Wondering what to watch next? These addictive TV series belong on your radar

4 Jun 2021

With winter officially in full swing, it’s time to activate hibernation mode and queue your watchlist with an addictive assortment of new content. From thrilling true crime dramas to fabulous biopics, these fresh TV shows will see you in good stead over rainy days and chilly nights.

The Mosquito Coast
Justin Theroux and Melissa George star in this new Apple+ series, adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name. The drama unfolds as Allie Fox (played by Theroux), a radical idealist and brilliant inventor finds himself on the run from the United States government, and must escape with his family to Mexico. Made in seven parts, this exhilarating series promises to have us on the edge of our seats, and is the perfect watch for winter. Watch on Apple TV+

https://youtu.be/yCgdWHwEnrg

Halston
Starring Ewan McGregor as the titular character, this new Netflix miniseries follows the hedonistic lifestyle of iconic fashion designer Halston (Roy Halston Frowick) in the 1970s and 1980s. With super-producer Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, The Politician, Ratched and more) at the helm, this glitzy, fashion-filled affair captures perfectly the legacy of a legend. Watch on Netflix

Physical
In this upcoming Apple Original series, Rose Bryne stars as Sheila Rubin, an outwardly dutiful 1980s housewife with a darkly-funny side who finds solace from personal demons in the world of aerobics. Following Sheila’s trajectory as she moves from aerobics fan to fully-fledged fitness and lifestyle guru, this dramedy is one we’re particularly looking forward to. Watch on Apple TV+

https://youtu.be/Q4nwFSSTUZc

Nine Perfect Strangers
Another miniseries starring Nicole Kidman (fast becoming the genre’s most prolific practitioner), Nine Perfect Strangers was adapted from a novel of the same name and follows a wellness retreat that goes horribly wrong. Promising a similarly captivating and dark drama to Big Little Lies (the novel was penned by the same author, after all) this series is one we’re eagerly waiting for. Watch on Amazon Prime

Solos
A new Amazon series featuring eight acclaimed actors (including Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and Anne Hathaway) this captivating, seven-part, character-driven anthology explores the wondrous truths of what it means to be human, concluding that no matter how isolated or physically separated we are, we will always be connected. Watch on Amazon Prime

Loki
Marvel’s god of mischief is set to hit our screens with his very own series on Disney Plus. The story follows Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) as he pops up throughout human history via his own method of time travel, to influence major historical events. Expect as many moments of chaos as moments of comedy as this lovable rogue finally takes the spotlight. Watch on Disney+

The Underground Railroad
From the director of Academy-Award-winning Moonlight this new Amazon series follows the journey of Cora, a young slave in the antebellum South, who escapes a Georgian plantation in a bid for freedom — pursued every step of the way by a notorious slave hunter. Watch on Amazon Prime

https://youtu.be/miQqyfO66uw

Mare of Easttown
This gripping new HBO show stars Kate Winslet as a small-town detective, bent on solving a local murder while trying to balance her personal life as it crumbles around her. With stellar performances and an unmissable plot, you won’t be able to tear your eyes away. Watch on Neon

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Amisfield’s Wine Club subscription service comes brimming with exciting perks

4 Jun 2021

A well-stocked cellar is (we think) one of life’s great pleasures, and an Amisfield subscription service is ensuring you’ll never be left wanting when the occasion arises to source a bottle of exceptional wine from within the comfort of your own home.

The acclaimed Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door boasts one of the largest, single-estate vineyards in Central Otago, and Amisfield Wine Club is dedicated to offering wine connoisseurs, gastronomes and casual enthusiasts alike the opportunity to access a superior cellar offering with a large number of perks.

With no joining fee — just a commitment to purchasing two cases of 12 bottles per year — Amisfield Wine Club is a truly accessible way to sample the vineyard’s exquisite vintages. Members of the Amisfield Wine Club receive discounts on all Amisfield wines and at the restaurant itself, plus a personal allocation of new-release wines, access to exclusive pre-releases and select cellar and limited edition wines.

You can expect invitations to Amisfield events and a highlight is one complimentary wine masterclass per year for you and three guests — an in-depth, educational and informative wine tasting session, with an overview of the history of Amisfield Estate and the Central Otago region.

In further exciting news, 2021 is Amisfield’s first vintage from which all of the grapes (and subsequent wines) will be certified as organic, by BioGro New Zealand. The culmination of a five-year process, full organic status is no mean feat, and Amisfield’s organic conversion is part of a multitude of ongoing sustainability initiatives at Amisfield. The conversion has resulted in soil health and biodiversity improvements, plus greater differentiation of flavour profile from block to block as the vines are able to assert their own unique personality into each exquisite wine.

That being said, there’s never a better time to join Amisfield’s wine club, and with complimentary freight available for every subscription delivery in New Zealand and Australia, it’s a brilliant way to treat yourself — or another lucky recipient.

You must be 18 years or older to subscribe to this service.

www.amisfield.co.nz/wineclub/

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Ecostore leads the sustainable charge once again with this genius product

4 Jun 2021

Once again taking the lead in the bid to reduce plastic waste and offer cleaner, safer products for the home and body, Ecostore has just launched its new Cleaner Concentrates — and they’re genius.

Packed in tiny glass bottles with recyclable lids (creating 90 percent less plastic waste), the formulas are 10-times concentrated and are designed to be combined with tap water in reusable spray bottles. When mixed with water, they boast the exact same cleaning power as Ecostore’s regular 500ml spray cleaners.

“Every time our customer uses the new ecostore refill concentrate bottle, they use 90 percent less plastic waste because each spray head lasts for 24 refills,” says Ecostore group CEO Pablo Kraus. “This can make a 1.46kg of plastic saving and we can divert 6,450kgs of plastic waste from landfills each year.”

There are currently three variations of Cleaner Concentrate available, all made from plant-based ingredients and enabling the user to tackle different areas of the house with ease.

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The Multi-Purpose Cleaner Refill Concentrate is an effective antibacterial cleaner that makes cleaning oil, food, dust and dirt a breeze. It can be used on hard household surfaces, bench tops, appliances and walls — while the Glass Cleaner Refill Concentrate is perfect for leaving a streak-free finish on windows, mirrors and glass surfaces.

The Bathroom and Shower Refill Concentrate cuts easily through dirt, soap scum and hard water spots using citric acid — a safer alternative to Benzalkonium Chloride that is proven to kill common household germs and bacteria.

The release of these new products couldn’t have come at a better time, with World Environment Day on Saturday 5th of June prompts us to once again be reminded that we have a long way to go in terms of reducing our plastic footprint. But by embracing this inspiring new initiative from Ecostore we can play a small part in the wider cause.

When it comes to individual progress, an accumulation of small actions carried out consistently everyday makes a difference, and with Ecostore’s Cleaner Concentrates, you can be sure that you can keep both your home and your conscience spick and span.

www.ecostore.com/nz

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5 spellbinding novels to add to your reading list immediately

3 Jun 2021

A good book in one hand, a cup of something warm (or strong) in the other — if you were to say there’s no better way to spend a dreary winter day, we’d tend to agree. From electrifying debuts to magical masterpieces, curl up this winter with these compelling reads and let peak happiness ensue.

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
Centred around two Black artists who fall in love after meeting at a pub in London, this story follows the ups and downs of their relationship as they seek to make their mark on a city that simultaneously embraces and isolates them. Hailed as an exquisite debut, and praised for its poignant insight, tender treatment and soulful intensity, Caleb Azumah Nelson’s tale is as much about a powerful and sometimes painful love story as it is an exploration of race and masculinity and has cemented the author as a force to be reckoned with.

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Jacob Finch Bonner is a once-promising novelist who, having fallen short of success, has taken to teaching an MFA programme. But everything changes after an arrogant student boasts about his first novel before suddenly dying, an event that sees Jacob commit to a life-changing lie.

Peaces by Helen Oyeyemi
From this award-winning author comes the magical story of a couple who embark on a sleeper train that they soon discover is no ordinary locomotive. Vivid, inventive and spellbinding, this novel is about what it means to be seen by another person and will keep you enthralled from start to finish.

Animal by Lisa Taddeo
Another notable debut, this book follows the story of a woman who, after a lifetime enduring the cruelty of men, decides to turn the tables. Described as an astonishing masterpiece, this novel offers up a visceral depiction of female rage and is electrifying and gripping in equal measure.

Should We Stay or Should We Go by Lionel Shriver
After watching her father die from Alzheimer’s, Kay Wilkinson and her husband Cyril make a suicide pact, to be carried out when they turn 80. But then, they turn 80. Equally serious and hilarious, Shriver’s narrative combines 12 parallel universes to explore how Kay and Cyril’s future could possibly turn out.

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Meet Claudia Li, the New Zealand-raised fashion designer who counts Michelle Obama and Bella Hadid among her fans

3 Jun 2021

For Claudia Li, creativity has always been effortless. The Auckland and New York-based fashion designer grew up with a legacy of artists on her mother’s side and an art dealer father, from whom the urge to craft was intrinsically nurtured from a young age.

“Creativity wasn’t something they taught me,” she says, “it was baked into the way they lived, and it was normal.” This extended to a love of fashion, and when it came time for Li to study, fashion design seemed like a natural next step. Now, Li is one of the industry’s most exciting independent designers with a host of accolades and experience already under her belt.

Raised between New Zealand and Singapore, Li moved to London, aged 19 to study at Central Saint Martins and was then recommended to the Parsons MFA programme which prompted a move to New York. “That was one of the best career-defining decisions I have ever made,” she says.

What followed were stints on the design teams for Brandon Maxwell’s Haus of Gaga label and at JW Anderson, and in 2015, Li debuted the first collection under her own, eponymous label at New York Fashion Week.

With its bold, colourful and irreverent aesthetic, Claudia Li the label has been worn by a host of powerful celebrities, tastemakers and even politicians — Michelle Obama, Karlie Kloss, Eva Chen, and Bella Hadid, to name a few. In 2017, Li was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Art and Style honouree.

Although Li’s CV boasts the kind of work experience most designers would dream of, one of the main things she’s learned is also fundamentally simple. “I’ve learned so much from my past experiences, but I think the most important lessons I learned are to be kind and be grateful”, she says.

Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner wearing Claudia Li.

“I really love the fact that everyone on my team is genuinely kind and down to earth. I am really lucky to have such an amazing team and together we’ve created an awesome working environment which is essential to produce great work.”

Having returned to Auckland due to the pandemic, Li says the past year has been both challenging and enlightening. “I’ve been rethinking the whole system we base our business on. How, when and what we create. How, when and what we sell,” she says. “I think in some ways, the pandemic ‘pause’ really made the noise go away, at least for me.”

Claudia Li Fall Winter 21 Collection Preorder. From left: Embroidered square shoulder coat in quilted padding; Knit pleated skirt; Drawstring waist long vest in black wool crepe.

An accelerating system of ‘more, next, new, fast’ needed to be rethought, says Li, and she’s now working on moving her brand forward in a more conscious way, working with her New York team and establishing more of a base in New Zealand as she does so.

Essentially, Li is aiming to do much more than just feed into the never ending appetite for newness. Designing is her way of sharing a narrative and sparking connection. “Some of us don’t just want to sell clothes, we’re also trying to connect with our audiences on an emotional level. We’re trying to tell our stories.”

www.claudia-li.com

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Meet Double Double — the cool coffee bar from the dynamic duo behind Culprit and Lowbrow

PHOTOS Carly Black | 2 Jun 2021

You’d never call them complacent, as the duo behind Culprit, Little Culprit, Lowbrow and Nook has just opened a sweet new coffee shop in the central city. Named Double Double, the freshly minted cafe is located right next to Elliot Stables, a java-slinging oasis in the middle of it all.

The opportunity to open Double Double came about a few months ago, says co-owner Jordan MacDonald, and what solidified it was the layout of the space when they checked it out initially. “It had great bones,” says MacDonald, “with a brick wall, high stud and a banquette that we could see would be beautiful re-covered.”

The interior is small — only around 10 seats — and there’s no kitchen, meaning it’s a slightly more low-maintenance affair than their other restaurants. However, they’ve made sure the offering is still characteristically delicious with toasted sandwiches, baked goods from Ponsonby bakery Il Forno (where Lowbrow’s buns are made), Coffee Supreme coffee, and some outrageously good sweet treats invented by MacDonald and co-chef and owner Kyle Street.

Double Double’s toasted sandwiches are all made with Il Forno focaccia, and you’ll find flavours like Truffle & Cheese, comprising truffle salt, gruyere bechamel and mushroom paste; a mortadella, swiss cheese, rocket, red pepper and mayo iteration; chicken schnitzel with rocket, mozzarella and tomato kasundi; and grilled eggplant, red pepper jam, mozzarella and rocket. There will also be specials and the menu will likely change seasonally.

The sweets selection is like nothing you’ll find anywhere else. Cornflake Crack Brownie is a heavenly combination of chocolate brownie base topped with a caramelised cornflake layer. Peanut butter and jam drop cookies are like a supreme version of a Shrewsberry biscuit, and there’s a pretzel loaf cake with golden syrup icing, a gluten-free sweet granola slice — and more.

Like the sandwich selection, the selection may change depending on what’s popular and/or seasonal. We can confidently say this will be a must-visit for breakfast and lunchtime punters who are after some of the tastiest coffee, sandwiches and sweet treats in town.

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 7AM — 3PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Double Double
39 Elliott street,
Auckland Central

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Maggie Marilyn’s exciting debut presentation at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021

1 Jun 2021

Fostering a spirit of community and connection has long been a cornerstone pursuit for Maggie Hewitt, founder of lauded New Zealand fashion brand Maggie Marilyn. This philosophy was shown to be more starkly important than ever throughout the last year, and when it came to designing her latest ‘Forever’ capsule additions, it was from a renewed emphasis on togetherness that Hewitt drew her inspiration.

This concept also became the catalyst for Maggie Marilyn’s exciting debut presentation at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021, where the brand is showcasing its new capsule with a beautiful cinematic creation A Brave New World — today at 5PM NZT. As the name would suggest, this feature explores the changed frontier we’ve now found ourselves in, gradually trying to emerge from the pandemic with optimism, empathy and inspiration.

Shot across 120 acres of countryside at The Range in Byron Bay and directed by Duc Thinh Dong, A Brave New World drew on some of Australia’s brightest talents to create a spirited visual showcase for Maggie Marilyn’s latest designs. Producer Lauren Barge, photographer Dan Roberts and stylist Emma Kalfus lent their skills to the project, which features an enchanting cast of models and muses including Shimma Marie, Mahalia Handley and New Zealand’s own Manahou Mackay wearing the brand’s covetable pieces.

A palette of rich, chocolatey brown and buttery yellow is punctuated by enchanting pops of azure blue and shimmering gold; sumptuous cream and signature prints. We love the effortless silhouette of the Bobbi Boyfriend Pant and the matching chocolate Make A Livin’ blazer; the ankle-grazing George Carey coat in either check or bubblegum pink, and the showstopping Bridgerton dress.

For this collection and its subsequent showcase, Maggie Marilyn also partnered with two like-minded designers — footwear brand Nelson Made and jewellery designer Mineraleir — to create limited-edition, consciously made accessories that solidify the capsule’s aesthetic right down to the finer details.

True to Maggie Marilyn’s core pillar of sustainability, the new Forever pieces are timeless, intended for wear all year round. They are crafted from traceable and organic or repurposed fibres, made in New Zealand with a focus on responsible manufacturing and ethical practices. Once again, the brand has created pieces that will both add an exciting dose of freshness to our wardrobe, while being cherished for years to come.

In celebration of this highly-anticipated launch, Maggie Marilyn has offered to give one lucky Denizen reader the ultimate shopping experience worth $2,500. With this you’ll receive a personalised shopping session with Maggie Marilyn’s Head of Retail where you will walk away with a mixture of new Forever and Somewhere pieces followed by a delicious lunch for you and a friend at Kingi, Britomart.

This giveaway has now closed.

www.maggiemarilyn.com

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The enchanting Luma festival is back, transforming Queenstown into a magical wonderland

1 Jun 2021

Queenstown’s award-winning sensory experience, Luma is back after a year’s hiatus. Bringing together illuminated art, light sculpture, performance and community events over four days during Queen’s Birthday weekend, the event promises to enliven the Queenstown Gardens on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Working with over 500 contributors, from the established and renowned New Zealand light artist Angus Muir, to up-and-coming artists such as Christchurch creative Drew Hill, Luma is now in its seventh year, and it just keeps getting better.

As Muir notes, the Queenstown Gardens is a spectacular location thanks to its natural lack of ambient light, serving to highlight the installations that much more. While in 2019, Luma attracted nearly 60,000 domestic and international visitors, there’s hope that the 2021 iteration may be witnessed by even more.

So, if you’re thinking of spending your Queen’s Birthday weekend in Queenstown, we suggest you commit soon, as this cornerstone arts and culture event will be one you won’t want to miss.

Luma Festival
5pm-10pm,
Friday 4th — Monday 7th of June
Queenstown Gardens

www.luma.nz

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Inside the intriguing new Parnell development reimagining the idea of luxury apartment living

1 Jun 2021

“Previously, most apartments were designed more or less as white boxes, and rather than being driven by design, were dictated by factors like location or number of rooms”, Sebastian Hamilton of architecture and design studio Monk Mackenzie tells me. “But now, the clientele are becoming more sophisticated and not only have an appreciation for the design of these boutique builds, but expect design to really be at the forefront.”

Speaking with Hamilton, alongside his colleague Hamish Monk, it is clear the significant way Auckland’s lifestyle is changing. Thanks to the City’s Unitary Plan, the character and makeup of the inner-city and urban fringe suburbs are on a trajectory towards higher-density housing and apartment living, as The City of Sails evolves to meet the more cosmopolitan demands of its residents. But apartment living doesn’t have to signal the end of interesting architecture or luxurious design. In fact, as entities like Monk Mackenzie are proving, the reality is quite the opposite.

Recently, Monk Mackenzie completed the design for a new development at 44 St George’s Bay Road, Parnell and in doing so, forced us to re-examine our assumptions of what apartment living is. Simply called St George’s Bay Road, this new, boutique apartment building is comprised of only three, carefully-designed units in total (each on its own floor) and combines proximity to Auckland City with space, privacy and a true sense of luxury that will endure.

“St George’s Bay Road is an apartment building, so it should look like an apartment building and be urban in character,” explains Monk, “but we wanted to design it with a sense of permanence, solidity and rich materiality. Lower St George’s Bay Road has all these beautiful old concrete and brick buildings that are pretty unapologetic in their scale so we wanted our design to relate to its existing context, while bearing in mind that this would also change over time.”

Indeed, Monk Mackenzie’s focus on materiality feels central to the success of this project. Not wanting to make the development feel too commercial, the architects opted for materials like brick and stone over aluminium and steel, to lend a more handmade, unique sensibility. Creating a clever contrast between the ideas of roughness and fineness, they played with the resulting tension to design something that was simultaneously robust and refined — where the stoic, solid ground level (rendered entirely in textural concrete) exists as a kind of plinth for the more finely-finished floors above.

The use of post-tension concrete — a clever reinforcing technique — allowed the architects to reduce the amount of concrete needed and cantilever out the edges of the building with minimal support, emphasising the idea of the top part being light and almost effortless. As Monk explains, “there is an often-used architectural language around expressing all of a structure so that it feels quite overt and honest… but sometimes, it’s nice to make things look easy when they’re not.”

From the street, the development will stand proud, its façade a contemporary lattice screen structure that will afford residents complete privacy while still allowing ample light into each apartment and facilitating a view out onto the street. During the daytime, the screen façade will make a bold, architectural statement while at night, it will take on a softer appearance, radiating warmly with the glow of the apartments behind.

Inside, the focus on quality continues, where carefully-selected joinery and exposed, natural materials work to lend a weightiness to the generous living spaces. “We wanted to give the interiors a sense of gravitas and depth,” says Monk, “so there’s quite a reduced palette and where we used raw finishes like the concrete for the ceilings, we countered them with the softness and richness of timber floors.”

Calling on Amelia Holmes to help with the interiors, Monk Mackenzie conceived spaces that feel pared back, calm and uber-luxurious. White-washed maple hardwood floors provide the perfect canvas for standout central areas, like the kitchens, with their generously-proportioned, natural stone benchtops, granite sinks and exquisite, locally-manufactured bronze cabinetry.

The bathrooms follow in a similar vein, with sleek, black travertine vanities, custom built-in sinks and concealed drawer and mirror storage. Even in the bedrooms, full-height Matisse wardrobes with timber and glass doors and custom internal fitouts (fashioned according to the residents’ needs) reflect the designers’ desire to offer luxury that is thoughtful and that never comes at the cost of practicality.

From the vast floor space occupied by each apartment, to the direct elevator access from the building’s lobby, to the expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows, affording each residence a sweeping view from the Waitematā Harbour to the city, the St George’s Bay Road apartments are clever, considered and destined to set a new standard for sophisticated, urban living in this city. Now under construction, we’re predicting high demand from those seeking a situation that is convenient and easy to manage, but that doesn’t scrimp on the finer details — a rare and desirable combination.

www.monkmackenzie.com

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Denizen’s definitive guide to the best fried chicken in town

28 May 2021

These days, a fried chicken craving needn’t be fulfilled at a greasy fast food joint or on a bad hangover. From karaage to buttermilk, Korean fried to Southern-style, the number of eateries putting their own spin on this crunchy, tender, deep-fried delight is impressive to say the least — for which we count ourselves lucky. For your perusal, we’ve compiled the best places in Auckland to get a fix of the good stuff.

Azabu
What do you get when you combine Peruvian and Japanese cuisine? Criminally tasty buttermilk karaage chicken with pickled daikon and mayo laced with aji amarillo — a yellow, fruity South American pepper. Both Ponsonby and Mission Bay locations have their own take on this classic dish, so you can get your fix wherever suits.

Gochu
There are many reasons to visit Commercial Bay’s modern Korean restaurant Gochu, and the fried chicken is a strong contender for the top of the list. Head chef Jason Kim has made sure his signature fried chicken is irresistibly sticky, crunchy and juicy. Heat seekers would do well to order ‘Jason’s fried chicken, but spicier’.

Hello Beasty
An essential addition to any order at this Viaduct favourite, Hello Beasty’s kaarage chicken is served with a sweet-leaning Japanese-style BBQ sauce. A lemon wedge on the side means you can cut through the richness with a refreshing zing of citrus — making this one seriously moreish dish.

The Chamberlain
A fresh new fried chicken menu has landed at Britomart bar and eatery The Chamberlain, and it’s described as being ‘tasty as cluck’. Tailored to your liking, you can pick from white meat (breast and wing), brown meat (thigh and drum), tender fillets or classic wings, and choose your spice level from four tongue-tingling options. Served with sliced bread and pickles, the only thing that could make it more perfect is pairing it with one of The Chamberlain’s 15 top-notch tap beers.

Nook
This St Kevins Arcade yakitori spot from the duo behind Lowbrow (read more about its irresistible wings below) and Culprit does great bite-sized pieces of karaage chicken. Free-range pieces of chicken thigh are lightly coated in delicious batter and served with delectable wasabi mayonnaise and a dusting of sesame salt. What more could you want?

Kai Eatery
If you like your fried chicken as big as your face, you’re in luck. Serving modern Taiwanese street food, Kai’s infamous ‘XL’ chicken is the Mount Everest of fried chicken — a mighty bite begging to be conquered. Take your pick from three flavours (original, five-spice or flame-kissed charcoal sauce). If you’re not up to the challenge, the fried chicken bites are a good option.

Ebisu
As the home of some of the city’s best sushi and sashimi, Ebisu is our go-to when we’re seeking excellent Japanese fare. It’s no surprise then, that the Britomart stalwart has karaage chicken down to a delicious science. Served with crunchy, fresh mixed carrot salad and soy onion dressing, we even feel a little virtuous after polishing off this perfectly balanced dish.

Peach’s Hot Chicken
Specialising in authentic Nashville hot chicken, Peach’s Hot Chicken is so popular the former food truck transitioned to a restaurant in East Auckland’s Panmure. Choose your spice level (ranging from mild to Holy Cluck — described as a religious experience) and enjoy it served on either a piece of soft white bread, inside a tender brioche bun, or piled atop waffles.

Simon & Lee’s KFC (Korean Fried Chicken).

Simon & Lee
Get your hit of KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) at Simon & Lee, the Parnell eatery that indulges our desire to order chicken for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There’s the KFC chicken lunchbox, which pairs chicken with slaw, pickles, shoestring fries and aioli; chicken nibbles ranging in spice level up to ‘danger spicy’ (you’ve been warned); a fried chicken burger and finally the fried chicken bao. Consider this fried chicken heaven — complete with disposable gloves to keep your paws pristine.

Beau
Fans of Freaky (the now defunct CBD cafe) are eternally grateful that its famous fried chicken lives on at Beau. A triumph with sesame mayo, this Ponsonby wine bar makes fried chicken and a crisp glass of something good taste like the height of sophistication.

Winner Winner
Born in Hamilton, this joint is so popular it’s since established branches in Wellington, Pukekohe and Takapuna. Specialising in all things chicken, these guys know a thing or two about creating a winning chicken dinner. Brined for 12 hours and fried in buttermilk, boneless bites can be ordered with ranch and pickles, in a sandwich or stuffed in a burger with white BBQ sauce and crispy onions. With three spice levels to keep any palate happy, this is the perfect quick pitstop for a no-frills feed.

Ockhee
Ponsonby Korean restaurant Ockhee serves up two different (yet equally delicious) takes on Korean fried chicken. The sweet chilli and a roasted peanut glaze is delightfully sticky and syrupy while spicy soy and sesame glazed has a deep umami flavour. We recommend pairing with the Chun Sa Chae noodle salad for a deliciously fresh contrast.

Lowbrow
As our go-to purveyors of fancy fast food, Lowbrow throws down a bloody good fried bird, taking its interpretation of this naughty nibble very seriously. The chicken sando is a thing of beauty, incorporating American cheese, iceberg, McClure’s pickles, and mac sauce with free-range chicken thigh, and the organic chicken wings… let’s just say a bucket disappears remarkably quickly.

Chop Chop’s Cobra Kai ramen with fried chicken.

Chop Chop Noodle House
If ramen is the first thing you think of when Chop Chop comes to mind, fried chicken should be a close second. The Ponsonby noodle house can’t get enough of the stuff, whether its dripping with chilli sauce, crushed peanuts and yum yum mayo, crispy with hot Ssäm sauce or placed atop of a piping hot bowl of ramen as a delicious pièce de résistance.

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