After the year we’ve all had, we’re more than ready to embrace a relaxed and restorative festive season. This includes Christmas day and the lead-up — we’re not in the mood to be stressed and breaking a sweat while trying to get egg whites whipped for a pav. This doesn’t mean a lacklustre dessert centrepiece is on the cards, however, with The Pantry’s incredible Christmas offering available to impart significant wow factor to any spread.
Park Hyatt Auckland’s popular daytime eatery, this season The Pantry is a veritable treasure trove of incredible edible Christmas goodies, both made in-house and from traditional Italian makers.
Within the housemade selection are showstopping trifles and tarts, moreish mince pies, roulades, gingerbread houses and even a gingerbread wreath. Designed and created by Park Hyatt’s Executive Pastry Chef Callum Liddicoat and his team, each sweet sensation is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach, created with expert finesse and attention to detail.
While many of these desserts are of course traditional, Liddicoat and the team have put their own, fresh spin on each creation. Take the trifles, for example — available in three flavours (Tropical & Coconut, Berry & Peach, and Chocolate, Cherry & Mascarpone), they encompass silky panna cotta, fresh fruity compotes, airy sponge and clever gels and meringues. While we’re sure your grandmother’s trifle is tasty, these are next level and come in a glass trifle bowl that the recipient gets to keep.
The tarts are also exquisite; from lemon meringue to strawberry, chocolate hazelnut to raspberry, each is a colourful symphony of flavour and luscious presentation. For fans of a classic mince pie, The Pantry’s have a boozy touch from the fruit mixture being soaked in New Zealand-made, six-spiced botanical rum from Honest Spirits.
Any of the goods on offer would make a special gift, too — the gingerbread houses, in particular, are great for this, or the gingerbread wreath.
Additionally, within the broader Christmas Shop selection, find Dolce & Gabbana’s famously beautiful (and tasty) panettones as well as various flavours of panettone from traditional Italian pastry company Fiasconaro, chocolates from Bombones Cudié via Sabato, and more.
Whatever your choice, it’s sure to make sweet work of dessert this festive season.
When many of us think of newly built apartments, what might come to mind are potential compromises that have to be made in terms of space and character. But this need not be a worry with Shelly Beach, the new luxury development that’s set to raise the bar of apartment living to magnificent heights.
Located at 87 Shelly Beach Road, the secluded 1890m2 site will be home to eight penthouse-sized apartments, set over four levels. Hidden from street view down an extensive driveway, Shelly Beach will cut an elemental figure as it takes in unsurpassable views of the sea, the stone-anchored materiality of the building set to draw from its immediate coastal surrounds.
The project has been designed by renowned architect firm Monk Mackenzie in conjunction with respected Auckland-based property developer Vanguard & Co, and Interior Architect Ella Dallimore — Ella is the designer behind the Ocean Suites and a number of private homes at Tara Iti. From the outset, the team has approached Shelly Beach with a level of design focus and plan for bespoke detailing that is normally reserved for an architect-led residential build or a luxury lodge.
The strongly defined exterior will be punctuated with outdoor terraces that are recessed into the overall form, with overhanging planters adding verdant texture. Balance is to play a large part in creating a sense of liveability here; curved concrete internal and external walls will add a sculptural element to offset more linear shapes, and interior solidity will be balanced with softness from lush planting in winter garden spaces and high-quality, tactile fabrics used in the furnishings.
Each apartment is to have a generous floor plan of over 255m2, offering three bedrooms plus a flexible media room. The exquisitely appointed show kitchen, butlers kitchen, living and dining area in every home will boast an expansive 2.9m floor-to-ceiling height, and master bedrooms are designed to have an adjoining ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. The living areas are to be open plan and embrace an airy outlook, while the master bathroom is set to envelop the inhabitant in a zen-like retreat.
Spaces to display wine, art or classic car collections are an intrinsic part of the brief, and each apartment will also have its own lockable basement garage for up to four vehicles, all with an EV charger.
“Liveability is changing and New Zealanders are embracing the thoughtful design practices they see internationally,” says Developer Michael Dallimore of Vanguard & Co. “Our market wants house-like proportions and spaces that are flexible and efficient, enabling rest and relaxation while also providing the ability for people to work from home.”
Shelly Beach’s prime location offers short walking proximity to local Herne Bay and Ponsonby stores and eateries, as well as to Point Erin and Westhaven Marina. Looking out over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina and Rangitoto Island on one side, Auckland CBD and the Waitakere Ranges on the others, one is sure to be reminded every moment that there’s no better place to be than home.
Shelly Beach apartment sales particulars and pricing are by application, and an on-site display suite is available with viewings by appointment through Pene Milne at NZ Sotheby’s International Realty. Construction is scheduled to start in 2022 and the development will be completed in 2024.
Take Kate Moss’ early noughties festival circuit signature — the waistcoat — to the boardroom and beyond. The way to wear it is either alone, as a top itself, or layered to add a touch of sleeveless structure to a lightweight dress or shirt. Pair with wide-legged trousers, choose a print or colour-blocking, and you have the reinvented look of the season.
This is an easy Japanese recipe and requires a succinct list of key ingredients. To transform this simple dish into a varied and nourishing meal, serve the salmon with steamed rice, teriyaki sauce, steamed seasonal vegetables and pickles for a satisfying, salmon teriyaki donburi bowl.
Teriyaki SalmonRecipe Serves 4
Ingredients 2cm fresh ginger root, finely sliced 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced 3 Tbsp soy sauce 2 Tbsp maple syrup 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine) 4 salmon fillets (about 500g in total) Vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste
Method 1. Put the ginger and garlic into a bowl and mix with the soy sauce, maple syrup, mirin and a drizzle of vegetable oil. 2. Place the salmon fillets in a dish, season with salt and pepper and pour the sticky dressing over them. 3. Cover and set aside in the fridge to marinate for up to 2 hours, but for at least 20 minutes. 4. Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add a dash of oil. 5. When hot, add the salmon, skin side down, reserving the marinade. 6. Cook for 2 minutes, then pour in the reserved marinade and cook for a further minute or so, until the salmon fillets are opaque halfway up the sides. 7. Turn them over and cook on the other side for 3–4 minutes, basting with the sauce so that the salmon is well coated. 8. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. 9. Serve the salmon fillets on individual plates, spooning over any teriyaki sauce left in the pan.
Developed by Viewpoint Collection and designed by Noah Walker of renowned architecture firm, Walker Workshop, The Carla House is a luxurious monument to Los Angeles living. Located on a sloped, 1.2-acre Carla Ridge property, in a prominent Beverly Hills neighbourhood, this awe-inspiring residence is about as ‘LA’ as it gets, sporting views from the Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign and designed with entertainment in mind.
Constructed over three storeys and broken into two wings connected by a low-lying central volume, the house comprises seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, as well as a number of special features (like a fitness studio and state-of-the-art movie theatre) across its sprawling footprint.
Wanting to create something that felt grand without sacrificing subtlety or sophistication, the team at Walker Workshop focused on a design that would integrate seamlessly into its surrounding landscape. Heroing long, elegant lines and an organic palette, a profusion of glass not only lets in natural light but maximises the home’s panoramic views.
Inside, materials like Western red cedar, concrete and white stucco combine in spaces that feel pared-back, modern and sophisticated. Grey tile flooring contrasts perfectly with the honey-toned timber on the walls and ceiling, while in the kitchen, spectacular marble islands and white oak cabinetry serve to conceal a suite of high-end Gaggenau appliances.
Elsewhere, the bedrooms are accessible by wooden, concrete-framed staircases, and feature generous balconies, offering moments of privacy in a home that is largely defined by its openness.
Aston dining chairs by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti gather around Henge’s Ly-table, available from ECC
Driven, seemingly, by the playbook of Californian living, Walker ensured a strong connection between the interior and exterior spaces, utilising motorised sliding doors in the middle part of the house to dissolve the boundaries between indoor and out. Out the front sits a long pool, cleverly placed to bounce refracted afternoon light into the house, while out the back is a series of patios and gardens alongside a 26-metre infinity lap pool.
In true Los Angeles style, this house becomes the ultimate party location via the middle structure’s rooftop, where a purpose-built, 2,000 square-foot party deck will offer a convivial experience that is second to none.
A sitting space overlooks the tranquil green lawn, furnished with Jensen low back armchairs by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti and Henge’s Rio stools, available from ECC
Putting aside the bells and whistles, The Carla House exemplifies quiet architecture — where a home is designed with as little drama or extravagance as possible, to derive the maximum value and square-footage from a property. It plays into Walker’s design mantra of warm, organic modernism, something that sees the architect typically adopt a softer approach in the homes he conceives.
It’s in the simple, practical details that Walker is able to make a project sing, creating timeless, transcendent moments. Offering pause for thought in its carefully considered materials and injections of nature into the manmade structures, this incredible property is a sanctuary on a grand scale.
Architect — Walker Workshop Interior Design — MASS Beverly Photography — Mike Kelly
You’ve got to feel for the hospitality and service industries — each time there’s a government announcement, it must be akin to whiplash as they scramble to pivot, pivot, and pivot again. As the latest ‘traffic light system’ confirmation has resulted in an avalanche of bookings for many restaurants, cafés and bars (for which they are undoubtedly grateful) we see fit to remind you that although we’re all looking forward to a proper Friday night meal out, thinking outside the box for reservations is another great way to support eateries.
It might be a Tuesday after-work dinner, a mid-afternoon high tea on the weekend or an early supper with the children, but spreading the love will help take the pressure off during those peak times and give eateries a steadier schedule to work with.
From left: Huami; Prego.
For an early supper with the children…
Masu An eternal family favourite, kids can enjoy a bento box with all the beloved Japanese delicacies, all while mum and dad enjoy some delicious fare from the regular menu and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
Azabu Mission Bay Swing by this Eastern Beaches beauty on the way home from school, and the kids can tuck into a special menu of sushi, bento boxes, chicken karaage and more. Did we mention a complimentary ice cream scoop for dessert?
Huami SkyCity’s sophisticated Chinese restaurant bridges the traditional and the modern. The expansive menu is sure to have something for everyone and serves dinner from 5:30pm, Wednesday to Saturday.
Baduzzi Get ’em started on the good stuff at a young age with Baduzzi’s kids’ menu. Book for dinner from 5pm for dishes like handmade buttered pasta with herbs and parmesan and organic lamb meatballs braised in tomato sauce.
Prego The Ponsonby Road stalwart is famed for its welcoming attitude to those of all ages. Park up in the late afternoon for an early bite and experience Prego’s much-loved hospitality and Italian fare.
From left: Gochu; Soul Bar & Bistro.
For a tasty weekday lunch…
Culprit The innovative Wyndham Street eatery has one of the best weekday lunches in town. Pull up for its Trolley Derby menu, designed to be speedy, seasonal and most of all utterly delicious, or order a la carte.
Gochu Open 7 days, 11:30am until late, Gochu is an ideal spot to pull up to if you’re working in town or simply just have a craving for its big-on-flavour modern Korean dishes.
Ebisu Head down to this elevated Japanese favourite between Tuesday and Friday, and enjoy a midday meal of classic favourites and Bento boxes — or settle in for a longer lounging lunch.
Soul Bar & Bistro Soul is an excellent choice for lunch, especially on a sunny day with the water sparkling beside. We’ll have the crayfish capellini, thank you — and a glass of something good. Why not, it’s festive season!
The Crab Shack Head down to Princes Wharf for one of the best lunchtime deals in town — between 12-3pm, the $15 lunch special includes a choice of either ‘Bang Bang’ chicken salad, barbeque prawn tacos or sensational seafood chowder.
Cafe Hanoi The fresh, flavoursome food at Britomart’s Vietnamese institution Cafe Hanoi is perfect for a weekday lunch when you want to be satisfied but not too weighed down. Book in for lunch Monday to Saturday.
The Engine Room Nip over the bridge (or down the road if you’re local) Wednesday to Friday and Northcote’s neighbourhood restaurant will have you well taken care of with its beloved bistro fare.
Sid at The French Café While it’s usually open for dinner Tuesday to Friday and lunch and dinner on a Saturday, the Eden Terrace fine dining favourite is offering lunch on Fridays for the month of December. A great way to see out the week, we think.
Jervois Steak House The famous Steak Your Claim lunch-for-two offer returns to JSH, boasting two mains, two sides, and two glasses of selected wine for only $90. Now, that’s sure to put a pep in your step for the rest of the day.
From Left: Ahi; Bar Celeste.
For dinner on a Monday or Tuesday…
Ahi With Commercial Bay’s eateries open seven days, Ben Bayly’s “truly New Zealand restaurant” Ahi is a fantastic option on a Monday and Tuesday.
The Lodge Bar & Dining Same goes for The Lodge Bar & Dining, delicious any day of the week but we think its incredible oysters, small plates and mains are a perfect way to end a Monday.
Bar Celeste The K’ Rd cutie is bound to be booked up on peak nights for December, but why not try your luck on a Tuesday for some of the best French neo-bistro food in town?
Pici Across the road in St Kevins Arcade, the pasta masters at Pici plate up dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, with lunch available Wednesday to Saturday.
Ghost Street Head downstairs to the cosy and atmospheric Ghost Street, open Monday to Sunday, and dig into its punchy, elevated Chinese dishes.
The Blue Breeze Inn Open seven days for lunch and dinner, Blue Breeze has us covered whenever we’re craving that pork belly bao. Which is, always.
Onslow Described as ‘refined but not fine-dining’, the menu spans the likes of fried chicken with caviar to the fluffiest soufflé we can ever recall sampling, making for the perfect spot to celebrate the festive season on a Monday or Tuesday.
From left: Siso; Bucks Bistro.
For a Sunday family catch-up...
Siso The expansive Remuera restaurant has plenty of room for groups of any size, and its contemporary Mediterranean menu will appeal to all.
Andiamo We’ve certainly missed Sunday lunches at this Herne Bay neighbourhood stalwart.
Akarana Eatery Take in one of the best ocean views in Auckland at Akarana, which has plenty of plates for the whole family to enjoy.
Bucks Bistro Giving its ocean view a hefty amount of competition, this recent addition to Bucklands Beach is open from 8am on Sundays, and its food is excellent.
Non Solo Pizza Another restaurant sorely missed over lockdown, get everyone together for Non Solo’s family-style long lunches on the weekend.
From left: The Living Room; Hotel Ponsonby.
For a mid-afternoon weekend session…
The Living Room Enjoy a light meal or indulge in Park Hyatt Auckland’s Afternoon Tea, a journey of discovery served in a playful style where nostalgia and modernity merge.
Ostro Book in for high tea, Sundays from 12 to 3pm, and enjoy exquisite savoury and sweet treats washed down with a flute of Veuve Clicquot.
Hotel Ponsonby While this popular watering hole heaves on a Friday and Saturday night, the vibe on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon is positively wholesome.
Parasol & Swing Offering an incredible view across the waters of Viaduct Harbour, this rooftop bar is a summertime favourite of ours. Indulge in one of Parasol & Swing’s seasonal cocktails and you’ll be setting yourself up for a perfect afternoon.
Northcote Tavern Grab a crew and a brew, and park up in the sundrenched garden for an afternoon at this North Shore gem.
Rooftop at QT Nab a spot on the balcony at QT’s Rooftop bar, and stick around for the impeccably mixed drinks as well as Mediterranean bites.
Saint Alice Glorious views and lip-smacking food collide in this enticing spot. Expect to find woodfired delights, ranging from pork spare ribs to pizza, alongside top-notch seafood and refreshing sangria and Pimm’s jugs.
Exceed all expectations with outdoor living spaces that are at one with the landscape, while being in step with your lifestyle. From poolside lounging to pillowy seating and dining among the elements, these are the furniture and outdoor decor pieces to consider for both comfort and style.
A summer by the pool is one excellently spent, so why not invest in cohesive lounge suites and recliners that enhance your sense of serenity. Refined forms with calming cool-toned cushions and natural wooden frames are the ultimate in laid-back luxury.
Clockwise: Shady umbrella by Royal Botania from ECC, Hora Sexta lounger by Antonio Citterio for Flexform from Studio Italia, Aquila Nest of tables from Coco Wolf, Rere Sun lounger from Devon.
The Thousand Oaks home by Nicole Hollis and Rios Clementi Hale Studios.
Where Slim Aarons meets David Hockney, a pool pavilion encourages colourful outdoor entertaining. Strong concrete tables and durable domed ottomans make it possible to bring the indoors-out — in a confident reversal of interior design prowess.
Clockwise: Harp armchair by Rodolfo Dordoni for Roda from ECC , Kyoto rug by Minotti from ECC, Tobi-Ishi table by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby for B&B Italia from Matisse, Tono pouf by Kris Van Puyvelde for Royal Botania from ECC.
Marenco outdoor sofa and armchair by Mario Marenco for Arflex from Studio Italia.
As you create shapes from the billows above (and your own imagination), float into a reverie on pillowy lounge chairs and soft sofas. Add an anchoring coffee table, and you’ll have all you need for a blissful afternoon in the breeze.
Clockwise: Boogie armchair for Bullfrog from Sarsfield Brooke, Opito low table from Devon, Butterfly outdoor sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse.
While the elements may form the backdrop of an al fresco meal, allow a well-appointed dining suite to be the star ingredient. Echo nature’s colour palette with wood and clever wicker-effect pieces, as seen on Studio MK27’s teak Quadrado table and Minotti’s Tape Cord dining chairs.
Clockwise: CTR Club chair by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga for Tribù from Dawson & Co, Echoes dining chair by Christophe Pillet for Flexform from Studio Italia, Rere side dining chair from Devon, Erica dining chair by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia from Matisse, Lapel dining chair by Busetti Garuti Redaelli from Ligne Roset, Serpentine outdoor chair by Eléonore Nalet from Ligne Roset.
Since launching in 2014 and winning the Worlds Best London Dry Gin award in 2018, independent New Zealand distillery Scapegrace has solidified its reputation for trailblazing spirits that bottle our country’s unique, clean flavours for enjoyment around the globe.
Its latest launch is no different, encompassing a range of new craft spirits that celebrate the true diversity of New Zealand’s seasonal produce and botanicals. Named ‘Uncommon’, every spirit released within this new category is to be limited edition, with 3,000 individually numbered bottles of each that only amplify the range’s exclusivity.
For the first outing of the Uncommon range, two completely distinct styles of gin have been created that showcase two different regions, and varying harvest periods.
There’s the Central Otago Early Harvest, with its botanical profile of nectarine and lavender, smoked hay and pollen, bringing young, fresh and ripe flavours to the fore. The Hawke’s Bay Late Harvest, on the other hand, encapsulates raspberry leaf, pear and olive brine for a slightly sweet yet tart drop that lingers with residual flavour.
From left: Central Otago Early Harvest; Hawke’s Bay Late Harvest.
Having collaborated with acclaimed hospitality virtuoso Mikey Ball on a selection of signature serves, Scapegrace’s Uncommon cocktails are just the quenching creations we want to be sipping this summer. Mix up a Bianca (a light and refreshing ode to the Negroni) which combines 20ml of Central Otago Early Harvest, 15ml of Americano Vermouth, a dash of orange bitters and is topped with soda water.
The Karamu Sip recipe sees 50ml of Hawkes Bay Late Harvest combined with 10ml of dry vermouth and a dash of hopped bitters, garnished with kaffir lime leaf for a fragrant take on a martini.
Thanks to their thoughtful, craft-centric creation and exclusivity, the Uncommon spirits make a brilliant gift — both for yourself, and someone else, and can be found at all good liquor stores nationwide and on the Scapegrace website.
With residents of Tāmaki Makaurau enjoying increasingly social outdoor gatherings over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been enjoying the chance to explore some of our favourite eateries in a more casual, al fresco fashion with friends and family. As we eagerly await the return to restaurants in-person, we’ve become aware that several local hospitality businesses who have tweaked their offering to include picnic-specific packs and selections will be stopping these when we move to the new traffic light system. This is your last weekend to enjoy our pick(nic) of the bunch below, and for other special takeaway options see our very extensive level 3 takeaways guide.
Left to right: The NSP Ultimate Picnic; OJI Sushi Sando Pack.
Savor Goods With its varied and extensive stable of eateries, Savor has a whole host of picnic packs to order online. Curated by its chefs at Amano, Ostro, Lobster & Tap, NSP and Oji sushi, these picnic boxes take the hard work out of picnic planning, with an assortment of treats for the ultimate al fresco feast. From Amano‘s bakery, find varying boxes of sweet and savoury selections, filled with its famous pastries, sandwiches and Kumeu orange juice. Oji Sushi has a fresh spin on a sandwich lunch available with its family pack of Japanese-style sandos that includes a katsu chicken, katsu prawn, spicy lobster and Japanese egg rendition. Oji also has large sushi platters on offer. NSP will bring Italian flair to any sit-down session with its aperitivo picnic box, and Ostro is very appealing indeed with its picnic roast (including organic, free-range roasted chicken, baguettes, potato salad and more), its seafood platter or takeaway high tea. See Savor’s website for pick-up or delivery options.
Left to right: Andiamo PICNIC TO GO; Park Hyatt.
Andiamo Linger even longer at a beachside lunch with Herne Bay Italian staple Andiamo’s picnic boxes that contain a generous selection of goodies. Expect the likes of housemade focaccia; fresh crostini with whipped cannellini beans, preserved lemon and roasted garlic; chicken liver pâté, pickled cherries and pistachio tuille; an antipasti selection; Ceasar salad; fresh cannoli — and more. Order by phone on 09-378 7811 or email [email protected]. Contactless collection times are Monday to Thursday, 4pm – 8pm and Friday to Sunday, 12pm – 8pm.
Park Hyatt Auckland For a truly next level al fresco experience, we suggest ordering one of Park Hyatt’s afternoon tea boxes — with sizes available for small to large groups. Available every weekend, Friday to Sunday, each box contains a scrumptious selection of sweet and savoury treats, similar to what would be served for Park Hyatt’s famous Afternoon Tea in non-lockdown times. Order a box per person, or there are more decadent options — the ‘luxe picnic’ for four includes a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne while the ‘extravaganza picnic’ for 10 comprises a truly indulgent selection of treats — plus two bottles of Champagne to really take things up a notch. In both boxes, expect the likes of parmesan éclairs and bacon & egg quiche; salmon & dill sandwiches and ham brie & chutney rolls; strawberry shortcake, dulcey honey petit gateaux; salted caramel chocolate tart… and more. Find all ordering details here.
Côte.
Côte The bespoke caterer has a delicious selection of platter boxes to perk up any picnic, available for delivery Auckland-wide. Choose from the Luxury Charcuterie Platter Box, featuring a host of lip smacking snacks including artisan cheeses and Cote’s popular seeded crackers; the Mānuka Smoked NZ King Salmon Platter Box with cashew caper cream, house-made pickles, seeded crackers and caper berries; or the new Champagne and Oysters Platter Box, which is deliciously self-explanatory. With all boxes feeding eight to ten people, orders must be placed at leat 48 hours in advance. Email [email protected] to secure your platter box.
Left to right: Bar Céleste; Orphans Kitchen.
Bar Céleste Each weekend, Bar Céleste has conjured up seasonal specialties to enjoy with our nearest and dearest. This weekend, the delectable range includes a freshly baked baguette with seaweed butter, saucisson, porchetta with salsa verde and relish, and a pithivier pie with jambon blanc and gruyère. If this wasn’t enough of a feast for the senses, you can also add freshly shucked oysters, prawn cocktails, and a fresh strawberry and almond tart to your picnic scene. Did we mention, Bar Céleste’s sommelier will pair a bottle of exquisite wine with your selection?
Orphans Kitchen The Orphans picnic box is sure to have you feeling sunny even if the clouds are blocking out those rays. It’s a make-your-own-sandwich kind of a situation, with a very enviable selection of Orphans favourites including nasturtium pesto, red lentil hummus, pickled egg with aioli, Mt Cook salmon gravlax and more — all on Daily Bread’s famous baguette. Pick up is from the Ponsonby Road cafe window, between 10am and 2pm, 7 days a week.
Poni Picnic.
The Poni Room Those of us who have missed the fun, fusion flavours of Commercial Bay eatery The Poni Room now have the opportunity to serve up a different kind of picnic. Feeding six to eight people, Poni Picnic comes ready to eat in steam baskets that you can take home for good and comprises twice-cooked duck breast, duck legs, bao buns, pancakes, hoisin sauce, chilli dressing, pickles and lettuce cups. See The Poni Room’s website for pick-up details.
Link up with this season’s way to wear a chain: eschewing all subtlety. The likes of JW Anderson, Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton have ensured this finishing touch is one you won’t want to skip. Embellishing a flowing gown, a statement handbag or shoes, it’s classic redefined.
Left: JW Anderson Asymmetric Chain-Embellished Paneled Satin Maxi dress from Net-A-Porter, Bottega Veneta Chain-trim scoop-neck wool sweater from Matches Fashion, Givenchy Chain-embellished cropped ribbed jersey T-shirt from Net-A-Porter, Cinched Balloon dress from Louis Vuitton.
Clockwise: Black Soft Nappa Leather Clutch Bag with Multichain Bracelet Daisy bag from Jimmy Choo, Padded nappa leather shoulder bag from Prada, Mount Raintree bag from Bottega Veneta, Chloé Juana Chain bag from Workshop, Chain Cassette Cobalt from Bottega Veneta, JW Anderson Chain large textured-leather tote from Net-A-Porter.
Clockwise: Anine Bing Tony sandals from Muse Boutique, Giuseppe Zanotti Evry Velvet sandals from Faradays, Bottega Veneta Stretch chain-strap leather sandals from Matches Fashion, Sunset Chain sandals from Saint Laurent.
While we cannot wait for the soon-to-be-announced freedoms coming our way this December, a mini-vacation is just what we need to prepare ourselves for a Christmas rush like no other.
The 5-star Park Hyatt Auckland is providing the relaxation we require with an exceptional offer on its top-tier suites. The Park Hyatt Suite Staycation promotion offers a specialty suite with harbour views at 50 percent off, for the month of December.
Whether you’re staying in the city to be close to the action, or to get away from it all, it’s the perfect escape to book into while our free-for-all social calendar starts to fill up. Immerse yourself in the luxurious experience from arrival with a welcome amenity, complimentary breakfast, and late check-out at 2pm (subject to availability), as well as a pick-up and drop-off service.
Step into a spacious Executive Suite with a separate living area, powder room, walk-in wardrobe and a private furnished balcony. Or, on the top floor, the Rooftop Executive corner suite has a separate dining room and a wrap-around balcony, and the expansive Chairman Suite has separate living and dining areas with a full designer kitchen.
For those who only settle-in for the best, the Presidential Suite boasts all of the above, with a private outdoor garden with sweeping views and secure VIP access. Be a (very well-informed) tourist in your own city, and see most of it from the privacy of your own suite.
This offer is exclusively bookable through Park Hyatt Auckland’s reservations centre. Secure your stay by the 20th of December, and stay before the 30th of December, 2021, to live the suite life.
To celebrate this unsurpassable Park Hyatt offer, we are giving away a free stay for one night in the Presidential Suite, with breakfast included, for two people. Winners will have six months to redeem their prize.
New North Road has a new pizza joint that’s already got locals lining up outside. Founded by Guil Bezerra — a former head chef at Coco’s Cantina — along with two friends and now business partners, Frat’s Pizza is a friendly neighbourhood spot that specialises in approachable yet elevated pizzas.
“We wanted to focus on quality and offer a bit of a twist, flavour-wise,” explains Bezerra. Focusing on simple flavours that are then lifted with chef-driven touches, the Frat’s team is offering its own, fresh take on a much-loved cuisine.
From prawn and corn to broccoli and smoked pancetta; chicken and mushroom, and even a cacio e pepe pizza, Frat’s toppings are crowd-pleasers that are executed with finesse. Take the prawn and corn pizza, for example — after coming out of the oven, it is drizzled with a fragrant prawn emulsion, made in-house from the prawn shells, lemongrass, fennel seeds, garlic and chilli so each bite sings with flavour. The chicken and mushroom pizza sees organic chicken and locally sourced mushrooms marinated and roasted separately before going on the base, and then finished after baking with fresh thyme and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Bezerra is a big believer in the texture of a pizza’s base, he says, preferring a slightly stronger base rather than too flimsy in the middle. Sourdough is perfect for this, giving a crunchy yet pillowy slice that sits somewhere between the Neopolitan and New York styles.
In accordance with current government Covid-19 restrictions, Frat’s has only been open for takeaway thus far, but once it is able to have dine-in customers it can seat up to 30 inside and out the front. There will be a pared-back wine list, and casual yet welcoming service style.
Feedback from diners has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’d love to become that neighbourhood place where you go once a week, without fail,” says Bezerra.
Frat’s emphasis on utilising exceptional ingredients and supporting local suppliers, like olive oil from up north, organic chicken and Massimo’s New Zealand-made Italian cheeses, mean that not only is the product delicious, it’s high quality.
Frat’s is short for ‘fratelli’, meaning ‘brothers’. “We are three really good mates,” says Bezerra, “but didn’t want to call it Fratelli, because we’re not Italians!”
Regardless of their relation, we think Frat’s Pizza will become your fast friend.
Just in time to celebrate our much longed for freedoms, the Summer issue of Denizen celebrates our favourite time of the year, with family and friends in tow.
With the opportunity to get out and support our local retailers, hairdressers, beauty providers, restaurants, cafés, and bars more clearly on the horizon, our new issue is filled with all the intel and inspiration you need to ready yourself to emerge from captivity in style.
With our favourite restaurants re-opening next Friday, Denizen’s Gastronomy Guide highlights over 90 places to toast to summer, from picturesque outdoor dining locations to convivial cocktail spots and, for when the time comes, out-of-town eateries worth venturing to. Behind the scenes, restaurateur Fleur Caulton, of Rātā and Madam Woo, shares her thoughts on leadership in the cut-throat hospitality industry. While Paula and Richard Sigley share the good memories of their two decade long ownership of the now closed Euro.
Our What I Have Learned series continues to profile trailblazers including the fascinating story of leading warzone journalist Charlotte Bellis, who delivers her firsthand insights into what motivates the Taliban. Mental health educator, and former comedian, Mike King shares his moving story. Paralympic gold medallist Sophie Pascoe finds where a true sense of self and strength comes from. And, as we ready our summer playlist, Jordan Luck shares the process behind his oft belted-out songs and gigs all over Aotearoa.
For those planning a road trip like our cover stars, the Denizen team share their go-to holiday spots, and best ways to make the most of your local stay — from fine dining to luxury accommodation.
Packed full of design, fashion, beauty and culture finds, the summer issue is the only magazine to guide you through your reemergence back to a sense of normalcy.
Always at the avant-garde, the Cartier Tank watch design has stood the test of time for aesthetes and creatives looking for the ultimate elegant edge — since the late 1910s, no less.
Legend has it, Louis Cartier himself drew a parallel between the architecture of his eponymous brand’s Tank watch and that of a combat vehicle, when viewed from above. While the Tank watch is much more luxurious than this likeness would let on, the sheer precision of its proportions, accuracy of shape and purity of its lines are markers of its uncompromising style.
After more than a century on the wrist of taste-makers, the Tank has been reinvented with two new styles, the Tank Must and Tank Louis Cartier. While they have the same unwavering line, Cartier’s commitment to constant progress is seen in the refined details, while staying faithful to the historic model.
The Tank Must combines the essential prestige of the Tank with the conventional luxury of the 70s-swayed Must. Not one to dial down the classicism, it incorporates a precious cabochon winding crown. Whether in leather or a steel strap with interchangeable curved links, its sophistication is measured on every level.
The option of a new photovoltaic dial, developed with the Cartier Manufacture at La Chaux-de-Fonds, is a technical feat. It relies on the delicate and invisible perforation of the Roman numerals for solar energy to reach the photovoltaic cells hidden underneath. It’s the first watch to benefit from the integrated SolarBeat movement, which has a lifespan of over 16 years — with no need to change batteries.
No one can still the hands of time, and with an eye on the future, the bracelet to go with the photovoltaic dial is composed of 40 percent plant matter. This is made of waste from apples grown for the food industry in Switzerland, Germany and Italy, as Cartier looks to more sustainable solutions.
Meanwhile, the Tank Louis Cartier includes the same detailed rail tracks, cabochon sapphire, and Roman numerals as the original Louis Cartier remake of the Tank from the 1920s. Available in an intense red and a bright blue, with manual winding, it enhances the watch’s precious details and visual power.
Once again, the Tank is armed with a polished balance of rounded shapes and lines, volume and harmony. A timeless design, that’s always right on time.
Cartier timepieces are available in Auckland at The Hour Glass, one of the world’s leading specialist watch retailers with an established presence of 50 boutiques in twelve key cities in the Asia Pacific region. Whether you are new to watches or are a seasoned connoisseur, the team of passionate watch specialists remain poised to assist you on your journey with The Hour Glass.
Visit The Hour Glass website here, or visit the store at 154 Queen Street, Auckland.
When the first Maserati Ghibli was revealed in 1966 by prodigy Giorgetto Giugiaro, it became an instant automotive design icon — its fastback format, pop-up headlights and shark-nosed profile as audacious as they were alluring. Named after the legendary south-easterly in the Libyan desert, the Ghibli promised to ride like the wind.
Continuous development underscores Maserati’s success over its 107-year history and the Ghibli is no exception. Even years after the debut of the sports sedan with its coupé silhouette, automotive connoisseurs are impressed with comprehensive technical and stylistic enhancements.
What made 2021 so special for Maserati was the electrification of the brand, which is breaking into a new era of hybrid technology without altering the brand’s core philosophy and values.
In perfect harmony with its DNA, Maserati has chosen a hybrid solution focused primarily on improving performance, while also reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions.
Capturing the zeitgeist once again, the 2022 Ghibli GT delivers a dynamic yet refined drive at high speeds, like a designer race car. The difference is in the innovative L4 engine that is faster than diesel and greener than gasoline for efficiently delivered exhilaration. The forward-thinking spirit of this iteration is firing on all 4-cylinders of the engine, with a 48V motor that ensures superior performance, and that same unmistakeable sound that has distinguished every Maserati.
This new hybrid technology exploits kinetic energy the car accumulates when in motion, recovering it and transforming it into electricity during deceleration and braking, and storing it in a battery. In combination with a perfectly positioned eBooster this provides the driver a calm transition for a faster and more comfortable experience. With a top speed of 255 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds that comfort comes with considerable power.
While it’s racing towards the future with a high-performance engine design, there is a timeless beauty to the Ghibli GT that honours the Maserati gone before. In the tradition of ‘grand touring’ — fitting a sophisticated engine into an even more stylish coupé — the trim is characteristic of elegant Italian style, sculpted curves and all.
The interiors are a testament to Italian craftsmanship with natural silk upholstery by Ermenegildo Zegna and soft, full-grain natural leather sourced exclusively by Pieno Fiore. A Maserati is like a work of art, known for its construction with the care and attention that only the human hand can provide. As such, the Ghibli GT can be customised to a driver’s every aesthetically-charged need.
The most immersive design detail is the instrument cluster. A reconfigured MIA (Maserati Intelligent Assistant) multimedia system ensures comfort and safety with its personalised support. Presented in a frameless 10”1 HD touch screen, it has a new graphic interface behind an elegant curved glass edge — a first of its kind in automotive design. As well as an intuitive app, there are other little luxuries to discover, like wireless phone charging and a wi-fi hotspot for preoccupied passengers.
As was the case with the original Ghibli design 55 years ago, this clean spark of design creativity is a catalyst for change for the coupés that come next. The attention to detail, style and quality in all aspects of the Ghibli GT embodies the very essence of Maserati.
It was back in 1934 that Angelo Molteni established a small furniture business in Guissano, Italy, unaware of the eventual impact it would have in the world of international design. By the second half of the 1950s, Molteni’s reputation as a brand that stood for innovation, collaboration and luxury was already becoming clear, with its pieces praised for their forward-looking, avant-garde nature and rapid industrialisation driving the brand’s development.
This set Molteni&C on a trajectory of success, a path that has underpinned its evolution and laid the foundations for the exceptional, multifaceted design entity it is today.
The beauty of Molteni&C (aside from its collections) is the fact that its core tenet of creating progressive, high-quality designs that are entirely made in Italy has undergone little change since the brand’s inception. It still is one of the only furniture brands with a production chain that can claim to be 100 percent made in Italy, from the initial sourcing of materials to the final products.
Now, Molteni&C is recognised as the residential furniture arm of the wider Molteni group, which also includes Dada (kitchen furnishing), Unifor (office furnishing) and Citterio (divider walls and office furniture), and is internationally sought-after by a raft of renowned architects and designers.
And thanks to local design go-to, Dawson & Co., getting our hands on some of the pieces from those ranges has never been easier. From occasional chairs to modular sofas, refined coffee tables and even a line-up of elegant mirrors, the selection not only injects a touch of luxury into our interiors, but offers up the chance to own a piece that speaks to the rich history of Italian design.
An early pioneer, an instigator of trends and a leader in every sense of the word, Molteni&C is a brand to invest in, to keep in your home forever and to hand down through generations. With a timeless ethos that lends itself to furniture that is versatile, durable and visually arresting, this heritage brand is one that we are overjoyed to finally be able to introduce into our home.
After a third of the year spent in lockdown in Auckland, we are ready to dress up and let our hair down well and truly. Well-timed, then, is Dadelszen’s Summer 21/22 collection — a feat of fashion frolicking as we patiently await the green (or should we say red) light.
The new collection includes Dadelszen’s signature, sensual cuts, with beautiful new season silhouettes — particularly in knitwear — that will make each day feel special as we create our own sense of freedom in anticipation.
She wears The Helena Jacket. He wears The Tuxedo Jacket and the Jitrois Leather Wynn Trouser in Noir.
The Helena double-breasted jacket, in pure cotton with mother of pearl buttons, and Elvira jacket, in red velvet with silk satin lapel, bring back an appreciation of touch. A standout fabrication, the forest green crepe combed cotton can be found in the effortless Riviera dress. Meanwhile, feather-pure cotton and cashmere and silk t-shirts, skirts and dresses are exceptional-feeling essentials.
Inspired in part by lockdown dressing, and the interchangeability of wardrobes, many of the garments — including the cotton knit polos — have a versatile, genderless appeal. They also pair perfectly with a range of pieces from iconic leather label Jitrois, which the Dadelszen showroom stocks exclusively.
Left to right: He wears The Jitrois Wynn Leather Trouser with the Edward Peak Lapel Jacket and the Brando Cashmere and Silk Tee, She wears The Elvira Tuxedo Jacket with the Manhattan Trouser; He wears The Edward Peak Lapel with The Cashmere Tee.
Working with iconic celebrity photographer Tony Duran for the fifth time, yet for the first time remotely, Dadelszen’s ‘Let Me Free’ campaign captures the longing desire for a return to reality, as models try on these new styles for size.
“Throughout this tumultuous year, we have leaned more than ever on trusted partners to bring our vision to life — and in some ways, the results have been even more incredible than we could have ever imagined,” says founder and co-creative director Edward von Dadelszen. “’Let me Free’ tells the fantastical story of what comes next, the rebirth of us all, which is just around the corner.”
Capturing the social interaction and spontaneity we so crave, Duran’s work for Dadelszen has remained as timeless and alluring as when they first started their creative partnership together. Transcending the commercial context, a select number of campaign images hang proudly on walls around the world, after private requests from loyal clients.
In response to ongoing inquiries, Dadelszen is delighted to announce the release of an official series of limited-edition campaign prints — from the archives through to today — to coincide with the launch of the Summer 21/22 collection.
Whether you’re staying close to home or planning a galavanting getaway this summer, Dadelszen’s new offering ensures celebrations will ensue.
Serving New-York style bagels with all the trimmings, New Zealand’s only Kosher delicatessen certainly makes up for the rest of the country when it comes to sharing contemporary, Yiddish-friendly foods.
The Kosher Deli is led by chef Sam Lewis, who trained in Michelin star restaurants (including Michel Roux Jr’s Le Gavroche restaurant in Mayfair) before moving to Auckland and running the Deli in 2018. His own brand Sam’s Bagels are something special to sink your teeth into. “You won’t find a bagel like it in Auckland, it’s a proper New York-style, chewy, delicious bagel,” he says.
Toppings include the Classic Smoked Salmon, with cream cheese, house pickles and red onion, and the Egg Salad, with celery, spring onion and cucumber. As well as a new Montreal-style bagel they go down exceptionally well with the Deli’s Atomic coffee.
While The Kosher Deli does a great morning deal for coffee and a bagel on the way to work, during lockdown it’s worth the trip into town for The Bagel Brunch Box, which includes six delicious bagels, and three spread options, as well as house pickles and lemon and olives.
As part of the Auckland Hebrew Congregation, The Kosher Deli is a welcoming community café and caterer that also imports specialty sauces and meats. Its ‘Yes We Are Kosher’ brand wraps up delicious dishes, including Tuna Florentine and Israeli Salad, which will be of interest to those who like to have an Ottolenghi-feel for their at-home spread.
With no shortage of takeaway and delivery options, the team has created a new Heat at Home menu, including the comforting Beef Goulash and Fish Pie. As well as freshly baked bagels, the Kosher kitchen makes heart-warming Classic Cinnamon Roll, Nutella Rugelach and Challah Loaf from scratch, and the likes of these will be available as a Bake at Home option soon.
If you’re after some extra snacks, we recommend the Liebers Jelly Beans, Osem Bissli chips and Bamba peanut puffs from the almost overflowing shelves. There are also Kosher-certified drops on display, including a Laurent-Perrier Champagne and Marlborough’s O’Dwyer’s Creek Pinot Noir.
On the walls, and available for purchase, are framed Dick Frizzel prints that were made especially by the artist for The Kosher Deli. They include ‘Pickel Smicmicle’, ‘Matzo Ball Soup’ and ‘Chopped Liver’ for a side of artistic humour.
When it is safe to do so, the Greys Avenue setting is a charming central-city location that includes café, streetside and courtyard seating. We’re sure you’ll be back for more.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9am — 2pm Online shop orders available for Sunday delivery or pick-up
Summer is so close, we can almost taste it. And, after trying the new gelato range from Amano, we know it will taste sweetly sublime.
The rustic yet refined Italian eatery has released a range of gelato sticks and tubs, available every day from its lauded bakery. The coveted flavours include a beloved Lemon Curd Bombe Alaska, which covers the tart gelato in white chocolate, followed by a soft, toasted meringue. Meanwhile, the Macadamia Praline is perfectly naughty and nutty, with smooth gelato covered by a snappy chocolate-dipped coating.
For vegans and chocolate-lovers alike, the Strawberry Sorbet with Dark Chocolate Dip is a frozen dessert revelation, as is the Chocolate Sorbet with Raspberry and Cocoa Nib Dip, which has an extra sprinkling of raspberry on the decadent coating.
Don’t wait for these delightful flavours to melt others’ hearts — head to the Britomart bakery as soon as the sun shines to ensure you secure these sensational Amano gelato and sorbet sticks and tubs.
When it comes to selecting new furniture pieces for the home, we’d wager there are very few of us who gravitate towards the conventional, the quotidian. Having collectively spent more than our fair share of time observing and utilising each item within our interiors, safe to say many of us are ready for an update — and a high-quality, unique and beautifully-designed one at that.
Thankfully, new pieces from emblematic Italian furniture company Kartell are now available at Backhouse and certainly encompass these integral qualities.
Founded in Milan in 1949, Kartell is known and loved for its iconic pieces such as the Louis Ghost chair. From the living room to the kitchen counter; the bedroom to the entryway, no corner need be left behind when it comes to a much-needed spruce up.
The Geen-a floor lamp.
A particular highlight within the selection is the Geen-a floor lamp, the brand’s first floor-standing reading lamp. Designed by Ferruccio Laviani, it features a thin silhouette with an upper end that opens with a round cap — a hemisphere positioned atop a stem, protecting three LED lights. Equipped with a handle, allowing the entire painted steel piece to be easily moved, Geen-a is available in three colours — white, black and brick — with a matte finish.
We’re also drawn to the beautiful rugs designed by Patricia Urquiola, woven with colourful yet subtle designs — eye-catching without being garish. The Philippe Starck-designed Charles Ghost Stool is also available in a new colourway, an enchanting Amber shade.
Charla chairs.
Should your dining set-up need a switch-up, just in time for cosy autumn dinner parties, the Charla chairs offer just the right amount of cocooning comfort, while the Venice chairs cut a contemporary and versatile figure for both indoors and outdoors. To sweetly illuminate bookshelves or side tables, the Mini Planet lamp by Tokujin Yoshioka appears as both objet d’art and light source.
Mini Planet lamp by Tokujin Yoshioka.
While unique to whichever designer Kartell has collaborated with, and to their fabrication, these pieces all have a similarity in their slightly offbeat forms — gently interesting curves prevail, softening any linear lines in the home or juxtaposing with more rigid materials they might be created from. They are sure to add just the right amount of personality to any setting, something the Italians always seem to do well.
Backhouse’s new Kartell selection is available to order now, for arrival early-to-mid-next year.
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