series Good Grief, which she co-wrote with her sister Eve Palmer (who also has television experience) and Christchurch-based screenwriter Nick Schaedel.
The first season of Good Grief was released on TVNZ On Demand in January 2021, and while it received rave reviews from those who watched it, locally it was a modest success. This all changed when, just over six months ago, it was announced that mega American broadcast company AMC (home of Killing Eve, Breaking Bad, Mad Men and The Walking Dead) wanted to fund a second season of the homegrown show — and beam it to the world. What followed were endorsements of season one from international publications like The New York Times and Deadline.
“We’re so pumped to be working with AMC — I’m a huge fan of heaps of their shows,” says Grace. “Our wonderful producer Kerry [Warkia] showed them season one and they really enjoyed it (which I still can’t get over), so they offered to fund a second season.”
Left to right: Josh Thomson, Sophie Hambleton, Eve Palmer, Grace Palmer and Vinnie Bennett of Good Grief.
Grace and Eve not only co-wrote the series, the real-life sisters star in it as on-screen sisters Gwen and Ellie. The six succinct episodes follow them trying to muddle through their sudden responsibility as funeral home directors, after they inherit a fictional home called Loving Tributes from their grandfather. Hilarity ensues in that endearingly awkward New Zealand way, as the sisters’ constant dealings with death force them to evaluate their own lives.
When they first released the show, says Grace, they weren’t sure people would even watch it — let alone like it. It’s been quite the confidence boost to have such a good response. “Going into season two with an audience who are as excited as we are, feels awesome.”
And, while the success of the show has been aptly celebrated, the real highlight for its co-creator has been working so closely with family. “I’ve met heaps of cool people in my line of work, and every job feeds my soul in one way or another. But, nothing really compares to creating, writing, and starring in a show with my big sister.”
With season two filming completed, Grace has a newfound passion for being behind the camera and would love to expand on her skills in this area — writing another show and shooting a feature film are both goals she’d like to tick off this year. If Good Grief is anything to go by, whatever she creates next is set to be assured, original and brimming with authenticity.
Working in the film and television industry is undoubtedly mercurial and every actor’s journey is different — something that can be tough but also “exciting, unpredictable and incredibly rewarding”.
Even one of the most challenging aspects of the job is reframed as a positive in Grace’s eyes. “The better you get, the more you realise the less you know.” (Read that again.) “Every job comes with a different set of challenges — that’s why it’s so addictive. I love that I’ll never master this profession.”
As for when she feels most content and fulfilled, Grace says she’s still figuring out the specifics, but has a good idea of common denominators. “I don’t have the recipe… yet. But, I reckon it’s when I’m doing what I love, with the people I love.”
Grace Palmer on…
What she loves about acting: “So much. I’ve always had a wild imagination. I used to create characters in my head and step into their world for the day (I realise that makes me sound a bit unhinged). On the surface, acting is just dressing up and playing make-believe, but the deeper you go, the more real it feels.”
Her interests outside of film and TV: “Making people laugh, singing, song-writing, rollerskating, the environment, Māoritanga, travel, health and fitness, fashion, cooking (not baking, I suck at baking).”
Something she wishes she knew starting out: “How to stand up for myself. I was always so wary of pissing people off or letting people down, that I would often compromise my own values. I’ve definitely grown out of that.”
An important lesson she’s learned so far: “Health is wealth. And not just physical, but mental, emotional, and social health too. I spent my early 20s totally taking my health for granted, and now more than ever, I can truly appreciate what it means to be healthy. It’s invaluable.”
What her catch-phrase would be: “I love you. I say that a lot, even to people I’ve just met, and it’s not disingenuous or shallow. I mean it. I just think if you really love someone, you’ll never regret telling them.”
How she stays motivated: “I’m pretty competitive, so I guess I’m inherently driven? I’ve always had really high expectations of myself, which can be to my own detriment, because I’m always looking for the next thing. I’m working on being more present.”
A typical day in her life: “It’s rarely the same. My life is most consistent when I’m writing, as I’m usually on a deadline, but generally speaking — my job(s) take me to different places with different people. One thing I’ll always find time for is exercise. I go a bit loopy if I don’t move my body.”
There’s no denying it: people go bonkers for brunch. In this town, those serving up the finest brunch fare are rewarded with lengthy queues come the weekend, and unwavering loyalty from their regulars. It’s a meal we know many people feel strongly about, and so we are giving you the opportunity to vote for the eatery that you think does it the best — if there’s anyone 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 for Brunch’ Shortlist:
Fresh is one flavour we all crave in our food. The city’s dining scene wouldn’t be what it is today without the restaurateurs that have spent decades bringing it to life. Alas with the ever-changing nature of the industry, off the back of a challenging couple of years, a new guard is now being ushered in. With a wave of eateries opening around Tāmaki Makaurau, this new category is all about celebrating the faces of the future that are set to redefine our beloved restaurant experience. And there’s no one better to decide the winner than you — the person who loves good food more than most. If there’s a notable new guard that you think may have been overlooked, share them with us in the comments below.
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 New Guard Operator’ Shortlist:
Reminiscent of the cult favourite David Trubridgelampshade, the handbag of the moment leaves little to the imagination in the most alluring way. The exquisite construction of these bags brings in a geodesic element to the simplicity of bags past.
For an everyday addition, look no further than the classic construction of a Chloé tote, or for a supermarket-chic look, Balenciaga’s Mag Basket offers just the right amount of effortless cool. If you’re seeking something timeless, consider a Louis Vuitton or Alaïa that promises to age gracefully.
Clockwise from top left: MEDIUM KAYAN TOTE BAG from Chloé, BOTTEGA VENETA Jodie mini suede tote from Net-a-porter, Alma PM bag from Louis Vuitton, Anagram large cutout tote from Loewe, AlaïaMina 25 Tote Bag from Faradays, Mag Basket East-West Tote bag from balenciaga.
Make a toast to comfort with upholstered dining chairs that will allow you to linger at the table for longer. Not only physically delightful to sit on, these chairs bring a hefty dose of design charisma, whether sculptural or pared-back is more your style.
Guest dining chair by Rodolfo Dordoni for Poliform from Studio Italia
Dudet dining chair by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina from Matisse
Crown armchair by Chris Martin for Massproductions from Simon James
Glove Up dining chair by Patricia Urquiola for Molteni&C from Dawson & Co.
They say fortune favours the bold, and at Lucky 8 a bold approach to social dining has created Ponsonby’s new lucky charm. Its sign is a large black cat perched above an enigmatic black door, which leads upstairs to the new-guard opening.
Another Fortune Cat, known as Maneki Neko in Japanese (and now Chinese) culture, also looks over diners as they enter the loft-like space with exposed brick, large street-facing windows and what appears to be 800 other small black cats watching on from the walls.
The latest from the team behind the ever-popular Mr Hao — Paul Wong, Julian Diprose, and now Lucas Boucly — Lucky 8 is as audacious as it is auspicious.
Taking the Lucky 8 theme and really running with it, each and every delicious dish here is $8. From a masterful mouthful of abalone and squid with soy sauce (served in its shell) to a slow-cooked black pepper beef cheek, which melts off the bone, everything is priced, and revered, the same.
The Head Chef from Mr Hao was quick to up sticks to the Lucky 8 kitchen, and one of his favourite plates, Hao’s Chilli Chicken, is served here — as a more petite size piled up like popcorn chicken, while keeping all the bite.
Another favourite is the Golden Crusted Shrimp, which comes with a deliciously crunchy coating and a squiggle of moreish mayo. The Lion’s Heads pork meatballs are styled off those you’d find at China’s renowned street food stalls, but covered in sweet and sour sauce that pools on the plate for a contemporary take.
Of course, the Cantonese-inspired sharing plates are delectable, from the pork and shrimp dumplings to the chicken wing and teriyaki salmon skewers, but the vegetarian options are a surprising star of the menu. Scrolls of fresh cucumber in a spicy and sour sauce, and the neatly swirled vermicelli and shredded turnip salad, work well with the richer, stickier courses. Meanwhile the Mushroom Fries are as dangerous to snack on as its starch namesake.
Lucky 8’s Private Dining Space.
As well as its own Lucky brand lager, hazy pale ale and pilsner, there are also eight unique cocktails on tap — ensuring a round of refreshments come to your table as quickly as they need to. While we would usually be careful of cocktails that come at the pull of a lever, the ones at Lucky 8 are so popular they are constantly being made fresh for your preferred method of libation.
All as revitalising as the next, you can sip a Wuling dragon, with Yuzu sake, mandarin liqueur, chrysanthemum, lime and basil, and a Luckys Spritz, with prosecco and mango liqueur and a flame-torch toasted meringue on top. Each $8 cocktail comes with its own symbol, reflected in the neon lights around the room — all your need to do is spin around and pick one.
In fitting with the social scene that has been set here, you won’t find any tables for two at Lucky 8. Instead, there is a central bar island, with seating all around. Elsewhere there are high or low tables, with approximately eight seats ushered around each for gatherings of friends, or for new chance meetings.
For those who are ‘Extra Lucky’ (or celebrating something extra special) there is a private room with one large table found behind a beaded kind of curtain — not completely closed off from the action in the main dining room.
With a vibrant atmosphere, this is certainly the place for a good time — but it’s here for a long time too. Lucky 8 is open every day except for Monday, and open until midnight. Whether you find yourself in need of a feed when most restaurants are turning the lights off in their kitchens, or if you want to settle in early and stay, you will always be satiated. With talk of opening for lunch not too far off, it would also be a lively location for long Friday lunch ‘meetings’ with your favourites from the office.
While the team has a come one, come all approach, the concept bar’s instant favour means its red leather seats are filling up fast. Be sure to be one of the fortunate ones, and get in quick to enjoy Lucky 8 this week.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 5pm — Midnight Closed Mondays
Our latest issue looks into the metaverse: a destination unknown, with endless possibilities — where your avatar can be dressed head-to-toe in Gucci, Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton. From optical illusion dresses to all-over dazzling outfits, this season’s fashion choices offer us the ultimate chance of escapism, whether we choose to plug-in or not.
Sara wears Alaïa dress, sunglasses, and earrings, available from Faradays, Balenciaga gloves.
There’s something to be said for those moments of self-care where you can simply sit in silence and re-divert your energy and focus on the now. Collectively, we live in a busy and exhausting world, and the opportunity to go slowly doesn’t appear often. This is why the team behind Takapuna’s Slöwe Studio decided to carve out a space for anyone to experience those benefits, at any time of day.
In the first of its kind for the North Shore, and making one of only two spaces in Auckland, this immersive experience combines hot and cold therapy through the use of infrared saunas and ice baths. In the signature Sweat + Chill session, you work up a sweat (while doing something relaxing like reading a book, listening to music or watching a movie on one of the in-sauna iPads) in your own private space, before taking a plunge into an ice bath for as long as you can last. Over the course of 75 minutes, you rotate between the two states of extremity, sipping on chilled water, electrolytes and Slöwe’s signature tonics on the way. The end result, despite the arduous process of getting there, is a state of complete and utter relaxation that is near impossible to find anywhere else.
Slöwe Studio was founded by friends Rachael Jones and Braxton Hall, who both went through their own health experiences and, seeing the benefits of this kind of therapy first-hand, wanted to share it with the community. “Our ethos is to provide our community with time and space to slow down and that’s exactly why we’re doing what we’re doing,” Jones said. “If we can provide people with a safe space to heal, then we’ve achieved our goal.”
The benefits of infrared saunas are seemingly endless, and alongside being a hive for relaxation, they promote detoxification, muscle and joint recovery, circulatory issues, energy level concerns and overall immune support.
“Infrared therapy is so effective as it gives off what’s called radiated heat, penetrating deep within your tissues, muscles and cells, giving your body all the benefits the sun would without the harmful UV damage,” Jones said. “The slow and direct heating of an infrared sauna makes for a much more comfortable experience than a traditional one. This comfort allows for a longer sweat and therefore a deeper detox, removing 20 percent of toxins compared to the 3 percent removed from traditional steam sauna therapy.”
Slöwe’s saunas also use chromotherapy, which is akin to a total-body experience of LED light therapy, with their in-sauna guide highlighting what light setting best serves you. The ice bath therapy then works by dilating the blood vessels in the heat and then constricting them in the cold. This results in alternating the blood from flowing to the internal organs and extremities, which helps reduce swelling and inflammation, enhance your sleep, improve circulation, aid in weight loss and maintenance, relieve depression and provide an overall sense of wellbeing.
For those who are looking for more of a relaxation experience, or are still warming up to the idea of cold immersion, simple Sweat sessions are available, where you can simply melt away in the sauna for 60 blissful minutes.
To celebrate their opening, Slöwe Studio is kindly offering one lucky Denizen the chance to win one complimentary twenty pack for the signature Sweat + Chill treatment, valued at $1400.
The bright young things of Birkenhead may have already spotted this stylish new café that has taken up residence in the historic Hinemoa Street. And, there is good reason for the excitement.
Duo is the first solo venture from husband and wife team Jordan and Sarah Macdonald. Jordan, you may recognise, is a former Denizen Hospo Hero who has previously opened and owned Lowbrow, Culprit, Little Culprit, Nook and Double Double — and together they have ensured Duo is very much ready to grace its new neighbourhood.
“Our vision was to have something small(ish), suburban, calming, vibey and having predominantly daytime hours so we can still spend time with our three daughters,” they say. “After a while of searching we found a spot with inherent character that would fit our vision.”
In the kitchen, Jordan whips up classic café dishes like the Bene, which can include house citrus cured Mt Cook salmon with its poached eggs and sourdough, and the Tomatoes on Toast, which includes confit Curious Croppers — and some not-so-classics, including the Raw Fish on Toast and Bruleed Custard Loaf. What brings them together on the large communal table at the front of the café is the use of high quality produce and artisanal products.
From left: Duo’s Lamb Sausage Roll; Jordan and Sarah Macdonald.
On the floor, Sarah serves Coffee Supreme while getting to know the locals as its café scene percolates. Once the liquor licence comes through, Duo will be able to open for dinners, where one can expect an intimate, bistro-style menu, whether it’s to share or to keep to yourself.
For the welcoming interior, the Macdonalds partnered with Kirsty Mitchell from Mitchell Addison Architects, who has previously worked on Culprit and Lowbrow. The brief was for a space that is light and calming, and which could easily transition from day to night. This has been achieved by highlighting the interior’s historic features, while working in modern touches, like the sage Arnold Circus Stools, and creating a layer of warmth through walnut wood accents. The charming branding that adds to this is a collaboration of sorts between Sarah’s sister Lauren Glading at Create Design Studio and long time friend and illustrator Carly Black.
While there is a very talented team of two behind Duo, we are sure its community of creatives and coffee sippers alike will ensure its continued success.
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