Dry aged Peking duck breast, carrot, cherry and pomegranate from The Lodge Bar & Dining

Tahr tartare, summer flower and fermented hot sauce from Ahi

Soft shell crab, XO vinaigrette, buttermilk and leek oil from Gochu

Handmade sauced pork buns from Sunnytown

Crispy fried chick burger from Wise Boys

Here are five dishes we simply can’t resist from one of Auckland’s most delectable destinations

12 Mar 2021

Since it opened last year, Commercial Bay has fast become a firm favourite dining destination thanks to its formidable selection of both casual and refined bars and eateries. From ingenious snacks to plant-based burgers, here are the dishes we just can’t get enough of.

Dry aged Peking duck breast, carrot, cherry and pomegranate from The Lodge Bar & Dining
This delicious duck is aged for 21 days, and flavoured with sweet fruity accents for a dish that lends a moreish and delectable depth of flavour.

Tahr tartare, summer flower and fermented hot sauce from Ahi
A snack we keep returning to time after time, these morsels are the perfect way to kick off a meal at Ahi, comprising finely diced tahr and fermented hot sauce on small, undulating choux pastries.

Soft shell crab, XO vinaigrette, buttermilk and leek oil from Gochu
This dish centres on tasty soft shell crab with a crispy outer and tender, sweet meat inside. Drizzled in a spicy Korean XO pork, balanced with the richness and acidity of buttermilk and pickled onions, it’s a flavour bomb we’d gladly gobble any night of the week.

Handmade sauced pork buns from Sunnytown
Sunnytown’s sauced pork buns are something special. Made fresh daily, these buns have a rich, deeply savoury pork filling that oozes from the centre when they’re pulled apart, pillowy and steaming.

Crispy fried chick burger from Wise Boys
Containing no actual chicken, you won’t know this is actually a plant-based beauty thanks to Wise Boys’ original recipe crispy fried ‘chicken’. It’s paired with tangy slaw, vegan cheese, pickles, their signature vegan aioli and sriracha mayo, all inside a toasted bun.

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Sail in style with these boat-day essentials that will have you looking undeniably dapper

When heading out on the water this weekend, be sure to pack the essentials. It might seem simple, but you would be surprised by the number of people who think a boat day is all laid-back leisure and lounging in the sun. Things can turn, fast. And when the action is as high-stakes as the Cup, you can bet on an electrifying day. Wondering what to bring? Start with these…

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Something Warm

Whether a luxurious knit or a failsafe pullover, having something with a bit of warmth is crucial or when winds are high and the weather turns, and it can happen faster than you think.

Try this Full Jacquard crewneck from Louis Vuitton

Deck Shoes

While you should expect to be asked to remove your shoes on most boats, there are some exceptions if you’re wearing the right footwear (i.e. some variation that won’t do irreparable damage to the deck).

Try these Fear of God x Zegna loafers from Ermenegildo Zegna

All-Day Shades

Ensure you have shades that are squint-proof but not so dark that you have to keep removing them as soon as the sun tucks itself behind the clouds.

Try these Celine men’s sunglasses from Parker & Co

Wet-Weather Gear

Avoid having to huddle inside in a downpour by ensuring you have a handy, wet-weather layer on standby.

Try this Re-Nylon Blouson jacket from Prada

A Boat Bag

Need a bag to put everything in? Opt for something with a tote shape and in a practical, water-resistant fabric to ensure everything is kept safe.

Try this Rains tote bag from Smith & Caughey’s

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The latest product from this cult New Zealand beauty brand is adding much-needed glow to our daytime beauty routine

12 Mar 2021

Continuing in its (very successful) mission to offer incredible products for each aspect of our skincare routines, cult New Zealand beauty brand Emma Lewisham has proudly added a daytime moisturiser to its repertoire. The Illuminating Brighten Your Day Crème is both luxurious and lightweight, formulated with brightening properties front and centre in order to impart an unparalleled glow, hydration and plumpness to the skin’s complexion.

It joins the ranks of the high-performance Illuminating range, acting as the perfect following step from the Illuminating Oil Cleanser and the Illuminating Exfoliant. “We believe in creating fewer products that have a plethora of skin health benefits,” explains founder Emma Lewisham. “It’s pivotal to us that each new product has a specific purpose.”

Having been inundated with requests from many ardent fans of the brand for a day cream formulated without SPF, the team commenced rigorous research, development and consumer study regimes, and the result is nothing short of excellent.

In-keeping with Emma Lewisham’s ethos of 100 percent natural yet scientifically-backed skincare, the Day Crème is shown through in vitro testing to rebuild the skin’s natural collagen production synthesis — at a cellular level. This is crucial, given collagen is what gives our skin its bounce, strength and elasticity, the production of which naturally decreases as we age.

The first thing to notice on application is the Day Crème’s rich and almost iridescent particles, which impart a light-catching glow to the skin. This is thanks to the brightening synergy of Acerola (Barbados Cherry) and Kakadu plum; both of which are potent natural vitamin C extracts.

A blend of AHAs, including caviar lime and lime pearl, and BHA willow bark, work to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing a radiant and healthy complexion. Additionally, to bolster all of these high-performance ingredients, Brighten Your Day Crème contains Saccharide Isomerate, which replenishes and maintains the skin barrier’s moisture reserves for up to 72-hours — no dry patches here.

In-keeping with Emma Lewisham’s eco-friendly ethos, the Day Crème is also available in a new circular-designed refillable jar. Customers have the option to buy refillable Day Crème pods, and send back empty pods for sterilisation and repurposing, or recycling, at no expense through the Emma Lewisham Beauty Circle.

After a six-week consumer study led by the brand, comprising 50 participants of all ages, ethnicities and skin types, 90 percent said the Illuminating Brighten Your Day Crème enhanced their skin’s glow, and 86 percent said it improved their skin’s hydration.

When applied daily after cleansing and before SPF, it’s easy to see why Emma Lewisham is one of our most sought-after beauty brands. From the first swipe of radiance-bestowing formula, we’re sure you’ll be just as hooked on this new product as we are.

www.emmalewisham.com

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Etiquette 101: How to apply sunscreen to someone you don’t know well

12 Mar 2021

The sun is shining and you’re set to soak up all the sailing action, be it on the water or on land. You’ve picked a regatta-worthy outfit and even brushed up on boat etiquette to ensure you’re the perfect guest on board — so you’re feeling pretty prepared. That is until your mate’s uncle asks for some help applying some SPF. Sun safety is important, so who are you to refuse? Find below four golden rules to navigate the often awkward task of slathering a stranger in sunscreen.

1. Wait until you’re asked. Don’t stand around with sunscreen on your hands waiting awkwardly to find willing participants.

2. Do not apply the sunscreen directly to their back. Instead, put it on your hands before rubbing it in. Be sure not to miss any spots.

3. Keep talking while you do it. There’s nothing creepier than someone silently rubbing your back. Ask politely if they would like anywhere else covered.

4. Leave the front of their body to them — unless, of course, they request it.

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Avoid being a bore on-board and follow these simple rules for securing your status as a truly interesting guest

12 Mar 2021

No one likes a bore, especially if they’re stuck on a boat with them for four hours. It’s time to up your game and leave a decent, lasting impression with these simple tips for upping the interest factor.

1. Listen more than you talk.

2. If you notice yourself getting bored with your own conversation, stop talking. Just smile and move on.

3. To make sure small talk isn’t snore-worthy, try to stray from the path of conventional conversation topics (but not too far). Have you discovered anything fascinating recently, or read an interesting news story? Make a mental note and you could spark an intriguing discussion.

4. Practice active listening. Without going too overboard, active listening involves staying engaged with your conversation partner by nodding, making eye contact, using verbal cues like “I see”, and “really?”, and resisting interrupting or stating your opinion until they’ve finished speaking.

5. Don’t make assumptions. When asking questions, try to leave them open-ended rather than following up with a comment too quickly. People’s answers might surprise you.

6. Let people talk over you. Rather than thinking of it as rude, think of it as a valuable assist.

7. Whatever you do, don’t mention you’re an influencer.

8. If all else fails, limit stories to the last five minutes of your life — the weather, the sailing, the quality of the boat, the fact you’re not paying for the day.

For more tips, tricks and must-know information about the Cup, discover our Sailing Regatta section.

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A dozen Bluffies for $36? This is the Bluff oyster deal you’ve been waiting for

10 Mar 2021

If you haven’t got the memo (where have you been?) Bluff oyster season is in full swing, bringing with it the kind of foodie fever we have grown to expect from the arrival of these delicious little morsels.

For the uninitiated, the Bluff oyster is largely considered the world’s tastiest. Plump and juicy with a full flavour and a more meaty texture than others of their kind, this oyster is not only beloved but is widely celebrated when it finally arrives.

Ensuring everyone has a chance to snap up a dozen of these beauties while the season is still high, Ostro has announced a deal you’d be hard-pressed to pass up. From Tuesdays to Fridays, Ostro will be offering a dozen Bluff oysters for $35.95 between midday and 5:30pm (limited to one dozen per person). What better excuse is there for an appetising mid-week treat? We’ll certainly be making the most of one of our favourite seasons, all while sitting back in one of Ostro’s comfortable booths, taking in the restaurant’s expansive view across the Waitematā Harbour. Heavenly.

Ostro’s Bluff oyster deal is on from the 9th of March until the 1st of April. Bookings are essential. The deal is limited to one dozen per person and is dependant on availability. Book your table here.

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Find spritzes, snacks and stunning views at Lobster & Wagyu’s Aperol Afternoons

10 Mar 2021

After a week at home, we’re more than ready to get out and about once more, supporting our favourite local venues and enjoying the privilege of drinking and dining somewhere outside those same four walls.

Perfect timing then, for an event such as this: In the spirit of keeping the summer mood humming for as long as possible, Lobster & Wagyu has joined forces with everyone’s favourite drink mixer, Aperol, for a five week DJ series, featuring Aperol Spritzes galore and delicious Lobster & Wagyu bites, all soundtracked by some of the best beat-maestros in town.

Starting this Thursday 11th March, Aperol Afternoons at Lobster & Wagyu will take place every Thursday and Friday from 4pm until 8pm (with complimentary aperitivo bites from 4pm until 5:50pm). On the food menu, expect the likes of lobster croquettes with citrus mayonnaise; tomato bruschetta bites with salsa verde; cheeseburger sliders and a tiered platter featuring a selection of all the tasty aperitivo snacks.

This event is bound to be popular, so if you’d like to soak in the iconic harbour views from the Seafarers rooftop, and let DJ Frank Booker and friends provide upbeat ambience while you sip on a Spritz and indulge in scrumptious bites Lobster & Wagyu, we suggest you make a booking.

Book a table for Aperol Afternoons at Lobster & Wagyu on the Seafarers website here.

www.seafarers.co.nz/lobster-wagyu/

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No day on the water is complete without this seriously tasty catering service courtesy of Azabu, Ebisu and NSP

10 Mar 2021

While the weather is warm and the sailing action is heating up, Aucklanders have been taking every opportunity to head out on the water. That said, a successful boat day requires a few crucial boxes to be ticked, the most important of which is catering. Thankfully, Savor’s new service is set to take all the hassle out of ensuring guests have ample food and drinks to keep them sustained throughout the day.

Recently launching its onboard catering service, Savor Group (behind such beloved Auckland eateries as Azabu, Ebisu, Ostro and Non Solo Pizza) has come up with a range of delicious options for virtually any kind of day on the water. Whether you’re on a charter boat with full kitchen facilities or a smaller yacht with next to nothing, Savor is offering a vast and varied menu covering canapés, ‘fork n walk’ bites and larger dishes that can either be eaten as prepared or simply heated before serving. There is also a more comprehensive service available, in which one of the group’s talented chefs will come on board to cook a sit-down coursed meal for guests.

The food itself is of the high calibre we have come to expect from Savor’s lauded eateries. Think exceptionally fresh sushi and sashimi platters, seafood platters, oyster bars, Italian antipasto and an array of substantial set menus.

Not forgetting the all-important libations to accompany the delicious food, Savor’s service also includes bar packages that offer premium beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options, or even an onboard mixologist if you would rather indulge in a refreshing cocktail or two.

So next time you find yourself planning a day on the water, leave the food prep to the experts at Savor, while you kick back for an afternoon of fuss-free cruising.

Discover the full menu and order online here or email [email protected] for more information

savorgoods.co.nz/catering

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9 things you didn’t know about Emirates Team New Zealand skipper, Peter Burling

10 Mar 2021

You’ll likely recognise Peter Burling as the man who is at the forefront of Emirates Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup defence. Known for his quiet leadership and steady hand at the wheel and driven by his love for sailing and his passion for the ocean, Burling is perhaps one of our more understated sporting champions (particularly for one so accomplished). Here, we round up nine things you might not know about the impressive sailor who has the Auld Mug in his sights.

1. Peter Burling is not only one of New Zealand’s most accomplished sailors, but also on a quest to become an environmental leader.

2. As passionate about the health of the ocean as he is about sailing, Burling founded marine conservation charity, Live Ocean, with sailing partner Blair Tuke.

3. Burling is the youngest helmsman to ever hold the America’s Cup, thanks to Team New Zealand’s victory in Bermuda in 2017 (which he won when he was just 26). Now, he is leading Emirates Team New Zealand’s 2021 defence.

4. The Tauranga-born sailor is also an Olympic gold and silver medallist, has won a slew of world championship titles and has raced around the world in the Volvo Ocean Race.

5. Burling is a two-time World Sailor of the Year, a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and more recently was awarded the 2020 Magnus Olsson prize for his indelible contribution to the world of sailing.

6. Known for his cool, unruffled demeanour at the helm, Burling carries more than his fair share of responsibilities. While he continues to strive for perfection on the America’s Cup and Olympic racecourses, he will also soon begin a new challenge as co-CEO of NZ SailGP.

7. Burling is rarely seen far from the ocean even when he’s not competing. If he isn’t on a boat, you’ll find him diving, surfing or foil boarding.

8. Burling and his teammates have a zero-tolerance policy for bullshit and have been known to secretly place a “No Wanker” sticker on their boats.

9. When American Magic crashed on the Hauraki Gulf during the Prada Cup, Burling jumped in and drove the ETNZ chase boat to help with the rescue mission.

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Confused by the terminology? Our sailing glossary has all you need to know to keep up with the state of play

10 Mar 2021

While sailing is exciting for its fans, its hyper-specific nautical terms, regatta norms and general rules can be confusing for a novice to understand. In a bid to clear the muddied waters, we have thrown together something of a cheat sheet for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge.

THE TERMS
‘Stuffing It’ or ‘Splash Down’
This is when the boat drops off the foils and the hulls hit the water, usually in a very dramatic fashion that soaks the sailors.

‘Velocity Made Good’ (VMG)
A term used in yacht racing to indicate the speed of a sailboat towards (or from) the direction of the wind.

‘Fly Time’
The amount of time the boat spends foiling. The ideal situation would be for a team to make it around the entire course with 100 percent fly time, which means their hull never touches the water.

‘Wingwash’
When sailboats sail close to each other, one can affect the other’s quality of wind. The result of this change is sometimes called “wingwash.”

‘One & In’
This term is used to describe a boat that only needs to make one more tack/jibe to make the next mark.

‘Split & Cover’
As the boats approach the top or bottom marks, they must decide how to navigate them. If they choose the same mark, it’s referred to as a ‘cover,’ and if they go in opposite directions, it’s a ‘split.’

‘Dialling Down’
A strategic move that often arises in crossing situations, this is when one boat tries to force the other further downwind in an attempt to throw them off course.

‘Dialing Up’
Something that typically comes up around the start of a race, this is when one boat will attempt to force the other upwind.

‘Squall’
Referring to a strong and sudden rise in wind that usually lasts a few minutes, this phenomenon can make sailing conditions particularly challenging.

Bonus: How to Tie a Cleat Hitch in 3 Simple Steps
The cleat hitch is a simple knot to master and is usually used for securing boats to a dock. It ties and unties quickly and neatly and will be the easiest way to impress your friends next time you’re out on the water.

1. Bring the rope under the far side of the cleat, then around and under the opposite horn.

2. Go over the middle of the cleat and make a figure 8 around the two horns.

3. Make a small loop in the rope, then turn it over (to the left) in your hand and loop over the bottom horn of the cleat. Pull tight.

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