When it comes to adding the final details to a kitchen’s design, selecting lighting that complements material finishes without taking all the aesthetic glory is paramount. Rounded forms will help to soften a typically linear backdrop formed by bench tops and cabinetry.
A new lighting collection from Articolo Studios, Rolo unites glamour, modernist form and elegance. Taking design cues from an iconic design era, Rolo’s bold forms and fluid silhouettes feel both timely and timeless, emphasising exquisite geometry and simplistic beauty. The Rolo Collection comprises wall sconces, pendants, and lamps reminiscent of 1980s Milanese design while still remaining markedly contemporary.
Articolo Rolo wall sconce, facing backward from ECC
A seasonal change doesn’t require a full wardrobe overall — stick to a solid base of reliable essentials to ensure a smooth and chic transition into the warmer months ahead.
While one of the most humble and homely eats around, there’s no denying there’s an art to the perfect sandwich. From the bread-to-filling ratio, to condiments and accoutrements, there’s plenty to consider when it comes to crafting a tasty sammie. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed down the best places in Auckland to find an excellent sando, and which signature creations are worth sinking your teeth into.
It would be remiss not to make mention of Gloria’s, the Commercial Bay-based deli that hasn’t stopped humming since opening. Of course, we should expect such popularity from the team, also behind Bar Celeste. Gloria’s however, is a more pared-back offering that keeps homely, delicious foods at its core — and its crown jewel is a delightful daily rotation of fresh, seasonal sandwiches. The deli meats sandwich here is unparalleled if you can get your hands on one.
This neighbourhood gem, with outposts in both Point Chevalier and Mount Albert, is best known for its crispy baguettes and buttery rolls that are packed to the brim with tasty fillings. Little French Cafe favourites include the sirloin steak baguette, which includes perfectly cooked sirloin steak from Grey Lynn Butchers, caramelised onions, rocket and a house-made black pepper sauce nestled in the generous roll. Other variations include the ultimate breakfast bap with free-range eggs, organic bacon and house-made basil aioli and the chicken baguette with delicious free-range smoked chicken and bacon with avocado and slow-roasted capsicum.
No one can dispute The Fed’s ability to turn out a damn good sandwich. The SkyCity institution’s chicken salad sandwich has reached cult status — for both its consistency and its undeniable deliciousness. Composed of a magical chicken-mayo mixture, crunchy iceberg lettuce and crispy bits of chicken skin for good measure, this sandwich famously comes with gravy on the side for dipping. Available from lunch until late, this sandwich is here to satisfy cravings at all hours.
Daily Bread is no slouch when it comes to sourdough, with a number of locations around town to keep fans of its loaves, pastries and pies well-fed. Fittingly, its sandwiches are in just as high demand, with fresh baguettes, hot milk bun sandwiches, sourdough toasties and ciabatta sammies all up for grabs. While offerings differ at each site, the current rotation includes ggg, pickle and chive and sam, cheese and mustard baguettes, and sourdough sammies with smoked kahawhai with pickle, chicken & mayo, spiced roast beef with chimichurri, and winter veg ratatouille.
Made using this Grey Lynn bakery’s famous, freshly-made loaves, the sandwiches and toasties at Florets are tasty and wholesome. Here, you’ll find fillings like danbo and housemade green apple relish, or pickled egg with organic greens, or even fennel salami with whipped cannellini bean, giardiniera, and parsley. These are made even better when enjoyed in Floret’s sun-filled upstairs room with a perfectly-made coffee and one (or two) of the housemade cookies.
While they may look uncomplicated, one bite of the delectable sandwiches from the Allpress Caffetteria on Drake Street will quickly teach you not to judge a book by its cover. Some of the fillings change on a daily basis but the tuna, egg and mayo, along with the Reuben, are the staples we’ve come to rely on at lunchtime. The fillings in the vegetarian sandwiches change seasonally, but when you see the pumpkin with pecorino cheese and walnut, don’t think twice before ordering.
While the Ponsonby Road outpost is humble but mighty, Dedwood Deli’s sandwiches honestly make your workday a little better. These sangas see us returning more often than we would like to admit. The chipotle chicken, with smokey chipotle tomato relish, lemon miso aioli, and salad, all wedged between two chunky slabs of sourdough, is a sandwich that shouldn’t be looked past — we’d gladly eat it every day if we could.
Tucked away in the back streets of Eden Terrace, Coffee Pen’s team are masters in the art of sandwich making. The offering changes daily with popular flavours making regular appearances such as the delicious poached chicken with mashed peas and cheese, and an eggplant with red sweet peppers and halloumi option for all the vegetarians out there.
Tucked alongside the popular all-day restaurant, Amano, is its dedicated bakery, where hungry downtown punters have long turned for utterly delicious and satiating morning juices, lunchtime snacks, afternoon sweet treats and more. But it’s the sandwich offering here that has made Amano one of our favourite lunch drop-ins. Offering a range of freshly-made rolls filled with succulent meats and vegetarian delights (whatever your tastes require), Amano Bakery’s sammies are always tasty, always fulfilling and some of the very best in town.
Ellerslie deli and sandwich house Pastrami & Rye has been on our radar since it opened, serving up truly drool-worthy sandwiches since 2017. Inspired by the bustling delis of New York City, Pastrami & Rye proudly cures its own meats and churns out homemade preserves and pickles. It’s tough to pick just one sandwich from its star-studded line-up, but the Cuban, a swoon-worthy creation with pork, ham, pickles, mustard and melty cheese, is a hard one to beat.
At Oji Sushi, you’ll find a distinctly Japanese take on classic sandos, where an array of tasty fillings are nestled between two slices of soft, fluffy milk bread called shokupan. Honestly, few places do it better than Oji, where the sando offering includes Japanese egg with spring onion and aji Amarillo and katsu chicken with shredded iceberg and bulldog sauce. Conveniently found in the heart of Commercial Bay, this is the ideal spot for those seeking a workday lunch.
Lowbrow’s sando selection is a thing of glory — an expertly curated list rooted in nostalgic flavours from childhood (but done way, way better than you remember). A cheeky take on fast food favourites, creations like the Mac Daddy (complete with brisket patty, iceberg lettuce, melty cheese and mac sauce) have all the comfort of a classic drive-thru meal — with chef-made patties, sauces and restaurant-worthy ingredients, mind you. Our favourite, however, is the O-Fush with hot spiced tempura fish, iceberg lettuce, tartare sauce and cheese on a seedy sesame roll. Yum.
This humble hidden gem has got a solid following for its selection of sandos and top notch coffee. Tucked away in a tiny block of shops in the Mt Albert suburbs, Young George serves up some of the best sandwiches we’ve sampled, seven days a week. The chicken sando is unmissable, comprising juicy crumbed chicken slathered with tonkatsu sauce and deliciously tangy ‘special sauce’ (reminiscent of Big Mac sauce or something similar) sandwiched between the ultra-soft Japanese milk bread, and toasted for a bit of crunch.
Left: Fort Greene’s The Fish One. Right: Young George’s Chicken Sando
The folks at Fort Greene make some of the best loaves in town, so it’s no surprise they’re also responsible for some of the city’s most impressive sandwiches. Its recognisable Karangahape Road storefront (painted a pleasing shade of green) is the ideal place to settle in for a lunchtime sandwich and grab a loaf of sourdough to go. While The Fish One sandwich has become something of an icon, boasting homemade kahawai fish fingers, mushy peas and tartare sauce, our other favourites are The Reuben, with salt-beef brisket, homemade sauerkraut, Russian dressing, mustard, pickles & Swiss cheese on Fort Greene New York rye and the Kimchi Grilled Cheese, boasting a mix of four cheeses, grilled, with homemade kimchi on Fort Greene’s delicious sourdough.
Opening during lockdown adjacent to their stalwart eatery on Dominion Road, Cazador Deli — much like the eatery itself, stands out for its incredible game offering. Unsurprising, then, that the deli also knows a thing or two about the makings of an epic sandwich. The fillings in the eatery’s sammies are ever-changing, and there are also a number of epic toasties to satisfy your cravings.
It would be remiss of us to leave out the deli in the CBD slinging Italian classics — Deli di Bossi. The eatery’s Mortadella Sandwich will have your mouth watering, made with mortadella italiana and mozzarella in freshly baked bread, toasted to crispy perfection, but there are countless authentic iterations that have coming through the doors time and time again. The Pastrami — a simple but stunning mix of pastrami, pickles, provolone, and mustard is a perfect rendition of the classic, while, for the vegetarians amongst us, Deli di Bossi’s Fungo — with mushroom and mozzarella, is a flavourful delight.
Left: Deli di Bossi’s Mortadella Sandwich. Right: Hello Beasty Katsu Sando
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again — Hello Beasty is one of the most delicious fusion eateries in the city, consistently serving up a taste of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese-inspired cuisine with something for everyone. And, there’s one dish that we can’t go past ordering on every visit — the Katsu Sando. Here, crumbed chicken thigh is paired with shredded white cabbage, kewpie mayo, Golden curry sauce, toasted white bread, culminating in one of the best sandos in town.
Having only opened its doors in July, Bodega has fast-become one of the city’s most-loved sandwich purveyors, slinging New York deli-inspired, made-to-order sandwiches with a decidedly American slant. As far as flavours go, The French Dip is a favourite, with with sliced braised beef, onion jus, horseradish sauce, and provolone in a french roll, served with beef consommé for dipping. There’s also a Sausage Ragù number which is particularly appealing, pairing creamy sausage ragù with roasted red peppers, sautéed greens, rocket, and balsamic glaze. Sublime.
Often overlooked, particularly when it comes to the finer details, bathrooms are arguably the room of the home that we turn to most frequently to find solace and repose. From sinking into a hot bath after a long day, to washing the day away in a striking shower, a well-designed bathroom should sit as a refined retreat within the home — reflecting the needs of its inhabitants.
Matisse, who we have long turned to for all things bathroom design, particularly when it comes to bespoke tapware, have recently welcomed Gessi to the fold — further building on its extensive offering, offering 20% off the entire range for the month of October*. Gessi, specialists in Italian-made designs, have been synonymous with innovation and luxury for over three decades, revolutionising bathroom design with a unique ‘Haute Culture’ approach. From tapware to mixers and fixtures, Gessi is renowned for their luxurious, innovative textures and a wide variety of finishes, blending material, form, and technique to create cultural value.
With a design philosophy which combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, Gessi’s products, from sleek faucets to sculptural bathtubs, embody artistic expression and practical elegance. Sustainability is key, with eco-friendly practices and water-saving technologies integrated into every design, making Gessi a favourite in luxury hotels and residences worldwide.
With myriad finishes to select from, from woven stainless steel to imprinted surfaces and polished or matte options, Gessi offers the versatility to easily upgrade any bathroom without the need for a complete overhaul.
The brand’s Origini Collection draws inspiration from the pristine beauty of untouched landscapes and the rhythmic flow of water, transporting the essence of nature into the heart of modern bathroom design, while, for those seeking something precious that plays on customisation, the geometric and sinuous volumes of the Anello Collection are sure to add a elegant and feminine touch to any design-led space.
With an innate ability to instil beauty into everyday objects, Gessi’s striking products are crafted with exclusive techniques and highly artisanal processes. From textured applications to Lacquered, Galvanic, PVD and GHRC, the maker’s materiality is distinct and incomparable.
The Venti20 Collection captures this essence wholly, inviting rediscovery of the grace and invigorating spirit of the Roaring Twenties, drawing inspiration from the remarkable era with its unrivalled elegance and decadence.
Whether you’re seeking to make a full-scale change, or a small-scale upgrade, Gessi is the obvious choice — with some of the most statement-making and high-quality fixtures and finishes on offer, merging art, technology, and sustainability in an extensive collection sure to transform even the simplest of bathroom into a luxurious retreat.
As one of New Zealand’s most revered hair stylists and makeup artists, Kiekie Stanners is well-versed in the art of using hair styling tools to effortlessly achieve the most glamorous of looks. For this issue’s cover shoot with actress Lydia Peckham, Stanners opted for two contrasting but equally stunning looks — styled using Shark’s range of powerful and versatile hair tools. Here, she talks us through the easy recreation of Lydia’s slick and straight look, using Shark’s styling tools at home.
Slick and Straight
Achieve The Look
Kiekie Stanners, hair stylist and makeup artist
“To achieve Lydia’s slick, straight look, I spritzed the hair to dampen. Following this, I used the Shark SpeedStyle with the Styling Concentrator attachment to blowout the hair in small sections, starting with lower layers first, followed by sectioning and parting the hair at the front to ensure a smooth, sleek finish. Once the hair was sleek and straight, I switched attachments to the RapidGloss Finisher for the ultimate smooth and shiny finish. Here, I took small, 5cm sections of hair, gently lifted it with a tail comb, and ran the tool over the section from the scalp down, smoothing the hair downwards from roots to ends. To finish, I ran a smoothing cream over the hair to highlight the shine, focusing on the parting and smoothing over the crown.”
Slick and Straight
Get The Look
SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Dryer from Shark
ORIBE Supershine Moisturizing Cream from net-a-porter
PHILIP KINGSLEY Finishing Touch Flexible Hold Mist from Sephora
Vincent Van Duysen’s modern kitchen masterpiece for Molteni&C epitomises the star designer’s sophisticated and refined signature aesthetic.
Creating a dynamic and elegant kitchen environment, Vincent Van Duysen’s VVD Kitchen showcases the interplay of alternating materials and the balance of solids and voids that contribute to a sophisticated yet lively space.
Details such as the reimagining of the recessed handle with a modern and sophisticated twist, and emphasising the contrast between slim side and end units, along with using substantial, thick worktops that feature stone sink bowls, break the linearity of the design.
Generous pull-out trays, open-ended drawers, and under-top trolleys enhance functionality, while an aluminium, load-bearing structure allows for compositions that are completely suspended from the floor.
Innovation is a hallmark of this design, seen in the technological details such as the built-in LED strip light and the aluminium profile that discreetly shapes the door handle for improved grip. The innovative pivot hinge enables doors to open 180°, maximising the usability of internal spaces. The addition of Bright wall units, featuring transparent glass doors and soft-closing micro-hinges, gives the kitchen a new architectural look, combining practicality with refined aesthetics.
Celebrating 25 years, Ashoka diamonds stand as a pinnacle of rarity and craftsmanship in the world of fine jewellery. Renowned for their distinctive cut, which less than one percent of diamond roughs qualify for, these rare and covetable stones are celebrated for their unique shape and meticulous faceting. Prized for their brilliance, each exquisite gem is not only a symbol of opulence, but a testament to artistry and precision.
Here, we round up our editors’ picks, from striking trilogy rings to statement-making necklaces.
Stretching on for 7.3km from Mount Eden to Mount Roskill, Dominion Road boasts an array of cafes and restaurants. And with so many options available, simply choosing one place to go is an almost impossible task. As such, we have rounded up a list of some of our favourites, whether you’re in search of a morning coffee, a lunchtime drop-in, or a delicious dinner and drinks.
Keep in mind, however, that while we’re sure you’ll find something you’ll like at one of the places we recommend, spontaneity and taking chances are two key factors to getting the most out of Dominion Road. So just as we underwent a process of trial and error, if you come across an off-the-beaten-track spot that you want to try, we encourage you to do so. The real beauty of this road is that it contains some of the most delightful hidden gems in the city.
Although Dominion Road is renowned for its varied options when it comes to Asian cuisine, it’s also home to one of the best French bakeries in Auckland. La Voie Francaise has become a destination spot with punters lining up out the door on weekend mornings just to get their pastry fix. This bakery is also one of the rare ones in town that makes a kouign-amann, which is a croissant that has been coated in sugar and caramelised to provide the ultimate crispy, buttery experience. 875 Dominion Road
Dominion Road locals swear by Forage Cafe because apparently, the baristas at this place brew the best coffee in the neighbourhood. This spot also has a variety of sandwiches, sweets and savoury dishes on offer that change regularly, and seasonal salads that can be served with a choice of spiced lamb, shredded chicken or halloumi. 90 Dominion Road
Try something different and have a Chinese style breakfast at Bunhut. Rather than falling back on the classic eggs on toast, step out of your comfort zone and opt for a jian bing guo zi. It’s a Chinese savoury crepe made from a light batter and fried egg, slathered with hoisin and chilli sauce and then filled with shredded vegetables and a fried bread stick. If you’re wanting something sweet, however, a simple red bean steamed bun accompanied by a warm glass of soy milk will do the trick. 563 Dominion Road
Should a craving for excellent Turkish food hit you, we recommend you hot-foot it to Paasha Turkish Kitchen, stat. Prioritising high quality ingredients and truly mouth watering grill techniques with their shish kebabs, hot flat bread wraps, pita pockets and more, this spot is the place to go for some of the best Turkish takeaway in town. 261 Dominion Road
Noodles are, after all, what most people come to Dominion Road for and Chongqing is one of the best places to get them. The broth of these noodles is less oily than other places we have tried but still contains the same amounts of spice and flavour. The rice noodles with braised beef is a dish you can never go wrong with. The beef is so tender that it melts in your mouth while the chewy texture of the noodles contrasts against the soft, succulent meat. 215 Dominion Road
Opening during lockdown adjacent to their stalwart eatery on Dominion Road, Cazador Deli — much like the eatery itself, stands out for its incredible game offering. Unsurprising, then, that the deli also knows a thing or two about the makings of an epic sandwich. There’s plenty to choose from, and the options are ever-changing, and the best bit is you can grab some tasty supplies for dinner while picking up lunch. 854 Dominion Road
There are dumplings and then there are soup dumplings, otherwise referred to as xiaolongbao. Restaurants that serve this delicacy are hard to find in this city due to the fact that making them requires a high level of skill. Filled with rich meat soup, usually made from pork, the little xiaolongbao pockets from Jolin Shanghai are freshly made to order and boast thicker skins than traditional soup dumplings which imbues them with a chewier texture. 248 Dominion Road
Upon first glance, you might think that Tasca is just a little cafe. What you don’t see, however, is that this Spanish eatery has an olive garden and spacious courtyard out the back, making it the perfect spot for a long lunch. In terms of food, while there are many flavourful and delicious options, be sure to order the calamares — you’ll thank us later. 338 Dominion Road
Another delicacy that has people driving to Dominion Road is spicy dumplings. Sha Xian Snack’s dumplings are unique because diners are given the option to change their dumpling filling instead of having to settle for predominantly pork. Sha Xian Snack also serves an oyster pie which is a deep-fried morsel packed with pickled vegetables and a juicy oyster — truly a one-of-a-kind dish. 285 Dominion Road
Those seeking a buzzing, local spot in Mt Eden needn’t look further than welcoming gastropub The Bridgman, having taken over an iconic site in April last year. Opened by Sean Lee (with business partner Andy Barnett) The Bridgman is just what Dominion Road needed for a long time, and offers an elevated bar and bistro experience that has made it a popular watering hole for locals. With a delicious menu of satiating dishes (think a fresher take on traditional pub fare) and a comprehensive cocktail and drinks offering, this gastropub is the perfect drop-in for drinks with friends or an after-work bite. 234 Dominion Road
Take a break at casual eatery and bar, Ralph’s. With a variety of Parrotdog beers on tap, a wide selection of Garage Project brews and an impressive snack and burger menu, Ralph’s is the go-to spot for a quick refuel. The jalapeño poppers and curly fries are both absolute must-tries, but if you’re wanting more of a meal, make a beeline for the Easy Cheesy Wagyu beef burger. 225B Dominion Road
Despite being one of the newest kids on the block, esteemed chef Gleber Chaparro’s Parro has already carved out a solid reputation for serving up some of the city’s best eats. Mediterranean-inspired, Parro’s succinct, inventive menu comprises show-stopping mains and small plates for sharing, alongside an excellent wine list of predominantly natural wines, curated to perfectly accompany the tasty bites on offer. 359 Dominion Road
An intimate space that elevates the idea of the classic pizza parlour, Ooh-Fa is the second spot from the culinary minds behind Pici and has been perpetually popular since opening. From its comfortable, warm atmosphere (thanks to the woodfire oven and low lighting) to the considered menu of delectable pizzas and sides, this 22-seater restaurant is the perfect neighbourhood spot to drop into and catch up with friends over a slice or two and some delectable wine. We recommend booking to secure your spot. 357 Dominion Road
Plabita Florence’s intriguing, plant-based restaurant reopened it’s doors last year, much to the delight of local gastronomes. Serving an array of groundbreaking, plant-based cuisine that uses unexpected flavours and unique ingredients to harness the potential of vegetarian food in a way that no one has before, Florence’s Forest is a feast for the senses, and promises a culinary experience unlike anything else in the city. 243 Dominion Road
This iconic spot hardly needs any introduction, but if you haven’t visited Eden Noodles Cafe, we suggest you ask yourself what you’ve been doing this whole time. With locations now in the CBD and in Albany, diners city-wide can enjoy the signature sichuan-laced dishes from Eden Noodles — but we always love visiting the bustling Dominion Road outpost (provided the queue isn’t too long). Sign us up for some thick noodles with dandan sauce, some vegetarian dumplings in spicy sauce and, of course, a cucumber salad. 105 Dominion Road
Nestled smack bang in the middle of Dominion Road, Kookoo is a delicious dining destination serving authentic Korean cuisine with a few tasty twists. There are a number of inventive dishes worth indulging in, but the hero of the menu is without a doubt the Korean-style whole chicken, marinated for 24 hours to ensure tenderness and flavour and served with sticky rice. Best enjoyed with an ice-cold beer and great company, and perhaps a side of kimchi fried rice. 245 Dominion Road
You don’t know what spicy food is until you’ve sampled the highest spice level at Hot & Spicy Pot. At this restaurant, what goes into your dish is all up to you. Just grab a stainless steel bowl, some tongs and get creative. With a variety of vegetables, noodles, meats and seafood on offer, all you need to do is pick and mix your favourites, tell the chefs how spicy you want to go and let them do the rest. Be warned though, that even the medium level of spice at this restaurant has been known to leave people teary-eyed, so you can only imagine what the effect of the top tier might be. 605 Dominion Road
Cheap and cheerful is the best way to explain Gogo Music Cafe. Although it has a few branches around Auckland, the one on Dominion Road is the original, the biggest and quite frankly, the best. Take a big group and order a bowl of the spicy chicken casserole with hand-pulled noodles, the $1 lamb skewers and some Tsing Tao beer. Devoured among Gogo Music Cafe’s loud and buzzing atmosphere, it’s a fun and memorable experience. 559 Dominion Road
Having joined the line-up at the start of last year, Mr Hao offers authentic bursts of Shanghai-inspired flavour with dishes such as the Numbing Chicken, a dish which sees gently fried chicken drowning in a delicious sea of chillies and numbing Sichuan peppers. Inspired by Shanghai’s late-night bar scene, Mr Hao is just the place for a relaxed get-together. Alongside the infamous Numbing Chicken, you’ll find a range of tasty skewers, noodles and irresistible grilled seafood, plus a refreshing tea cocktail on tap. 365 Dominion Road
This place is one of Dominion Road’s hidden gems and one that hasn’t failed us yet. Wang Wang Spring Pancake specialises in pancake wraps, similar to the ones used for Peking duck. But here, diners are given the freedom to order whatever meats and vegetables they want to fill their pancakes with. While everything is delicious, we recommend the stir fried shredded potato, the dry fried green beans with pork mince, and the fried eggplant with mushrooms and tofu. 704 Dominion Road
The chilli fried boneless chicken served here has made quite a name for itself and after you taste it, you’ll understand the hype. The chicken is seasoned with a copious amount of chilli and is perfectly cooked so that once you sample it for the first time, you’ll be addicted for life (seriously). The fried rice is also an excellent dish and is elevated to new heights when pork hock is added, seeing a thick, tasty sauce poured over the bed of fluffy rice. 557 Dominion Road
Forget being one of the best restaurants on Dominion Road, Cazador is one of the best spots in Auckland full stop. This restaurant serves unique dishes that showcase ethical ingredients and sustainable cooking principles by making use of all parts of the animal being served, instead of only offering cuts like the breast or belly. The menu changes depending on the availability of ingredients but the charcuterie platter is a staple and for good reason. Combined with its seamless service and lush ambience, Cazador is a must for any Aucklander. 854 Dominion Road
A cosy and compact Japanese eatery, Udon Works is home to some of the best noodle soups in town. Simple yet delicious, a big bowl of their warming broth with some thick udon noodles will leave you feeling like all is right with the world. Udon Works also has a menu of cold noodle dishes and delicious donburi with rice, with a variety of vegetable, meat and seafood options available — plus some of the best tempura we’ve tried. 633 Dominion Road
Take a trip to Meet Fresh for a Taiwanese take on dessert. Taiwanese desserts tend to be lighter, less sweet and lean more towards the refreshing side rather than being too sugary. The mango shaved ice is a fruity delight but if you want something more decadent, the freshly made waffles are always a good idea. 533 Dominion Road
Despite what the name of this bakery might indicate, it is certainly not your run-of-the-mill cake shop. The Gateau House specialises in South Korean pastries which include red-bean-filled buns that are topped with cookie crumble alongside a wide variety of delicate cakes. Our favourite is the kumara cake — a light and fluffy sponge layered with whipped cream and sweet potato mousse. 375 Dominion Road
There’s no better time than spring to rethink your skincare and beauty regime with the changing seasons in mind. From a brightening mask that enhances skin in minutes, to a potent peel, a serum-based sunscreen, and an LED mask that takes its scientific cues from NASA, these are the season’s must-have skin essentials.
01. Brightening Mask
This glow-inducing in-shower mask will take dull, dry, and lacklustre skin from zero to hero in three short minutes — harnessing the potent power of fine, crushed ginseng.
02. Potent Peel
Touted as a powerful but gentle brightening exfoliator Verso’s efficient enzyme peel gently exfoliates and rejuvenates, for smoother, brighter, more refined skin.
03. SPF Serum
This ultra-lightweight broad spectrum SPF50+ serum sunscreen, rich in skin loving actives, both shields the skin and leaves it with a luminous glow.
04. LED Mask
Utilising advanced tech borrowed from NASA, this high performing mask is a non-invasive yet impactful way to promote overall skin rejuvenation at home.
Summertime Glow
Our Must-Haves
01. Brightening Mask
Sulwhasoo White Ginseng Radiance Refining Mask from Sephora
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