The Wisdom of Sage.

Enjoy the most sumptuous cocktails to suit every taste this long weekend

As we look forward to a long weekend, albeit still in lockdown, we’re mixing things up with a cocktail menu that will oblige all of our drinking-age bubble members. Each recipe serves one, but can be amplified for more fun.

For the Eternal Optimist: Champagne Cocktail
With refreshingly zesty citrus top notes and sweet undertones, this effortless cocktail is effervescent from start to finish — much like those who will be sipping it.

Ingredients:
60mL Mumm Grand Cordon, or Champagne of your choice
30mL Lillet Blanc
10mL Sugar syrup
Raspberries

Method:
Simply add the ingredients into a balloon glass and fill with ice.

Recipe note: Try and stick to fresh berries instead of frozen, so the nectar mashes into the beverage. Also, refrain from overloading the balloon glass with ice.

For the Old Soul: Coley & Punch’s The Wisdom of Sage
For those who like to pass on sage advice, pass them this refreshing cocktail — it’s wise beyond its years with a botanical bite.

Ingredients:
20ml fresh grapefruit juice
20ml fresh lime juice
15ml blackberry liqueur
1 heaped bar spoon of blackberry jam
15 fresh sage leaves
1 egg white
5ml Laphroaig 10, or single malt Scotch whiskey of your choice
60ml Lighthouse gin, or another botanical bottle of your choice

Method:
1. Add all ingredients to shaker and dry shake to emulsify the egg. Add ice and shake vigorously.
2. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Finish with grapefruit zest, 2 fresh sage leaves and freeze-dried blackberries.

For the Long Lost Traveller: Soul Bar & Bistro’s Spritz 36
If one, or some, of your drinking bubble buddies has itchy feet, satiate their desire to wander the world with a limoncello spritz that will transport their tastebuds to the Italian coast.

Ingredients:
45ml limoncello
60ml San Pellegrino Limonata
90ml Deutz Prestige, or cuvée of your choice
4 lemon wheels to line the interior of wine glass

Method:
1. Line the interior of wine glass with four thinly sliced lemons.
2. Fill the glass with ice and add 45ml limoncello, 60ml San Pellegrino Limonata, and 90ml Deutz Prestige.
3. Mix through with straw and enjoy.

For the Sharp Conversationalist: Lilian’s Orange & Chilli Margarita Recipe
Spicing up a classic margarita with fresh red chilli will keep tongues wagging. Pour freely for an especially entertaining catch-up with another bubble outdoors.

Ingredients: 
Small amount of fresh red chilli to taste, chopped
5ml agave syrup 
45ml tequila (Lilian recommends using El Jimador Reposado) 
15ml Cointreau
20ml fresh orange juice 
25ml fresh lime juice 
Orange slice to garnish

Method:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the red chilli in the bottom with the agave syrup.
2. Add the tequila, Cointreau, orange juice and lime juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously and double strain over ice (preferably a large cube or sphere) into a short rocks glass with a salt rim.
4. Garnish with a slice of orange. 

Gastronomy

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The new sleepwear collaboration between Papinelle and Karen Walker is in bloom

Charlotte Brontë once wrote “a ruffled mind makes a restless pillow”, but what of inferior sleepwear making for a restless slumber? On a mission to create luxurious pyjamas, nightgowns and accessories is sleepwear brand Papinelle. Judging by its popularity with not only everyday customers but global tastemakers like Jessica Alba, Kendall Jenner and Whitney Port, it is certainly succeeding.

Left to right: Papinelle x Karen Walker Love Letter Floral Cotton Silk Flutter Dress, Papinelle x Karen Walker Love Letter Floral Pure Silk PJ.

Founded in Sydney, Papinelle has just announced its third collaboration with another globally successful Antipodean brand: Karen Walker. This limited-edition, luxury sleepwear collection is a breath of blossom-scented fresh air for the romantics among us. It features 70s-inspired botanical motifs that were sourced from Karen Walker’s print archives, adorning silk and cotton separates. From short and full-length pyjamas to nightgowns and robes, the collection is both quintessentially refined and utterly relaxed — as befitting garments worn for slumbering.

The pieces are so stylish, in fact, that you’ll be tempted to wear them outside of the house — and, according to Walker, you shouldn’t hold back. “Our pyjamas are just as good for stepping out as they are for staying in,” she says. “Sure, they look and feel sensational on the couch or under the duvet but they’re just as knock-out styled with Levi’s and Birkenstocks and taken to the street.”

Left to right: Papinelle x Karen Walker Love Letter Cotton Silk Robe, Papinelle x Karen Walker Garden Floral Cotton Nightie, Papinelle x Karen Walker Runaway Girl Cotton Boxer PJ.

Papinelle is run by CEO Renae James and Creative Director Nicole Kelly, a contemporary and luxurious sleepwear brand for those who like their fashion nous to extend from their daytime attire to what they wear between the sheets. In joining forces with Karen Walker once more, they are making the case for a dedicated pyjama section in our wardrobes — we’ll certainly need one after this.

Coveted

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Beach Hotel Concept in Odessa by Alexey Gulesha featuring Ghost Chairs by Cini Boeri for Fiam Italia from ECC.

This transparent furniture trend is a stylish exercise in creative contradiction

Striking yet see-through, glass furniture is an exercise in contradiction, as well as creativity and constraint. Cini Boeri’s monolithic Ghost armchairs for Fiam Italia, rendered here for Alexey Gulesha’s Beach Hotel Concept, distil this concept — ergonomically designed to be so supportive they seem soft. Technically challenging and a true minimalist piece, glass décor distils our desires into a pure, transparent form.

From top to bottom: Bent Glass bench by Naoto Fukasawa for Glas Italia from ECC, Plisse low table by Mario Bellini for Glas Italia from ECC, Loren desk by Reflex of Italy from Sarsfield Brooke, 1000 dining table for Reflex of Italy from Sarsfield Brooke, Orbit coffee table by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform from Studio Italia.

Design

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Savor Goods’ corporate gift boxes are the most delicious way to brighten someone’s day

When it comes to our respective working situations, many of us have had to band together with our colleagues or employees to steer through what has been a very uncertain and stressful situation. Keeping morale up and productivity humming, all while working from home, with many people juggling children and schooling — one thing’s for sure, it hasn’t been easy.

Thoughtful gestures go a long way in these times, and they don’t have to require a lot of effort on the part of the benefactor. That’s where the brilliant corporate gift boxes from Savor Goods come in. Whether you’re a sizeable firm wanting to show gratitude to loyal clients, or run a smaller, independent business and want to treat your staff, there’s a scrumptious box that is no doubt going to brighten the day of its recipient.

The whole delivery process is exceedingly thoughtful — you select a gift box or choices of boxes for the giftees to choose from and provide Savor with a list of the recipients’ emails. The company will then design an EDM to go out to them and the giftees can choose a box from a curated selection, which will be delivered between 12pm and 5pm on the date of choice.

The Best of Amano box, for example, is a truly delicious affair. It includes a range of Amano favourites, all boxed up to be enjoyed at home. From fresh produce from the restaurant’s local farms like strawberries, blueberries, avocados and tomatoes, to a pasta kit for two to cook at home, there’s also a range of fresh bakery goods inside such as pastries and chocolate chip cookies. To round out this box of goodies, there is a 750ml bottle of Kumeu orange juice and a bottle of Italian wine. This box comes in at $150, and there are other $50 and $100 options on offer throughout Savor’s other eateries — such as the NSP Aperitivo box or Lobster & Tap’s lobster box.

You can tailor your purchase to your requirements and means, so should you wish to go above and beyond, Savor offers the option to create bespoke boxes, too. So, if you’re keen to let someone in your professional realm know you care, we suggest you peruse these brilliant boxes.

This competition is now closed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVOSUvShxGd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Gastronomy

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Savour the best of the season at Gather & Toast: SkyCity’s winter celebration

A new daytime eatery opens in Parnell, bringing its casual yet welcoming Italian flair to the neighbourhood

Fabio Buonomo and his partner in life and business Lena Solomon have both long harboured dreams of running their own restaurant business — and now, the experienced hospitality duo has realised this goal with the opening of their charming cafe Cornelia

Situated at 289 Parnell Road, Cornelia is a daytime eatery (with licensing and later hours hopefully coming down the track) that specialises in tasty, fresh, Italian-style bites, appropriate for a wholesome yet flavourful breakfast or lunch.

Chef Buonomo, a native of Italy, moved to New Zealand from Rome five years ago, and has over 20 years’ experience in the industry. Solomon also has years of hospitality nous under her belt, and when the stars aligned for them to sign their venue’s lease in July, they jumped at the chance.

Cornelia specialises in made-to-order Italian paninis — but banish any associations you might have of the word with mid-noughties, flat toasted creations. In Italian, panini simply means sandwiches, and at Cornelia these are assembled in tasty Il Forno baguettes, generously stuffed with various fillings. 

Find the likes of Caprese, with buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil pesto; Salmone, with smoked salmon, fior di latte mozzarella, rocket, lemon and EVOO; Crudo, with prosciutto, smoked mozzarella, tomato, rocket, parmesan and white truffle oil — and more. 

There’s also a seared tuna bruschetta, antipasto, plus various salads such as Caesar salad that will change regularly. Those after a caffeine fix can enjoy smooth coffee by Italian brand Moak, and sweet tooths would do well to pick up a tub of housemade tiramisu or the signature ‘choconut’ cake. 

Cornelia also serves pastries from Ponsonby Italian bakery Il Forno, should you desire an apricot Danish or custard-filled croissant to round-off your panino. 

Fundamentally, Buonomo and Solomon are keen to connect with the local community and be a reliable go-to for a tasty bite and a great coffee. “However you’re feeling — if you’re hungry or thirsty, come by and hang out,” says Solomon. “Nothing’s too complicated, it’s just simple, laidback neighbourhood vibes.” 

Under alert level 3, Cornelia currently has a comprehensive takeaway menu available — order its tasty panini and sweet treats here via Mr Yum.

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8am — 2:30pm
Saturday: 8am — 6pm
Closed Sunday

Cornelia

289 Parnell Road,
Parnell

www.cornelia.co.nz

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

Breast cancer screening has fallen due to Covid-19 and needs urgent attention — here’s what you need to know

At least 133 women in New Zealand have no idea they have breast cancer right now. That’s according to new and worrying information that is being shared by Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. As another unforeseen consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, during our level 4 lockdown breast screening was cancelled and it now runs at a reduced capacity in level 3.

That these women, and some men, will have no idea they have cancer is due to the fact that they’ll be showing no symptoms — and international Covid-19 impact studies suggest that some will then need more severe treatments when it is found, and some will go on to have metastatic breast cancer.  

In light of this health crisis, and during October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Breast Cancer Foundation has started the Missing Woman Campaign to help find the ‘missing’ women and their missing cancer diagnoses.

It is petitioning for the government to support BreastScreen Aotearoa with funding and resources to clear the backlog within six months, to take action to restore breast screening to pre-Covid levels, and add breast screening to the national health indicators — plus extend the screening age to 70-74 in line with other countries. It’s also asking the government to ensure that, should we return to level 4 lockdown, mammograms will be able to operate in the same way as level 3 to help prevent future losses.

Since the arrival of Covid, data shows that invasive cancers are being found later than they could have been. According to the foundation, breast screening participation has been put back 10 years, which means many women are diagnosed later, the cancer is then harder to treat and has an increased likelihood of returning. This decrease in screening also negatively affects Māori & Pasifika more than anyone else.

“If you’ve had a mammogram cancelled, get rebooked as soon as you can,” implores Ah-Leen Rayner, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. “And if you’ve discovered a lump or other symptom you should see your GP straight away, no matter what level you’re in. Every day counts when you have breast cancer — don’t let Covid stop you finding breast cancer early.”

To show your support for this important cause, make sure you sign the Missing Women petition here.

Wellbeing

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Miss Polly's Kitchen's prosciutto and eggplant pasta recipe

This prosciutto and eggplant pasta recipe makes for a simply delicious supper

Long lunch or simple supper, this prosciutto and eggplant pasta recipe from Miss Polly’s Kitchen makes a perfect fuss-free meal. Easy yet impressive, this linguine makes a meal for many when served with garlic bread and rocket salad.

If you wish, you can omit the prosciutto to make this vegetarian-friendly.

Prosciutto and eggplant pasta recipe
Serves 5–6

Ingredients:
3 eggplants, sliced into 1-2cm thick rounds
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
10 garlic cloves, crushed with the back of a knife and diced
¾ cup of parsley
2 packets of mini vine-ripened tomatoes, quartered
1 pack of cherry tomatoes
A good pinch of chilli flakes
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 packet of dried linguine
2 packets of prosciutto (roughly 150g)
8 medium-size mozzarella balls
Lots of basil (I used a whole plant from the supermarket)

Method:
1. Heat the oven to 190°C.
3. Line the sliced eggplant on a couple of baking trays, drizzle with olive oil then season well. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cooked. You want them soft in the middle.
4. In a deep pan on a medium heat, cook the garlic with oil, salt and pepper.
5. Mix in the parlsey and cook for a minute then add in the tomatoes, keeping half the cherry tomatoes to fold through at the end.
6. Cook the tomatoes for 10 minutes, add the chilli and balsamic and cook for another few minutes.
7. Cook the pasta in some salted water. Add the cooked eggplant into the tomato sauce.
8. Whilst the pasta is cooking, bake the prosciutto on a tray until crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
9. Drain the pasta and mix everything together. Top with the crispy prosciutto, mozzarella, remaining cherry tomatoes and lots of fresh basil.
10. Serve with garlic bread and a rocket salad.

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

Melding modern lines with a romantic garden outlook, this home is the epitome of quietly confident luxury

Classic, elegant and timeless designs that don’t fall prey to fads or trends are an indelible signature of Conrad Architects, and the Australian practice has done itself proud with the exceptional Toorak Garden Residence. Set among historical houses and leafy streets in an upscale Melbourne suburb, this new-build is an expansive, modern-day ode to the classical Palladian garden villas of Europe.

SOPHIE BARSTOOLS BY EMMANUEL GALLINA FOR POLIFORM from Studio Italia.

Its scale is formidable while also conscientiously melding with its surrounding environment, core tenets of symmetry and proportion aiding in creating a solid structure that never appears overwhelming or off-balance.

A private entry court marks arrival into the abode, and once inside a beautifully sculptural staircase makes a bold first impression, rising up like an in-built piece of art. Impeccably finished in plaster with contrasting travertine stairs, its sweeping fluidity works to soften the otherwise stoic building’s form, its thick masonry walls and vast windows. 

HOME HOTEL DINING TABLE BY JEAN-MARIE MASSAUD AND THE LEDA DINING CHAIRS BY ANTONIO CITTERIO FOR POLIFORM from Studio Italia.

The project’s windows in particular were an important part of the brief, informing the constant visual connection of this home with the garden and swimming pool. Therefore, the layout was rigorously planned to create a directional line of movement through the house, with numerous viewpoints bringing green vistas into every room — whether they be wide-scale and impressive or more intimate and contemplative. Repeating elements throughout create a cadence and geometric regularity that is vital when working with spaces of such a grand scale.

Inside, the Conrad Architects team have created a serene and unfussy environment with minimally-processed natural materials, where oak joinery and floors are given textural interest by a pairing of quartz countertops. Unfilled travertine forms the entry, stairs, outdoor paving and living area, and wraps the kitchen island bench; while in the powder room, hers-and-his ensuites and dressing rooms, varying marbles make sumptuous sanctuaries of these oft-used spaces. 

TACCIA TABLE LAMP BY ACHILLE CASTIGLIONI FOR FLOS from ECC.

Hanging above the formal dining area, backdropped by the swimming pool and gardens, a showstopping lighting arrangement by Articolo dangles from above, with orbs of light illuminating Poliform’s dining table and chairs. 

The harmonious dance between interior and exterior is continued even in more enclosed spaces like the main study — wrapped by dark stained oak joinery, its floor-to-ceiling sliding doors flood it in natural light, ensuring the majestic oak is anything but dour. Outside, a pool-house pavilion is visible, sitting perpendicular to the main building and housing a gym, lounge and bathroom.

This polished yet welcoming home exudes a sense of calm luxury, with an inspired and mutually admiring exchange between contemporary and historical design principles, resulting in a magnificent family home to treasure.

Architecture + Interior Design — Conrad Architects
Photography — Sharyn Cairns

Design

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These are the best indoor plants for every room of your house

While indoor plants are a timeless interior accessory, there’s far more to these leafy fellows than meets the eye. The plants you choose can seriously benefit your wellbeing in a multitude of ways when placed in a particular room or space — from being all-natural sleep inducers in the bedroom to offering a helping hand in the kitchen. We’ve hunted down the perfect plant for every room in the house so you create your own indoor oasis.

Bedroom: Lavender
Who doesn’t love the smell of lavender? Beyond being a beautiful, ornamental addition to the bedroom, placing a flowering lavender plant in there is thought to often result in better sleep, boosted moods and reduced anxiety. There are a truckload of pillow sprays, essential oils and sleep masks on the market that are created with a quality night’s shut-eye in mind, but nothing compares to the real thing.

Bathroom: Aloe Vera
An absolute wonder plant, Aloe Vera is a multifaceted miracle of nature that couldn’t be more suited to the bathroom. Serving as a first aid kit, (its antibacterial and antioxidant properties lend themselves to anything from mosquito bites to burns), a moisturiser, a lip balm, and even as an all-natural mouthwash, a potted Aloe plant might just be the most beneficial botanical there is — plus, its thick, rubbery, short-stemmed leaves create an ideal sink-side decoration.

Kitchen: Mint
Any plant in the kitchen should be part of a herb garden — the more edible the better, we think. Begin your collection with a mint potted plant — fitting in right at home on your sun-drenched kitchen windowsill, a mint plant not only makes a cute interior addition but it also serves as a helping hand to all your culinary needs (read: mojitos), all while filling the air with a subtle, refreshing aroma. Wanting to grow the family? Add more potted plants filled with basil, coriander and rosemary to give the mint some company.

Office/Study: Spider Plant
Not only can plants help purify and humidify the air, they can also boost brainpower. A 2005 study at the Royal College of Agriculture in Cirencester, England, found that students demonstrated 70 percent greater attentiveness when taught in a room containing plants, whereas a worldwide 2011 study found that houseplants in an office setting can both prevent fatigue and improve your attention span. A spider plant’s grass-like foliage serves as a mature, attractive (home) office accent. We see a promotion on the horizon.

Dining room: Orchid
A vibrant, purple orchid flower not only makes a lively table arrangement — serving as a serious conversation starter for when you’re entertaining — but its subtle, sweet aroma has also been known to trigger a positive change in people’s emotions. The best part? Orchids are seriously low-maintenance, in fact overwatering is the most common way to kill them, so if you forget to show them some love for a week or three, they’ll still be blooming beautifully as your table centrepiece. 

Living Room: The Fiddle-Leaf Fig
The bigger and leafier the plant, the better it is for clearing the air — perfect for the room in which you spend most of your time. The fiddle-leaf fig, aka Ficus lyrata, is a bigger plant that stretches out its large, violin-shaped leaves to serve as the perfect ornamental accent in the corner of a living space. It will need a large pot, (one that ties in perfectly with your interior colour scheme, of course) and watering regularly.

Hallway: Lemongrass
While not technically a room per se, the hallway of your home shouldn’t be overlooked — it too needs a green touch. Lining the front hall of your home with a lemongrass plant or two gives far more than just interior aesthetics, the strong scent that emanates from the leaves can also serve as a pest deterrent, meaning that any unwelcome crawlies should stay firmly on the other side of the door.

Wellbeing

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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
Amano's scampi chitarra.

Dine al fresco, Italian style, with your double bubble thanks to Amano’s magnificent takeaway offering

What we wouldn’t give to walk into Amano with our nearest and dearest, be seated underneath the soaring ceilings and everlasting floral arrangements, and have a plate of its beloved pasta set down in front of us. While, unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions it’s not currently possible to dine in-situ, the modern Italian favourite has made sure we don’t miss out on our carby cravings by launching a takeaway menu of its hot-ticket dishes.

Make sure you’ve worked up an appetite, because you’ll want to get amongst the full selection of pastas, starters, breads, salads and desserts. The fan favourite scampi chitarra is back on the menu, after not being available for a while due to seasonality. There’s also spaghetti cacio e pepe, shorthorn beef and Hampshire pork bolognese on tagliatelle, and casarecci (an extruded semolina pasta) with basil, ricotta and pine nuts.

Left to right: bolognese on tagliatelle; beef carpaccio.

Starter-style dishes that have us salivating are the beef carpaccio with salsa verde, parmesan and cured yolk, the burrata with asparagus, balsamic and pine nuts — and of course, the famous mozzarella foccacia di recco. Finish off with an espresso and mascarpone trifle, and perhaps a strawberry and dulcey ricotta cannolo, and it’ll be happy bellies all around.

It’s easy to place an order for contactless pick-up — simply order online on Savor’s website here. When it comes time to collect, drive to Amano, call the restaurant on 09 394 1416 and someone will bring your order out and place it in the boot of your car. Now that’s what we call meals on wheels.

This competition is now closed.

Prize must be picked up from Amano (66 – 68, Tyler Street, Britomart Place, Aucklandand is subject to availability on the day. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash. Winner will be contacted privately via Instagram.

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