Listen up: These are the recently released albums you need to add to your musical rotation

7 Sep 2021

Music has the power to transport us far away, a fact we’re embracing with utmost enthusiasm currently. From smooth, dreamy pop to groove-worthy soul and experimental electronica, broaden your sonic horizons with this excellent selection of recently released albums.

Gold-Diggers Sound by Leon Bridges
The soulful singer-songwriter is back with an evolved sound, his third album since his lauded 2015 debut Coming Home catapulted him to stardom. The romantic, ethereally-layered tracks on this R&B album call to mind the hazy days of summer, with guitar-led moments as well as a slight jazz influence. It will have you staring dreamily into the distance as you let Bridges’ honeyed voice transport you elsewhere.
Song to start with: Motorbike

Inside (The Songs) by Bo Burnham
If you were looking to find not so much escape in your chosen soundtrack but more an album that speaks directly to the experience of lockdown, then look no further than this. Comedian Burnham (who is also an actor, you’ll recognise him from the film Promising Young Woman starring Carey Mulligan) is known for his musical comedy, and while isolating inside his house he created one-hour Netflix special Inside — an array of musical skits that have proven to be not only bleakly hilarious but incredibly catchy. Now, you can listen to the songs in album form.
Song to start with: Welcome to the Internet

Stand for Myself by Yola
It’s impossible not to groove to this eclectic album from British singer-songwriter Yolanda Quarterly, which mixes inspirations from 60s and 70s pop, gospel and even country ballads to offer a richly varied and well-crafted record. The golden thread is Yola’s goosebump-inducing, powerhouse voice, equally at home over thrumming electric guitars as it is over upbeat trumpets.
Song to start with: Stand For Myself

Thirstier by Torres
A joyous chorale of a release, this new album from indie star Torres (real name Mackenzie Scott) hinges on driving, alt-rock anthems that often incorporate slick, electronic production and theatrical yet skilful vocals. The result is an inherently assured finished product, with moments of gentleness interspersed with high-powered crankers that will have you listening on full volume.
Song to start with: Kiss the Corner

Leave Love Out Of This by Anthonie Tonnon
Whanganui-based musician Anthonie Tonnon is known for his poetic take on melodious alt-pop and his immersive live performances. His new album is a goodie, rich and heartfelt, with the title track ‘Leave Love Out Of This’ having been nominated as a top 5 finalist for this year’s APRA Silver Scroll awards. Tonnon had announced an album tour to commence country-wide from the 22nd of September, and while Auckland may not be able to host his show (depending on alert levels) hopefully the rest of the tour can still go ahead elsewhere. In the meantime, give this excellent album a spin.
Song to start with: Leave Love Out Of This

Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish
Unbelievably, this is only Billie Eilish’s second full-length studio album. The global phenomenon wields her incredible voice with more power than ever on this record, as she reflects on the ups, the downs and the downright ridiculous nature of mega fame, all with the originality that first made her a star.
Song to start with: NDA

Vince Staples by Vince Staples
Touted his most personal and accessible album yet, this eponymous release from Vince Staples is still drenched in the California rapper’s idiosyncratic, left-of-centre approach. In his characteristic lazy drawl, he delves deep into his troubled life and its perturbing contrast with the fame he now has, juxtaposing darker lyrics with chill, hazy beats that will still have you grooving along despite the subject matter.
Song to start with: Take Me Home

I Know I’m Funny haha by Faye Webster
The fourth album from Atlanta singer-songwriter Faye Webster is an enchanting and sometimes melancholic listen, calling on influences of country, soul, classic rock and indie-pop. Overlaid with her mellifluous voice, it’s easy to see why the album’s opening track Better Distractions made it onto Obama’s 2020 end-of-year favourite songs list when it was released as a single, and the rest of the album is equally as lovely.
Song to start with: Better Distractions

Solar Power by Lorde
After a four year hiatus, the highly-anticipated return of our biggest musical export does not disappoint. More acoustically-minded than her previous albums yet just as compulsively listenable, Solar Power ushers us outside to appreciate the beauty of nature and touches on a range of subjects, including the slightly wild, salt-crusted joy of summer, the irrefutable reality of ageing, the nature of celebrity, and wellness culture. With Yelich-O’Connor’s luminous prose forming quintessentially ingenious lyrics, she lets listeners in on her journey over the intervening years since Melodrama, and how much she’s evolved.
Song to start with: Fallen Fruit

Spiral by Darkside
The collaborative project of electronic musician Nicolás Jaar and multi-instrumentalist Dave Harrington, Darkside’s highly anticipated sophomore album builds on the duo’s moodily confident, experimental sound. Lazily grooving guitar melodies drive a hypnotic beat, atop thrumming and eclectic base and percussion, and the result is quintessentially boundary-pushing.
Song to start with: The Limit

And get excited for these new releases, coming very soon:

Friends That Break Your Heart by James Blake
Moving away from the introspection that has marked many of his previous releases, Mercury Prize-winning musician and producer James Blake describes his fifth studio album as “led by feeling”. Dropping in full on the 10th of September, the record will showcase Blake’s famously angelic voice and heady production in a whole new light.
Song to start with: Say What You Will

Local Valley by Jose Gonzalez
Utilising his instantly recognisable, plucky guitar and layered vocals, Swedish musician Gonzalez returns with his first full-length album since 2015. Arriving in full on the 17th of September, Local Valley’s initial singles are timely in their subject matter, touching on togetherness and understanding humanity’s place in the universe.
Song to start with: Visions

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Proving beige is anything but boring, this dreamy tonal kitchen is delivering the interior inspo we need right now

7 Sep 2021

An exquisite exercise in how to pair several serene, cocooning neutrals, Vogue Haus is both sophisticated and welcoming. The project is owned by Wellington-born, Brisbane-based creator Kayla Boyd, who also oversaw the interiors via her design business Row Interiors.

Boyd was inspired by the principles of the mid-century modern era, harnessing layered, contrasting textures which add dimension to each space, plus sleek yet organic shapes and clean lines. These elements allow the creamy tones of both in-built and added furnishings to shine without blending into one another.

Vogue Haus by Row Interiors features Resene Tea on the kitchen island.

The kitchen is a highlight, featuring a sizeable, central island topped with sandy marble and finely dowelled cladding. An anything-but-boring beige, Resene Tea was the perfect shade to lend its diffused elegance to the island’s sides, and a custom pendant light by Soktas runs horizontally above, with evenly-spaced bulbs creating a well-balanced ambience.

The universal love for bouclé furniture is showing no signs of abating, and here, bar stools from Life Interiors rest charmingly in the space, inviting dwellers to pull up for a morning cuppa or a well-deserved decompress at the end of the day.

This abode exudes a peaceful warmth, demonstrating the inherently harmonious result that can be achieved when the finer details are recognised for how important they really are.

Left to right: Resene Quarter Fossil, Resene Linen, Resene Half Ash, Resene Tea.

Less harsh than white and a classic companion to cream, Resene Quarter Fossi is a versatile paint that pairs beautifully with both light and dark shades of varying warmth and undertone. Complex and quietly confident, there’s more to Resene Quarter Fossil than meets the eye.

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Parker & Co’s Lynne Parker on her happy place, why Tom Ford is her style icon and her top eyewear picks

7 Sep 2021

With Founder Lynne Parker at the helm, Parker & Co has been New Zealand’s port of call for the most stylish and of-the-minute designer sunglasses and opticals for 27 years, stocking the likes of Dior, Gucci, Celine, and Victoria Beckham, plus renowned eyewear brands like Cutler & Gross and Moscot. Here, the stylish Parker delves into her current obsessions.

My personal style can be defined by: Classic with a twist; I am normally in black with a few signature accessories.

The last thing I bought and loved was: My Mahsa bow blouse — in black, of course.

My top eyewear picks for the season ahead are:
1. Anything in the Dior signature range of sunglasses.
2. The new autumn collection from Cutler & Gross.
3. Anne et Valentine’s Model Reality — elegant and sophisticated.
4. Projekt Produkt sunglasses, consisting of sophisticated exclusivity and altruistic simplicity.
5. Victoria Beckham sunglasses.

From left to right: Dior sunglasses SS20, Cutler & Gross sunglasses.

An unforgettable place I visited was: Sri Lanka.

The next place I’d like to go to: Bali, my happy place. Sun, food, spa treatments and the gorgeous people.

An object I would never part with is: Our Minnie Pwerle body paint and bush melon painting. This was the first piece of art my husband Geoff and I brought together 17 years ago, we felt so grown up. We probably drove the Melbourne Gallery owner crazy, as we fell in love with the piece but visited so many times over a weekend deciding if we could afford to buy it.

On my wish list is: An Eames lounge chair and ottoman from Karakter (pictured below).

A classic piece I never tire of is: An aviator sunglass, there are so many versions of this and if you don’t have one in your current sunwear collection you need one. My current favourite is the new Dior signature aviator.

When I was younger, I wanted to be: A farmer’s wife.

I am inspired by: The younger generation who stand up for what they believe and question societal norms.

My favourite app is: Grammarly. I am so bad at spelling, this was my lifesaver when I was doing my MBA last year.

My secret talent is: I make a great chocolate chip cookie.

My favourite cultural/style icon is: Tom Ford. A Single Man is one of my favourite movies; the clothes, the design, the sets. Every detail is perfect. Selling eyewear, I loved his work with Gucci, Saint Laurent and his own Tom Ford label. He combines style, provocation and luxury beautifully.

If price were not an issue, the one artist whose work I would collect is: John Reynolds. I fell in love with his Cloud installation at Te Papa and would commission a work around seeing and vision.

From left to right: Daily Bread’s Kouign-amann, John Reynolds Cloud installation.

The best book I’ve read in the last year is: The Widow Clicquot by Tilar J. Mazzeo, about how Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin built her Champagne empire. My husband had recommended it to me a few years ago and I finally had the time to read it.

I can’t miss an episode of: Money Heist, the next season just started on September the 3rd.

In my fridge you’ll always find: Nieuwenhuis Goats Cheese. I discovered this at the Hawke’s Bay farmer’s market and now I always have a jar in the fridge. Also, Fever Tree tonic for my G&Ts. As I am trying to buy local, my new favourite gin is Albertine Gin from Hastings Distillers.

My guilty pleasure is: Daily Bread‘s Kouign-amann and a long black in bed on a Sunday morning.

I recently discovered: The Lindis lodge — what an incredible place in an incredible part of NZ.

The new piece I’m currently most inspired by is: The Projekt Produkt x Kunsik collaboration by designer Kunsik Choi. I love that these pieces have clip-on sunglasses.

The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Apero, a beautiful blend of French cuisine in a casual Kiwi style. A fantastic experience, it really was like visiting Mo and Leslie’s house for dinner.

The best gift I ever received was: My first pair of Gucci shoes (when Tom Ford was the Creative Director) way back in the early 2000s. My husband brought them back for me from Milan when he was on a business trip. They were beautifully packaged, as he knew I would love the packaging almost as much as the shoes, not an easy feat when he was travelling economy to fit shoeboxes into his suitcase.

The latest music I’m loving is: Deep House Chill mix on Spotify. It makes me feel like I am in Bali at the Cafe del Mar beach club.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: Life’s too short to wear bad glasses.

www.parkerandco.nz

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Anna Rees of Tim Webber on wood-turning, biotecture, and the ancient meditation seeing her through lockdown

6 Sep 2021

As the Head of Residential Sales for Tim Webber, Anna Rees has had many beautiful furniture and art objects pass through her hands. Here she shares what has caught her attention currently, and the furniture styles that will make an enduring impression on your living spaces.

My personal style can be defined as: Calming and minimal, utilising organic materials and tones.

The last thing I bought and loved was: A second-hand silk pillowcase, which I then dyed in the Shibori technique using walnut husks from my grandma’s tree.

An unforgettable place I visited was: Detroit! I was amazed by the everyday architecture and the revival of small communities.

The next place I’d like to go to: I’d like to explore more of the South Island, stopping at all the op shops, antique stores and pottery studios along the way.

An object I would never part with is: My first wood-turned bowl made from Rewarewa.

On my wish list is: A kiln.

From left: Anna Rees hand-dyed pillow; Anna Rees wood-turned bowl.

When I was younger, I wanted to be: An art teacher.

I am inspired by: Handcrafted goods that show mastery and discipline in a practice.

My favourite app is: Probably the Mindbody app as it allows me to book in my yoga classes at Eastwest Yoga!

My guilty pleasure is: Wooden bowls. I learned how to wood-turn around the age of 19 and it has given me such respect for woodturners. It’s a struggle to walk past a hand-turned bowl and not pick it up.

My secret talent is: Making really delicious salads.

The best book I’ve read in the last year is: Beyond Order by Jordan B. Peterson. It’s a slow read for me and I’m still making my way through it, but I have gained so much from it already.

I can’t miss an episode of: I’ve never been big on movies or TV series, but honestly, I’d say Rick and Morty (also another guilty pleasure).

In my fridge you’ll always find: Happy Happy Soy Boy milk.

I recently discovered: My love for the pottery wheel.

If price were not an issue, the one artist whose work I would collect is: Francis Upritchard. Her talent is undeniable.

The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: My first time ever having ribs approximately one week prior to lockdown at Smokin Cole BBQ. I’ve caught myself dreaming about them a few times since.

The podcasts I listen to are: Expanded by To Be Magnetic, Duncan Trussell Family Hour and Tales of a Red Clay Rambler.

The best gift I ever received was: A rather eccentric Laurie Steer mug!

The Trace table and Bensen Torii chair from Tim Webber.

The latest music I’m loving is: Over the past couple of months, I haven’t been straying too far from Krishna Das. Kirtan is a form of meditation, which has been serving me well recently.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: We’re all doing the best we can, with the tools we have at any given moment.

My favourite three pieces in our showroom right now are: The Trace table, Bensen Torii chair, and Grayson sofa.

Earthship by Mike Reynolds in Taos, New Mexico.

I’m obsessed with the work of: American Architect, Mike Reynolds. His Earthship Biotecture movement is incredibly inspiring and I hope to one day have the opportunity to build one myself.

The one thing people should invest their money on when it comes to furniture is: A beautiful sofa or dining suite. Both are anchors in the home that bring people together and subsequently undergo a lot of use. Investing in high-quality materials and design that provides the opportunity for the objects to stay around for longer, and in some cases, be passed down through generations.

www.timwebberdesign.com

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Cheeseburger spring rolls, anyone? This recipe combines two fast food faves for an irresistibly indulgent snack

6 Sep 2021

When two dishes are both delicious separately, chances are they could be even better together. That seems to be the thinking of chef Dan Hong, the mastermind behind famed Sydney establishment Ms G’s, in the creation of the restaurant’s iconic cheeseburger spring rolls.

Good quality mince is imperative for your homemade version, so Hong recommends supporting your local butcher to source the filling for these deep-fried delights. Check our artisan guide to see who’s delivering at level 4, and get cooking.

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Ms G’s Cheeseburger Spring Rolls Recipe
Makes 20 spring rolls
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes

Ingredients (quantities are approximate):
400g premium beef mince (80 percent meat; 20 percent fat)
Oil for frying
Salt
1 white onion, finely diced
½ cup Polish-style dill pickles, finely diced
1 packet (12 slices) “hamburger cheese”, such as Chesdale Cheddar Cheese Slices
¼ cup Heinz Tomato Ketchup
2 tbsp American mustard

Spring-roll wrappers
1 egg (to seal)
Vegetable oil for deep-frying

Equipment:
Oven-safe frying pan
Deep fryer or solid-based saucepan

Method:

For the filling
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C
2. Flatten meat into a patty that will fit into your oven-safe frying pan. Place the pan over high heat, add a splash of oil and season the beef with salt on both sides. Slide patty into the hot pan and press with a spatula, then leave for 3-to-4 minutes or until edges start to turn grey.
3. Drain as much oil from the pan as possible into a bowl, then use a spatula to flip the meat patty. After another minute of cooking, transfer the pan into the oven. Cook for 3-to-4 minutes, or until the centre of the patty is cooked medium-well (as an indicator, juices will begin emerging from the top of the patty).
4. Transfer the patty to a plate and place in the fridge until the meat has cooled completely.
5. Break the chilled cooked meat into a bowl until it has a mince-like consistency, leaving a few larger chunks for texture.
6. Stir through the onion, pickles, cheese, ketchup and mustard, mixing with your hands until very well combined. Taste and adjust sauces and seasoning as required.

For the spring rolls
1. Lay a square spring-roll wrapper on a board or plate with the corner pointed towards you, and spoon a few tablespoons of the cheeseburger mix into a line one-third of the way up the wrapper.
2. Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the meat mixture, shaping the cheeseburger mix into a tight cylinder as you bring it down. Fold over the left and right edges, then roll the parcel tightly away from you, brushing the far corner with a little beaten egg to help seal it.
3. As soon as all the spring rolls have been folded, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or solid-based saucepan to 200°C. Carefully lower spring rolls into the oil a few at a time (taking care not to crowd the pan), and cook until crisp and brown.
4. Serve once cool enough to handle.

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Spending a lot of time on the sofa currently? You might want to think about an upgrade

6 Sep 2021

Whether utilised for stretching out with a good book, cuddling up for movie night or simply just enjoying some good quality scrolling time, sofas are one of the most hard-working — and most used — furniture pieces in the home. Making sure your sofa is both impeccably made and beautiful to look at will ensure it lasts the distance. From rounded, organic forms to sleek and pragmatic shapes, here are some stylish sofa designs to consider.

Pukka sofa by Yabu Pushelberg for Ligne Roset
Pleasingly bulbous, the Pukka sofa and seating collection fills the space via its soft organic form. In designing this collection, George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg built on the design tradition originated by Gaetano Pesce and his famous sponge-inspired armchair, to create pieces that both envelop the user in cushioned comfort, and spring back perfectly to their original form. Rendered in ultra-flexible foams and available in a variety of finishes, we’re particularly drawn to the white bouclé for its resemblance to a puffy cloud.
Available from Ligne Roset

Strips sofa by Cini Boeri for Arflex
While she originally designed it in 1972, Cini Boeri’s Strips seating system for Arflex remains one of the most innovative options available today. The Strips’ most unique characteristic is its removable quilted cover, it comes with comfortable built-in padding, positioned on a wooden frame. Available in a variety of fabrications including sumptuous velvet and timeless leather, the Strips sofa is the epitome of versatility blended with wow-factor.
Available from Studio Italia

Costume sofa by Stefan Diez for Magis
Aiming to rethink the traditional sofa system, Stefan Diez designed a modular set that can be easily assembled and disassembled by the user to suit a huge variety of interiors. Industrial and cube-like in appearance, the Costume sofa can be placed in the centre of the room like an oversized ottoman or daybed, or arranged in a more traditional configuration. With a focus on circularity, the base is made from recycled polyurethane (and can be recycled again at the end of its lifetime), and the detachable portions can be cleaned or replaced individually, offering a seating system that evolves easily with the fluctuations of life.
Available from ECC

Tufty Time sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia
An instantly recognisable sofa, the Tufty Time is renowned for its utmost attention to comfort. Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola created a versatile seating system that is beloved for its sprawling size, abundant seating space and plush materials. Joining together in large square blocks (reminiscent of mammoth cushions), Tufty Time can be arranged to create a finished product of any size and shape, whether that be an ottoman, a corner sofa, or a contemporary island piece designed for 360-degree seating — perfect for accommodating a house full of guests.
Available from Matisse

Collective Modular sofa by Cameron Foggo for Nonn
Pragmatic yet refined, the Collective sofa is assured in its uncomplicated form. It has been designed to sit off the ground presenting a sense of lightness, while offering a substantial base with plentiful upholstery to relax into, making it the perfect pairing for an elegant, minimalist home. It’s the unique feather and foam upholstery techniques that make it a challenge to abandon after having been sat or stretched out upon; especially when its modular nature allows it to be configured harmoniously for ultimate ease and comfort.
Available from Simon James

Dhow sofa by Andrei Munteanu for Giorgetti
Fans of understated luxury will be taken by the effortless elegance of Andrei Munteanu’s Dhow sofa for Giorgetti. Another modular set that allows for ultimate ease of arranging, this sofa is available in leather or fabric upholstery and encompasses both structure and softness in its form, meaning it is both comfortable and supportive.
Available from ECC

Copen sofa by Tim Webber
A minimalist’s ultimate statement piece, Tim Webber’s Copen sofa harnesses functionality, comfortability and distinction. The modular design is perpetually customisable; with its feather and foam upholstery, solid walnut or oak trim, and sleek form, it encompasses both linear and round silhouettes. The rounded arm, one of the Copen’s key defining features, was inspired by the interior of Copenhagen’s Round Tower, and its curving shape is both a unique design feature and a comfortable support on which to rest.
Available from Tim Webber Design

George sofa by Linteloo
Inspired by the sophisticated yet relaxed quality of life led around the shores of Italy’s Lake Como, the George sofa has an airiness that ensures it won’t take over the room. Resting on delicate, fine legs, it still manages to be supportive and inviting, thanks to a high back and generously-sized cushions, plus its shape can be modulated to fit any space. Dutch designer, and founder of Linteloo, Jan te Lintelo holds the concept of ‘easy living’ at the centre of his sensibility, and it is absolutely evident in this elegant yet approachable sofa.
Available from ECC

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Stylish sweatpants to take you from the sofa to spreadsheets

Comfort is key when working from home but there’s no excuse for staying in your pyjamas when tracksuit pants offer elevated ease.

You might only be running from the home office to the coffee machine but these tracksuit styles allow you to squeeze in some downward dogs in between Zoom appointments. Should the camera scroll down at any stage expect clicks of approval from your co-workers.

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SEE ALL SLIDES |

Gen Cashmere Pant

Available from Elle + Riley

Dior Chez Moi Pants

Available from Dior

Acne Studios Cotton Face Trackpants

Available from Workshop

Rometty Jogger Almond

Available from Harris Tapper

Rick Owens Cargo Track Pants

Available from Net-a-porter

Anine Bing Evan Jogger

Available from Superette

Lucian Sweatpant

Available from Camilla & Marc

Elemental 02 Alpaca Track Pants

Available from Paris Georgia

Florence Jogger

Available from Caitlin Crisp

St Agni Rem Knit Lounge Pant

Available from Muse

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Step up your lockdown breakfast game with this lovely homemade crumpet recipe

5 Sep 2021

The difference between homemade crumpets and those out of a packet is like night and day, and you won’t regret putting in a bit of extra effort to whip them up yourself — after all, we do have a little more time on our hands at the moment. Liv Glazebrook from Kitchen of Treats shares this excellent crumpet recipe — topped with browned butter, honey and a sprinkle of sea salt, it makes for the perfect lockdown breakfast.

Homemade Crumpet Recipe
Makes 12

Ingredients:
400ml milk
100ml lukewarm water
1 tbsp active dried yeast
1 tsp caster sugar
300g white bread flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Neutral oil (for greasing)

Equipment:
Egg rings to pour crumpet batter into

To serve:
Browned butter
Honey
Flaky sea salt

Method:
1. Gently warm the milk in a small bowl in the microwave. Add 100ml of lukewarm water to the milk and then dissolve the yeast and sugar. Leave in a warm place for 15 minutes, or until bubbly.
2. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture.
3. Whisk from the centre outwards until smooth.
4. Cover with a damp tea towel and set aside for 45 minutes or until little bubbles form on the surface.
5. Oil the inside of the egg rings and lightly oil a skillet or cast iron pan. Arrange the rings in the frying pan and heat the pan and rings over medium-heat.
6. Once hot, spoon batter into each ring (until about ¾ full). Cook for 5 minutes, or until little bubbles/pores appear on the surface.
7. Once the bubbles have burst, leaving little holes, use tongs to carefully lift off the rings and flip over the crumpets, then cook for 1 minute on the other side. Re-grease and reheat the rings and pan before cooking the next batch.
8. Serve the crumpets warm, drizzle with browned butter, honey and flaky sea salt.

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With a textural interior palette inspired by the Mediterranean, this vacation home harnesses the effortless glamour of the French Riviera

PHOTOS Francis Amiand | 4 Sep 2021

There can be a certain freedom in creating a home away from home, the room for experimentation and creativity magnified to offer possibilities not necessarily explored in an everyday abode which may need to be more pragmatic, more restrained.

When crafting the feel of the Villa Odaya, a spectacular vacation home located in Cannes, Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet of Monaco-based design firm Humbert & Poyet leaned into both the inherent glamour and the relaxed effortlessness associated with the Cote d’Azur, creating a luxurious getaway for owners whose primary residence is in Paris.

CAPITOL COMPLEX CHAIRS BY PIERRE JEANNERET FOR CASSINA from Matisse.

Offering remarkable, 360-degree views over Cannes, with the Lérins Islands and the Mediterranean beyond, it was important to Humbert and Poyet that this 1,208-square-metre home should capture a connection to nature, located as it is among the secluded and enchanting hills of the Croix des Gardes where mimosas, pines and olive trees create a lush and verdant backdrop. Opening onto a vast terrace and swimming pool, the main living area of the villa was kept as open as possible, with a central four-storey staircase connecting the levels of the eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom house.

BAR STOOLS BY STELLAR WORKS from Backhouse.

When the duo signed on to design Villa Odaya, its original architectural foundation was a raw, rather sterile concrete shell, providing them the opportunity to finish everything (including the windows, flooring and surfaces) according to their chosen specifications, creating complete cohesion throughout the design. Given free rein by the owners, Humbert and Poyet laid a base of textural materials such as marble, brass, wood and cane, and harnessed their signature fondness for eclecticism by furnishing with a mix of vintage and modern objects, plus custom pieces they designed. Contemporary art and seminal furniture items complete the tastefully assorted effect, such as the Synapse pendant lamp by Apparatus and chairs by Pierre Jeanneret.

Several aspects of the project were inspired by Italian maestro Gio Ponti’s Mid-century modern Planchart villa — evident in details like the statement floors, coloured accents and intrinsic lightness — while the overarching palette was informed by the azure waters of the Mediterranean, varying shades of blue punctuating the house with saturated sophistication.

The kitchen and bathrooms are particular highlights within this theme; the kitchen, with its playful, navy-accented marble island and beautiful custom-designed floor opens out to the garden on three sides via floor-to-ceiling windows. The master bathroom features a custom notched wood vanity in French blue with marble and brass sinks, the wall’s warm-toned marble referencing the kitchen’s rose wood pantry doors and slats.

ZOE OPEN AIR CHAIRS BY MERIDIANI from SC-Luxury.

Left: OPPOSITE PAGE: LEGGIA ARMCHAIRS BY BAXTER from Cavit & Co.

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Image credit: Francis Amiand

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Transport your tastebuds with this whole grilled eggplant recipe from Andiamo

4 Sep 2021

Treat yourself to a Roman holiday without leaving the house as Herne Bay favourite Andiamo shares its exquisite eggplant recipe. It might be rare to see eggplant given star billing, but you’ll be a convert after trying this dish. Eggplant is grilled under on scorching until it melts in the mouth and is dressed with dollops of creamy buttermilk, toasted hazelnuts, a dash of Number 29 extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs. The result is a taste and textural sensation, best served with a side of focaccia.

Andiamo’s Whole Grilled Eggplant with No. 29 Olive Oil, Toasted Hazelnut and Buttermilk Recipe
Serves 2

Ingredients:
Buttermilk
150ml buttermilk
½ tsp garlic, crushed
Salt and pepper, to season

Quinoa
¼ cup black quinoa
½ cup canola oil

Toasted Hazelnut Mix
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
¼ cup hazelnuts, roasted
1 tsp sumac

Baked Eggplant
1 large eggplant
50ml No. 29 extra virgin olive oil
7-8 oregano leaves
Salt and pepper, to season

Equipment
Cheesecloth or Chux cloth
Fine sieve
Bowl
Piping bag
Heatproof container
Mortar and pestle
Optional: Charcoal grill

Method:
The day before you want to cook the eggplant:
1. You’ll need to strain the buttermilk, so start by lining a fine sieve with a cheesecloth — or you can use a Chux cloth (disposable dishcloth). Place this over a bowl that will fit in your fridge.
2. Season the buttermilk with salt and pepper and add half a teaspoon of crushed garlic. Pour this into the lined sieve and place it in the fridge overnight to strain the whey.

The day of cooking the eggplant:
1. The following day, transfer the curds still in the sieve to a piping bag.
2. Cook the quinoa according to packet instructions with a pinch of salt. Strain and spread the quinoa out on a kitchen towel. For best results, you can do this the night before so you allow the cooked quinoa to dry out slightly.
3. Bring ½ a cup of canola oil to a high temperature and ready a fine sieve and heatproof container to catch the oil. Add cooked quinoa to the hot oil and cook for 30 seconds to puff the seeds. Strain using the sieve and heatproof container and drain on kitchen paper until cool.
4. Toast the black peppercorns, cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in a pan until you can smell the aroma.
5. Lightly grind the seeds and pepper in a pestle and mortar, then combine with the roasted hazelnuts, sumac, and puffed quinoa. Season with salt and set aside.
6. Pierce eggplant with a knife then place on a hot skillet or, even better, a charcoal grill. Keep turning the eggplant every 3-4 minutes until soft and cooked through.
7. Transfer the eggplant to a serving dish and split it open to reveal the cooked steaming flesh. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Pipe the buttermilk curds into random spots of the eggplant and sprinkle the hazelnut mix over the top liberally. If you have any of the nut mix you can keep in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
8. Finish with the oregano leaves, some fresh bread, if you like and a good glass of Italian wine.

www.andiamoeatery.co.nz

Image credit: Luke Foley-Martin

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