These beautiful dresses will be sure to put a spring in your step

While the seasons seem to sneak up on us between lockdowns and real-life, one way to mark the passing of time is to splurge on a dress from a new collection drop. The hemline lands this spring at the maxi or midi length, an effortless look that only needs the simplest of accessories. From crisp cream to retro florals, choose your pick of the designer bunch below.

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Long Pleated Belted Evening Dress

Long Pleated Belted Evening Dress

Long Pleated Belted Evening Dress

Long Pleated Belted Evening Dress

Available from Louis Vuitton

Proenza Schouler Maxi Dress

Proenza Schouler Maxi Dress

Proenza Schouler Maxi Dress

Proenza Schouler Maxi Dress

Available from Net-a-porter

Minsk Dress

Minsk Dress

Minsk Dress

Minsk Dress

Available from Camilla & Marc

The Row Cenoa Maxi Dress

The Row Cenoa Maxi Dress

The Row Cenoa Maxi Dress

The Row Cenoa Maxi Dress

Available from Matches

Cut Out Maxi

Cut Out Maxi

Cut Out Maxi

Cut Out Maxi

Available from Venroy

Isabel Marant Étoile Mariana Dress

Isabel Marant Étoile Mariana Dress

Isabel Marant Étoile Mariana Dress

Isabel Marant Étoile Mariana Dress

Available from Workshop

Matteau Linen Column Dress

Matteau Linen Column Dress

Matteau Linen Column Dress

Matteau Linen Column Dress

Available from Muse

Maison Essentiele Slip Maxi Dress

Maison Essentiele Slip Maxi Dress

Maison Essentiele Slip Maxi Dress

Maison Essentiele Slip Maxi Dress

Available from The Undone Store

Casabianca Puff Sleeve Shirt Dress

Casabianca Puff Sleeve Shirt Dress

Casabianca Puff Sleeve Shirt Dress

Casabianca Puff Sleeve Shirt Dress

Available from Aje at Commercial Bay

Alemais Farrah Cut Out Midi Dress

Alemais Farrah Cut Out Midi Dress

Alemais Farrah Cut Out Midi Dress

Alemais Farrah Cut Out Midi Dress

Available from Muse

Reed Dress

Reed Dress

Reed Dress

Reed Dress

Available from Harris Tapper

Mid-length Belted Dress

Mid-length Belted Dress

Mid-length Belted Dress

Mid-length Belted Dress

Available from Dior

Ava Dress

Ava Dress

Ava Dress

Ava Dress

Available from Bondi Born

Khaite Mila Midi Dress

Khaite Mila Midi Dress

Khaite Mila Midi Dress

Khaite Mila Midi Dress

Available from Net-a-porter

Lady Vincent Dress

Lady Vincent Dress

Lady Vincent Dress

Lady Vincent Dress

Available from Caitlin Crisp

Anna Quan Dido Dress

Anna Quan Dido Dress

Anna Quan Dido Dress

Anna Quan Dido Dress

Available from Mercer

Long Silk Printed Dress

Long Silk Printed Dress

Long Silk Printed Dress

Long Silk Printed Dress

Available from Sandro at Commercial Bay

M.A.B.E Nola Sundres

M.A.B.E Nola Sundres

M.A.B.E Nola Sundres

M.A.B.E Nola Sundres

Available from Workshop

Coveted

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Have you tried an LED mask yet? Here’s why these techy treatments are the skincare solution of the future

It’s the wellbeing trend that launched a thousand selfies, but the LED face mask has far more to offer than merely upping your social media game. With the masses swearing by its power to work wonders in terms of anti-ageing, skin hydration, wound healing and tone levelling, LED is currently the most cutting edge way to overhaul the visage.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) masks, for those who are still yet to become acquainted, are masks that emit varying wavelengths of light to the face, penetrating the skin and spurring on its natural healing process — and the technology is fascinating. Typically, there are three different wavelengths that are utilised: while the blue light reduces large oil glands and eliminates acne-causing bacteria, the red light can activate collagen production, increase hydration levels and accelerate the process of skin repair — it’s often used as a medically-approved treatment for rosacea. Infra-red light has the deepest penetration of the three and the most absorbed wavelength, which improves the skin’s elasticity, reduces its inflammation, smooths lines, accelerates wound healing and increases the skin’s cell permeability and absorption. 

It’s an incredible bunch of benefits for something that requires no effort at all. Like a regular face mask but without the obligatory post-treatment scrub, those of the LED variety can be popped on and left in place while the wearer goes about their business. Thus, it’s possible to annihilate acne while doing nothing but sprawling on the sofa and bingeing on the latest Netflix addition. The entire at-home treatment is non-invasive and has zero side effects. In fact, the feeling on the face is akin in warmth to that of the sun, minus the redness and risk of irritation. That being said, group movie nights could well be out of the question unless there’s an aim to terrify friends — most masks wouldn’t look out of place on the film sets of Friday the 13th or Halloween

Before these at-home devices hit the beauty shelves, LED light was only available to those willing to make tracks to the nearest dermatologist. These in-clinic LED treatments, can be tailored to each individual skin concern, are longer and more hard-hitting than the DIY masks, but they are expensive and, above all, they require the act of leaving the house. The biggest benefit that the LED masks provide is convenience and, given we’re living in a time where we’re ordering anything from food to chauffeurs to our homes at the touch of a button, convenience has never been met with such open arms. 

There’s more to the trend than just masks, handheld devices and in-house treatments, too: the whole wellness industry is delivering when it comes to light therapy. Now the beautifying technology is being harnessed as a full-blown body treatment, with futuristic-looking LED pods and infrared saunas being the beauty treatment of choice for cultivated aesthetes. Overseas, infrared ‘blankets’ are bringing the benefits of the full body treatment into peoples homes, ensuring body-conscious folk can enjoy the full treatment from the comfort of their own homes. It seems the future of LED is a very bright one indeed.

Spectralite Faceware Pro by Dr. Dennis Gross
The face mask that kickstarted it all. Dr. Dennis Gross’ Spectralite device harnesses the power of 162 red and blue LED lights, is sleek, practical, not too terrifying to look at and, thanks to the adjustable straps, rests on the face comfortably.

Cellreturn LED Wireless Mask by Angela Caglia
Using the same near-infrared technology that NASA and medical institutions use for its profound healing effects, it goes without saying that the Cellreturn mask by Angela Caglia is undeniably powerful. As a bonus, the patented wireless design targets your neck and ears, too.

Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device by MZ Skin
By emitting all five colours of light — red, blue, green, yellow and white — MZ Skin’s gilded LED face mask can be used to treat a miscellany of skincare gripes, from discolouration and pigmentation to blemishes.

Wellbeing

Sober curious? We explore the Gen Z-led movement gaining multi-generational ground
Discover the five skin-loving botanicals you should know, and how they care for your skin
We sit down with Lucy Caldwell and Bella Ireland, founders of the new self-tan-meets-skincare brand making waves
Botolo Armchair from Studio Italia

Embrace fuzzy logic with this fluffy furniture trend that takes cosy to the next level

We’re tapping into The Revenant-era DiCaprio to harness this statement item of furniture; trust us when we say your living room will be better off for it. From cocooning occasional chairs to fluffy rocking chairs and more, shake things up using this cosy curation as your guide.

Katrin Armchair by Carlo Colombo for Arflex from Studio Italia, Botolo Armchair by Cini Boeri for Arflex Available from Studio Italia, Sofia Armchair by Marac of Italy from Sarsfield Brooke.
J.J Armchair by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia Available from Matisse, 836 Tre Pezzi wool Armchair by Franco Albini for Cassina Available from Matisse, Shaggy Timothy Oulton from Dawson & Co.

Design

Discover Matchbox — an alluring new destination for car enthusiasts
Your first look at Kelly Wearstler’s latest collaborative collection
We chat to revered designer Karim Rashid on functionalism, following his intuition, and how design can shape the future
Juxtaposing textures make for a multifaceted space, with the B&B Italia Le bambole 07 armchair and ottoman by Mario Bellini. Available from Matisse

This modern masterpiece is equal parts entertainer’s paradise and forever family home

In working with Seidler Architects and Golden interior designers to create this landmark Melbourne home, a couple with teenage children sought something that exceeded expectations. On the one hand, as Golden directors Kylie Dorotic and Alicia McKimm articulate, “[the clients] wanted something very special and stand-out,” while on the other, ensuring that it was still liveable and functional, and didn’t feel intimidating despite its size.

It’s no mean feat to temper spectacle with practicality, or reconcile the idea of an exquisite entertainer’s pad also being a functional family home with spaces that feel simultaneously expansive, connected and intimate. But, via Golden’s meticulous use of texture and perfectly-proportioned furnishings, it would seem the devil is, indeed, in the detail. 

B&B Italia’s Tufty Time sofa by Patricia Urquiola and the Mart armchair by Antonio Citterio introduce curvature to contrast with this new build’s straight structural lines, and those of the Alanda coffee table by Paolo Piva, available from Matisse
Apparatus’ Circuit pendant from ECC hangs in the robust yet welcoming kitchen and Cassina’s Cab bar stools by Mario Bellini from Matisse add textural contrast to the marble island.
B&B Italia’s Tufty Time sofa and Alanda coffee table from Matisse.

The creative process was inherently collaborative — the architects, designers and homeowners working harmoniously — which is obvious in the outcome. The Brighton Residence is a spectacularly bold residence across three levels, and combines intriguing finishes with details that demand a double-take and spaces that are welcoming, but also multi-faceted, robust and sure to stand the test of time.

Being a new build, this home is deeply personal, every inch of it infused with the character of its owners and the dynamics of their family. The inclusion of two bars, for example, one in the kitchen and one at basement level, reflects the owners’ penchant for entertaining.

The harnessing of natural light via an internal courtyard and the clever use of windows, alongside putting the pool in a prime position around which the house wraps, speaks to their desire to create space within the home — and bring the outdoors in. While considered materials work to cultivate a sense of warmth in areas that are sumptuous without ever erring into over-the-top territory, and inherently family-oriented. 

Standout features like the stoic kitchen bench and the blue stone fireplace are given centre stage by the neutral palette and elegant furnishings that surround them. Luxurious sofas and chairs introduce curvature to contrast with the confident textural choices and straight structural lines that recur throughout the house — everything executed in accordance with the owners’ focus on superior quality.

The vertical lines of the Dyad sconce by Apparatus from ECC integrate seamlessly with the bedroom
Another case of curvature, Agape’s DR Bath by Studio Mk27 & Marcio Kogan from Matisse adds sculptural intrigue to a functional room.
The owners’ penchant for entertaining is easily facilitated outdoors with timeless, functional and stylish furniture, including Tribu’s Contour armchairs by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga, a set of Nodi easy chairs and Tao dining table, all from Dawson & Co

Even the joinery has had artificial lighting built into it, enhancing the areas with less access to natural illumination. The lighting is programmed for different times and moods and, with no traditional switches at all in the house, is entirely controlled by the family’s smartphones.

From the master bedroom, a glamorous space designed after a hotel suite with heavy, velvet curtains and a champagne nook in the corner, to the basement, with a translucent onyx bar, a lounge, a dance floor, a temperature-controlled wine cellar and a window offering an underwater view of the pool, this home gives the ‘entertainer’s paradise’ a sophisticated reimagining without ever forgetting the essentials of a family home: cosiness, functionality and warmth. 

Clockwise from left: Carved bowl by Tom Dixon from ECC; Bangle coffee table by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti from ECC; Shaggy chair by Timothy Oulton from Dawson & Co; Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia from Matisse; Trapeze wall sconce for Apparatus from ECC;  Derby armchair by Noé Duchaufour Lawrance for Zanotta from Studio Italia.

Design

Discover Matchbox — an alluring new destination for car enthusiasts
Your first look at Kelly Wearstler’s latest collaborative collection
We chat to revered designer Karim Rashid on functionalism, following his intuition, and how design can shape the future

Beautiful and enriching, these coffee table books will add a touch of culture to your interiors

Whether purchased for your own collection or as a gift (remember, Christmas is coming up soon), coffee table books make for a beautiful addition to the home. Spanning photography legends to music royalty, plus a historical hotel that has hosted all manner of famous guests, these coffee table books are bona fide collector’s items.

Helmut Newton, Baby Sumo edition
Far more than just a book, this impressive tome is a bona fide collector’s item. When the occasion of what would have been visionary photographer Helmut Newton’s 100th birthday and the 40th anniversary of famed, German art book publisher Taschen collided, only a truly special memento would do to mark it. This is not the first volume of Newton’s groundbreaking work that has been published by Taschen. In 1999, the company published a limited edition, 10,000 copy Sumo version weighing an astounding 35 kilos, copy number one breaking the record at the time for the most expensive book ever sold. The Baby Sumo edition is no less spectacular; also limited to 10,000 numbered copies, it comes with a Philippe Starck-designed, stainless steel bookstand, pedestal and a making-of booklet. Newton may once have said “I hate good taste. It’s the worst thing that can happen to a creative person”, but we’re sure he would approve of this piece of published art history.

The 213 Most Important Men in My Life by Jean Pigozzi
Art collector and photographer Jean “Johnny” Pigozzi is known for knowing everyone worth knowing, and his new photography book celebrates the male friendships and mentors in his life. From Mick Jagger to Ettore Sottsass, Andy Warhol to Michael Douglas, through the warmth of Pigozzi’s lens he allows us to feel as though we, too, could be friends with these icons and industry titans.

Paul by Harry Benson 
Two legends that have been making magic for nearly half a century are immortalised in this intimate collection of photographs. Photojournalist Harry Benson has captured some of the most iconic images of Sir Paul McCartney throughout the musician’s unsurpassed career, including within his personal life, and this intimate volume features more than 100 colour and black-and-white images, many never seen before.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc: A Timeless Legend on the French Riviera by Alexandra Campbell
With 150 years of storied history to its name, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is ripe for celebration and the inherent beauty of its grounds and surroundings provide plenty of fodder for Campbell’s stunning photo book. See the hotel through the eyes of some of its most legendary guests, including Slim Aarons, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Karl Lagerfeld and more.


Culture

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This potato gnocchi recipe from Jervois Steak House is a vegetarian delight

Cooking a vegetarian dish from Jervois Steak House may be a culinary paradox but here the gastronomic gamble pays off. Combining the beauty of perfectly garlicky greens with creamy whipped feta and a broccoli purée, served with the golden pan-fried gnocchi, this is a meat-free triumph.

JSH’s Potato Gnocchi, Whipped Feta, Sautéed Garlic Greens Recipe
Serves 4

Ingredients

Potato gnocchi
1 kg potatoes (750g of purée required for gnocchi recipe — at Jervois Steak House Agria potatoes are used for this recipe thanks to their starch)
100g parmesan
1 pinch fresh nutmeg
1 Tbsp EVO oil
2 egg yolks
1 tsp salt
200g pasta flour

Garlic greens
8ea spears of broccolini
8ea leaves of cavolo nero
1 garlic clove, crushed
Knob of butter
1 cup peas
1 cup broad beans

Broccoli purée
1 head of broccoli
25g butter + more for cooking
Salt + pepper for seasoning

200g goat feta
100g parmigiana reggiano
Extra virgin olive oil, to serve

Method
Potato gnocchi
1. Bake the potatoes on rock salt until soft and cooked through. Remove the flesh of the potato and push through a sieve. Cool the potato on a tray with cling wrap directly on top so it doesn’t sweat.
2. Put a pot of salted water on the stove to simmer and ready a bowl of iced water.
3. Place the cold potato in a bowl and mix in the parmesan, nutmeg, olive oil, egg yolks and salt. Then, add the flour to form a dough.
4. Roll the dough on a floured surface into logs so you can cut pillows. Make the pillows approx. 1 inch long with the diameter of $2 NZ coin.
5. Cook in simmering water until they float to the top. Scoop off and plunge into the iced water. Once the gnocchi is cool remove from the iced water, otherwise they will keep absorbing water.
6. Transfer to tray with a kitchen towel on it, to dry them off.

Whipped feta
Allow a block of feta to come to room temperature and place in a food mixer. Beat the cheese until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and keep out of the fridge until you are ready to serve.

Broccoli purée + caramelised stalks
1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil.
2. Remove the florets from the head of broccoli but keep the stalks. Over-blanch the florets for approx. 4-5 minutes.
3. Once cooked through, strain and transfer while hot to a blender and puree with 25g of butter. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Cut the remaining stalks in half and heat a medium-sized pot. Add a spoon of butter and place the stalks cut side down and lightly caramelise for 4-5 minutes on medium heat with the lid on.
5. Add approx. 250ml of water to the pot and replace the lid to steam the broccoli stalks the rest of the way for 3 minutes. Once cooked cut the halves in to two pieces so that you have four pieces. Keep aside before serving.

Garlic greens
1.
Put a pot of salted water on to boil. Once boiling, blanch the broccolini and the cavolo nero for 2 minutes, then strain.
2. Place the pot back on the stove with a knob of butter and a crushed garlic clove.
3. Return the greens to the pot and add the peas and broad beans, sauteeing until the whole thing has come together.

To serve
1.
Re-heat the broccoli puree in a small pot.
2. Pan-fry the gnocchi in light olive oil to caramelise.
3. Spoon the broccoli stalks on to the plate along with some of the puree. Top that with the greens and pan-fried gnocchi, then pipe some of the whipped feta in the nooks and crannies.
4. To finish, top with Parmigiana Reggiano and, if you like, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Image credit: Luke Foley-Martin

Gastronomy

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Christian Dior D-Club slide

Step into spring with these stylish, easy-to-wear slides

Step into the new season with a pair of versatile, easy-to-wear slides. Whether sculptural or simple, this sandal style will see you well into summer and beyond. From Gucci to Birkenstock, here are the most stylish slides to shop now.

Clockwise from top left: Birkenstock x Toogood The Forager Felt from Workshop, Box Mule from Balenciaga, Chloé Woody Shearling Slide from Workshop, Dway Slide from Dior.
Clockwise from top left: Double G Sandal from Gucci, Isabel Marant Lennyo Eyelet Studded Slide from Workshop, Bianca Flats from Saint Laurent, Gia Borghini Perni 11 Platform Sandal from Muse.

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Ada.

From perfect pasta to mouthwatering mezze, these are the best comfort food takeaways to order right now

Times like these call for all the comfort we can get — and that includes of the culinary kind. If it’s gloomy outside and morale is generally gloomy, too, then warming the belly and the soul with a comforting meal is more appreciated than ever. Luckily, while restrictions are stopping them from opening for dine-in, our favourite restaurants are offering takeaways for us to tuck into — from perfect pasta to moreish meat dishes and more, here are the most comforting takeaways in town.

Left to right: Cotto’s spinach and goats cheese dumplings; Andiamo’s macaroni and cheese.

Craving pasta?

Pasta e Cuore
Mount Eden’s fresh pasta masters are open again for contactless pick-up during the alert level 3. They have irresistible ready-to-eat mains for you to whisk home, such as tagliatelle al ragu, tortelloni with butter and sage, and gnocchi al Pomodoro. You can also pick-up fresh pasta and sauces to make yourself at home, plus pre-cooked meals to warm up, such as meatballs, lasagna and focaccia, and desserts. Pick-up is between 11 am and 7.30 pm and the online ordering system is available 24/7. Order online here.

Pici
The pasta heroes at Pici have pasta kits that you simply heat at home, a welcome addition to any household craving the comforting taste of handmade pasta. On the menu, you can expect the likes of rigatoni with pork and fennel rags or bucatini, butternut, sage and salted ricotta. There’s also ready-to-eat focaccia, olives and other sides, plus wine, dessert (that beloved cheesecake!), fresh pasta and a selection of deli items including their Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Available for pick-up and delivery within central Auckland. Order online here.

Ada
Ada is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays during level 3, 4pm — 8pm for piping-hot, contactless pick-ups. We’re making sure we have room for both pastas — currently ricotta cavatelli with zucchini, mascarpone, pinenuts and razzoletti with beef cheek, fennel, chives, the flavours of which are likely to change. A side of its signature pizza frittas wouldn’t go amiss either, topped with the likes of Ortiz anchovies with whipped ricotta or Nduja with taleggio and more. Order via text on 021 766 621, payment taken on pick-up and follow @ada_akl for updates.

Amano
As well as having its incredible sourdough and ciabatta, pastries, cakes, and tarts on offer, Amano has just launched hot, ready-to-eat takeaways straight from its kitchen including crowd favourite pasta dishes like Scampi Chitarra and Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. These are available for pick-up on Friday and Saturday between 5 — 8pm. Order hot takeaways online here, and pastries and breads here.

Cotto
Praise the pasta gods, Cotto has brought back its takeaway offering, with the K’Road eatery open from Monday to Saturday, 5pm — 10pm. Pick-up a meal of its famous spinach and goats cheese dumplings, plus a pasta or two — we’ve got our eye on the Maltagliati lamb shoulder rags with chilli and fennel, and the tortellini with smoked mozzarella, spinach and pine nuts. Order online here.

Prego
In news that could not come pronto enough, Prego is open for takeaways during level 3 from 4:30pm — 8.30pm Thursday to Sunday. The team is working on a refined menu of its classics hits, including several pastas like spaghetti agioli, eggplant rigatoni, fettuccine alfredo and more. All orders can be made by phone (09 3763 095), with pre-orders welcome from midday. For more information, keep an eye on Prego’s Instagram page, where updates will be posted and see the menu here.

Andiamo
Andiamo To Go is back, offering a tasty takeaway menu with contactless pick-up plus a dedicated picnic box menu. If it’s pasta you crave, look no further than Andiamo’s spaghetti with beef meatballs, or the macaroni and cheese with truffle and bacon. Orders can be placed between 4pm — 8pm, with contactless pick-up available from 5pm. ⁠Contactless delivery is also now available, serving Herne Bay, Saint Mary’s Bay, Ponsonby, Westmere, Grey Lynn and Freemans Bay. Phone 09 378 7811 between 4pm — 8pm to place your order and make payment. Find the full menus here.

Left to right: Gemmayze St chicken shish; Fatimas Chawarma.

Moreish Middle Eastern flavours…

Gemmayze St
Those craving Gemmayze Street’s ever-popular hummus will be pleased to know the Lebanese eatery is back for level 3, offering mezze boxes (with a variety of dips, sauces, homemade bread and the aforementioned hummus) and make-your-own wrap kits (including lamb shoulder or falafel) during the week, alongside a new weekend menu of lachmajun (Middle Eastern pizza) and kebab shop-style wraps. An at-home version of its jeeb menu includes three irresistible courses with mezze, mains and dessert. For something sweet, dark chocolate and halva (tahini nougat) brownie and pistachio baklava is not to be missed. Available for pick-up only, Tuesday — Sunday. Order online here.

Williams Eatery
This Wynyard Quarter cafe has us sorted for lunch with mouth-watering sweet and savoury goods, plus Flight Coffee for a much-needed caffeine fix. Offering up Lebanese pitas, stuffed with either falafel or chicken shawarma, pickles, hummus and salad, plus mezze bowls, indulgent extras like shawarma fries and more, we recommend paying these guys a visit between 9am and 1:30pm, Monday to Friday. Orders can be made via DM on the Williams Instagram; email — [email protected]; or at the front door.

Fatimas
For those in need of their Fatimas feed, online ordering will be available for contactless takeaways from its Ponsonby and Takapuna stores. Fatimas full, fresh menu is ready-to-go, as well as Make Me Chawarma Kits and gift vouchers. Order and shop online here.

Left to right: Jervois Steak House; Ostro’s Beef Wellington.

Mouthwatering meat dishes…

Ostro
Ostro’s selection of take-home comfort food is just what we need to get through these times. There’s the famous Beef Wellington, designed to serve two, it comes with all the delicious trimmings — confit garlic and onion, potato gratin, horseradish creme fraiche, mustard and jus. We also wouldn’t turn our noses up at the delectable Ostro Harmony pork belly roast, the free range chicken pie or the lobster, prawn and snapper pie. Order online here.

Jervois Steak House
Our favourite steak house is offering contactless pick-up. With a curated takeaway menu of all your favourites, including crispy calamari, duck liver parfait, forest mushroom pappardelle, salads and dessert, the range of signature meat cuts also available means you won’t find a better steak anywhere else. Available from 5pm for dinner, and orders can be placed between 4pm – 8pm. Phone 09 376 2049 to place your order and payment.⁠

Homeland
As well as a range of pantry staples like granola, kawakawa pesto and snacks, Homeland has meals to go — some of which are ready to eat and others can be heated at home. Its large cuts of meat to share are catching our eye currently — we’re talking half or whole boneless Hawke’s Bay lamb shoulder, gently spiced and slow roasted for reheating at home. It comes served with a greek-style salad. There’s also a slow-braised, whole Greenlea beef cheek on offer, with celeriac and chimichurri sauce, or Hāngi pork belly, served with tamarillo relish. See Homeland’s full menu and ordering details here.

Cazador
Order online for pick-up hampers of Cazador’s famous housemade charcuterie and cheeses, and prepare-at-home, multi-course feasts including dishes like spatchcocked, roasted quail, saffron and chorizo rice, organic greens with sherry and raisins, and dessert. For take-out on the 23rd of October, Cazador has a hot, ready-to-devour meal of roasted, marinated lamb served with dill rice and tzatziki, with the option to add Greek salad, coal-fired pita bread and pistachio baklava for dessert. Find the full selection here.

Brothers Beer & Juke Joint BBQ
For ribs, wings, beef brisket and more, look to the citywide southern style BBQ slingers at Juke Joint. They deliver vacuum-packed meals, sides and craft beer every Friday afternoon and are also doing click & collect and UberEats deliveries of hot, ready-to-eat bites from five sites (Birkenhead, City Works Depot, Mt Eden, Ōrākei and Onehunga) throughout the week. This includes almost the full menu, such as moreish meats, sides and sharing plates, plus you can find craft beer on the website to wash it down (and at all good liquor stores and supermarkets). Order online here.

The Engine Room
North Shore neighbourhood bistro The Engine Room is serving up click and collect takeaways of delectable heat and eat meals. Order at least 24 hours in advance and you too could enjoy the likes of duck confit, beef cheek bourguignon or five-spiced pork belly. There are also additional items for order like a bake-at-home version of the iconic cheese soufflé, and a daily dessert. Find menu and ordering details here.

Gastronomy

Your first look at Blue — the buzzy new eatery in the heart of Ponsonby that everyone’s talking about
Askal is bringing its modern Filipino fare to Auckland for two nights only — here’s what you need to know
Savour the best of the season at Gather & Toast: SkyCity’s winter celebration

This new Miann opening is bringing the sweet life to Ponsonby Central

For those in need of a well-timed sweet treat, Miann has opened its shiny new doors in Ponsonby Central. The beloved dessert shop by Brian and Roselle Campbell will offer all of Miann’s artful favourites, including specialty cakes, macarons, gelato and sorbet, bean to bar chocolate and single origin hot chocolate.

While you’ll likely already be acquainted with Miann’s morsels from their Morningside chocolate factory and Britomart and Fort Street eateries — allow us to provide an indulgent reminder.

Firstly, the celebration cakes are unsurpassable, the hazelnut and caramelised white chocolate mousse cake, known as the ‘ Dulce de Leche’, is a sophisticated crowd pleaser — while the Miann version of a tiramisu cake is so delectable, you may have to fight for the final piece.

For petit gateaux, the lifelike toffee apple, with caramel apple compote and sticky toffee sponge, is so striking, it gives us sympathy for Snow White. The individual-sized lemon meringue tart, in the other hand, is a sweet sculpture to devour in one sitting. 

Fancy something cool? The baked Alaska gelato with raspberry sorbet is layered with toasted meringue for one memorable mouthful. Meanwhile, a dark scoop of charcoal coconut sorbet will create some dessert drama.

As one of Auckland’s best pâtisserie chefs, Brian brings a welcome saccharine statement to Ponsonby’s most vibrant micro-hospitality scene. “We are delighted to be in Ponsonby Central surrounded by fantastic restaurants,” he says. “We bring the sweet. Perfect for after a meal, an afternoon treat or even a morning coffee.”

With Silky Otter Cinemas opening in Ponsonby Central soon, the team are also working on some epic cinema packages, so you can munch in style at the movies. 

Ready for level 2, the playful Miann space has colourful neon lights and decals of its chocolate-making process to invite passers-by to try their latest creations. At level 3, we can pick-up click and collect orders from the front of the store, which will satiate our curiosity and cravings before we can see all the treats up close.

Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10am — 10pm
Sunday: 10am — 8pm

Miann 
Ponsonby Central
136-146 Ponsonby Road

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Treat yourself to a Powersurge online shop, and receive a generous restaurant voucher for paying it forward

Right now, we could all do with a little retail therapy, and shopping Powersurge’s beautiful range of brass decor will not only lift our spirits and our home’s aesthetic — but benefit local eateries within its sphere of influence. 

Having worked on bespoke fit-outs for some of Auckland’s leading eateries, Powersurge is in-tune with how to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in a dining room. To show its support for the local hospitality scene we all so dearly miss, Powersurge will be giving away a $50 restaurant voucher for all online store purchases over $500, and a $100 restaurant voucher for all orders over $1000.

Left to right: Fall Coffee Table; Etch Sun Candleholder Set.

Whether you have been mesmerised by the resplendent yet minimalist Fall Coffee Table, or are eyeing up the Etch Sun Candleholder Set, which flickers in the light of the flames, now is the time to add to cart — knowing that you are playing your part.

See more stunning accent pieces to shop from Powersurge’s latest collections here.

Customers can choose to redeem their vouchers at one of the team’s four favourite family-run restaurants — Mount Eden institution Cazador, Karangahape Road’s cosy food and wine bar Apéro, local Lebanese eatery Gemmayze St, and Northcote Point’s beloved The Engine Room.

This tantalising promotion will be running until the end of the November. It applies to all online product sales, including custom (but not bespoke) orders made direct.

Restaurant vouchers will be sent out by early December, and can be used for online takeaway orders or for a patiently awaited in-person meal, once the above restaurants are able to welcome us back safely with open arms.

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