There’s nothing better than a classic cheese toastie — with vintage gouda, maasdam and parmesan, to be precise. At Cheese on Toast, the ingredients are really that simple, and savour-able.
Founders, and partners, Steve Kennedy and Yang Yang have mastered the art of making toasted sandwiches with house-made sourdough bread and layers of seasonal produce with their Guerilla Grill food truck, as well as their first Cheese on Toast site in Three Kings.
Their formula is clearly working as they open the second Cheese on Toast outpost — rising through the covid challenges at their comfort-food locale just down from the Birkenhead village on Hinemoa street.
The store is in the Hellaby’s Building, built in 1912. Honouring the heritage of the building while still keeping things fresh, the Birkenhead site does look different to the Three Kings space. Rather than a garage roller door and concrete floors, there are large front windows and vintage tiles. But both have now-familiar touches, including its casual wooden tables and seating, and approachable grab-and-go counters.
From left: Braised Sichuan Pork belly with green capsicum and ginger sauce. Bacon and eggs on house made sourdough.
The toastie menu is far more superior to what we could put together from home. The Truffle Mushroom, with sautéed white and portobello mushrooms, onion, garlic and truffle oil, melts in the mouth. The Rump Steak, with spring onion, lemon coriander, soy, chilli and garlic sauce, satisfies with every crunch. And, with their newfound kitchen space at Birkenhead, we’re told there will be more creative Cheese on Toast choices to come.
Certainly, we have no doubt Kennedy and Yang will keep the new regulars happy. “Toast and cheese toasties are humble offerings but we put so much effort into making them special so I’m really stoked when I see people loving it and working us into their weekly routine,” says Kennedy. “We’re absolutely stoked to provide our community comforting, high quality, feel-good food and drinks and we won’t stop any time soon!”
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am — 2.30pm (Closed public holidays)
Cheese on Toast Birkenhead
96 Hinemoa Street
Birkenhead, Auckland
Whether you like them spicy, sweet, frozen or classic, there are often times when nothing but a strong margarita will do. Here is Denizen’s definitive guide to ten of the best margaritas to quench your thirst.
Coconut Chilli Margaritafrom Andiamo Get your fiery fix and sit in the sun with one of Andiamo’s delicious Coconut Chilli Margarita. Crafted using 1800 coconut tequila, their rendition is served on the rocks and exudes a spicy kick that’s not too overwhelming.
Mango, Pineapple & Chilli Margaritafrom Siso Indulge in a touch of the tropics at Remuera eatery Siso. Their refreshing rendition includes a mango and pineapple mix that is balanced perfectly with a decent bout of chilli.
Magdarita from Bar Magda Bar Magda’s take on the margarita packs a smokey punch with Gracias Dios mezcal paired with Arette tequila, elderflower and agave for a touch of sweetness and a perfectly salted rim. Bar Magda’s delicious Magdarita can also be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home thanks to their new takeaway cocktail menu.
Lilian, Madame George.
Blood Orange Margaritafrom Lilian Refreshingly zesty, Lilian pairs Blanco tequila with campari, Angostura bitters and a house-made blood orange syrup to craft their sought after margarita.
Classic MargaritafromMadame George Although it’s not featured on the menu, all you have to do is ask. Their elevated rendition is poured into a coupe, coated with a salty rim and served without ice.
Chilli Margarita from Hello Beasty The perfect accompaniment to their delicious dumplings and crispy karaage chicken, Hello Beasty’s chilli margarita hits the spot with a fresh lime zing and a touch of spice.
Hotel Ponsonby, Bar Non Solo.
Coconut Margaritafrom Hotel Ponsonby Seen on countless Aucklander’s instagram accounts, Hotel Ponsonby’s coconut variation is a fan favourite and deservedly so. Tequila is shaken with coconut cream, coconut water and lime for a decidedly tropical take on the classic margarita.
Watermelon Margarita from Bar Non Solo Indulge in the ultimate summer tipple with Bar Non Solo’s margarita crafted with Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver, Vermouth Blanc, fresh watermelon juice, and lime. This refreshing concoction is only available for a few more weeks so you had better get in quick.
Inca, Ponsonby Road Bistro.
Frozen Margarita from Inca Fans of a frozen marg can look no further than Peruvian-Japanese eatery, Inca. Made in the in-house slushy machine, flavours change daily using El Jimador tequila for the ultimate refreshment to cool down with on the rooftop.
Jalapeño Margarita from Ponsonby Road Bistro A shake up from the standard spicy margarita, Ponsonby Road Bistro uses smashed Jalapeños for an extra kick.
Whether you’re after booty bouncing beats or sounds smoother than a Kardashian’s keratin-treated hair, here are the playlists to stream until the next work email demands attention. From celebrity mixes to fashion favourites and straight-up nineties throwbacks, ready your earbuds and surrender to the stream.
Michel Gaubert As well as being one of the coolest people on Instagram, Michel Gaubert is the sound designer for Chanel, Loewe and Louis Vuitton’s epic runway shows. Prepare to pony walk down the corridor to the Pet Shop Boys, Kraftwerk, Robyn and Diana Ross.
Honey Bones Summer 19 Just to qualify things, we know it’s no longer summer and it’s certainly no longer 2019 but Honey Bones Summer 19 is a reminder of much, much more carefree days. The vibe is best summed up by Angus & Julia Stone meets Boz Scaggs with a hefty dose of Rhye. It’s on constant repeat in the Denizen office, so tap into our musical spirit.
I Love My 90s Hip Hop It’s all there in the title, what else do you need to know? Put on your snap-side tracksuit pants and oversized sweater and bust some moves to Missy Elliot, De La Soul, Dr Dre, Common and some Fugees.
Kym Ellery’s Isolation Edit Paris-based Aussie designer Kym Ellery is known for her exaggerated silhouettes and luxe fabrics. She created this playlist while isolating, and it’s a goldmine of simple, stripped back sounds. Let Dragon’s ‘April Sun in Cuba’, David Bowie’s ‘Sorry’and Tame Impala’s ‘The Less I Know The Better’ play in the background as you go about your day.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row Having transitioned from Full House to New York’s favourite twin set via their ultra-luxe, yet pared-back label The Row, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Spotify playlist is just what you would expect. The Row: February 2022 swings from Aretha Franklin and Fleetwood Mac to The Cure and Dean Blunt.
Katy Perry — At Home Together With Katy Perry, one expects to get bright and breezy pop through a neon filter, which is exactly the vibe of her Spotify playlist At Home Together — designed for quarantining Americans but equally uplifting for Antipodeans at any time. Shuffle in your seat along to Harry Styles’ ‘Lights Up’, The Beach Boys’ ‘In Your Room’and some old school Jamiroquaiwith‘Virtual Insanity’. “Some of them are new and some of them are classic and some of them say exactly how I’m feeling in this time and some of them are hopeful little nuggets of empowerment,” Perry said.
Jacquemus Showroom French fashion’s It boy designer Simon Porte Jacquemus is known for his style-setting ready-to-wear shows (cue oversized straw hats and micro purses) but with this showroom playlist he’s offering a feast for the ears rather than the eyes, so you can feel his influence around you wherever you’re playing it from.
Missy Rayder Supermodel Missy Rayder has nothing to prove when it comes to cool credentials, having walked for Balenciaga and Prada, but her taste in music is up there with her choice of designers. Missy Rayder’s Love-In features old school Johnny Cash, Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. “I chose songs that are meaningful for the time and artists who clearly have endured the darkness-found and were able to transform bleak days through the creative process manifesting in the song,” Rayder says.
Ryan Heffington — Sweatfest For Everyone With his Instagram, Hollywood choreographer Ryan Heffington did his best to get everyone off the sofa during lockdown, and went viral in the process. His playlists are equally energising — this seriously upbeat mix is perfect for dressing-up drinks before a big night out or even for working out at home.
TheUrbanaut Brewery and Taproom in Kingsland is known for its colourful craft brews, with a rotating roster of food trucks on the weekend. It’s been a competitive spot for pop-up purveyors of everything from poutine to ramen and plant-based treats.
Now, the team has committed to one smashburger kitchen to rule them all — Burgernaut. By a former food trucker who used to set up regularly at Urbanaut, Jamie Stewart, Burgernaut offers simple yet sensational burgers for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike — with all sauces and seasonings made onsite.
Right: Texan smash burger.
“I have known and loved the crew, the venue, and their outstanding beers for several years now,” says the head chef, who previously frequented Urbanaut with his truck Toasted As. “My vision is to create burgers every bit as high quality as the delicious beers they offer, and to become known as the premier venue for burgers and beers in Auckland.”
As such, look out for the classics as well as limited-time specials, including the current favourite — a Texan smashburger. It features prime New Zealand Angus brisket patties with finely sliced onions and jalapeño smashed into the pattie, swirls of charred mustard and ketchup and, to top it off, double cheddar on a toasted milk bun. Plant based versions are available by switching to Impossible Meat and the dairy-free Angel Food cheese.
Classic smashburger.
Burgernaut is a team effort, with many of the new options on the menu dreamed up by chef Isaac Chadda, who comes from the team that set up Better Burger. With these concoctions served next to Urbanaut’s icy cold full-pour beers from twelve rotating taps, there are no shortage of feel-good ordering configurations that will keep you coming back.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 12 — 8pm Sunday: 12 — 6pm Closed Monday and Tuesday
Burgernaut at Urbanaut Brewery and Tap Room
597 New North Road
Kingsland, Auckland
For when you want a great night in, an artful at-home bar is all you need for a niche knees-up. Known to push the boundaries of what we can expect for our home, Timothy Oulton’s bar range is causing quite the design stir.
The Classic Crystal Bar takes inspiration from the glamorous Art Deco period. Fashioned from illuminated moonstone sourced from Italy, and herringbone K9 optical glass prisms fixed by either steel or brass panels, it shimmers all night. A modern yet traditional concoction, it’s sure to be a talking point.
The equally elegant Classic Curved Bar shines in a choice of moonstone or black marble. Paired with a mirrored splashback and high bar stools, it elevates any nightcap.
Both bars are crafted by hand in Timothy Oulton’s artisanal workshops, and are available in one-metre sections from Dawson & Co to suit each speakeasy space.
Whether it’s a quick lunchtime jog you’re after or an epic race along the waterfront, behold a round-up of the best runs in the CBD, commencing at Auckland Domain. Dust off your running shoes and leave the excuses at home. You’ll thank us in the long run.
The lunch break quickie Duration: approximately 30 minutes | Distance: 4.5km Ideal for inner-city professionals who need to let off a little steam, this run takes you through two of Auckland’s most popular parks — Auckland Domain and Albert Park. Starting at the War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain, you’ll head along Grafton Bridge past the Symonds Street Cemetery and along a short section of Karangahape Road to St Kevin’s Arcade. From here, it’s a quick sprint down Myers Park towards the Town Hall and Aotea Square and onward to Albert Park along Mayoral Drive. From Albert Park, turn onto Alfred Street (off Princes street), cross Symonds Street onto Grafton Road, which then crosses the motorway via pedestrian lights, and you’ll see the entrance back into the Domain once more ahead of you.
The three-park run Duration: approximately 50 minutes | Distance: 10km Not a bad way to start or end the workday, this run offers a scenic three-in-one. Starting from the corner of Lover’s Walk and Domain Drive (by the pond in Auckland Domain), you’ll head west via Park Road and Grafton Bridge to Karangahape Road. Run along to Ponsonby Road, and jog down through Western Park, before making your way towards Victoria Park via Howe Street, Hepburn Street and Franklin Road. Then, run along the promenade at the Viaduct. The seafront leg along Tamaki Drive takes you to a footbridge that passes over to the Parnell Baths (Auckland’s only outdoor saltwater pool). The path then winds up the side of a cliff to Resolution Park — the top of which offers an ideal place for a breather overlooking the beautiful Waitematā Harbour. After running through Resolution Park, along tree-lined St Stephens Ave, left on Parnell Road and right on Domain Drive, your run concludes back at the Auckland Domain.
The scenic waterfront route Duration: approximately 50 minutes | Distance: 9.5km Passing by unique historical, coastal and geological features, this run kicks off near the George Street exit of the Auckland Domain before heading left on Parnell Road and right down Ayr Street, passing Kinder House and Ewelme Cottage. Continue along Shore Road, Orakei Road and over the Purewa Bridge, which crosses between the Orakei Basin (an ancient volcanic crater) on the right-hand side and Hobson Bay on the left. Follow Ngapipi Road along the shores of Hobson Bay and Whakatakataka Bay and then back along Tamaki Drive. When you arrive at the Dove-Myer Robinson Park, make your way through the Parnell Rose Gardens, then up Gladstone Road and St Stephens Ave towards the Holy Trinity Cathedral. This is the perfect place for a rest, before walking back to Auckland Domain (via Parnell Road) to cool down.
Power dressing doesn’t always mean padded shoulders and pinstripes, as anyone who has felt the welcome surge of confidence that comes with buttoning up a blazer will attest. The blazer is one of those reach-for wardrobe essentials, promoted in recent seasons on the runway from corporate staple to a welcome addition to any ensemble.
Blazé Milano Chacco Kid Everyday checked wool blazer from Net-a-porter, Double-breasted satin and grain de poudre wool blazer from Saint Laurent, Jumbo GG canvas blazer from Gucci.
Acne Studios Double Breasted Suit Jacket from Workshop, V04 Fitted Jacket from Dior, Mae Blazer from Camilla and Marc.
For those wishing to tap into the androgynous energy encompassing luxury fashion houses, boxy silhouettes and single button styles offer a tailored cocoon that adds instant impact on top of denim and leggings, while single button cuts balance out the feminine frippery of pleated maxi skirts and printed tea dresses.
Double-breasted pinstriped wool blazer from Saint Laurent, Christopher Esber Redux Blazer from Muse, Blanca Vita single-breasted tailored blazer from Farfetch.
There’s also a more seductive silhouette on offer, with blazers nipped at the waist with elongated sleeves playing with hourglass proportions. Worn with a prim blouse, satin camisole or even a statement bra, these blazers mean business.
Caitlin Crisp Marjorie Linen Blazer from Muse, Double-breasted mohair blazer from Louis Vuitton, The Garment Chicago Blazer from Workshop.
Whether the saying ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ is true or false, that’s beside the point. What’s important is, breakfast is delicious and that’s a fact. From both trusty regulars and new obsessions, these brunch dishes from our favourite cafes are all the motivation you need to get out of bed.
Cilbir Eggs or The Full Bones from Honey Bones It’s easy to see why both locals and hungry visitors flock to Grey Lynn’s Honey Bones every Saturday (or every day for that matter). The middle-eastern inspired menu is so good that it’s hard to pick just one dish. The Cilbir is a crowd-pleaser with perfectly poached eggs nestled in a bed of creamy Greek yoghurt and served with a side of crisp sourdough and chilli butter to mop it all up. For those wanting something a little more classic, the Full Bones has all your bases covered. Two eggs, bacon, mushrooms, hash, avocado, whipped feta and sourdough. What more could you want?
Stracciatella Pita from Williams Eatery Williams’ ever-revolving menu of pitas is not to be missed. No matter what delectable flavour combination might be on offer during your visit, we can guarantee you that it’s going to be good. Currently, the Wynyard Quarter eatery hasa stracciatella rendition on the menu featuring their crispy, buttery pita topped with oozy stracciatella cheese and fresh radicchio, with pickled rose onions and heirloom tomatoes for crunch and flavour.
The Breakfast Burger from The Candy Shop, Odettes Complete from Odettes.
The Breakfast Burger from The Candy Shop With a name that suggests more guzzling on gummy bears than indulging in hearty breakfast fare, since opening in 2018, The Candy Shop has gone on to build a solid reputation for its genre-bending food. The delectable breakfast burger is arguably the best in town, loaded with a fried egg, bacon, a crispy yet fluffy potato rosti, herbed avocado, creamy hollandaise and a salty, sweet and sticky bacon jam.
Odettes Complete from Odettes For a fresher take on the classic big brekkie, opt for the Odettes Complete. A staple on the menu since day dot, the dish comes with two poached eggs, a colourful array of juicy heirloom tomatoes, avocado, crispy bacon and an addictively good whipped feta that will have you scraping up every last bite.
Kedgeree from Ozone Coffee Roasters From the first time we first visited the Ozone Coffee Roasters to this very day, the smoked fish kedgeree has never done us wrong. The rice is mixed with creamy labneh, salsa verde and kumara crunch for texture. Last but not least, a poached egg adds richness to the entire dish as the golden yolk runs through the rice. Swoon.
Ricotta Toast from Florets For those wanting something extra wholesome, Grey Lynn newcomer Florets has you covered. Founder Maya Handley has garnered a dedicated following over the last two years for her delicious organic, whole-grain loaves that are made using locally sourced ingredients. Our pick for something sweet is the homemade ricotta honeycomb and olive oil or slow jam served on oat porridge sourdough. For savoury lovers, the whipped macadamia with peas and beans on rye is also delicious.
Half-and-half from Dizengoff, Bharta eggs from Seabreeze.
Half-and-Half from Dizengoff Not a new dish, but one that consistently guarantees premium quality — the half-and-half from Dizengoff. Any mushroom fan is bound to know about this dish — rumour has it that this is the best interpretation of creamy balsamic mushrooms in town. Meanwhile, the other half of the plate is accompanied by scrambled eggs to create a perfectly balanced breakfast.
Bharta Eggs from Seabreeze Seabreeze, a Westmere favourite, is renowned for the bone marrow burger for lunch and the Bharta eggs for breakfast. The perfectly poached eggs are served with an aubergine puree and whipped yoghurt. Finally, the chilli butter adds a decadence to the breakfast, making it the perfect accompaniment to the crispy, toasted sourdough on the side.
V.B from Hare and the Turtle We love it when a place does one thing well, and for New Windsor cafe Hare and the Turtle, that’s sandwiches. We can’t go past the V.B, a sinfully good sandwich that consists of a fried egg, melted Edam cheese, crispy hash brown and chutney, all in a housemade bun.
Acai Bowl from Little Bird When you’re in serious need of healthful nourishment, look no further than Little Bird’s acai bowl. A thoughtful and tasty blended bowl of acai berries, organic berries, coconut yoghurt, banana and “grawnola”, this is exactly what you need to feel re-energised and ready to take on the day.
Paula and Richard Sigley, the owners of the popular urban eatery Siso, are all too familiar with the fundamentals of putting on a fantastic hospitality offering. After sadly shutting the doors to Euro, due to Covid late last year, the couple has taken the time to inject their own personal brand of hospitality magic into their other successful neighbourhood eateries such as Andiamo and Siso.
Located on a sunny corner in Remuera, Siso has become a firm favourite of the eastern suburb locals in its first year of operation. Within the stunning yet supremely comfortable interior and its warm atmosphere — created by interior design studio CTRL Space — the eatery offers plenty of opportunities to find respite from the outside world. The rear private dining room, in particular, is the perfect spot to celebrate or reconnect with friends and family — while the bar at the front, with its wide-opening windows, allows for the fresh outdoor air to flow freely through the elegant archways and sheer curtains inside.
Siso’s private dining space.
The menu at Siso is a hearty and flavoursome combination of Mediterranean flavours. Take the freshly baked sourdough flatbreads, paired with a variety of irresistible dips such as taramasalata sprinkled with pork crackling and chilli oil, or fresh crushed peas, fava beans, sheep’s feta, dukkah and brown butter. They do more than just whet the appetite.
Small plates include the likes of market fish crudo with pickled chilli, cucumber and crème fraîche; spinach pie with goat feta and filo pastry; local octopus in a puttanesca-style sauce; and Hawke’s Bay lamb meatballs served with charred aubergine and toasted grains.
Linguine ‘cacio pepe’, egg yolk, parmigiana Reggiano; the Maiden Voyage.
While the menu does include Italian influences with burrata and pasta (fresh linguine with mushrooms), overall the selection of dishes skews towards Greek. Various salads are wholesome yet still hearty additions. Within the larger plates, expect the likes of vine-wrapped market fish with lemon, chermoula and herb salad or organic chicken breast with orzo, lemon, basil, smoked paprika and chorizo. The lamb shoulder is a highlight for sharing, cut on the bone with preserved lemon and baby garlic potatoes.
With the current climate seeing people spend more time closer to home, there’s been an upsurge in the popularity of local eateries. And with the Sigleys’ commitment to doing all they can to ensure the safety of both staff and customers, there is no better time to keep calm and carry on, knowing that getting together with friends and family is the salve we all need to remain sane in 2022.
We have your chance to win a Sunday lunch at Siso for eight people, valued at $800.
No-fuss yet full of flavour, Jo Bro’s Burgers has garnered a following all over town — both from its 80s-leaning caravan rolling around Auckland and its spot at Titirangi’s joint outing, Street Feast. Now, Brody Jenkins and Josh Barlow have found a permanent, dedicated outpost for a full appreciation of their perfected burgers.
On a hole in the wall spot in Point Chevalier (previously filled by the Red Snapper fish and chippery), the standalone store is bringing that same kind of food truck energy, with a more personal touch — Barlow and his family even painted the interior in Jo Bro’s colours themselves.
“We weren’t actually planning on opening our second store so soon after the first,” says Jenkins. “But the opportunity came up and it was so good that we couldn’t say no!”
Like at Street Feast in Titirangi (which opened six months ago) they’re enjoying Point Chevalier’s great sense of community, as well as the scope patrons have to take their order, and ice-cold sodas, to the beach. “It’s a busy residential area calling out for better food, so we saw Jo Bro’s as a perfect fit,” adds Jenkins.
Jo Bro’s has always believed, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And the menu here includes all of their burgers based on the Californian classic — with an unseeded potato bun, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and burger sauce. To make something so simple sing, Jo Bro’s relies on high-quality produce. The locally-made potato sponge buns are baked daily and the beef and chicken are sourced from accredited farms known for their sustainability efforts, including Awhi Ruapehu Angus. For vegetarians that seek that bite-into-it moment, the plant-based burger comes with an Impossible Meat patty.
Fulfilling its ‘golden burger ratio’ are the Jo Bro’s sauces. Five years in the making, and inspired by extensive travel in the US, the Jo Bros Original ™ is a trade-marked sauce that satisfies all cravings as an all-in-one condiment.
While there are a few seats available to lick your fingers in the new space, Jo Bro’s will mostly service online orders and takeaways. Tempting us even further, the Cream Ice-Cream food truck will be parked out front this Friday and Saturday, and is sure to set tongues wagging.
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