There’s a lot to love about the subterranean cool Bar Magda, and it’s not just the Filipino-inspired fare or rose-tinted atmosphere. But if you do feel like a night in — rather than an adventure to Cross Street — you can still be part of the excitement with the eatery’s takeaway menu.
Of special note is the by-the-glass-bottle cocktails, which are a welcome addition to entertaining at home. From the Holy Trinity cocktail menu, this is your chance to try its modern classic Magdarita. Blended with silky Arette Blanco Tequila, smoky Gracias a Dios Mezcal from Oaxaca, and a touch of elderflower cordial, lime, and agave, you can simply pour over ice and sip this magnificent margarita-style drink in one swoop.
Blackberry & Ginger Sour.
From the Something Sour menu, the Blackberry & Ginger Sour is perfect for summer evenings. Made with the punchy and fruity Grey Lynn Gin (made using locally sourced botanicals) as well as warming Cocchi Vermouth Amaro, and the aforementioned blackberry and ginger — this one is best shaken, not stirred.
With each 500ml bottle equating to five to six servings, we say it’s time to gather around and let the good times flow.
Nothing says “sophisticated” quite like a thoughtfully curated art collection. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding to your cache, these inspiring pieces are sure to be a welcome addition to your walls.
While you may be swept away to breezy shores and tranquil retreats, between the pages of a book is also a lovely place to be these holidays. Simone de Beauvoir’s posthumous post-World War novel The Inseparables is sure to change the way we think about the late, great author, while newcomer Naomi Krupitsky’s mafia minded debut The Family tests the bonds of family and friendship with intrigue. As these reviews show, a good book goes a long way when it comes to summer entertainment and enlightenment.
The Inseparablesby Simone de Beauvoir This never-before-published novel by iconic feminist and existentialist Simone de Beauvoir follows two young women’s intense and vivid friendship in post-World War One France. Deemed too intimate during her lifetime, it offers fresh insight into the author’s own story, for devotees and first-time readers alike.
The Promise by Damon Galgut In this masterful new work of fiction, a diminishing Afrikaans family deals with the disappointment of a nation — from apartheid to Jacob Zuma — as they meet each decade. With razor-sharp characterisations and dramatic dialogue over the generations, it moves from an atmosphere of resentment to renewal.
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby An ex-con didn’t see eye-to-eye with his son, but when he and his husband are brutally murdered, the father goes back to the underworld to seek revenge, and maybe his own redemption. A proactive, fast-paced novel with visceral prose.
The Familyby Naomi Krupitsky In this tantalising debut novel of tangled fates, two best friends — and daughters of the American-Italian mafia — must fight for their relationship to survive as they come of age in their unspoken community.
People Like Them by Samira Sedira Set in an idyllic, yet insular, French village, and inspired by a true story, People Like Them looks with piercing psychological insight into how a normal-seeming person could commit an atrocious crime.
For the season ahead, look to styles that hinge on classic with a twist. For a slightly unexpected sunglasses update, try coloured, tinted lenses and unique frames. They’re sure to have you seeing the bright side.
Clockwise: Cutler and Gross 1391 matte black sunglasses from Parker and Co., Flat D-Frame sunglasses from Balenciaga, Metal aviator sunglasses from Bottega Veneta, ML0046 02L sunglasses from Moncler.
Clockwise: DiorBlackSuit S4I sunglasses from Dior, SL 461 Betty sunglasses from Saint Laurent, 1.1 Millionaires sunglasses from Louis Vuitton, Cutler and Gross 1392 dark turtle sunglasses from Parker and Co.
Whether we’re talking about diamond drop earrings or a scoop of your favourite ice cream, the old adage often rings true — two is better than one. As a true romantic, Häagen-Dazs has combined a couple of its favourite irresistible flavours, snug in one delicious Duo tub.
The ultimate treat, Häagen-Dazs’s Dark Chocolate & Salted Caramel Crunch Duo includes velvety dark chocolate ice cream with a silk caramel sauce on one side, and a salted caramel ice cream with crushed chocolate shards on the other.
Equally satisfying every possible sensorial chocolate craving, the Belgian Chocolate & Vanilla Crunch Duo includes Belgian chocolate ice cream with truffle chocolate sauce, sidled-up next to vanilla ice cream with fine cracking chocolate.
Whichever you choose, it’s time to prove yourself the most significant of significant others, or the best of best friends, by sharing yours open-heartedly.
To honour the delicious Duo this Valentine’s Day, Denizen is giving away an ultimate Häagen-Dazs experience. It will spoil you and your partner with a night’s stay at QT Auckland and a premium prize pack including tubs of the indulgent Häagen-Dazs Duo, Papinelle robes, silk eye masks and more to share with your cutie.
If you’re like us, you’ll want to make the most of your weekend — and one way to ensure you feel contented is going all out for brunch. When you need a change of scenery, rain or shine, Grangers Tap House and Kitchen gives the whimsical feeling of being by the water, without having to commit to being on the sea as the weather patterns change — making it the perfect spot for a carefree breakfast-meets-lunch.
Breakfast Burger.
Located in the picturesque Half Moon Bay Marina, Grangers is (luckily) putting brunch back on the menu this weekend. With a range of mood-boosting brunch options with a sea breeze twist, and a full bar — from coffee to cocktails — the world really is your oyster here.
For something light and bright, we recommend the Granola with mango and coconut yogurt and seasonally sweet blueberries. For something more substantial, the Three Egg Omelette on sourdough satisfies all our culinary cravings, whether we go for the seafood option — with prawns, rocket and creme fraiche — or the vegetarian concoction — with wild mushroom, chorizo and gruyere cheese.
Left: Grangers Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon.
On menus all over town, there is that star dish we keep coming back for. While it is hard to narrow one down at Grangers, after some deliberation we have found that the Breakfast Burger can’t be beat. From its brioche bun all the way down its layers of delicious ingredients — including bacon, egg, avocado, rocket, tomato relish and hollandaise — it’s sure to leave you satisfied.
With plenty to wrap your laughing gear around, Grangers’ back-and-better-than-ever brunch menu gives us something to smile about — no matter whether the weekend weather plays along.
Grangers’ Seaside Brunch: Saturday and Sunday: 10am — 12pm
Grangers Tap House and Kitchen
The Promenade, 1 Ara Tai,
Half Moon Bay, Auckland
A short-sleeved shirt is a versatile wardrobe winner. Choose a crisp style for work and elevated occasions, or go for something easy breezy for casual wear, the beach and beyond. Whatever rendition is more in keeping with your style, take advantage of its versatility by wearing alone or layering, open, over a singlet or t-shirt. When the weather cools, you can also slip a long-sleeved layer underneath for warmth. Evidently, this is one sartorial staple that works as hard as you do.
FOR HER
From left: Alemais Wanda linen shirt from Muse Boutique, Ganni cotton poplin wavy collar shirt from Workshop, Oriella shirt from Camilla & Marc.
From left: Matteau The Broderie organic cotton shirt from Net-a-Porter, LD05-21-1 upcycled Hawaiian shirt from Lucky Dip Clothing, XL fit short-sleeved silk shirt from Balenciaga.
FOR HIM
From left: Lunar New Year tiger and flower print bowling shirt from Gucci, Landscape Hawaiian shirt from Louis Vuitton, Two-pocket cocktail shirt from Thom Morison.
From left: Folk Junction camp-collar cotton-gauze shirt from Mr. Porter, Oblique pixel Hawaiian shirt from Dior Men.
We know this is a big call to make, but Mug ‘N’ Bowl Café is serving some of the best phở to delight our senses this side of Ho Chi Minh City. Made with the help of her grandmother’s recipe, co-owner and head chef Nevaeh Hua cooks the bone marrow broth of the ‘12 Hour Phở’ with cardamon, star anise and cinnamon seeds — cutting through its own decadence with seasonal herbs.
“We’re generous with it because quite a few of the phở’s around Auckland are served Northern style, but this is from Saigon, so it’s sweeter and a little richer,” explains her business partner, and Mug ‘N’ Bowl restaurant manager, Rico Tan.
Having opened Mug ‘N’ Bowl towards the end of last year, Hua and Tan work as well together as brown nice noodles and its simmering broth. While Hua was being inspired by the Vietnamese dishes throughout her childhood, Tan grew up with his family’s cafés and bakeries in Auckland. Hua went on to work in leading restaurants for the past decade, including Baduzzi and Mekong Baby, while Tan went on to thrive doing front of house for the likes of Tok Tok Takapuna.
Beef Noodle Salad.
It was only a matter of time until the friends combined their talents and opened their own venture. Central to the success of Mug ‘N’ Bowl is the use of fresh herbs, especially those that are used in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The vegetable garden is filled with diếp cá (from the chameleon plant), purple shiso and Vietnamese mint. “Anything we hear of or get our hands on we try to grow ourselves,” says Tan.
Patrons have been calling from all over the city to taste its phở, but it’s also worth sticking around for Mug ‘N’ Bowl’s Banh Mi — a baguette filled with house-made pork pâté, mayonnaise, coriander, spring onion and pickled vegetables. We recommend the pulled pork option for a creation that is reminiscent of char siu, but even better for being in a bun. An undercover cult favourite on the menu, which Tan also recommends trying, is the Saigon Xiu Mai, which sees pork meatballs with a sensational tomato base piled high on a banh mi.
Banh Mi, Vietnamese Drip Coffee.
Hua and Tan introduce their new community to different varieties of Vietnamese dishes as the seasons, and occasions, change. For Valentine’s Day, Mug ‘N’ Bowl is offering a Bánh Xèo special. Shared by two, and eaten by hand, the savoury crepe is filled with pork belly, prawns, bean sprouts and fresh herbs and salad, in one intimate dish.
For a drink, you can’t go past the Vietnamese Drip Coffee, with sweetened condensed milk. “It’s a bit more traditional than usual,” says Tan. “We make sure that we tamper it well so we can eke all the caffeine out of it. A coffee that you take your time with.”
With a relaxed vibe and friendly service, Mug ‘N’ Bowl is the place to discover these delicacies anew. With the humidity we have been experiencing lately, we felt like we’d been on a transcendent trip to Ho Chi Minh City too.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 6am — 4pm Saturday and Sunday: 7am — 3pm
We have a love-hate relationship with the big heat of high summer. Certainly, sprawled on a beach or unwinding in a backyard around the pool, the humidity and beaming sun become far more enticing. But even then, we all have commitments that require a put-together appearance. To avoid a crimson complexion or melted makeup, be sure to stock up on these cool, and very cooling, face mists. Pro tip: store them in the fridge to feel even more calm and collected.
Mattifying and Energising Skin Care Waterby Codage Not only does Codage’s Skin Care Water deliver a high concentration of active ingredients to the skin, but this version is also specifically formulated to mattify and reduce unwanted shine — so you can be sure to look fresh and radiant, rather than sweaty, all day long.
Beauty Elixirby Caudalie With essential oils and plant extracts that brighten and clarify the complexion, Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir spray is an absolute cult classic. Beloved worldwide by celebrities, makeup artists and everyday spritzers alike, use as a priming base or setting spray for makeup, and refresh as wanted for a polished glow.
Codage Skincare Water, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Weleda Hydrating Facial Mist, La Mer The Mist.
Hydrating Facial Mistby Weleda Weleda’s Hydrating Facial Mist makes us misty-eyed with love for its key duo of hydrating, soothing ingredients: prickly pear extract and aloe vera. The prickly pear creates an intensively moisturising and protective layer on the skin, while the aloe vera is great for cooling and soothing — something that’s much-needed on the muggy morning commute. Plus, it smells herbaceously wholesome, as all Weleda’s products do.
The Mistby La Mer Packed with a concentrated percentage of La Mer’s renowned miracle broth, with its luxurious inclusion of kelp, The Mist not only hydrates the face but also renews the complexion in a way that echoes the revitalising power of the brand’s coveted line of skincare. The epitome of effortless cool for your summer sangfroid.
Catch up on the latest and greatest streaming series that are garnering plenty of buzz, from new seasons of Euphoria, Cheer and Starstruck, to must-watch debut shows.
Cheer: Season 2 None of us were prepared for how season one of this Emmy-winning reality series swept us off our feet (while we watched all its stars bounce off theirs), but those who watched it will know the feeling of sheer investment it engendered. Season two sees all the favourite faces return (minus Jerry Harris, which is addressed throughout) and shows how the Navarro College Cheer squad’s sudden fame has changed everything. Watch on Netflix
Emily in Paris: Season 2 The world’s favourite hate-watch (second only to And Just Like That, perhaps…), Emily in Paris has returned and we’re once again immersed in the colourful world of Emily Cooper and her supporting cast of friends and acquaintances. Now feeling more at home in Paris, Emily still struggles with assimilating to French life — and a love triangle makes things even more complicated. Mon dieu… Watch on Netflix
Stay Close This British miniseries is about past lives and how much you can really know about those closest to you. A gripping thriller based on the book by Harlan Coben (The Stranger, Safe and The Five), Stay Close sees three seemingly unrelated people’s lives start to splinter as the tenuous threads that bind them become more cloying, revealing buried secrets. Watch on Netflix
The Puppet Master: Hunting The Ultimate Conman A chilling true-crime series, The Puppet Master is the story of Robert Hendy-Freegard, an abusive and audacious conman who, over the course of two decades, controlled, conned and fleeced at least seven women and one man out of almost one million pounds — all with his devious charm. Watch on Netflix
Euphoria: Season 2 While there’s an awful lot that seems to happen not at school for a “high school teen drama”, we can’t resist Euphora’s often raw portrayal of young adulthood. Season two has certainly ramped up the intensity, and its worth watching for the performances alone — plus, given the amount of internet hype this show has, surely you’re keen to be up with the play. Watch on Neon
Reacher Much more on the mark tone-wise than Tom Cruise’s humourless turn as Lee Child’s titular hero, the new iteration of Reacher is a fun, rollicking watch that stays true to the original written series. Action buffs, this is one for you. Watch on Amazon Prime Video
The Afterparty We love a whodunnit, and The Afterparty delivers with an all-star cast and clever writing. When a high school reunion’s afterparty ends in a stunning death, everyone is a suspect. A detective grills the former classmates one by one, uncovering potential motives as each tells their version of the story — culminating in the shocking truth. Watch on Apple TV+
Raised by Refugees Don’t miss this funny and poignant series, created by well-known local comedian and actor Pax Assadi. Based on his own lived experiences, it’s garnering a lot of hype before its premiere on the 24th of February. Two years in the making, Raised by Refugees is set in the early 2000s and follows the Iranian/Pakistani Assadi family (Pax plays the part of his own father in the series) and their New Zealand-born sons as they move to Auckland’s North Shore. Each of them faces their own challenges trying to fit into the culture, and this prompts many hilarious but also thought-provoking scenarios. Watch on Prime and Sky Go from 24th Feb and Neon from 25th Feb
Starstruck: Season 2 Rose Matafeo’s globally acclaimed series returns, and it’s already received rave reviews. The British rom-com sees Jessie and her movie star beau Tom Kapoor finally give being in a relationship a proper go, but as Jessie had been planning on moving back to New Zealand (then stayed in London to be with Tom), she’s now having to deal with the fallout of her decision. Watch on TVNZ from 16 Feb
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