Inside an extraordinary marble and concrete home overlooking Melbourne’s skyline

Commissioned by interior designer and homeowner Lauren Tarrant and designed by the maestros at Conrad Architects, this house in Melbourne’s Toorak wraps the needs of a family home into an exquisite shell that makes a compelling case for stone. From a stoic facade in acid-etched marble to an undulating central staircase, statement-making kitchen and elevated terrace, this residence has a bold, unwavering presence and capitalises on the interplay between proportion, texture and light to become a bastion of contemporary design. 

Capitol Complex Chairs by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse.

Much of the architecture was, as the team at Conrad explains, dictated by topography. With council limitations and sloping land, the architects had to accommodate a two-storey fall across the site by realising the home over four levels and creating the structure as a series of minimalist stone blocks. As such, the home carries its own, unique rhythm. There is an anticipation that starts at the entranceway and builds upon stepping from the front door to the upper ground floor, before coming to a crescendo at the revelation of the terrace and infinity pool with elevated views over the Melbourne skyline.

Utrecht armchairs by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina from Matisse, West Modular Sofa and Sullivan Smoked Glass Coffee Table by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti from ECC.

Exquisite Artedomus stone forms the backbone of the aesthetic throughout. Grigio Orsola comprises the exterior, while Vagli White marble from Italy has been used in much of the interior, alongside rare Dedalus stone for specific details like basins (and in the wine cellar). Even the dining table — a Wyrie table from Artedomus’ New Volumes range — has been custom-made from beautiful grey-toned Seleris stone to perfectly complement the kitchen by which it stands. And while typically, stone can carry the risk of making a space feel cold, indifferent and uninviting, here the iterations have been so expertly deployed that the effect is anything but. In fact, the undulating veins that run through the kitchen marble, for instance, lend dynamism and depth. Similarly, marble touches in the living room and bedrooms deliver warmth and offer an interesting focal point in the otherwise pared-back spaces. 

Left: Husk chair by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse, Tube chandelier pendant light by Michael Anastassiades from ECC.

Light plays a major role in bringing this residence to life. From the way the home’s sculpted staircase distributes light to every level thanks to the skylight under which it sits, to the swivelling glass doors (framed in bronze-coloured metal) that open out to the terrace, there is a crucial connection that has been established between the Grange Residence and its natural environment, and a softening effect when the latter is welcomed inside. 

UTRECHT ARMCHAIR BY GERRIT THOMAS RIETVELD FOR CASSINA FROM MATISSE. ONDA BEDSIDE TABLE BY POLIFORM FROM STUDIO ITALIA.

This idea is exemplified in the unusual decision to position all the home’s bedrooms on the lower levels, where each space opens out to the surrounding gardens. These are the kinds of private sanctuaries you could happily retire to at the end of a long, strenuous day, and stand as extensions of the calm, private ambience that has been cultivated throughout.

Tulu chair by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina from Matisse.

BITTA DINING CHAIR BY RODOLFO DORDONI FOR KETTAL FROM STUDIO ITALIA.

Of course, the pièce-de-résistance in the Grange Residence is its sweeping outdoor terrace and infinity pool. Offering panoramic views across Melbourne’s city skyline, the pool area gives a sense of the grandeur of this house while emphasising its private luxury. Here, not only can moments of sun-drenched peace be found, but its connection to the living and kitchen areas via glass doors, means that on a beautiful day, sparkling reflections from the pool will dance across interior surfaces and bring those spaces to life.

From the uniquely stoic facade to the sophisticated interior, this home is a spectacular example of the magic that happens when materials, proportions and light are not only considered but are brought into harmonious balance.

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Cacio e pepe tteokbokki.
Left: Soondae with caviar. Right: Tteok twigim with tteokbokki sauce.
Wagyu beef, galbi jus and kimchi chimichurri.

Your first look at Aigo — a delicious new noodle bar from the minds behind The Candy Shop

When we think about Auckland’s hospitality greats, David Lee is one that remains at the forefront of any culinary conversation. Given his decade of service to the City’s foodies, with an impressive tenure as owner of The Candy Shop, Pōni and Gochu (to name a few), Lee’s name has become synonymous with greatness, and for very good reason.

Bibimnaengmyeon.

Now, Lee is returning to the purpose with which he entered Auckland’s dining scene in the first place — a desire to put Korean cuisine on the mainstream map in Auckland —  joining forces with Tom Hong and Jaeho Cho (both from The Candy Shop) to open a delicious new noodle spot on Ponsonby Road, with Kevin Choi as head chef. Called, Aigo, this exceptionally delicious new destination is an intimate and relaxed space, where diners can expect immensely good Korean food that borders on ‘fusion’ without falling into the well-trodden trope. Instead, it is a unique and exciting take and officially opens its doors next Tuesday.

Tuna on crispy rice cakes.

Translating to the Korean common phrase for ‘oh my’, the name Aigo is the first indication of just how damn delicious the food is here. Comprising a succinct (yet totally epic) menu, we’ve already earmarked dishes we expect to be immediate favourites. On the lighter side, dishes like tuna on crispy rice cakes (an inspired plate that surely has to be shared) will satisfy, or for something more indulgent, the soondae with caviar (a Korean blood sausage, sans blood, deep-fried and topped with caviar) or the yangnyeom chicken (Lee’s take on Korean fried chicken, because he just does it so so well) will hit the perfect spot.

Scampi prawn balls and hand pulled noodles.

For those seeking something more substantial still, or a meal they can savour on their own, don’t go past the cacio e pepe tteokbokki, a hybrid dish of chewy rice cake noodles alongside a decadently cheesy sauce infused with truffle paste. Although if authenticity is what you’re craving, look no further than the bibim naengmyeon. There’s nothing nothing fusion about this dish — just utterly tasty, traditional Korean food. It is a dish of cold buckwheat noodles, typically enjoyed while having BBQ, emulated with a skewer of pork.

Ultimately, although it’s hard to call, we think that Aigo is shaping up to be the crown jewel of Lee’s career thus far; a nod to his humble beginnings, an ode to his beloved cuisine, and a look forward to the future of Auckland’s dining scene. As he tells us, he feels “Auckland is ready for a place like Aigo.” And we happen to agree.

Opening hours:
Tuesday — Saturday, 12pm until 10pm.
Closed Sunday & Monday.

Aigo

168 Ponsonby Road,
Ponsonby, Auckland Central

www.aigo.co.nz

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Leinster Square by Banda Property featuring Versailles panels flooring.

Here’s why parquet flooring is the simplest way to imbue your home with European elegance

Immediately evocative of a European heritage home, parquet flooring is a considered detail that instantly elevates any space. Despite a level of ambivalence around its origins (it is thought to have originated in Florence but with known commercial production in France in the late 17th Century), parquet flooring has been a prevalent design detail throughout history, showing up in a number of culturally important and architecturally significant buildings all over the world.

Locally Artedomus has an extensive range of exceptional French and German Oak that can be installed in a classic parquet pattern, and its expert team certainly know a thing or two about fine flooring. “Confident interior design begins at the bottom, with the choice of your floor,” the brand’s Co-Owner Richard Brasell confirms. “Parquetry, whether chevron, herringbone or Versailles panels, simply screams quality and craftsmanship.”

Marceau Residence by Hélène Van Marcke featuring Chevron parquet and Calacatta marble in the kitchen.
Villa Naarden by Eginstill featuring Chevron parquet and an Azzurro marble kitchen island.
Potts Point Residence by Tamsin Johnson featuring Versailles panels flooring and Calacatta Viola marble stairs.

Design

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Meet Roses — a cosy new dining space serving intimate, innovative and delicious experiences

From the moment you step into Roses Dining Room, it is clear that experience, atmosphere and connection sit at the heart of Karl and Ophelia Bayly’s dining philosophy. The duo have amassed a following on Instagram as Cooked Plates, for the innovative, flavourful food they create for private functions or pop-up dinners, designed to shine a light not only on seasonal ingredients but also, on the important way that food can bring us together and keep us connected. Roses is the pair’s first permanent site — a reflection of their delicious concept in bricks-and-mortar — and it is set to put them firmly on the culinary map.

Driving this recent evolution is, as Ophelia explains, a desire to do things differently. At Roses, they want to offer the kind of experience you might expect to find more from a long dinner party with friends as opposed to a traditional restaurant. “We’re fed by a belief that a good meal is only as good as the wine drunk with it and the people it’s eaten with,” she tells me.

From this simple idea, Roses emerged. Tucked down the eastern end of K’Road, surrounded by some very good company, Roses is the kind of unassuming spot one might easily walk past and not think anything of it. Formerly a tattoo studio and before that, an independent art gallery, the space itself is no more than three metres wide — but standing inside, you can immediately feel the energy of what it has held before, an ode to this area’s eclectic history. “It’s the kind of space that has had nine lives,” Ophelia tells us, and we can’t help but hope that this most recent evolution is its last for a while.

When Roses officially opens later this month, it will be predominantly as a dining room designed to host both chefs- and bakers-in-residence, where Auckland gourmands can expect a deliciously curated roster of talent like Krista On Hing (formerly of Gemmayze Street, and founder of Bonanza — you can discover more here), Ben Wallace (also ex-Gemmayze Street, now in the kitchens at the unspeakably popular Ooh-Fa), and Ashleigh Barrowman from Roses’ neighbouring Everyday Wine, joined by Karl himself in the kitchen for a collaborative affair. And while the dining room is an exceedingly intimate space — with a capacity for 26 guests, max it is also versatile. As much a space to showcase culinary talent and host ticketed events, Roses can also be hired for private, catered events (with or without the Bayly’s prowess in the kitchen) and specific pop-ups. It is also the perfect site for Cooked Plates to continue in their culinary endeavours. “It’s like a dinner party at a friend’s — but you don’t have to clean up,” Karl mentions, before running out the door to a guest shift at Candela down the road.

Ultimately Roses gives small-but-mighty, hidden-gem, European vibes. To dine here is to feel like you are a part of something truly special, which really, you are. The food is perfect. The interior is subtle, soothing and easily changeable. And the chairs are mismatched because, as Ophelia reflects, “I’ve never been to a good dinner party where the chairs are all the same.”

The apparent distinction with this new opening is that, despite its obviously delicious offering, Roses is adamantly not a restaurant. It won’t be open every day, and its offering is almost the antithesis of our current dining culture. “The fundamental difference is that we didn’t want to be a restaurant,” Ophelia tells me. “We love it, but we didn’t want to die for it.” Instead, it’s an experience that’s not always about the Baylys or their vision. In fact, there is no menu. Should guests seek the duo’s talents for a private affair, Karl will devise a menu of the moment, all stemming from seasonal, local inspiration.

In many ways, it feels like a revolutionary, bold concept, but perhaps it is merely symptomatic of how the last few years have changed the pace of dining. We all still want to go out for delicious food, but we crave intimacy, connection, and a little bit of friendly, candlelight romance, even if we are sharing the table with a stranger. And at this address, we’ve found it.

Given that there is nothing in Auckland quite like Roses, we’re surprised no one had pioneered the concept here sooner. As Ophelia tells me, “we just wanted to come up with something that makes sense.” It certainly makes sense to us, and once you have your first experience here, we’re sure it will make sense to you too.

Roses Dining Room

454 Karangahape Road,
Newton, Auckland Central

www.rosesdiningroom.co.nz

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From left: Versace Spring 23, Loewe Spring 23, Valentino Fall 22, Louis Vuitton Resort 23

Embrace dopamine dressing with these eye-popping highlighter tones

When done right, dressing in neon hues adds playfulness and vibrancy to an outfit and imbues feelings of happiness — the weekend is right around the corner, after all. Whether you prefer a head-to-toe highlighter look (think blazing dresses and sanguine suiting) or vivid pops of colour through intentional accessorising, here’s how to flawlessly execute the dopamine dressing trend in luminous green, fuchsia pink and daring orange.

From Left: Versace Spring 23, Prada Fall 22, Valentino Fall22, Victoria Beckham Resort 23.

From left: Emilia Wickstead Paisley pleated dress from net-a-porter, Socorie 120 heels from Jimmy Choo, Coussin BB bag from Louis Vuitton, Asymmetrical mini dress from Balenciaga.

From left: Loewe Spring 23, Bottega Veneta Spring 23. Louis Vuitton Resort 23, Alexander McQueen Fall 22.

From left: Lindsay Shoulder bag from Balenciaga, Aje Gretta Bow Back Mini Dress from Commercial Bay, GG jersey top from Gucci, Archlight pump from Louis Vuitton.

From left: Alexander McQueen Fall 22, Louis Vuitton Resort 23, Victoria Beckham Resort 23, Christian Dior Cruise 23.

From left: LouLou Studio Emsalo sweater from Workshop, Loewe Hammock Bag from Faradays, Silk and wool skirt from Prada, Embellished bodysuit from Burberry.

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Brothers Beer and Juke Joint BBQ have taken over an iconic Piha location — and we have all the details

Having amassed a dedicated following for their stable of craft beers, Brothers Beer and Juke Joint BBQ has taken over the famed Piha Surf Lifesaving Club, offering us the perfect reason for a jaunt to the western beaches this weekend. And with the season shaping up to be simply stunning, come summertime, we can’t think of many other places we would rather be.

Set on the top floor of the building (a lifesaving club so iconic that TV shows have been written about it), the space is precisely what we’ve come to expect from this brand, something that feels warm and inviting but always with a tantalising twist that keeps us coming back for more. Boasting a retro-inspired fit-out that reflects Piha’s history, the interiors see 70s-style sofas mix with the club’s memorabilia, while roof-suspended boats serve as a reminder of the beautiful, beach-front surrounds.

But as sentimental as the space is, what really excites us is the offering from the kitchen and bar, which certainly lives up to its spectacular setting. Eight signature craft beer taps sit alongside a curation of local wines and classic cocktails, heroing Brother’s Beer’s lauded offering. In the kitchen, Juke Joint emulates its indulgent, meat-centric fare from its outpost across the City, which sees traditional low and slow barbecue take centre stage. Yet it is the addition of two Piha-only offerings we’re most excited to try; Brothers Beer-battered fish and chips — because what else would one want by the beach? — and a hearty Wagyu beef and cheeseburger on a brioche bun, the epitome of post-surf sustenance.

After all, surfing is the most likely reason for one to find themselves at Piha. And with this delicious new drop-in located right in the middle of South Beach, with views across the black sand and out over the wild West Coast seas, it is the most idyllic vantage point to check out the waves as much as to watch the sun go down over the sea. A laid-back summer destination, in the best kind of way.

Current opening hours:
Friday, 4pm until 10pm.
Saturday — Sunday, 12pm until 10pm.
(Over the later summer season, Brothers Beer Piha will open seven days).

Brothers Beer Piha

Piha Surf Lifesaving Club,
23 Marine Parade South,
Piha, West Auckland

www.brothersbeer.co.nz

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Mental Health Educator Mike King on his journey from comedy to advocacy, the foibles of fame and how to help someone struggling

A crucial initiative started by the charitable organisation I Am Hope, founded by Mike King, Gumboot Friday (4 November 2022) is an annual fundraising drive supporting a free counselling service for children and young adults — a service that is so desperately needed in this country. Read our thought-provoking q&a with Mike King below, and support Gumboot Friday here. Or simply text ‘BOOTS’ to 469 to donate $3 immediately (less than the cost of your morning coffee), with 100% of the money raised today going directly to the cause.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a New Zealander who is fighting as tirelessly for our collective happiness as Mike King. The former comedian, once so prolific he was on three separate shows across multiple channels in the same night, is now a passionate advocate and educator for suicide prevention and mental health. Though he was awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit medal in 2019, he returned it in 2021 as he didn’t feel that enough progress had been made in the mental health sector. Travelling the country, he speaks candidly to young people about his own battles with depression and addiction, breaking the stigma around these topics and helping them feel less alone.

He founded The Key To Life charitable trust in 2012, which encompasses youth and community-focused support group I Am Hope, fundraising appeal Gumboot Friday and multimedia platform The Nutters Club. With Gumboot Friday aiming to raise $5 million to give free counselling to young people, it needs support now more than ever.

Here, King shares an insight into his story, from his journey through comedy to mental health advocacy, to discovering the power of vulnerability.

I grew up in Whenuapai Village. I’d describe myself as a hoha, kid always getting up to mischief. On the outside, I was loud, brash and full of confidence but on the inside, I never felt like I was good enough. Other kids were always better than me. Faster, stronger, academically more gifted, so I was always trying to prove myself, particularly to my dad. I always wanted my dad to look at me like I was a future All Black, pat me on the head in front of his mates and go “yeah, this is my boy”. Sadly my dad was old school — they didn’t pat kids on the head, they booted them in the butt and I got lots of those!

Growing up, we were taught nothing about mental health. It was true-blue, take a concrete pill and harden up! Ironically, my mum was a psychiatric nurse at Oakley Hospital and even she didn’t talk about it.

I’ll never forget my first time on stage. In 1994, I broke my leg and while I was recovering I decided to go and watch some stand-up comedy. Stand-up was in its infancy back then and was more character-based comedy than stand-up. I watched for a couple of weeks until I finally thought “I’m funnier than these guys”, went home and started practising. One week later, I rocked up and asked the guy on the door if I could go on. He said “come back in six weeks when we’ll be holding a rookies night”. “I’m funnier than all your comedians,” I told him. “Here’s $400, put me on and if no one laughs or anyone walks out, I’ll buy the whole bar drinks and you’ll never see me again”. He let me go on.

I smashed it. Unbeknownst to me and the audience, English comedian and writer Ben Elton was watching and he came backstage after. He said to me, “if that’s your first time on stage, you’re going to be famous”. I have never felt so high in all my life. My car got stolen that night and I didn’t care. I think I floated home.

Mike King visits Whanganui Intermediate School.

My first TV appearance was a programme called That Comedy Show in 1994. It was terrible. You stand around all day waiting, then shoot the same thing over and over again until, months later, you get to see the very anticlimactic result. The only memory I have of that appearance was all the food I had stuck in my teeth while I was delivering my lines. It taught me the first rule of comedy: always check your teeth before going on camera.

Comedy, like music, is an ever-evolving beast. Tastes change, people change and I’ve changed. Back when I started, political correctness was just coming in and there was a strong fear of change from the macho New Zealand male. That’s who became my audience. I thought the world had gone soft and you should be able to smack kids and make fun of other people’s lifestyles. Over time, I realised I was being a dick and needed to change. Unfortunately, my audience couldn’t accept the change so I moved on.

My comedy experience has been helpful in the mental health and suicide prevention arena. They can be very dark topics, so I use that aspect of my personality to navigate the audience through the ups and downs and break the tension. Comedy also adds stickiness to the message and people are more likely to remember a serious but important message if it is funny rather than tragic.

Billy T. James is, was and will always be the King of New Zealand comedy. Before I became a comedian, I was a chef, and in 1977 I was working in a cabaret in Auckland where Billy T. was our headline act. He would do two shows a night before heading into town for a final show at another club. The man was amazing. On stage, he was a charismatic, lovable rogue who made everybody laugh and feel good without uttering a profanity. That takes skill. Offstage, I would cook him dinner and listen to him and the band tell funny stories about touring the world. These stories became the foundations of his TV shows many years later.

Although I’d never go back to comedy, I do miss touring with other comedians. Andrew Clay (the most underrated comedian in New Zealand) and I did one of the first stand-up comedy tours around the country in 1994. No one knew what stand-up really was back then, so we had to contend with some pretty diverse and strange crowds. In Hawera, they had motorised keg racing going on in the bar while Andy was on stage. Some crowds would laugh, others would boo and some would just sit and stare. 

I remember one gig in Whakatane where the audience just sat there for an hour not laughing or clapping — nothing. Andy and I both thought we had died on stage until we said goodnight and the audience stood up, gave us a standing ovation and told us they’d had a great night. We were both like, “yeah, well you could have told ya face”.

Fame can be very alluring for a kid with crippling self-esteem issues — at least that’s how it felt for me. I always thought that if I got famous, all my problems would disappear. Why? Well, if you’re famous that means people like you, and if people like you, it’s natural for a kid to think that you would then love yourself. The cherry on top was, with fame comes money, and I didn’t care what anybody said about money not buying happiness — I was like, “give me the money and I’ll show you happy”.

Getting famous was a million to one shot, so when it finally happened, it was like winning the Lotto. Suddenly I was Mr. Popular with lots of ‘new’ friends, buying happiness wherever I was. Fame became a distraction for the voices of doubt. It was intoxicating and addictive — the more I got, the more I needed. Then one day, I woke up surrounded by material possessions and people who were pretending to be my friends, and my inner critic telling me I was an imposter. 

When the fame bubble burst, rather than getting help, I went into denial and started self-medicating with drugs and alcohol for the next 12 years. In March 2007, rather than admit I was in a dark, dark place, I tried to end my life by overdosing on cocaine in a hotel room in Hong Kong. While I was unconscious, my then eight-year-old daughter Alex came to me [in my head] and told me to come home and get better. I woke up, and booked myself on the first flight back to New Zealand, vowing to turn my life around. That was the 1st of April 2007 and I have been clean sober and nicotine-free ever since. 

Am I happy now? I don’t think I’ll ever truly be content or happy. I’m a driven perfectionist and we can never be satisfied. In saying that, I like the man I am becoming more than the man I used to be.

The moment that spurred my current trajectory in mental health advocacy happened in 2012, when I was asked by two colleges in Northland to come up and speak to the kids after eight young people took their own lives in the space of a couple of months. At the time, I was hosting a radio show called The Nutters Club where I would speak to people about their mental health journey, allowing listeners to recognise themselves in someone else’s story. Originally, I was going to go up, tell a few jokes and try and cheer the kids up but, when I got there, I knew jokes weren’t going to be appropriate. So instead, I shared my journey with mental health issues, focusing on the battles I have with my inner critic. You know — those negative conversations we all have with ourselves every day. What I didn’t realise at the time was, I was probably the first flawed adult these kids had ever met in their lives. After the talk, the kids were able to ask questions and I was blown away by how much they shared about themselves because they felt safe. That was my first lesson in the power of vulnerability, and it continues to drive me today.

The biggest problem facing kids today is an overactive inner critic. We all have one but for kids, it’s exasperating being surrounded by perfect adults who never talk about their doubts, fears and worries, yet constantly pick up their failings or minimise their mental health struggles. I mean seriously, your kids come home from school, tell you about five things that happened in their day, four of them are amazing and one’s bad. What do you focus on? Ninety-nine percent of us go straight to the bad.

We need to start sharing our vulnerability with our children. We need to talk about our doubts and fears because if we don’t, our kids will continue to believe they are the only ones who struggle and that is fertile ground for their inner critic.

I’m proud of Gumboot Friday. A platform that provides young people under 25 with free counselling. Currently, the only way kids can get free counselling is to go to a doctor, be diagnosed mentally unwell (a diagnosis that will impact their whole future) and then go on an excruciatingly long waiting list before seeing an often burnt out mental health professional. Gumboot Friday means people can book with three clicks of a button via gumbootfriday.org.nz and we pay the bill.

Over the course of my career, I’ve learnt life is full of ups and downs and things change so when a new opportunity comes along, don’t test the water with one toe — jump in with both feet.

My whole life, until now, the thing that has been missing is a sense of purpose. I need to feel needed, otherwise there is no point. I know that is wrong and it’s a character flaw — but it’s who I am and it’s who I will always be. I accept that now and I hope others can accept me for who I am.

Happiness for me is lying on a beach with my wife and kids soaking up vitamin D. I love summer and get really depressed in winter so it’s vital I get out in the sun when I can.

To anyone struggling, I would say “what do you need?” When people see somebody who is distressed, the first thing they usually say is “what’s wrong?” which implies you want them to talk about their feelings — and for a lot of people, that’s too hard. By saying things like “what happened?” or “what do you need?”, you are talking about their situation, which is easier to negotiate.

The part of my life where I felt pressure to present as more stoic than I feel is behind me. Now I’m comfortable just being me.

I feel optimistic about the next generation. Our kids are the most amazing generation of people in the history of the world. They are more empathetic, articulate, kind, understanding and compassionate than we ever were at their age and that gives me hope for the future.

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Everyone’s favourite burger joint has opened a convenient new location in the CBD

Burgers are a dime a dozen in a city like ours, but there are only a few outposts we can rely on to deliver a delicious experience every single time. Which is why we’ve been very excited about this week’s opening of Shake Out‘s brand new outpost in Commercial Bay — making it easier than ever for us to get our hands on some of the best burgers in town.

Connoisseurs will undoubtedly be familiar with Shake Out’s offering. And while, for the last few years, its offering has only been able to be soured from its spot at Goodside on the North Shore, Shake Out has garnered a legion of fans all over the City for its pillowy buns, premium-quality ingredients and simple menu that gives the classic fast-food takeaway a fresh twist.

Shake Out Double Cheeseburger.

Speaking of the menu, at the new Commercial Bay outpost expect Shake Out’s signature selection of cheeseburgers, chicken burgers, and veggie patties, alongside utterly delicious thick shakes in traditional flavours like chocolate and caramel, as well as not-so-traditional toffee chocolate and jaffa.

But what we love the most is that Shake Out’s burgers aren’t colossal. They’re a manageable size to tuck into, meaning that there’s always room for some extra crispy fries — which we always recommend the option smothered in cheesy dipping sauce (if you haven’t tried this yet, you must).

Left: Shake Out’s new kiosk ordering system. Right: Four Beer Shake.

Set within the Harbour Eats precinct, Shake Out’s new spot is a very welcome addition indeed. The added convenience of self-service kiosks and being a cashless venue, it’s totally convenient for those needing something delicious with only a moment to spare. Surrounded by other moreish drop-ins for busy people on the fly… it’s a location you’ll now find us frequenting more than we would probably care to admit.

Opening hours:
Sunday — Thursday, 11am to 8pm.
Friday — Saturday, 11am to 9pm.

Shake Out

Level 2, Commercial Bay,
7 Queen Street, Auckland

www.shakeout.co

Gastronomy

Discover acclaimed chef Sean Connolly’s new dining destination & live music venue down south
Denizen’s guide to the best private dining rooms to book now
Mensa is the vibrant new eatery filling the Williams-sized void in our lives (and weekly dining agenda)
Organix Lounge Collection by Kris Van Puyvelde for Royal Botania from ECC
Giro Armchair by Vincent Van Duysen for Kettal from Studio Italia
MBRACE Daybed by Sebastian Herkner for Dedon from Dawson & Co.

Explore the latest in al fresco inspiration with summer’s most coveted outdoor furniture

The arrival of spring indicates that warmer days are on our doorstep, and we fully intend to indulge ourselves with the latest in luxury, al fresco living. 

Making a case for poolside affairs all year round, these exceptional outdoor collections are causing us to consider our gardens, terraces, pools and balconies as carefully as we do our interior spaces. And with local orders for the upcoming season being finalised soon, we thought there no better time to showcase all of the pieces we’re seeking for the summer days ahead.

Echoes outdoor dining chair by Christophe Pillet for Flexform from Studio Italia.

Spinnaker Extendable Dining Table by Gordon Guillaumier for Roda from ECC.

Giro Sofa by Vincent Van Duysen for Kettal from Studio Italia.

Akito Outdoor Sofa by Bullfrog of Germany from Sarsfield Brooke.

Tou armchairs and Paladin parasol by Konstantin Grcic for Kettal from Studio Italia.

Fenc-e Nature Armchair by Philippe Starck for Cassina from Matisse.

Point Hamp Outdoor Setting from Frobisher.

Kin Outdoor 2 Seater Sofa from Tim Webber.

Jardín by CRS, in tribute to Clara Porset for Paola Lenti from ECC.

Iwan Outdoor Sofa by Bullfrog of Germany from Sarsfield Brooke.

Jackson Easy Chair by Devon.

Emma Cross Armchair by Varaschin from Studio Italia.

Roii armchair by Dedon from Dawson & Co.

Harp Armchair by Rodolfo Dordoni for Roda from ECC.

Lettino sun lounger by Claudio Dondoli & Marco Pocci from Ligne Roset.

Azur Lounger by Coco Wolf from Wolf and South.

Eddy Sofa by Flexform from Studio Italia.

Rere Bar Leaner from Devon.

Levante Dining Table and Chairs by Piero Lissoni for Roda from ECC.

Saparella Outdoor 3-seater by Michel Ducaroy from Ligne Roset.

November Outdoor Sofa from Simon James.

Calypso Weave armchairs by Royal Botania from ECC.

LC7 Outdoor Armchair by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand for Cassina from Matisse.

Design

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From left: Givenchy Fall 22, Loewe Spring 23, Louis Vuitton Spring 23.

Here’s how to wear sorbet hues, the fashion set’s flavour of the month

With the dawn of summer comes a considered re-introduction of bolder, brighter hues, beginning with our accessories of choice. Offering a subtle, tonal touch, super-sweet bags in soft pastels and faded shades make a statement in their own way. Absolutely darling for any festive affairs, and not out of place at any beach-side occasion, the colour of the moment is truly sorbet.

From left: Capucines Mini bag from Louis Vuitton, Loewe Flamenco Clutch Bag from Faradays, Aphrodite shoulder bag from Gucci.

Consider, for instance, a buttery yellow ode to the briefcase courtesy of Prada for the final remaining days spent in the office, or Loewe’s lilac-toned Flamenco clutch for those on-the-fly plans synonymous with summery nights. And of course Balenciaga’s Le Cagole, in all its perennial hues, is perhaps the most perfect example of sorbet colours imbued just right. Ultimately, however you choose to embrace the pastel bag trend, it’s a thoughtful addition that will make the coming months all the brighter.

From left: Supernova bag from Prada, Lola bucket bag from Burberry, Le Cagole mini bag from Balenciaga.

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