Unexpected cut-outs in everyday pieces are heralding the trend towards showing just a touch of skin. From sophisticated dresses to sweet tops, these wardrobe pieces make it easy to embrace the cut-out clothing trend.
Joining the in-demand culinary scene of Karangahape Road is Candela, a brand new eatery and wine bar bringing the irresistible flavours of Spain and Latin America to one of Auckland’s most colourful strips.
Helmed by chef and owner Matt Ross, with Leola King managing front of house, Candela’s cosy yet spacious interior calls to mind the late night tapas bars (known as Tasca) frequented by Ross during a two-year stint living and working in Spain. Having previously cooked in kitchens throughout Auckland and Melbourne, as well as private cheffing in Spain and Israel, Ross felt the time was right this year to come home and realise his long-held goal of opening his own restaurant.
Powering through the pandemic to build and open Candela, with its beautiful tiled floors and imported Mibrasa charcoal oven, Ross has created an offering that centres on small plates to go well with a cocktail or glass of wine — more elevated versions of tapas (without the connotations of average-ness we’re accustomed to in Auckland). It could also be described as “Latin-fusion”, aiming to borrow from the various cuisines of Spain, Peru, Argentina, and maybe even Mexico, localised with Aotearoa’s ingredients and produce.
Tapping into Auckland’s prolific leaning towards shared plates, Candela’s menu is filled with appealing dishes; patatas bravas skew more traditionally Spanish, while smoked kahawai croquettas see two cuisines and cultures collide. The Mibrasa works to impart a moreish smokiness across the menu, like on the chargrilled cabbage with a base of ajo blanco-inspired purée; and octopus with saffron-whipped potato and a paprika crumb.
Small servings of paella are juicy with scampi and cockles, empanadas are stuffed with lamb shoulder and served with chimichurri, while dessert comprises enticing morsels like churros with chocolate sauce and a baked cheesecake with tamarillo.
Fittingly for Candela’s K Road location, Ross is keen to incorporate music and entertainment into the regular offering, perhaps with a Latin band adding to the vibe for late night drinkers and diners, or DJ and musician friends of his keeping the good times flowing with regular sets.
So, while we might not to be able to travel to any far flung destinations anytime soon, at least Candela is here to whisk us away for the delicious duration of a meal.
Candela opens tonight and is taking bookings from Friday 11th December
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 5pm — Late
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Candela
155 Karangahape Road
Auckland
Despite the seemingly vast breadth of cafes and eateries in central Auckland, the battle to find something good to eat during work lunch hours is ever present. Solving this problem is Wynyard Quarter eatery The Humble Canteen, which can be found serving up delicious, wholesome fare on Jellicoe Street all the working week.
Having opened earlier this year, The Humble Canteen is on a mission to offer tasty food that nurtures the body and the planet, using Ecoware packaging and encouraging customers to bring their own containers for Earth-friendly takeaways. Start the day with any one of their breakfast options, like a bacon and egg, or vegetarian flatbread; granola, bircher or chia breakfast pots, or a build-your-own cooked breakfast.
On the lunch menu, you’ll find a variety of healthful dishes that can be eaten on-site or to-go, like build-a-bowl salads with your choice of base: quinoa and baby spinach ‘balance bowl’, or beetroot and carrot ‘raw rainbow’ salad, for example. Add protein (halloumi, chicken, salmon and falafel, among seasonal options) and toppings they enthusiastically name ‘flavour bombs’ — pickled green tomatoes, roasted almond dukkah and crispy shallots, to name a few.
Flatbreads are a suitable option for those wanting something even more substantial — we can confirm the garlic aioli chicken with avocado and fresh herbs goes down a treat, comprising spice-rubbed chicken and a tasty salad in a soft wrap. Otherwise the grilled halloumi with beetroot and carrot salad, or the falafel, pumpkin and broccoli combinations both appeal. Hot soups and curries round out the lunch offering, with a selection of freshly-baked sweet treats in the cabinet.
Staying true to its name, The Humble Canteen’s fit-out is sweetly simple, with an indoor/outdoor feel thanks to a retractable roof covering that can be opened to let in the sun. With warm service from the friendly team, and its tasty food offering, this eatery is a great go-to for daytime fare that won’t leave you disappointed.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 6:30am to 2:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
The Humble Canteen
17 Jellicoe Street,
Auckland CBD
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that our love affair with cafes will never die. Whether it’s tucking into a stack of pancakes on a lazy weekend, a quick cabinet treat to go or kick-starting our mornings with terrific coffee, there’s nothing quite like a cafe to get the job done. While we remain loyal fans of established eateries who continue to effortlessly impress, we can’t look past the calibre of new cafes that have warmly opened their doors and made their mark during what can only be described as tumultuous times. From small neighbourhood spots to sleek, refined city eateries, these are the best new cafe openings of 2020 (in no particular order).
Dear Jane
Mount Albert locals got lucky this year with the opening of Dear Jane, the sunny new space from Fonda Chloe Huo and Fang Bai, who also opened Common Ground Eatery in Browns Bay. The cleverly crafted menu features a mixture of old school classics with a smattering of Asian-fusion dishes (think eggs Benedict, shakshuka and a salmon lox bagel sitting side-by-side with a sticky pork belly bowl, teriyaki salmon soba noodle salad, and a tonkatsu karaage chicken burger), along with irresistible cabinet treats, fresh juices and smoothies.
Hero Sandwich House
We were stoked earlier this year to hear that the ever-popular Hero Sandwich House has set up shop in the city, bringing its tasty creations to those working and living in the CBD. From the famous CBJ with a generous slathering of chicken, bacon jam and cheddar to the Philly cheese steak with skirt steak, jalapenos, buttered onions, pickles and cheddar, Hero’s toasted sandwiches are the stuff of legends. Located inside inner-city multi-functional workshop, gallery and work space The Tuesday Club, Hero Sandwich House makes the perfect lunch pit stop.
Percy
While a visit to newcomer Percy mostly likely came with a side of international travel at the start of this year, we’re pleased to report there’s still plenty of reasons to visit this Mangere cafe, sans airport stopover. Located in The Landing Business Park, this airy, inviting space boasts a peaceful lakeside view and a playground to keep littlies entertained. Foodwise you can expect to find the likes of savoury French toast featuring mushrooms, semi-sweet caramelised onions and moreish parmesan sauce with truffle crumbs plus the unbeatable breakfast bao with pork belly, plum sauce, fried eggs and crunchy cos lettuce.
Luxe Rose
Taking over the prime position previously occupied by Redwall 1939, Luxerose Cafe is the new all-day eatery overlooking Parnell Rose Gardens. The highly Instagrammable space, with neon signage, flowers abound and an enviable view also features an equally photogenic drinks menu complete with pastel-coloured lattes and the signature deconstructed Luxerose iced mocha.
Young George
We love a hidden gem, and nestled in a tiny block of shops in Mount Albert, Young George is the new pint-sized spot providing the neighbourhood with great coffee, tasty bites and friendly chats. The small but mighty menu specialises in sandos, a quintessential Japanese street food that Young George has executed with aplomb. The chicken sando is unmissable, comprising juicy crumbed free range chicken slathered on one side with tonkotsu sauce and the other in a deliciously tangy mayo — reminiscent of Big Mac sauce or something similar — with iceberg, sandwiched between ultra-soft Japanese milk bread, toasted for a bit of crunch.
Deep
Delving deeper than just the usual stock-standard options, Deep is the new cafe run by Danny Lee, a talented barista with varied experience in the local hospitality scene. Located in the North Shore suburb of Rosedale, the menu spans everything from breakfast favourites such as savoury mince on sourdough toast and balsamic mushrooms with horseradish crème fraîche to a juicy double patty burger and some of the most indulgent French toast we’ve ever laid eyes on.
Fields
Another tasty addition to Auckland’s North Shore is Fields, a new neighbourhood cafe in Albany. Spacious and sleek, with enough space for 110 hungry brunchers, Fields cracks the perfect combo of top-notch coffee, amazing cabinet treats and a mouth-watering dine-in menu. With offerings spanning from buckwheat hotcakes (with meringue, Whittaker’s dark chocolate and berry mascarpone) to virtuous vegan options (such as the ‘always good’ with red quinoa, broccoli, tofu, preserved lemon and jalapeño dressing), you can guarantee even the fussiest of diners will find something to whet their appetite at Fields.
Spectra
WooZoo’s Roger Liu was truly on a roll in 2020, with inner-city cafe Spectra joining his established stable of eateries (including the aforementioned Percy and Fields). Located in the light and airy Sky Lobby of Commercial Bay’s impressive new PwC Tower, Spectra’s deliciously concise menu and delectable cabinet offerings make it the ideal spot to grab breakfast or lunch on the go, or to linger a bit longer for business or leisure.
The Humble Canteen
Wynyard Quarter’s The Humble Canteen is on a mission to offer tasty food that nurtures the body and the planet, with a delicious breakfast and lunch offering during the working week that is wholesome, hearty and healthy. Start the day with any one of their breakfast options, like a filled flatbread; granola, bircher or chia pots, or a build-your-own cooked breakfast; or pick up a tasty salad, hot soup or cabinet treat for lunch.
Wander
Fans of the laid-back charm and excellent fare of Point Chevalier restaurant Ambler will be pleased to learn its owners brought their assured sensibility downtown this September with a new addition to their hospitality offering. Named Wander, the cafe, bistro and wine bar occupies a light-filled, high-ceilinged space in Wynyard Quarter. Hinging on the restaurateurs’ signature style of fresh, seasonal fare with a French twist, diners will find a comprehensive brunch menu available until 3pm, and a bistro menu served from 11am until late.
With all the new TV shows swirling around on streaming services at the moment, it’s almost impossible to get through the day without encountering an impassioned recommendation or an impromptu review or two. Lucky we’ve done the hard work in narrowing down which ones are actually worth your time. Whether it’s an easy-to-watch comedy, an enthralling drama or an informative docu-series, these are the shows that you simply must see for yourself.
The Undoing
Starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, this six-part limited series follows a prominent New York therapist Grace Fraser and her husband Jonathan, who, after their lives are torn apart by a public scandal, are forced to come to terms with the idea that their idyllic, existence isn’t as robust as they thought. Featuring stellar performances from both actors, and a storyline that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, this is shaping up to be one of the most compelling dramas of the year.
Small Axe
Made up of five films, Small Axe is a unique series that speaks to the experiences of West Indian characters living in London between the 1960s and the 1980s. While it might have been six years in the making, with a director like Steve McQueen and actors like Letitia Wright (Black Panther) and John Boyega (Star Wars) it has certainly been worth the wait.
The Crown (Season 4)
The show that has single-handedly re-ignited our fascination with the British Royal Family is back — and this time, Princess Diana enters the fray. Promising to delve into the drama surrounding the ‘People’s Princess’ (and with Olivia Coleman reprising her role as Queen Elizabeth), The Crown’s new season is not to be missed.
The Vow
Not to be confused with the romance film of the same name, The Vow is a gripping true crime docu-series that dives into the deep, dark rabbit hole that is NXIVM, a multi-level marketing company and self-help organisation that was later exposed as a full-blown sex cult. Prepare to devour this addictive nine-part series swiftly.
The Queen’s Gambit
Based on the Walter Tevis novel of the same name, this new Netflix drama follows the story of Beth Harmon, a gifted orphan who, against all odds, experiences a prodigious rise through the male-dominated ranks of chess in the 50s and 60s.
Big Sky
Created by David. E. Kelley (of Big Little Lies), Big Sky is a thriller set against the clock. Detectives Cassie Dewell and Codie Hoyt must track down two young girls who have been kidnapped on a remote highway in Montana. They soon discover that this is not an isolated case.
Someone Has To Die
Brimming with drama (which is only heightened by its opulent, 1950s set), this new Spanish language mini-series centres around the family of a young man called home to meet his arranged fiancée. Conflict ensues when he arrives with a mysterious ballet dancer called Lazaro. With spectacular performances from its Spanish and Mexican actors, this one is worth a watch.
Soulmates
Set 15 years from now, the world of this show is not unlike our own. But here, scientists have discovered the soul particle, and with it, developed technology that can help humans find their perfect match. Each episode is its own standalone narrative, as the show traverses through various genres and characters, asking the same question: is there such a thing as ‘the one?’
Moonbase 8
With actors Fred Armisen and John C. Riley leading the cast, Moonbase 8 was destined to be a comedic hit. The new series follows three astronauts training for their first lunar mission, as they hilariously navigate the perils of daily life inside NASA’s Moon Base Simulator in the remote Arizona desert.
Truth Seekers
From the team behind Sean Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz, this hilarious new comedy-horror sees Nick Frost and Simon Pegg team up again, this time in a ghost-hunting narrative about an internet installer who investigates paranormal activity all around the UK and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the entire human race.
How To With John Wilson
Documenting day-to-day absurdities and intriguing encounters on the streets of pre-Covid New York City, this effortlessly funny docu-comedy sees John Wilson, a filmmaker and ‘anxious’ New Yorker, capture raw, hand-held footage of a city known for its colourful, bustling and busy occupants. The show is particularly poignant now, looking back at what The Big Apple was before lockdown and paints a hopeful image of what it can, one day, return to.
Fans of the ever-popular espresso martini will love the smooth addition of a shot of hazelnut liqueur. Nespresso has made it easy to reinvent this classic cocktail with a festive twist.
Hazelnut Nespresso Martini Recipe
Makes 1
Ingredients:
1 capsule Nespresso Torta Di Nocciole (Espresso 40ml extraction)
60ml vodka
15ml hazelnut liqueur (such as Frangelico)
15ml coffee liqueur
1 square Nespresso Milk Chocolate
6 ice cubes (6x 30g)
Equipment needed:
Nespresso machine
Martini glass
Cocktail shaker
Method:
1. Place ice, vodka, coffee liqueur, and hazelnut liqueur (eg Frangelico) into a shaker.
2. Extract coffee directly into the shaker as the last ingredient.
3. Place lid on shaker and shake hard for 15 seconds
4. Remove lid and strain into a martini glass
5. Garnish by shaving chocolate square on top or lightly dust with chocolate powder.
Please enjoy responsibly.
Discover a range of coffee recipes at www.nespresso.com/nz.
A new wharf extension to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour titled Te Mata Topaki or “To hover over the headland” is a wonderful addition to Auckland’s diversely appealing waterfront.
The wharf is a collaborative project between Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei artist Graham Tipene and landscape architects LandLAB, whose creative journey saw the structure evolve from a simple wharf extension into a dramatic sculptural form, that visually represents a taurapa (the stern of a waka) lying on its side.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei’s kaupapa and their stories have been woven through Viaduct Harbour’s public realm since it was first developed for America’s Cup in 2000. The pātiki (flounder) design in the brick pavement, for example, represents the values of hospitality, plentiful times and progression. Tipene has consulted on multiple civic designs across Auckland, including Waterview tunnel, Victoria Park, Auckland Library, and Tirohanga Whānui Bridge in Albany.
The recently completed sculptural pier-like installation extends 30 metres out from Waitematā Plaza promenade into the Viaduct Harbour waterspace. Commissioned privately by Viaduct Harbour Holdings, the structure is designed to enhance the public’s connection to the water itself, allowing us to further enjoy the waterfront surroundings we are so fortunate to have at such close proximity.
The beauty industry is a competitive one, overflowing with brands and products that claim to be the last lotion or potion you’ll ever need to buy. In such a saturated market, consumers are more clued up, and more results-driven than ever before. Products need to deliver, and one that certainly makes good on its pledges is Emma Lewisham’s Supernatural Collagen Peptide 72-Hour Crème.
With a formula that took two years to perfect, the 72-Hour crème boasts 30 high-performing and innovative ingredients, including collagen peptides and plant stem cell technology, that have been carefully chosen to repair, regenerate, and protect skin cells for plumping and anti-ageing effects. The powerhouse actives include Pentavitin, proven to provide long-lasting hydration, and Bulgarian Lavender flower, which promotes the release of Beta-endorphin, a neuropeptide that can aid in muscle relaxation, and the softening of fine lines and wrinkles.
A recent round of independent in vivo testing this year found the 72-Hour crème boosts type 1 collagen by more than 20 percent within 24 hours — and outperforms some very well-known, luxury face creams by more than three times in this aspect. Add to this the fact that all Emma Lewisham’s formulations are clean, natural and cruelty-free, and it’s no wonder the brand has won fans in high profile women like Georgia Fowler, Phoebe Tonkin and Irina Shayk, all of whom use the 72-Hour crème.
So, if you’re looking for a product that does all the work to combat dry, dull skin while you slumber, you can’t look past this one. It’s certainly bringing new meaning to the phrase ‘beauty sleep’.
One silver lining of this pandemic for New Zealand’s dining offering, is the return of so many of our country’s top culinary talents to our shores. Joining the recently relocated is internationally venerated chef Matt Lambert, who has been a sought-after fixture of New York’s legendary culinary scene for several years thanks to his Michelin-starred restaurant The Musket Room.
He’s also been operating within New Zealand’s gastronomic landscape from afar, through his role as Executive Chef of Rodd & Gunn’s The Lodge Bar & Dining in Auckland and Queenstown’s The Lodge Bar. Now, Lambert will be able to oversee operations on the ground, a fact he’s very pleased about.
Celebrating New Zealand’s incredible ingredients has remained of central importance to Lambert’s cooking philosophy, and he’s excited to source local produce that he’s proud to serve to guests of The Lodge Bar, and The Lodge Bar & Dining. While consistency is at the forefront of The Lodge Bar’s philosophy, Lambert is always finding and adapting new methods and recipes, working to evolve the offering even further now he’s back on home soil.
Be in to win dinner for six valued at $1,000 at Auckland’s The Lodge Bar & Dining. Simply watch the video above and answer the question ‘How long did Matt Lambert think it would take him to achieve a Michelin Star?’. Click the link below to enter.
This competition has now closed.
Ponsonby’s much loved Post Office building has seen its fair share of operators in its time. But when the iconic corner site became available earlier this year, restaurateur Hugo Baird (Lilian, Honey Bones) saw the chance to put into action an idea he’d long wanted to actualise: a bustling gastropub.
Having just opened this past weekend, Hotel Ponsonby harnesses the spirit of pubs Baird worked in during stints in Sydney, and that he frequented in London. The sort of go-to meeting place where friends, families, groups and couples come together amidst a convivial, relaxed atmosphere.
While the food and beverage offering is elevated far above your typical Kiwi pub fare (as to be expected from the high standard of his other eateries), Baird is clear that the aim is for it to still be approachable; “We’re not too fancy to have fries.”
Expect to find the likes of moreish bites like herby house-made focaccia, able to be supplemented with cured meats like mortadella, Iberian chorizo or ham, duck liver parfait, plus smoked fish rillettes, and poached kingfish with chilli. There’s a good smattering of both fresh and heartier dishes, with cucumbers with stracciatella and dill, and tomatoes and peaches tossed in basil oil harnessing the best of our summer produce, sitting alongside an exquisitely cooked lamb heart dish (trust us) and wagyu beef with bearnaise.
Those wanting food to supplement a pint or two will be pleased to see Hotel Ponsonby’s upmarket take on classics like battered fish — theirs is monkfish, paired with yoghurt tartare and curry sauce — chicken schnitzel with cornichons and sage; the aforementioned fries; fried squid — and more.
The space, with its soaring ceilings, impressive bar, fireplace and sunny courtyard, has been given a forest green overhaul by both Baird and the team at interior design studio CTRL Space, who felt it was important to create a space that felt authentic given the location inside an iconic heritage building like the old post office. With Baird having successfully made his mark in Grey Lynn with Lilian, CTRL Space aimed to carry through that aesthetic to Hotel Ponsonby, while delivering something new and exciting to the area.
Thanks to the layout, different zones allow for varying moods. TV screens in the front room screen sports matches, while groups of friends or families with young children can dine in the adjacent dining room or relax in the courtyard. Baird’s modus operandi is for Hotel Ponsonby to be an inclusive, welcoming place for all. “I like the idea that it’s accessible to everyone, always.”
Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 4pm — late
Thursday to Sunday: 12pm – late
Hotel Ponsonby
1 Saint Marys Road
Ponsonby
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