This in-demand artist’s debut New Zealand exhibition is a vivid play of colour and light

Australian artist Jonny Niesche is hot property. Best known for his iridescent paintings that shimmer with pigment, being with Niesche’s work can be a seductive sensory overload as well as a ticket to an elegant futuristic realm.

Materially fetishistic, his practice is celebrated for bold chromatic expanses and saturated tones that dissolve from one hue to the next in an unfolding play of light and colour. The effect is intensified by the indistinct edges between bands of colour that surround dark middle ground. These reductive forms that hum and vibrate with vivid colour are often set against metal and mirror, offering shifting, alluring experiences of form, space, and movement.

As one tone blurs and dissolves into the next, a silky insubstantiality of pure colour and sensation emerges. The glowing neon tones and soft pastels that flow from a mysterious centre are finished with reflective rims, mirroring the viewer back to themselves in a surprising encounter with the art work.

For his first solo exhibition in New Zealand this November at Starkwhite, Niesche pulled out all the stops, extending his practice off the wall to create a total architectural environment. Poikilos is a spatial, immersive experience carefully constructed from the ground up. Offering Starkwhite visitors a vastly transformed experience of the space than they might have known previously, each element in Niesche’s intentional composition contributes to the creation of a spatial ambience that hedges us towards the emotional and slightly unknown. Crisply bright and filled with lushly seductive surfaces, the exhibition seeks to destabilise perception, offering an architecture to sharpen the senses. 

In February, Niesche will also have a solo presentation at the Auckland Art Fair recreating the atmosphere of his Starkwhite exhibition. A practice that draws equally on formal elements of twentieth-century art and the shiny allure of popular culture — he has previously drawn on colours from David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane album cover and Debbie Harry’s 1970s make-up — Niesche’s disco-era glamour fused with New York minimalism is sure to prove one of the fair’s must see presentations.

Poikilos at Starkwhite, 17th November – 15th December 2020 
www.starkwhite.co.nz 

Jonny Niesche at Auckland Art Fair, 24th – 28th February 2021
www.artfair.co.nz 

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Sit pretty this summer in the coolest hidden courtyards around the city

Is there anything better than relishing a balmy evening outdoors with a glass of something good in hand? In honour of warmer weather and longer evenings, we’ve rounded up some of the city’s coolest hidden courtyards. From the lush and leafy to the cute and cosy, these courtyards are the place to be.

Clay
Natural wine and delicious bites can be enjoyed in peace out the back of Karangahape Road wine bar Clay, where the courtyard catches the golden afternoon sun. While the menu changes weekly, you can always expect excellent small plates, an irresistible handmade pasta dish (or two) and some of the best pizza we’ve ever tasted.

East Street Hall
The hottest place to be on a balmy summer’s night, East Street Hall’s out-back area draws crowds of enthusiastic revellers in droves, and is handily shielded from the view of passers’ by. Settle in with a fresh, herbaceous cocktail and a plate of silky hummus on the side if you’re feeling snacky.

Pasta & Cuore
There’s nothing better than a romantic Italian meal under this eatery’s verdant trellis, cosily hidden from the hustle and bustle of Mount Eden Road. Bonus: This humble eatery is also home to some of the best pasta in Auckland.

From left: Clay’s sun-soaked courtyard; Beau is tucked away in Three Lamps

Conch
Rain or shine, night or day, Conch’s out-back area is cosy and comfortable, with private booths that always make us feel at home. Sit pretty from 4pm with Happy Hour, which will see you sipping tap beer and rosé for the nice price of just $7. There’s also a tasty menu of handmade tacos, arepas and pizzas if a bite or two is in order.

Beau
Nestled in Ponsonby’s Three Lamps, wine bar Beau enlivens the area with its tasty bites, great drinks and hidden, sunny courtyard. The menu is perfect for grazing, with picks like oysters, charcuterie and prawn po boys sitting alongside small plates and large plates such as roast cauliflower, fried chicken and fresh ceviche.

The Kimchi Project
This Korean-inspired eatery on Lorne Street is a must for its light-filled courtyard at the rear, filled with plants and hanging lamps. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, this all-day eatery deserves a visit any time of the day. As its name suggests, kimchi is the star, with dishes such as kimchi waffles fries, kimchi seafood laksa and kimchi fried rice showcasing its deliciousness.

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Acclaimed chef Ben Shewry shares his deliciously sophisticated sirloin steak recipe

To honour the latest release of Church Road TOM, revered chef Ben Shewry has crafted a recipe that, much like Chris Scott’s winemaking philosophies, centres on simplicity and quality ingredients, harmonising to create delectable flavours.

Sirloin steak, salsa verde butter and kale mashed potatoes recipe
Serves 2 or 4 if doubled 

Salsa verde butter
120g salted butter, softened
2g finely chopped garlic
40g flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped 
60g basil leaves
20g capers
30g cornichons, roughly chopped
20g wholegrain mustard
1⁄2 tsp lemon zest
Salt and white pepper to taste

Method
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blitz until well combined but not completely smooth. Set aside at room temperature until needed. This can be made the day before and stored in the fridge.

Kale Mashed Potatoes

Kale salad
60g kale, shredded 4mm wide with a knife 
1⁄4 clove garlic, finely chopped
10g finely grated parmesan
8g olive oil
10g lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

Mash
400g peeled Desiree potatoes, cut into quarters 
85g milk, hot
85g salted butter, diced and at room temperature
Salt and white pepper to taste 

Method
Begin by making the kale salad. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Set aside until needed. Store in the fridge if making ahead of time. For the mash, simmer the potatoes in a saucepan with a pinch of salt until tender. Drain well and return cooked potatoes to the pan. Place the pan over a very low heat and allow potatoes to dry out for 1 minute. Pass potatoes through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Add butter and mix well, then add milk and continue mixing until the butter has melted completely and the mash is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Fold the kale salad through the mash.

Steak and pan sauce
2 x 250-300g sirloin steaks from your favourite butcher, thick cut 
30g finely diced shallot
1 clove garlic, finely diced
40ml Church Road McDonald Series Cabernet Sauvignon
1 tbsp oyster sauce 
30ml olive oil
30g butter 
Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
Heat a heavy frypan over a medium heat. Season steaks liberally with salt and black pepper. Pour olive oil into the pan, add steaks and sear on all sides. Cook in the pan over a medium heat to your preferred doneness. Remove steaks from the pan and place on a plate in a warm place. Turn heat to low and add shallot and garlic to the pan. Cook gently for 4 minutes or until cooked and fragrant. Add wine and simmer gently to deglaze and reduce slightly. Add oyster sauce and butter, remove from the heat and whisk well until butter is emulsified into the liquids. The sauce should be thick. Check seasoning. To finish, place a large spoon of kale mash on each plate, then the steak alongside the mash. Spread a tablespoon of salsa verde butter on each steak. Finish with the sauce.

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This new subscription service is here to turn traditional car ownership on its head

The road to car ownership is paved with pros and cons. While independence, convenience, the ability to travel to any location within driving distance and general mobility are all the obvious reasons that people invest in a vehicle (as well as aesthetics and design), as any driver knows there are not-so-breezy aspects to the process. 

Until now, insurance, registration, maintenance and depreciation have all been necessary pain points to factor into the reality of car ownership — but what if it were possible to enjoy all the benefits of owning a brand new car, in a far more flexible and hassle-free way? 

Sixt, an innovative global company, has joined forces with The Giltrap Group, bringing a new offering to our shores that’s set to turn the model on its head. Providing all the benefits of car ownership minus the inconveniences that come with it, Sixt’s fresh alternatives encompass both a new car subscription and an ultra-modern level of car rental. Together with the more familiar short-term and long-term rental options, the subscription service gives drivers access to flexible car usage options of six, nine or 12 months with a brand new vehicle that best suits their needs. 

Easy to use, book and pick up, the subscription is available with one month’s initial advanced payment on Sixt’s website and with pick-up from the company’s Auckland Mobility Centre at 120 Great North Road. The subscription will soon be available around the country from January 2021, also encompassing a home delivery service.

All-inclusive and competitively-priced, all budgets and car types are covered, with EV’s, compacts, limousines, SUVs, all-wheel drive and luxury sport vehicles on offer. The range starts at $995 a month with the versatile Skoda Octavia wagon; hatchbacks are priced from $1,045 a month with the Volkswagen Polo GTI; while electric vehicles begin at $1,695 a month with the second generation Nissan Leaf. Those looking for something special can also get behind the wheel of a Land Rover Defender for $3,295 a month, and all of the aforementioned vehicles are brand new. 

Going the extra mile to suit each driver’s individual needs, there are myriad personalisation options including exterior and interior colour, wheels, sunroof and an audio system upgrade.

EV leadership is important to this new venture, with Sixt’s rental fleet aiming to have 25 percent of its selection made up of electric vehicles by 2025. Eager to see if one is right for your lifestyle? You can try one out for $79 a day, $499 a week or $1,695 a month on a 12-month subscription.

So, if you like the thought of driving away with a brand new car without any of the associated hassle, Sixt’s innovative car subscription offering could be the one for you.

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Azabu at Mission Bay's Japanese-inspired Roku Gin Garden. Photo: Luke Foley-Martin

East Aucklanders rejoice, Azabu has arrived at Mission Bay with an unbeatable new beachfront location

Everyone’s favourite Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, Azabu, has taken up residence in the Eastern Suburbs. Bringing its utterly delicious modern fare, Azabu at Mission Bay can now be found in the historic Mission House site.

Savor Group founder Lucien Law says the arrival of Azabu into Mission Bay is an ideal meeting of the cuisine for which it is adored, and the prime location. “We’ve had such success and great loyalty in Ponsonby,” he says, “and we thought it was the perfect time to bring the offering to the Eastern beaches, as it’s a great location with a large catchment area.” 

The Lance Herbst-designed building easily lent itself to a Japanese sensibility, thanks to its minimal feel and high quality craftsmanship. A refresh of the interiors palette (carried out by Izzard Design) heroes shades of warm, burnt orange, and the outdoor seating is suitably picturesque. Taking advantage of the incredible outlook, the courtyard has been transformed into the Roku Gin Garden in collaboration with Roku Gin, and is the ideal place to while away an afternoon under the ingenious retractable roof covering.

From left: The refreshed interior is courtesy of Izzard Design; The new toothfish dish

Within the food offering, helmed by the much-lauded Executive Chef Yukio Ozeki, diners will find all the dishes they know and love from Azabu’s Ponsonby Road site, as well as some new additions to the fold, exclusively available at the Mission Bay location. A particular favourite is the toothfish — moreish bites of impeccably-cooked fish are deeply umami, glazed with saikyo miso and finished with aji verde and a sprinkle of chives. A roasted coconut and yuzu slice with toasted meringue is the dessert of summer, a fresh and tropical finish to any meal.

In another bid to capitalise on the seaside location, Azabu at Mission Bay is also offering diners a special Japanese-style long weekend lunch, perfect for those lazy days of summer at the beach. On offer for groups of four and up, it’s the perfect opportunity to sit back and relax as the chefs send out a delicious variety of dishes.

Left: Coconut and yuzu slice

“The long lunches will be fantastic for people catching up with friends and family,” enthuses Law. “It’s a no-brainer to order a high-quality set menu, and as it’s Japanese the food is nice and light.”

With its double-hitter appeal of delicious culinary offering and spectacular location, Azabu at Mission Bay has opened its doors just in time for the summer we’re all feverishly anticipating; on a languid, sunny afternoon, you know where we’ll be.

Opening hours:
Wednesday to Friday: 12pm – late
Saturday & Sunday: 11am – late
Closed Monday & Tuesday

Azabu at Mission Bay
44 Tamaki Drive
Mission Bay
Auckland

www.azabu.co.nz/mission-bay

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This unmissable sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on tableware for summer entertaining

It’s that time of the year again, when we take stock of the cupboards to make sure we’re fully equipped for hosting our loved ones for long, sunny lunches, balmy evening meals and fast-approaching Christmas feasts. God forbid we run out of glassware, plates or cutlery in the process of serving up our painstakingly-perfected menu. 

In order to prevent this from happening, we’re making it a priority to peruse The Studio of Tableware’s excellent Entertainers Dozen sale, currently taking place for a limited time. Featuring a range of the high quality products stocked at the retailer, as the name would suggest this sale focuses on sets of 12 — looking for some elegant champagne saucers that double as dessert vessels? Look no further than this Spiegelau set.

A high-quality gold cutlery set will add a Midas touch to any table spread, while this collection of textured porcelain crockery by Thomas Loft is a must to keep on hand. We’ll also be keeping an eye out for Christmas gifts like these sweet Italian-made forks, perfect for a slice of cake or a fresh oyster, or these hand-moulded stainless steel steak knives.

The Studio of Tableware Entertainer’s Dozen sale is only on until November 30, so we recommend heading over to their website or visiting them in-store quicksmart, so you can make sure your entertaining is up to scratch this summer.

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Michael Meredith
The interior refresh was completed by Cheshire Architects
Clams, aguachile, avocado and green strawberries
Pain au black pudding

Michael Meredith makes a triumphant return with Mr Morris, Britomart’s newest must-visit eatery

After a three year hiatus, one of New Zealand’s most renowned chefs has made a triumphant return to the industry. Turning his considerable culinary talents to the opening of new eatery Mr Morris, Michael Meredith’s latest move is a welcome one indeed after the closure of his fine dining restaurant Meredith’s in late 2017.

Centred on intuitive flavours and “cultural inspirations that showcase our region”, Mr Morris is located in Britomart in what was previously Cafe Hanoi, with the interiors having undergone a beautiful, light-paletted refresh by Cheshire Architects. With oak making up the majority of the room, offset by characterful brick and plaster, the 70-seat space features a variety of seating options for almost any group capacity— from family-sized round booths to more intimate tables and shoulder-to-shoulder bar stools. 

Mr Morris
Pani popo with passionfruit

There is also a private dining room, known as Mrs Morris, that offers an intimate dining experience for up to 20 guests with a dedicated chef for the duration. 

As far as the menu is concerned, Meredith and head chef Fabio Bernardini (also formerly of Meredith’s) are devoted to using local, ethical, sustainable and seasonal produce to create “a modern Pacific and New Zealand experience”. From dishes like an entree of tangy “salt and vinegar” oyster mushrooms to a flavourful, chilled clam aguachile with avocado and slivers of green strawberry, the offering is unique, yet not fussy. With culinary inspiration imparted from all over the globe, and both Meredith and Bernardini infusing their own heritage and cultural backgrounds into the menu, the kitchen’s open fire grill imparts a deep flavour and intensity to the dishes. 

Right: Salt and vinegar oyster mushroom

The beverage selection is suitably considered to complement such a thoughtful offering, with a concise, seasonal cocktail list, local craft beers, artisanal vermouths and a range of homemade non-alcoholic alternatives joining the comprehensive wine list. Showcasing 160 New Zealand wines, alongside those from small batch vineyards around the world, the focus is on organic and low-intervention wine making. Those after a high-end pour will also be pleased to find Champange Taittinger Les Folies de la Marquetterie by the glass.

Despite such a challenging year, it’s fortifying to see the calibre of eateries joining Auckland’s culinary offering, and we have no doubt Mr Morris should be at the top of your to-visit list.

Opening hours:
Tuesday – Saturday – Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & Dinner: 5:30 pm – Late

Sunday – Long lunch: 12 – 3:30pm 
Monday – closed

Mr Morris
Excelsior Building, Cnr Galway & Commerce Street,
Britomart,
Auckland CBD

www.mrmorris.nz

Gastronomy

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Sir The Label

Get beach ready with our round-up of the coolest swimwear to buy for summer

Swimwear shopping can be both a fun activity and a stressful one. There’s more choice than ever before throughout the width and breadth of swimwear styles, which means that there will be something for everyone — if you can just make a decision.

Here, we have compiled a collection of bikinis and one pieces to have you looking your best on the beach, or by the pool, this summer. From minimal to statement, full coverage to itsy-bitsy, these are the togs to consider for the sunny season ahead.

From left: Hunza G bikini from Net-a-Porter; Matteau bikini top and bottoms from Sisters & Co; Sir the Label bikini top and string brief; Dior bikini top and tie bottoms
From left: Gucci one piece; Ziah one piece from Muse Boutique; Peony one piece; Calvin Klein one piece from Smith & Caughey’s

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Katsu Wagyu Sirloin Sando
Lobster Roll

Lobster and Wagyu is the rooftop eatery bringing surf and turf to Seafarers

This November, one of the hottest rooftops in town welcomes a familiar favourite with an exciting addition. Fans of Auckland Fish Market destination Lobster and Tap will be no strangers to the irresistible selection of seafood delicacies including, of course, one of the best lobster rolls in town — washed down with a cold beverage, it’s got to be one of the most satisfying bites one can find in a bread roll.

Now, the eatery has travelled several floors up to arrive at the Seafarers rooftop, and to the famed Maine style lobster is adding another prime ingredient to the menu: Black Origin Wagyu. 

Diners at Lobster and Wagyu can expect mouth-watering extras that will join the classic rolls, sides and salads. These include the Surf n Turf Wagyu burger — a burger tower that starts with Wagyu and is topped with hot buttered lobster, smoked cheddar, watercress, tomato and classic burger sauce all sandwiched between a soft toasted bun. 

The Katsu Wagyu Sirloin Sando is also a must-order — premium Black Origin sirloin beef with a 5-8 marbling grade is panko crumbed, and served between two slices of white bread with bull dog sauce, mustard and pickles. 

With a Happy Hour on the rooftop daily from 3 to 6pm, and some of the best views in the city, you know where to find us on these long summer days, lobster and Wagyu burger in hand.

Lobster & Wagyu
Seafarer’s Rooftop
52 Tyler Street
Auckland CBD

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A selection of La Mexicana's tacos including beef birria, chicken tinga and lamb barbacoa

La Mexicana is the cosy eatery bringing unmissable fresh corn tacos to Grey Lynn

If we thought we knew what ‘authentic’ Mexican food tasted like, a cosy new taco joint in Grey Lynn is showing us a whole different side to our favourite bite-sized morsels. La Mexicana was founded by Marco Muñiz and opened three weeks ago in the Grey Lynn shops, where so far it’s been greeted with rapturous enthusiasm for its speciality: fresh corn tortillas made from scratch on site.

Meat-free options include plant-based mince and vegan ceviche

There’s nothing like them, says Muñiz. “I wanted to show New Zealanders how a real corn tortilla tastes, how different the flavour is. That’s a real taco.” Taking the brave step of leaving his 9-5 during this year’s pandemic to open La Mexicana, Muñiz says it was a moment of clarity between lockdowns that prompted him to give his undiscovered passion a go. 

His tacos are fantastic, and he’s right — the corn tortillas are unbeatable. The fresh corn (New Zealand grown) is soaked and cooked using a process called nixtamalization, which makes it easy to digest and even more nutritious when turned into dough. Taco fillings include birria, comprising tender, slow-cooked beef cheek; carnitas, a popular confit of pork; pulled chicken in a mild chipotle sauce, and both vegetarian and vegan options for those so-inclined. Having tried most of the menu, we can confirm these tacos are delicious, and their petite size means you can try a variety of flavours without feeling overstuffed, however you’ll still leave satisfied.

The pork carnitas taco

There is also a cheese quesadilla on offer, along with traditional Mexican beverages like horchata, a sweet, milky drink with vanilla and cinnamon, and Karma drinks. One of the other key benefits of these corn tacos is the fact that they’re naturally gluten free, meaning everything on the menu at La Mexicana is also suitable for people with gluten intolerances or sensitivities.

With its petite size making for a cosy eat-in experience, and takeaway capabilities available too, La Mexicana’s low-key vibe makes it a great little spot to pop into for a chill weeknight dinner, or easy weekend takeaways.

All the corn tortillas are made fresh on-site

Through hardship and not, for thousands of years in Mexico they have used corn tortillas for the basis of their diet, says Muñiz, which is something he’s excited to share with New Zealanders. “It’s great. I think the corn tortilla should be a universal dish.”

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 5pm – 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 5pm – 10pm
Sunday: 5pm – 9pm
Monday: Closed

La Mexicana
572 Great North Road
Grey Lynn
Auckland

www.lamexicana.co.nz

Gastronomy

Grey Lynn newcomer Mother brings soulful, European-inspired hospitality to the table
Savour the flavours of Ayrburn your way with our exclusive R.M Prime Produce giveaway
Win a culinary escape to Tokyo at this year’s Savor Festival