With the cold weather descending, here is a selection of products we recommend for getting you through the coming months — from enriching body butter to essential face cream and even a few things to keep your immune system strong, too.
BePure One Multivitamin
Winter is the perfect time to fortify your body with the ultimate multivitamin, BePure One. With more than 50 bioavailable ingredients, this high-strength supplement is designed to nourish your body from the inside out, providing essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and wellness. Its scientifically-backed formulation supports energy and vitality, immunity, mental clarity, and even hair, skin and nail health, making it a must-have for the colder months ahead.
Tronque Firming Body Butter
Packed with velvety shea, cacao and mango butters, Tronque’s skin soufflé will deeply nourish and protect your skin from dryness and damage, while biotech ceramides, Mamaku, niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid and glycerine revitalise and calm dry, damaged areas, lending a smooth, moisturised skin for winter.
Byredo Suede Hand Cream
This winter essential will keep your hands and nails nourished and soft. With notes of bergamot, lily of the valley and amber, this delicate fragrance evokes the freshness of spring, making it the perfect escape from the colder months. Its lightweight yet hydrating formula is ideal for essential everyday hydration.
Emma Lewisham Supernatural Face Crème Riche
The only product we turn to when our skin needs some extra love (and hydration), Emma Lewisham’s cult-favourite, velvet-like Supernatural cream is packed with the latest high-performing ingredients and has been scientifically proven to regenerate collagen at a cellular level. Not only does it deeply moisturise, but its powerful, natural ingredients will improve the look of fine lines while enhancing skin clarity, glow and suppleness.
Kaēa The Vitaliser Multi-Omega Face Oil
Harnessing the power of botanical ingredients that include free-radical defending, collagen-boosting superfruits, vitamins A & E and essential fatty acids, this New Zealand-made omega-charged face oil will deliver an instant (and lasting) boost to the skin. Made from nature’s finest 26+ cell-nourishing, skin-renewing botanicals, The Vitaliser will protect and regenerate, prevent trans-epidermal water loss and strengthen cell integrity. An essential in any seasonal skincare routine.
Aotea Mānuka Honey 500+ MGO
A winter essential, everyone should have a pot of this anti-microbial mānuka honey on their shelf, for enjoying on toast, adding to tea or simply taking by the spoonful when in need of an immune boost. All of Aotea’s honey is sustainably sourced and packed straight from the hives just as nature intended — raw and unpasteurised.
Long gone are the days when drivers had to choose between powerful performance and practicality, something that has been made abundantly clear with the recent unveiling of Maserati’s new Grecale SUV. In fact, I would argue that some of the best cars on the road now are SUVs — plucked from the soccer-mom sidelines to become sought after by drivers of all kinds, from those who seek speed and grunty performance to those who want comfortable space and luxury, to those for whom practical pursuits are the only priority. Dubious? Let me explain.
The Maserati Grecale plays into its tagline of ‘Everyday Exceptional’ for the way it expertly balances the luxury and technical prowess of an Italian sportscar with the space and functionality of an SUV. Designed to offer a slightly smaller profile when compared to its larger sibling, the Levante, the Grecale is available in three distinct iterations — the GT, the Modena and the Trofeo — each offering different things to different drivers.
In its GT form, the Grecale is Maserati’s expression of a minimalist, urban vehicle that, from its sophisticated interiors (anchored by sleek, leather detailing and burnished inserts) to its four-cylinder, mild hybrid engine (capable of 300 horsepower) is ideal for the design-minded driver. Perfect for an everyday city-ready drive, the Grecale GT offers a balance of performance and poise, and will likely attract a whole new category of driver to the historic marque.
The Modena, on the other hand, has been designed for those who like driving out of the city, for fans of the great outdoors. Sporting the innate, timeless elegance that is expected from Maserati, the Grecale Modena is powered by a four-cylinder, 330-horsepower mild hybrid engine and delivers an eye-catching interior thanks to its recurring, stitched graphic motif that weaves across the dashboard, panels and seats.
Rounding out the trio is the undeniably impressive Trofeo — an embodiment of the most extreme aspects of Maserati, offering pinnacle performance and power. This is the peak of Maserati’s SUV offering. It is the car for sports enthusiasts seeking comfort and luxury, yes, but above all, a driving experience that is second to none. Under the hood of the Grecale Trofeo hums a breath-taking 530-horsepower petrol V6 engine, which (for those who know) was based on Maserati’s iconic MC20 Nettuno engine — an impressive feat indeed. Inside the cabin, the Trofeo oozes cool, from its three-dimensional carbon fibre to its perforated leather, to its chevron motifs that emphasise the car’s dynamism and speak to its eye-catching presence on the road carried by 21-inch alloy wheels with sporty, contrasting callipers.
It’s fitting that the Grecale was named after a prevailing, Italian wind (following the time-honoured Maserati tradition) because it really has blown every other SUV of its kind out of the water. For me, who loves performance but needs practicality, it offers the kind of balance that is truly hard to come by, drawing me in for its striking good looks and unparalleled driving experience and keeping me hooked for the attention to detail.
Here, nothing has been left to chance. The Grecale takes into consideration the lifestyle and comfort of its driver via innovative technology, a best-in-class sound system and a level of customisable comfort that means you can pack your lanky teenagers into the back with zero complaints or embark on a lengthy road-trip without needing multiple leg-stretching stops. When I was lucky enough to take the Grecale Trofeo for a drive, highlights included the immersive experience of the car’s award-winning Sonus Faber multi-dimensional sound system, the generous, 12-inch digital display on which I could control all the features of the car with a simple touch, and the way that I could change the shape of my driver’s seat so that it hugged my form perfectly, allowing me to feel even more comfortable behind the wheel.
On the road, the Grecale offers a driving experience that feels almost bespoke, allowing me to switch between Comfort Mode (perfect for my morning coffee run) to GT Mode (upping the ante for my drive to work), to Sport Mode (which made my expedition to the other side of town a thrilling experience), and finally, to Corsa Mode, which I was privileged to experience by virtue of the fact that I was driving the Grecale Trofeo (exclusive to the most luxurious iteration of the Grecale, this mode transforms the SUV into the truest expression of Maserati’s exceptional performance and history, offering a power and a sound that is almost indescribable). There is also an Off-Road Mode which, being city-bound I didn’t experience first-hand, although I have heard great things.
I could go on about the technical prowess of Maserati’s newest addition, but for someone like me, it is the sum of all those parts, plus the marque’s meticulous design that make the Grecale such an appealing prospect. For those seeking something that will set pulses racing but is still perfectly acceptable for the morning school run, this is the car for you.
Though we’d like to consider our tastebuds more refined, truthfully, few things hit the sweet spot better than a fresh, sticky doughnut. And as most Aucklanders know, few purveyors do this better than Doe Donuts — the brainchild of a best-friend duo that offers some seriously indulgent goods. After opening its first brick-and-mortar store two years ago, Doe Donuts has officially opened its second location in Commercial Bay, making its offering all the more convenient for city-slickers like us.
Found at the entrance to Harbour Eats, this kiosk-style shop fits the Doe Donuts vision perfectly. With a hot pink and white awning that feels almost Barbie-like, it’s cutesy, cool, and, most importantly, hard to miss.Here, you can indulge in all of Doe’s seriously delicious doughnut flavours, like its signature vanilla glazes and cinnamon sugars, as well as the far more decadent, ever-changing filled doughnuts, which will be available from lunchtime (due to the fact that each is lovingly handmade). These all pair perfectly with Allpress Coffee, which the kiosk will also be serving for a necessary morning combo.
Unlike the original Grey Lynn outpost, the Harbour Eats destination will be open all week (in line with the other adjacent offerings) from 9am until 6pm. Although we have been told that there is a high likelihood that flavours could sell out throughout the day, given the brand’s popularity, it again speaks to the widespread appeal of this fun, indulgent donut purveyor, where everything is made fresh daily to inject our every day with a necessary dose of something sweet.
Doe Donuts Commercial Bay
Harbour Eats, Level 2,
Commercial Bay, 21 Queen Street,
Auckland Central
There is a plethora of tasty delights for foodies to enjoy this June — each the perfect, indulgent antidote to these cold winter days. From whisky celebrations to pop-up dinners to culinary collaborations, here is everything happening on Auckland’s dining scene this month.
Left to right: Bar Magda’s ube puto souffle and ube sour
Bar Magda Turns Two
Mark the two-year milestone of one of our favourite dining destinations by booking a table at Bar Magda and enjoying a raft of special birthday offerings. First and foremost, the restaurant will be bringing back its iconic (and widely beloved) ube puto souffle and ube sour, which land back on the menu today (the 1st of June). It will also be offering two special, Bar Magda feasting menus available for parties of four or more on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the month of June. Diners will receive a bottle of wine and can choose between the two-course (at $70 per person) and the four-course ($95 per person) sharing menu, with the latter option including Bar Magda’s famous soufflé as part of the dessert.
In addition, on the 10th of June, Bar Magda will be relaxing its Vision of Pinot 2022 the second vintage made by Brood Fermentation from Moutere, Nelson. This wine was specifically made to complement the unique flavour profile of Bar Magda’s culinary offering. On the evening of the release, Head Winemaker Jim Brown will be in the restaurant to pour and showcase the wine, with special glass pour prices on the night.
Suntory’s Hibiki
Suntory Time
Lovers of whisky, take note. The purveyor of some of the finest Japanese whisky around, Suntory, is celebrating 100 years of its pioneering spirit with a pop-up bar on level six of the Seafarers building in Britomart. The House of Suntory Bar will host four special tasting nights for enthusiasts of the brand on Friday the 23rd, Saturday the 24th, Thursday the 29th and Friday the 30th of June. There, New Zealand’s House of Suntory Brand Ambassador Rory Donnelly will take guests through the history of the individual distilleries and a range of expressions including an exclusive tasting of the limited-edition 100-Year Anniversary Yamazaki 18-year-old valued at $4,599 per bottle. This will be accompanied by an exclusive viewing of the Suntory Anniversary Tribute Film, by Sofia Coppola, as well as a selection of delicious snacks made to pair perfectly with the whisky, prepared by the Executive Head Chef of Ebisu and Azabu. Spaces for this exclusive event are limited and tickets are on sale now, so book with haste, we say.
Mor Pop-Up at Annabel’s
This Sunday the 11th of June, head to Annabel’s Wine Bar from 10am for a delicious Italian celebration with the clever pastry maestros from Mor Bakery. There, you’ll find Italian-inspired pastries and a selection of moreish sandwiches made with Mor’s special focaccia, alongside plenty of tasty drinks and spritzes to end your week on a high note.
Ginger Kiss at The Brit
Dubbed the ultimate, winter-warmer drink, The Brit’s new, seasonal cocktail (made to celebrate World Gin Day on the 10th of June) is a spicy, sweet and satiating affair, inspired by the Ginger Kiss biscuit — an iconic Kiwi classic. Harnessing the exceptional flavour profile of Lighthouse Gin’s signature double-distilled drop, the ‘Gin-ger Kiss’ cocktail is made with decadent white cacao liqueur and cream and served in a coupe glass with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Only available until the 30th of June, get down to The Brit to enjoy this cosy drink while you can.
Tala at Bar Magda
TALA at Bar Magda
Another notable happening at Bar Magda this month is the Tala pop-up, bringing modern Samoan cuisine to discerning Auckland diners. On the nights of Tuesday the 13th and Tuesday the 20th of June, Chef Henry Onesemo (ex-Meredith’s, Apero and East St. Hall) will be taking over the Bar Magda kitchen to showcase traditional Samoan flavours through an innovative, modern dining experience. For $90 per person, diners will be treated to an array of snacks, alongside a three-course menu that sees Onesemo tell his own tales of Samoa through familiar ingredients presented with a fresh twist. The pop-ups are a “taster” as we have heard that Onesemo and his partner are looking for a space in which to launch Tala as a standalone restaurant later this year with more pop-up events planned for the coming months. Bookings for its first event at Bar Magda can be made here.
Ata Rangi x Onslow Dinner
Set to host an unforgettable night of fine wine and tasty food, Onslow is welcoming Helen Masters of Ata Rangi wines to the restaurant for a special, one-night-only dinner. On Wednesday the 14th of June, diners will be able to immerse themselves in the award-winning wines of one of New Zealand’s most esteemed wineries, paired with a bespoke,. five-course menu crafted by Josh Emett. Tickets are $260 per person, and can be secured here.
Alex Davies of Gatherings & James Opie of Bryterlater Wines at Roses
In yet another stellar series at Roses Dining Room on K’ Road, Alex Davies of Gatherings is teaming up with James Pie of Bryterlater Wines for a remarkable, two-night-only dinner you don’t want to miss. Davies’ restaurant Gatherings, in Christchurch, is an innovative, farm-to-table concept that, when it opened, was a pioneer in a city that really had no dining scene at all (alongside serving low-intervention natural wines long before they became cool). Opie has been working with Davies for a long time, and after doing seasons at a number of vineyards around the world and across Canterbury, decided to start his own label, Bryterlater Wines. There, Opie adheres to minimal intervention practices in an endeavour to offer wines that speak for themselves. He acknowledges whatever the season gives and uses it to guide his process, using organically-farmed grapes from select sites within the North Canterbury region. Together, these two culinary minds have been collaborating (and good friends) for a number of years, so to be able to experience the expertise of both together at Roses will be something special. The Alex x James dinners will take place on Friday the 16th and Saturday the 17th of June. Book here.
Express lunches at Gochu
If it’s a quick but delicious lunch you’re after, head down to Commercial Bay dining destination Gochu for an unmissable midday deal. From Monday to Friday, diners can discover a delicious Express Lunch menu for $45, comprising four courses of small plates with a rotating cast of dishes — all prepared in 30 minutes or under. Taking the idea of a quick bite and elevating it, Gochu’s new lunch offering is the perfect excuse to escape the office for a midday break.
Alta Seafood Platter
Alta Is Closing Its Doors
Given how hard our clever hospitality operators work to keep their venues humming, it’s always a sad day that a dining destination announces its closure. But, after a few years of highs and lows, the time has come for Alta on K’Road to close its doors, with the last service set to happen on Saturday the 17th of June. Until then, Alta has announced that over the next two weeks, it will be showcasing a menu of its greatest hits with wines to match, inviting everyone in for one last chance to experience the clever culinary stylings of Owner and Head Chef, Georgia Van Prehn. Book your spot here before it’s too late and let’s ensure that this great little spot goes out with a bang.
Poppies x Oyster Inn Dinner
Head over to lauded Waiheke Island restaurant, Oyster Inn for a special, one-night-only dinner with Poppies Martinborough, held on Thursday the 22nd of June. There, diners will be guided on a delicious culinary journey by Josh Emett and acclaimed winemaker, Poppy Hammond, through four courses that combine the finest seasonal ingredients with Poppies exceptional wines. With limited seating, this one-time event is a must for any foodie or lover of fine wine. Tickets can be booked here.
Left to right: Hapunan Ube Donut and Tinola Fried Chicken
Hapunan Pop-Up at Goodside
Lauded Filipino food truck, Hapunan is popping up in a temporary kitchen space at Takapuna’s Goodside from today for the whole month of June. From Tuesday to Friday, 11:30am until 2pm (or sell-out) the team will be serving up a raft of our favourite, flavoursome Filipino bites. Don’t miss your opportunity to find out what all the fuss is about and support some excellent, local culinary talent.
The newest addition Ponsonby Central is inviting us to indulge in something sweet and feel good about it in the process. Newly-opened Lulu’s is a charming spot dedicated to plant-based soft serve and nutrient-packed acai bowls, and marks an evolution from the brand’s cult-followed, food truck beginnings. Here, flavour and sustainability come together in harmony, and there are already people lining up to get a taste of the magic for themselves.
You’ll find Lulu’s tucked in the laneway by Silky Otter, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It’s the brainchild of Lula and Tyla Samuel, a mother-daughter team inspired by the latter’s travels across Europe, Indonesia and Australia. Having noticed a gap in the market, they decided to bring delicious, plant-based soft-serve ice cream and Brazilian acai bowls to our city in new and innovative ways. And so far, it seems the venture is paying off.
The hero at Lulu’s is its coconut-based soft serve, a treat that tastes as good as it looks. The flavours are mesmerisingly swirled together to create flavour combinations that are delicious and undeniably photogenic. Instagram-friendly, if you will. The most popular flavour, we’re told, is the mango soft serve. Reminiscent of both the tropical vacation we crave and the sorely-missed Fruju Tropical Snow, it’s easy to see why this iteration has become so sought-after.
In addition, Lulu’s Ponsonby also serves incredible acai bowls. But instead of blending everything together like many other places, the team here hand-scoops the ingredients, which results in a delightfully creamy texture. The bowls are topped with seasonal fruits and superfoods, turning them from a tasty treat to a healthy indulgence.
Before finding this permanent Ponsonby home, Lulu’s operated from a food truck for four years. And while the duo behind Lulu’s loved being on the go, they found that the weather sometimes got in the way of their events, and it soon became clear it was time to lay down more permanent roots. That’s why they were thrilled when they found the perfect little shop window in the heart of a humming hospitality hub. It was the opportunity they had been waiting for.
The Samuels have big dreams for Lulu’s. They hope to keep expanding the menu and even open a second location one day. With their dedication to solely plant-based cuisine and their commitment to deliciousness, there’s no doubt that Lulu’s will continue to grow and gather more foodie fans along the way.
In the wellbeing realm, where the pursuit of ultimate indulgence is neverending, East Day Spa has long been a leader of the pack and a beacon of constant innovation. Recently, its flagship location, an oasis-like spa in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, has undergone a breathtaking metamorphosis. Reflective of the East Day Spa team’s unwavering commitment to redefining the essence of the spa experience, the refurbished space now radiates an aura of opulence and serenity that is simply unrivalled, and boasts a series of new spaces in which clients can find relaxation and rejuvenation on a whole other level.
The new interior of East Day Spa has been carefully designed to create a contemporary haven of calm. Curved accents and luxurious materials combine harmoniously, allowing visitors to escape their busy, daily lives to a world of tranquillity and peace. The spa now boasts state-of-the-art facilities and treatments catering to every wellness need, including a highly-anticipated Tepidarium and Sauna Space.
The Tepidarium is a purpose-built warm relaxation room that almost oozes bliss. Five Italian stone-heated loungers emit a radiant, gentle heat, designed to gently melt away muscle tension and encourage the mind to unwind. It is the perfect space to surrender your body to complete relaxation, whether before or after a treatment or simply as a peaceful vacation from the outside world. Sessions in the East Tepidarium can be enjoyed for as little as 30 minutes, accommodating a maximum of five people per session for an intimate and exclusive experience.
For those seeking heat therapy on a deeper level, East Day Spa now also offers a new range of Clearlight Infrared Saunas. These sublime spaces provide a personal sanctuary where clients can bask in warmth and comfort. The healing infrared light penetrates the body, removing toxins, relieving muscle pain, boosting metabolism, alleviating joint stiffness, improving skin health, and even diminishing the appearance of cellulite. Whether you enjoy this serene space alone or with a friend, the new saunas promise a transformative experience.
Founded in 2002, East Day Spa has locations in Auckland, Wellington and Bali. The team’s dedication to exceeding guests’ expectations is evident in the spas’ extensive treatment menus, offering more than 70 options that encompass both Eastern remedies and cutting-edge European skincare — this latest foray into heat therapy is just one example.
Really, there’s no better opportunity to escape the stresses of daily life than with East Day Spa’s newly unveiled Tepidarium and Sauna Space. Here, you can surrender to complete relaxation, rejuvenate your body and emerge feeling entirely refreshed and ready to take on anything.
Since opening, MoVida has delighted discerning Auckland diners with its mouthwatering menu, bringing a touch of exquisite, Spanish cuisine to the City of Sails. From flavoursome tapas to larger sharing dishes that serve tender meat and satiating seafood to sides and desserts that round out any meal perfectly, MoVida’s cult-followed culinary philosophy has made a significant impact on the dining scene here, and for very good reason.
Now, the acclaimed destination is launching a special, ticketed dining series, and is bringing none other than MoVida’s Founder, Frank Camorra, over from Melbourne to kick the very first iteration off with a bang. The inaugural ‘Paella and Pincho Saturdays’ is set to take place on Saturday the 17th of June, and will comprise a series of fun, foodie delights including a showcase of over 15 of MoVida’s most popular pincho and tapas, followed by Camorra’s famous Seafood Paella and other tasty treats from Basque Country and beyond, all served alongside a selection of delectable Spanish wines and sherries.
Tickets for this unmissable event are on sale now and are set to be very popular, so we suggest you get in quickly. Beyond this specific event, ‘Paella & Pincho Saturdays’ will continue throughout the rest of the year, with MoVida promising to put on a delicious spread every Saturday from the 24th of June, with paella and pincho served up from midday to 4pm — the perfect way to while away a weekend afternoon with flavoursome food, great drinks and excellent company.
Considering that there’s nothing like marking the end of a long day (or week) with fine wine, delicious cheese and satiating nibbles (even better when they’re enjoyed with friends), we were so excited when we heard that Park Hyatt’s The Pantry has decided to evolve its delectable offering to include an evening service. The waterfront spot recently unveiled its new ‘Evening Eats’ menu to coincide with the extension of its opening hours, now open until 9pm on Wednesday through Sunday. In doing so, this expansive corner spot has staked its claim as the perfect place for discerning business people and locals alike to unwind over wine and charcuterie and is giving us all the excuse we need to head towards the water when the work day is done.
On the new menu, cheeses and charcuterie are the heroes, with the former comprising a series of fresh, daily varietals served with crackers and quince, and the latter made up of prosciutto, classic salami or hot soppressata, served with grain mustard and pickles.
That said if it’s something more satiating you seek, there is also a selection of flavoursome bites that have been designed to pair perfectly with The Pantry’s wine list. From Gruyere Grilled Cheese with horseradish and caramelised onions, and Prawn Toast with brioche, miso mayo, sweet soy and bonito flakes, to ‘PFC’ or Pantry Fried Chicken and Crispy Potatoes with onion dip and manchego cheese, to a particularly tasty-looking Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts, the ‘Evening Eats’ menu is full of easy, indulgent dishes that are sure to satisfy any craving.
So next time you’re thinking about an after-work drink, or indeed are planning a weekend catch-up with friends, Park Hyatt’s The Pantry is the place to go. And while walk-ins are welcome, we recommend booking this popular spot by emailing here or calling (09) 366 1234, if you’re to secure the best table.
Succession, the show that for four seasons has kept us enthralled, entertained and on the edge of our seats, is finally coming to an end (the long-awaited Succession finale is on tonight). And while we won’t spoil the storyline for anyone who hasn’t watched the series yet (although why you haven’t is beyond us) we have decided to round up a few of the most outrageous, most humorous and most brutal one-liners from across Succession‘s four seasons. What better way to honour the show that has been deemed one of HBO’s best-written to date?
From the ‘ludicrously capacious bag’ to ‘you can’t make a Tomelette without breaking some Gregs’, here are 20 memorable one-liners from Succession that prove why this show will go down in history.
“Are we talking to each other on the deck of a majestic schooner? Is the salty brine stinging my weather-beaten face? No? Then why the f**k are you wearing a pair of deck shoes man?” — Tom Wambsgans, Season One
“It was supposed to be choreographed. That was about as choreographed as a dog getting f****d on roller skates.” — Logan Roy, Season Two
“You can’t make a Tomelette without breaking some Gregs.” — Tom Wamsgans (as read by Gil Eavis), Season Two
“My mum’s getting remarried to a bowl of porridge.” — Roman Roy, Season Three
“She’s brought a ludicrously capacious bag. What’s even in there? Flat shoes for the subway? Her lunch pail?” — Tom Wambsgans, Season Four
“I was wondering, just, in your view do you think it’s possible to sue a person, a grandparent for example, in a way which is like… like in an affectionate way? That might convey, like, ‘I love you and I’m glad you’re a part of my life, but I am taking legal action against you’?” — Greg Hirsch, Season Three
“You don’t hear much about syphilis these days. Very much the MySpace of STDs.” — Tom Wambsgans, Season Two
“What I think he meant to say was that he wished that mum gave birth to a can opener, because at least then it would be useful.” — Roman Roy, Season One
“She’s one of the hard b**ches, right? She’s going to do 36 hours of maternity leave, emailing through her vanity caesarean.” — Shiv Roy, Season Four
“’The ‘Logan Roy School of Journalism’? What’s next, the ‘Jack The Ripper Women’s Health Clinic’?” — Ewan Roy, Season Two
“It’s like Jaws. If everyone in Jaws worked for Jaws.” — Greg Hirsch, Season Four
“What’s that, ‘Date Rape’ by Calvin Klein?” — Shiv Roy, Season One
“Hey hey hey, it’s the Grim Weeper. Tiny tears.” — Jaryd Mencken, Season Four
“Someone could fit through that window. A small person. An attack child.” — Greg Hirsch, Season Two
“Organise a little coup down in old Peru? Put me in a van to Tajikistan? Couldn’t I just be our fun guy in Uruguay?” — Connor Roy, Season Four
“I’m about to take a s**t in your husband’s mouth and I’m pretty sure he’s going to tell me it tastes like coq au vin .” — Lukas Matsson, Season Four
“He occasionally has expressed a distaste in the past for my particular flavour of me.” — Greg Hirsch, Season Four
“If a deal collapses in a wood and no one hears it, is it an SEC violation?” — Roman Roy, Season Four
“So sue me — my lawyer used to work for the justice department, who’s your lawyer? Mr F***ing Magoo?” — Logan Roy, Season Two
Auckland is now well-versed in Aigo’s excellence. The moments when this Ponsonby Road restaurant isn’t heaving are rare, and just days after opening last November, it had become one of the hardest-to-come-by tables in town. Its initial, unprecedented success was the catalyst for this week’s opening of Aigo Newmarket, which sees a return for restauranteur David Lee to his hospitality roots. Here, one half of The Candy Shop has been reclaimed as Aigo, in a continuation of Lee’s vision to offer delicious Korean-inspired food in all its forms.
Applying the same approach Lee used when fitting out Dear Jervois all the way back in 2013, he quite literally designed the space himself, employing friends to help with the gruntier parts of the build. Attention to detail here is evident — all the light features and lampshades were picked by him, even where they were placed around the space. With his team in tow, Lee has spent the past months hunting through antique stores, finding what could possibly work in the space, staying late every night and testing out their finds. A masterclass in trial and error, if you will, but one that has ultimately paid off — and speaks to his approach for Aigo Newmarket more broadly.
Aigo Newmarket interiors designed by David Lee.
We’ve come to learn that despite their shared moniker and overarching principles, these two destinations diverge slightly in their menu. With a spacious and expanded kitchen, the new Aigo moves past the boundaries of noodle dishes that defined its predecessor, offering an enticing evolution of flavours. From what we’ve been told, dishes you need to order include the likes of pancetta rose tteokbokki, an indulgent combination of a subtly spicy gochujang cream sauce paired with the iconic chewy rice cake noodles (like the cacio e pepe version from Ponsonby). And then there’s the truly authentic yukgaejang ragu, which pays homage to the fiery and beloved Korean staple soup. Here the kitchen skillfully distils the essence of this soup into a rich ragu, infused with wagyu mince and served alongside homemade pappardelle.
Some of Ponsonby’s hero dishes, like the crispy rice with spicy tuna tartare, the crispy eggplant and the bibim naengmyeon, will remain across both venues (all three of which I ate and loved at Aigo Ponsonby last week), speaking to the rapture that Lee and Head Chef Kevin Choi’s menu already has the City in. Much of the drinks menu will remain the same too; with an extensive list of natural wines sourced from the Aigo team’s friends at Wine Diamonds, and a few crafty (and some more mainstream) beers for good measure. A delicious, classic cocktail list can be relied upon too, with a few fun concoctions in the mix.
Similarities aside, Lee explains to me how the development of his first site was somewhat of a call and response to the changing nature of the space — only pivoting from a fried chicken shop to the now-adored noodle bar at the last minute. “You could say it was a bit rushed,” he recalls. “Working with the little kitchen space we had, and I’m thankful to my team for pulling it off.” He tells me that with this sister restaurant, having ample time and space (Newmarket seats 60 diners at any one time) has led to this more evolved, grown-up version of Aigo. “We’ve had a lot more time to prepare, and we made the kitchen a lot bigger so we can do the things we’ve always wanted to do. We can now do handmade pasta and a lot more chargrilled meats — I’m looking forward to seeing how our friends in Newmarket respond to these flavours.”
Left: Rose Tteokbokki. Right: Natural Wines from Wine Diamonds.
Those in his inner-most circle describe it as part of the next era of Newmarket dining; the much-needed injection into the suburb’s late-night dining scene. Knowing that it takes a village, Lee has decided to open The Candy Shop for dinner as well. This means Osborne Lane will be lively during the late hours, with its neighbour Duck Island being open at night too, drawing more people into the area.
Through the newly-founded Namu Group, which incorporates Lee’s varied suite of venues, from Camper Coffee to Pōni, his legacy is already becoming a constant evolution of excellence. One that pays homage to authentic Korean roots and still looks ahead to all of the influences that can elevate his restaurants to the next level. If anything, Aigo’s success thus far proves exactly that.
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.
