Fancy a weekend on the sofa, lost in an excellent show? Here, we go through some of the best new series to have recently landed on streaming services — from thrilling dramas to action-packed narratives to fascinating documentaries to heart-warming comedies. Without further ado, your weekend watching guide awaits.
House Of The Dragon This hotly-anticipated new series delivers a prequel to the global phenomenon that was Game of Thrones, set 200 years before the original show and focusing more specifically on the ancestors of Daenerys Targaryen. Based on George R. R. Martin’s book Fire and Blood, the story centres on the Targaryen civil war, an ongoing battle between siblings vying for power following the death of their father. Resulting in the deaths of the Targaryen’s most powerful dragons. With all the promise of its predecessor, House of The Dragon is a must-watch.
Bad Sisters Part dark comedy, part thriller, this excellent new series follows the story of five sisters who, having pledged to always protect one another following the premature death of their parents, find themselves caught up in a revenge fantasy plot to save one of their own from a monstrous husband. Witty, suspenseful and expertly played by an excellent cast.
Five Days at Memorial This harrowing new drama, based on real-life events, follows the story of emergency caregivers at a New Orleans hospital in the aftermath of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Based on the 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name by Sheri Fink, this heart-wrenching miniseries will keep you deeply invested from start to finish.
A League of Their Own Set in 1943, this new comedy-drama miniseries focuses on the story of the Rockford Peaches — a pioneering female baseball team in the early days of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. An adaptation of the 1992 film of the same name (starring Tom Hanks and Geena Davis) this compelling show is full of laughs and is carried by a cast of great characters (and exceptional performances).
The Last Movie Stars In this intriguing docuseries, director Ethan Hawke pays tribute to Hollywood idols (and iconic couple) Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, drawing heavily on archival documents — transcriptions of taped interviews that Newman and Woodward did with screenwriter Stewart Stern for a never-finished personal project. With most of the tapes destroyed by Newman himself and only a handful able to be salvaged as transcripts, here, Hawke called on actors like George Clooney and Laura Linney to give voice to the subjects’ words, creating an experience that is part documentary, part dramatic retelling, part interpretive character work.
The Old Man Based on Thomas Perry’s 2017 novel of the same name, this much-acclaimed, thrilling series stars Jeff Bridges as Dan Chase, a former CIA operative who, despite having lived off the grid in upstate New York for 30 years, is forced into going on the run after his past catches up with him and he kills an intruder who brakes into his home.
Surface After surviving what she is initially told was a suicide attempt that resulted in serious head trauma, Sophie (played brilliantly by Gugu Mbatha-Raw) has lost all of her recent memories. In the wake of the incident, she embarks on a quest to piece together her previous life, in order to understand what actually happened and why. Uncovering thrilling twists and turns, a shocking love triangle and a number of people who aren’t who they say they are, this series will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Mo Based on the story of Mo Najjar, an undocumented refugee from Palestine living in Houston (played by Mohammed Amer in his first scripted series) this new, semi-autobiographical Netflix show follows the hilarious antics of Mo as he embarks on various hustles to keep himself afloat while trying to navigate the notoriously convoluted US immigration system.
Echoes In this thrilling new series, Michelle Monahan plays twin sisters Leni and Gina, who have secretly switched places with each other their whole lives. But when Leni goes missing, it sets off a series of events that start to unravel both of their interwoven existences.
Untold: The Girlfriend That Didn’t Exist The sixth instalment of Netflix’s ‘Untold’ series, this new two-part documentary follows the fascinating story of Manti Te’o, who made global headlines as the promising college football star whose girlfriend, Lennay, tragically passed away from leukaemia just as his senior season was getting underway. But Lennay didn’t actually exist. This fascinating documentary revisits the sad unfolding of events that uncovered Te’o’s girlfriend to be nothing more than an elaborate catfish and speaks to the numerous flow-on effects of one person’s selfish pretence.
Paper Girls Like an all-female Stranger Things (although with a very different twist), Paper Girls is a fun, action-packed sci-fi series that follows four girls living in the 80s who, on their paper route, get sucked into a reality-warping battle that unwittingly embroils them in a time war — and a fight for the future of humanity.
Black Bird If you haven’t already watched this, you’ve probably had it recommended to you by more than one friend — and for good reason. Inspired by actual events, this miniseries was based on the 2010 autobiographical book, In With The Devil: A Fallen Hero, A Serial Killer, and A Dangerous Bargain for Redemption by James Keene, and follows the protagonist (played by Taron Egerton) who, at the start of his 10-year prison sentence, is offered freedom if he can illicit a confession from suspected killer Larry Hall.
This time of year can bring with it a sense of malaise, as we search for renewed energy and a fresh perspective — particularly as winter draws to a close and spring is on the horizon. In our opinion, the easiest way to give yourself a new lease on life is via a few simple switch-ups in your home, a new sofa here, a bookshelf there, or even a new bar cart (if you’re feeling convivial). Here, in a bid to help you feel inspired again, we have rounded up a list of the new design pieces we are coveting for the season ahead.
Noah Sofa by Giulio Marelli from Sarsfield Brooke Designed by architect Luca Erba, the Noah Collection is characterised by columinous shapes and lines that curve around to envelop the sitter, whether they choose to recline on the armchair, the chaise longue or the sofa. But it is to the last that we are particularly drawn, thanks to its versatile finish (available in a number of fabrics) and extremely comfortable construction and upholstery.
Hector bookshelf by Vincent Van Duysen for Molteni&C from Dawson & Co. There’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned spring clean to leave your interiors feeling refreshed, and as far as we’re concerned, nothing is more helpful in this department than added storage. Molteni&C’s Hector bookshelf is about as sleek an iteration of this functional piece as you’ll find, with a light and airy composition, an easy-to-change modular design, and a range of contemporary finishes to suit any space. As perfect to divide a room as it is to showcase your most precious objects, this bookshelf is the unexpected interior hero you didn’t know you needed.
Phare lamp by Menu from Tim Webber Originally designed for apartment no. 50 at Le Corbusier’s ‘Cité Radieuse’ in Marseille, Menu’s Phare lamp is a versatile, subtle light that can be easily picked up and moved around the house (or even outside in dry conditions) depending on where it is needed. Made from aluminium for recyclability, durability and lightness (with its shade crafted from injected plastic), this piece is as durable to use as it is impactful to look at, and has fast become a must for any home.
MP Trolley by Massproductions from Simon James Give at-home cocktails an elegant new dimension with the new MP Trolley by designer Chris Martin for Massproductions. With a construction that plays with geometric shapes and spacing, and a sleek, contemporary finish in black oak that promises to deliver some finesse to any living space, this trolley is like a good bar-tender — unobtrusive, polished and always there when you need it.
Asmara sofa by Bernard Govin from Ligne Roset Having made its anticipated return to Ligne Roset’s lauded collections for the brand’s 160th anniversary, the iconic Asmara sofa is back and better than ever. Originally designed by Bernard Govin in 1968, this style was an audacious reimagining of modular seating, comprising five configurable modules — convex, concave, low back, high back and semi-circular — that allowed the user to sit up or sprawl, and made a swift, significant impact on the landscape of design. Now, Ligne Roset has reissued the much-loved style, made all the better by new innovations by the brand’s R&D department, and it is the perfect piece to take centre stage in a large living space.
Cascadia Rug by Kelly Wearstler for The Rug Company from Design Central As the local purveyors of exceptional rugs, Design Central’s offering (of course) includes The Rug Company’s Kelly Wearstler-designed pieces. This one in particular, is a showstopper. Inspired by China’s Yangtze River, the Cascade rug features a mountainous landscape in neutral tones, meticulously woven in silky threads against a soft, Tibetan wool base.
Moke dining table by Devon Now is the perfect time to prepare your outdoor area for the imminent arrival of spring and summer, and there’s no better way to do that than with a stunning centrepiece like the Moke dining table by Devon. Boasting an elegant, rounded shape made from glass reinforced concrete (and able to be made in a range of specialty Peter Fell colours), this piece is perfect for all the al fresco dining that awaits us.
Modular Imagination blocks by Virgil Abloh for Cassina from Matisse Part of a project that saw the late, great Virgil Abloh team up with lauded Italian brand Cassina to explore the implications of modularity, these Modular Imagination Blocks can exist as standalone pieces or be combined to form various design accessories (from tables to chairs to ottomans and benches). This is a collection that invites imagination, and asks the user to rethink their domestic landscape and crucially, the blocks (made from plant-based matte black polymer and recycled wood) can be completely disassembled for after-use recycling.
Brasilia Bed by Marcio Kogan / Studio MK27 design for Minotti from ECC Making a strong case for a choosing a bed that makes a statement, the Brasilia bed embodies the same mid-century style that broadly defines the bold Brasilia seating range. Boasting a large wooden headboard that wraps around the bed’s padded frame and featuring built-in side tables that come off of its dark brown stained Canaletto walnut structure, this exquisite bed is more than just a place to rest your weary head at night (although it’s obviously perfect for that, too).
Frames by Lasvit from Matisse Designed to be standalone, light-art objects that engage with our imaginations and physically represent the thin borders that exist between our inner and outer worlds, Frames can be windows, doors, skylights or anything that connects our interior spaces with the outside world. Here, beautiful glass circles (each unique in its texture, colour and surface) are set into linear metal frames to become eye-catching elements of any space.
Brera sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform from Studio Italia The embodiment of clean, contemporary design, Jean-Marie Massaud’s Brera sofa carries a strong architectural quality and unmistakable presence. Available in both linear and curved configurations, the sprawling structure of this sleek seating system doesn’t sacrifice anything to comfort (thanks to its incredibly relaxing pillows and generous seats) and yet, still carries a couture quality via leather detailing and a range of exceptional new fabrics.
Collar chair by Bensen from Tim Webber Allow yourself to be wrapped in plush comfort with Bensen’s unique Collar chair — a masterclass in the power of understated design. From its generous seat to its perfectly-curved backrest to its simple, linear structure, employ this chair singularly as the ideal reading spot, or add a few to your living room to create an inviting space for conversation with family and friends.
Nuvola coffee table by Casamilano from Studio Italia Give your living room some personality with this curved coffee table by Casamilano. Low to the ground and rendered in a wavy, irregular shape, this unexpected take on the classic, living-room centrepiece is made all the more striking by its manual, bronzed finish.
Mesh Suspension Light by Francisco Gomez Paz for Luceplan from Dawson & Co. Drama and innovation collide in this eye-catching pendant that taps into the potential of LEDs, utilising a technology that allows separation into very small units and results in a piece that appears almost transparent. This is thanks to the way that its metal cables have LED sources positioned at their intersections to conceal the complexity of the design. As such, the Mesh Suspension Light boasts unprecedented versatility, with the user able to control the light’s intensity and even decide which sections of the pendant to use.
Background coffee table by Massimo Castagna for Henge from ECC From its metal tube structure to its engraved stone top, this exquisite coffee table will lend any living space a sense of gravitas and grandeur. Able to be finished in a variety of natural stones from Henge’s comprehensive range, the strong, solid presence of this table will make it a point of conversation with anyone who goes to rest their coffee on its undulating surface.
When executed right, nothing hits the spot quite like a good sandwich. Which is something that local hospitality veterans Nick Landsman and Emma Ogilvie (the couple behind Bar Céleste) are banking on in their cool new K’ Road spot, Gloria’s — a classic deli serving simple, hearty food with excellent flavours.
Set in the space that was formerly Star Superette (the duo’s popular wine shop), Gloria’s fit-out is small but welcoming, with a laid-back vibe and fuss-free details. From its chalkboard menu to its checkerboard floors and its line-up of simple barstools — the bakery provides the perfect place for hungry punters to perch at lunchtime, something that Landsman and Ogilvie tell me they thought was missing from the area.
Left: Gloria’s interior. Right: Homemade pies.
With Gloria’s, the duo decided to go back to basics, first asking themselves what they loved making, and then figuring out what they thought was needed. The idea of a deli and sandwich shop kept emerging, and the concept just made sense. It was, as Ogilvie describes, “perfectly suited to a post-covid vibe”.
Drawing inspiration from the classic Jewish delis of New York and a style of sandwich shop that has been growing in popularity in Australia, Landsman and Ogilvie created Gloria’s as a new take on a traditional format, where good food and quality ingredients collide in a setting that almost gives off a retro vibe.
The crown jewel of Gloria’s offering is sandwiches. Whether fresh or toasted, the sandwiches hero sensational homemade bread (so good we would honestly devour by itself), with housemade sauces, salted beef, and other ever-changing fillings that provide something for every possible taste. This was swiftly joined by a line-up of piping-hot pies and elevated sausage rolls, to make the offering even more enticing on a chilly day.
Left: Mushroom Croque. Right: Fresh sandwiches with homemade roast beef.
Take the corned beef sausage roll, for instance. Wrapped in buttery pastry that melts in the mouth, dusted with fennel seeds and boasting a flavoursome, wholesome filling, it is both a unique take on a classic dish and also carries the comforting quality of something your grandma might have made (if she was into that kind of thing). In fact, it is in this juxtaposition of new flavours with old-school ideas that Gloria’s really thrives. For Landsman and Ogilvie, Gloria (they imagine) is the proprietor of a space that is a little bit nostalgic and reminiscent of our great local delis of days gone by — just with a few, up-to-date tweaks.
On the drinks side of things, Gloria’s selection is (unsurprisingly) simple and satiating, basically comprising an Almighty fridge filled with refreshing pick-me-ups. For those seeking something a little stronger, Supreme coffee is also on hand, expertly made by Andrew Lavich (a familiar face to many from his tenure at Honey Bones).
Having only just opened its doors, Gloria’s has (as Ogilvie explains) many more things in the works — from family pies to catering options to takeaway salads and even refreshing juices. And considering the enthusiastic crowds it has already drawn in its first week alone, we will be watching this space with interest.
Nestled above San Fernando Valley stands Clear Oak, a sprawling, single-story, mid-century residence (once the home of Bing Crosby’s manager) that has recently undergone a meticulous renovation at the hands of renowned Los Angeles architects, Brett Woods and Joe Dangaran.
What started as a small refresh eventually turned into a full-scale reimagining, with the duo ultimately creating a home that is deeply connected to its surrounding environment via a clever, considered palette, the prolific use of glass and the optimisation of natural light.
Arrow pendant light by Apparatus from ECC, Platner dining chair by Warren Platner for Knoll from Studio Italia, Saarinen Conference chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll from Studio Italia.
Inspired, to a degree, by Brazilian modernism, the interiors were informed by materials like rich teak, anodized aluminium, plaster and travertine, providing the perfect foundation on which the owner could layer furnishings that placed repurposed vintage perfectly alongside sleek, contemporary pieces, and a few custom-made ones for good measure. The effect is a home that is inherently timeless, in some ways a nod to the past, in others, undeniably grounded in the trends of now.
Arrow pendant light by Apparatus from ECC, Platner dining chair by Warren Platner for Knoll from Studio Italia, Saarinen Conference chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll from Studio Italia.
Crucially, the architects wanted the architecture itself to fade effortlessly into the background and create space for the surrounding landscape and the elegant furnishings and art to take centre stage. Here, they reduced the noise inside and created a sense of calm, pared-back sophistication, with rooms anchored by generous windows and skylights that work to draw the eye up and out.
From the wide, welcoming entranceway flanked by mature bamboo plants and a water feature, to the way in which the home opens seamlessly out to its patio and pool area, Clear Oak is a veritable oasis that promises a private sanctuary for its occupants — a place to find rest, relaxation and connection to nature.
Atollo Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce from ECC.
In Auckland, we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to exquisite dining. And the outlook is only getting better — particularly with restaurants that know how to harness the beauty of the City after dark. It is at these elevated, inner-city spots that we are reminded of the ways in which Auckland’s culinary landscape really does contain experiences akin to those we might find overseas, as we gratefully partake in their unique offerings.
One such place that has been on our radar for a while (but that we didn’t try until recently) is Harbour Society. Located on the 15th floor of SO/ Hotel Auckland, high above the downtown fray, this intriguing restaurant has just been treated to a fresh reimagining, which has seen a new chef arrive to create a menu of flavoursome Eastern cuisine with a distinctly New Zealand twist (you could call it Asian-fusion but it deserves more specificity than that). As for the interiors, they are sleek, elegant and atmospheric, lent a sense of gravitas by the surrounding windows that offer exquisite views out to the glittering city below — the perfect setting in which to enjoy a meal that feels as elevated as its surroundings.
From the left: Harbour Society wine cellar. RAW MARKET FISH, Aoraki malossol salmon caviar, jalapeño and raspberry ponzu.
Deciding to book in for dinner with a friend, we were immediately seated at the corner table from which we could take in an arresting view of Britomart, and started our night with a glass of 2020 Marc Bredif Chenin Blancand oysters from Kaipara (a varietal that SO/ Hotel’s Director of Culinary, Marty Kindleysides explained as his absolute favourite). In fact, the restaurant offered a section of the menu entirely dedicated to oysters and toppings, allowing us to choose exactly how we wanted our morsels to be served (including traditional vinegarettes or unique, Asian-style garnishes). We opted for ours to arrive with flavoursome, Thai-style toppings (nam chim and micro coriander) and I have to say that they were some of the best oysters I had ever tasted. This immediately set the tone for the meal to follow, which ended up being a vertibale feast. And while we can admit that our eyes were certainly bigger than our stomachs, our enthusastic ordering allowed us to try a wide variety of dishes from Harbour Society’s menu, each leaving us more impressed than the last.
The plates that followed our oysters were exquisite. Burrata was given an unexpected Asian-inspired flavour twist, served with sous vide beetroot and Japanese onion dressing. The raw market fish (trevally was the catch of the day) was supremely delicate in its flavour balance, served with Aoraki malossol salmon caviar, jalapeño, cucumber, raspberry ponzu sauce, chilli and herbs. To round out the entrees, we tucked into an impossibly tender pork belly served with torched scampi, red sauce and foraged herbs — the perfect accompaniments to offset the richness of the meat.
From the left: Cloudy Bay Clams Spaghetti. Harbour Society dining area.
But it was the next dish to arrive that ended up being the unexpected favourite (one that we almost didn’t order) — Cloudy Bay Clam Spaghetti. In a stroke of culinary genius, spaghetti alle vongole was given a flavoursome edge, courtesy of a house-made XOXO sauce. It is the one dish that I would recommend to anyone without hesitation.
Despite being almost bursting at the seams by the time the lamb shoulder arrived, it only took a few tender bites for us to find a second wind. Falling off the bone, the perfectly-cooked meat was served with a rich Rendang sauce, pickles and prawn crackers, which, when paired with sides of crispy kimchi potatoes and a baby cos salad, was the ultimate comfort food (and something I would definitely order again on my next visit).
From the left: Miso glazed Ora King salmon. Seiryu.
All of this food was, of course, enjoyed with a range of wines from Harbour Society’s comprehensive list, which offers Coravin, an innovative technology that allows diners to purchase by-the-glass wines from varietals that would usually only be available as a whole bottle. It is a novel concept, but one that allowed us to embrace the suggestions of Restaurant Manager Arjun Gupta, which saw us indulging in glasses of the 2012 Gillman Vineyard Cabernet Franc/Merlot/Malbec, the perfect accompaniment to our mains.
To round out the dinner, we really did feel that dessert was necessary. After all, we had come this far. Not to be called quitters, we opted for a lighter take on dessert, where the pastry chef prepared a delicious assortment of petit fours that were wonderfully indulgent but perfectly light — ending our meal on the best note.
Food aside, my first experience at Harbour Society really did leave a very good taste in my mouth, as much for the dishes I was served as for the impeccable service and a beautiful atmosphere. Here, it seems, a focus on excellence has resulted in a restaurant that really does live up to its elevated nature, and one that I, for one, am looking forward to experiencing again soon.
Harbour Society
SO/ Auckland, 15th Floor
67 Customs Street East, Auckland
When it comes to cosying up at home, fuzzy textures and shaggy upholstery are exactly what we want our living spaces to be filled with. Reminiscent of winter holidays spent rugged up by a roaring fireplace, textiles like bouclé or sheepskin are as comforting to recline on as they are chic to look at — their unique textures adding depth and dimension to any space.
Take the Fergusson Chair from BONZ, a piece that is easily at home in a luxurious library, or the brand’s Mongolian Sheepskin Rug, which concerns itself with warmth underfoot. Not only will pieces like this add a layer of sophistication to a space, but they also offer durable and hearty natural surfaces — ones that, when treated with care, will become timeless pieces to keep in your home for years to come.
As far as wardrobe foundations go, you can’t beat a white T-shirt. Promising to deliver a crisp, clean edge to any outfit, the white tee is a must for any man, no matter how wild the rest of their style. And while it might seem a straightforward piece, trust us when we say that not all white tees are created equal. Our advice? Diversify your white T-shirt collection to ensure that you have an iteration for any occasion (and a few extras for when the one you’re wearing gets inevitably marked).
Start with the basics — a straightforward, plain white tee, no frills, in a slim cut. Versatile and universally flattering, this tee will look as good with your favourite day-to-day jeans as it will with your nicest suit pants. Our picks are Dadelszen’s Reno T,Workshop Denim’s Standard T or James Perse’s S/S Crew all pieces we suggest buying more than one of.
Who could resist the rich and varied flavours of India — from curries to dosa, street food snacks, biryanis, delicious bread-based dishes and so much more, when we feel like deeply comforting food that leaves a long-lasting feeling of satisfaction, it’s to the food of India we turn. As we suspect you might feel the same, we’ve put together some of our favourite Indian restaurants, a list that includes some enduring favourites but also some lesser-known gems that you may not be overly familiar with.
Mumbaiwala Aneri Nathu opened Mumbaiwala in Ponsonby to mix up the local Indian cuisine scene. Her parents, Anup and Sadhana Nathu, have been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years, founding the Tandoori Palace in 1990 before it swept the South Island with the success of its restaurants and sauces. Off the back of a successful Mumbaiwala restaurant in Christchurch, Aneri opened the Auckland outpost this year with a goal to showcase the lighter side of traditional, Indian cuisine to local, discerning diners. As such, the menu offers a raft of authentic street food and sharing plates in a casual, all-day eatery setting. The Dahi Puri is a particular favourite, seeing mini puffed puris with delicately soft mashed potatoes, chickpeas and a spicy yoghurt on the inside, as well as the fried Mumbai Chicken (which has its own secret spices) and Cauliflower Manchurian, which could be mistaken for meat with its pastry-free dumplings covered in chilli and garlic sauce.
Ras Vatika Its humble interior may be the opposite of a polished restaurant like Mumbaiwala, but Dominion Road vegetarian Indian restaurant Ras Vatika is where we head if we are craving a delicious dosa — an incredibly moreish thin pancake or crepe, that originates from Southern India. Made from a fermented batter that gives them a slightly sour taste, Ras Vatika’s dosa are extremely generous in size, and come stuffed with fillings like spiced vegetables. We also love Ras Vatika’s Thali, a varied plate comprising various dipping sauces, breads, pickles and a curry or two.
Saravanaa Bhavan.
Saravanaa Bhavan Also specialising in the mouth-watering flavours of Southern India, Saravanaa Bhavan is an incredibly popular global chain, and is successful for a reason. From its Hobson Street location, it boasts an extensive takeaway selection of dosas, plus Uttapam which are thicker breads cooked with delicious toppings, curries, biryani and more.
Cassia Something about stepping down the stairs into Cassia’s inviting space has us feeling instantly cocooned. Sid Sahrawat‘s acclaimed menu takes diners on a masterful journey of modern Indian cuisine; from its flavourful, delicate snacks to its soul-stirring curries, it’s always a winner.
Satya Chai Lounge.
Satya & Satya Chai Lounge 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 Indian street food and craft beer, and the attached GG X Flamingo a must-visit for cocktails on K’ Road.
Tiffin Forever our go-to for an easy and delicious takeaway, Kingsland restaurant Tiffin’s curries hit the spot when it comes to flavour, and are never too creamy or too sweet. Spice fans can rest assured that Tiffin will bring the heat when you order ‘hot’, and we have to recommend the classic butter chicken or the beef Madras.
Hobson Indian Takeaway Recently touted by a friend of Denizen as ‘the best Indian in Auckland’, Hobson Indian Takeaway is a tiny, hole-in-the-wall spot on Beach Road, specialising in Indian street food. Grab a delicious samosa chaat or two, or one of their plain or flavoured parathas for a wholesome snack.
Oh Calcutta.
Oh Calcutta Parnell’s local Indian favourite, Oh Calcutta’s signature Billy Goat curry is a must-order. Slow-cooked in a signature spice mix, it’s a deeply flavourful, earthy and complex curry that will have you beaming from first bite to last.
Paradise This Sandringham stalwart needs no introduction, with its stellar reputation for rich Indian fare that is just as delicious eaten at home as it is onsite — and heated up the next day, we’re not embarrassed to say. It’s almost impossible to choose a favourite, but aside from the usual suspects, we highly recommend the Veg Manchurian, irresistibly tasty, spiced vegetarian dumplings in a sticky glaze.
Sidart.
Sidart Sidart’s sublime, fine dining fare is on an entirely different plane to your standard curry, and this just goes to show the breadth and variety possible within the flavours of Indian cuisine. The Three Lamps restaurant offers both a la carte and degustation menus that marry progressive Indian flavours seamlessly with the highest quality New Zealand produce and impeccable techniques. All these elements come together with warm, attentive service to make for an exceptional experience, each and every time.
iVillage At Victoria Found in Victoria Park Markets, a destination that is in dangerously close proximity to Denizen HQ, is one of our favourite under-the-radar Indian restaurants that knows a thing or two about traditional food in an utterly palatable (and surprisingly chic) way. The menu is centred around quintessentially Indian dishes, made with home made spices and masalas. You’ll be hard pressed to find a butter chicken here… Instead, opt for the Tandoori Murg Makhanwala — a more authentic approach to the time-honoured favourite.
We’re well past the halfway mark of 2022, and as we hurtle towards the finish line (and the promise of a glorious summer) we thought it high time we reflected on some of the incredible new restaurants, cafes, bars and bakeries that have already made a significant impact on Auckland’s ever-growing culinary landscape (despite only having opened this year). So if you’re wondering what to eat this weekend, or where to go, consider this a timely reminder to try something new. We promise it will be worth your while.
Left: Crushed peas & burrata on sourdough. Right: Kanelbullars. Both from Alpha
From the clever, culinary minds behind Pasture, Alpha initially opened as an innovative test kitchen, bakery and bistro, which eventually expanded to become a ‘neo-bistro,’ serving dine-in breakfast and delectable lunches. Offering freshly-baked pastries and bread (its duck-fat pretzels are a particular highlight) alongside indulgent sandwiches (don’t go past the Nashville-style hot fish sando), pizzas, smoked salmon, sweet treats and ever-changing specials, Alpha is a must-visit for any foodie. Recently, the team has announced yet another expansion, as they prepare to open evenings with a dinner and drinks service — watch this space.
Located out the back of popular K’ Road restaurant, Candela (in a space previously used for private events and exclusive evenings), Barcita is a sleek, intimate venue. And thanks to its delicious menu of Spanish-inspired bites as well as its superb by-the-glass wines and inspired cocktail list (trust us, these are some of the best high balls in the city) it is the perfect place to pop into for an after-work aperitif, or a late-night drink.
Originally founded in 2017 by New Zealand-born, Israel-raised Carmel Davidovitch and her partner Tom, Carmel started life as a pop-up that found fans at every market it frequented. But earlier this year, the beloved outpost put down permanent roots in Eden Terrace, and we couldn’t have been happier about it. Serving handmade, fantastically fluffy pita bread with fresh fillings, Carmel’s moreish creations are of exceptional quality and full of flavour. The business is also popular for its catering services, including weddings, corporate events and private functions. Only open from Thursday to Saturday, 9am until 2:30pm (although keep your eyes on Carmel’s Instagram for any opening-hour updates) we recommend getting in early to avoid the crowds. Although if you have to wait, we promise it’s more than worth it.
Located in The Pacifica laneway, DELI di BOSSI delivers an authentic taste of Italy to punters in the CBD, offering a selection of fine sliced meats and cheeses, freshly-made pasta and breads, aromatic coffee and specialised Italian street food. Think prosciutto pizza fritta and calzone stuffed with passatta, mozzarella and basil; sandwiches with mortadella or salami di Milano; indulgent ricotta-filled cannoli with chocolate or pistachio; fresh caprese and panzanella salads and a selection of salumi boards. Alongside the deli, the Bossi brand will eventually include a fine-dining Italian restaurant as well as a bar and private function space — set to open in October this year.
De Nada is a Mexican eatery and taco joint — aptly named after the common Spanish phrase for ‘you’re welcome’ — that has fast become a place where you can truly leave your worries at the door. From its funky fit-out to its joyous drinks menu that puts a creative take on traditional Mexican cocktails, De Nada offers a convivial atmosphere that promises to set the perfect tone every time.
Duo is the first solo venture from husband and wife team Jordan and Sarah Macdonald (Jordan, you may recognise, is a former Denizen Hospo Hero who previously opened and owned Lowbrow, Culprit, Little Culprit, Nook and Double Double). And together they created the perfect little neighbourhood spot. In the kitchen, Jordan whips up classic café dishes like the Bene, which can include house citrus cured Mt Cook salmon with its poached eggs and sourdough, and the Tomatoes on Toast, which includes confit Curious Croppers, as well as some not-so-classics, including the Raw Fish on Toast and Bruleed Custard Loaf. This unique menu alongside perfectly-brewed coffee and a cute, enticing fit-out has made Duo a lovely place for breakfast and lunch, and soon, for dinner too, with Jordan telling us that Duo will be opening on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from the 24th of August. Watch this space.
Left: Heirloom tomato salad with burrata. Right: Faraday’s Bar interior by Cheshire Architects.
Should you have worked up an appetite or a thirst while perusing the likes of Givenchy and Alaïa, Christian Louboutin, Loewe and more in Faradays’ stunning retail space, the store’s in-house bar is the ultimate destination for delicious relaxation. Designed, like the rest of the store has been, by Cheshire Architects, all-natural materials make for tactile comfort. Sit back on custom Italian Henge leather seating, and be surrounded by silk, wool and canvas cloth textures, brass fixtures, tables made of Patagonian and Norwegian marble, and Te Kuiti limestone. Here, the drinks selection champions French wines from Maison Vauron, such as the heady Château Margaux (Premier Grand Cru Classé) and the buttery, complex Etienne Sauzet Les Combettes. While the ever-changing, seasonal menu offers the perfect snacks and bites to refill your cup after a day on your feet.
Left: EMBER ROASTED BLACK COD, ANTICHUCHO MISO, PICKLED ROOT VEGETABLES. Right: INCA OF THE BEES COCKTAIL.
Back in 2019, Nic Watt opened his first Nikkei-style restaurant, Inca (to the delight of local diners) on the Westfield Newmarket rooftop. This year, the brand expanded into a sprawling restaurant space in Ponsonby, opening its second outpost to much acclaim. Inca Ponsonby is the fourth establishment in Watt’s stable, which includes Masu by Nic Watt and Akarana Eatery in Orakei. Drawing on Watt’s travels to Peru and his love of its bright and powerful flavours Inca is a beautiful collision of South American flavours and the careful techniques of Japanese cooking.
Owner and chef at the popular Luna Cafe, Malisa Nguyen, wanted to open a spot in which she could focus all her attention on her love for French patisserie. And so, Luna Bakehouse was conceived as a unique bakery in which Nguyen put her own distinct twist on traditional French pastries (reimagining the classics with Asian flavours). From hand-laminated matcha almond croissants to double ube halaya cruffins and summer passionfruit danishes, this bakehouse offers a delicious array of treats that are unlike anything we’ve ever tried.
Left: Milenta Courtyard by Izzard Design. Right: Fresh oysters.
Nestled under the historical Pōhutukawa trees in Victoria Park Market, Milenta draws on the elements of land and sea within what feels like an outdoor space (able to be transitioned to indoor should the situation require it). Under the deft design eye of Izzard Design, Milenta emits an authentically cool South American air with hardwood floors and organic woven chairs softened by floor rugs and hanging plants — there’s definitely a sense of being in foreign lands when you’re here. Executive Chef Elie Assaf is at the helm in the kitchen, where many of the dishes are cooked traditionally over wood coal fires, emitting a comforting and delicious waft into the dining area. Influenced by the flavours and traditional South American cuisine, and incorporating only the best local, seasonal produce, Milenta’s ever-changing menu is intuitive and utterly delicious. And, having recently launched a new menu, there’s no excuse not to book a table at this exceptional spot.
Left: Mumbai chicken. Right: Cardamom and coconut kulfi. Both from Mumbaiwala
Aneri Nathu opened Mumbaiwala in Ponsonby to mix up the local Indian cuisine scene. Her parents, Anup and Sadhana Nathu, have been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years, founding the Tandoori Palace in 1990 before it swept the South Island with the success of its restaurants and sauces. Off the back of a successful Mumbaiwala restaurant in Christchurch, Aneri opened the Auckland outpost this year with a goal to showcase the lighter side of traditional, Indian cuisine to local, discerning diners. As such, the menu offers a raft of authentic street food and sharing plates in a casual, all-day eatery setting. The Dahi Puri is a particular favourite, seeing mini puffed puris with delicately soft mashed potatoes, chickpeas and a spicy yoghurt on the inside, as well as the fried Mumbai Chicken (which has its own secret spices) and Cauliflower Manchurian, which could be mistaken for meat with its pastry-free dumplings covered in chilli and garlic sauce.
Tucked cosily on Enfield Road in Mount Eden, Mibo Bakery is a stylishly sweet spot that offers melt-in-your-mouth pastries and the perfect space in which to sit back and enjoy a coffee. Started by the co-owner of Benedict’s (a nearby cafe that focuses on cabinet delights and a full brunch menu) Emma Zhao wanted a space solely dedicated to her passion for viennoiserie. As such, Mibo offers a unique take on the French pastries we know and love, with Zhao reimagining the traditional recipes with tantalising, Chinese flavours; think matcha red bean Danishes and maple-glazed monkey bread.
Cavolo Nero & Marinara with Stracciatella Pizzas from Ooh-Fa.
From the pasta maestros behind cult-favourite K’Road restaurant, Pici, Ooh-Fa is a recently-opened neighbourhood pizzeria specialising in delicious, fermented sourdough pizzas and exquisite wines. Bringing in the essence of traditional flavours, Ooh-Fa’s offerings are far from the norm and the focus on fermentation also goes beyond its dough alone, with small snacks available like pickled cauliflower, carrots, beetroot and onion served with bagna gauda. Hero pizzas include the marinara (with tomato, garlic, and oregano plus added stracciatella) as well as a seasonally-inspired cavolo nero with Italian sausage, mozzarella and oregano. An unlikely crowd favourite dish? The woodfired carrots with whipped ricotta and pistachios — a simple side that everyone needs to try.
This new downtown, rooftop restaurant and bar is the final step in the reimagining of a historic site (once West Plaza), which has undergone an impressive transformation over the last few years with help from the original architect, Neville Price. Palmer is a sleek, contemporary spot that was inspired by the aesthetic of Fred’s in Sydney and The Aviary in New York, with a fit-out conceived by renowned Australian studio, ACME (its first project in New Zealand). With a drinks list that harnesses some of the region’s best produce and seasonal flavours and a food menu that speaks to a more casual, contemporary approach, Palmer’s elemental, hand-made, seasonal offering makes for a distinctly delicious experience. Made all the more special thanks to its elevated aspect, sprawling terrace and views across downtown Auckland.
Earlier this year, renowned chef David Lee (the co-founder, owner and managing director of Camper Coffee & Roasters, Gochu, The Candyshop, Good Dog Bad Dog and Green Door Pizza) took the reins at an existing eatery and relaunched it as an even better version of itself. Pōni, previously known as The Poni Room, is situated in a prime corner spot in Commercial Bay, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour and since its opening initially in 2020, has been popular for its Asian fusion fare and beautiful setting. Now, Lee has turned what it was into an exceptional all-day eatery, retaining the mix of Japanese and Chinese flavours on the menu, and presenting familiar dishes in a completely fresh way. From the ‘Hong Kong Vongole’ with Cloudy Bay clams, a crayfish bisque and ‘Fred’s special’ XO sauce to the moreish sliders with cuttlefish marinated in a teriyaki glaze and served with lime mayo and apple slaw, the new Pōni is an absolute must-try, and has (we must say) one of the best wine lists in town.
Left: Rumours Coffee by We Are Young. Right: Daily pastries from The Real Bread Project.
Tucked down O’Connell Street, Rumours Coffee feels like the kind of place you feel lucky to have stumbled upon. And its name is hardly a coincidence. This sense of a private, quiet sanctuary, a place in which to enjoy your morning coffee that feels like your very own spot, is the exact feeling owner Danny Lee was hoping to evoke when he opened. Built on a minimalist vision and a focus on excellent coffee, Rumours offers single-origin coffee alongside delicious pastries, all served within a sleek, sophisticated fit-out that feels like a calm escape in the heart of the city.
It’s hardly surprising how popular Schapiro’s has been since opening in Eden Terrace as Auckland’s new dedicated sports bar earlier this year. Opened by Otis Schapiro (co-owner of and head chef at Lilian) Schapiro’s filled a gap in the local hospitality scene by offering a classic, American-style sports bar experience — complete with sports memorabilia, large screens that play all the most important games and fights as they happen and a delicious, diner-style menu, suited to every taste. On the menu (designed by Schapiro himself) delicious burger-joint-style food is done with an elevated, gastro-pub feel, and plenty of lighter options. Think classic burgers, fried chicken and St. Louis pork ribs alongside radicchio salad, whole flat fish and steamed mussels. There are also 12 regularly-rotating beers on tap as well as a comprehensive wine and cocktail list to boot.
Left: Sunset Bar interiors by CTRL Space. Right: Gavi Berry Gimlet.
A sleek, elegant space nestled on the top floor of the Sudima Hotel, Sunset is the latest in a raft of rooftop hospitality taking happy hour to new heights. Inspired by rooftop bars around the world and created with a desire to celebrate the unique beauty of Auckland’s metropolis, Sunset was designed as a place to which city-dwellers could escape after a long day. Here, satiating drinks and tasty food collide in a sumptuous setting that offers unobstructed views across Westhaven and the Waitematā to Ponsonby and the Waitākere ranges. Conceived by a team of experts, Sunset’s food and drinks are a delicious and perfectly-curated affair, and its vibe is heightened by a rotating roster of live music and DJ sets. Trust us, this is the perfect place to park up for an after-work drink or a weekend jaunt.
Sweet chilli rice cake skewers, Korean toasties and cheese-filled potato balls all from Swings.
Located opposite Albert Park (just a short walk from the Auckland Art Gallery) Swings is a decidedly cool drop-in where punters can find perfectly-brewed coffee, natural wines and a menu of delicious Korean toasties and flavoursome, indulgent bites from the team that brought you Ockhee. Sitting in the light-filled space, designed by the owners’ friend Young Do from Studio We Are Young, you feel distinctly removed from the city, despite being in its heart. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a coffee made from Swings in-house beans, a Korean soft drink or even a wine as you look out to the greenery opposite or browse through Swings’ shelves of branded merch and listen to music that has been meticulously curated for the space.
Designed for indulgence to the highest degree, Victoria Park’s sophisticated, after-dark destination (and Milenta’s neighbouring venue) The Shy Guy, is the ultimate place to partake in a drink (or two) and a boogie. Boasting a stunning interior — thanks to Izzard Design— which includes velvet booths, graphic tiling and a custom light display over the dance floor, The Shy Guy offers the perfect, convivial vibe, every time.
As the sister venue to the always-popular Vic Road Kitchen, this wine bar iteration offers great wines, simple snacks and convivial company. With an extensive and exceptional wine list, serving an ever-changing array of interesting and inspired drops alongside an impressive retail range, Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar has varietals to suit any taste and a menu of delicious bar snacks to boot.
Waku Waku is a visionary restaurant from Makoto Tokuyama and Jason Lee, offering an approachable (but inspired) dining experience perfect for the whole family. Located in Remuera, it treats traditional Japanese fare to some delightfully modern twists, with a flavoursome menu that saw Tokuyama pull from his experience at the likes of Cocoro to make some seriously special dishes. In the kitchen, these dishes are perfectly executed by Chef Lucas Lee (ex Clooney, The French Cafe & Cocoro). Offering a curated selection of Japanese specialties, entrees feel both authentic and modern, with one of our favourites is the Kara-age chicken with tapioca and smoked yuzu mayonnaise. Mains offer a similar take, like market-fresh fish with yuzukosho dashi, choy sum and daikon puree. Waku Waku’s drinks are no less inspired, where cocktails are served with Asian twists, and a number of iterations of refreshing sake.
It has long been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and while we are inclined to agree, we also think it is in the eye of those in the know. The last few years have seen the beauty industry make impressive strides in new and innovative products that do more than simply create an even base or add a pop of colour.
And while I might have started my beauty journey in the era of Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse, I’m the first to admit that I am not always the easiest to impress (largely due to my sensitive skin and damaged barrier, courtesy of the products I am constantly trialling in the name of editorial research). That said, over the last few months, there has been a raft of new beauty products released that have proven more than impressive. Here are the highlights.
La Bouche Rouge Lipstick Literally translating to red lips in French, this sumptuous makeup brand produces environmentally responsible, natural formulas in refillable, recyclable, plastic-free cases. Since its debut in 2017, the world’s most discerning fashionistas have fast become obsessed with its lust-worthy offerings. Each of La Bouche Rouge’s serum-infused makeup formulas is free from petrochemicals, toxins, plastic powder, micro-plastics, silicones, beeswax and preservatives — all without compromising on the luxury aesthetic that has made this brand so sought-after. Having just arrived in Faradays as the luxury department store’s first ever beauty brand, we are particularly enamoured with the lipsticks, for their silky, stay-all-day formula. Discover more about the beautiful brand (and enter our exclusive La Bouche Rouge giveaway — valued at more than $3000 — here.
Tronque New Body Butter Formulation Tronque’s beloved Firming Body Butter has finally returned, with a new formulation that prides itself on a divine new 100% natural fragrance designed in Grasse, France — one that the perfumer shares, is their most natural ever produced. Just as soothing and luxurious as their previous weighty formulas, this body butter is our all-over essential for any time of year.
Sisley Paris Supremÿa At Night The Supreme Anti-Aging Skin Care Lotion As pioneers of sublime skincare, Sisley Paris’ Supremÿa is a proven, powerful, anti-aging lotion that will become an essential first step in your night-time ritual. Combining the efficacy of a serum with the luxury of a cream, it harnesses Sisley’s Phyto-Complex LC12 to deliver seriously impressive, visible results.
Rose Inc Solar Infusion Soft-Focus Cream Bronzer Harnessing the beautiful glow garnered from a stint in the sun (without the harmful UV), the latest beauty trend is all about dusty blush and perfectly-placed bronzer. Enter Rose Inc: the gorgeous sustainable brand from the equally gorgeous Rosie Huntington Whitley, whose cream bronzers deliver the long-lasting sunkissed moment our winter skin is craving. Opt for generous application using a fluffy brush to achieve a look that will leave you luminous.
Emma Lewisham Supernatural Sleeping Mask When Emma Lewisham announces a new addition to her coveted range, those in the beauty realm know that it is guaranteed to be a cult favourite. This ‘beauty sleep in a bottle’ night mask offers a rich dose of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and unparalleled hydration. I’m not one to overexaggerate, but this Supernatural Sleeping Mask is divine, having literally healed my damaged barrier and winter dry patches overnight with ease.
New Dyson Airwrap & Attachments As the Dyson Airwrap’s most loyal fan, little could part me from the trusty model that I’ve held onto for years. However, the latest re-edition of this haircare investment offers more in the way of much-needed bells and whistles, working through a few tricky design flaws to make my daily blow wave entirely fuss-free. The new curling barrels, for example, have interchangeable airflow directions, removing the need to change them out on every curl. But my favourite part is the new rough dry attachment, which minimises those final flyaways that few products seem to take.
RevitaLash Cosmetics Brow & Lash Masque Between swiping RevitaLash Advanced on my lashes and RevitaBrow Advanced on my brows, my lashes and brows have never looked so healthy. But the latest addition to my collection promises some of the most coveted conditioning yet. Launched earlier this month, the RevitaLash Cosmetics Lash & Brow Masque is a physician-developed treatment that addresses visible signs of compromised lashes and brows, both immediately and in the long term. This is a nutrient-rich, hero product for those beauty addicts all too familiar with over-styling, daily make-up usage and the damage caused by environmental stressors — an easy addition to work into your Sunday night mask ritual.
Byredo Shimmering Lipstick in AmberIn Furs Byredo is an adored name in the realm of luxury fragrance and is a mainstay in most curated perfume collections. Yet this latest addition to the brand’s beauty offering is another example of why we often ask, ‘what can’t they do?’. The nourishing formula and beautiful casing make for an easy lip balm replacement, and the long-lasting pigment (especially in Ambur In Furs) makes it the ideal everyday lipstick.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Repair Hair Mask Despite laying down the hot tools in favour of nourishing our tresses, it’s still hard to minimise the drying and damage hair is subjected to on a daily basis. Trust Dr. Barbara Sturm to develop a new nourishing formula that provides intensive, targeted repair and care for dry and damaged hair. Using Cationic Hyaluronic Acid (the same that we put on our faces), this new product is perfect to use on those days when you feel like rocking a slick, glossy supermodel bun.
La Mer The Micro Peel La Mer rarely adds new products to its already impressive stable, but when it does, we know with certainty that they’re bound to be some of the most luxurious (but still effective) new additions to any beauty routine. The brand’s new Micro Peel lives up to its promise of ‘visible transformation by morning’. Offering polished perfection and a clarified complexion, this formula is soothing and nourishing while getting the hard work done (while you sleep). Availabe at Mecca Commercial Bay.
Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch As a clean beauty aesthetic reigns supreme, innovative new makeup is at the top of our wishlists. Take Chanel’s Les Beiges Touche De Teint, for instance, a new serum foundation that blends seamlessly onto the face to become a lasting, hydrating base for effervescent skin, all day long.
Costa Brazil Aroma — Jungle I’m of the firm belief that fragrances should be curated just like a closet or accessories collection — with different scents answering to the needs of the day. Because there are certain times I like to call on Costa Brazil’s Jungle Aroma, a unisex fragrance with just the right hint of masculinity. Inspired by the natural resin produced in the Amazon, this fresh yet spicy fragrance features a blend of ingredients that are known for their stress-reducing properties, transporting you to a calm, canopied rainforest in your mind (if not in reality).
Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick While contour may not be cut and carved with the same intensity as it was a few years ago, there still remains a place for a subtle and reliable contour stick in every beauty regime. Westman Atelier’s Face Trace stick is both parts luxurious and utterly wearable, with a creamy formula that blends perfectly into any base and incorporates skincare-like properties of hydration and oil absorption, to help the product stay in place. To top it all off is the signature essence of luxury — a hallmark of Westman Atelier products. Because if you’re going to be investing in your beauty routine, why not add a little touch of opulence? Availabe at Mecca Commercial Bay.
Balmy summer days have been replaced by cold, rainy nights, and a hunger for foods that warm us from the inside out. While it’s not quite soup weather yet, we’re nearly there, and dinner reservations see us seeking comfort and warmth. The city’s restaurants know this too, with many adapting seasonal menus to offer the best winter warmer dishes that are inspired and soul-soothing.
So for when the fireplace doesn’t feel quite warm enough, or your usual favourites no longer cut it, these are the dishes across the city that you need to be eating for a touch of winter warmth.
Slow-Cooked Coastal Lamb Shoulderfrom Hello Beasty. Roasted Eggplant from Onemata.
Slow-Cooked Coastal Lamb Shoulder — Hello Beasty While Hello Beasty’s menu is designed to be shared, we wouldn’t blame you for keeping this dish to yourself. Again drawing on the wintery flavours of lamb at its best and served with red chilli, Szechuan sauce, coriander and mint, it incorporates heat in every sense of the word and is drawing us down to Viaduct Harbour this winter.
Roasted Eggplant — Onemata Although often praised for its elevated seafood offering (which makes sense considering its views across the water) Onemata’s vegetarian options are nothing to be sniffed at. In fact, the roasted eggplant is one of our favourite dishes, particularly at this time of year. Served in a pool of babaganoush with truffle and date syrup, the magnificent flavours of this dish shine in their simplicity, and will enchant even the most avid meat-eater.
Gnocchi with Roast Cauliflower — Faraday’s Bar Faraday’s Bar — located in Faradays department store — is perhaps Parnell’s best-kept culinary secret, with a refined menu that heroes some of the country’s best produce. Now, as cooler days start to take over, it is dishes like Faraday’s Bar’s gnocchi with roast cauliflower that we turn to. Served with golden raisins, toasted almonds and gorgonzola, this is a creative take on classically comforting flavours, and we can’t get enough.
Chargrilled Chicken — Amano Amano can always be relied upon for its sensational takes on seasonal produce, and this dish is no exception. Embracing the best of winter foods, this chargrilled chicken feels much like a precursor to a Sunday roast, only here, its celeriac, onion and rosemary that drive the flavours. Our advice? Order with side of chargrilled Brussels sprouts to round out the meal.
Bar Magda, Andiamo.
Lamb Ribs ‘Pyanggang’ — Bar Magda Lamb is one of the most comforting things to eat in winter and Bar Magda’s fresh take offers both the warmth and flavour we crave. Made via a traditional Filipino method of cooking, this iteration of lamb ribs is served with soft herbs and green sambal, and is a flavoursome, moreish dish we can’t help coming back to time and time again.
Beetroot Risotto — Andiamo This Herne Bay mainstay offers exactly what we crave in the cooler months, with a number of dishes designed to satiate our seasonal needs. That said, the new beetroot risotto is a particular standout, offering a comforting combination of red wine, roasted shallot, salt-baked beetroot and ricotta salata.
Aged Beef Fillet — Non Solo Pizza Hearty, beautifully-cooked and full of mouth-watering flavour, Non Solo Pizza’s aged beef fillet is a must on any winter warming list. Proving the power of simple foods done perfectly, this beloved dish pairs its expertly-prepared meat with slow-roasted tomatoes, crispy polenta and a healthy dose of garlic butter, for good measure.
Cotto, Cazador.
Maltagliati & Beef Cheek Ragu — Cotto Cotto’s seasonal pasta dishes have all of the makings of winter classics, and the restaurant’s refined approach keeps the offering elevated. Here, mouthwatering beef cheek ragu is combined with fresh handmade pasta, peppercorns and guanciale to offer the perfect medley of warmth, comfort and flavour.
Braised Boar — Cazador Dominion Road’s Cazador is renowned for its approach to meat that is second to none in this city. With a delicious menu and cosy interior perfectly suited to winter, Cazador boasts a range of options that will warm the soul this season, but its braised boar with saffron fazzoletti, red wine, juniper, tomato and rosemary is one of our favourites.
Ricotta Tortellacci, Pumpkin, Sage, Pancetta — Ortolana Offset rainy days by cosying up in the pillowy fit-out of Ortolana to enjoy this delicious ricotta tortellacci. The classically warming combination of pumpkin and sage hits the perfect note, making this dish must for anyone seeking some lunchtime comfort on cold days.
Aegean Island Goat — Lokanta Grey Lynn’s Lokanta is a hidden gem, beloved for its homely take on Mediterranean cuisine, and its Aegean Island Goat is a must-try. A traditional, beautiful dish of braise-roasted goat served with barley risotto and caramelised carrot and soaked in pan juices, it is exactly this kind of tasty goodness we want to eat right now.
Mumbaiwala, Federal Delicatessen.
Murgh Makhani (with Garlic Naan) — Mumbaiwala When it’s cold outside, few things hit the spot like a butter chicken. At Mumbaiwala, the elevated take on Indian cuisine provides the perfect comfort. Murgh Makhani is a traditional take on butter chicken (and so good that we are ruined for others), served with impossibly tender chicken pieces in a rich silk (Makhani) sauce with fresh tomatoes, sundried fenugreek and a side of satiating garlic naan.
Matzo Ball Soup — Federal Delicatessen Known as the ‘Jewish Penicillin’, this particular type of chicken soup boasts the remarkable ability to make one feel like all is right with the world. The Fed’s take is truly delicious, and will indeed encourage this feeling of toasty wellbeing, served as it is with shredded chicken and bagel matzo balls, for a dish is destined to warm you from the inside out.
Alpine Merino Lamb Rump — Oyster & Chop Viaduct Harbour’s Oyster & Chop is renowned for its cuts, and the Alpine Merino Lamb Rump can’t be faulted. Cooked to your definition of perfection, this is one of the best places for a steak in the city, and one that should not be looked past this season.
Designer Simon James is known for creating pieces that offer sumptuous luxury with a subtle, restrained edge. In creating collections for his globally-renowned furniture label, Resident, James plays with ideas of elevated simplicity, timeless shapes and lasting materials to offer each of his furnishings an evergreen appeal.
Residence by Strand Properties and Auden Studio
Left: Residence by Katerina Volokhova. Right: Van Bone Restaurant.
Resident’s Kashmir chair and stool exemplify this and then some. So prolific have these styles become, in fact, that they can be found in some of the most impressive homes around the world, beloved for the pared-back elegance they bring to a space.
Rosedale No. 4 by Ali Budd Interiors
The Hotel Britomart
Left: Residence by Grigoriy Obolenskiy
Both the chair and stool boast a curved, steel frame that proves how impactful simple design can be, with slender, straight legs that offset a meticulously-stitched, tailored backrest—made to curve comfortably around the sitter. Despite their sparseness, the Kashmir chair and stool have been designed with comfort in mind, each version boasting a plush, upholstered seat that makes us forget any uncomfortable encounters we might have had with dining chairs or barstools in the past. Here, the rules have been re-written.
Able to be made in a wide variety of textures and colours, the Kashmir chair and stool will deliver a touch of simple sophistication to any kind of home. So why not make it yours?
As far as we’re concerned, the only thing better than a freshly-baked croissant in the morning, is a freshly-baked croissant that we don’t have to leave the house for. Which is exactly what this new, online ‘micro-bakery’ is offering — its delicate, delicious viennoiserie able to be ordered online and delivered tout de suite, so that we might enjoy our favourite French pastries from the comfort of home.
Called Mor (an appropriate name for a place of which we cannot get enough), the online bakery was started by friends Laura Metcalf and Kelsie Culpan, who met while studying patisserie in Auckland, before each doing a stint overseas. On reconnecting back in New Zealand earlier this year, the duo realised that they had a shared vision for opening their own place, and began to lay the foundations for what Mor would eventually become.
“We essentially wanted to make damn good pastries,” Laura tells me, “but we’d also like to create a sort of community I guess,” she says, divulging that there are a few pop-ups in the works to showcase Mor’s impressive offering. “There’s something so comforting about a freshly-baked pastry,” Laura continues (and I agree). “With Mor we are really focused on quality over quantity, so all the little details really matter to us… our goal has really been to give the classics a little extra oomph… which has meant playing with traditional flavour combinations and giving them a few unexpected twists.”
From Mor’s exceptional almond croissants (trust us, they’re some of the best in town), to its ever-changing monthly Danishes (the current flavour, Laura tells me, is poached pear and buttermilk custard with Manuka honey glaze), the line-up of tantalising baked goods from this small operation is impressive in flavour and scale.
And the process of ordering is very simple. Via Mor’s website, you can choose your preferred pastry and how many you’d like in your box (usually 4 or 6 or 10), and have it delivered between Thursdays and Sundays. While Mor does deliver to a range of Auckland postcodes, it still is only a two-woman operation, so if you fall outside the delivery zones, you can elect to pick up your goodies instead.
Offering an easy and practical service that we really didn’t know we needed until now, Mor is a welcome new addition that (despite having only opened recently) has fast become essential for any cosy weekend at home.
Literally translating to ‘red lips’ in French, La Bouche Rouge is a sumptuous, luxurious Parisian makeup brand that produces environmentally-responsible, natural formulas in refillable, recyclable, customisable cases — free from plastic. Since its launch in 2017, La Bouche Rouge has cemented its reputation via a number of high-profile collaborations with renowned designers and personalities (from The Attico to Rosie Huntington-Whitely) and now, the brand’s globally sought-after collections are available in New Zealand for the first time, thanks to luxury department store, Faradays.
As the exclusive Australasian stockist of this exceptional brand, Faradays will now have a dedicated La Bouche Rouge beauty bar in its store, at which customers can experience the comprehensive range by booking make-up appointments (redeemable entirely on product). Each of La Bouche Rouge’s innovative, serum-infused makeup formulas is free from petrochemicals, toxins, plastic powder, micro-plastics, silicones, beeswax or preservatives. They are as clean as they are luxurious, and as effective as they are good for the skin.
Beyond the makeup alone, La Bouche Rouge’s refillable, fine leather cases (handmade using high-quality upcycled materials) offer a more personal touch that will please any lovers of considered design. In fact, customers can choose their case just like they choose their product, and will even be able to have their new La Bouche Rouge purchase personalised via Faradays’ very own monogramming machine (set to arrive in-store soon).
La Bouche Rouge Les Ombres Salton Compact and case from Faradays.
Proving that quality and sustainability need not be mutually exclusive, and with an ethos to incite people to ‘buy less, buy better’, the La Bouche Rouge range delivers beauty with purpose, which is exactly what people are seeking in their beauty cabinets now.
To celebrate this exciting arrival, we are giving one lucky Denizen and a friend the chance to win an exclusive La Bouche Rouge package. Worth over $3000, the winners will receive a complimentary makeup appointment each with a Faradays makeup artist at the La Bouche Rouge Beauty Bar and a full set of La Bouche Rouge cosmetics each, including…
A leather lipstick/baume case
A compact case (which holds eyeshadow, bronzer and highlighter refills) and a mascara case – all cases will be monogrammed with their initials
A lipstick or baume colour refill of their choice
A mascara refill
An eyeshadow refill of their choice
A bronzer refill
A highlighter refill
A kohl eyeliner
A brow gel
And, to top off the experience, you will both be treated to a glass of champagne and a sweet delight from Faraday’s Bar, along with a beautiful floral bouquet each from Grace and Flora in the La Bouche Rouge lipstick tones.
Few garments have remained a wardrobe staple quite like a leather jacket. Equal parts necessity and style statement, a leather jacket has always asserted itself (and will continue to do so) as a key piece for both the fashion set and those who apply a ’buy once, buy right’ philosophy to their wardrobes.
In its many iterations, the leather jacket is timeless, essential, and a provider of just the right balance of warmth and steeze. Be it in the more elegant and tailored shape of a blazer, or a rebellious take on the boxy biker silhouette, one should always consider the importance of adding a little leather to any look.
From the left: Leather Suit Jacket from Saint Laurent. Double-breasted leather jacket from Prada. Totême Double-breasted croc-effect leather blazer from Mytheresa. Embossed GG leather jacket from Gucci.
From the left: Bottega Veneta Leather coat from Mytheresa. Embossed Monogram Bomber Jacket from Louis Vuitton. Nanushka Hide Puffer Jacket from Muse Boutique.
From the left: Acne Studios Cropped Biker Jacket from Workshop. Biker Jacket from Dior. Suki Slinkskin Jacket from BONZ. Alexandre Vauthier Leather Biker Jacket from Faradays.
From the left: Aje Porta Nuova Trench Coat from Commercial Bay. Flare Hourglass Coat from Balenciaga.
In an exciting development for Auckland’s downtown dining scene, a new hospitality destination has taken up residence in the space that used to be Saxon + Parole (in the heart of Commercial Bay), and it is officially opening its doors next Monday.
The brainchild of renowned chef, Ben Bayly and his wife Cara Bayly, alongside their Ahi co-owners, Chris Martin and his wife, Lucile Fortuna (a group who, combined, have five decades of experience in French-inspired cuisine), Origine bistro is the impressive culmination of their longstanding dream to open a French restaurant together — a place at which they hope to share their love for French food and culture with Auckland’s discerning diners.
From the left: Origine, afternoon. Gnocchi À La Parisienne.
“I adore the way the French love to eat,” Ben Bayly says, “they know how to enjoy a meal. We want to convey a sense of this with Origine — presenting the classics but in our own way”. This means getting rid of the white-table-cloth connotations that French cuisine might conjure for local diners by creating a more relaxed, traditional brasserie, where people can pop in for a quick drink and an aperitif, or indulge in a more drawn-out lunch or dinner.
Poisson Meunière.
Nowhere is this idea more clear than in Origine’s extensive menu, designed to showcase the best of regional French food, grounded in fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Here, the trifecta of French cooking comes alive — seasonality, terroir and technique — with dishes that are flavourful and unique without losing any of the richness or depth one might expect from a French dining experience. The menu is divided into hors d’oeuvres (snacks), à partager (to share), pour commencer (starters), plats principaux (mains), accompagnements (sides), les desserts, and fromages (cheese), and boasts a comprehensive ‘steak frites’ offering, an enticing line-up of ‘fruits de mer’ (seafood) and basically all of the classic dishes (although with a distinctly New Zealand twist). From soupe à l’oignon, enriched with oxtail and topped off with baguette grilled with comté to Les escargots in ravioli, with parsley butter and garlic velouté, the food at Origine is vast and varied and undeniably delicious. Here, there is something for everyone to enjoy, including the little ones, thanks to its ‘P’tit’ options, perfect for kids.
From the left: Huître champenoise et caviar. Poireaux vinaigrette des Halles.
It’s a similar story with Origine’s drink offering. In the main restaurant downstairs, diners can choose from an array of French wines, spirits and cocktails, sourced from the finest vineyards and made at the hands of Origine’s expert bar staff. While those seeking a more convivial night out will find good times and excellent cocktails upstairs, at ‘Le Bar.’ Set on the mezzanine floor, this sleek space serves a raft of cocktails curated by Ahi’s Anton Baylon and Egor Petrov (ex QT-bar), centred around the classics, as well as a series of bar snacks, charcuterie and cheeses.
From the left: Whiskey Sour. Le Bar at night.
All of this is to be enjoyed in Origine’s exquisite surrounds. Having been treated to a refit by the award-winning Jack McKinney Architects, the bistro feels warm and inviting, despite its 10-metre-high stud, floor-to-ceiling windows and elevated views. Distinctly French touches are seen in the wall of Austral Venetian glass bricks flanking the entrance (inspired by McKinney’s visit to Maison de Verre in Paris), the red leather banquette seating and the solid French oak floors. Just picture parking up here on a beautiful evening to watch the sunset over the water with a delicious drink in hand. Heaven.
And considering the experience of those involved in bringing Origine to life, including Executive Chef Thibault Peniarbelle, who was born in Noumea and grew up in Toulouse, and whose partner, Judika Ramcharand (born and raised in Montréal) has taken up the mantle of restaurant manager, its hardly surprising that we’re expecting great things from this bold new opening. Come next week, this is where you’ll find us.
TheRestaurant will be open seven days for lunch from 12pm and dinner from 5:45pm until late. Le Bar (upstairs bar) will be open Wednesday through to Sunday from 5pm until late.
Origine
Level 2, Commercial Bay
172 Quay Street,
Auckland CBD
The vision for the Dream Weaver penthouse by YSG Studio was to be an expression of its experimental, open-minded owners, and a home that refused to play into contemporary trends. As such, the interiors are a kaleidoscopic cacophony of colour and texture, almost cinematic in scale, and pulling from a vast array of inspiration. From a nod to the tonal tiles found in traditional Spanish tapas bars to a material expression of the Northern Lights, to a futuristic, 2001 A Space Odyssey vibe with a twist of Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavillion thrown in for good measure, Dream Weaver is rich and layered and full of life — which is really what all homes strive to be.
Here, there is a compelling tension created between the straightforwardness of the penthouse’s boxy construction and pared-back (but essential) glass facade and its “Pantone party” interiors, in which oversized soft furnishings, plush deep-piled rugs and swirling stone surfaces collide in unexpected harmony. And while the intriguing material layering offers a fascinating masterclass in courageous design, it also serves to demarcate the apartment’s spaces, lending depth and dimension via tactile warmth.
The home’s interior also benefits from its Darlinghurst location and floor-to-ceiling windows that not only offer unbeatable views across Sydney Harbour but act as conduits for natural light. As a result, the colours used here, from deep blue, red and purple, to splashes of citrusy orange, bright yellow, brass and soft pink, come alive when illuminated by the antipodean sun.
Really, the charm of this home lies in its disinterest in fitting into any kind of mould. And while there is a lot going on here, it miraculously never feels too much. (Such is the skill with which those at YSG Studio have ensured that everything feels perfectly balanced.) It is also refreshing to see a home in which fun and creativity have been allowed to take centre stage — a timely reminder of the wonderful things that can happen when our spaces truly reflect who we are.
Auckland’s dining landscape is rich and robust and ever-changing, thanks to the clever, culinary minds behind some of our favourite restaurants. And recently, a raft of new menus and delicious-looking dishes have been inspiring us to book a dinner out. From delicate, raw fish starters to impossibly-fluffy soufflé to a hearty, winter pies, these are the new dishes around town that we recommend tucking into this weekend.
Yellowfin tuna from Milenta This popular Victoria Park restaurant (beloved for its focus on wood-fired flavours) has recently launched a new menu, offering a raft of perfectly-cooked meats and rich, smokey flavours that showcase why (despite not even being open a full year yet), this spot has become a steadfast foodie favourite. And between the new grilled chicken with salsa macha and red pepper hummus, and the Chatham Island Blue Cod in banana leaf with banana and Amarillo curry, it is the delicate flavours of the yellowfin tuna with tiradito, onion ash salt, white soy and habanero oil that has captured our attention — light and refreshing but full of flavour.
Chicken, mushroom and leek pie from Hotel Ponsonby Nothing beats tucking into a robust pie on a cool winter’s day, which is something the clever, culinary minds at Hotel Ponsonby are recognising with their indulgent new dish. Part of Hotel Ponsonby’s exceptional new menu, the chicken, mushroom and leek pie is an elevated take on the classic comfort food, from its flavourful filling to its golden pastry. Best enjoyed with a crisp beer or a glass of red and some of Hotel Ponsonby’s tasty new sides (think yams in brown butter and salsa verde or parsnips with Granny Smith apples and hazelnuts).
Soufflé from Bar Magda Inspired by owner, Carlo Buenaventura’s favourite childhood snack, Bar Magda’s new soufflé is something you seriously need to try. A unique take on ube puto — a traditonal Filipino steamed rice cake made from purple yams — this dish combines its uber-soft texture and subtle, earthy sweetness with aged Waikato cheese, sherry Anglaise and coconut cream. A showcase of the culinary creativity that has cemented this Cross Street spot one of our absolute favourites, this soufflé is unlike anything you will have tried before.
It was after visiting a New York bar that specialised in barrel-aged Negronis, that Al White started to consider how to create his own version back home. Now, the Negroni-enthusiast and his wife, Lisa, have launched Bariletto, a new, local drinks company that offers by-the-bottle, or by-the-barrel Negronis made from their own, original recipe and aged to perfection in specialty barrels.
As Lisa White tells me, the process to get Bariletto’s offering right, was painstaking. “We were gifted a small oak barrel which, over a few years was our constant companion on holidays and at dinner parties,” White explains, “we tested many different combinations of premium gin, sweet vermouth and, of course, Campari, before settling on the optimal blend that worked for our ageing process.” Bariletto’s barrels were also a journey to find, with White telling me that they eventually landed on handmade barrels by expert coopers in an Eastern European village (who had been crafting barrels since 1932) and that as a result, no two are the same.
And while some might bristle at the idea of altering such a classic drink, in reality, barrel-ageing actually brings a lot to the Negroni’s already-powerful nature, offering a rich, opulent quality that adds to the cocktail’s depth. “To ensure the contents don’t get over-oaked, our oak barrels take a long time to prepare before we put the Negroni in,” White explains, “they all have a heavy char that works to give the Negronis delicious smokey notes and hints of vanilla… it also makes the Negronis ever-so-slightly syrupy and a lot smoother on the palate.”
Alongside selling bottles of its aged Negroni, Bariletto also offers five- and ten-litre oak barrels for those seeking something a little more involved. Not only do these barrels get better with age (allowing you to experience their flavour changes over time) but Bariletto also offers re-fills of pre-aged Negroni by the litre, making it a more economical option for those who typically opt for a Negroni as their drink of choice.
So whether you already love Negronis or are someone who is wanting to try something new, Bariletto’s unique offering is a must-try. Its barrels also make the perfect gift for someone who might be harder to buy for. “Our Negroni has turned many a non-Negroni drinker into a Negroni-lover,” White tells me, “and so far, we’ve had amazing feedback… these drinks really are something special.” Having sipped on a glass of the good stuff myself, I have to agree.
Everyone drycleans. Be it your regular laundry preference or a more occasional service, reserved for expensive suits and luxury gowns, regular trips to the drycleaner are unavoidable. And while nothing else is as effective at reviving a beautiful garment, there can be an ugly side to this service; where historically, harsh chemicals and single-use products have been required in the cleaning process, significantly impacting the planet (and the quality of our clothes too). That said, not all drycleaners are created equal, and recently, our longstanding go-to, Regal Drycleaners, was officially announced as the country’s only certified zero carbon outfit, so now, our conscience can be as clean as our clothes.
Despite its long history as the leading drycleaner in Auckland, Regal’s recent acquisition of an Ekos Certification (a New Zealand-based measurable and verifiable standard) really cements our trust in the brand’s ethos. It has been a rigorous road to reach this point, but this status now means that an independent body has observed the carbon emissions within each element of the company’s business activities. And in instances where Regal was unable to change its processes to be more eco-conscious, efforts have, instead, been directed towards fully offsetting its carbon footprint by supporting the Babatana Rainforest Project in the Pacific Islands.
But it’s where changes have been made that is the exciting and industry-disrupting part. Unnecessary packaging is a thing of the past, with single-use plastic garment bags banned entirely, and biodegradable film only offered as an optional extra, giving the power of choice back to the customer (something that should really be the new standard). In addition, there is also an offer of a reusable garment bag, which can become your new drycleaning regular (and doubles as a laundry bag when you’re ready to take everything back again). To add to that, the Couture Care service (the only service we would use for our most precious pieces) offers wooden hangers instead of the typical plastic.
As far as the chemical impact is considered, there are many benefits to using Regal’s cleaning processes — the gentler solutions help our beloved garments last longer. This limits potential textile waste and avoids toxic chemicals that some other drycleaners use (that have been shown to harm the planet, as well as the workers exposed to them daily).
Continuing in the vein of maximising the lifespan of our clothes, Regal’s specialised restoration services will bring pieces that we might have written off (and thrown out) back to life, and the company also offers a free pick-up and delivery service, which (in addition to being utterly convenient) tackles the cumulative carbon emissions of our individual, sole-purpose trips to drop off dry-cleaning.
With all of these thoughtful additions considered, it makes sense that Regal is our drycleaner of choice. And, given that the brand was voted the best in the city by our readers in last year’s Everyday Heroes, it’s safe to say that whenever we need drycleaning done, there’s only one place we’ll be calling.
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