This Bel-Air residence is the epitome of timeless glamour and exceptional design

For most, the Los Angeles lifestyle is synonymous with entertainment, elevated living and expansive views and Zoltan Pali’s (of Studio Pali Fekete Architects) latest project, Siena Way, is the epitome of everything this lifestyle stands for and then some. Managing to be unassuming while still feeling glamorous, this address is redefining what it means to live in this city and offering moments of exceptional design in the process. 

Decidedly modest for a residence behind Bel-Air gates, the home from the outside is understated and modern with an abstract, almost-rectangular shape made from Indiana limestone and curved bronze metalwork. It really is an architectural feat, something the designer wanted to feel fluid, complex and difficult to define.

Delaunay Quilt armchairs by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti, Fil Noir dining chairs by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti, Lariat pendant ceiling lamp by Apparatus Studio all from ECC.

And while there has been a minimalist approach to the outside, one only needs to step over the threshold of this house to witness its splendour unfurl, where a grand entry foyer opens up to the magnificence of floor-to-ceiling windows, full-height doors, glass elevators and a striking staircase that anchors the home and connects its three levels. 

Set on just under an acre of land, with a floorspace of over 1,500 square metres and boasting eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, the scale of Siena Way is enormous, although thankfully, a thoughtful floor plan proves that cosy living and palatial builds are not mutually exclusive. But while comfort has indeed been considered key, this home is ultimately an entertainer’s paradise, offering all the amenities of glamorous hospitality and allowing the owner’s to make the most of an exquisite outlook. 

Livre Swivel armchair by Gallotti&Radice from ECC.
0414 chairs by Studio G&R for Gallotti&Radice, Haumea coffee table by Massimo Castagna for Gallotti&Radice from ECC.
0419 barstools by Studio G&R for Gallotti&Radice from ECC.

And what an outlook it is. Located directly overlooking the fourth green of the iconic Bel-Air Country Club, the view extends far beyond the property itself, out to the city scape and the ocean beyond, framed by generous windows. The use of glass at this scale usually means some kind of sacrifice of privacy, yet here, with the elevated aspect and surrounding nature, there is something about the outlook that offers a wonderful sense of isolation and gives the sense of being far removed from the city (despite being in its heart).

Angie armchair and ottoman by Gam Fratesi for Minotti, W-sidetable by Massimo Castagna for Henge all from ECC.
Tassel 3 sconce by Apparatus Studio from ECC.

Nature is invited in here, most clearly seen in one of the two courtyards where a large, mature olive tree lends a decidedly Mediterranean feel and offers a textural contrast to the stark white backdrop of the home. This symbiotic relationship with nature inspires the colour palette too, where warm neutrals have been set alongside pops of green and earthy browns.

The interior itself, curated by Mass Beverly, makes a trend-defying statement. Unlike other homes in this postcode, the use of marble is understated, instead replaced by board-form concrete, travertine and Ceppo di Gré stone, to complement French walnut floors. Furnishings range from elegant Minotti sofas and chairs, to intriguing Apparatus Studio pendants, with a view to cultivate spaces that balance comfort with contemporary design. It’s clear that the kind of ‘glamour’ usually found in homes of this ilk has been interpreted in a more sophisticated, understated way, which makes the home feel timeless, not trendy.

That said, the residence’s raft of amenities are a stark reminder of the lifestyle that most people living in this area expect to enjoy. Boasting its own wellness centre, spa and gym, a home theatre, wine room and even quarters dedicated to staff, Siena Way is a residence from which its owners really never have to leave. And in this day and age, that is the ultimate luxury.

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Bar Non Solo

Denizen’s definitive guide to 10 of the best burrata dishes in Auckland right now

There’s simply no denying that burrata is the moment. Despite being delicious on its own, the only thing differentiating one burrata from the next is precisely how creative the kitchen has been in serving it. Yet we stand by its status as an essential to share, and you’ll rarely find us enjoying a meal without it on our table. Done right, it’s nothing short of perfection, and we happen to think these places (all of which we have comprehensively taste-tested for you) hit the mark every time.

01. Soul Bar & Bistro

To look past Soul Bar & Bistro’s iconic offering would be a devastating mistake. Seasonally served with orange, fennel, chervil, and the thoughtful addition of sourdough, Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s burrata is the perfect appetiser for a sunny afternoon spent partaking in convivial affairs.

02. Ada

Ada’s current burrata iteration is as delicious as the famed menu suggests. Changing seasonally, right now, it is served with rich romesco and almonds, which provide just the right amount of crunch to contrast the cheese’s soft interior.

03. Beau

At Beau, simplicity is key — with a menu that allow the extensive wine list at this venue to shine. Here the fresh burrata is doused in aged balsamic and sprinkled with flaky sea salt. Come summer, we will be enjoying it spread on delicious sourdough while seated in Beau’s courtyard with a glass of chilled red in hand.

Left: Bar Celeste. Right: Elmo’s.

04. Bar Céleste

Ask diners why they come to Bar Céleste, and (aside from its comprehensive wine list and delicious menu), punters often say that they visit for the burrata alone. Here, it is served with crunchy almonds and olive oilbest accompanied by a slice of house-made sourdough and a bottle of the Albert Boxler Pinot Blanc, shared among friends.

05. Elmo’s

While Ponsonby Road’s Elmo’s is famed for many things (bottomless brunches and after-work drinks included), the burrata might just be the dish that has garnered it the most attention. Served with truffles when in season, right now you’ll find a most beloved version — 125grams of the creamiest burrata in town is served in a big bowl of house-made pesto, candied wood-fired tomatoes and toasted pinenuts. Delightfully dreamy, we think.

06. Bar Martin

Set in the suburbs of Auckland’s Inner-West, Bar Martin serves what we think might be some of the best burrata in the City. The cheese draws its distinct acidity from the careful use of capers, with the depth of flavour found in courtyard-grown herbs and a kick from fresh chilli. The result is a surprisingly delicious and absolutely moreish plate to share.

Left: The Blue Breeze Inn. Right: Milenta.

07. Bar Non Solo

Taking the famed recipe from sister restaurant Non Solo Pizza, we love Bar Non Solo’s burrata merely because it’s so convenient and classic. Ideally suited to a few after-work drinks or a mid-afternoon snack, it is served with spinach, braised leeks and truffle salsa for the ultimate springtime fare. 

08. The Blue Breeze Inn

Another inspired take is The Blue Breeze Inn’s Asian-influenced burrata. Here you’ll find it famously served with roasted peanuts, ginger, sweet soy, and coriander, alongside a healthy helping of Chinese fried bread to mop it all up. It’s the kind of delightful dish that, given the chance, you should keep all to yourself.

09. Milenta

Creative explorations of burrata should be applauded which, in Milenta’s case, is clearly a winning strategy. Currently served with an assortment of seasonal fruits, namely kiwifruit and grapes, it’s a subtle nod to dessert that adds a welcome sweetness to this plate. We have heard a rumour that the menu is set to change soon — so we suggest getting in while you still can.

10. Amano

It would be impossible to get through this guide without making mention of Amano. One of the City’s most adored Italian eateries (renowned for being delicious every single time), of course the burrata here is nothing short of excellent. The creamy cheese is served atop wood mushrooms, balsamic and onions — the perfect interpretation, if you ask us.

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Inwards Goods' creamed corn toastie.

This cool Fort Lane spot serves epic toasties by day and espresso martinis by night

It has often been said that simplicity is the recipe for success, and it’s a principle employed at the inner-city’s most recent opening, Inwards Goods — a new addition to Fort Lane that focuses on coffee, natural wines, and sumptuous toasties that are a cut above the rest.

Found in the large open entrance to Fort Lane’s Imperial House (which perhaps you might know if you’ve ever paid a visit Everybody’s, the bar above) Inwards Goods is an impressive space, taking over the entire foyer of Imperial House with an almost brutalist fitout. A vast void, initially designed by Fearon Hay Architects, has been re-imagined with ‘a mid-century airport feel’ in mind, with the owners seeking something simple, inviting and cool — the result is all those things and more.

Creamed corn toastie.

Imperial House Owner Sam Ansley explains that “the City needed an open, cool place to meet — purposely undefinable, somewhere to go that isn’t the bar or the club.” And so, come evening time, Inwards Goods delivers a new iteration of late-night experience, offering easy beers, natural wines, and espresso martinis on tap. During the day, the concept is similar, although those walking through the doors will likely opt for a coffee and a toastie — the perfect lunch on the fly.

While toasties seem to be popping up with more frequency on Auckland menus (perhaps for their ease and reliability), Inwards Goods differentiates its offering by focusing on “the little things,” Imperial House’s Creative Director Kamal Haggerty tells me. Take the creamed corn toastie, for which they char the corn and make it in-house, or the truffle honey toastie — a totally unnecessary but utterly welcome addition. Personally, we find the Korean Egg Sandwich the most delightful, with egg, cheese, kimchi, pickles and spicy mayo, giving us the substance we need for weekday (or late night) nourishment. And the menu refuses to discriminate, offering a gluten-free alternative that Haggerty swears is as good as the real thing.

Imperial House by Fearon Hay Architects.

Open from 8am until late (on Fridays and Saturdays, we’re talking 1am late), it is the kind of destination that Auckland’s inner city has been missing. With the vision of guest DJs and summertime kitchen takeovers in the new year, Inwards Goods is a space to keep on your radar, if you’re not obsessed with it already. 

Opening hours:
Monday — Friday, 8am until late.
Saturday, 4pm until late.
Closed Sundays.

Inwards Goods

7 Fort Lane,
Auckland CBD

www.inwardsgoods.co.nz

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Meet the food delivery service bringing delicious curries to your doorstep

The legendary Dabbawalas of Mumbai have long provided a lunch delivery service to ravenous office workers in the populous Indian city, transporting reusable dabbas (stainless steel lunch boxes) filled to the brim with nourishing, home-cooked meals. With the Dabbawalas famed for their reliability and dedication to the job through the most treacherous conditions (from monsoons to riots), this remarkable food delivery system inspired Aucklander Jaimee Croot to conceive ‘Home Spice’, a subscription service with a local twist.

Dishing up authentic Indian cuisine inspired by the region’s vast and varied flavours, Home Spice’s meals are available for delivery to suburban Auckland doorsteps. Encased in dabbas, once emptied, the vessels can be exchanged for a fresh new set of delicious meals each week — a sustainable solution to the excess packaging often associated with home food boxes.

Working alongside an accomplished Indian-born chef, Croot explains that the decision to deliver South-East Asian meals was deliberate for several reasons, including that the food tastes better over time as the flavours marinate and intensify.

The age-old dabba system is ingenious in many ways. Each container consists of four stackable, oven-safe tins, the bottom filled with rice, the second curry, the third dal, and the fourth chutney. Essentially a full meal for two people (or two meals for one), recipients can conveniently heat the rice, curry and dal tins in the oven. There’s also an option to add on rotis (unleavened flat bread). A daily Indian staple, they go perfectly with dals, curries, and chutneys, stay fresh in a cool place for a couple of days, and taste incredible when warmed for just a couple of minutes in the oven.

For now, Home Spice curates a new menu every week based on what’s in season. All meals are vegetarian (and sometimes vegan) — Croot proves you don’t miss meat when nutritious veggies and protein-rich pulses are packed with vibrant and flavourful spices.

Offering dishes like paneer and yam in fenugreek sauce, white lentil dal, and cashew and coriander chutney, Home Spice resonates with the Indian ethos that cooking is a labour of love. Intricate meals are designed to be shared and everyone eats a bit of everything, coming together and bonding over heart-warming food.

Ultimately, whether you’re after a decision-free dinner, craving a new take on plant-based cuisine, or desire a wholesome meal, Home Spice has you covered. Orders close on a Friday evening the week before delivery, and the dabbas are delivered every Tuesday. A worthy service we hope long continues, like the valiant Dabbawalas of Mumbai.

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From left: Versace Fall 22, Loewe Fall 22, Saint Laurent Fall 22

With party season around the corner, step up your shoe game with these after-dark heels

While talking about party season now might feel early for some, for others, private rooms have been booked, outfits considered and plans already made. After all, summertime is fast approaching and with it, the inevitable onslaught of Christmas parties, end-of-year dos and elegant evening soirées. Now is the perfect time to think about pulling together your party ensembles, and what better place to start than footwear? Elegant, flattering and fit for any occasion, these chic evening shoes will give any after-dark attire a sophisticated edge.

From left: Givenchy G Woven Sandals from Faradays. Claude Sandals from Saint Laurent. Jimmy Choo Meira sandals from Jimmy Choo.

Alexandre Vauthier Fall 22 available from Faradays.
From left: Isabel Marant Anelia heels from Workshop. Aalexandre Vauthier Jacqueline Sandals from Faradays. Idylle sandals from Christian Dior.
Saint Laurent Pre-Fall 22.
From left: Afterhour sandal from Balenciaga. Appeal sandal from Louis Vuitton. Medusa chain sandals from Versace.

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Saint James Paris

Rest your head at the luxury hotels in the world’s most iconic cities

For your next overseas adventure, why not opt for a cosmopolitan escape to one of the world’s most iconic cities? Paris, London, New York and Los Angeles promise something for every cultural persuasion. Here we introduce the newest luxury hotels in which to relax and unwind after long days of exploration and discovery.

Embodying romance like nowhere else in the world, Paris is a city that will sweep you up into a lasting love affair. Expect to make precious memories at one of these luxurious new hotels. 

Saint James Paris
With just the right amount of fun and whimsy, but still romantic by nature, the only château hotel in Paris is a proud statement of splendour. Saint James Paris offers a take on chic country life in the beating heart of the City, with 50 spacious rooms set in a historic boarding house, and an expansive garden offering reprieve and fresh air. Complete with a Guerlain spa and a Greco-Roman-inspired pool, the hotel is poetic but refuses to take itself too seriously. Here, an Art Deco spirit is at home in the bold ode to Parisian architecture, while a spectacular dining contribution from a Michelin-starred chef leaves little to be desired.

Bulgari Hotel Paris
Bulgari’s Parisian flagship is the latest in the hotel collection from the luxury jewellery house, taking up residence in the City’s lauded Golden Triangle. Among the rooms and suites, the Bulgari Penthouse is the crown jewel, offering sweeping views over the City and the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights at night, as well as a rooftop garden, and its own private dining room and wellness centre. This level of luxury is  emulated throughout the hotel, with fine dining restaurants, and a lounge that feels akin to a members club, although little can top falling asleep to the absolutely dazzling master suite view.

Soho House Paris
Set in Paris’ former red-light district, a short stroll from the fanfare of Moulin Rouge, a welcome addition joins the global Soho House roster — Paris’ first permanent taste of the fanciful lifestyle it offers. Alongside all the hallmarks of the renowned brand, comes an impressive art collection with more than 150 paintings — an ode to the City’s history of fostering the creative arts. In this exquisite evolution of Soho House, the Parisian haven is as palatial and fantastical as we would expect from the much-loved group.

Cheval Blanc Paris
Cheval Blanc comprises a small collection of five-star hotels in far-flung French territories, yet it is the new Parisian destination that serves as a place for romance to bloom and history to endure. Among the 72 rooms and suites are some of the most beautiful balconies in the city, with outlooks that extend to all of the beloved landmarks. In fine French form, Cheval Blanc considers culinary arts in the highest regard, with five hospitality destinations (Plenitude holding three Michelin stars), alongside rejuvenating wellness experiences at the Dior Spa — an integral element of any stay.

Nestled in the heart of London’s elegant, urban landscape, these new hotels will keep you close to the City’s incredible culinary and cultural scenes, while offering the perfect end-of-day escapes.

NoMad London
Designed for travellers, vagabonds and those who prefer life spent out of a suitcase, NoMad’s newest outpost taps into the history and cultural depth of London to deliver the kind of warm, welcoming vibe and understated luxury we have come to expect from this international, boutique hotel chain. Set in the iconic Grade-II-listed building known as The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, this hotel was designed in collaboration with New York-based studio Roman and Williams, and (thanks to its Covent Garden location) is the perfect base from which to explore London’s vibrant restaurant and art scenes. 

One Hundred Shoreditch
Located in the centre of the perpetually-cool East-London suburb of Shoreditch, where clubs and culture collide, One Hundred Shoreditch is a new hotel where guests come to play. Found a stone’s throw from the famed Colombia Road Flower Market and inspired Whitechapel Gallery, a stay at this hotel offers the true London experience, full of vibrant restaurants, eclectic galleries, and bustling bars and pubs. Sporting 258 bedrooms and suites, six restaurants and a Peloton studio (complete with its own concierge service), this independent hotel offers an escape like no other. In its opening year, One Hundred Shoreditch is committing itself to environmental endeavours, working towards both B Corp certification and a sustainable guest experience, so when you do eventually sleep, you can do so soundly.

Little compares to the magnificence of New York. Home to both grandeur and grit, this iconic city is always an inspiring place to visit, and is all the more enticing for these exceptional new hotels

ModernHaus Soho
If life is said to imitate art, then there is no location more alive than this new hotel in the heart of Soho. ModernHaus is a destination of light-filled spaces and divine furnishings, set against Soho’s iconic cobble stones and cast-iron buildings. The 114-room hotel draws on the artistic heritage of its famous neighbourhood, with an extensive modern and contemporary art collection and Bauhaus-inspired architecture that marries clean lines with large windows that look out over New York’s iridescent skyline. And with a new restaurant, Veranda, by renowned chef George Mendes on site, as well as a rooftop bar and pool inspired by Picasso’s blue period, leaving will be nearly impossible.

Image: Nikolas Koenig.
Image: Nikolas Koenig.

Aman New York
Renown for offering luxurious wellness experiences in far-flung exotic locations, Aman’s first foray into the urban space comes in the form of its latest property in New York. With over 83 suites and 22 branded residences, Aman New York offers tranquillity in the heart of the Big Apple; its 5th Avenue address a mere two blocks from Central Park, with its design emblematic of the architecture of 20s New York. Boasting a three-story, flagship Aman Spa, offering the most divine rejuvenation experiences in the city, this hotel has been the group’s greatest investment in a single location to date — and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

A city that celebrates success and embodies a lust for life that is palpable and appealing, days spent in this sprawling metropolis are best when ended at hotels that offer luxury and comfort.

Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
Following in the footsteps of its beloved Santa Monica sister, Downtown L.A Proper builds on its own unique heritage in a way that celebrates all things definitively downtown. A far cry from the casually chic Venice Beach or glamorous Hollywood Hills, Downtown LA is a more industrial, gritty area that offers an entirely new experience of the City of Angels — something that renowned designer Kelly Wearstler wove through her highly-considered design. The makeover ties together the building’s past and present, from a state-of-the-art members club to a community recreation centre, and now a world-class hotel, offering culture, luxury and world-class dining, all in one place.

Pendry West Hollywood
Should you be seeking your own version of Selling Sunset, Pendry’s latest West Hollywood location opens out onto the iconic Sunset Strip. Embracing Californian modernism and the glamour of the Hollywood Hills, the 149 rooms and suites here offer the signature LA experience, including views of its stunning, sweeping cityscape. Pendry’s offerings are synonymous with the LA lifestyle, where entertainment and celebrity-studded parties meet divine wellness and laidback rejuvenation. In the dining arena, Wolfgang Puck returns to his roots with fresh dining and beverage venues designed especially for the address. And with a rooftop pool to top-off the experience, every element of this stay is LA in the most sophisticated way.

Short Stories Hotel
Behind an unassuming hedge in West Hollywood is Short Stories, a 66-room hotel set in a recently-refurbished, 1960s build, reminiscent of the area’s history. The hotel’s food and drink offering is a particular highlight, where a collection of interconnected dining spaces celebrate a cultural melting pot of flavours. From the courtyard lounge to the pool terrace, Stories Bar to the full-service restaurant, and a number of private dining spaces, Short Stories offers living, lounging, lunching and everything decadent that comes in between.

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Nespresso’s latest capsule collection will deliver the perfect brew every time

Coffee is undeniably one of life’s little pleasures, made better with the addition of perfectly frothed milk. When Nespresso debuted its Vertuo system last year, it garnered a nationwide following for a good reason — the machine boasts café-quality brews that rival those of Kiwi baristas. Delightfully, Vertuo’s capsule offering has just been extended to the Barista Creations for Milk range, promising perfect all-day-long coffee moments.

We know that New Zealanders love their coffee with milk (whether dairy or plant-based) for an exceptionally smooth, sometimes sweet touch. And Barista Creations for Milk are highly complementary to this way of living — each capsule’s flavour is masterfully blended and roasted to complement and enhance the addition of milk.

For those wondering which of the Barista Creations for Milk best suits their tastes, Bianco Piccolo is a rich, nutty coffee that brings out the milk’s creamy texture, best poured in a short cup (think lattes). Bianco Doppio has a sweet and caramel-like profile enhanced by milk, making it ideal for the iconic New Zealand double-shot flat white experience at home. Lastly, Bianco Forte is impressively intense, with rich, roasted and cereal-like notes that endure with just a dash of milk.

Ultimately, something just feels indulgent about a perfectly crafted coffee with milk. The Barista Creations for Milk finesse the experience, and not just because of the sleek, dome-shaped capsules made specifically for the Vertuo system. The intelligent machine reads each capsule’s barcode to extract the perfect brew, whether you desire a flat white, cappuccino, latte or iced coffee — the list goes on. All you need to do is place your chosen capsule into the machine and extract the coffee with the touch of a button. Next, froth the milk with your Nespresso milk device and add it to the coffee.

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee drinker or just getting started, we can tell you that Nespresso’s Vertuo Barista Creations for Milk . For those who prefer their coffee sans milk, rest assured that the Vertuo does it all, from long blacks to third-wave coffee, like Carafe Pour-Over style. To guide your at-home café-quality coffee further, Nespresso’s array of recipes will elevate the experience. 

Vertuo Barista Creations for Milk are available online and in-store at Nespresso Boutiques.

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Auckland’s first plant-based patisserie serves treats so good you won’t know they’re vegan

When you think of a croissant, flakey, buttery pastry is the first thing that comes to mind. Without the buttery flavour, it’s never quite the same — until now. Thankfully, we’ve stumbled across Auckland’s first-ever plant-based patisserie, Maison des Lys, serving vegan croissants every bit delightful as their traditional predecessors.

You may have noticed the line of people wrapped around the block in Grey Lynn on Sunday for Maison des Lys’ soft opening, news of its brick-and-mortar excitedly splashed across social media feeds. Much of the loyal crowd first encountered Maison des Lys’ stall at The Shed Collective Markets, in operation since 2020. Two years later, while the patisserie still plans to continue its hotly anticipated market appearances, the new location provides Owner and self-taught Pastry Chef Drissilla David a dedicated space to create her confections, channelling her love for her native France through patisseries with a plant-based twist.

Right: Pain Au Chocolat.

A serendipitous series of events encouraged Drissilla to fulfil her vision of a vegan patisserie. The humble yet beautiful space has been a labour of love (much like the pastries it serves), taking nine months to come to fruition. Having previously worked at a local architecture firm, Drissilla dedicated a year during maternity leave to formulate the perfect plant-based croissant. In her home kitchen (and dining room, where up until very recently, she was still baking), she rolled the pastry by hand and produced batch after batch of dough in her beloved cake mixer. The game-changer finally came about a year into the process when she discovered the perfect butter alternative. Made with a blend of shea, coconut, rapeseed and almond oils, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s the real thing. We’ve done the diligent task of putting them to the test, and honestly, we can’t taste the difference.

After Drissilla executed the plant-based basics, anything became possible. Take the ham and cheese croissant, a Kiwi bastardisation of the French delicacy and a beloved treat. Maison des Lys offers a plant-based take, a delicious snack-on-the-go that Drissilla reiterates is one of the most popular offerings, known to sell out frequently alongside her almond croissants. Her favourite, however, is the pain au chocolate — not fresh out of the oven but served cold — and with an eightthirty coffee that’s of course brewed on site.

Drissilla David of Maison des Lys.

Every day you can expect the Maison des Lys cabinet to be stocked with the classics, alongside danishes, pastries, and delicacies inspired by seasonal produce. Think savoury croissants stuffed with pesto, spray-free tomatoes, vegan feta, micro greens and truffle oil, or their sweeter counterparts overflowing with Biscoff. Coffees are served with dairy milk alternatives, and should you be lucky enough to nab a table, the Great North Road corner spot makes the perfect place for people-watching.

Despite never undertaking any formal viennoiserie training, Drissilla showcases an intrinsic knowledge and appreciation of the complex process. Anyone who has ever tried to make croissants will understand just how intricate it can be, and at this Grey Lynn address, the pastries are truly of the highest calibre. As Drissilla tells us, “they’re not just for vegans; they’re really delicious pastries too.” Having tried them fresh out of the oven, we’re inclined to agree — and we recommend visiting ASAP.

Opening hours:
Friday, 7am until 1pm.
Saturday — Sunday, 8.30am until 1pm.
Initially closed Monday — Thursday.

Maison des Lys Pâtisserie

567 Great North Road,
Grey Lynn, Auckland

www.maisondeslys.co.nz

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This renowned beauty brand is bringing Breast Cancer Awareness to the forefront

While we love RevitaLash Cosmetics for its unparalleled lash-enhancing serums, it is a company whose ethos and values are on par with its reputation as one of the best in the industry. And this October, in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the brand is inviting us to support its philanthropic vision of a world without this disease, all while helping us up the ante on our daily beauty routines.

It’s hardly surprising considering that the company — a true industry disruptor — is built on sincerity. Back in 2006, ophthalmologist Michael Brinkenhoff M.D. saw an opportunity to produce a lash serum for those who needed it the most. At the time, his late wife Gayle had been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at just 32, and began treatment. 

Most of us have seen how harrowing chemotherapy and radiation can be. For many, hair loss throughout the treatment process brings with it unnecessary stress at such a vulnerable time. Watching his wife experience this firsthand, Dr Brinkenhoff began the formulation process of RevitaLash Cosmetics’ now iconic lash serum we all adore. And sixteen years on, supporting those living with breast cancer remains a significant driving factor at the heart of the company (reflected in the more than $4 million they have donated to breast cancer research and support), even as it continues to surprise us with new and innovative products. 

And so, each October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), RevitaLash Cosmetic’s recognisable blue boxes don a pink sleeve, which reflects the company’s commitment to the cause. Here in New Zealand, the brand supports Look Good Feel Better, a local initiative that runs programs and workshops to help those navigating the effects of cancer treatments. For every pink sleeve product sold throughout the month, a month’s supply of lash or brow product will be donated to those who need it the most.

RevitaLash Advanced & RevitaBrow Advanced

Here in Auckland, we can also support the brand’s valiant efforts by booking a spot at the annual Eat Drink Pink affair at Harbourside, a delicious affair for a very good cause. The experience benefits Pinc & Steel, who, in turn, offer support to Auckland women with breast cancer through their incredible cancer treatment rehabilitation programmes. (Tickets and further details can be found here.)

On top of that, this year internationally, RevitaLash Cosmetic’s sales will be diverted to supporting the City of Hope’s Ethiopia Breast Cancer Initiative, with the vision of bringing breast cancer screening and treatment to women and their families in places that suffer some of the highest mortality rates from the disease in the world. 

“It’s vital to us to help change the state of breast cancer in Ethiopia — with ripple effects felt around the world,” shares Dariel Sidney, Gayle Brinkenhoff’s eldest daughter (and the company’s VP of Philanthropy). “As a cause uniquely close to our hearts, the entire RevitaLash Cosmetics family is passionate about directly improving the lives of those dealing with a difficult diagnosis, and ultimately eradicating breast cancer.”

So as Breast Cancer Awareness Month arrives once more, we always strive to find ways to support the women and families affected by the trauma of the disease. Whether investing in a self-care routine that gives back to women in times of vulnerability or treating ourselves to a delicious day out, we find ourselves grateful that RevitaLash Cosmetics makes supporting such a deserving cause all the more beautiful. 

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Starring Beyoncé, Tiffany & Co.’s brilliant film celebrates New York’s iconic Studio 54 era

Capturing the escapism and vibrancy of 1970’s club culture in Manhattan, Tiffany & Co.’s new campaign ‘Lose Yourself In Love’ features pop-culture icon and singer Beyoncé, the accompanying film set to the finale track ‘Summer Renaissance’ from her lauded album Renaissance. Drawing on a sample from Donna Summer’s everlasting ‘I Feel Love’, ‘Summer Renaissance’ epitomises the soul of New York City, a place Tiffany & Co. has long called home.

Styled by Marni Senofonte and Patti Wilson for the campaign, Beyoncé wears head-to-toe custom creations and iconic pieces from the luxury house. These include a Tiffany Setting engagement ring in platinum with an internally flawless, round brilliant diamond of over 10 carats and pieces by legendary Tiffany & Co. designer Jean Schlumberger. The dancers in the film also wear Tiffany & Co. adornments in unexpected and innovative ways, making a whimsical case for the unconventional use of jewellery.

Through Grammy-Award-winning director Mark Romanek’s interpretation, the campaign film evokes the Studio 54-era thriving disco in New York City, showcasing joyful expression and Tiffany & Co.’s creative prowess.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAe4H5LcjpE

‘Lose Yourself In Love’ is also a reflection of Tiffany & Co.’s ongoing partnership with Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z. Titled Tiffany Atrium, the initiative funds scholarships for students in creative fields at historically black colleges and universities to serve underrepresented communities better.

Ultimately, the campaign is an amplification of Tiffany & Co.’s enduring brilliance and uplifting ethos. The custom Tiffany HardWare necklace created for the campaign will be available to purchase — a true collector’s item that, like the respective legacies of Tiffany & Co., Beyoncé, and New York City, will continue to endure.

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