Meal prep just got better with game-changing dairy company Lewis Road Creamery’s original New Zealand yoghurt range. While we’re all familiar with Greek yoghurt, and some of us may have sampled the Icelandic variety, Lewis Road Creamery New Zealand Yoghurt is a pioneering and proudly 100 per cent Aotearoa formulation.
If you’re wondering what this means, it’s that the finest base ingredients are used to create the ultra creamy recipe — a result of being cloth-strained and naturally fermented over three days rather than mechanically processed —and all-local ingredients including New Zealand grass-fed dairy.
It’s also the first dairy yoghurt on our shores to be sustainably packaged in glass, which works towards the brand’s promise to make 100% of its packaging either recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.
With four delicious flavours on offer so far: natural; honey-sweetened; boysenberry with a hint of rose; and lemon and juniper, Lewis Road Creamery New Zealand Yoghurt is bound to become a firm fridge favourite.
While many of us are perfectly proficient at spending any amount of time (and money) on the latest treatments, products and gadgets for the skin on our faces, when was the last time you spared a thought for that oft-neglected area just south of the chin?
Phenomena like ‘tech neck’, for example, have prompted many to hone in on ways to prevent wrinkles supposedly formed by excess smartphone use (a sadly appropriate dilemma for our times), and damage from increased exposure to blue light from screens.
Phone addiction aside, the skin on our necks and around the jawline is prone to showing ageing earlier due to the thinner, more delicate skin in that area and, well, gravity.
Treatments to encourage a ‘snatched’ (taut) jawline in particular are on the rise, and an innovative new product from French skincare brand Sothys promises to focus on this very goal.
The Perfect Shape Neck Stretch Mask is like a sheet mask for your neck and jaw. Presented as a stretchy fabric in an individual sachet, it’s soaked in active ingredients like hibiscus stem cell extract, algae extract and almond seed extract, which aim to brighten, moisturise, lift and rejuvenate.
The shape was custom developed to fit the lower half of the face, so one applies it to the very bottom of the chin and jaw, pulling up either side and hooking the mask around the ears to enhance the stretch and pulling-up effect.
Having never tried anything like this before, I was certainly intrigued and excited to give it a go. I have to confess I’m not the biggest fan of sheet masks, finding them claustrophobic around my nose and mouth, however I had no such trouble with this one as it hooks comfortably onto the ears and around the jaw, leaving the rest of the face free.
Leaving it on for 15 minutes, I also used the gua sha tool I have at home to work the mask and its extracts even more into my jaw and neck — a technique I’d highly recommend, seeing as it doubles as a tension-reducing massage and helps absorb the products into the skin.
After removing the mask and any product residue further into my skin (this is a no-rinse product), I have to say the skin around my jaw and upper neck felt incredibly soft, and remained that way for the day.
While at the tender age of 28 I’m not yet in need of anti-aging products around my jowls, I whole-heartedly believe prevention is the best cure and so would definitely enjoy adding the Perfect Shape Neck Stretch Mask into my pampering routine.
When you have a specific craving, and want to see it realised, only the best version of that particular food will do. For an unshakeable — or even fleeting — hot dog craving, we recommend visiting the good people at Good Dog Bad Dog.
The Chilli Cheese Dog
Situated within Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats food hall and helmed by the team behind Gochu, Good Dog Bad Dog initially began life as a pop-up in Newmarket before it put down roots inside the bustling precinct, and we’re all much better for it.
The menu includes different variations of the universally-loved delicacy, including the Chilli Cheese Dog, Good Dog, a Pepperoni Pizza Dog and a Mac n’ Cheese Dog in addition to the more familiar Classic Dog.
The Chilli Cheese Dog combines a traditional frankfurter sausage with a house-made chilli mix, and cheese topping with chives, while the Good Dog comprises a vegan hot dog featuring shiitake mushroom, fried tofu, jalapeno and truffle mustard, and a vegan sausage, all encased in a bun that, according to the menu, will ‘suit it all’.
The Mac n’ Cheese Dog is pretty self-explanatory (yes, it’s a hot dog with the pasta dish dolloped on top), while the Pepperoni Pizza Dog involves a frankfurter topped with slices of pepperoni pizza and pineapple salsa.
We’re also very keen on the look of a recent addition — the Buldoggy — which tops a frank with bulgogi beef, Gochu mayonnaise, coleslaw and nori. It’s the mash-up we never knew we needed, but very much want to taste.
Great style permeates every area of Constance von Dadelszen’s (née Cummings) life. As the founder of vintage specialty store Love and Object, she has developed a deep love for objects that are both beautiful and individual, curating such pieces for her customers and clients. From vintage jewellery to homewares and floral arrangements, Love and Object is the place to go for things that will improve your space or jewellery collection. Exercising the same discerning taste in her role as creative director of womenswear for fashion brand Dadelszen, alongside her husband Eddie von Dadelszen, she certainly keeps herself busy. Here, the tastemaker gives some insight into a few of her other interests.
My personal style can be defined as: Timeless with a contemporary twist.
The last thing I bought and loved was: A 10ft palm tree for our entranceway.
Villa Le Fontanelle
An unforgettable place I visited was: We stayed at our wedding venue, Villa Le Fontanelle, in Florence during January. It was wonderful to be back at a place that had so many wonderful memories for us.
Next place I’d like to go to: I won’t be going anytime soon with a baby on the way but I’d love to stay at one of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust eco-lodges in Kenya. We sponsor a few of their elephant and rhino orphans via Love and Object and I’d probably cry with joy seeing them in real life.
An object I would never part with is: My engagement ring. Its design and history holds such a unique and special meaning for us. I’ll likely be obsessed with it for the rest of my life.
On my wish list is: Matching original mid-century light shades for the house. The ones that came with the house represent everything bad about 90s interior design.
The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: The Gainsbourg coat in cream from our [Dadelszen’s] new womenswear collection — available online soon. Its the most divine mix of masculine-inspired tailoring with such a feminine colour and fabric. However, I’m petrified of spilling something on it.
Lauren Hutton
My style icon is: All-time muse- Lauren Hutton, contemporary style muse- Ilenia Toma.
The design (building, person, item) that inspires me is: The house we currently live in has been the most inspiring home for me yet. It’s an old dame that needs work but its craftsmanship has stood up to the test of time and its a little bit quirky. Since we’ve been here we’ve added some of my favourite items to our collection, its spaces have pushed us to think outside the box interior-wise.
My favourite app is:Pinterest, for instantly downloading all my thoughts on creative projects and it saves me so much time! I used to have stacks of scrapbooks that would take me hours to put together.
An indulgence I would never forgo is: Cafe purchased lattes, I can’t make a proper coffee to save myself.
If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: So tough! I love hunting for items when we go travelling and locally too. If I had to pick it would be Florence, for its mix of new and vintage fashion stores, amazing food, flowers and its antique stores.
The Last Dance
I can’t miss an episode of: I was obsessed with The Last Dance on Netflix recently. One of the best docos I’ve seen, even if you’re not a basketball fan.
In my fridge you’ll always find: Buffalo feta or blue goats cheese.
My favourite room in my house is: Our bedroom; it’s still a WIP but it has one of my favourite pieces of art by Grace Wright and an art deco bedroom suite that looks like it’s from old world Hollywood.
I recently discovered: Journalling, I used to think the idea of writing down your thoughts about your day was a bit naff, but it helped motivate me and keep me calm during the crap days of pregnancy and lockdown.
The people I rely on for my wellbeing are: My husband and closest friends. I can turn to them no matter what and they get my sense of humour.
My favourite website is: 1st Dibs, I could spend hours looking at furniture and vintage clothing.
A gadget I can’t do without is: My phone. I hate it but it’s my lifeline for work and currently serves as a memory bank to counteract my baby brain.
Rothko
The one artist whose work I would collect is (if price is not an issue): Rothko. No doubt about it.
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: I haven’t been eating out at all recently, instead, we’ve been ordering in house catering from our local Barulho. I love their take on elevated home-style cooking.
The best gift I ever received was: Serge, our dog. He’s the best.
The beauty/ grooming product I can’t live without is: A brow brush and gel. Mine slope downwards if left untamed, which only adds to my resting b*tch face.
If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: A museum curator, an archaeologist, an environmental lobbyist; I ‘d love to have many lifetimes so I could experience different careers.
I have a collection of: I come from a family of collectors so I caught the collectors bug from a young age. Fortunately, I’m able to “collect” vintage jewels and homewares for Love and Object and Eddie and I love collecting unique items for our home.
A great piece of advice I’ve received: You can never be everything to everybody. It’s a great piece of advice for anyone starting a brand.
Treat yourself with a delicious spin on a warming hot chocolate. More of a method than a recipe, this drink is so easy to whip up there’s no reason to delay.
Ingredients
Base: – 4 tbsp Fix & Fogg Chocolate Hazelnut butter – 2 cups milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
For topping: – Whipped cream – Shaved chocolate – Crushed hazelnuts – Mini marshmallows
Method: 1. In a saucepan, gently heat milk until hot. Be sure to whisk milk so it doesn’t burn. 2. Add Chocolate Hazelnut Butter to hot milk and whisk until melted through. 3. Pour hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed hazelnuts and extra chocolate.
Beloved Eden Terrace cafe Coffee Pen has a cult following. Tucked away down Basque Road, this hidden gem has been a firm favourite since owners Yasuji and Fumi Hisai opened it in 2016 after moving to Auckland from Sydney. The pair spend their days providing customers with delicious house-baked sweet treats, hot lunch specials and topnotch coffee, and Coffee Pen is occasionally the site of community market events, bringing a throng of visitors from around the city. Stepping out from behind the counter for a moment, Yas gives us some insight into the duo’s interests.
The last thing we bought and loved was: Yasuji: A car last year – a Toyota Blizzard 1988.
An unforgettable place we visited was: Kaitaia. If we have the day off we speed up there to go fishing.
Next place we’d like to go to: Germany to see the arts, music and buildings.
An object we would never part with is: Yasuji: Technics turntables (SL-1200MK3D) and Vestax mixer (PMD-06 ProA). I got them when I was a teenager in 1996, and that’s when I started collecting records and CDs.
On our wish list is: A Kayak!
Kaitaia
An indulgence we would never forgo is: Fishing in Kaitaia.
In our fridge you’ll always find: Beer.
Our favourite room in our house is: Not actually inside, it’s outside on the balcony. It’s not huge but we have a beautiful Auckland view.
Apero
The last meal out we had that truly impressed me was: At Apero. We had roasted savoy cabbage, parmesan & walnuts, and roasted cauliflower with goat’s curd, almond and mint.
We recently discovered: Yasuji: I love walking. I hated it before – even walking five minutes, but after lockdown I’m now happy to do 3 hours.
Our favourite website is:nepenthesny.com – a Japanese clothing brand.
The one artist whose work we would collect is (if price is not an issue): Tomoo Gokita, Henrietta Harris, Emma McIntyre.
The best gift we ever received was: Yasuji: A B&W Zeppelin speaker. My old friends gifted it to Coffee Pen when we opened.
Subsequence
The best book we read in the last year is: Subsequence, a semi-annual publication with features on arts, craftsmanship and culture. Kennedy Magazine, a biannual journal based in Athens, Greece. Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World–and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling.
Favourite music we’ve recently been listening to: Jeff Parker’s album Suite for Max Brown.
If we weren’t doing what we are, we would be: Yasuji: I think it would be the same as now.
We have a collection of: Records and art books.
Top three favourite records in our collection: Its too hard to choose though… 1. Steve Riche Music for 18 musicians live 1978 ECM records (minimal contemporary music) 2. Head Nordic Tuesday 2002 from Insiduous urban records. (Jazz, Hip hop) 3. Tide & Ticked Trio Observing Systems 2003 from Morr Music (German electronica/dub/jazz)
Set among dense vegetation in the Atlantic Forest of the Paulista Coast of São Paulo, the Jungle House is a fine example of architecture that seamlessly blends into the surrounding topography. Designed by lauded Brazilian studio mk27, the project takes advantage of its tropical surrounds and spectacular view of the ocean.
Projecting proudly out from the mountain range, the three-storey structure has a clear, pragmatic division between each floor. The ground level boasts a large wooden deck that acts as a generous shaded area for the children to play in as well as allowing full immersion into the lush surrounds.
Above this, the first floor holds six bedrooms, five of which have their own private veranda equipped with hammocks, while the top floor acts as the social hub of the home, housing the kitchen, living room and pool area.
The calm and welcoming interior contrasts the bright tropical theme encompassed by the exterior. With a brief to create a feeling of cosiness and comfort while also asserting a modern tone, a bold declaration is made in the living room with the inviting Tufty-Time sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia. The iconic Saarinen coffee table by Eero Saarinen for Knoll projects a modern accent, while the Nepal chair by Paola Navone for Baxter brings a feeling of warmth and intimacy to the room.
With an ambition to showcase local furniture designers mastery throughout the home, perhaps one of the most standout pieces resides in the bedroom — the Anemone chair by the Campana Brothers for Edra, a contemporary statement that reflects the provenance of the home.
Tolomeo Mega Parete from ECC, Alexander Dining Table from Sarsfield Brooke, Float Mini Lounger by Paola Lenti from ECC, Menu WM String Dining Chair from Tim Webber, Saarinen coffee table from Studio Italia, Tufty-Time sofa from Matisse
Architect: studio mk27 — Marcio Kogan + Samanta Cafardo
Interior design: studio mk27 — Diana Radomysler
Photography: Fernando Guerra
Karangahape Rd fried chicken joint Free Bird is proving it can do justice to more than a southern-fried drumstick.
Owners Sade Hopkins and Kim Workman have opened a new go-to breakfast hang out inside their diner called The Grilled Cheese, and as the name suggests, this time tasty toasted sandwiches are in the hot seat.
Purists will love The Classic – straight-up grilled cheddar cheese in bread – while The Breakfast Toasty combines Swiss and cheddar cheese with bacon, scrambled eggs, tomato relish and chives for more of a morning meal.
The Breakfast Toasty
Into The Blue and PB&J get a little funky; the former comprising blue cheese, cheddar, roasted, mushrooms, thyme and caramelised onion, and the latter offering sweet-tooths a must try option with crunchy peanut butter, berry jam, cream cheese, caramelised banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
There’s an ever-changing grilled cheese of the week on offer, and the all-important extras include Buffalo hot sauce and pickles to take your morning hot sammy to the next level.
Washed down with a glass of OJ or a Kokako hot filter coffee and that’s what we call a great start to the day.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 7am until 11:30am Take away and delivery available
Britomart is doubly the place to be next week as a variety of fun and tasty cultural activities take place, part of this year’s Matariki Festival ringing in the Māori New Year as the constellation rises in the winter skies above Aotearoa.
Historically a time for communities to come together, acknowledge the year gone by and make plans for the year ahead, there are several great happenings taking place in wider Auckland from June 20 to July 15 that encourage celebrating with kai, kōrero, rituals and entertainment.
Down in Britomart from Tuesday, June 30 to Saturday, July 4, visitors can be treated to a traditional hāngi by hāngi master Rewi Spraggon, who is setting up his pit in Takutai Square. We’re excited to try one of the hāngi pies on offer and there are also hāngi lunchboxes available to take away, so why not get the office involved for a group lunch?
Auckland Council has also collaborated with Britomart to host daily performances by local kapa haka groups from Monday, June 29 to Saturday, July 4, with two 20-minute performances occurring each day at 12:15pm and 1:15pm.
Lunchtime tunes by DJ Pomale Tamati keep the vibe going and visitors to Takutai Square can also take in an impressive display in the form of a lightbox exhibition.
The imagery displayed features a selection of local kapa haka performers, some of whom will be representing Tāmaki Makaurau at the next national kapa haka competition.
So whether it’s a hot hāngi lunch or a performance that appeals, we recommend joining the celebrations down in Britomart to mark this year’s Matariki.
North Shore locals have been flocking to the newly-opened Pym’s of Milford since its surprise opening two weeks ago.
Situated on bustling Kitchener Rd, the 55-seater bar and eatery offers a relaxed and welcoming environment for customers to comfortably while away a few hours with friends (or solo), hosted by its friendly staff.
Helmed by Jacqui Blythe, Sarah Carroll and Craig Pym in their first joint hospitality venture, Pym’s of Milford is the culmination of a long-held dream by the owners, plus a response to what they saw as a gap in the local offering.
With a curated wine-list featuring both recognisable and independent names, plus boutique spirits like gins from Scapegrace and Botanist, the drinks offering aims to have something for every taste and so far, the feedback has been favourable.
Food-wise, customers can expect simple yet tasty, fresh dishes that present the option of a light snack with your libations, or a combination for a more substantial meal.
The tempting Pym’s burger is on the heartier side, comprising grass-fed brisket beef burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion with a side of chips. A classic, done well.
Seasonal vegetable kebabs, two sizes of grazing platters, pork meatballs and chilli prawns are some other small plates on offer, made with good quality ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
It’s a family-affair, with the three owners’ various relations running operations behind the bar and in the kitchen, and this is part of Pym’s of Milford’s charm. Next time you find yourself in the area, or if you’re a local, and you should decide to stop by, you’re sure to receive a warm welcome.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 2pm until late Saturday and Sunday: Noon until late
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