In creating a place where she could both work and live, Louisa Grey, founder of London design studio House of Grey rewrote the rules. Deciding to create something that was part-home, part-studio and that adhered to the tenants of Circular Salutogenic Design with its material palette, Grey’s incredible space, House of Holism, is a tranquil hybrid that rejects our burnout corporate culture. Instead, it asks why the office shouldn’t be as inspiring and energising for those who work there, as their own homes?
Fisher & Paykel Integrated French Door Refrigerator Freezer RS90A2, Wine Cabinet RS60RDWX2.
For those unfamiliar, Circular Salutogenic Design basically refers to interior design practices that allow humans to live in harmony with the planet and themselves. As such, the materials chosen for House of Holism were all non-toxic and sourced from the Earth. Not only does this have implications on the space’s environmental footprint, but for those who inhabit it, can promote groundedness, improve concentration and reduce stress. And while every inch of House of Holism has been designed through this lens, nowhere are these ideas more evident than in the kitchen.
Here, a suite of seamlessly integrated Fisher & Paykel appliances, including an Integrated Single DishDrawer™, an Integrated CoolDrawer™, an Integrated French Door Refrigerator Freezer and an Induction Hob are subtle enough so as not to disrupt the flow of the space, but durable and practical enough to withstand frequent use. Grey collaborated with Finch to bring her vision to life, where every material used was completely natural and chemical-free. The cupboards and drawers, for instance, have been crafted from locally-sourced birch plywood with UK Ash used to give their façades a natural finish. While in the coffee-making cabinet (housing one of Fisher & Paykel’s Built-in Coffee Makers) surfaces have been made from salvaged marble. Elsewhere, the movable kitchen island has been finished in a durable and water-resistant mineral coating made mostly of lime.
Fisher & Paykel Built-in Coffee Maker EB60DSXBB1.
The beauty of the use of Fisher & Paykel here is the way in which its products allow the unique materials of the space to shine. Even an appliance as useful as the Fisher & Paykel Wine Cabinet slip into the background with such subtlety and finesse that you almost wouldn’t notice it unless it was in use; encapsulating the idea of work-life balance that is so intrinsic to the rest of this project.
A concept started by Sara Bruce (founder of Exhibit A Gin) and Sophie Anderson, My Exhibition has built its reputation on curating intriguing objects and tchotchkes to help its clients cultivate unique spaces in their homes. Now, the creative duo is taking its offering to the next level with a comprehensive at-home bar styling service, whereby they can create the ultimate set-up for those who love entertaining, or simply want a space dedicated to their favourite tipples.
Here, no detail is too small, with Bruce and Anderson able to arrange everything, from sourcing antique silver bar trays to modern glassware to all the necessary accoutrements required for successful mixology. My Exhibition will even curate a selection of wine, beer and spirits to suit their client’s needs and offer tried and true cocktail recipes to please any guest.
So, if you love entertaining at home but you feel like your set-up doesn’t quite live up to your hosting aspirations, look no further than My Exhibition’s meticulous service. Not only will it take dinner parties and evenings with friends to a whole new level, but it will turn a simple, after-work drink into a luxurious ritual.
One of our favourite Downtown dumpling spots has undergone a timely refresh, making us more excited than ever to pop in and pull up a chair. What used to be Xuxu Dumpling Bar — the cosy Britomart space in which we would often seek midweek solace — has been reimagined as Perch, taking everything that we loved about Xuxu, and elevating it to the next level.
Inside, Perch’s fit-out is an update of the existing Xuxu, which was originally designed by Dajiang Tai from Cheshire Architects (who was called on again for the refresh). While retaining its intimate vibe, the new space has been opened up with an extended exterior, where large planters and umbrellas have been used outside to invite diners (and those seeking a tasty tipple) to enjoy the surrounding Downtown streetscape while partaking in a bite or a drink with friends.
On the menu, developed by Executive Chef Nathan Houpapa, traditional Chinese dumplings and spring rolls continue to take centre stage, but the focus is on offering a range of unique flavours, built on ingredients used throughout East Asian cuisines. Here, you will find dishes that harness elements like kimchi, Sichuan pepper and XO Sauce, and take every kind of palate and proclivity into account, whether you prefer salty, sour, spicy, sweet or umami.
And while everything is delicious, highlights include the har gow (with various fillings), the delectable roast duck spring rolls wrapped in lettuce and the cold fern root noodles, served with soy, black vinegar and chilli.
As far as drinks are concerned, Perch offers a concise but considered menu that highlights award-winning local craft beers (from the likes of Brothers Beer), tantalising cocktails that use ingredients like black tea, cherry, coriander and yuzus and a curation of boutique wines from both New Zealand and beyond. Here, everything has been expertly chosen to complement the strong flavours at play on the menu, and the offering is promising the perfect excuse for a couple of after-work drinks.
Ultimately, Perch feels both familiar and completely new. It is as much a casual spot for a quick easy bite as it is the kind of sleek, intimate space in which you could easily celebrate a special occasion or book for date night. Run by a team of experts (including Vik Sirohi, Yeshi Desta, Krishna Botch and Gill French) and offering flavoursome food, satiating drinks and a relaxed but elevated atmosphere, Perch is worth making your regular.
Opening Hours: Monday — closed Tuesday — 4pm until late Wednesday to Friday — 12pm until late Saturday — 4pm until late
Leave it to our forever favourite, Miss Polly’s Kitchen, to come up with an innovative and seasonal take on our favourite dessert. Using any leftover buns (we haven’t been able to get enough of them this year), this Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu marries the festive flavours of Easter with the necessary caffeine hit to get us through the holidays. Delicious.
Ingredients
6 chocolate hot cross buns 1 & 3/4 cups strong coffee, cold 1/4 cup Kahlua 300ml cream 1/3 cup white sugar 1 tsp vanilla paste 250g room temperature mascarpone Cocoa to dust 20 x 20cm dish
Method
1. Slice the loaf of hot cross buns horizontally. Then each bun into three fingers. 2. Mix the cold coffee and Kahlua together. Set aside. 3. Using an electric mixer, mix the cream, slowly adding in the sugar and vanilla until you have soft peaks. Gently fold in the mascarpone. 4. Dip the hot cross bun pieces into the coffee mix, turning so both sides get a good coat. Place half onto the bottom of the dish. Smear half the cream mix on top and then repeat. Using a spatula make sure the cream is nice and flat. 5. Using some ribbon or cardboard make crosses over the dish then dust generously with cocoa powder. 6. Leave in the fridge for about 3 hours. This hot cross bun tiramisu is best when shared.
One thing we do love about the arrival of autumn is the way it delivers a beautiful line-up of new clothing and accessories — just when we feel our wardrobes are needing a little boost. And whether we’re hunting for that essential jacket to protect against inclement weather, a handy bag that fits just the right amount for a day in the office, or the perfect pair of sunglasses, there’s one place that never lets us down.
Commercial Bay’s fashion line-up is luxurious, interesting and carefully curated. Offering womenswear and menswear from international labels like Maje and Sandro, lauded local brands like Yu Mei and Wynn Hamlyn, and multi-brand stores like Superette, there truly is something here for everyone. So if there’s a piece you’ve been trying to track down, look no further than our concise edit below. Here, we present some of our favourite picks from Commercial Bay’s new fashion arrivals to hopefully give you some inspiration for the season ahead.
From top left: Rupsilon Dress from Maje, Saint Laurent Mica SL 276 from Superette, Marguette Cardigan from Maje, Charlie Bag from Yu Mei, ROHE Textured Trench Coat from Superette, Maya boot from R.M.Williams, Silky Suit waistcoat from Sandro, River Vegan Leather Pant from Aje, Denim Shirt from Wynn Hamlyn.
On one kind of vacation, it is more about the journey than the destination. As the European summer season inches closer, we’ve found ourselves increasingly taken by the notion of skipping out on the crowded cities in favour of some solitude on the seas. At its most basic, a luxury yacht charter is an exercise in exerting autonomy over your travels, a private and bespoke experience where guests are in control of their environment and can spend quality time with their companions while venturing into paradise in style.
Motor Yacht MiMi.
When it comes to the finer details of chartering a yacht, few do it better than the 37 South team — an Auckland-based collective of yacht lovers who are genuinely committed to the cause of delivering a memorable charter. These experts know and adore the industry and the inherent joys that being on the water brings.
As Managing Director Ben Osborne says, “We add value by providing in-depth and detailed information to help our clients find the right balance of quality against cost.” Being at the top end of the industry but still a relatively small (although not insignificant) operation, Osborne explains that this means they can’t afford to spread their work too thin, and as such, clients can rest assured that they have the team’s full commitment.
Sailing Yacht Imagine.
And as winter rears its ugly head here in New Zealand, we look to far-flung destinations like the ‘Med’, where the possibilities for luxury yacht charters are practically limitless. For clients, it is a fuss-free way to holiday in comfort and luxury, exploring iconic and historic destinations without the stress of large crowds at the height of the tourist season.
When it comes down to the actual process, leaning into the support of a brokerage like 37 South is infinitely easier than trying to organise it from afar. As each client’s yacht charter experience is carefully curated, a relationship is established in the early stages of inquiry. This way, their team can find out, first and foremost, what you want to achieve; the destinations of interest, the time of travel, your companions and your needs. As Osborne says, “there is a lot more to a yacht charter than just the boat.”
Motor Yacht Aix.
With most luxury yacht charters, akin to those facilitated by the New Zealand company, your charter fee will cover the boat’s rental, insurance and crew. The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is an additional way of managing expenses and navigating budgets, including anything from fuel and supplies to tenders, toys and taxes. “The advantage of APA is that it maintains the arrangement flexibility for guests, allowing them to spend their money on exactly what they want on board during their charter,” Osborne says.
Given the bespoke nature of a charter and the abundance of factors that can alter between experiences, giving a ballpark figure of costs isn’t always easy. The yachts that 37 South work with tend to start at around USD$30,000 for a week and may range up to USD$1 million for the same period. Perhaps a significant investment, but as we’ve discovered in recent years, memories are always worth making.
Capella Hotels and Resorts, known for its luxurious properties around the world, has just opened its first Australian address, Capella Sydney. Located in Sydney’s historic Sandstone Precinct, and originally designed by architect George McRae in the early 1900s, the heritage-listed Department of Education building has been meticulously restored and reimagined, now featuring 192 guestrooms and suites, three spectacular food and beverage outlets, a sumptuous spa and wellbeing centre and a 20-metre heated indoor pool.
Inside the Capella Sydney, an exquisite collection of artworks, curated furnishings and intriguing objets d’art collide to cultivate a sense of contemporary sophistication, while clever use of materials and a strategic harnessing of natural light give the hotel a warmth that would make anyone feel immediately at home.
The rooms are beautifully appointed with deluxe textiles, custom Italian Frette linen, standalone tubs and exclusive Haeckels amenities, with the crown jewel being the 235-square-metre Capella Suite on the ninth floor. Given the hotel’s enviable location only a short walk from the iconic Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the recently-unveiled Quay Quarter Lanes precinct, alongside the range of immersive experiences it offers guests who want to see Sydney in a whole new way, Capella Sydney is the epitome of luxury and cultural connection, and is just what the City has been missing.
Undoubtedly a central component of any living area, a sofa has the power to make or break the room. As such, making sure the piece you choose is well designed and impeccably made is of utmost importance. This rings true whether your aesthetic skews towards maximalist, statement pieces or leans more on the side of sleek and uncomplicated.
The collections from New Zealand design house Tim Webber Design sit firmly in the latter category; throughout furniture, lighting and objects, an emphasis on functionality and integrity; high-quality materials and clean lines, coalesce to create pieces that exude a simplistic beauty, belying a meticulous consideration of even the smallest details.
The elegant new Copen Sofa adheres to all of these principles. Modular in design, it offers a multitude of ways to configure its sections. From a neat two-seater to a generously sprawling, family-sized sofa and ottoman to stretch out luxuriously, by simply adding or combining different modules, ultimate customisation is possible.
Functionality, comfortability and distinction lay at the core of Webber’s design process for the Copen Sofa, with its feather and foam upholstery, solid walnut or oak trim, and sleek form that encompasses both linear and round silhouettes. In fact, the rounded arm is one of the Copen’s key defining features; inspired by the interior of Copenhagen’s Round Tower, its curving shape is both a unique design feature and a comfortable support on which to rest.
Over time, requirements may change, and the beauty of a piece like the Copen Sofa is that it can evolve with the undulations of life — a sure tenet of timeless design.
With April’s arrival and the packed calendar of holidays that come with it, there seems to be no end to the delicious, enticing happenings taking place on our local dining scene. And while you may be making the most of Easter and school holidays to head out of town (we’ve got you covered there, too), our April dining guide showcases just how tasty Auckland is looking for anyone sticking around. From restaurant takeovers to vegan extravaganzas and intimate, bespoke dinners, we’ve got the intel on exactly what to book for the month ahead.
Left: In Fashion at Bivacco with Superette. Right: Flora & Fizz, Rooftop at QT.
In Fashion at Bivacco with Superette
Attention lovers of fashion and fine food, Bivacco is set to host its first ‘In Fashion’ event (tipped to be an ongoing series for the lauded Viaduct Harbour destination) in collaboration with Superette later this month, and we’re excited. Set to take place from 12pm until 4pm on Thursday the 27th of April, with support from Winger Maserati, this ticketed event will see Bivacco put on a delicious three-course shared lunch complemented by flutes of Moët & Chandon Champagne and a Malfy Gin cocktail, all of which guests can enjoy while Superette showcases its new arrivals via a sleek runway show — shoppable on the day. Tickets are $150 per person (available here) with a goodie bag included, and the lunch and show will be followed by a rousing DJ set from the Sweet Mix Kids. An afternoon not to be missed.
Flora & Fizz at Rooftop at QT
The Rooftop at QT has unveiled its latest pop-up, Flora & Fizz, showcasing Perrier-Jouët Champagne throughout the month of April. The design-led hotel has transformed its signature rooftop into an enchanted garden of whimsical elegance, with a delicate touch of flora and fauna adorning the venue, evocative of Perrier-Jouët’s iconic bottle design. A tableside Champagne tasting flight is available, and the event’s canapé menu, creatively fashioned by Sean Connolly (the hotel’s Creative Director of Food & Beverage) will be expertly paired with each Champagne drop. During the six-week event, Rooftop at QT will offer specials on the full range of Perrier-Jouët Champagnes and three effervescent cocktails curated by the Rooftop at QT’s mixologists. The Sunday Club in April features DJ Venetia Clark on the decks, two-dollar natural Oysters, and special pricing on Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, making it an unmissable occasion that is sure to draw us all down to Viaduct Harbour.
Bar Non Solo’s New Lunch Menu.
Bar Non Solo’s New Lunch Menu
Despite it’s relatively uncomplicated offering (read: good food and good alcohol), Bar Non Solo has quickly become an inner-city favourite in its arguably short tenure. This season has seen the launch of a new lunch menu at the establishment, which pleads the case for a slightly more indulgent ‘power lunch’. Here, for a mere $25, you can choose from a selection of handmade pasta and seasonal pizzas, alongside one of their delicious beverages that includes the befitting Aperol Spritz. Running from Tuesday through until Friday, midday until 3pm, there’s never been a better case for skipping the takeaways.
Harvest Deli at Wynyard Pavillion
Napier’s beloved Harvest Deli can this week (April 18 — 21) be found at Wynyard Pavillion, operating from 11:30am until 4pm (and potentially later should the anticipated demand arise). The menu consists entirely of Italian-style sandwiches made on focaccia bread, with all sandwiches made to order and cured meats freshly sliced. All fairly priced at $20, they include feature fillings such as Egg & Cheese Omelette, Prosciutto di Parma, Pistachio Mortadella, Naples Salame and Roasted Vegetables. The pop-up will also offer a selection of fried foods, including Italian loaded fries, and a combo mix of fried mozzarella and tuna olives. Additionally, they will serve coffee and salentina, a cold almond coffee from Sicily.
Origine Cocktail Kitchen.
The Cocktail Kitchen at Origine
Conceived by Ahi chef Josh Phillips and mixologist Egor Petrov of Origine’s Le Bar and Bayside Rum Co., this degustation series is limited to ten individuals per dinner and aptly titled The Cocktail Kitchen by Josh & Egor. For the first iteration of the series, diners feasted on a series of food and cocktail pairings that highlight locally sourced ingredients from around Aotearoa (including Ahi’s bountiful garden) and delight in intricate flavours enhanced through methods of fermentation, preservation and carbonation — and we’ve got it on good authority that guests can expect a similar level of excellence for this month’s iteration. You can find more details and book your spot once the dates are confirmed here.
Ruby Loves To Cook at No. 7
Come late April, one of our favourite effortlessly cool cafe-cum-bars will invite Ruby Harris (also known as @rubylovestocook) to take over the kitchen for a special two-night pop-up affair. The three-course dinner at Pitt Street’s No. 7 includes a drink on arrival, with the menu yet to be unveiled but promising the same deliciously homecooked-style fare. We’ve heard talks that this will be Harris’ last dinner of the likes before heading over to London, and for that reason alone, we think it necessary in your month’s dining agenda.
Balmoral Street Food Market.
One Last Balmoral Street Food Market
With the organisers heading overseas to greener pastures (there’s really a theme here), we thought it fitting to include the final Balmoral Street Food Market to grace our culinary scene, on Friday the 21st of April. This market is a convergence of food, arts and music, the former of the three being the most important here. Home to all of our up-and-coming favourites on the street food scene, like WoodSpirit, Cheeky Fala and Gran Sasso Pizza, it might be the last time for some time they all unite under one banner.
Andiamo’s Vavasour Experience.
Andiamo’s Vavasour Experience
The offering of a special autumn lunch experience throughout April by Andiamo and Vavasour wines presents an opportunity for diners to indulge in a curated menu featuring dishes such as burrata with scorched carrot and red wine risotto with salt baked smoked beetroot. The menu is complemented by a selection of Vavasour wines, carefully chosen from Marlborough’s Awatere Valley. The two-course menu comes at a reasonable price of $50 per person with the option to add sides and dessert for an additional cost. Bookings can be made via their website, and the experience is available from Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 3pm at the stalwart’s beloved Jervois Road outlook.
Left: Great NZ Toastie Takeover. Right: Good From Scratch Cookery School Cyclone Relief Dinner.
Great NZ Toastie Takeover
The annual Great Toastie Takeover will again take hold in mid-April, leading the search for the country’s most superior toasted sandwich. This year marks the sixth anniversary of the beloved competition, which has grown increasingly popular year after year. Cafes and bistros, bars and food trucks nationwide will all participate. Each contender’s toasted creation will feature on their menu from the 14th of April until the end of May — and the finalists will even be available until late June. And most importantly, the People’s Choice Award will return this year, allowing Kiwis to vote for their favourite eatery and toastie. Last year’s event saw guests savour an impressive turnout of 180 entries and more than 140,000 toasties. You can find all the details, as they emerge, here.
Good From Scratch Cookery School Cyclone Relief Dinner
The severity of Cyclone Gabrielle may have died down, but its impact continues to reverberate through the Muriwai community. In a display of neighbourly solidarity, Kiwi chef Michael Van de Elzen has thrown open the doors of his Good From Scratch Cookery School, hosting a fundraising dinner and charity auction to raise funds for those affected by the storm. On Saturday, the 22nd of April, guests will savour an eight-course Degustation Dinner, a culinary ode to the bounty of the region, lovingly crafted by a constellation of top local chefs. But the fare on offer is not the only temptation — attendees will have the chance to participate in a live charity auction, where proceeds will be directed to the Muriwai Community Recovery Charitable Trust, providing much-needed support to those grappling with the aftermath of the storm. Wine, beer, and cider, sourced from local vineyards and breweries, will be available for purchase, as will non-alcoholic beverages. For those eager to contribute to the cause, tickets are available for $240 per head, though bookings here are essential.
Parisian Matt Gosset is no stranger to Auckland hospitality. In fact, he has spent the better part of two decades serving authentic French food to the most discerning diners. And his latest destination, Paname Social, feels like the culmination of his culinary journey thus far. Officially opening this week, the new inner-city bistro was imagined to replicate the European cafe culture Gosset was so fond of in his native Paris. Having now borne witness to it first-hand, we’d agree that it feels utterly European (and very chic).
Most recently, the team behind Paname Social were responsible for K’Road’s Atelier (and before that, Wynyard Quarter’s Wander and Point Chev’s Ambler), which is where the vision for this latest opening began. But Gosset’s history with Lorne Street dates back some 12 years earlier. He originally opened La Boulange, a four-square-metre operation where The Receptionist now lives. Back then, he explains that his landlord justified the high rent for a small floorplan on the basis that 17,000 people were walking past every single day. That was a massive part of the appeal that drew him back to the CBD too. “Half of Auckland doesn’t come [to the City], but half of Auckland is right here.”
Right: Oeufs cocotte, champagne ham, crème fraîche, gruyère, soldiers.
Not that Auckland is poised to become the new Paris, but Gosset knows just how great a city can be when the culinary scene has a life of its own. He shares some of his fondest memories of getting a steak and a bottle of wine with friends at 4am, after a long shift on the floor himself, or even the simple habit of getting an afternoon coffee. “The City needs more,” he explains. “Where do you get a coffee after 3pm? Where do you get a glass of wine on a Monday?” He shares that his goal was to bring a tiny touch of European culture into our local dining scene.
And here, it is easy to see the inspiration. Paname Social’s front-of-house is run by fellow Parisian Matt Ferrgati, whom Gosset brought over from Atelier. (Only recently, the duo discovered their paths crossed as both worked at the same restaurant in Paris, nearby Champs-Élysées, at different times.) The team has also employed French culinary talents in both the kitchen and bar, the latter where possessing a discerning taste in wine is essential.
Left: Millet porridge, coconut milk, macadamia, nectarines, white and milk chocolate shards.
The menu came from the collective of experience (and the inimitable talents of Atelier’s Alexis Petit, who is lending a hand while Paname Social opens). Gosset tells me that the menu is French-inspired, with many dishes grounded in authentic recipes and ingredients sourced from local French suppliers. It ebbs and flows between day and night seamlessly, where breakfast dishes like the traditional Oeufs Cocotte (which Ferrgati explains is akin to a French shakshuka) meet the Millet Porridge — which draws on a North African influence commonly found in Parisian cuisine.
It is a bistro-style menu at night, where delicate market fish topped with clams and drowned in beurre blanc is served alongside Frenchiladas, a favourite of Gosset’s, that he describes as a French-Mexican hybrid of beef bourguignon, comté cheese, pea cream and blue corn tortillas. In these dishes alone, it is evident that ingenuity is an essential part of the excellence of the food here, and is just as important as its provenance, as well as the way in which cultural and culinary history are folded into every dish.
Right: Market catch of the day, clams, beurre blanc.
And at Paname (which is actually a fond local nickname for Paris reflecting the popularity of Panama hats in the early 1900s), hospitality extends beyond the food. The wine list here is impressive, with more than 40 varietals available by the glass hailing from both New Zealand and France, as well as Australia, Spain and Argentina. These are complemented by a curated champagne menu designed to be served alongside oysters from Te Matuku, Te Kouma and Bluff.
As far as the space itself is considered, the fit-out, designed by Gosset himself, responds to the building’s enduring history, both as a legacy hospitality destination and the century that predates it. Having recently undergone an extensive renovation led by Australian Architects Warren and Mahoney, the HB Building is home to a host of office spaces as well, whose staff add to the lively and busy nature of the expansive floorplan.
And so, Paname Social feels like the kind of destination where one could easily spend a whole day. It could be as simple as a coffee and croissant before going to a nearby office, or a bottle of wine with friends before heading to the theatre. And yet, for those seeking a long, languid lunch in an undeniably convenient location, this destination also answers that call. Ultimately, we see it quickly becoming one of those multi-faceted outposts that respond to our collective everchanging needs, the kind of restaurant that we won’t be able to get enough of.
Opening hours: Monday — Tuesday, 7am until 3pm Wednesday — Friday, 7 am until 12 am Saturday, 8 am until 12 am Sunday, 8 am until 3 pm
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
