The sun is shining and you’re set to soak up all the sailing action, be it on the water or on land. You’ve picked a regatta-worthy outfit and even brushed up on boat etiquette to ensure you’re the perfect guest on board — so you’re feeling pretty prepared. That is until your mate’s uncle asks for some help applying some SPF. Sun safety is important, so who are you to refuse? Find below four golden rules to navigate the often awkward task of slathering a stranger in sunscreen.
1. Wait until you’re asked. Don’t stand around with sunscreen on your hands waiting awkwardly to find willing participants.
2. Do not apply the sunscreen directly to their back. Instead, put it on your hands before rubbing it in. Be sure not to miss any spots.
3. Keep talking while you do it. There’s nothing creepier than someone silently rubbing your back. Ask politely if they would like anywhere else covered.
4. Leave the front of their body to them — unless, of course, they request it.
No one likes a bore, especially if they’re stuck on a boat with them for four hours. It’s time to up your game and leave a decent, lasting impression with these simple tips for upping the interest factor.
1. Listen more than you talk.
2. If you notice yourself getting bored with your own conversation, stop talking. Just smile and move on.
3. To make sure small talk isn’t snore-worthy, try to stray from the path of conventional conversation topics (but not too far). Have you discovered anything fascinating recently, or read an interesting news story? Make a mental note and you could spark an intriguing discussion.
4. Practice active listening. Without going too overboard, active listening involves staying engaged with your conversation partner by nodding, making eye contact, using verbal cues like “I see”, and “really?”, and resisting interrupting or stating your opinion until they’ve finished speaking.
5. Don’t make assumptions. When asking questions, try to leave them open-ended rather than following up with a comment too quickly. People’s answers might surprise you.
6. Let people talk over you. Rather than thinking of it as rude, think of it as a valuable assist.
7. Whatever you do, don’t mention you’re an influencer.
8. If all else fails, limit stories to the last five minutes of your life — the weather, the sailing, the quality of the boat, the fact you’re not paying for the day.
For more tips, tricks and must-know information about the Cup, discover our Sailing Regatta section.
If you haven’t got the memo (where have you been?) Bluff oyster season is in full swing, bringing with it the kind of foodie fever we have grown to expect from the arrival of these delicious little morsels.
For the uninitiated, the Bluff oyster is largely considered the world’s tastiest. Plump and juicy with a full flavour and a more meaty texture than others of their kind, this oyster is not only beloved but is widely celebrated when it finally arrives.
Ensuring everyone has a chance to snap up a dozen of these beauties while the season is still high, Ostro has announced a deal you’d be hard-pressed to pass up. From Tuesdays to Fridays, Ostro will be offering a dozen Bluff oysters for $35.95 between midday and 5:30pm (limited to one dozen per person). What better excuse is there for an appetising mid-week treat? We’ll certainly be making the most of one of our favourite seasons, all while sitting back in one of Ostro’s comfortable booths, taking in the restaurant’s expansive view across the Waitematā Harbour. Heavenly.
Ostro’s Bluff oyster deal is on from the 9th of March until the 1st of April. Bookings are essential. The deal is limited to one dozen per person and is dependant on availability. Book your table here.
After a week at home, we’re more than ready to get out and about once more, supporting our favourite local venues and enjoying the privilege of drinking and dining somewhere outside those same four walls.
Perfect timing then, for an event such as this: In the spirit of keeping the summer mood humming for as long as possible, Lobster & Wagyu has joined forces with everyone’s favourite drink mixer, Aperol, for a five week DJ series, featuring Aperol Spritzes galore and delicious Lobster & Wagyu bites, all soundtracked by some of the best beat-maestros in town.
Starting this Thursday 11th March, Aperol Afternoons at Lobster & Wagyu will take place every Thursday and Friday from 4pm until 8pm (with complimentary aperitivo bites from 4pm until 5:50pm). On the food menu, expect the likes of lobster croquettes with citrus mayonnaise; tomato bruschetta bites with salsa verde; cheeseburger sliders and a tiered platter featuring a selection of all the tasty aperitivo snacks.
This event is bound to be popular, so if you’d like to soak in the iconic harbour views from the Seafarers rooftop, and let DJ Frank Booker and friends provide upbeat ambience while you sip on a Spritz and indulge in scrumptious bites Lobster & Wagyu, we suggest you make a booking.
Book a table for Aperol Afternoons at Lobster & Wagyu on the Seafarers website here.
While the weather is warm and the sailing action is heating up, Aucklanders have been taking every opportunity to head out on the water. That said, a successful boat day requires a few crucial boxes to be ticked, the most important of which is catering. Thankfully, Savor’s new service is set to take all the hassle out of ensuring guests have ample food and drinks to keep them sustained throughout the day.
Recently launching its onboard catering service, Savor Group (behind such beloved Auckland eateries as Azabu, Ebisu, Ostro and Non Solo Pizza) has come up with a range of delicious options for virtually any kind of day on the water. Whether you’re on a charter boat with full kitchen facilities or a smaller yacht with next to nothing, Savor is offering a vast and varied menu covering canapés, ‘fork n walk’ bites and larger dishes that can either be eaten as prepared or simply heated before serving. There is also a more comprehensive service available, in which one of the group’s talented chefs will come on board to cook a sit-down coursed meal for guests.
The food itself is of the high calibre we have come to expect from Savor’s lauded eateries. Think exceptionally fresh sushi and sashimi platters, seafood platters, oyster bars, Italian antipasto and an array of substantial set menus.
Not forgetting the all-important libations to accompany the delicious food, Savor’s service also includes bar packages that offer premium beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options, or even an onboard mixologist if you would rather indulge in a refreshing cocktail or two.
So next time you find yourself planning a day on the water, leave the food prep to the experts at Savor, while you kick back for an afternoon of fuss-free cruising.
Discover the full menu and order online here or email [email protected] for more information
You’ll likely recognise Peter Burling as the man who is at the forefront of Emirates Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup defence. Known for his quiet leadership and steady hand at the wheel and driven by his love for sailing and his passion for the ocean, Burling is perhaps one of our more understated sporting champions (particularly for one so accomplished). Here, we round up nine things you might not know about the impressive sailor who has the Auld Mug in his sights.
1. Peter Burling is not only one of New Zealand’s most accomplished sailors, but also on a quest to become an environmental leader.
2. As passionate about the health of the ocean as he is about sailing, Burling founded marine conservation charity, Live Ocean, with sailing partner Blair Tuke.
3. Burling is the youngest helmsman to ever hold the America’s Cup, thanks to Team New Zealand’s victory in Bermuda in 2017 (which he won when he was just 26). Now, he is leading Emirates Team New Zealand’s 2021 defence.
4. The Tauranga-born sailor is also an Olympic gold and silver medallist, has won a slew of world championship titles and has raced around the world in the Volvo Ocean Race.
5. Burling is a two-time World Sailor of the Year, a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and more recently was awarded the 2020 Magnus Olsson prize for his indelible contribution to the world of sailing.
6. Known for his cool, unruffled demeanour at the helm, Burling carries more than his fair share of responsibilities. While he continues to strive for perfection on the America’s Cup and Olympic racecourses, he will also soon begin a new challenge as co-CEO of NZ SailGP.
7. Burling is rarely seen far from the ocean even when he’s not competing. If he isn’t on a boat, you’ll find him diving, surfing or foil boarding.
8. Burling and his teammates have a zero-tolerance policy for bullshit and have been known to secretly place a “No Wanker” sticker on their boats.
9. When American Magic crashed on the Hauraki Gulf during the Prada Cup, Burling jumped in and drove the ETNZ chase boat to help with the rescue mission.
While sailing is exciting for its fans, its hyper-specific nautical terms, regatta norms and general rules can be confusing for a novice to understand. In a bid to clear the muddied waters, we have thrown together something of a cheat sheet for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge.
THE TERMS ‘Stuffing It’ or ‘Splash Down’ This is when the boat drops off the foils and the hulls hit the water, usually in a very dramatic fashion that soaks the sailors.
‘Velocity Made Good’ (VMG) A term used in yacht racing to indicate the speed of a sailboat towards (or from) the direction of the wind.
‘Fly Time’ The amount of time the boat spends foiling. The ideal situation would be for a team to make it around the entire course with 100 percent fly time, which means their hull never touches the water.
‘Wingwash’ When sailboats sail close to each other, one can affect the other’s quality of wind. The result of this change is sometimes called “wingwash.”
‘One & In’ This term is used to describe a boat that only needs to make one more tack/jibe to make the next mark.
‘Split & Cover’ As the boats approach the top or bottom marks, they must decide how to navigate them. If they choose the same mark, it’s referred to as a ‘cover,’ and if they go in opposite directions, it’s a ‘split.’
‘Dialling Down’ A strategic move that often arises in crossing situations, this is when one boat tries to force the other further downwind in an attempt to throw them off course.
‘Dialing Up’ Something that typically comes up around the start of a race, this is when one boat will attempt to force the other upwind.
‘Squall’ Referring to a strong and sudden rise in wind that usually lasts a few minutes, this phenomenon can make sailing conditions particularly challenging.
Bonus: How to Tie a Cleat Hitch in 3 Simple Steps The cleat hitch is a simple knot to master and is usually used for securing boats to a dock. It ties and unties quickly and neatly and will be the easiest way to impress your friends next time you’re out on the water.
1. Bring the rope under the far side of the cleat, then around and under the opposite horn.
2. Go over the middle of the cleat and make a figure 8 around the two horns.
3. Make a small loop in the rope, then turn it over (to the left) in your hand and loop over the bottom horn of the cleat. Pull tight.
An ode to the Southern Seas, Emilia Wickstead’s latest collection was inspired by the designer’s Samoan/New Zealand roots. After discovering The Faery Lands of the South Seas (a non-fiction book from the 1920s) on her daughter’s shelf, Wickstead sought to evoke the idea of journeys across the seas, creating a beautiful, illustrated sailboat print that was splashed across cotton poplin skirts, cropped shirts and dresses.
Luckily for us, one such dress has just landed at Simon James, making our decisions around what to wear for a day on the water, much easier. Paying subtle homage to the sailing, while still feeling simple and sophisticated, this printed dress is the perfect boat-day piece.
Ermenegildo Zegna continues to explore the question of ‘what makes a man?’ in its new campaign, examining the theme of modern masculinity through a distinctly personal lens.
Centred around Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis, Zegna’s new imagery takes a look at what has made the model/musician the man he is today — pulling the influence of his upbringing into sharp focus by including his mother (five-time César-award-winning actress) Isabelle Adjani, into the shoot as well.
By asking Yasmina to turn the camera on her son, and present him in the way that she sees him, Zegna flips the script from ‘what makes a man?’ to ‘what makes my man?’. Throughout the campaign, shot in Oasi Zegna (the birthplace of the brand itself) Yasmina and Day-Lewis reflect on the lessons and values that define the latter as a modern man — both styled in a selection of sleek, tailored looks from Zegna’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection.
In this way, the lauded brand is asking all of us to consider our contemporary ideals, and how these materialise in the men that are the most important to us. It is a call to turn inward and be accountable for our own assumptions and expectations of masculinity and how, perhaps, those can shift and change.
An elegant expression of manliness, in line with the kinds of clothes that Ermenegildo Zegna is known for creating, this new campaign perfectly encapsulates the essence of the brand and offers a thought-provoking twist on the campaigns of old — anchoring it firmly in a contemporary conext.
It’s forecast to be a glorious (and exciting) couple of days out on the water this weekend, and what better pairing for the occasion than an effervescent glass — or two — of prestige Champagne?
Thanks to Dom Pérignon’s on-water summer delivery experience, this can be facilitated in the most luxurious way possible. Dedicated concierge service Dom Pérignon on Deck will see chilled cases of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2010 delivered directly to your yacht on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, this Friday and Saturday the 12th and 13th of March.
Place your pre-order via the Delivery on Deck websitebefore 3pm, Wednesday 10th March, and JP Ribs and Machina Charters’ custom Dom Pérignon ribs will pull up to you with aplomb, delivering the goods (perfectly chilled and ready to pop) on the day.
Should you prefer your Champagne on dry land, we recommend heading to Saxon + Parole this weekend to experience the venue’s Dom Pérignon Lounge. Book a booth to enjoy a Dom Pérignon and oyster experience, or make the most of these summer sunsets with a line-up of Auckland’s top DJs providing the ultimate soundtrack at Saxon + Parole’s Luminous Nights events, taking place on the evenings of Friday 12th and Saturday 13th March.
So, what are you waiting for? The pre-order window for Dom Pérignon on Deck closes at 3pm Wednesday 10th of March, so make sure you book online to secure this luxurious experience, dedicated to bringing you and any guests on board a unique moment of decadence.
In planning our new issue, we felt inspired by the ways in which New Zealand had been put on the map in the last year. Not only as one of the safer countries in the world (as far as Covid was concerned) but also, for our efforts in hosting one of the biggest sporting events of the year — America’s Cup.
Dedicating a section to the America’s Cup, we looked at some of the key players to know, the best places to go and the seafaring etiquette everyone should be aware of as they head out on the water. From Peter Burling to Patrizio Bertelli to a glossary of terms for sailing novices, this section celebrates the culture and excitement around the Cup, and will prove an invaluable resource.
Elsewhere, we sought to highlight the talent of formidable Kiwis with profiles on design guru Arch Macdonnell and silver screen darling Melanie Lynskey, as well as the raft of inspiring up-and-comers in our ‘People to Watch 2021’ section. From a superyacht designer to a New York Times bestselling author to the man on a mission to change the way we shop, these are the people giving us hope for the future.
Of course, our Gastronomy section is packed with delicious dishes to eat now, a guide for finding the tastiest vegan dishes everyone will love, a deep-dive into some of the tastiest sweet dishes around and a few words of advice from hospitality guru Sophie Gilmour about starting an eatery. But if cultural consumption is more what you’re hungering for, our Culture section is equally full of recommendations around what to watch, read and listen to in the coming months.
Over in Design, we explore the fantastical, utopian worlds of digital art and look at an exquisite property tucked into a remote part of Waiheke Island, alongside detailing the simplest ways to spruce up your interiors. Similarly, our fashion section will see you adequately equipped for an Autumnal change-up, with new labels to know, trends to get on board with and a masterclass in style with the new Creative Director of luxury womenswear label Adrienne Winkelmann, Jessica Grubiša.
And if your feet are starting to feel itchy as we approach the season when we would usually be planning an overseas trip, look no further than our Navigator section, bursting with Expedition Earth’s photos of less-frequented parts of New Zealand alongside Eddie von Dadelszen’s trip down memory lane, as the designer waxes lyrical on all the overseas destinations that have meant something to him.
Offering an optimistic vision for the future, our Autumn issue is not only a reminder of the wellspring of talent we have on our doorstep, but a reminder for us to proactively go out and support those individuals in hospitality, design, fashion and beyond, working hard to ensure Auckland continues to grow into a world-class city.
From its first designer collaboration with the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld in 2004, H&M has welcomed a stream of high-fashion names through its high-street doors, creating collections with the likes of Kenzo, Erdem, Moschino’s Jeremy Scott and couture darling Giambattista Valli. Only getting better with every year, these collections have become beloved for the way they democratise pieces by some of the biggest names in fashion, allowing everyone to buy into the designers they love.
Now, for its 2021 iteration, H&M has teamed up with none other than Simone Rocha — the lauded, Irish designer whose London-based brand reached a milestone 10 years in business this year. Celebrating Simone Rocha’s signature whimsy, the collection brings the silhouettes, embellishments, shapes and influences that have, for so long, defined the Simone Rocha brand, lending contemporary twists to classic looks and paying homage to a label that has always marched to the beat of its own drum.
In creating the H&M collection, Rocha dipped into her archives to consider how she could rework elements of her past into pieces for a new audience. The result runs the full gamut of styles from special-occasion looks to more casual pieces and even includes menswear and childrenswear alongside the women’s offering — marking the first time the brand has created options for the whole family.
And while the designs are distinctly Simone Rocha in style — think tartan details, elements of tulle, beading, florals and of course the classic pink-red combination that has become so associated with the brand — they are also inherently wearable and are sure to give our everyday ensembles a much-needed spruce-up.
This collection is available exclusively at H&M Commercial Bay from the 11th of Marchin strictly limited quantities, styles and sizes.
You’ve had more time than usual to appraise your surroundings, so take the opportunity to challenge your perspective and elevate your interior with this selection of refined masterpieces.
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Waning Gibbous to Waxing Crescent, February 2020, 37°20’33.4”S 175°30’30.5"E (2020) by Katie van der Drift
Waning Gibbous to Waxing Crescent, February 2020, 37°20’33.4”S 175°30’30.5"E (2020) by Katie van der Drift
$5,250 Chromogenic Photograph from 4×5” Negative 1220 x 980mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Reality Effect by Matt Arbuckle
Reality Effect by Matt Arbuckle
$3,500 Acrylic and oil stick on knitted polyester 620 x 825mm (framed in aluminium) From Parlour Projects
Never underestimate the power of a well-designed console to add a practical yet aesthetically-pleasing element to any space — whether you’re looking to incorporate drawers, display spaces and shelves into a living room, or cleverly punctuate an entryway. We suggest perusing this array of sleek consoles, rendered in a variety of finishes and styles to suit any decorating style.
From New York to London and now Milan, the globally trying times haven’t halted the progress of the seasonal fashion collections. Once again, most of the shows on the international fashion week circuits were digitally-focused, with designers utilising livestreamed runway shows to an audience on the other side of a screen; plus artfully-shot lookbooks and films to showcase their ready-to-wear releases for Fall/Winter 2021.
Of course, it’s still possible (and encouraged) to take inspiration from the likes of Prada, Fendi, Emilia Wickstead, Gabriela Hearst and more for how to style your own wardrobe this autumn — and perhaps what to invest in. Here are five trends we’ve spied to update your sartorial repertoire.
Top of the Crops Whether rendered as a bra-top under a jacket, or as a rib-skimming knit, designers put the upper midriff on show this season — usually paired with a longer hemline on the bottom, try with some slouchy trousers or a calf-length skirt.
From left: Rosetta Getty; Fendi; Emilia Wickstead; Fendi
Blanket Dressing Cosy does it with the copious number of ponchos, knits and oversized throws shown from the likes of Gabriela Hearst, Erdem and Alberta Ferretti. When it comes to this look, sleeves are overrated.
From left: Colville; Alberta Ferretti; Erdem; Gabriela Hearst
Lovely Leather The black biker jacket has been firmly shown the door (aside from one sighting at Simone Rocha) in favour of buttery overcoats in a range of both neutral and saturated shades. Whether you opt for a looser, 80s-inspired silhouette or something more polished and fitted, the leather overcoat is an easy way to instantly look put together.
From left: Jason Wu; Alberta Ferretti; Gabriela Hearst; Proenza Schouler
Creamy Cable Knits Fine knit jumpers and dresses may be ideal for layering, but a chunky cable knit makes a statement and designers have gone for supersized stitches this season.
From left: The Row; Khaite; Ulla Johnson; Gabriela Hearst
Leg It Add a touch of sass to an otherwise covered-up look with a skirt that reveals a (still nicely summer-bronzed) leg when you stride about your day. As seen at 3.1 Phillip Lim, it’s a great way to show off statement hosiery — another big trend.
From left: Proenza Schouler; Victoria Beckham; 3.1 Phillip Lim; Emilia Wickstead
Standalone Designer Highlights
Prada For their latest collection as co-creative directors, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons were inspired by change and transformation, and the liminality that exists between two disparate states of being. Harnessing both simplicity and complexity; elegance and practicality; expression and minimalism, the joyful collection is the perfect antidote to dark times with its tactile textures and artful layering.
Prada Fall/Winter 2021 Ready-to-Wear
The Row With an uncanny ability to make us rethink the proportions of everything we wear, The Row has done it again this season with a perfectly relaxed take on its signature minimalist sensibility. The way forward, it seems, is just the right amount of oversized — from a cream turtleneck tucked into white trousers to a louche yet (naturally) luxurious camel suit.
Fendi Kim Jones’ first women’s ready-to-wear collection for Fendi was a masterclass in neutrals imbued with rich interest, proving a muted colour palette is anything but boring. We love the fringed coats, both belted and not, the sumptuous materials and ultra-long sleeves.
There is something about coloured concrete that makes you stop and look. Think about LA’s infamous Paul Smith wall or Majorca’s Neuendorf House. It has an arresting effect, transforming something that usually feels stoic and industrial into something that carries a unique presence, and serves to deliver intrigue and dimension.
Known for harnessing the potential of coloured concrete like no one else, PeterFell has cultivated a stellar reputation for its tonal slabs. Already offering a number of bold shades that create attention-grabbing spaces, PeterFell is taking this one step further with the release of its new pastel range.
Offering pastel-coloured concrete in six new shades, PeterFell’s latest collection will work to create dreamy, utopian spaces that stand out against the stark minimalism we so often see trending in design.
Thanks to the use of Aalborg white cement providing a starting point that is significantly lighter than normal, PeterFell was able to achieve a range of true pastels, just as they should be — soft, chalky and perfectly-pigmented. From the cool, dusty tones of Spearmint and Bluebell to the faded, pinky hues of Peach and Blush, PeterFell’s new concrete is giving us the best excuse we’ve had in a while to fill our homes with colour.
Clockwise from left: Lavender; Bluebell; Spearmint; Buttercup; Blush; Peach
Last year, we were introduced to some of the best tacos we’ve ever tried courtesy of Manuel Moreno and his inner-city spot Mr. Taco. Now, Moreno is treating our taste buds to another authentic Mexican specialty with his recently-opened eatery two doors around the corner on Victoria Street: Miss Torta.
Offering all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner until 8pm, Miss Torta is named for the ubiquitous Mexican torta, or sandwiches, that form the central dishes on its menu. Comprising a soft white bun within which a variety of delicious fillings are combined, the tortas are perfect for a quick, easy and tasty lunch (or dinner) that will leave you full and satisfied.
From left: The Cubana with crumbed beef fillet, ham, sausages and cheese; Inside Miss Torta’s Victoria Street location
Variations include the Pierna Adobada, with tender and moist marinated pulled pork, Milanesa, a crunchy crumbed beef fillet, a jamón y queso (ham and cheese) — and more. All the tortas include tomatoes, shredded lettuce and thinly sliced red onion, as well as avocado and jalapeños or chipotle. The Cubana is one of the most popular tortas in Mexico, says Moreno, with a hearty filling of crumbed beef fillet, ham, thin sausages and cheese, plus the aforementioned lettuce et al.
While taquerias are everywhere in Mexico, Tortarias are also extremely ubiquitous, Moreno tells us, and he wanted to introduce New Zealanders to the beauty of the hearty sandwich. He commissions a local bakery to bake his torta buns in exactly the right way, and always uses the freshest ingredients.
From left: Chilaquiles with tortilla chips, salsa, queso fresco and eggs; The torta buns are specially made by a local bakery
Along with the tortas, the all-day breakfast menu offers a variety of traditional Mexican dishes. Think Chilaquiles — tortilla chips, red or green salsa, queso fresco and two fried eggs — huevos rancheros, and huevos a la Mexicana (Mexican-style scrambled eggs). You’ll also find dishes like tortilla soup, fish tacos, enchiladas and fajitas on the ‘all-day, everyday’ menu, great options for a low key dinner.
Should you be thirsty, there are colourful Jarrito sodas, but we’d have a glass of Miss Torta’s house-made horchata any day. A delicious, creamy iced drink, we’re told it is made from “rice milk, a splash of sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon… and love.” We’ll have a top-up, please.
Whether you’ve lived in Auckland all your life or you’re a newcomer to the City of Sails, there are always new (and tasty) things to discover in Tāmaki Makaurau. Get inspired for the weekend ahead and explore your own backyard with these seriously delicious destinations across Auckland city.
Make a date with Mission Bay If you can’t quite remember the last time you made your way to the Eastern suburbs, now’s the perfect time to get reacquainted. Forever favourite Azabu has opened new outpost Azabu Mission Bay at the historic Mission House site, bringing its famed Japanese-Peruvian cuisine to a prime beachfront location. We suggest making a beeline for the Roku Gin garden and settling in for the afternoon. If you prefer something a little more laidback, Fishboy (the new venture from the team behind Herne Bay’s ever-popular Fishsmith), is the spot to grab some fish and chips. With the sandy shores of Mission Bay opposite, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some good old-fashioned fried bites on the beach.
Say hello to Hobsonville Point Go west this weekend and make the most of everything Hobsonville Point has to offer. The former defence base turned thoughtfully-designed suburb has all the ingredients for a successful day out. Skip the traffic and hop onboard the ferry, which will whisk you from downtown Auckland to Catalina Bay in under an hour. Once on land, find the likes of farm-fresh produce, artisan cheese and organic coffee at the Catalina Bay Farmers Market. From there, choose from the always great Fabric Cafe and Bistro or family-friendly Little Creatures Brewery to while away the day — or be clever and fit both into your visit. With ferries back into the city running until 11.30pm on Saturdays and 9.30pm on Sundays, you can make your trip last as little or as long as you please.
Hit up Takapuna Takapuna may seem like an obvious choice for a weekend beach jaunt, but what about as a foodie destination? The North Shore suburb is no slouch when it comes to its dining scene — with an excellent array of eateries to satisfy each and every craving. But before you dig in, we suggest you work up an appetite by trying the Milford to Takapuna heritage walk. Schedule your stroll for low tide and soak up uninterrupted views of the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto, rock pools and an ancient fossil forest. Post walk, reward yourself with great coffee, top-notch ramen, a casual drink or some of the best Filipino in town — take your pick from our round-up of the best restaurants and bars in Takapuna.
Get carried away inClevedon For an injection of rural energy without leaving Auckland, look no further than lovely Clevedon. A day spent in this charming town will be invariably well spent, with delicious attractions abound. First up, the drawcard farmers market (a runner-up in our inaugural Denizen Everyday Heroes awards) is a must, with an exceptional farm-gate-to-plate offering from local purveyors. Oyster lovers best make a pitstop at Clevedon Coast Oysters, where you can park up at a picnic table or dash down to a nearby beach with an ocean-fresh dozen of Clevedon’s finest, while The Farmhouse is the place to be for ice cream and baked delights in a picture-perfect setting. If all this activity has you desperate for a crisp glass of something good, Hallertau’s Clevedon outpost is sure to quench your thirst.
If you’re looking for something to do tonight with friends or family that involves taking in the balmy, summer evening air we’ve been enjoying of late and eating some delicious food, then may we suggest Parnell’s brand new street festival?
As part of Auckland’s Summernova series, Food Truck Collective is holding the inaugural Faraday Street Festival in Parnell, and it’s set to be a vibrant and fun-filled night, stacked to the brim with beats, eats and good vibes.
By Carmel
Why not wander among some of Auckland’s tastiest food trucks and gather a varied spread for dinner? For authentic Italian pasta, you can’t go past Amaranto Pasta & Cucina; while the Israeli street food from By Carmel specialises in delicious and generously-filled pita breads. Akemi’s Gyoza has some of the tastiest Japanese dumplings in town, and for dessert (if you still have room), make sure you hit up Lalele Organic Gelato, or maybe a sweet crêpe from Captain Crêpes.
Live music from Little Sunday will be providing an upbeat soundtrack to the proceedings, while The Paddington Parnell is setting up a pop-up bar if you’re craving an alcoholic beverage to take the edge off the week.
Faraday Street Festival kicks off at 5pm and will be running until 9pm, so get a crew together and go check it out.
Faraday Street Festival
5pm — 9pm
Friday 26th February
Faraday Street,
Parnell
Two words we came across recently have us instantly salivating as we imagine their delicious connotations: pretzel burger. The source of this delightful image is Parade, the new hospitality project from the team behind Newmarket cafe Mutual Friends. Opening in Ponsonby this Saturday, 27th February, Parade’s specialities will revolve around pretzels and buns, made daily from scratch in-house.
Soft and savoury with just the right amount of chew, mastering the delightful breaded creations was the result of lockdown experimentation last year. “We came across some crazy American stuffed pretzels online,” says Parade co-founder Bryan Anderson. “There was nothing like that over here yet, so we started developing the idea that is now Parade.”
Find burgers with pretzel buns and sides such as loaded fries on Parade’s menu
The Chicago pop-up dining scene, and pretzel variety, was the team of three’s main inspiration (Anderson is joined by Nick Fury and Sean Bones for this venture), and they wanted to create a ‘Kiwi twist’ on an American diner.
Expect a hearty dose of indulgent Americana in the form of fist-sized pretzels, stuffed with both sweet and savoury fillings, plus burgers sandwiched top-and-bottom with pretzel buns, and a range of decadent sides like loaded fries and mac ‘n’ cheese.
Parade’s team describes it as a ‘limited dining experience’, in that there’s only a limited number of each item allocated each day, plus its Ponsonby Road premises are temporary as they are set to be developed at some point in the next year — “for now this is a stepping-stone to a more permanent location.”
With this in mind, we recommend you get in early when Parade launches. See you there.
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