We’re excited, because The Dusty Apron (known for some of Auckland’s most high-quality, delicious baked goods) opens a new retail arm of the business in East Auckland tomorrow.
Previously only available in wholesale form on the menus of well-known eateries like Homeland, Saint Alice, Soul Bar & Bistro and Park Hyatt Auckland’s restaurants, The Dusty Apron founder Paul ‘Dusty’ Leaming and his business partner Stephane Bleriot have opened Dusty’s Depot as a customer-facing shop for fans of their tasty treats — of which there are many.
Dusty himself is an ex-car mechanic-turned expert baker; he re-trained in New Zealand and San Francisco at the renowned San Francisco Baking Institute, before landing the role of head baker at Amano. He then moved on to set up The Dusty Apron as a commercial business two years ago, slotting into an empty former bakery in St Johns.
The demand for a retail outlet or cafe has been there for a long time, he says, but there has been no space to do it in — until now. Fortuitously, Dusty Depot’s location is only 100 metres up the road from the main bakery, in what used to be the old Simkin Ave dairy.
Dusty’s Depot is inspired by the French way of having a ‘depot de pain’ in a tiny village — essentially a shop that stocks freshly baked bread, delivered from the bakery in a nearby, larger village. Servicing and welcoming the locals, and making sure they’ve always got a place where they can get top quality goods without having to travel so far.
Dusty and his team of bakers — Nancy Au, Dan Wilson and Sophie Peters — supply the Depot with fresh loaves of bread, pastries and sandwiches each day, while Bleriot takes care of everything front of house. Ozone coffee is on hand to pair perfectly any of the baked goods.
From left: Dusty, Nancy Au and Dan Wilson
They’ll have all the classics like croissants and Danishes, and original treats like the ‘Moira cinnamon bun’, a decadent delight named after one of Dusty’s first bakers that started with him. For both Dusty and Stephane, an emphasis is placed on supporting and highlighting local suppliers and farmers, and making people feel welcome no matter who they are.
“We’ve got a real sense of community here”, says Dusty, who recognises the importance of there being high-quality offerings throughout wider neighbourhoods as well as in the central suburbs. “There are plenty of amazing eateries in the city, but just to be able to go into your backyard and get a fresh croissant and a coffee, is a really cool thing.”
Dusty’s Depot 44 Simkin Avenue, St Johns Opening Hours:
Thursday to Sunday, 8AM until sold out
Building a stylish autumn and winter wardrobe requires pieces that will offer protection against the elements, while complementing and elevating an array of cold weather ensembles. We dare say there is no outerwear garment as chic and versatile as a trench coat, and local label Dadelszen has given this perennial classic a luxurious update
The Stephanie trench coat — named in homage to iconic supermodel Stephanie Seymour — is rendered in a lightweight, supple lambskin, ideal for trans-seasonal wear as it is unlined. Featuring a notch lapel and detachable belt, the leather is subtly perforated throughout, lending a sports-luxe feel and breathable comfort.
The beautiful hazelnut tone of this coat is a more understated and uplifting alternative to black, more complimentary with a variety of skin tones and wearable with both neutrals and bold shades. The perfect sophisticated outer layer for over a T-shirt — we love Dadelszen’s unisex Brando cotton and cashmere version — the Tuscan silk shirt, or Aspen cable knit cashmere sweater on a chilly day.
For him, the cooler seasons are set to be just as stylish thanks to pieces like Dadelszen’s Perfecto biker jacket. Carrying all the key elements of a classic biker jacket, with a far sleeker silhouette, it is cut in deer leather by expert artisans and lined with silk.
From left: Dadelszen Langsford long sleeved tee; Dadelszen Perfecto biker jacket.
Everyone needs a reach-for layer, and the sell-out Langsford long-sleeved tee is back in shades of midnight blue, obsidian black and Nordic grey. Crafted from 70 percent cashmere and 30 percent, it’s an unbelievably soft wardrobe essential.
The Stephanie trench coat has arrived at Dadelszen’s showroom only recently, yet has been sprinting out the door. So, if you want to get your hands on this, and other timeless, exceptionally crafted pieces from a brand that specialises in made-to-last luxury, we suggest you make haste.
North Shore locals rejoice — celebrated brewery Brothers Beer has opened a new outpost in Birkenhead, and it’s an excellent place to park yourself for a pint and a selection of tasty eats. This is the sixth Brothers Beer & Juke Joint BBQ location in Auckland, following on from successful venues in the central city, plus Mount Eden, Ōrākei and Onehunga.
Located at 6 Rugby Road in a lovely neighbourhood area that overlooks the harbour, the main bar has taken up residence in a building with over 100 years of history (it was previously the Hellaby’s butchers that operated from 1912) and the renovated interior incorporates exposed timber beams and brickwork, while a new outdoor, all-weather glass conservatory has been added.
As for the beverage and culinary offering, there are 15 taps of Brothers Beer craft beer from the Mount Eden brewery, as well as a curated selection of wines, ciders, kombucha and cocktails. Juke Joint BBQ’s specialty is Southern Style cuisine, with a sharing menu featuring slow-cooked meats and vegetables, such as 14-hour smoked beef brisket, tender spiced lamb shoulder, and smoked and fried chicken.
With its large, sun-catching covered courtyard and comfortable interior, Brothers Beer & Juke Joint BBQ Birkenhead is family and dog-friendly, and is sure to be a popular addition to the area.
One of Auckland’s most prestigious and anticipated live auction events is making its way south, and it’s set to be an unmissable occasion for those with an eye for special pieces of utmost quality and provenance.
Hosted by premier auction house Webb’s, the auction will span the arts, decorative arts, fine jewels, watches and fine and rare wines categories, and will include some of the most exquisite pieces we have laid our eyes on.
The leading items will be auctioned at Arrowtown’s Millbrook Resort at 2:30PM on Sunday, 18th April, and these include works by celebrated artists Gordon Walters, Pat Hanly, Judy Rae and Max Gimblett; Ralph Hotere, Karl Maughan, Fiona Pardington and more.
If you aren’t going to be down south this weekend, it is also possible to both view the entire catalogue and bid online, or over the phone.
From left: Gordon Walters, Untitled (1978), 2018 screenprint on paper, 2/100 1055 x 805mm; Cartier Tank Solo Wristwatch; George Nakashima Conoid bench.
Among the selection of sought-after design items are pieces by George Nakashima and Pierre Jeanneret, while fans of exceptional jewellery and watches will delight in adornments from the likes of Cartier and Naveya & Sloane.
Bottles from revered makers like Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Ardbeg will also be available within the rare wines & whiskies selection, and all-in-all this auction will be an excellent opportunity for Queenstown to experience the superlative treasures represented by Webb’s, in the flesh.
A preview event for the auction will be held on Thursday, 15th April, from 6PM until 8PM, with auction viewings taking place on Friday, 16th April and Saturday, 17th April from 10AM until 4PM. A final viewing is scheduled for Sunday, 18th April from 10AM until 2PM, prior to the auction at 2:30PM. Find the full catalogue online here.
South, A Queenstown Auction Event by Webb’s Sunday, 18th April, 2:30PM Millbrook Resort 124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown 9371
Estimates for the items pictured above: Gordon Walters EST. $6,000 – $9,000 Cartier Tank Solo Wristwatch EST. $2,600 – $3,200 George Nakashima Conoid bench EST. $65,000 – $75,000
Just in time for the weather to cool and for us to start craving warming food and soul-nourishing activities, acclaimed Dominion Road restaurant Cazador has concocted a very attractive proposition indeed.
In collaboration with The Capitol Cinema, every Wednesday night this winter sees the Cazador team putting on their Movie Night Menu — three delicious courses to enjoy before soaking up some culture in the form of a film at The Capitol.
The menu will change regularly throughout the season, but currently diners can expect the likes of house-made charcuterie, followed by a grilled pork chop with romesco, spring onion and lemon, or a vegetarian option of coal-roasted cauliflower, kale, raisins, pine nuts and sumac. For dessert, dark chocolate and brandy mousse with candied orange and toasted nuts will be a perfectly decadent finish.
At only $50 per person for three exquisite courses and a movie, this offering is an absolute steal. Currently showing at The Capitol are several acclaimed films on our must-watch list such as Cousins, The Father, French Exit — plus, a selection of iconic films from the past including Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, The Birds and more.
So, next time you’re planning a date night or friendly catch-up, we suggest reserving yourself a seat at The Capitol, and a table at Cazador.
A symbol of effortless style, the slip-on Penny Loafer is more timeless and comfortable than it’s ever been. While it’ll serve you well for myriad occasions and with almost any ensemble year round, the loafer especially comes into its own in autumn and winter.
Able to be styled with socks or tights, trousers or skirts, dresses or denim, the loafer is the undisputed versatile shoe of choice for fashion-forward dressing in 2021, prioritising aesthetics without sacrificing comfort.
Eden Terrace often seems fairly off-the-radar when it comes to dining out, but the Uptown suburb, while compact, is overflowing with excellent food and drink offerings for any occasion and inclination. From legendary sandwiches to fine dining stalwarts, here are the places you should be eating in Eden Terrace.
From left: Coffee Pen; Benedict’s Cafe.
Start the day Coffee Pen This sweet cafe is tucked away down Basque Road, and has a cult following for its delicious cabinet food, excellent coffee and warm, welcoming atmosphere cultivated by owners Yasuji and Fumi Hisai. Pull up in the sunshine at one of the outdoor tables, and enjoy a delicious piece of cake or a tart with your hot drink.
Benedict’s Cafe Boasting an all-day menu filled with enticing dishes, Benedict’s Cafe (previously Benediction) on peaceful St Benedicts Street is a real gem. Owners Emma Zhao and Jay Yang have created dishes that often tie in tasty Korean flavours, like a kimchi pancake with tiger prawns, or a bulgogi beef bowl. They also offer some classic Kiwi brunch fare like bacon eggs Benedict (only fitting, given the location), and pancakes with berries and vanilla mascarpone.
Goodness Gracious This cafe and bagelry has three locations city-wide, and its Eden Terrace spot is always humming at brunchtime — on the weekends, especially. Peruse the large selection of New York-style grilled bagels with delicious sweet and savoury toppings, and get your caffeine hit with a cup of in-house roasted coffee.
From left: Mizu Bread; Hero Sandwich House.
Lush lunch options Hero Sandwich House It’s well-known that the maestroes at Hero Sandwich House are behind some of the best sandwiches in the city, and with good reason. From sourdough sammies filled with the likes of chicken, bacon jam and cheddar, or the Philly cheese steak roll, Hero’s offering will always have you walking out happier (and far more full) than when you went in.
Mizu Bread These guys also specialise in sandwiches, but they’re completely different to Hero’s. Mizu’s famed chicken katsu sandwich is a thing of beauty, with juicy pieces of crumbed chicken in teriyaki sauce, ensconced in cloud-like white milk bread. The egg sandwich is also unmissable, and it’d be rude not to indulge in one of Mizu’s delicious desserts.
Bian Sushi & Donburi You can’t beat a classic, and Bien Sushi never lets us down. Whether eating inside its humble, no-frills space or taking away, Bian’s sushi selection may not be as fancy as somewhere like &Sushi, but it’s always delicious all the same.
From left: Burger Geek; Ramen Do.
Easy dinner destinations Ramen Do Open for both lunch and dinner six days a week, Ramen Do’s bowls of warming noodles and broth are some of the best in the city. The Hokkaido Miso Ramen is the star of the show, featuring a complex and flavourful soup topped with pork, a jammy egg and some vegetables. They also do a selection of Donburi, with meat, fish and vegetarian options available, and tasty sides like gyoza dumplings and agedashi tofu.
Burger Geek The founders of this Symonds Street joint pride themselves on not taking any shortcuts when it comes to their burgers. Grinding their own, special blend of Wagyu and Angus beef each day, the proof is in the final, mouth-watering result. On the menu, find a variety of beef-based burgers, plus free-range chicken and a couple of vegetarian burgers. Hot Wings are also available, and some indulgent sides like jalapeno poppers, mac ‘n’ cheese balls and beer battered onion rings.
Kokoro Kitchen — 37 Symonds Street Another great sushi spot that also offers Donburi, Bento boxes, noodles like Udon, Ramen and Yakisoba, and more, Kokoro is open for both lunch and dinner. Fans of affordable, approachable Japanese fare will know that this eatery is the place to go.
From left: Forest’s fried feijoa dessert; Sid at the French Cafe.
Special occasion spots Sid at the French Cafe Eden Terrace’s collection of fine dining restaurants is impressive indeed, and Sid at the French Cafe is famed for its elevated fare and impeccable service. Whether you’re after a private dining room for an event, or are out to celebrate, this stalwart will ensure it’s an occasion to remember.
Kazuya A truly enduring presence on Symonds Street, Kazuya’s artful plates combine European and Japanese culinary traditions. Evening diners can choose a five-or-seven-course degustation, which will be presented with quiet ceremony rarely seen these days. Kazuya also has a less fine-dining but still tasty lunch offering from Thursday to Saturday, called Kozzy Ricebox — a fresh and tasty combination of vegetables, rice and your choice of protein, to takeaway.
Lillius.
Lillius Run by Fraser McCarthy and Shannon Vandy, Lillius is a modern fine dining restaurant with a focus on highlighting local growers and producers, and hyper-seasonal ingredients. The menu is ever-changing, which keeps things exciting, and there are both a la carte and tasting menus available — both of which are usually spectacular.
Forest Founded and run by innovative chef Plabita Florence, Forest is a plant-based experience unlike anything else in this city. Sourcing the majority of her ingredients locally, and aiming to minimize waste as much as possible, Florence does things with vegetables we’re sure you’ll have never seen before. For example: A dessert of fried feijoa rolled in feijoa skin sugar, with roast cauliflower and Earl Grey ice cream, popped caramel barley, and sorrel syrup.
Good for a brew Galbraith’s Alehouse Open every day, rain or shine, we love Galbraith’s for an easy and casual meeting place to grab a drink with friends. Fireplaces inside and out ensure it’s always cosy, the perfect, unpretentious place for a pint and a bowl of hot chips.
Model wears Sutcliffe Jewellery diamond tennis bracelets, Modern Love diamond bracelet, Sapphire Headliner blue sapphire and diamond ring, Artful Adornment black spinel ring and 16ct blue sapphire ring
The power of a well-chosen piece of jewellery to anchor or elevate an ensemble should not be overlooked. Consider the effect you wish to have — whether it be adding detail and dimension to a daytime look, or making an impact for after-dark dressing — and the perfect piece to help you achieve this. It might be a delicate necklace or a spectacular cocktail ring; sparkling diamonds or a bold statement stone.
Applying equal amounts of skill, expertise and a finely-honed eye for beauty to each piece, no matter how big or small, the team at Sutcliffe Jewellery know more than most about how important jewellery is for channelling a mood and capturing a moment. While Brent Sutcliffe’s pieces are undeniably, jaw-droppingly beautiful, they’re also versatile and are sure to be reached for time and time again.
Consider the following suggestions, a reminder to never forget the final step: essential jewels for every occasion.
Day A fine necklace like this sweet butterfly pendant from the Blossom by Sutcliffe range, would be a never-take-off staple piece to accentuate a daytime ensemble. It is also beautiful when layered with other necklaces and pendants.
Night Allow an elegant, sophisticated bracelet to catch the light during an evening soirée or dinner. This divine Diamond Trail tennis bracelet comprises a handcrafted, 18-carat white gold chain that grasps a collection of brilliant cut white diamonds. Effortlessly aligning itself to the wrist, it comes together in the bow of a pear-shaped diamond clasp.
Glam An occasion that denotes more than the regular soupçon of glamour, calls for something utterly breathtaking. The Azores ring certainly fits that mould, an emerald and tsavorite garnet bouquet, handcrafted as all Sutcliffe’s pieces are. A 4-carat, cushion-cut emerald sits on a masterful setting for maximum presence, amidst a bed of brilliant cut diamonds and tsavorite garnets.
Any beauty look is only as good as the tools you’re working with. Whether it’s fluttery, lengthened lashes you’re after, or high-octane volume, there’s a mascara brush that is designed especially for each desired effect.
Volumising Kevyn Aucoin Indecent Mascara This recent release from Kevyn Aucoin is designed to improve the appearance of eyelash density, leaving lashes looking defined, voluminous and lusciously full. It also contains lash-enhancing ingredients in an aim to promote healthy eyelash growth, improving even no-makeup days.
Lengthening Hourglass Unlocked™ Instant Extensions Mascara This no-smudge tubing mascara is your ticket to ultra-long lashes. Clever technology coats each lash from root to tip, separating and lengthening while staying put all day — and sliding off effortlessly with just warm water to remove.
Separating Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Mascara This cult favourite is a must for easily defined and separated lashes. Long-wearing, non-flaking and dramatic, you’ll have people convinced there’s some enhancement going on beyond just a great mascara.
Curling Dior Beauty Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara Offering ultimate volume and curl, this curved mascara brush will help open up the eyes and distribute pigment easily from root to tip. Designed for all types of lashes, from short and straight to long and sparse, the formula is enriched with cotton nectar to promote stronger, shinier lashes. Available from Dior Perfume & Beauty Boutique at Commercial Bay.
Statement Shiseido Controlled Chaos MascaraInk A coloured mascara is more wearable than you might think. This sapphire shade from Shiseido is particularly striking with brown eyes, while the purple will make green eyes pop. Wear alone or layer over a coat of black mascara to tone it down.
Hard-to-reach lashes Lancôme Grandiose Mascara Crafted to give unprecedented access to even the smallest lashes, Lancôme’s Grandiose Mascara has a cleverly designed (and trademarked) swan-neck™ wand. The waterproof formula contains less waxes to help it stay put all day, and the elastomer moulded brush will allow for an even deposit of product.
Auckland has welcomed a new eatery that is bringing a taste of Greece to the bustling streets of Ponsonby. Named Daphnes Taverna, the new opening comes courtesy of Clare and Joost van den Berg, the well-known restaurateurs behind Odettes Eatery and Hugo’s Bistro (which they sold in 2019).
Having spent a blissful four months travelling around Greece in pre-Covid times, the van den Bergs were inspired to harness the philosophy and cuisine of the richly-historic country and its islands, filling a gap in the local culinary offering in the process.
With its high, vaulted ceilings, painted brick walls, varied lighting and eye-catching art, the space makes you feel instantly at home as soon as you sit down, with a purposeful eclecticism that feels comfortable yet polished. Clare utilised her years of interior design experience to curate the space, aiming to create the vibe of a fun, Greek-style family gathering for each and every diner.
Daphnes’ head chef is Anna Weir, formerly of Odettes and Amano, who designed a modern Greek menu inspired by this family-style sensibility, with a range of small, mid-sized and larger sharing plates that span light snacks and more substantial dishes.
Olives, pita breads and dips like taramosalata, melitzanosalata (Greek eggplant dip) and hummus introduce the offering, snacky plates to complement one of Daphnes’ moreish house cocktails. A selection of ‘mezedes’ follow, including the likes of saganaki (fried cheese) with fermented honey and oregano; spinach and feta Spanakopita; smoked Warehou fish cakes; and kingfish lakerda, a pickled fish dish served with labne and fermented chilli.
There’s whole flounder with capers and tomatoes, and a lamb shoulder to be shared between groups; a range of souvlaki, or skewers, sees octopus, ox tongue, eggplant, chicken and more given the charcoal treatment. A selection of vegetable dishes is also on hand to freshen up the spread, with a succinct offering of desserts including baklava and katoumari, a kind of sweet pie, with blueberries and honey.
With seemingly the whole town abuzz with word of this new opening, we have no doubt Daphnes Taverna will be a sought-after spot for anyone keen on a lively atmosphere and tasty, modern-Greek fare.
Opening hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5PM — Late Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11:30AM — Late Saturday: 11:30AM — Late Sunday: 11:30AM — 3PM
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