A classic from kitchen whizz Liv Glazebrook of Kitchen of Treats, this fresh and succulent ceviche recipe is filled to the brim with umami flavours, pops of citrus, vibrant herbs and a touch of spice. Make the most of the few summer weeks we have left by whipping up a plate of this mouthwatering dish for your next get-together. It’s sure to impress.
Kitchen of Treats Ceviche Recipe
Ingredients
300g fish (trevally or kingfish recommended)
For the dressing: 65ml water 65ml white vinegar 65g sugar 65ml fish sauce 2 Tbsp lime/lemon juice 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
To finish: 1 ripe avocado, halved & sliced lengthways 1 long red chilli, finely sliced Mint leaves, thinly chopped Coriander, thinly chopped Crispy shallots
Method
1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until sugar is dissolved. Set aside. 2. Place the sliced avocado on the base of the medium plate and top with fish, sliced sashimi-style and evenly spaced. Generously spoon dressing over the fish. 3. Sprinkle with thinly sliced chilli, mint leaves and coriander. Finish with crispy fried shallots.
Set in an iconic building that dates back to the 1950s, a new restaurant and bar has landed in the heart of Epsom and it should definitely be on your radar. Meet The Emerald, owned and operated by Darren Tolley (a hospitality veteran with over 15 years in the industry and multiple venues under his belt) this welcoming, lush and sophisticated new dining destination marries timeless elegance with sophisticated flair, and offers a menu of delicious, modern-bistro fare to boot.
Inside, diners are immediately enveloped in a unique world. Loosely inspired by the idea of a greenhouse, The Emerald was designed by the experts at CTRL Space and boasts towering ceilings painted in a lush, verdant hue and expansive windows that flood the space with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere that is both spacious and intimate. Here, the carefully curated decor is almost reminiscent of a bygone era of glamour and refinement, where Art Deco charm meets sleek, contemporary details. “Think Hong Kong’s Raffles Hotel meets Islington local,” Tolley explains. “It is just the most beautiful space to be in, even photos do do it justice… it’s welcoming, light and airy and at night it takes a beautiful turn as the sun sets on the inside bar and the beautiful warm feature lights take over.”
At the helm in The Emerald’s kitchen is Executive Chef Ross Birch, a master of his craft with decades of experience and close to 10 years working with Tolley at his various venues. His innovative, modern bistro menu showcases the finest in locally-sourced ingredients and reimagines classic dishes with modern twists. Small options include salmon ceviche served with a mix of blood orange, soused fennel, hazelnut and sloe gin, salt n pepper crusted prawns and a ‘hand cut’ steak tartar with fried quail egg, truffled chips, shallot, pickles & beef fat mayo. While those seeking something more substantial should look to dishes like the classic steak frites, with grass-fed Lansdowne beef, pan juices, vine tomato and marmite hollandaise, or the torched kahawai fillet, green lip mussels, green marsala, potato and cucumber. On the sweet side of things, desserts like the Emerald eat ‘n mess, with meringue, macerated summer fruits and elderflower, or the chocolate delice with salted caramel, hazelnuts and coconut yoghurt are sure to satiate any cravings.
Beyond its tasty food, The Emerald is a vibrant social hub that buzzes with energy all day long. Whether it’s for a leisurely lunch with friends or a convivial after-work gathering, The Emerald’s vibe is always busy and bustling. Its central location on Greenwoods Corner, coupled with its reputation for impeccable service and ambiance, have already made it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, and as Tolley tells us, this is just the beginning.
Open seven days a week, from noon till late, The Emerald invites its guests to indulge in an unforgettable experience that transcends the ordinary. And whether you’re a local of the area, or are simply seeking a new watering hole that offers something a little different, this new destination should definitely be on your radar.
In a cool reimagining of traditional black and white, modern monochrome calls for a bold approach. Here, while the palette is simple, it certainly doesn’t have to be boring. From geometric prints, to chic monograms; graphic detailing to glamorous touches, we have rounded up an edit of our favourite monochromatic pieces to shop now.
Whether you’re in need of a celebratory sweet centrepiece, a delectable lunch, or simply require a little treat to get your morning off to the perfect start, the following bakeries are making a name for themselves in the pastry, bread and cake department. But, don’t take our word for it, this is the time to conduct some of your own ‘research’.
In the vast and varied culinary landscape of Auckland, where every new opening vies for attention, Darling on Drake has quickly risen to the top. Set on a sprawling site on the edge of Victoria Park, this latest venture is the brainchild of Fraser Kirby, who has harnessed his background in advertising, large-scale events and hospitality to create something truly unique to this city.
From the moment you step through the doors of Darling on Drake, it’s clear that this is not just another restaurant, nor is it a typical bar. Meticulously curated, the space was inspired by Kirby’s desire to bring something of an international calibre to Auckland, the founder drawing on his time working in cities like New York, Chicago and Melbourne to cultivate a venue that would seamlessly blend romance and elegance with a touch of whimsy and a convivial vibe.
Left: Darling’s dining room. Right: Short Rib and Mozzarella Nuggets with English mustard
From its sleek dining room finished in tones of crimson, black and cream and boasting views out to Darling’s terrace and Victoria Park beyond, to its elegantly-curved bar framing one side of the interior, to the second bar on its sprawling deck (the biggest outdoor terrace in Central Auckland) with a vibe that feels both lively and intimate, Darling was designed to offer several distinct but connected spaces within its confines, with Kirby calling on Mitchell Addison and Jeffery Construction to help him bring it to life.
Left: Tuna Crudo with scorched peppers, thyme and roasted almond. Right: The interior bar at Darling.
“I wanted Darling to become somewhere you could have different experiences on different nights,” Kirby tells me, “or even the same night.” He continues, “Whatever the occasion calls for, you can find it here, whether that’s an intimate dinner in our dining room, or drinks in the sun on the terrace while enjoying our rotating roster of DJs and live music… or a bit of both.”
At the heart of Darling lies a pretty impressive culinary experience too, thanks to a menu created with the expertise of Chef Ryan Moore, whose pedigree includes stints at a number of acclaimed establishments, including The Grove and Bivacco. From starters to mains, sides and desserts, every dish harnesses locally sourced ingredients to offer elevated bar and bistro fare that plays on nostalgia and reimagined classics.
Left: Darling daiquiri. Right: Matangi Farm Poor Man’s Ribeye with bone marrow gravy.
To start, there is a range of tantalising small bites, from Tuna Crudo with scorched peppers, thyme and roasted almond to Short Rib and Mozzarella Nuggets with English mustard, to a deliciously delicate Wagyu Carpaccio and a particularly glorious Mushroom Parfait that has swiftly captured the imaginations of almost everyone who has tried it. Those seeking something more substantial can find it in the larger menu items, including dishes like the Chicken Leg Corn Dog (a unique take on a classic, fast food), the flavourful Fish Schnitzel with tartare butter, the undeniably indulgent Smashed Dry Aged Patty Melt with mortadella, burger sauce and fries, and the Matangi Farm Poor Man’s Ribeye, complete with utterly mouthwatering bone marrow gravy.
Those with a sweet tooth would do well to order a smorgasbord of Darling’s desserts, which come in at a tightly curated threesome of a Religieuse, which is a French delicacy made up of a small choux pastry stacked on top of a larger one, both filled with crème pâtissière and served with banana and salted popcorn, a Strawberry and Sherry Trifle and a Chocolate and Hazelnut Smore.
Of course, no dining experience at Darling on Drake would be complete without exploring the carefully curated drinks menu. Designed with the help of the venue’s very capable General Manager, Marie Courtessole, the beverage offerings showcase a blend of classic cocktails and more innovative concoctions, each crafted with precision and care. From the crowd-pleasing Serpent (with tequila, mezcal, cointreau, jalapeño water, Kiwi puree and pineapple juice) to the sophisticated Ugo Martini (with pisco, Cocchi Americano and maraschino) to the signature margarita on tap (a strong crowd favourite, apparently), the libations at Darling on Drake are designed to surprise and delight even the most discerning palate. While the curated wine list spans a selection of good French and New Zealand drops, bringing together the best of of what both regions do best.
Beyond all of this, what truly sets Darling on Drake apart is its dynamic atmosphere. Whether it’s for a leisurely lunch or a lively night out, the vibe here is always electric, thanks to its well-designed spaces and its diverse and thoughtful offering.
Since opening at the end of last year, Darling on Drake has continued to captivate the hearts of Aucklanders looking for good food and drinks and a great time. It makes sense then why this new dining destination has become such a regular watering hole for some of the city’s most discerning foodies. Whether you’re looking for a place to catch up over cocktails with friends, a new date-night dinner spot, a high-energy haunt for after-dark drinks or anything in between, Darling on Drake seems to have all the answers and is definitely the kind of venue that Auckland has needed for a long time. If you haven’t visited it yet, consider this a sign.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, 3pm until late Thursday to Sunday, 12pm until late
Having built its reputation on showcasing exceptional contemporary art from New Zealand, Australia, Asia and beyond, the Aotearoa Art Fair is once again poised to deliver a captivating line-up in its 2024 edition, taking place from the 18th until the 21st of April in Auckland. In an exciting change, this year’s fair will be hosted in the iconic Viaduct Events Centre, which will be transformed into a bustling cultural hub to offer a fresh perspective on artistic exchange and expression.
This year’s fair also signals the start of a new era under the ownership of the organisers behind Australia’s leading art fair, Sydney Contemporary as well as other major international arts fairs including Art Central Hong Kong, Taipei Dangdai, India Art Fair, PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai, ART SG and Tokyo Gendai. Considering their international expertise and extensive network, it is a transition that promises to elevate the Aotearoa Art Fair to new heights and foster deeper and more meaningful connections within the Asia Pacific art community.
“We are excited to officially be part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s vibrant and dynamic art scene,” says Co-Owner Tim Etchells. “We see this as a natural evolution focused on building a broader base of art communities and art exchange in the Asia Pacific region and strengthening the relationship between our member fairs. Our deep understanding of the region, of each local market and experience in organising world-class arts events will provide unique opportunities for the New Zealand visual arts community to grow and prosper.”
With a focus on strengthening relationships between New Zealand’s offering and other fairs around the region, as well as an impetus to nurture local talent, it is clear that this year’s Fair is in the best position to support the growth and prosperity of our local visual arts community — which is as exciting a prospect for the artists and gallerists involved as it is for any collectors waiting in the wings.
As far as what to expect from the line-up this year, the programme has been thoughtfully curated to cater to both collectors and art enthusiasts alike. Expected to draw over 10,000 local and international visitors, the Aotearoa Art Fair 2024 will showcase the finest contemporary art from New Zealand and beyond, ranging from established names to emerging talents and offering a comprehensive picture of both current trends and innovative expressions. And while the specific gallery line-up is yet to be announced, Etchells assures us that this year’s Fair is shaping up as one of the best yet. “We are already working plans with the team to deliver a fair that showcases the very best contemporary art from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the wider Pacific Rim,” he says.
In addition to its gallery presentations, the Fair will also offer a diverse range of activities, including tours, artist talks, panel discussions, live performances, an outdoor sculpture park, an art bookshop, and a variety of dining options.
Running since 2011, The Aotearoa Art Fair is New Zealand’s biggest contemporary art event with an undeniable cultural and economic impact on New Zealand’s visual arts sector. In 2023, for instance, the galleries sold more than $4 million of art, with all proceeds benefiting the artists and their galleries, and this year is shaping up to be just as significant.
With tickets on sale now, anticipation is building for what promises to be a transformative and dynamic cultural event that should be down in everyone’s calendars. From its new venue to its new owners bringing a fresh vision to the table, the Aotearoa Art Fair 2024 is poised to redefine our local art scene, foster international connections and celebrate the boundless artistic talent we have access to both in New Zealand and from around our region. And whether you’re a bona fide art aficionado, a collector, or someone who simply wants to learn more, this is one event you don’t want to miss.
Opening the Fall ’24 runway circuit, the season’s Ready-To-Wear collections dazzled — setting the tone for the months of fashion to follow. This season begun with designers offering fresh takes on the familiar — from Peter Do’s sophomore showing for Helmut Lang, where his musings on the current state of the world saw models donning silk bubble wrap trousers, knit balaclavas pared back with suiting, slouchy puffer jackets and shopping bag-like woven leather (a take on ‘protective clothing’), to Christian Siriano’s Dune-inspired collection — an edit of etehereal gowns, suiting and evening wear rendered in a dramatic dessert palette with a distinctly post apocolyptic influence, to the elevated minimilism of Eckhaus Latta, Ulla Johnson, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Proenza Schouler. Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite looks from the collections thus far.
Nestled in the heart of Ponsonby, Inca has made an indelible impression on the local dining scene since it opened two years ago, and now, this popular spot is celebrating its anniversary with an unforgettable dinner you don’t want to miss. On Thursday the 7th of March, Inca will host an event centred around a bespoke, five-course menu crafted by the culinary collaboration of Chef Nic Watt (Inca’s owner) and Chef Giulio Sturla of the renowned Mapu in Littleton. For anyone unfamiliar, Mapu was named by the Sydney Morning Herald as one the worlds top 10 places to eat in 2024 and is run as a test kitchen that usually only caters for six people at a time. Sturla’s stint at Inca offers Auckland diners a rare chance to see this lauded chef in action.
Left: Chef Giulio Sturla. Right: Chef Nic Watt
On for one night only, Inca’s birthday dinner will boast a menu that draws inspiration from the vibrant and diverse cuisines of Asia and Latin America, a fusion of flavours that will tantalise the taste buds. Comprising five mouthwatering courses, each chef will prepare two courses individually and one together, curating a dinner that both celebrates the cuisine for which Inca has become so beloved and highlights the immense talents of Watt and Sturla.
But the offering doesn’t stop there. Inca is set to pull out all the stops to ensure an immersive and memorable experience for its guests. Carnival vibes will infuse the evening with joy and festivity, while a guest speaker and sommelier will be on hand to guide diners through an expertly curated beverage pairing, featuring a number of exquisite French and Argentinian wines.
Adding an artistic flair to the event, internationally renowned illustrator and tattoo artist, Matt Jordan from Studio Takitimu, will also be in attendance, developing stunning illustrations of the night as it unfolds to capture the essence of what is shaping up to be a very special celebration.
For food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, this anniversary dinner promises an evening of culinary delight, creativity and community. Secure your spot here for an unforgettable gastronomic journey, expertly crafted by two visionary chefs and the talented Inca team.
Juicy, moreish and impossible to resist — nothing beats a steaming plate of dumplings. These savoury parcels are always high on our dining hit list, tempting us with variations that range from cheap and cheerful to just a little bit fancy. Whether gyoza or har gao, traditional favourites or contemporary twists, these recommendations are sure to satisfy. Our only advice? Proceed with an appetite. Here, we present our guide on where to find Auckland’s best dumplings.
Nestled on Dominion Road, Kookoo is a delicious new dining destination serving authentic Korean cuisine with a few tasty twists. Opened by Amy Yun and John Jeon, a couple with over a decade of hospitality experience behind them (both here and in Australia), Kookoo is the product of its founders’ passion for sharing classic Korean flavours with Kiwi diners, and is a very welcome addition to the local food scene.
At Kookoo, a range of traditional Korean dishes are given contemporary twists. But the hero of the menu is Korean-style whole chicken, marinated for 24 hours to ensure tenderness and flavour and served with sticky rice.
As Amy tells me, “this is actually a common delicacy in Korea, but at Kookoo, instead of stuffed sticky rice, we spread the rice on the grill plate to make it more crispy.” She continues, “While there are a number of Korean places here selling chicken legs, wings and nibbles, it isn’t as common to find a place that sells whole Korean chicken, so we wanted to offer something a little different.”
Diners at Kookoo can choose from a range of rotisserie chicken flavours served with crispy sticky rice or a number of delicious fried chicken (the Bulgogi fried chicken is a particular highlight). Complementing the poultry offerings are authentic Korean staples like savoury pancakes and flavourful noodles, as well as ample vegetarian choices like kimchi fried rice available.
Inside, Kookoo has been designed to radiate warmth and cosiness, inviting families and food-lovers to enjoy its relaxed dining experience and friendly atmosphere. “Dominion Road has a lot of Asian food but not many Korean places,” Amy says. “In Korea, we’re obsessed with the combo of beer and chicken combination so we hope that everyone who visits Kookoo are able to experience and love the kinds of food we love eating at home.”
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