Standing out among the exceptional new openings in Auckland over the last year is no mean feat. But it seems that Bar Magda, the cool underground bar and eatery serving flavoursome Filipino-inspired fare has managed to do just that. Voted by you as this year’s Best New Opening, it claimed the title just ahead of other noteworthy new venues including Britomart’s Bar Non Solo (beloved for its convivial atmosphere and tasty Italian bites) alongside underground eatery Ghost Street, the always-busy Atelier, and the only-just-opened Milenta (making a swift and impressive impact). INCA’s new Ponsonby outpost was another crowd favourite.
The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes is brought to you by American Express. Wining and dining your way around Auckland’s top restaurants (as voted by you), has never been easier thanks to American Express’s new Gold Rewards Cards. Find out more here.
Those lucky enough to nab a seat at St Kevin’s Arcade’s Pici will have surely tried its famed Cacio e Pepe. Showcasing the power of simple food done perfectly, this cheesy, peppery, handmade pasta was the most voted for in this year’s Best Dish category. That’s not to say, however, that Gochu’sfamed Milk Bun, Hello Beasty’s flavourful Potsticker Dumplings, Azabu’sdelicate Artichoke Dumplings,Andiamo’sindulgent Macaroni or Lilian’sfalling-off-the-bone Lamb Ribs are to be dismissed. If you haven’t tried these popular dishes, you’re seriously missing out.
The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes is brought to you by American Express. Wining and dining your way around Auckland’s top restaurants (as voted by you), has never been easier thanks to American Express’s new Gold Rewards Cards. Find out more here.
As winter holidays loom, it’s hardly surprising that Amisfield was voted the clear winner in our Best Out of Town category. The Lake Hayes institution boasts a carefully-crafted menu that puts a unique, culinary spin on the region’s best seasonal produce and has become a must-visit for foodies everywhere. Not far behind was Hawke’s Bay’s picturesque Craggy Rangewinery, Wellington’s Mason (thanks to its delicious, Middle-Eastern-meets-Mediterranean fare), Taranaki’s Social Kitchen and Mount Maunganui’s Fife Lane Kitchen and Bar — all noteworthy contenders.
The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes is brought to you by American Express. Wining and dining your way around Auckland’s top restaurants (as voted by you), has never been easier thanks to American Express’s new Gold Rewards Cards. Find out more here.
In the two years that Auckland’s hospitality scene has suffered under lockdowns, it’s the service people who have been the most resilient — turning up to every shift with a smile and continuing to offer exceptional experiences to those they serve. And while Soul Bar & Bistro’s Bailey Mullin took the top spot here (thanks to her welcoming demeanour and impeccable service), other noteworthy contenders included Amano’s Ricky Syal, Pici’s James Pain,Hotel Ponsonby’s Harrison Waugh and Ahi’s Anna Haines — all of whom kept the proverbial wheels turning, in spite of everything.
The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes is brought to you by American Express. Wining and dining your way around Auckland’s top restaurants (as voted by you), has never been easier thanks to American Express’s new Gold Rewards Cards. Find out more here.
Sharp corners and angular shapes have been replaced by a much softer look this season, as gently-curving handbags put a sophisticated spin on the Y2K-era baguette. Designed to lend a feminine edge to your looks, these shapely handbags are leaning into their curves and will soften even the most severe winter outfit.
The beauty of a memoir or an autobiography is the way that it gives such rich insight into the mind of the subject, where each story offers the reader far more than just a compelling story to follow. Here, we have lined up some of the most interesting, unique, creative and gripping memoirs of the moment — each deserving of a place on your bedside table.
Anna — The Biographyby Amy Odell Few are as iconic in fashion as Anna Wintour, and despite the closed nature of her life, this highly-anticipated release offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the editor’s mind, revealing for the first time what exactly makes her so successful. In the biography of the Vogue figurehead, journalistAmy Odell chronicles Wintour’s journey to becoming, over her decades-long career, one of the most influential people in the industry. Based on extensive interviews with the renowned editor’s closest friends and collaborators, this is the most insightful story of Wintour ever published.
The Last Days of Roger Federerby Geoff Dyer From his record-breaking antics to his signature humility on court, Roger Federer will always be remembered as a tennis great. But as his age becomes an ever present topic in conversation, it begs the question; as athletes age, what becomes of their career? In true Geoff Dyer style, equal-part memoir and philosophical prose, this fascinating read considers the idea of endings and how they impact the way we think. A memoir unlike any you have likely read before, here, the author sets his own encounter with middle age against the last days of famous artists, writers and athletes who have impacted his life — from Bob Dylan’s music to Turner’s paintings and of course, Roger Federer’s tennis exploits. As much about endings as it is about how to go on living with art and beauty, this read is a defiant statement of how our experiences may shift when ‘the end’ is in sight, ultimately leaving us to wonder — does ageing actually spell the end as definitively as we have been lead to believe?
Also A Poet — Frank O’Hara, My Father, and Meby Ada Calhoun Ada Calhoun’s unique memoir brings together wit, sorrow and regret in a curious recounting told over generations. As she stumbles across her father’s old cassette tape interviews in his quest to write a biography of the renowned poet, Frank O’Hara, Calhoun sets out to complete the book he began nearly four decades earlier.
Linea Nigraby Jazmina Berrera As the title suggests, this part-memoir part-manifesto on pregnancy and earthquakes is a tumultuous exploration of child-bearing and the life and culture that surrounds it. Using poetic convention, Linea Nigra is a beautiful, poignant read which touches on the author’s experience with motherhood and celebrates the mystery and power of the female body.
Rough Draftby Katy Tur As a household name in America, MSNBC anchor and New York Times bestselling author Katy Tur has penned this personal memoir about her eccentric upbringing, her famed career and the gaps she has found in between. Full of fascinating detail about the hidden parts of her industry, Rough Draft offers unique insight into modern media.
A Hard Place to Leaveby Marcia DeSanctis Presented as a collection of essays, travel writer and New York Times bestselling author Marcia DeSanctis captures her restlessness of a life torn between travelling the world and staying put. In a media career most would find alluring, DeSanctis speaks to the challenges few would understand — the love of discovering new places, and the desire to connect with home.
A Ballet of Lepers: A Novel and Storiesby Leonard Cohen From the ashes, iconic musician, songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen graces us with A Ballet of Lepers for the perfect winter read. This is the second posthumous Cohen book published since his death in 2016, bringing together a never-before-seen early novel and other stories. And while some might find the idea disconcerting, A Ballet of Lepers offers new insight into the literary mind of Cohen, widely appreciated as the world’s greatest lyricist.
Tucked in a backstreet in Auckland’s CBD is an utterly cool coffee shop you’ve probably seen making the rounds on social media, where the baristas are dressed in suits and the coffee tables are literally stacks of cash (or appear to be, at least).
Receptionist started as a hole-in-the-wall coffee window on Lorne Street (a space it retains to this day) and found a quick and loyal following for its friendly hospitality and perfect brews. But it wasn’t until last year that Receptionist expanded its offering to include a sleek cafe on Little High Street with an uber-modern fit-out and welcoming vibe, and Receptionist Safehouse was born.
Designed (as the name suggests) to be a place where those seeking solace from the busyness of their day can find excellent service and exceptional Eightthirty coffees (from the very friendly baristas), Receptionist Safehouse offers a moment of respite. And with a stainless steel fit-out that feels like something from a movie, this coffee shop is breaking the mould in the best way.
Also offering a selection of simple but utterly satiating house-made pastries to accompany your daily coffee, Receptionist Safehouse is the perfect place to start your day or to drop into for an afternoon pick-me-up. So if you haven’t been here before, we suggest popping in, pronto. Our go-to? The signature Montblanc, a coffee topped with thickened cream.
For those seeking Sunday dining options that go beyond the typical brunch or roast, we have rounded up a few of our favourite places. Offering lunches that are satiating without leaving you feeling like you need to lie down, these restaurants and eateries are the perfect places to while away wintry Sundays and end any week on a high note.
Local’s Lunch at Siso Despite being available throughout the week, we think Sunday is the perfect day to indulge in a Local’s Lunch at Remuera’s mediterranean-inspired eatery, Siso. While local is the brief, the borders are somewhat lenient, and $35 for two courses and a glass of matching wine is simply too good to pass up.
Azabu, Cazador.
Azabu Mission Bay Harajuku Menu Even in the wintertime, the Eastern suburbs are worth visiting for their burgeoning food options. We recommend spending your Sundays long lunching at Azabu Mission Bay, courtesy of its delicious Harajuku menu. This speciality menu, available from 11am until 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays, has been designed for a minimum of four people (at $65 a head) and features a selection of Azabu’s crowd-pleasing dishes with some inspired winter twists.
Cazador Sunday Lunch Session This Sunday, we are so excited to be indulging in Cazador’s Seasonal Feast — a one-of-a-kind Sunday session that marks the long-awaited return of events at this restaurant. The multi-course, autumnal feast will include special cuts of meat that aren’t usually on the menu, alongside the finest seasonal provisions and a selection of rare sherries that Cazador is pouring in honour of the occasion. And with tickets at $130 per person (including a welcome drink) and two sittings at 1pm or 4pm, this is one Sunday lunch you really don’t want to miss.
Onslow, Ada.
Onslow Sunday Long Lunch Onslow’s Sunday lunches have built a bit of a cult following, and for good reason. Each week, the maestros in the kitchen offer an exquisite Sunday lunch menu that is designed to showcase seasonal ingredients and flavours. Now, with winter baring down on us, the menu (on until the end of July) has been inspired by the freshest game of the season (including a return of Onslow’s famous Venison Wellington). The special four-course lunch is available for $85 per person, with the option to upgrade to a full wine match so you can leisurely sip your Sunday away.
Sunday Lunch at Ada Ada’s Sunday lunch is a year-round offering, but the menu is curated each week to showcase seasonal produce and match the culinary mood. Offering a designed-to-share menu at $60 a head, Ada’s long lunch starts with a glass of Prosecco before taking diners on a journey through five mouth-watering courses, with matching wines available as an option.
The annual Watches & Wonders is a marvel of design, craftsmanship and opulence. Held every year in Switzerland, the luxurious showcase takes place over only a few packed days but manages to draw every notable watch brand in the world, each one vying to ensure its new styles are noticed and talked about. As you can imagine, the result is nothing less than spectacular. These were the standouts.
Heavy Metal
From Rolex’s luxurious new Day-Date 40 — rendered entirely in platinum — to Cartier’s sleek new Santos De Cartier, it would seem that watches with a bit more weight are coming to the fore. Putting a contemporary twist on styles of old, these timepieces are perfect for the modern gentleman.
There’s nothing like a coloured dial for catching the eye. From IWC’s much-talked-about new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition (a militant, khaki affair) to Patek Philippe’s more opulent 7130R (a fresh update on the classic style), the trend towards green timepieces promises to turn heads, no matter how you wear it.
On the other hand, there is just something about watches like Tag Heuer’s limited-edition Monaco x Gulf Watch with its bold, charismatic dial and sporty appeal that ignites excitement. Requiring incredible craftsmanship to create, watches like this, and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948 (with an exquisitely-detailed dial that boasts a world time complication) inspire creativity and remind us all of the artistry at play in this industry.
Keeping to the classics is always a good idea, particularly in the case of a watch to wear every day. Brands like Piaget and Grand Seiko produced distinctly simple styles that, despite their outward appearance, still concealed some of the most impressive watch-making in the world — proving the power of a pared-back dial and an elegant leather strap.
The next cab off the rank in exciting hospitality venues to open in Mount Eden Village is Superfly — a new cafe putting a vivid spin on the classic coffee spot. Here, the menu doesn’t shy away from anything indulgent, offering a combination of toasties, bagels, burgers and waffles — an ode to American dining — accompanied by some of the best milkshakes you’ll find in the area.
Superfly’s Burgers & Waffles.
Seventies-inspired and vibrantly coloured, this new drop-in is delightfully funky. Located next door to its sister eatery, Circus Circus, Superfly is a feather in the cap of the Mount Eden Hospitality Group (also the team behind Wu & You and The Garden Shed and the new owners of suburb stalwart, Fraser’s) and is promising a decidedly upbeat place to drop into for a morning coffee or after-work drink.
From its unique interior designed to draw you in, to the experienced team at the helm in the kitchen, we’re predicting that Superfly will become a firm local favourite.
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