It’s a commonplace misconception that the vast and varied world of hospitality is merely a temporary career that coexists with travelling the world, or studying. Yet the multi-billion dollar industry has also born some of our fondest personalities, along with some of our country’s greatest entrepreneurial success stories. Here, we set out to challenge perceptions by introducing some of the icons of the industry. Those who have chosen to dedicate their careers to bringing joy and elevating our own lives by sharing their passion for hospitality.
Many of us have been there; working at the local cafe, waiting tables in a fine dining restaurant, pouring beers behind the bar at a pub, or flipping burgers at a takeaway joint. Considered somewhat of a right of passage from school to career, working in hospitality is in fact a fast track education into understanding how the real world operates. Here, expectations run high and the pressure is always on, but when harmony is achieved the result is incredibly rewarding. People are drawn to the industry for the camaraderie, the building of self-confidence, the sparking of creativity and the connections that are made. There’s no denying the magic that comes from a full bar or dining room that’s humming with the energy of people enjoying themselves — all thanks to the efforts of a well conducted team of passionate people. This alone can sow the seed for future success. In New Zealand the $20+ billion dollar industry employs more than 200,000 people, making it one of our country’s largest business sectors, which in turn makes the opportunities for a lifelong, and fruitful career even greater. Still, there is a perception that it is there to serve as a transitory workplace while you’re figuring out where your real future lies. Yet stories of both success and satisfaction are everywhere. Be it as a chef, bartender, front of house, behind the scenes, a restaurant owner, or anything in between, within so many bustling kitchens and vibrant venues there are opportunities for connection, confidence, creativity, skill, and, most importantly: a career brimming with potential. The beauty of working in hospitality is that there’s not a formulaic, one-track path to success. A foot in the door is all you need, and once you’re in, skills build and, given their universality, can be easily transferred from one role to the next as your confidence and success grows. Pivoting through the industry until the right role clicks is part of the journey. To show just how true this is in practice, and how a career can grow from a simple weekend gig washing dishes, we sat down with some of Auckland’s hospitality icons to hear how they turned a passion into a craft, and a craft into a rewarding career.
They say that the best things come in small packages, and in our experience, this is true for more than just sparkling things in tiny boxes. This season, small bags are taking centre stage, continuing to showcase why 90s-era style is here to stay.
Get ahead of your competitors and dress to command the respect you deserve in the business world. For reimagined work attire, opt for chic takes on coats paired with silk shirts, skirts, and pants.
New Balance needs little introduction. For the past century (plus), the family-owned brand has been crafting high quality, high performance, and often — whether intentionally or not, high fashion sneakers, with considered craftsmanship and unmatched utility at the fore.
Their latest release, the New Balance Made in USA 990v6, is a modern riff on their most classic and timeless sneaker. Originally designed in 1906, with subtle changes over time, the 990v6’s appeal remains universal today, offering a contemporary take on the classic sneaker design that elevates its everyday wearability. This iteration furthers the sneaker’s fashionable allure, thanks to sleek new materiality, while an update to the practical tech makes this shoe’s undeniable appeal all the more ubiquitous.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in black with white
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in grey
As the name might suggest, the entire Made in USA collection is made in America — something that very few brands can lay claim to, with most American footwear now produced offshore. And while there are many hues on offer, from soft, pastel shades like maize and winter fog, to a warm, weather-ready neutral sandstone, a striking true camo, and macadamia nut and arctic grey iterations featuring contrasting black soles and two-tone hiking laces, it’s the original grey shades that have our attention. A perhaps little-known fact is that New Balance was the first sneaker producers to offer a grey sneaker. In a world of white, New Balance wanted to create a unique, urban offering — something that stood out while blending in with their surrounds. A colour now ubiquitous with the brand, and the shade that has remained New Balance’s calling card.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in black with white and grey
This dedication to carving a new path has always been central to the brand’s ethos, the Made in USA collection taking this one step further — born from an unwavering commitment to those who want to stand out from the crowd and express themselves fearlessly, without compromising on comfort and quality.
With an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, New Balance is not only making strides in style — it’s setting the benchmark for what a sneaker brand should be.
Shop the range
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in grey available in Women’s and Men’s
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in black with white available in Women’s and Men’s
With our collective obsession with the health of our skin showing no signs of abating, the beauty industry has further amplified its research and differentiated its value proposition. While you may have just mastered the triple-step cleanse routine, you are probably quite a few more steps behind that internationally lauded beauty influencer who has moved onto a new daily regime, delivering some awe-inspiring results. Upskill your knowledge with our guide to what to look out for in your quest for the fountain of eternal youth.
NAD+
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide is a naturally occurring molecule in our cells that is responsible for DNA repair and cellular nutrition. As we age, there is a gradual decline in our body’s cellular NAD⁺ levels. This decline in NAD⁺ is linked to numerous age-associated diseases, including cognitive decline, cancer, metabolic disease, sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass and strength), and frailty. Many diseases can be slowed down or even reversed by restoring NAD⁺ levels. NAD⁺ is also highly regarded for its unparalleled anti-ageing properties; it has become a powerful tool in beauty, used as both a topical ingredient and a supplement, either as a daily pill or intravenously infused (IV), with impressive results. NAD⁺ is also widely touted as a miracle ingredient that is believed to reverse age-induced deterioration of the skin.
These terms address the interaction between the mind and the skin and refer to the ways in which some skin conditions and issues can be addressed by looking internally first. They are about how our state of mind can affect us physically and how some solutions require a more than skin-deep approach.
Epigenetics is the study of our genes, and microRNAs are a class of molecules that influence how our cells develop and die and how our skin ages via epigenetic signals. For beauty companies, this particular area of epigenetics has fascinating potential in repairing older skin cells, with significant beauty brands already studying how the science can be harnessed effectively.
Product To Try
LYMA Laser Starter Kit & Serum and Cream Duo from net-a-porter
AI Skincare
AI has already been changing skincare, but it’s set to continue in a big way. The new platform, Renude, is a great example. This AI-powered tool, trained to think like hundreds of experts, can accurately identify skin concerns to create a personalised routine focused on ingredients with multi-brand product recommendations.
Throw shade from behind some sleek glasses this season, with these styles that will do more than simply frame your face. Whether bold and statement-making is up your alley, or classic, chic and timeless is more your bag, here we bring together a selection of frames to suit any taste — and face.
Making it easier than ever to ditch the plastic waste that typically comes with all dishwashing products, Ecostore has unveiled its new range of Dish Soap Bars, a genius innovation for the kitchen sink. Equally as tough on grease as it is gentle on hands and, of course, the environment, Ecostore’s Dish Soap Bars are made from plant and mineral-based ingredients, and come in 100 percent recyclable cartons.
With the capacity to handle 125 washes (the equivalent of two 500ml bottles of conventional dish soap), these dish bars are the future.
Dish Soap Bars
How to use
For Individual Dishes
To quickly clean individual dishes, simply scrub the dish soap bar with a wet dish brush or sponge to create a lather, and run over dishes to clean before rinsing.
For Larger Loads
To clean a sink full of dishes, or a load of pots and pans, add the bar into a wire holder and swirl around inside a sink full of water to create a soapy base. Clean as you usually would, rinse, et voilà!
Long beloved for the depth and richness it lends to contemporary spaces, velvet is a simple way to imbue homes with tactile charm. Embrace the luxury and opulence of velvet furnishings, which, when used correctly, are the perfect way to update your home for the cooler seasons.
The abrupt temperature change has seen us blasting the heater and turning to our most cosy attire, only to find that our winter wardrobes require a serious update. And while the cold, rainy weather might be putting a dampener on our social lives, we’ve decided to combat the blues with a spot of seasonal shopping. After all, what better excuse is there for picking up some new cashmere?
Here, we round up all of the knits we’re coveting to get us through the cooler months in style.
Dining out doesn’t always have to mean going all out. There are a number of exceptional eateries across the city offering up delicious fare at prices that won’t break the bank. From tasty Thai to brilliant burgers to delectable dumplings and more — these are some of Auckland’s most exceptional cheap and cheerful eats.
This Thai eatery was designed for big group gatherings with its spacious seating, colourful lighting and fun fit-out. Kiss Kiss is a strong favourite amongst Aucklanders for a relaxed and casual dinner with friends and family and on weekend nights, this place is heaving. In terms of pricing, Kiss Kiss is a bargain with its generously filled baos going for $12 and a mountain of pad Thai noodles for just over $20.
A delicious deli serving shawarma, falafel and traditional pantry staples, Lebanese Grocer is one of our failsafe, go-to spots in the city for exceptional grab-and-go fare. The menu is ever-changing, based on what’s available and in-season, but no matter what it is that Elie Assaf whips up on any given day, it’s guaranteed to be delicious. And this month, the Pitt Street-based eatery has unveiled a new courtyard space for diners to take repose and enjoy the many, many delights on offer.
Baby G Burger is widely credited as serving some of the best burgers in Auckland, courtesy of the signature, American-style smash patties (boasting unbelievably crispy edges and a thick, flavoursome centre), served between pillowy soft buns, with fuss-free fillings — usually a combination of American cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, mayo and/or hot sauce. Baby G’s first official burger joint opened in Avondale late last year, much to our delight, serving a concise edit of burgers and a few sides (all of which very much have our seal of approval).
This eatery’s sourdough pizzas hit the spot every time. Petite enough to eat a whole one to yourself (although, you definitely want to share a few different ones with dining companions), the exceptional dough and beautifully fresh toppings will help to ensure you don’t feel ultra weighed down afterwards. And, as is the case with most pizza joints, a few pizzas shared between friends makes for an undeniably cheerful and inexpensive night out.
To satiate a good old hot dog craving, we recommend visiting the good people at Good Dog Bad Dog. With locations in Point Chevalier, Onehunga, Flat Bush and 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, 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.
If there’s one thing we know about Aucklander’s appetites, it’s that when we find something indulgent, we can’t get enough. Enter Cheese on Toast, which now has outposts in Newmarket, Three Kings, and Birkenhead. This cult sandwich shop has been serving delicious toasties since taking the City by storm at market stalls years ago, and offers an array of epic toasties sure to satisfy, starting at just $10 a pop.
From scrappy pop-up to cult-followed culinary sensation, Broke Boy Taco‘s permanent address in Mount Albert has become a go-to for many of us since opening late last year. Serving up a concise menu with Sean Yarbrough’s signature birria tacos at the forefront, here the ethos is no frills good food, and we can vouch for Yarbrough’s faultless execution of exactly that.
If lines are a testament to a restaurant’s success, then there is none more successful than Auckland’s Eden Noodles. The 2022 Hospo Heroes winner of the Cheap & Cheerful category is a household name across the city, adored by everyone for its hand-pulled noodles and famed dumplings (we’ve heard that the chefs here handcraft upwards of 3,000 dumplings every day). Now with outposts on Dominion Road, the CBD, Newmarket, Albany and most recently, Commercial Bay, there’s really no excuse for you to have not tried this cheap and cheerful stalwart — you won’t regret it.
If you haven’t wined and dined the Korean way, Pocha is the place to have your first experience, as this restaurant and bar has been in the business for over a decade and knows how to throw a party. The dishes here are all huge and designed to share (as eating is never cheating in Korean drinking culture). For drinks, soju, a Korean distilled tipple, is the only way to go, but please be cautious as this stuff is strong, having the potential to make or break your dining experience.
With a permanent food truck on the main street of Takapuna, Lil Ragù serves pasta “just like Nonna makes it.” Fresh pappardelle, tagliatelle, bucatino and rigatoni all grace the menu; some come smothered in a three-hour slow-cooked ragu, others doused in cacio e pepe, with guanciale added atop for good measure. One might describe the offering as fuss-free food, but the details (like handmade pasta and a focus on the best ingredients) are what make it so distinctive.
A delicious new addition to Auckland’s vibrant food scene is That Sando Guy — a food truck making waves for its unique blend of Japanese and Korean-inspired sandwiches. Founded by Jiaxin Qi and her husband VeeShen Teoh, the masterminds behind the beloved Phat Philly’s joint in Morningside (another great cheap and cheerful option), That Sando Guy is bringing affordable gourmet fare to the streets, all while offering a laid-back ‘camping style’ dining experience.
This faithful takeaway favourite has been serving up pita and shawarma to hungry Aucklanders since 1995. The flagship Ponsonby store has been around for what feels like forever (although it recently underwent something of a refresh), with an additional Takapuna location and a space at Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats too. Serving satiating pitas, chawarmas, salads, sweet treats and easy bites for the kids, too, Fatima’s is the easy, breezy, reliable spot that we head to when we feel like flavoursome, filling and no-frills good food.
Left: Fatima’s Chawarma Right: Chop Chop’s Cobra Kai
A mainstay of our Denizen Hospo Heroes Cheap and Cheerful category for years running, Ponsonby Central’s Chop Chop Noodle House is a certified crowd favourite. Offering a raft of signature ramen and rice bowls, and a number of tasty, pan-Asian ‘street food’ dishes, this welcoming drop-in is always busy and always delicious. Next time you go, order the cobra kai. Filled to the brim with BBQ pork, pork belly, kimchi, various veggies, a jammy boiled egg and a flourish of fried chicken for good measure, this delectable bowl of goodness hits the spot every single time.
From the outside, you wouldn’t expect Sri Pinang to be one of the best BYO spots Auckland has to offer. But on weekend evenings, this Malaysian restaurant turns into a party house and, the later it gets, it progressively gets more bustling. That being said, anyone who is familiar with Sri Pinang has enough respect for the owner Aunty Angie to rein it in when needed, so they don’t disrupt the restaurant. The must-have dish from this restaurant is the beef rendang; perfectly fragrant with a delicious depth of flavour, it hits the spot every time — and make sure you finish your meal with the restaurant’s signature creamy sago coconut pudding.
Fast, fun and fancy are three words that perfectly define Lowbrow. This place has cracked the code when it comes to serving food that would usually be classified as ‘junk’ such as fried chicken and hot sandos as high-quality dishes by using premium-grade ingredients. Although the menu is more expensive than the regular fast-food offering, it’s worth the extra dollars as the taste of the food and the ambience of the space is infinitely better.
A bona fide Herne Bay stalwart that becomes one of the busiest spots on Jervois Road in summer, Fishsmith has garnered a vast and loyal following of locals who flock to the spot for classic fish and chips. Alongside the classic, Fishsmith also does one of the tastiest fish burgers in town, alongside its famous spicy fish tacos with a good dose of fries or slaw on the side.
Sammy Akuthota is a beloved personality on the Auckland hospo scene and his Satya restaurants have been firm favourites since the first was opened by his parents Swamy and Padmaja Akuthota in 1999. He has a knack for creating a convivial vibe, with Satya Chai Lounge specialising in fun and delicious South Indian street food and craft beer. The dosa and idli always hit the spot, made even better with a side of Satya’s famous dahi puri.
Brew’d Hawt does one thing and one thing well: fried chicken. Brew’d Hawt’s epic offering has been meticulously tested and crafted to retain its flavour and crunch, even when picked up as a takeaway and eaten 20 minutes later, with an exceptional array of dishes on offer — from wings to burgers to boneless fried chicken, plus a concise list of salads and fries.
Starting out serving authentic Mexican tacos from a Titirangi taqueria, and having opened a second outpost in Commercial Bay late last year, Loco Bro’s pays homage to true Central American flavours and ingredients, where everything is made from scratch and the authentic essence of Mexican cuisine shines through in every bite — from tasty tacos to epic burritos, nachos, fried chicken and more — all on offer at incredibly reasonable prices, particularly given the quality and size of the dishes on offer.
A night of pasta and wine sounds somewhat luxurious, but you can do it for quite a humble price at Otto. Nothing on the Italian-inspired menu exceeds $28 (with plenty on offer for $18) and this includes the list of handmade pasta. The smoked ricotta beetroot ravioli along with the kumara gnocchi is a crowd favourite, and you can’t go past the appetisers, including the lamb ribs and the spinach and goat’s cheese dumplings. For the ultimate final course, burnt orange pana cotta.
Another fast yet fancy delicacy, Burger Burger takes a classic burger but executes it to its optimal potential. The quality and quantity of meat in the patties are second to none and the fluffiness of the buns always has us impressed. No matter what, the beef and cheese burger can do no wrong. Make sure to check out the cocktail menu and pair the burger with one of their jazzy creations.
Since opening its doors in Ponsonby Central in 2019, My Fried Chicken has solidified itself as a go-to for those looking to get their Korean fried chicken fix in the city. Now, with five locations across Newmarket, Mission Bay, Ponsonby, Takapuna, and now, Britomart, it’s obvious that My Fried Chicken’s inventive, comforting and utterly delicious fare has become a beloved staple on Auckland’s dining scene. Here, you’ll find all manner of epic fusion fare on offer, from street food to vegan options, all at a very reasonable price indeed.
Started by a couple who missed the Taiwanese street food of their home, Kai Eatery has evolved from a market stall to a fully-fledged (and highly sought-after spot) now with locations in Albany, Takapuna, the CBD, Commercial Bay and Ellerslie. Serving some of the most delicious fried chicken you’ll find in Auckland, alongside crispy kumara fries, bao buns and boba tea, all with a distinctly flavoursome, Taiwanese twist, Kai Eatery is a must-try for something indulgent, filling and memorable.
If you, like us, have developed a penchant for the mouthwatering flavour of Korean fried chicken (blame the plethora of exceptional Korean spots we have in Auckland), then you’ll want to know about Henderson’s Munch — where you’ll find an array of high-quality Korean fried chicken dishes at accessible prices, which play with different flavours, whether you prefer something spicy or something more indulgent.
Anyone who has lived near Kingsland would’ve dined at this institution. Canton Cafe has been around for decades and has hosted too many events to count as it’s the perfect spot for large group bookings, cheap yet delicious food, renowned for its attentive service and strong BYO game. Even if drinking is not in the equation, a dinner with friends is always fun at the vivacious Canton, as long as there’s a plate of king chilli prawns and hot and spicy squid on the table.
Tucked away in Freemans Bay, Nishiki is the local favourite spot to satisfy Japanese cravings along with some refreshing Asahi beer. The ordering system features an iPad, where diners can place their food and beverage order and dishes arrive quick smart — if that’s not fun, we don’t know what is. The must-have dish is hands down the miso and cheese eggplant, it’s unbelievably tender and indulgent, we forget that we’re eating a vegetable.
Even if you haven’t tried Parade (and trust us, you’re missing out), you’ll likely have seen its burgers. They’re unlike anything else. The epitome of indulgent eating, each Parade burger is served in a house-made pretzel bun, with decadent fillings that have been known to include fried chicken with macaroni and cheese or smashed beef patties with nacho chips, cheese sauce and salsa. As far as flavours go, the Parade team are never afraid to try something new or push the boundaries of what’s expected from a burger. Now with a permanent spot on Ponsonby Road, this is the perfect place to pull up to with friends for a cheap and cheerful dinner out.
Nobody likes the token vege burger, and especially not the team behind Wise Boys. That’s why they set out to make the best plant-based burgers this wonderful planet has ever seen. Starting as a food truck, and opening their first outpost in Grey Lynn in 2019, Wise Boys now also slings epic burgers from their Commercial Bay eatery within Harbour Eats. So if you’re looking for delicious burgers sans the meat, you know where to find them.
With locations in The Goodside on the North Shore and Commercial Bay in the City, Shake Out is a burger spot that serves utterly delicious burgers just as they should be. Tasty, filled with high-quality ingredients, and without any fuss. Here, find great burgers, perfectly-cooked fries (with indulgent cheesy sauce if you want), satiating shakes, housemade sodas and a few sweet treats for good measure. If you’re in search of a delicious takeaway that hits the spot and doesn’t break the bank, this is exactly where you should go.
Tianze’s dumplings are indeed excellent, but they’re not the only thing you should be ordering from this Sandringham Chinese eatery’s menu. The mapo tofu is excellent, as are the green beans (hack: both can be made sans pork mince for vegetarians or vegans); the crispy fried chicken in hot chilli sauce is moreish and spicy, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the jelly fish and chinese cabbage salad is deliciously vinegary and fresh. All the portions are very generous, so if you don’t leave with leftovers we’ll be impressed.
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