More often than not, the food on our plate informs the drink we have alongside it. Whether that’s a crisp glass of white with fresh fish or a cold beer to wash down a burger. Yet rarely do we see the food on offer responding to our drink of choice… Which is why we’re so excited for this upcoming dinner at one of the city’s most exquisite restaurants.
At the beginning of next month, Jervois Road fine dining institute, Paris Butter, will play host to Andrea Marseglia and Sarah Mitchell from Napier’s renowned cockatil bar, Teresa, for a cocktail-centric dinner. Despite serving some of the most inspired tipples in the country, Teresa has remained somewhat under the radar until recently, only known by locals and those in the know seeking inspiration. Now, the cocktail bar is quickly gaining notoriety and was recently nominated as one of the Top 10 New International Cocktail Bars by Tales of the Cocktail.
So in forging an entanglement between food and beverage, it made sense for Paris Butter to team up with these rising cocktail stars to create a one-night-only four-course cocktail dinner experience of epic proportions. Diners can expect to see the level of execution typically delivered by the Paris Butter kitchen, with dishes that respond to the produce of the day, finished with a little culinary creativity from the incredibly talented chefs. And, of course, the cocktails promise to be nothing short of marvellous.
Dinner on Tuesday the 9th of August is now sold out but luckily for you, they have added an extra night, Wednesday the 10th of August. The set menu will be $160 a head for four courses plus matching cocktails. Reservations are essential and are available now.
Much to my great delight, this Sunday is International Self Care Day, and you best believe that I will be spending every moment indulging in the name of this great holiday and treating my body to the love and care it desperately deserves (and is craving) right now.
If self-care is a new concept for you or something that you’ve forgotten to embrace of late, here’s a little inspiration. Self care is at the core of Spring Spa’s ethos, so in my experience, it’s the perfect place to mark the occasion. These three treatments are the ideal starting point, and a great way to while away these rainy days in my eyes. (If you’re feeling exceedingly indulgent, treat yourself to all three.)
LED Light Treatment Amid new and innovative techniques, LED is a treatment I will often return to time and time again, as it genuinely, noticeably works. For those new to light treatments, the concentrated waves found in UV have abundant healing properties, determined by the colour used — each addressing a specific skin concern. Red light, for instance, has been proven incredibly effective in anti-aging, and blue light is known to break down acne-causing bacteria for noticeable results. And on top of the healing prowess, a session under warm light is ultimately so relaxing and rejuvenating.
Balinese Massage While many of our friends are once again venturing to the beautiful tropical paradise of Bali for holidays, and we’re left watching from rainy home, there is a little Balinese paradise to be found in Auckland too. Spring Spa’s Balinese Massage is a return to the spa’s roots, where therapists embrace traditional Indonesian healing rituals for 60- or 90-minutes of complete, utter bliss. This massage style relaxes tension areas using long flowing strokes and pressure point therapy, leaving you limber and considerably less tense, but the experience is a comfortable, enjoyable one.
Emma Lewisham Regenerative Facial Shining a light on considered skincare, this Emma Lewisham facial is the first 100% clean and natural treatment on offer, designed to nourish the skin’s microbiome at every level. This 60-minute treatment delivers high doses of vitamin C, antioxidants, and gentle vitamin A, making good on its promise of addressing pigmentation and restoring the glow and even tone of your complexion. When we consider self-care, this is just what it should feel like.
When Bar Magda opened the doors to its Cross Street basement restaurant, we weren’t sure what to expect. But reimagined into one of the city’s best dining destinations, courtesy of Carlo Buenaventura’s tasteful vision, it is a place that has become one of our weekly go-tos, which is why were were understandably excited to hear about the arrival of its delicious new menu.
Offering dishes that are still grounded in Buenaventura’s roots — a considered and elevated take on classic Filipino foods — this seasonal overhaul offers a refreshing take on the freshest, local produce. From rich, interesting flavours to unique takes on classic dishes, Bar Magda’s new menu proves why this inner-city spot has become so popular.
So, when you next visit (and trust me, you should do so soon), be sure to order one of these utterly delicious dishes with a side of anything else that takes your fancy.
Barbecue octopus with almond satti, preserved kohlrabi and whipped duck fat Perhaps the most divine dish on the menu, this Filipino take on octopus is refined yet authentic. Served hot and fresh, the almost vinegary preserved kohlrabi clashes perfectly with the almond satti — a sauce related to the Indonesian satay, yet distinct in its taste and presentation. Let this dish be your introduction to the greatness that follows.
Braised beef short rib with sauce Paitum and roti If Bar Magda is known for one thing, it is its inspired execution of simplicity. The braised beef short rib is the most outstanding example of this, so tender and practically falling off the bone and topped with a sauce that only heightens the natural flavours. Of course, a healthy side of flaky roti is needed to mop up any extra.
Purple kumara with clover honey soy, goats cheese and Szechuan pickled beetroot Served cold, this dish pays homage to childhood memories with a subtle Filipino take. A classic combination of honey and soy meets a sweeter honey and goat’s cheese, paired with gorgeous seasonal root vegetables. It is a side that could easily be flavoursome enough for a main, and it is one that you shouldn’t go without.
If you have idle hands this winter and an abundance of beet greens, or want to create a meal the whole family can participate in, look no further than Pici’s Orecchiette with silverbeet, chilli, garlic and anchovies. The popular K’ Road Italian eatery — pronounced pea-chee — has shared its simply delicious seasonal recipe, which is made in two parts. The most important, the hand-made orecchiette, is a ‘piccolo’ pasta that’s name means ‘little ear’ in its native tongue. And, we can attest, it’s oddly satisfying rolling these tasty morsels into shape. Practice makes perfect, and there is a video on Pici’s Instagram highlight reels to show you the technique for the recipe below.
Orecchiette with Silverbeet, Chilli, Garlic & Anchovies Recipe
Ingredients: Orecchiette 500g semolina 250ml hot water
Pasta sauce 130 ml extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp chilli flakes 7 garlic cloves, finely sliced 3 anchovies 1 large bunch of silverbeet, roughly chopped 1 lemon Salt, to taste
Method: Part one:Make the orecchiette 1. Pour semolina on a flat surface and make a well in the centre. 2. Slowly add water a little at a time while mixing together. 3. Once combined, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and firm. 4. Wrap in a reusable plastic bag and rest for 1 hour. 5. After the dough has rested, slice and roll into cylinders. Then cut the cylinders into even, small sections. 6. Now to make the pasta shape. Take one piece and hold the knife at a 45-degree angle to your workbench and press and roll to make the shape of a small ear. 7. It will take a few to get the hang of it and it might be ugly, but that’s okay! Keep practising. 8. Sprinkle your orecchiette with semolina and set aside.
Part two:Silverbeet, chilli, garlic sauce 1. In a cold pan add your extra virgin olive oil, chilli flakes and sliced garlic. 2. Cook on low-to-medium heat until garlic is golden. Keep stirring and do not burn. 3. Once garlic is golden add a splash of water and the anchovies. Cook and stir in until dissolved then set aside. 4. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. 5. Season with salt to taste. (Very important.) 6. Boil silverbeet for 4 minutes then place in the pan with the garlic mixure. 7. Add orecchiette to the pot of boiling water and stir. (Use the same water you cooked the silverbeet in.) 8. Wait for them to float and then cook for a further 2 minutes. 9. Scoop out the orecchiette and add into the silverbeet pan with half a cup of the pasta water. 10. Bring to the boil while stirring and reduce to your preferred sauce thickness. 11. Taste and season with lemon and salt. 12. Plate and enjoy!
Pici Tip: If you’ve never made orecchiette before, it might take 5, 10 or even 20 times to get the hang of it. Our advice is to take your time, enjoy the process and do what feels right to you.
The final week of school holidays can mean scrambling by parents desperately trying to keep boredom at bay. Because once you’ve exhausted the museum and art gallery trips, excursions to parks, playdates with friends and visits to local cafes for fluffies and treats, a sense of fatigue can set in, something that can only be remedied by a place that caters to the whole family (parents included).
Enter Live Wire’s new Birkenhead Super Park. Opening as New Zealand’s largest entertainment centre, this thrilling spot in Highbury Mall offers a foam pit, rock climbing, a trampoline park, an inflatable world, endless arcade games, luxury curling and bowling alleys and glow-in-the-dark lazer tag, instantly making it the ultimate destination for kids with energy to burn.
But that isn’t all that it offers. Local hospitality veterans, The Fraser Brothers, have come on board to create a comprehensive food and drink offering across three, in-house venues that provide a range of delicious options for parents who just want to put their feet up.
From Three Brothers, a lunch and dinner spot with a menu boasting classic burgers, fried chicken, pizza and tasty sides (officially open from midday tomorrow), to Ollie’s Parlour, a bar serving beers, GH Mumm Champagne, cocktails and mocktails, to George’s Gelato, the perfect dessert drop-in, there truly is something for everyone.
To celebrate the opening of this epic new entertainment destination, we are giving away an experience for six people worth $600. Including an all-access pass as well as lunch (or dinner) with drinks for adults and kids at Three Brothers, this giveaway is the perfect opportunity to sample everything that Live Wire’s new Birkenhead spot has to offer.
To enter the competition, head to our Instagram. T&Cs apply. This giveaway is now closed.
When it comes to everyday dressing, particularly at this time of year, a collection of elevated basics is essential for making every outfit look effortless. Now, as we all examine our shopping habits in a bid to buy things that will last more than one season, there’s never been a better time to focus on wardrobe foundations — layering pieces that will stand you in good sartorial stead.
No matter what your individual style is, a pair of classic denim jeans, some simple knitwear or a utilitarian jacket will take the hassle out of everyday dressing and give your looks a slick edge. Want to build a truly timeless wardrobe? These are the essential pieces you need.
From the left: Crazy mix leather denim blousonfrom Louis Vuitton, Military Jacket from Workshop, Wool trousers from Gucci.
From the left: New Stretch denim jeans from Prada, Kurow cable turtleneck sweater from Bonz, Suede Harrington Jacket from Burberry, Suede jacket and chino pants from Dadelszen.
Honestly, there is never a better time to head to the movies than winter. It’s a chance to shake obligations to laborious occasions in favour of cosy nights spent with a bucket of popcorn, losing yourself in the comfort and novelty of it all. In anticipation of the New Zealand International Film Festival arriving in Auckland later this month, we’ve been getting ourselves all kinds of excited for the movies — and we think you should too.
This year, the impressive programme returns to the big screen for the first time since pre-pandemic, and the 74–title strong line-up definitely makes up for lost time. Living up to its reputation as the country’s premiere film festival, it brings titles direct from Cannes, Sundance and other major festivals, allowing New Zealand audiences access to some of the most talk-about films in the world right now.
While we would truly love to go to every film, we recognise that it’s not feasible for most, so we’ve taken the time to go through the progremme and present the titles of 2022 that we think simply cannot be missed.
Aftersunby Charlotte Wells Should you find yourself with a sense of déjà vu, it is likely because of Normal People’s Paul Mezcal’s inimitable talents gracing your screen once more. Aftersun is an evocative 90s story that explores the notions of nostalgia and tenderness. Dancing on the relationship between father and daughter, the emotional narrative depicts the reality of post-divorce parenting for many. Through a collation of flashbacks, home videos and memories, it shows how important moments in our lives play out to the inevitable end.
Closeby Lukas Dhont After coming home with the Cannes 2022 Grand Prix award (shared with Stars at Noon), the Lukas Dhont memoir-inspired film is a firm frontrunner in our eyes. Deeply reminiscent of the friendships of yesteryear, the director considers the fragility of teenage bonds and how they may translate to the outside world. Close is the result of honest direction and spectacular performance, in a film that reaches out to lonely hearts.
Gloriavaleby Fergus Grady & Noel Smyth One of our country’s greatest fascinations is that of Gloriavale. Just how this ‘community’ came to such prominence on the outskirts of the West Coast and its role in our collective understanding of cults and Christianity poses more questions than answers. Yet in this documentary, premiering at this year’s NZIFF, Gloriavale gets the close-up that it desperately needs, thanks to the determined vision of Noel Smyth and Fergus Grady, who follow a surviving family as they re-pave their way into South Island society.
Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Songby Dan Geller & Dayna Goldfine Perhaps the most iconic tale of rejection is Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’; a song initially rejected from an album that, against all odds, became one of the most famous songs in the world. That ‘Hallelujah’ was inextricably linked with the story of Cohen’s life is explored in this film that dives into the artist’s legacy in a beautiful, compelling and emotional piece of work.
A House Made Of Splintersby Simon Lereng Wilmont A confronting reality for Ukrainians, yet one we feel somewhat removed from in our safe corner of the world, Simon Lereng Wilmont’s Sundance award-winning documentary is an intimate and gut-wrenching observation of children housed in a refuge. Filmed in pre-war Ukraine, what we now know about the tragedy consuming this part of the world makes the tale all the more confronting, but all the more essential.
Stars At Noonby Claire Denis In perhaps the most realistic interpretation of Pretty Woman, the second winner of Cannes’ Grand Prix has been described as a ‘slow-motion erotic thriller’. The film features the rising talents of Margaret Qualley and Conversations With Friends’ Joe Alwyn, where Qualley’s Trish, a journalist moonlighting as a sex worker stranded in Nicaragua, provides one of the most addictive and confronting performances we’ve been promised in some time.
New Zealand International Film Festival’s Auckland dates run from Thursday the 28th of July until Sunday the 7th of August. More locations throughout the country, dates and the full programme can be found online.
It might surprise you to hear that there is no universal standard when it comes to the right shade of white to use in your home. In fact, it takes a trained eye and a honed sensibility to execute white walls and finishes that don’t make a space feel cold or uninviting. Here, the experts at Shelley Ferguson Studio have used a light neutral palette of Resene Blanc on the walls, ceilings and fixtures of this home, transforming it into a sophisticated sanctuary for its busy owners, and creating a warm, textural quality in the process.
Wanting to avoid bright white tones, the designers utilised different strengths of Resene Blanc to imbue softness instead and showcase the home’s special materiality. Rockcote plaster in Resene Blanc was used to achieve a cohesive look and built-in lacquered cabinetry was treated to coats of Resene Half Blanc, while Resene Blanc was also used on the dining area bar to match the room’s moodier vibe.
Elsewhere, Resene Quarter Blanc was used on the ceilings, walls and trims to minimise the number of hard lines throughout the home and achieve a seamless finish. The same neutral tone was also used on all the doors and frames, with finishes altered for practicality. (Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen on the walls, Resene SpaceCote Flat on the ceilings and easy-to-clean Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss on the architraves, doors and window frames).
Even the bathrooms were made to tie in tonally with the living spaces, where Resene Kitchen & Bathroom paint in Resene Quarter Blanc ensured a consistent aesthetic.
A masterclass in how neutrals can be deployed in different ways, Shelley Ferguson Studio’s clever use of this versatile Resene palette has resulted in a calm, chic home that offers an escape from the busyness of everyday life and proves the power of considered colour.
Diamonds might be forever, but nothing feels as personal or as eye-catching as a coloured stone. Promising to add depth and dimension to any precious jewellery collection, coloured stones are finding favour with collectors seeking some pizzazz from their most special pieces, and nowhere does them quite like Sutcliffe Jewellery.
Whether your tastes lie with an eye-catching emerald or with something more along the lines of a ruby or an aquamarine, Sutcliffe Jewellery offers a variety of beautifully-designed, unique pieces in a wide range of stones and configurations. (Hardly surprising given its reputation for offering some of the highest-quality gems and most sought-after craftsmanship in Auckland.) Recognising the power of a coloured stone, Sutcliffe’s range proves how opting for bold tones will deliver personality to your jewllery collection and ensure that every piece you buy is truly a reflection of you.
So, the next time you think about investing in a new piece, be it a pair of earrings, a stunning pendant or a cocktail ring, consider a visit to Sutcliffe. There, you will be able to peruse the comprehensive collections or speak to one of the experts about creating something bespoke. Whatever your taste, it’s time to swap out straight diamonds for something a little more fun.
Right: A divine love peach morganite rose gold earrings, I see fire morganite and diamond earrings.
From left: Bow Beauty 14.41-carat, Essence 9.44ct cushion shaped emerald and diamond ring, cushion cut, aquamarine and diamond ring, Heaven Shines 1.28ct, Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring.
You can judge the evolution of a city by its rooftop bars. This elevated style of watering hole is a native breed of the busy metropolis, a necessary hideaway that rises above the fray with views that remind us of the beauty to be found in a concrete jungle. Because as you sit on top of a building, cocktail in hand, watching the sun fall below an urban skyline, you know that you are part of something bigger than yourself, something truly cosmopolitan, and the city feels full of potential again.
So, it is with great excitement that we unveil Auckland’s newest rooftop bar, Sunset, a sleek, elegant space nestled on the top floor of the Sudima Hotel, and the latest in a raft of rooftop hospitality taking happy hour to new heights.
Inspired by rooftop bars around the world and created with a desire to celebrate the unique beauty of Auckland’s metropolis, Sunset was designed as a place to which us city-dwellers could escape after a long day. Here, satiating drinks and tasty food collide in a sumptuous setting designed by the renowned team at CTRL Space, who paired inviting pastel shades and tactile touches of timber, tiles and stone with curved ceiling details and banquettes — a nod to the 1970s although with a distinctly contemporary feel. And despite it being divided into various indoor seating zones and a sweeping outdoor terrace, Sunset offers unobstructed views across Westhaven and the Waitematā to Ponsonby and the Waitākere ranges, from wherever you decide to park up.
Beyond its spectacular good-looks, Sunset has some serious culinary grunt behind it, too, driven by a team of industry-leading creatives helmed by creative consultant, Andrew Glenn (founder of The Oyster Inn). “Sunset is a 21st-century version of a ‘literary salon’ of sorts,” Glenn tells us, “it is a chic place to meet, mingle, exchange and enjoy, with a fantastic backdrop of the city’s glittering lights after dark… stylish but not pretentious, contemporary yet comfortable.”
The unique bar offering has been designed by Dana Johnston (founder of iconic bars like 1885, 46 & York and Pineapple on Parnell) and Mikey Ball (globally sought-after consultant and former head bartender of award-winning London bars Milk & Honey and Dandelyan) and comprises a seasonal menu of exceptionally-delicious bespoke cocktails alongside a comprehensive and eclectic wine list (directed by Simon Kelly) with vintages that span New Zealand, South Africa, Lebanon, France and more.
The menu is also the result of a collaboration, seeing Executive Chef Harmeet Singh Nanda (also behind the Sudima’s ground-floor restaurant, East) team up with Maximus Perry and Samson Stewart (the duo behind Christchurch restaurant, 5th Street), to create dishes inspired by the Mumbai street food of the chef’s childhood, reimagined with more global flavours. (Think sliders with potato hash, plum chutney, feta and coriander, or lamb skewers with Clevedon buffalo curd or koftas with whipped garlic toum, white onion and parsley salad.)
And if all this wasn’t enticing enough, DJ Cam Robertson (founder of Paris is Burning) has come on board to create the ultimate sundowner soundtrack — drawing on his vast international experience to curate mood-enhancing music and offer DJ Sunset Sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. (Don’t miss the legendary Nathan Haines and Jaimie Webster-Haines as they takeover Sunset Sessions on the 30th of July and the 6th of August.)
Open now, the timely arrival of Sunset points to the ways in which Auckland is growing up. A highly-considered offering befitting of the bustling, international metropolis this city is becoming, Sunset is the perfect inner-city spot to escape to at the end of a long week, and is exactly where you’ll find us this weekend.
Opening hours: Thursday – Saturday, 4pm until late.
Sunset
10th floor, Sudima Auckland City Hotel
63-67 Nelson Street
Auckland
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