Meet Schapiro’s: Auckland’s American-style sports bar, where good food and great atmosphere collide

PHOTOS Jono Parker | 20 Apr 2022

It is undeniable that New Zealanders love sports. Our teams and players are held in the highest regard and our game-watching rituals are nothing less than sacrosanct. For many in fact, an afternoon spent in front of a game with a cold drink and some delicious food is damn near a religious experience. And until now, Aucklanders haven’t really had somewhere to enjoy this holy trifecta in one place.

Meet Schapiro’s, Auckland’s new dedicated sports bar in Eden Terrace, and the place we’re predicting will become the busiest spot in town. Opened by Otis Schapiro (co-owner of and head chef at Lilian) Schapiro’s is filling a gap in the local hospitality scene by offering a classic, American-style sports bar experience — complete with sports memorabilia, large screens that will play all the most important games and fights as they happen and a delicious, diner-style menu, suited to every taste..

“I grew up in the US with a sports nut for a father, so an obsession with sports has been ingrained in me for as long as I can remember,” Otis Schapiro tells me. “I’ve spent a lot of time in sports bars in the US and the atmosphere they provide is something New Zealand has never really seen.” For Schapiro, who has spent years working in hospitality both here and overseas, his namesake bar has been a long time coming. “I’ve been thinking about this for the last 15 years… I wanted to create the type of place where people can come for classic, well-executed food and drinks and stay for the one-of-a-kind atmosphere… when there’s a big game or a big fight on, it’s crazy.”

And for anyone who might not be enticed to Schapiro’s by the sports element alone (or who knows they’ll end up there because of their significant others), it has been designed as a place that everyone can enjoy.

On the menu (designed by Schapiro himself) expect delicious burger-joint-style food but done with an elevated, gastro-pub feel, and plenty of lighter options. Think classic burgers, fried chicken and St. Louis pork ribs alongside radicchio salad, whole flat fish and steamed mussels. There are 12 regularly-rotating beers on tap as well as a comprehensive wine and cocktail list to boot.

Inside, Schapiro’s speaks to its sports-bar nature via various pieces of memorabilia and a decidedly sporty neon, but its fit-out overall (conceived by Millé and executed by Eru Ramsay) is tasteful and understated. Custom timber cabinetry by Blanc Industries (who also did the cabinetry at Lilian) lends the space a warmth, while a simple colour palette makes it feel sleek and elegant (even when packed with enthusiastic fans).

So, whether you are a die-hard sports fan or just sports-fan-adjacent, Schapiro’s’ tasty food, great drinks and exciting, buzzing atmosphere is promising to make it Auckland’s new go-to spot. We suggest getting in there early.

Opening hours:
Tuesday – Sunday, 11:30am until late
Closed Monday

Schapiro's

224 Symonds Street
Eden Terrace, Auckland

www.schapirossportsbar.co.nz

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Double down on denim with the blue-jean looks our editors are loving

20 Apr 2022

Never has there been a fabric that has managed to transcend seasons and styles as seamlessly as denim. And while cuts and colours may change more frequently than you wash your favourite pair of jeans, fashion’s hardest working fabric has been renewed once again via runways and street style icons, just in time for winter.

While skinny jeans remain on the out, high-rise straight-leg shapes are very much in, such as Re/Done’s iconic 90s High Rise Loose Fit and St. Agni’s Mid Rise Wide Leg (jeans that will take you from day to night with ease).

Y2K trends are at the forefront yet again, with denim becoming the handbag material of choice, adorning quintessential styles like Balenciaga’s Hourglass, Louis Vuitton’s Loop Bag and Saint Laurent’s Puffer Bag.

With the inclusion of classic jackets from Gucci, pinafore-style dresses from Prada and sneakers from Dior, there’s never been a better time to embrace your inner blue jean baby and add a little more denim to your closet.

Clockwise from top left: 90s High Rise Loose Jeans by Re/Done from Workshop, Hourglass Bag from Balenciaga, Denim Dress with Horsebit from Gucci, DENIM COCOON SLEEVE MINI DRESS from Scanlan Theodore, WALK’N’DIOR SNEAKER from Dior, Ecowashed Denim wide brim hat from Gucci, Oversized Vintage Denim jacket by Acne Studios from Workshop.

Clockwise from top left: Denim Mini Dress from Prada, Denim Bucket Hat from Prada, Denim Mini Skirt from Wardrobe NYC, Loop Bag from Louis Vuitton, Mid Rise Wide Leg Jean by St.Agni from Muse, VLogo denim slingback pumps by Valentino from Mytheresa, GG Denim Jacket from Gucci, Puffer Bag from Saint Laurent.

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Forget reserving art for the walls, Bonham’s foray into functional art will change how you look at homewares

19 Apr 2022

Chairs are no longer solely for sitting in, and art isn’t exclusive to walls. Where modernity lies is in collaboration with both art form and functionality; a way to transform seemingly mundane essentials like lighting fixtures or dressers into pieces that tell the story of a room.

When it comes to functional art, there are few studios that curate it better than Bonham. Revered for their exquisite forms, sculptural furniture and fine & functional art, the focus of the brand looks to interior design and how to break away from the norm — a value that Bonham has long retained as an architecture and interiors studio.

Pearl Cabinet by Aguirre Design, Arp Lamp Mini by Roark Modern.

Earlier this year Bonham Group, one of the leading architecture and interiors teams across New Zealand and Australia, launched Bonham Art & Design. Through Bonham Group’s existing network, they have been able to build long-standing relationships with some of the most sought-after designers and artists in the world. And in this evolution of the brand, the curators are exclusively bringing the world’s best luxury furniture, fine and functional art to the Australasian market for the first time through their new online platform and nearly-ready gallery space, with a roster of 35 internationally recognised artists and designers.

As far as functional art is concerned, some of Bonham’s most captivating pieces on offer include Sylvan S.F’s Balloon Dog Dry Bar — a nod to artists past — and J McDonald’s Terrace Mirror — a piece we are currently coveting. Here, functional art refers to larger objects like sideboards and sofas, or smaller additions like lamps and mirrors. Just like more traditional artworks, these objects are an investment that inherently become family heirlooms — it’s not until the object arrives in your home that it’s story truly begins.

By definition, functional art refers to aesthetic objects that serve a utilitarian purpose. It’s a medium of art that doesn’t discriminate or exclude, which can inspire creative genius and embraces the fluidity of both art and industrial design.

While not always serving a clear-cut purpose, the adornment of art-like attributes to furnishings (and vice versa) adds personality and narrative to a space, alongside simply providing the owner with a point of difference — an element that makes their home truly unique. Bonham Art & Design was imagined with a singular purpose; offering clientele a unique take on furnishing the home — one that escapes trends and will remain sought after for decades to come.

Terrace Mirror by J McDonald, Habitat Seductive by Eelco Hilgersom.

Ultimately, this foray into functional art was a natural fit for The Bonham Group, which has always looked holistically at how architectural development, interior design, fine art and luxury furnishings all come together to create elevated environments.

Those seeking Bonham’s coveted offerings across the country will be pleased to discover that there will be a more permanent presence in Arrowtown, coming soon, and the online gallery is now open to shop at your pleasure.

gallery.bonhamgroup.com

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Enjoy the city’s best pizza fritta at the under-the-radar pop-up you need to know about

19 Apr 2022

Try as we might, we can’t seem to escape the chokehold that divine Mediterranean food has on us all. Would it be a bad thing to admit that perhaps we don’t even want to? Seeking any excuse under the sun for a taste of carb-loaded, cheesy delights (paired with a good wine of course) has led us to the discovery of an under-the-radar food outfit that is serving some of the most delicious Italian-inspired food we have ever tried.

Passa Passa is an ode to Italian food done authentically, with a zest for marrying traditional flavours with modern fare. The trouble is, while regularly serving its handmade pasta and pizza fritta (which has quickly gained a cult following), you won’t ever find Passa Passa in the same place. It operates as a pop-up restaurant, taking over the kitchens of cafes across Auckland and this Saturday it is popping up once again, offering a chance to sample its tasty menu from the comfort of Kingsland local, Garage Project (from 12pm).

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A post shared by Passa Passa (@passa.passanz)

The menu changes weekly, and this week Passa Passa is dishing up crispy cacio e pepe arancini alongside its famed pizza fritta, served with either fior de latte, mortadella and caramelised onions, or hot honey, confit garlic mushrooms and gremolata. The team behind Passa Passa are no strangers to inspired Italian street food, having run pop-ups as far afield as Waiheke, and thanks to their skills in the kitchen they’re quickly becoming a weekend go-to for gourmands across the city.

But with growing popularity comes burgeoning crowds, and while Passa Passa is still a relative newcomer, dishes have been known to run out the door in weeks past. Our advice? Get in there quick before the menu sells out.

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Make the most of oyster season with this unmissable deal at a Princes Wharf stalwart

19 Apr 2022

One of our favourite Princes Wharf eateries is ensuring that no one need miss out on their share of tasty seasonal oysters. Having recently added $3 oysters to its seafood-centric menu, The Crab Shack is the place you’ll find us for after-work drinks.

With Bluffie season in full swing, and juicy morsels from other parts of New Zealand taking over as our go-to dish alongside a crisp glass of wine, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of The Crab Shack’s exceptional offer. And while the ‘best oyster in the world’ has become even more rare and rarified due to difficult conditions recently — including a New Moon and high tides — even when the coveted Bluffies aren’t available, we still think this is one of the best oyster deals in town.

There is a catch, of course. The $3 oysters are only available between 4pm and 7pm each day, but we think that makes them the perfect appetiser for a sunset overlooking the water, and the ideal precursor to dinner and drinks in town.

Other happy hour offerings from The Crab Shack include $5 wines, half-price tap beers and $10 cocktails. That’s not to look past the daily $15 lunch specials and the family favourite, kids eat for free on Sundays. If you haven’t pulled up a seat at The Crab Shack recently, consider this a timely reminder to do so, STAT.

The Crab Shack

Shed 22 Princes Wharf,
Auckland CBD

www.crabshack.co.nz

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Considering an anti-wrinkle injectable? Did you know there is more than one option available? Here are some that should be on your list

19 Apr 2022

For many of us, a well-rounded skincare routine can be one that includes cosmetic procedures like injectables. Often utilised to give the impression of a more youthful appearance, what previously may have been an area of beauty that was kept under wraps has never been more open — and accepted.

Globally, the demand for fillers and injectables is on the rise, with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reporting an 8.6 percent increase in non-surgical injectables in 2019. The most commonly used of these is, unsurprisingly, botulinum toxin, with the society reporting 6,271,488 procedures carried out across over 15 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Russia and Japan (this includes both women and men).

While these statistics for the last couple of years will undoubtedly have been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, anecdotally the demand for non-surgical treatments like anti-wrinkle injectables is widely reported to be thriving. Some interesting and previously unexpected factors have influenced the conversation.

Many of us are spending more time on Zoom and FaceTime than ever before and as a possible result, we may have grown more accustomed than we’d probably like to all the nuances of our faces, including those we’re not too fond of.

When it comes to the formulation of botulinum toxin products, all of these are effective, but there are differences on how they are made and their protein content. What many people might not know, is that resistance can form against these products, through the development of antibodies against the toxin proteins. Increasing therapeutic evidence and published clinical research show that some of the risk factors which influence the build up of resistance to botulinum toxins are high doses, frequency of treatment and level of protein injected.

This resistance may result in clients requiring larger doses to keep wrinkles at bay and having to get injections more regularly. Quite apart from aesthetic concerns, botulinum toxin resistance can impact potential therapeutic treatment for conditions including musculoskeletal disorders, blepharospasm or spasticity after a stroke, as resistance can last for a significant period of time.

Aside from taking a lengthy break from injections, there is no immediate cure for resistance. Using the minimum effective dose, maximising the time between treatments and minimising the level of protein injected can all help minimise the risk of resistance.

In New Zealand, a product from leading global company Merz Aesthetics has proven effective in numerous clinical studies. Named XEOMIN^®, this purified* botulinum toxin product goes through additional purification steps in the manufacturing process to remove the complexing proteins, meaning the end product contains only the active part of the botulinum toxin.

In treatment for severe glabellar frown lines, over 95 percent of patients responded by day 30, with the majority of patients maintaining a desirable effect up to four months on. Another study has also shown that XEOMIN^® can help patients appear to others as looking younger and healthier.

Most of us are now, more than ever, aware of every little thing we put into (and on) our bodies — from food and drink to cosmetics, skincare and more. If this is something you put particular emphasis on, and are considering an anti-wrinkle injectable, ask your healthcare professional to see if XEOMIN^® is right for you.

* XEOMIN^®contains zero complexing proteins.

Xeomin^® (Incobotulinumtoxin A) 50, 100 Units is a Prescription Medicine. Indications: In adults, for the treatment of cervical dystonia; blepharospasm; spasticity of the upper limb; upper facial lines: glabellar frown lines, lateral periorbital lines (crow’s feet), horizontal forehead lines. Xeomin^® has both risks and benefits, consult your doctor if Xeomin^® is right for you. Further information on the risks and benefits of Xeomin^® can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or by calling 0800 822 310. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional. Common side effects include: Headaches; nausea; tenderness, swelling, redness, numbness or bruising of the skin; dry eye; heavy feeling of eyelid/eyebrow/forehead; face/brow not symmetrical, drooping eyelids/eyebrows. Serious side effects are rare and include allergic reactions. Xeomin^® is an unfunded medicine, prescription charge will apply. Normal doctor charges will still apply. Copyright ©2022. Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Health Care Logistics (HCL) 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022. All rights reserved. Xeomin^® and Merz Aesthetics are registered trademarks of Merz Pharma GMbH & Co. KGaA. NZ_XEO_ADV_DEN_V1:MAR22 Date of preparation: March 2022. TAPS MR7602. For information about how Merz handles personal data, please see Merz General Data Protection Information Notice at www.merz.com/fin. Guideline for DTCA. Prescription medicines.

For more information on XEOMIN^® and how to find your local clinic, visit –

www.xeomin.co.nz

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Designer Oli Booth on the importance of collaboration and the impression of New Zealand architecture

18 Apr 2022

Great architecture shapes the way we live. Not only does it orderly arrange our own reality, but with thoughtful consideration it can enhance our awareness of what else surrounds it.

This agility and sense of place is something Oli Booth learnt to appreciate ever since spending holidays around New Zealand, staying in tramping huts or family baches. “Perhaps being a younger country, we seem to be quite fluid in how we approach design,” he muses. “Less driven by style and more a responsiveness to our own culture and landscapes. It seems to be creating some special results.”

Having appreciated the arts and architecture while at high school in Waikato, the designer went on to study at the Victoria University of Wellington and worked for architecture firms in Auckland, before going out on his own in 2016.

“Starting a business on your own at 26 is always a challenge,” he reflects. “But it seems to be a lot more common these days, so it’s great to be able to share those experiences with people in similar positions.”

As with his approach to life, Booth’s designs are contextual. In responding to the environment, and the routines of its inhabitants, he can draw out the special moments and relationships that make a house a home.

In particular, Booth is drawn to projects that are collaborative and in their own conversation with the landscape. “I love designing with clients across different contexts,” he says. “Letting these elements shape your design is always a real pleasure.”

And it seems homeowners are responding — his practice has a range of residential projects across breathtaking New Zealand locations lined up for this year, including from repeat clients.

As New Zealand housing inevitably becomes more populated, Booth hopes to alleviate our collective anxieties around crowding, quality and liveability. “We seem to be at a crossroads of trying to use existing models of density and affordability (which is pretty grim at times) and we are now trying to show how these spaces can in fact be beautiful and smart.”

A prime example of this is Booth’s recently completed home, which he worked on with his partner, and fellow designer, Libby Elmore. Putting his philosophy into personal practice, the Grey Lynn house has been an exercise in designing efficient, considered spaces that still feel generous. What could be more welcoming than that?

www.oba.co.nz

Image credit: David Straight

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Rewrite the rule book when it comes to dinner table etiquette and sidle up to your next meal on a soft sofa or booth seat. Sure to deliver a more convivial atmosphere, it is both casual and chic.

Left: New York Townhouse by Gachot Studios. Right: Middle Park by Flack Studio.

Get the Look
For the ultimate social dinner setting at your place, we recommend an elongated table with welcoming curved arms in smooth marble. As well as a beautiful custom bench sofa, reach for statement armchairs that will hold their own.

Left to right: Chelsea dining chair by Rodolfo Dordoni for Molteni&C from Dawson & Co., Manta dining chair by Rodrigo Torres for Poliform from Studio Italia, Capitol Complex chair by Hommage à Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse.

Top to bottom: Ufo with Lazy Susan dining table by Ferruccio Laviani for Emmemobili from ECC, Jane dining table by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau from Studio Italia, Esse dining table by Reflex of Italy from Sarsfield Brooke.

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This tiramisu Easter egg recipe creates the decadent treat your long weekend needs

15 Apr 2022

With this recipe and a dash of alcohol, Easter eggs are put to good use as an adult indulgence. Liv Glazebrook from @kitchenoftreats has delivered a comforting recipe using any chocolate eggs that haven’t been devoured and simple tiramisu.

Tiramisu Easter eggs recipe
Serves 8

Ingredients
8 medium-sized hollow chocolate Easter eggs (or how many you wish to make)
6 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 cup castor sugar
1¼ cup mascarpone, room temperature
1¾ cup Lewis Road Creamery double cream
2 packets of Italian sponge fingers (each finger carefully chopped in half)
1 cup strong coffee, cooled
½ cup Kahlúa coffee liqueur

Garnish
Grated chocolate
Coffee Beans

Method
1. To prepare the eggs, take each chocolate egg and break the top half of the egg open. Make sure that the opening is large enough so that you will be able to layer the tiramisu inside (refer to the recipe image for guidance). Set this broken chocolate aside, it will be grated and used as garnish later in the recipe.
2. Combine egg yolks and sugar in the top of a double boiler, over boiling water using a whisk to mix. Reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. Remove from the heat and continue to whip yolks until thick. Allow to cool briefly before mixing in mascarpone.
3. Add mascarpone to whipped yolks, mix through until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer whip cream to stiff peaks. Ensure you whip your cream slowly, this will allow it to hold its structure.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture and set aside.
6. Mix the cold coffee with the coffee liqueur.
7. Take a halved sponge finger, dip in the coffee liqueur (just long enough to get them wet, do not soak them!)
8. Place in the base of each chocolate egg to create a layer, top the ‘base’ sponge fingers with 1-2 tablespoons of the mascarpone mix, then repeat with the remaining sponge fingers and mascarpone mix until you reach the top of the egg. The final layer should be the mascarpone mix.
9. Repeat with the remaining eggs (once you have filled your eggs, any remaining mixture can be assembled into small ramekins).
10. Garnish with grated chocolate and coffee beans on top of each Easter egg.
11. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving (I like to make them the night before to allow the flavours to infuse.)

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A post shared by Liv Glazebrook (@kitchenoftreats)

Image credit: Liv Glazebrook

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Press play on these excellent albums and lose yourself in the music

14 Apr 2022

Whether you’re after vibey dream pop or 80s-tinged bangers, these new album releases will provide a musical mood for every occasion.

Dawn FM by The Weeknd
On his fifth studio album Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a The Weeknd serves 80s-tinged pop with a hefty smack of something far more fierce than pathos. Compulsive, multi-layered, clever and ultimately his most cohesive release yet, The Weeknd shows he’s far from done exploring the expansive range of his talent.

Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton
A companion to her upcoming novel of the same name, Dolly Parton’s toe-tapping new album is a celebration of both Parton’s iconic country sound and her prowess as a songwriter who has told hundreds of stories with her music over her multi-decades-long career.

Laurel Hell by Mitski
Dubbed “the most alluring and enigmatic musician in indie rock”, Mitski wields her quintessentially razor-sharp writing and melodic prowess within an album that has both fans and critics enchanted. From emotive ballads to deceptively peppy pop tracks, there’s far more to Laurel Hell than meets the eye.

Once Twice Melody by Beach House
With this new release, dream-pop duo Victoria LeGrand and Alex Scally lean into the lush, hazy arrangements that made them famous, while embracing an even more expansive sound thanks to a live string section. The resulting album is cinematic and immersive, becoming increasingly addictive with every play.

Motomami by Rosalia
With her acclaimed 2018 album El Mal Querer, Spanish musician Rosalía Vila Tobella was credited as bringing the flamenco sound to a new generation. Now a global star, her highly-anticipated third album introduces an even more innovative sound, avant-garde and unconventional. With it, Rosalía solidifies herself as a visionary artist with remarkable musical range.

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