If you’re stuck isolating home there’s another great way to support hospitality businesses that are certainly struggling right now — gift vouchers. Restaurant vouchers make for fantastic presents, too, and if you’re anything like us you’ll know a few poor souls who had to celebrate their birthday in isolation this year, yet again. So, why not feed two birds with one scone, so to speak, and give someone the treat of a delicious meal to look forward to while giving a much-needed boost to a local eatery?
From the chefs at Savor Group’s stable of acclaimed restaurants, comes your latest staying-at-home saviour — ready-to-go meals. The heat and eat range of frozen meals, soups, and pasta sauces, take the pressure off getting to the supermarket and cooking, while ensuring everyone can enjoy a nutritious dinner, delivered to your door.
Wagyu Beef & cheese lasagne, Tomato Pomodoro pasta sauce.
Available from Wednesday, the 16th of March, there is a nourishing Wagyu beef and cheese lasagne, Wagyu beef and pork bolognese and a pomodoro pasta sauce — as well as a traditional basil pesto and a salsa verde from the likes of Amano, which you can order ahead of time.
Chicken noodle soup, Wagyu Beef & Pork bolognese, Roasted tomato and red pepper soup.
For those with sore throats, there’s a restaurant-quality yellow banana prawn curry, spiced chickpea curry, roasted tomato and red pepper soup and chicken noodle soup.
To keep things interesting, there will be a range of new meals to try each week, including pumpkin soup, green chicken curry and vegetarian lasagne.
Whether you’re stocking up for yourself or sending a care package, Savor’s ready meal orders need to be in by Sunday night, and will be delivered on Wednesdays between 12 and 5pm.
Around the world, February is one of the biggest months in the sartorial calendar and we’ve been taking notes. Kicking off fashion month with Copenhagen and London followed by New York, Milan and Paris fashion weeks, the street style set came out strong all month long with head-turning looks, many of which have made their way onto our never-ending wardrobe wishlists.
From midriffs and micro minis at Miu Miu to silk-trained skirts at Prada and crisp tailoring at Dior, here are some of the best looks from fashion month.
Bold and bright colours were in abundance throughout the month. Colours were either paired back with neutrals like grey or white or worn head to toe for a monochromatic look.
Lisa Aiken wears Proenza Schouler, Eva Chen wears coat by MARIAM AL SIBAI and Zendaya wears Valentino.
Spotted on the streets of Paris and Copenhagen, fresh neutral tailoring took shape in both structured and relaxed silhouettes.
Claire Rose Cliteur wears Dior. The DiorSignature B1U sunglasses are available locally at Parker & Co.
Alex Rivière and Ikram Abdi Omar wear Dior. Darja Barannik wears Acne Studios, available locally Workshop.
Grab the hair gel! Slick ‘do’s with statement earrings were a popular choice across the month.
Caro Daur wears the Tiffany HardWear Graduated Link Earrings by Tiffany & Co. Leonie Hanne wears the Valentino Vlogo Signature Earrings, available from FWRD.
Whether as a snack or doubled-up for dinner, tacos always go down a treat. From authentic takes to something a little loco, we can’t think of a more delicious meal that fits in only one hand. Forget Taco Tuesdays — try a tasty morsel for every day or the week, and well beyond.
Taco Medic, La Mexicana.
Taco Medic New to the Ponsonby dining scene (from Queenstown), Taco Medic’s absurdly tasty tacos are healthy yet full of flavour. The Kentuckyman sees Escondido spiced free-range fried chicken combined with traditional tomato salsa, mango, chipotle mayonnaise and coriander. There’s also a 12-hour slow-braised beef brisket flavour and a six-hour slow-braised free-farmed pork belly, various spiced fish tacos, a marinated prawn taco, plus tasty vegetarian and vegan options.
La Mexicana If you thought you knew what ‘authentic’ Mexican food tasted like, this cosy taco joint in Grey Lynn is showing us a whole different side to our favourite bite-sized morsels — with its speciality fresh corn tortillas made from scratch on site. La Mexicana’s taco fillings include birria, comprising tender, slow-cooked beef cheek; carnitas, a popular confit of pork; pulled chicken in a mild chipotle sauce, and both vegetarian and vegan options for those so-inclined. Having tried most of the menu, we can confirm these tacos are delicious, and their petite size means you can try a variety of flavours without feeling overstuffed, while still leaving satisfied.
Cielito Lindo This understated Mexican eatery in Henderson has been touted as serving the best Mexican food in Auckland. Cielito Lindo tacos are served on soft and delicate corn tortillas. The lamb option is succulent and juicy, while the nostalgic fried fish taco with nopales (an edible Mexican cactus) has the flavour of jalapeños, without the spice. The tinga (chicken) nachos are cheesy and gloriously guilty.
Frida Cocina Frida Cocina Mexicana and Tequila Bar is a lively spot at the Viaduct Harbour. Alongside its lip-smacking selection of margaritas and mezcal is an excellent selection of tacos, including the Cochinita with guajillo pulled pork, grilled cheese, pickled onion, pineapple and salsa verde, garnished with coriander; and the De Papas with patatas bravas, salsa asada, sour cream, crispy tortilla strips and pico de gallo.
Mr. Taco, Fishsmith.
Mr. Taco The moment we bit into one of the tacos from inner-city hole in the wall Mr. Taco – La Taqueria, we considered not sharing any information on its whereabouts so we could keep coming back again and again with less fear of them selling out. But, the selfish impulse quickly passed as we remembered our civic duty to tell you about some of the best, most authentic Mexican food we’ve had in recent memory. The pastor taco, the most popular at night in Mexico (we’re told) comprises ultra-moist pulled pork cooked with achiote paste and a special blend of spices. It’s then topped with a small helping of fresh pineapple, and each taco is served with onion, coriander and salsa of various spice levels.
Mexican Specialities Mexican Specialties is a hidden gem in Ellerslie for those who wish to experience truly authentic Mexican fare. Their café and shop has a board of special taco options from pork to prawn, which can be served with Mexican rice and salad to make a meal of it. We suggest picking up some pantry goods while you are here, to continue your lucky taco streak.
Fishsmith If you have your heart set on fish tacos, Fishsmith in Herne Bay has dedicated its natural resources for a pair of delectable fish tacos. The two flour tortillas are filled with spice-rubbed fish, coleslaw, ponzu mayo, hot sauce and crispy shallots. They’re best enjoyed by the beach.
Taco Loco, Ghost Donkey.
Taco Loco The Taco Loco food truck was the rolling authority on Mexican cuisine, before setting up a stationary little cantina in Mount Albert. Although Taco Loco has a full menu, the tacos are (unsurprisingly) the most popular. For something different, try the Tacos Dorados, with four crispy rolled and deep-fried tacos with your choice of beef, chicken, or lamb — and topped with house salsa, lettuce, sour cream, feta cheese and radish. Sensational.
Ghost Donkey Commercial Bay’s mezcal and tequila bar is a lively and vibrant venue that aspires to impart Mexican hospitality to every one of its visitors. On Ghost Donkey’s taco menu we order the Al Pastor, with spiced pork, pineapple salsa and chipotle mayo, and the Chipotle Jackfruit, a vegetarian alternative with papaya slaw and spiced peanuts. The Mexican Fried Chicken, with jalapeño mayo, slaw, red chilli and coriander, is also a must-try.
Loco Bros Keeping the flavour profiles as traditional as possible, Brody Jenkins and Josh Barlow use their chef-trained cooking techniques to elevate their taco offering. Loco Bros (which can also be found permanently at Street Feast in Titirangi) serves a Carne Asada taco comprising grilled bavette steak, avocado, onion and salsa verde; Escalfada Chicken with poached organic chicken, roasted tomato mole and pickled onion; and, for those after a plant-based option, the Chilli Con Carne is made with vegan chilli, vegan queso and fresh onion.
Food Truck Garage, The Lucky Taco.
Food Truck Garage On a mission to show that fast food can be good food, the Food Truck Garage at City Works Depot rolls soft tacos from authentic hand-made masa tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free. From spiced chicken, to braised jackfruit and chipotle prawn, layers of new flavours and sauces create one tasty taco mouthful.
Inca Combining the flamboyance and fire of South American flavours and the careful techniques of Japanese cooking, Nic Watt’s Nikkei-style restaurant Inca is now in both Newmarket and Ponsonby. The Ao Nori taco with tempura prawn, avocado, coriander, tonkatsu, and pickled white ginger is an excellent example of the collision of cuisines, as is the Blue Corn taco with BBQ oyster mushrooms, teriyaki, carrot and pickled onion.
The Lucky Taco Considered the OG of the moveable taco circuit, this well known Auckland food truck proffers flavours such as the ‘cheeseburger’ taco (asada style beef with queso, pickled red onion, red cabbage and coriander) as well as the classics. If you can’t find them, The Lucky Taco food truck is available to hire for a group, or you can order your own sauces, pickles and taco kits to recreate The Lucky Taco when at home.
Eva Chen's Connecticut home features the Camaleonda sofa by B&B Italia available from Matisse and the Split Light rug by The Rug Company available from Design Central.
It’s a joy to see a child’s sense of wonder take flight, and imagination run free. A dedicated kid’s lounge with playful design elements, like the very bounceable Camaleonda by B&B Italia or Ligne Roset’s Togo seating, will give them an indoor space to continue exploring.
Left to right: Volière Demi-Grande pendant by Mathieu Challières for Challières from ECC, Pukka armchair by Yabu Pushelberg from Ligne Roset.
Little Flare table by Marcel Wanders for Magis from ECC.
What do you get when you combine the flamboyance and fire of South American flavours and the careful techniques of Japanese cooking? Nic Watt’s Nikkei-style restaurant Inca has delighted diners with its fresh dishes since opening on the Westfield Newmarket rooftop dining area in late 2019. Now, Watt is evolving this offering and bringing Inca 2.0 to Ponsonby.
Watt says he wasn’t looking to open another restaurant at the moment, but the acclaimed chef and restaurateur fell in love with the new Ponsonby Central location, with high ceilings and natural light, instantly. As part of the Central refresh, Inca looks out its large windows to Richmond Road on the corner, while also having a laneway of outdoor dining with festooned lights. “I knew I wanted this site when I first saw it, the positive energy and karma of the restaurant is infectious,” he says.
Open this week, Inca Ponsonby is the fourth establishment in Watt’s stable, which includes Masu by Nic Watt and Akarana Eatery in Orakei. Drawing on Watt’s travels to Peru and his love of its “bright and powerful flavours” and the “art of Nikkei cuisine” that he learnt when living in Japan, the menu at Inca is a “beautiful collision”.
While most of the menu will serve iconic Inca dishes, including the Pacifica Ceviche and the Pork al Pastor Tacos, there has been plenty of room for Watt and his team to play.
Along with the starters, tacos and tostadas, tempura, and sashimi and tiradito, a whole new offering is the maki and nigiri section, offering contemporary maki rolls and nigiri with rice. Watt’s favourite is the California Fire maki roll with spiced king crab, avocado and pickled cucumber – it’s a modern take that brings the heat.
Clay Baked Sweet Potato; Classico Ceviche.
New to the BBQ section, is an ember roasted black cod with anticucho miso and pickled roast vegetables; and the dry aged beef short rib with yellow pepper miso glaze and spiced cashew nuts. There will also be a ‘let us indulge you’ eight-course degustation on the menu soon.
The fusion focus is on fresh seafood and chargrilled meats, however the menu has plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, including an organic beetroot ceviche and a wood-fired butternut pumpkin.
For the other much-frequented menu, there is an extensive drinks list including the usual slaking suspects, as well as cerveza (Peruvian beer), sake, mezcal, tequila, and umeshu. The ever-popular frozen margarita and pisco sours are being poured alongside the new Pandan pisco sour and the smoky, honey Inca of the Bees.
Collaborating with CTRL Space, the interior design of the cavernous, open space is warmed with pink marble and cave-like plaster, colourful woven textile features, banquette seating and a suspended rattan ceiling, peppered with colourful lamps and lanterns. There’s also a two-metre hearth at the heart of the restaurant.
Ember roasted black cod, antichucho miso, pickled root vegetables; INCA of the bees cocktail.
The Inca experience is brought to Ponsonby with Watt’s dream team of more than 20 hospitality professionals. The management team has worked for Watt in some capacity for a combined 36 years — Front of House will be Naomi Kim, who joins from Masu, while Head Chef Dinyar Cardmaster is transitioning from Inca Newmarket. “I feel we have so much to offer,” says Watt.
Catering for all appetites large and small — with plenty of novel nuances throughout the well-thought-out menu and experience from Watt’s own 20 years experience in restaurants — Inca is a must-try addition to the Ponsonby dining scene.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday Lunch (coming soon): 12 — 2:30pm Dinner: 5pm – Late
From emeralds to diamonds, silver to gold, when it comes to precious stones and metals, there’s no shortage of dazzling designs this season. Give yourself a literal glow with circular earrings and necklace pendants that will become a lucky charm, or try your hand at refined rings and bestowed bracelets held up to the light.
Signature Emerald Cut Button Back Ring by Jessica McCormack from Simon James, Double Row Ring in Yellow Gold with Diamonds from Tiffany & Co., Pave Cushion Ring by Crivelli from Partridge Jewellers.
Serpenti Viper Earrings from Bulgari, Diamond Clover Stud Earrings from Sutcliffe Jewellers, Sophie Buhai Hinged 18kt gold-vermeil hoop earrings from Matches. Silver Mini Hoop Earrings from Laura Lombardi, Mini Calypso Earrings by Demarson from Muse, Medium Diamond Pave Huggie Earrings by Stone and Strand from Muse.
Lucky Move Necklace by Messika from Partridge Jewellers, Embellished pendant necklace by Bottega Veneta from Mytheresa, Coin Necklace by Acne Studios from Workshop.
In times like these we could all do with a little treat, making Mibo bakery an opportune opening in our midst. Tucked cosily on Enfield Road in Mount Eden, the stylishly sweet spot offers melt-in-the-mouth pastries to momentarily distract you from the worries of the world.
As the co-owner of Benedict’s, a nearby cafe that focuses on cabinet delights and a full brunch menu, Emma Zhao began experimenting with her beautiful baking, before the team decided to expand.
Right: Mibo’s Cinnamon Cruffins
“Auckland has so many amazing bakeries already, but I haven’t seen many Chinese flavours featured, which is kind of sad because we have so much to offer,” says Zhao, who is from China. “I’m very excited to be able to introduce these flavours into traditional viennoiseries and recreate some delicious baked goods from my childhood memories.” (The name Mibo comes from the word for ‘bread’ in Shanghainese.)
Photo by Jake Pears-Scown.
The interiors of Mibo, by Millé, feature timber to bring warmth as well as the feel of a traditional French shop front to the space. Overall, the colours are inspired by a mix of dusty wheat fields, and the existing washed-out shades at Benedict’s.
At the moment, Zhao’s favourite Mibo creation is an apple custard naisu — a sweet interpretation of the traditional treat that is buttery and milky with a crumbly texture. The cinnamon cruffin will always be memorable — it’s the first pastry she and Benedict’s head baker, Kris, first worked on, improving it in tempting iterations until it reached perfection. Paired with BeSpecialty coffee in hand, it creates a contented (rather than unprecedented) moment in time.
Current opening hours: Monday to Friday: 7.30am — 2pm Saturday to Sunday: 8am — 2pm
Come one, come all, Gucci’s delightful new boutique has opened in Westfield Newmarket. The iconic Italian fashion house joins a sterling lineup of brands including Balenciaga, Moncler, and Partridge Jewellers; Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Burberry.
Its arrival further solidifies the centre’s reputation as a one-stop destination for luxury, while the store’s bespoke design sets it apart from the rest.
A curved blush Breccia Oniciata marble exterior sets the tone for what lies within; a rose quartz-hued haven filled with men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, jewellery and accessories. Also to be found are the Gucci children’s collection, Gucci Décor and the recently launched Gucci Lifestyle collection.
The interior perfectly complements the collections it houses, embracing eclecticism that is both contemporary and elegant. Varying floor textures mark different spaces, from the eye-catching black-and-white grid to the timber mosaic and classic parquet. Velvet seating welcomes those wishing for a moment of respite while softening the space, all the more opportunity to take in the colourful array of pieces on show.
Having just returned to the runway at February’s Milan fashion week after a two-year hiatus, Gucci remains at the pinnacle of the zeitgeist for revered luxury fashion. With the timely opening of another boutique on our shores, we now have even more opportunities to be a part of the magic.
When undertaking a home alteration that seeks to not only bring historical features well into the present day but to preserve a sense of heritage in the process, both a deft hand and expert eye are required.
The versatility of Sydney-based architectural and interior design company Alexander & Co. made it the ideal candidate for the renovation of Spotted Gum House — what was originally just a sweet bungalow in Artarmon on Sydney’s North Shore.
The tidy brick cottage, which dates back to the early 20th century, has been reconfigured to now contain two guest bedrooms and bathrooms, a sitting room, laundry and study. To the rear has been added a double-storey extension that houses living, dining and kitchen areas on the ground floor, and the main bedroom on the upper level.
Tobi-Ishi Coffee Table by B&B Italia, available from Matisse.
The Alexander & Co. team have ensured the original house has been lovingly restored and flows via a wooden staircase into the ample additions. A sense of expansiveness overtakes, prevalent from the sheer scale of the spaces and high ceilings. These are shared areas for the residents and any guests to move within freely and comfortably, with huge steel-framed glass doors that can be thrown right open to the garden at the back, welcoming the outside in.
A pared-back palette and modernist influences allow the scale of this home to take impressive precedence. Despite the muted tones, it is imbued with a warmth from the mixture of textures — in keeping with one of Alexander and Co.’s key tenets of prioritising the expressiveness of craftsmanship.
Right: Newood Relax Light chair by Brogliato Traverso for Cappellini, available from Matisse.
Wooden ceilings and stairs, pale brick walls and polished concrete floors visually define the space, adding contrast without being stark.
It was important to the clients that this home trod lightly on the earth while also enhancing their own personal wellbeing. One of the central considerations of this transformation was sustainability, manifesting in the highest quality, innovative products and organic materials that had the lowest emissions possible.
Double-glazed windows throughout and geothermal climate control ensure economical power usage for heating and cooling, while a circadian ‘dim’ lighting system works in conjunction with the rhythm of those living within. On the same floor as the master bedroom is a steam shower room and infrared sauna.
Furnishings act as a continuation of both the artisanal and sustainable sensibility. Incorporating both bespoke pieces and timeless additions by the likes of Michel Ducaroy, Cappellini and B&B Italia, Spotted Gum House is filled with comfort and elegance.
Clearly, every last detail has been considered with the rigorous attention that the Alexander & Co. team dedicates to each one of their projects. When respect for the past melds seamlessly with a thoroughly innovative approach, the results are nothing short of sublime.
Wooden Chair by Marc Newson for Cappellini, available from Matisse.
Right: Domus Lounge Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Artek, available from Matisse.
York Bath by Victoria + Albert, available from Robertson.
Clockwise from top left: Tairua River by Kate Van Der Drift, available from Sanderson Contemporary; Lito Dual Trio Pendant by Powersurge; Leda armchair by Antonio Citterio for Flexform, available from Studio Italia; Twiggie by Marloe Marloe, available from In Black by Seagar Design; Togo Sette by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset.
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