It is the dawn of an exciting new era for local, luxury ready-to-wear label, Dadelszen. Having recently moved from its renowned showroom on Kenwyn Street, the much sought-after brand has taken up residence in an exclusive new space inside Faradays department store, a move that makes sense given that both Dadelszen and Faradays are owned and operated by the same dynamic duo — Edward and Constance von Dadelszen.
Lined in heavy, dark-blue velvet drapery and boasting stone and brass accents, Dadelszen’s exquisite, private Faradays space is the perfect setting in which to experience its offering. Here, discerning shoppers are invited to explore the lauded brand’s coveted collections in a space that speaks to Dadelszen’s refined, considered and utterly luxurious aesthetic.
There is also, we’ve been told, the promise of a purpose-built martini bar to sit alongside the collections, which would certainly provide the perfect finishing touch.
Come Tuesday, May 1st, the well-traversed streets of Ponsonby will once again be transformed into a food lover’s paradise as the much-anticipated Eat Drink Love Ponsonby restaurant festival returns for its fifth year.
Running from the 1st until the 28th of May, the month-long event promises to showcase the best of Ponsonby Road’s culinary melting pot of cuisines, spanning from Bangkok to Bali, Mexico to Malaysia, India to Italy — and beyond. This year, a record-breaking number of establishments are set to take part, with bars, cafes, restaurants and casual eateries all coming together to offer patrons an array of seriously tantalising culinary experiences — with options for every budget and palate.
INCA Ponsonby
From casual burger joints and pizzerias to fine dining establishments, Eat Drink Love Ponsonby offers food and beverage options that cater to everyone, with three price categories to choose from. Delve into the ‘$30 and Under’ category, featuring gourmet burgers, tasty tapas, epic brunches, express lunches, pasta, gelato, Banh Mi, cocktails and more. The ‘$30 to $50’ category spans a vast array of cuisines, too, from Italian to Nikkei, Thai, Japanese and European, with a slightly more elevated offering. But for those looking for something extra special, the ‘$50 and Over’ category is sure to impress, with lunch and dinner menus that showcase hero or signature dishes from some of the best establishments Ponsonby has to offer.
Parade
With 65 participating bars and eateries, festival-goers will be spoilt for choice. From Azabu, The Blue Breeze Inn, Daphne’s Taverna and Farina, Inca Ponsonby, Kol, Orphan’s Kitchen and newcomer Tobi, the line-up features a wide array of cuisine that promises to satisfy every craving. Inca’s Night of Comedy, for example, promises an unforgettable evening of delicious cuisine and uproarious comedy, as INCA chef Nic Watt and Japanese-Australian comedy sensation Takashi Wakasugi come together for an exclusive event, with a four course set menu and welcome cocktail, perfectly complemented by 45 minutes of side-splitting comedy from the talented Takashi Wakasugi. The comedy doesn’t stop here, either, with more than 10 NZ International Comedy Festival shows taking place at Ponsonby’s home of improv, the Covert Theatre, complete with pre-theatre dining offers from popular nearby venues.
Azabu Ponsonby
Elsewhere, Azbu Ponsonby is offering a set menu showcasing some of the Japanese mainstay’s favourites and a new style temaki sushi. Choose from a selection of tostadas, ceviche, temaki sushi, dumplings and larger plates, available at either lunch or dinner. And down the other end of the street, Prego, forever the family favourite, is offering free face painting for mini diners during weekend lunches.
The Blue Breeze Inn
The newest addition, and one we’re perhaps most excited to experience, is the brunch section which rounds out the 2024 festival offering, reinforcing Ponsonby as so much more than a lunch, dinner or drinks destination, shining a spotlight on its array of impressive breakfast and brunch venues, too.
Dizengoff
The festival culminates on Tuesday, May 28, with PonsonBurger — a one day only offering that will see the precinct pay homage to International Burger Day. More than 25 venues will proudly unveil their finest iterations of the classic, promising a tantalising array of flavours and culinary delights — keep an eye out for the full list of venues and menus, revealed on May 8th.
When speaking about the festival, Ponsonby Business Association General Manager Viv Rosenberg states her delight with the record number of participating venues for the 2024 festival, up more than 30% on 2023.
SPQR
“There’s a reason Ponsonby was named one of the coolest neighbourhoods globally in Time Out in 2023 – there really is something for everyone, from our impressive Ponsonby Central precinct to our popular International Food Court and everything in between for dinner, drinks, live music, comedy, cinema, from intimate dining to larger gatherings.”
She adds, “We are delighted with not only the record number of registrations this year but with the quality of the offers across every category, and the introduction of PonsonBurger, our grand finale.”
Tokyo Club
So mark your calendars — Eat Drink Love Ponsonby 2024 is an event that should not be missed. For more information on the festival and its participating establishments (along with their delicious menus), click here.
If there’s one thing we know about Aucklander’s appetites, it’s that when we find something indulgent, we can’t get enough. Enter Cheese on Toast, which opened its latest destination in Newmarket this week. This cult sandwich shop has been serving delicious toasties since taking the City by storm at market stalls years ago, making a case for sumptuous sandwiches that do wonders to quell any seasonal blues.
After the insane success of its Three Kings outpost, Cheese on Toast went on to open a Birkenhead flagship in 2022, before setting up shop on the Shore later that same year. Now, the decadent sandwich purveyors have laid down roots in the bustling suburb of Newmarket, now calling 89 Nuffield Street home. Here, they’ll be slinging the same epic toasties and coffees we all know and love, with a few new delights sure to satisfy.
This quaint, laid-back new spot is sure to be a welcome addition to the central suburb, offering shoppers, those who work in the area, and residents alike a comforting and fail-safe new lunchtime go-to, perfectly timed for the cooler months ahead. While, at this new address, the toast maestros will be serving their signature toasties (including owner Steve Kennedy’s favourite — the creamed corn with added bacon) alongside eightthirty coffee, you’ll also find a slightly more elevated offering in the specials menu, where you’ll find inventive takes like toasted sourdough topped with burnt onion cream, prosciutto and roasted tomato, on offer.
Open now, this new eatery boasts both indoor and outdoor settings, with a bench to dine solo, big tables to sit in with friends and colleagues, and street-side spots to add a side of people watching to your lunchtime order. When it comes to winter warmers, honestly, it just doesn’t get better than this.
Opening hours: Monday — Friday, 7am until 2.30pm. Weekends — 8am until 2.30pm.
When it comes to putting together an elegant ensemble, few shoe styles are as classic and chic as the slingback. Staking its claim as the ultimate shoe for autumn, the slingback is a refined wardrobe addition that can easily transition from day to night, with a full spectrum of styles — from everyday staples to statement-makers.
Here, we set out the slingbacks our editors are coveting this season. From elegant black in an array of fabrics, to bold colourways and stand-put prints, this careful curation will have you participating in the trend like a pro — and investing in a trend with true staying power.
Shop The Edit
Slingbacks
SAINT LAURENT Dune patent-leather slingback pumps from Net-A-Porter
Since Farina decided to temporarily close its Ponsonby Road restaurant at the end of last year, we have suffered from a Farina-shaped hole in our dining agenda that nothing else has quite been able to fill. Luckily, after many months and much anticipation, the delicious Italian stalwart has reopened with aplomb after an extensive renovation, showcasing a significantly revamped space and an exciting menu upgrade. “The decision to embark on this transformation was driven by a desire to enhance the dining experience for our loyal patrons,” says Farina’s Executive Chef, Sergio Maglione, “and also to be able to accommodate more customers.”
Left: Bottoni
Conetto San Daniele Pizza
When the space next door to Farina became available last year, the team seized the opportunity to expand, looking to build on what Farina had already achieved while improving the food offering and creating a more spacious and inviting environment that had a greater presence on Ponsonby Road. As Maglione articulates, “This isn’t a new Farina, it’s just improved.” He continues, “While we have reimagined the menu and the space, we wanted to retain our essence and still offer the classic Farina service everyone knows and loves.”
Collaborating with Darrelle McWilliams and Paul Izzard of Izzard Design, the Farina team embarked on a significant makeover, which resulted in a more spacious front dining room and larger bar area for customers to relax and enjoy the ‘Cucina Italiana’, as well as a large prep kitchen and improved back of house to assist with operations. In keeping with the essence of Farina, the restaurant still boasts the same front-of-house open kitchen and rear pizza bar, while the interior marries a palette of soft terracotta and neutrals with comfortable booth seating and playful artworks. During the day, the space feels refreshing and vibrant, while at night, it feels intimate and cosy — a space filled with warmth and character that is ready to welcome patrons into its comfortable environs any time of the day.
Cappellacci
Of course, at the heart of Farina is its exceptional culinary offering. And while the menu has undergone a thoughtful evolution, the central idea of serving traditional Neapolitan fare with a contemporary twist remains. Here, fresh handmade pasta and mouthwatering pizzas are still staples, while new additions such as the blue mussel corndog with nduja salsa, the indulgent ‘conetto’ (a fried pizza cone topped in various ways) and the ‘Amalfi’ dessert of lemon meringue pie sorbet, showcase how the food at Farina has been taken to the next level.
Left: Vitello Tonnato
The bar has also received a makeover, boasting an expanded selection of beverages ranging from Italian wines to artisanal cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic Negroni or a refreshing Peroni on tap, there’s something to complement every dish and satisfy every palate.
Corn Dog
Executive Chef, Sergio Maglione with the Suppli al Telefono.
Despite all the changes, it’s clear that Farina’s heart and soul remain unchanged. The restaurant exudes a lively Italian atmosphere, inviting guests to enjoy good food and company in a relaxed setting. And whether it’s for a leisurely dinner with friends or a quick bite at the bar, patrons can expect the same warm welcome and exceptional service that have become synonymous with the Farina experience.
Left: Raviolone
“It is great to be back open again,” Maglione tells me. “There is nothing better than seeing the joy on the faces of our customers, both new and returning ones, when they come in and see the new space.” With a renewed commitment to excellence and innovation, Farina is poised to continue delighting food lovers and cement its status as one of the preeminent culinary destinations on Ponsonby Road.
Opening hours: Monday — closed Tuesday & Wednesday — 4pm until late Thursday to Sunday — 12pm until late
Photography bySteven Chee Styling byClaire Sullivan-Kraus Creative Direction byAnna Saveleva Hair by Richard Kavanagh Makeup by Nicole Thompson
Despite being known for her captivating art that explores the dichotomies of womanhood, New York-based Kiwi artist Natasha Wright has proven that her exceptional eye extends to style, too. Here, taking sartorial notes from the striking cover story we shot with her for our most recent Autumn Issue, we have curated a ‘shop the look’ line-up of exceptional pieces to introduce a little necessary glamour to all of our wardrobes. Shop the look now.
The highly anticipated Aotearoa Art Fair is set to kick off on the 18th of April and given that this year’s iteration marks a change in ownership and location (with the Fair now based out of Viaduct Events Centre), we are more excited than ever to immerse ourselves in some of the best art and artists from New Zealand and around the Pacific rim.
Robert Jahnke, Ikura Manawa Whero (Bleeding Heart), 2023, PAULNACHE
As far as the official programme is concerned, this year’s Aotearoa Art Fair comprises a vast and varied line-up of events and exhibitions that you really don’t want to miss. Alongside the main Fair within the Events Centre, filled with galleries from up and down New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the Pacific, there will also be a publicly-accessible, outdoor Sculpture Space in Karanga Plaza. Set against the backdrop of Auckland’s sparkling Waitematā Harbour it will feature a number of extraordinary artists, including Terry Stringer, Chris Bailey, Virginia Leonard and David McCracken, each of whom are known for pushing the boundaries of three-dimensional work.
Milli Jannides, Where to Start, 2023, McLeavey Gallery
Welcoming visitors to the Fair will be a collaborative work by kaiwhatu / weaver Shiree Reihana and ringatoi / artist Anton Forde. Comprising six of Forde’s astounding Pou cloaked in Reihana’s contemporary Kākahu, installed in a kaokao / chevron formation, this arresting work will beckon visitors to the Art Fair with a message of welcoming, protection and profound connection to whenua and moana. Through their collaboration, Forde and Reihana are inviting all those who attend the Fair to contemplate their place in the vastness of nature and time and remind us all of the importance of working together to safeguard our precious world for generations to come.
Inside, among the coterie of galleries taking part in this year’s Fair, attendees will find stalwarts like Sanderson Contemporary (showcasing artists like Zara Dolan, Simon Kaan and Natasha Wright), STARKWHITE, Gow Langsford, Michael Lett and Fine Arts Sydney, alongside other notable galleries like Jhana Millers (with a solo show by Hannah Ireland), Futures (from Melbourne), Redbase (bringing an intriguing programme of Asian art and artists over from Sydney) and Coastal Signs, which is making its Art Fair debut with a line-up that includes new works from Emma McIntyre and pieces by Milli Jannides, Shannon Te Ao and Ruth Buchanan.
Left: Bronte Leighton-Dore, Port de Soller, 2023, Martin Browne Contemporary. Right: Hannah Ireland, Up on the Mountain, 2024, Jhana Millers
In addition to the impressive gallery offering, this year’s Aotearoa Art Fair is also promising a raft of fascinating talks, performance art and immersive experiences for attendees. On the opening night, for instance, not only will renowned Australian artist MichaelZavros (presented by STARKWHITE) perform his engaging and celebratory work ‘Fifty’, in partnership with Champagne Perrier Jouët, but the New Zealand Dance Company will also present an excerpt from ‘Imprint’, part of its captivating double bill Whenua, which has been lauded for the ways in which it showcases the unique creative voices of New Zealand.
Elsewhere, visitors to the Föenander Galleries booth on Friday the 19th of April will be able to experience an interactive performance by artist 박성환 Sung Hwan Bobby Park where they can try on his reworked, ceramic bullet proof helmets (BTM bang tan mo) in the spirit of shattering discrimination and celebrating diverse identities. While on the same day, Sanderson Contemporary will present a talk by internationally renowned artist Wi Te Tau Pirika Taepa (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Āti Awa), a master of Māori clay art with a career spanning over 30 years.
Over at Jonathan Smart Gallery, artist Mark Braunias will be holding an audience to discuss his new works being presented at the Fair and Emily Gardener will lead a conversation with the Four Worlds Tarot Curatorium. Here, artist Julia Morison ONZM, graphic designers Alice Bonifant and Harriet Herlund and academic Dr Anna Smith, have joined forces to create a fascinating, immersive installation that explores the power of artistic forms and materials to convey symbolic meaning. (We’ve heard that visitors can also have their tarot cards read as part of the installation.)
All of this and so much more is to be discovered at this year’s exceptional Aotearoa Art Fair, offering plenty for collectors, enthusiasts and art-lovers alike. With the full programme now available online here, and tickets available to purchase here, we suggest securing your spot at what is shaping up to be one of the best cultural events of the year.
Once again redefining the boundaries of clean beauty, Antipodes’ exceptional hydration range comprises five key products that your skin needs to remain radiant as we head into the colder months. Filled with hyaluronic acid, alongside a raft of specialised and entirely naturally-derived ingredients, Antipodes’ Hydration Range will feed your skin at a time it most needs to retain its moisture.
From Antipodes’ new Maya Hyaluronic 72-Hour Hydration Serum, which sets a global benchmark for natural-origin ingredients by pairing plant-based hyaluronic acid and clinically proven marine botanicals (its particular dose of hyaluronic acid is capable of holding 1,000 times its weight in water), to its Harmony Hyaluronic Manuka Honey Night Cream, a light but luxurious moisturiser that harnesses Manuka honey, Vinanza® Grape, kiwi and the same incredibly powerful, natural hyaluronic, every product in this range has not only been designed to revive and improve your skin, but in the absence of nasty chemicals or fillers, to also put your health first.
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Harmony Hyaluronic Manuka Honey Night Cream from Antipodes
Ananda Antioxidant-Rich Gentle Toner from Antipodes
Having emerged as the region’s beacon of culinary and hospitality excellence since its opening last December, Ayrburn has been captivating both locals and visitors alike with its fusion of heritage charm, contemporary design and exceptional food and drink. And now, the popular destination has added another layer of intrigue to its repertoire, as it proudly unveils its latest gem: The Barrel Room.
Here, stepping inside feels like entering a hidden world, where time stands still and the promise of memorable nights abound. Set beyond a steel gate adorned with Ayrburn’s vineyard motif, The Barrel Room’s entrance is lined with 56 ageing wine barrels, setting the stage for the unique ambience that lies beyond. Located beneath the Burr Bar’s outdoor garden, this subterranean sanctuary marries cosy, thoughtful design with a sense of unparalleled privacy and sophistication. From its solid oak bar to its hand-painted mural depicting Ayrburn’s rich history, every detail here has been meticulously crafted to set the perfect scene and immerse guests in an atmosphere of opulence.
With a grand piano as the centrepiece. The Barrel Room is perfect for any occasion; with the ability to host up to 50 guests for intimate, seated candle-lit soirees, or many more for lively late-night gatherings, and everything in between. As Ayrburn continues to redefine the boundaries of hospitality, The Barrel Room stands as a testament to providing bespoke experiences that both deliver escapism and excellence.
As the weather cools down and a hint of cosiness settles in, we find ourselves seeking a touch of escapism. And for those who would rather curl up in front of the TV instead of with a new book in hand, we have delved into the captivating new TV series offering exactly that. From sweeping historical dramas to lavish ’60s comedies, propulsive mini-series and more, this is everything worth adding to your watch list right now.
3 Body Problem
From the creators of Game of Thrones, this new TV series (based on ‘Remembrances of Earth’s Past’ — a novel by Chinese author Liu Cixin) tells the story of a humanity confronting a terrifying cosmic threat initiated by a fateful experiment in 1960s China. Physics-defying mysteries, earth-shattering discoveries, and otherworldly connections collide to catastrophic effect in this complex, novel, and larger-than-life story.
Watch nowon Netflix
The Gentlemen
Theo James stars in The Gentlemen, a new series from Guy Ritchie that serves as a spin-off to his 2019 movie of the same name. Upon inheriting a large estate from his father, Eddie Halstead (played by James) discovers that the land is, in fact, part of Mickey Pearson’s cannabis-growing empire.
Watch now on Netflix
Palm Royale
This lavish 60s comedy charts the story of an ambitious underdog desperately scheming her way into Miami’s seemingly impenetrable high society beach club. With a star-studded cast including Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, Carol Burnett, Alison Janney, Kaia Gerber and Ricky Martin, Palm Royale is as ridiculous as it is addictive — and promises sun-soaked, sartorial escapism at its finest.
Watch now on Apple TV+
Sugar
The detective noir genre is staging a comeback in this new TV series starring Colin Farrell. In Sugar, Farrell plays a private investigator on the heels of the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the beloved granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. As he explores her disappearance, he also unearths the Siegel’s deepest and most sinister family secrets, leading to a case far bigger than he could have imagined.
Coming soon toApple TV+
The Regime
This propulsive miniseries offers a compelling glimpse into a dystopian future where a totalitarian regime rules with an iron fist, dominating every facet of society. Amidst this oppressive backdrop, disparate individuals find themselves drawn into a perilous struggle for liberation. As alliances form and fractures deepen, The Regime delves into themes of power, resistance, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. With gripping storytelling and thought-provoking narrative, Kate Winslet stars in this in-depth exploration of societal control and individual defiance.
Watch now on Neon
The Sympathizer
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Sympathizer stars Robert Downey Jr. as a master of disguise — portraying all of the characters that make up the vague notion of ‘The Man’ in a tale of a Viet Cong spy infiltrating the South Vietnamese community in 1970s Los Angeles. Navigating themes of loyalty, betrayal, and cultural displacement with gripping intensity, this cross-culture satire explores a tapestry of complex characters and historical context, promising a riveting and thought-provoking exploration of self.
Coming soon to Neon
A Gentleman in Moscow
Real life lovers Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead star in this sweeping adaptation of the historical fictional novel of the same name. McGregor masterfully portrays Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat exiled to house arrest in an attic hotel room post-Revolution, in this riches to rags epic that charts friendship, family and love.
Coming soonto Paramount+
Ripley
Notorious conman Tom Ripley is played by Andrew Scott in this fresh take on the story that acted as the premise for the 1999 movie The Talented Mr Ripley. Originally based on Patricia Highsmith’s novels, this mini-series sees Ripley living in New York in the 60s, charting his complex life on the wrong side of the law.
Coming soon to Netflix
Fallout
The murky, post-apocalyptic world of the Fallout video game franchise has been masterfully brought to life in this subversive and darkly funny screen adaptation by the creators of Westworld. Walton Goggins, Ella Purnell, and Kyle MacLachlan star in the live-action remake, where a diverse cast navigate Fallout’s retro-futuristic, nuclear war-torn world.
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