With longevity the intention of exercise, recent years have prompted the question — should you be exercising if you’re sick? In search of a straightforward answer, Tessa Patrick discovers the complexities of fitness along the way.
Sometimes gentle exercise just makes you feel good. Circulating endorphins are always assured to lift any mood, and a healthy intake of oxygen has never been known to do harm — as long as the body isn’t exerted any more than it needs to be. Even if you’re not exercising for your body, it’s a feel-good habit for the mind. But should we be sacrificing that when we’re sick?
Many experts suggest that fitness doesn’t have to be pushed to the wayside when we’re battling a cold. It’s more about making gentle adjustments to ensure recovery isn’t impaired, and while the answer will differ in every individual, most professionals agree that the best principle is this: Exercising while sick is fine for symptoms above the neck, but as soon as you’re beginning to feel the impacts of the illness within your body, it’s time to change up your game plan. If you’re just feeling the effects of a head cold; the nose sniffles and headaches, it is considered fine (and actually even healthy) to move your body.
But if these symptoms are extending below the neck, like aches and chills, an upset stomach or chest congestion (this includes a phlegmy cough), most practitioners would encourage you to take the time to rest until symptoms have subsided. If you try to maintain your normal routine (with the same intensity and frequency) when you have more than a simple cold, you put yourself at risk of further injury and more serious illness.
As for the Covid pandemic that prompted this awakened social commentary; any strenuous exercise should be avoided during infection. Exerting strained lungs only burdens you further, potentially triggering what is known as ‘long Covid’. But our understanding of what long Covid actually is needs some more consideration. This phenomenon isn’t akin to a switch that’s suddenly flipped the second we don our activewear. Instead, it should be used as a gauge for just how much we move our bodies, and just how far we push them.
With Covid, a gentle walk around the block, and even a light stretching yoga sequence will probably do you the world of good, even in the height of illness. But that doesn’t mean the second you test negative you should be enlisting for the next half marathon. Take exercise gently, and ease yourself back into it. Allow your walks to return to runs over a matter of weeks, not days, and lay off the intense, HIIT-style workouts until you’re really ready to go back. It is an exercise in patience, but the debilitating effects of going too hard too soon are simply never worth it.
With all other illnesses, if you self-triage, and decide that exercise is essential for the day, experts suggest starting by reducing the intensity of your workout. Long-distance runners should swap that out for a lengthy ‘hot girl walk‘ instead. For those who like to lift weights, or lean into a rigorous HIIT workout, try an at-home Pilates session. Slower paced yoga classes like hatha and yin can feel totally nourishing at this time too. And of course, if you’re experiencing any kind of contagious symptoms, exercise while sick is best done at home or alone.
Throughout this time, extra attention should be paid to recovery too — prioritising those habits that ensure your body returns to its natural state of being. Ensure you take time to stretch, and then take some longer to get into those areas that may be stiff from a day in bed. Make sure you stay hydrated, with an ample amount of water intake before, during and after, and consider leaning on electrolytes, and other essential minerals that support immunity and recovery like magnesium and zinc too.
Evidently, every case is different, and only you can be the judge of whether it’s safe to get moving. But it’s also important to ask the question: do you actually feel like exercising, really? Too often we find ourselves in a space of movement out of obligation — people may feel they owe it to themselves, to their fitness journey, to their tummy they seek to tone, or their classes that they’ve already paid for (and the cancellation fee they might cop as a result).
What we can assure you is that sometimes it’s okay to take a rest day, even just mentally. Indulge a little instead. Re-watch your favourite TV show in bed, have your loved one bring you some food. It may not always feel like it, but these moments are as essential to healing as movement itself. After all, I think we can all agree that a balanced life is paramount.
An intimate, exquisitely-appointed new oyster bar and restaurant has just opened in the space alongside Viaduct Harbour’s Oyster & Chop, quickly establishing itself as the perfect spot for an easy drink or a bite with friends. Versatile and atmospheric, this sleek new dining destination is called The Terrace, and while it has been designed to complement the existing Oyster & Chop offering (although with a more approachable feel) what diners will discover on visiting The Terrace is delicious drinks, a seafood-centric menu that showcases the oyster in all its glory, and a vibe that is both elevated and welcoming.
The interiors, anchored by a large open terrace, were designed by the experts at Jack McKinney Architects, who utilised a mixture of iridescent details with raw, organic textiles and shapes that, when viewed together, almost give the impression of an oyster itself. (The common with the precious, the smooth with the textural).
Here, the space is small and carefully considered, where casual tables are available to walk-ins seeking a pre-dinner drink, satiating meal or late-night bite with a bit of buzz. And while The Terrace’s Manager, Richard Pepper tells me that there will be music and atmosphere aplenty, he also explains that it is the perfect place to go if you just want to enjoy a laid-back evening, catching up with your dining companion.
The Terrace’s kitchen is in good hands too, skilfully helmed by William Dang (formerly of Mekong Baby, One Tree Grill and Culprit) with Alfie Ingham (formerly of Hugo’s Bistro) in the role of consultant chef. On the menu, inspired by classic British and European ‘oyster bars’, fresh seafood takes centre stage, where small plates like whipped Hapuka roe, smoked fish rillettes and a King Prawn cocktail collide with larger options like grilled crayfish tail, or for those who want some turf with their surf, a 600g bone-in New York strip steak.
There is (of course) a comprehensive oyster offering here, available prepared in a variety of ways, alongside a Sturia Oscietra Caviar service, served with potato chips, chives and creme fraiche. And if you have a hankering for some afternoon oysters, The Terrace will be putting on an unmissable oyster happy hour from 3pm until 6pm (Wednesday to Sunday).
The beverage offering at The Terrace is also notable, where the focus is very much on New Zealand varietals, alongside a comprehensive collection of Champagne and a back bar boasting more than 40 New Zealand gins. These is also an impressive cocktail list here, which runs the gamut from classic concoctions to more modern, unique tipples, each designed to complement the seafood-focused menu.
So, whether you’ve been looking for a new place for date night, or are simply seeking to switch things up from your regular, look no further than The Terrace. Delivering on its designs to be suave and sophisticated in a decidedly accessible and casual way, this new Viaduct Harbour destination offers good food and great drinks, and deserves to be firmly on your radar.
Toastie, the latest hole-in-the-wall in Auckland’s CBD, is doing something innovative and delicious with its unique Asian-inspired menu — one that has been flying under the radar, until now. The founders, brothers Blues and Harry Shim, who have travelled and lived throughout Asia, fell in love with each country’s distinctive breakfast culture. This passion for coffee and toasties inspired them to create Toastie, a concept that pulls from a variety of unique breakfast cultures to offer its own, distinct (and very delicious) menu.
The Shims are hospitality veterans who have worked in both back- and front-of-house roles, served countless cups of coffee and mixed cocktails, and even done marketing for other local businesses. But it eventually came time for them to combine their vast experience with their shared love for Asian street food, and channel it into creating something of their own. And so, Toastie was born, and eventually took shape in a shipping container in the heart of the CBD.
Left to Right: Sesame & Sea Salt Travel Signature Drinks
The commitment of its founders to offering truly authentic flavours sets Toastie apart from other breakfast spots. The restaurant uses only the best ingredients and bread from local bakeries to ensure that each of its signature toasties taste as close to the intended inspiration as possible. The menu features a range of mouth-watering toasties that pay homage to different Asian countries, including Kaya Toast, Sweet Travel and Egg Drop Toast. Toastie has also teamed up with Ozone to offer the latter’s renowned Empire Blend coffee, and we have it on good authority that diners can expect to find more traditional, Vietnamese-filtered coffee on the menu soon too.
Essentially, Toastie is designed to transport diners to the bustling atmosphere of an Asian street food stall, its cosy interiors and warm, bustling vibe reminiscent of something you might find on the streets of any Asian city, and its bursting-with-flavour food offering something totally unique on our dining scene.
Bulgogi Toast
Open every day, Toastie is very conveniently located on the corner of Elliot and Victoria Streets. As such, the Shim brothers hope that Toastie will become a go-to spot for people seeking something delicious to break up their day, a place in the City where they can grab a coffee or a delicious bite to eat, and return to their day refreshed and satiated.
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday, 8am until 4pm Saturday & Sunday, 10am until 4pm
The culturally-aware cohort in this City will have likely already nabbed their tickets for Auckland Theatre Company’s season of Witi’s Wahine this May. But, in an endeavour to enhance the theatrical experience and put kai Māori back on the map, Peter Gordon’s Homeland has announced the introduction of a set menu to run in conjunction with (and complementary to) the season, and the combination of the both leaves a lasting impression.
Left: Peter Gordon. Right: Pani puri with smoked kūmara yuzu hummus, olives and garlic labneh.
At Homeland, throughout the month of May, guests will be treated to a pre-show menu (even for those not actually attending the performance). This consists of a three-course meal, for which Gordon has drawn on traditional Māori culinary customs, alongside being inspired by some of his own restaurant’s signature dishes, to create some very welcome, new additions. The dining experience begins with an utterly moreish mini creamed pāua on toast, and a local take on Ika Mata, with mini raw fish, coconut, chilli jelly and sago crisp, while the main features hāngi pork belly (cooked all the way in Bethells Beach), wood roast kūmara, kawakawa hazelnut pesto and a necessary helping of greens. For dessert, Gordon’s mother’s secret pavlova recipe takes centre stage, served with kawakawa mascarpone, passionfruit curd and coconut crisps — one of the most delicious iterations of this dish we’ve ever tried.
Creamed pāua on toast with mini raw fish, coconut, chilli jelly and sago crisp.
Additionally, Witi’s Wāhine ticket holders to the show are treated to a special appetiser of pani puri with smoked kūmara yuzu hummus, olives and garlic labneh. It’s a menu that rings true to the Homeland ethos of embodying a ‘food embassy’ for New Zealand and the Pacific, harnessing some of our most delicious local produce, embracing traditional kai Māori cooking methods, and of course, adding a cheeky, modern spin on it, somewhat reminiscent of the kind of writing for which Witi Ihimaera himself has become so renowned.
Few New Zealand literary figures are as notable as Ihimaera, who has dedicated his career to telling stories guided by Māori women. In this Auckland Theatre Company production, Nancy Brunning’s story comes to life — a love song to the matriarchs of Ihimaera’s beloved works, and reflecting a celebrated version of our history too. The show itself, which acts almost as an anthology of the famed writer’s most powerful heroines, has taken on a new life of its own since the late Brunning penned it.
Left: Pavlova with kawakawa mascarpone, passionfruit curd and coconut crisps. Right: Witi Ihimaera.
Really, we are very lucky to have such a profound collision of culture and culinary excellence right on our doorsteps — one that celebrates our country’s rich and harrowed history, and presents it with the kind of joy we think is worth savouring. Bookings for Homeland’s special dinner are essential and can be made through the restaurant’s website here. Show tickets can be purchased from Auckland Theatre Company, here.
Every so often, our go-to playlists need a good old shake-up, and given how difficult it can be to wade through the multitude of new content in search of the best, we’ve decided to do it for you. From Miley Cyrus’ return to Lewis Capaldi’s stunning second album, to a raft of new podcasts that run the gamut of captivating content, we have rounded up a curation of everything to listen to at the moment.
New Albums
Lewis Capaldi Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent Following up the incredible success from his debut, Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, Lewis Capaldi’s second album has kept the production minimal, allowing the Scottish crooner’s voice to take centre stage. Capaldi is adored by millions of fans for his hilarious social media persona, although his new songs are poised to be the antithesis of his personality; sad, swoony and poetic. Essential listening for heartbreaks, dinner parties and everything in between. Song to start with: Pointless
Miley Cyrus Endless Summer Vacation Already hailed as the new break-up anthem, thanks to the expertly petty music video for ‘Flowers’ (filmed in the location her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth rented for an affair), this much-awaited album feels like the evolution of Cyrus that we’ve spent the last decade waiting for. Song to start with: Flowers
DMA’s How Many Dreams? The last album from Australian rock outfit DMA’s came in 2020 — but with the last few years of chaos under their belt, most of it spent in the UK (where the trio are now based), How Many Dreams? offers a totally new perspective on their sound as we’ve come to know it, while still paying homage to their roots. Song to start with: Fading Like A Picture
Lana Del Rey Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd After releasing her exquisite title track late last year, Lana Del Rey’s melancholic talents return with this latest release, featuring the likes of Father John Misty, Jon Batiste and Tommy Genesis. Grab the tissues, because this one’s another signature heartbreaker. Song to start with: A&W
Willie J Healey Bunny This genre-bending third studio album from English singer-songwriter Willie J Healey sees the artist drawing inspiration from funk, soul and R&B. Featuring his recent single, ‘Dreams,’ this release is essential listening for anyone wanting more of the artist’s fresh, inspired sound. Having opened for Florence + The Machine on the early stages of their current tour, it’s safe to say that the career trajectory for this breakthrough artist is only looking up. Song to start with: Sure Feels Good
New Podcasts
Full Credit To The Boys As we endeavour to make the world a kinder place in which to talk about mental health for men, normalising these conversations is essential. Lifting the lid on mental health, masculinity, and other vital subjects, this is a podcast that feels akin to a good therapy session.
Bot Love As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, how we define our associations with it will constantly be pushed to new places. In this series, hosts Anna Oakes and Diego Senior explore stories from those who develop meaningful, and sometimes romantic relationships with bots.
Other People’s Pockets Few people speak about money — it’s still a great social taboo. But with hopes to disintegrate that, Other People’s Pockets talks about other people’s money, for anyone seeking new spending habits, a self-esteem boost, or those who are just a little nosy, too.
The Louis Theroux Podcast This inquisitive podcast comes from the undisputed documentary king himself, whose curious nature has already cemented him as one of the greatest thinkers of our generation. With a series of in-depth and free-wheeling conversations, Theroux lifts the veil on notable tastemakers across the globe.
The Last of Us Podcast While the HBO show itself has been holding viewers captive since its release over summer, this podcast offers an insiders look at each episode, furthering our obsession with this post-apocalyptic watch. This is a must for anyone who has ever felt so immersed in a show that they simply can’t shake it.
Few of us are strangers to the connotations of hallucinogens — drugs grounded in a Woodstock-esque vision of the late 60s. Unfortunately, it is a prejudice that has stuck. Yet since the turn of the 20th Century, we’ve been growing a collective awareness of their application in therapeutic use, with Australia recently announcing changes to laws that allow the use of hallucinogens in therapeutic sessions (administered by a psychiatrist), becoming the first country in the world to do so. As such, many in the field are now predicting New Zealand will follow suit, ushering in a new era of drug-induced psychedelic therapy. From this vantage point, the prospect of change is finally promising.
In understanding the therapeutic application of illegal psychedelics, it is easiest to define what it is not. It is not decriminalising or legalising a drug for recreational use, and it won’t be made any more widely available on the streets than it currently is (which, if you’re curious, is actually a lot). It is not to be confused with microdosing either — which shouldn’t be discredited as it still has a relevant role to play in therapeutic use too.
Microdosing, in theory, is concerned with small, regulated doses over a sustained period, allowing the user to tap into their inner creative self, a lessened sense of self-judgement and anxiety, and an unbridled sense of freedom, supposedly. Its use has also been critical in aiding recovery from some mental health conditions (although not those that can be triggered by drug usage, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). Done right, it’s subtle. There are no clichéd visualisations and hallucinations. For most, it just makes approaching the challenges of daily life a little more manageable.
Therapeutic application, in contrast, argues the case for macrodosing. The goal here is to succumb to a trip in all manners imaginable. Experts will often argue that it is the trip, rather than the drug itself, which triggers the most profound shifts. In disconnecting with reality, even only momentarily, there is room for ego dissolution and that is where, I’m told, the most profound, lasting shifts happen. It is this return to our primal human nature, best likened to a rebirth in many senses, that prompts a greater sense of freedom, a connection to a higher purpose and an intrinsic understanding of the world. Some have described it as a religious experience.
What’s In A Trip?
For those who have yet to experience a trip, there are a few things one can compare it to, and very rarely is it ever the same. One obvious factor is the stimulant you’re taking; as LSD (acid) differs from the kind of trip one would anticipate with psilocybin (the compound in magic mushrooms). Even then, the experience of tripping itself is difficult to articulate, other than to say that it alters perception and is extremely transformative. Many find the world becomes a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns, and ordinary objects take on new and profound meaning. Time feels like it stretches and warps, and the self dissolves into a sense of oneness with everything. It’s almost as if the world as you know it begins to melt away.
The experience can be both beautiful and terrifying, as the mind is opened to new possibilities and perceptions that were previously unimaginable. It is a journey into the unknown, a leap of faith that requires surrender to the moment and trust in one’s self. Ultimately, the trip is a reminder that reality is not fixed, but rather a fluid and ever-changing state of being that is ripe for exploration and discovery. And so, with that same goal, therapeutic use hopes to remove the connotations of a trip as something associated with recreational drugs.
It is less so about the experience as a social one (despite it often being anything but) and more so about recognising the benefits of a clinically-induced trip as a legitimate approach to psychotherapy treatments. In another sense, it’s a rebuttal to the ‘War on Drugs’, which has seen the adoption of these treatments sidelined due to ongoing misinformation and political agendas. Through seemingly endless studies, psychedelics like LSD and magic mushrooms have been found to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, alcoholism, and PTSD by shifting patients’ perspectives and fostering a greater sense of connection, both to themselves, and to the world.
Additionally, these drugs offer potential for increased creativity, empathy and compassion, as well as inducing a profound sense of wonder and spiritual growth. The experience of a drug trip can help to break down limiting thought patterns and create new perspectives. It can also enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities. By opening up the mind to new perspectives and experiences, these hallucinogens hold the potential to unlock the power of the human psyche and provide a deeper appreciation for life, making them perhaps the best-suited solution to treatment-resistant mental health disorders.
But coming back to the age-old adage of any drug use — safety measures are paramount (one should be warned against an urge to order DMT on the dark web and simply hope for the best). When losing inhibition and control, the environment is so integral, as is the actual makeup of what you’re taking. In-clinic therapeutic use is widely regarded as the best way to easily monitor an individual and regulate the substances taken, so that benefits can be experienced as they were meant to. The concept is almost trivial in theory, but in Australia, it is poised to change the landscape entirely.
Late last year, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) gave the green light to psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, a groundbreaking decision that makes Australia the first country to do so. The use of hallucinogens MDMA and psilocybin will be closely controlled by psychiatrists, and will only be prescribed for certain mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and treatment-resistant depression.
A recognition of the limitations of current treatments for these conditions and the potential benefits that these drugs could bring, mark a significant moment in the evolution of medicine, and one that will undoubtedly provoke controversy and debate.
While the number of eligible patients remains unclear, psychiatrists must be approved by a human research ethics committee and the TGA’s authorised prescriber scheme to be able to use these medicinal psychedelics. These drugs can only be obtained via importation under a TGA licence for the time being. Nevertheless, the CSIRO is teaming up with Australian firms to develop new psychedelic medications and improved manufacturing techniques for local production. To guide the use of these medicines, a series of psychotherapy procedures, protocols and training plans will be formulated in the weeks and months to come. And while specific patient treatment protocols are still in the works, psychotherapy is deemed the most crucial part of the treatment — meaning it’s not an opportunity for a quick fix (you can’t just hop on a plane to Sydney for a legalised trip), but rather an essential part of a lengthy process.
Psychedelic Therapy in New Zealand: Hallucinogens On Home Soil
Currently in New Zealand, hallucinogenic use remains illegal in every sense — despite many groundbreaking studies on psychedelic therapy being conducted through leading researchers at our universities. Dr Suresh Muthukumaraswamy is one such researcher, whose recent study through the University of Auckland considers the impacts of LSD (otherwise known as acid) on mood and function. In 2020, over a period of six weeks, he monitored a test group microdosing the drug, and noted an overall improvement in mood across the board. This time, he hopes to observe the effects on those with an already lowered mood, (namely treatment- resistant major depressive disorder), and examine whether it has an antidepressant effect. Being in the realm of research, the study is able to side- step the recreational legalities and access quality, tested LSD, but not without seemingly endless red tape, background checks and rigorous protocols. It is an arduous task in the name of increasing our understanding of science, and as we’ve found in the case of Australia, it is still challenging for practitioners to get their hands on, even when it is legal. But with the rising rate of mental health conditions, this kind of research is paramount.
“There are a lot of patients out there with mental health issues and patients with depression who either don’t like the medicines that they’re on, or the medicines that they get prescribed don’t work for them. So they need more options, that’s become pretty clear,” Dr Muthukumaraswamy reasons. But concerns surrounding legalities still remain locally, and there is a certain degree of cognitive dissonance that exists within the realm of recreational hallucinogens. When talking about the therapeutic benefits, or even simply considering the substances as party drugs, the societal implications are often thrown by the wayside, with little regard to the people they impact the most.
Let me be very clear — anyone found in the possession of these substances (magic mushrooms and LSD [acid] are both currently Class A) can lead to six months incarceration, and/or up to a $1000 fine. Anyone involved in the production of these can face life imprisonment (which in New Zealand, carries a maximum term of 17 years). MDMA, the other hallucinogen legalised in Australia for therapeutic use, carries a slightly smaller sentence as a Class B drug. So while it is essential we mention the benefits of these psychedelics, it is also vital to note that under the 1975 Misuse of Drugs Act (legislation that many experts believe to be outdated) usage is still a serious offence, no matter how earnest your intentions. Without legislation created for therapeutic use, it is likely the supplier will face the shortfall for the freedoms of others.
On Innovation & Investment
With decriminalisation and legalisation only predicted to further boom in the way of hallucinogenics, an opportunity to remain ahead of the curve presents itself. There is room for innovation on a mass scale, in the way of direct-to-consumer products (albeit slightly more hopeful) like Layer, a concept for an edibles subscription service delivering sweets and teas laced with tried and tested doses of psychedelics intended for microdosing. Thinking more largely, room exists within the medical field too. As Stephen Bright, director of Psychedelic Research in Science and Medicine told The Sydney Morning Herald, “there are no products available, and aside from myself and a handful of colleagues, there’s no one trained to provide the treatment.” Those with an eye for innovation should recognise the immense need for supply — as while regulations remain a challenge, a time will soon come when these services will be in high demand.
As The Wall Street Journal indicates, one of the next financial sub-sectors to boom is psychedelic medicine, where Venture Capital firms like Empath Ventures are investing exclusively in start-ups that sit within this realm — and those that are predicted to bring profit to the budding market. Founder Brom Rector likens it to crypto, the industry in which he found his success, telling WSJ, “psychedelics is similar to crypto in the sense that it is a crazy big sort of bold new investment thing.” Like any industry, it is a guaranteed risk, but one that only stands to evolve and expand exponentially in the coming years.
In the twilight of the twentieth century, this new chapter has been written in the realm of therapeutic medicine. Yet until now, it has only existed as a realm of discovery and research, and so the changes to legislation over the Tasman are poised to usher in a new era of psychedelic therapy for New Zealand — one for which, the many struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD and even alcoholism have spent their lives waiting. It is a considered (and supervised) use that can be used for deep and lasting transformation, and hopefully, will see decades of stereotypes passed over in the pursuit of healing humankind.
Few things hold us captive like good Italian food, especially as it leans into this more comfort-seeking time of year. A slow-cooked ragu atop a bowl of homemade pasta — it’s hard to find an offering better. This is a notion to which Chef Tarik Tnaja, wholeheartedly subscribes, having this month set up his permanent food truck, Lil Ragu, on the main street of Takapuna.
Left to right: Oliva Ascolana, Gnocco Fritto, Rigatoni, Arancini, Tagliatelle, Spaghetti, Tiramisú and Pappardelle.
Having always intended to open an intimate operation where he can focus solely on cooking authentic food reminiscent of growing up in Italy, Lil Ragu feels like divine intervention. Tnaja has called Auckland home for eight years, where he has worked in all facets of our local hospitality scene, and this next evolution of his craft might be his most delicious offering yet.
Here, the focus is pasta, “just like Nonna makes it”, he tells me. 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 Lil Ragu as fuss-free food, but Tnaja suggests that the details (like handmaking the pasta-sans-machine and focussing on the best ingredients) are what make it so distinctive.
Left: Tagliatelle with Slow Cooked Bolognese Ragù. Right: Spaghetti with Cacio e Pepe, Guanciale.
Next week will also see the welcome addition of antipasti. Oliva Ascolana, a dish of fried olives stuffed with ragu, is one he hopes to introduce from his hometown, something he tells me that is hard to come by in these parts. Elsewhere, the Gnoccho Fritto will form a moreish helping of deep-fried pizza dough, mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio and olive oil — one that I’m most eager to try. Lil Ragu’s arancini is made of a beetroot risotto, stuffed with ossobuco and mozzarella aplenty, and of course, necessary Tiramisu makes an appearance too. The latter of which Tnaja tells me is a firm crowd favourite, alongside the Tagliatelle & Ragu.
Left: Oliva Ascolana, Pork and Beef Stuffed Deep Fried Olives. Right: Tiramisú, Savoiardi Biscuits, Disaronno Liqueur, Coffee.
With a vision to make Lil Ragu an intimate, mobile restaurant, one that he can drive to summer events at the drop of a hat, finding a home at its Takapuna address has been equally important. And so, Lil Ragu embodies everything we seek in an Italian food purveyor; authenticity, rich indulgence, and a pocket-friendly price point that one could only find in this concept. Hallmarks of a humble yet heavenly dinner, we think.
Opening Hours: Tuesday until Saturday, 12pm — 3pm & 5:30pm — late
The announcement that MASU by Nic Watt, the Japanese robata restaurant and bar in Auckland’s SkyCity, is soon to be open seven days a week for dinner may seem like just another blip on the radar of the City’s dining scene. But for those in the know, the restaurant’s newly-launched seasonal Tokusen menu really is something, making these extended hours all the more enticing.
Left: se ebi no taco – Crayfish spicy miso taco. Right: Tai nigiri – Snapper nigiri, shiso salt, lemon balm, ume
With 13 dishes to be devoured, the Masu Tokusen is a premium tasting menu that is designed to showcase the finest ingredients from both New Zealand and Japan. This season, the menu includes a range of dishes such as grilled oyster with Japanese mayo, beef tataki with pickled daikon and carrot, and wagyu sumibiyaki, featuring Lake Ohau wagyu sirloin with shallot miso. The menu is meant to be shared, with a minimum of two orders required, and for those looking to elevate their dining experience, a discerning beverage match can be added to keep everyone perfectly satiated.
Yaki-gaki – grilled oyster with Japanese mayo, tobiko
From our perspective, where Masu truly makes the mark is its commitment to sustainability. SkyCity is Toitū carbon zero certified, which means that they have taken the necessary steps to offset their carbon footprint and achieve net-zero carbon emissions. It’s refreshing to see, and honestly is something that we think makes the food taste just that much better.
In Nic Watt’s inimitable fashion, this next evolution of Masu embodies his passion for flavour and dedication to detail. Here, he brings a simple philosophy to the restaurant’s cuisine: use fresh local ingredients, enhance the natural flavours of each dish, and let the food speak for itself. The result is a bold and unique style of Japanese dining that is both natural and uncomplicated.
Left: Wagyu tsukune – wagyu tsukune, spring onion powder, burnt chilli & Gyu tataki – beef tataki, pickled daikon & carrot, oriental dressing. Right: Yaki gani – King crab leg shio koji tofu mayo, ponzu butter
As such, for those seeking an unforgettable dining experience this season, it is evident that Masu reigns supreme. With its premium ingredients, carefully crafted dishes, and a commitment to sustainability, Masu’s Tokusen menu really is one of the City’s finest and should be booked without hesitation.
Masu will be adding dinner service for Sundays and Mondays as of the 1st of Maymaking it easier than ever to indulge in some of the best Japanese in Auckland, every day of the week.
From hues of subtle olive to tones of luscious emerald, a palette of green is dominating the interior design world in a big way. Already seen in fashion-forward interiors around the world, this tonal trend is favoured for its ability to both deliver a sense of tranquillity and inject some opulence into any space, which is why we’re turning to the experts at Resene to ensure we’re doing it justice.
Lito Trio pendant and Cavern shelf powersurge, Boston overnight bag dadelszen, Olive Trees Basilicata by Alan Pearson sanderson, Vitra Panton chair and Tipton Chair matisse, Ennéa Carrara Marble dining table by Vincent Tordjman and Gavrinis 3 rug ligne roset
Part of this move into green colours stems from the shift we have seen towards green (sustainable) spaces and eco-friendly design. Incorporating verdant tones into the home is an effective way of bringing the outdoors in and imbuing interior spaces with an organic, natural feel that will deliver the kinds of calm, cosy vibes we’re after.
Lito Trio pendant and Cavern shelf powersurge, Soda Side Table matisse, Olive Trees Basilicata by Alan Pearson sanderson, Vitra Panton chair and Tipton Chair matisse, Ennéa Carrara Marble dining table by Vincent Tordjman and Gavrinis 3 rug ligne roset
The versatility of green is another reason why it has become such a sought-after tone for interior spaces. Take Resene’s use of SpaceCote Flat Vantage Point on the walls of the images above and to the right. On one hand, the distinctive green shade is used like a neutral, in that it perfectly complements the unique furnishings and the Resene Colourwood timber floors (in shade Breathe Easy). But it also elevates the idea of neutrality, bringing some much-needed colour and character to the room.
Incorporating green into your home not only adds depth, but it also provides a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. Our advice? Take the plunge with an eye-catching feature wall in shades like Resene Seaweed, Resene Transcend or Resene Vantage Point and change your space for the better.
Whatever you have been told in the past about mixing silver with gold or rose gold, forget it. There is an added dimension and depth that is delivered by pairing your coolest, silver pieces with a few eye-catching gold ones. Or even better, opting for pieces like those in our jewellery edit below that incorporate both (and that, perhaps, even dabble in a diamond or two).
Here, we round up a selection of showstopping pieces (after all, attention-grabbing jewellery is in) all of which would work perfectly with this trend. From Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen’s striking Love bracelet to Gucci’s Link to Love geometric studded double ring to Van Cleef and Arpels’ Bouton D’or earrings, the pieces in this jewellery edit are breaking the rules in the best way.
From left:B.ZERO1 necklace from Bulgari, Bouton D’or earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels, Gorgeous in Graphic bracelet from Sutcliffe, Rosa Adorata grace pendant from Sutcliffe.
From left: Band of Stars from Sutcliffe, Lock Bangle from Tiffany & Co., Link to Love geometric studded double ring from Gucci, Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Love Bracelet Heavy from Partridge, Trinity ring from Cartier,Bois De Rose ring from Christian Dior, Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen Nature bangle from Partridge Jewellers.
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