On Wednesday night, we invited a group of discerning denizens down to the waterfront to celebrate Auckland’s promising future. Alongside Winton CEO, Chris Meehan, we unveiled the full-scale plans for Cracker Bay, an impressive new precinct that will take shape along Auckland’s waterfront and comprise a multi-faceted hospitality offering, exclusive event venues, a private yacht club and an extension of the Westhaven boardwalk, as well as a full reimagining of the marina (allowing space for larger boats to berth).
It is an eye-watering undertaking for Winton, who conceived Cracker Bay in response to Aucklanders’ desire for developments that would make the most of our proximity to the water in a thoughtful, considered and timeless way. As such, Cracker Bay will revolutionise our relationship with the waterfront, and offer the kind of dining and event destination that our city has been sorely missing.
Given the ways in which this new precinct points to Auckland’s potential and promise, it felt fitting to be celebrating it alongside Denizen’s new summer issue, at the heart of which lies the idea of ‘promise’. With Georgia Fowler gracing the cover and the pages filled with people and brands doing interesting, creative and daring things, it is an issue that shows how, even through the toughest times, innovation and inspiration prevail.
Ultimately, it was a night of looking ahead and raising a glass to Auckland’s exciting future, which was made all the more delicious thanks to a selection of Bayside Rum cocktails and tasty bites from Savor Group. There is, it seems, much to be positive about as we approach the new year; and given that Denizen has long celebrated those in this city who are working tirelessly to propel Auckland’s progress, we are excited to continue to showcase its evolution and team up with people who believe in the promise of this place as much as we do.
“Coming from Bombay, I was drawn to the idea of cooking the food I grew up with, where I had the chance to learn from my mum and aunty, as well as other members of my family, to cook and most importantly — enjoy food,” says Vicky Shah of his new appointment as head chef at Home Spice, a meal subscription service that delivers exceptional, elevated South Asian cuisine to homes across Auckland in traditional dabba boxes.
“Our menus are inspired by the dishes my mother taught me at home and the meals we would share around the table. When conceptualising our weekly offering, I focus on highlighting the diverse culinary traditions of various regions in India and South Asia, ensuring that the dishes complement one another seamlessly.” continues Shah. And we can attest to the fact that Shah is doing a diversity of dishes an incredible justice, marrying his experience in the kitchens of Kol and Cassia with his upbringing spent surrounded by the South East’s rich culinary culture to create exceptional fare for Home Spice’s loyal legions.
The inspiration for Home Spice came from the legendary Dabbawalas of Mumbai, who 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 innovative food delivery system inspired Aucklander Jaimee Croot to conceive a local version of her very own.
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.
Each delivery 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 roti, which, if you ask us is an essential addition to any South Asian feast.
Shah and the team curate a new menu each week based on what’s in season, with delivery taking place on Tuesdays. All of the vibrant, flavourful meals are vegetarian and you can expect the likes of saffron and almond pulao rice paired with tandoori paneer and cauliflower tikka masala, white lentil dal, and cashew and coriander chutney.
Building on their already impressive offering, Home Spice have teamed up with the experts at Everyday Wine to offer the perfect natural wine pairing to compliment Shah’s weekly creations. The wine will be either white, rosé, orange, or red, based on what will complement best, and will come in a reusable bottle, which, when combined with the stainless steel dabba’s makes for an entirely packaging-free (and entirely delicious) meal.
Ultimately, whether you’re after a decision-free dinner, craving a new take on South Asian cuisine, or desire a wholesome meal with wine to match, Home Spice has you covered. Orders close on a Sunday evening the week before delivery, and the dabbas are delivered every Tuesday. You can opt for a one-off trial, a weekly subscription, or simply select your desired frequency. The more the merrier, we say. Sign up here.
The closer we get to December, the more Christmas is on our minds (and agendas). And while much of the joy of Christmas can become lost to admin like gift organisation and holiday planning, the festive period is a great time to get creative. Reminding us of exactly that is Savor Group, who is promising to bring the fun back into our Christmas preparations with a Wreath Making Workshop, set to take place on Saturday, the 2nd of December.
Held at the iconic Seafarers Rooftop, this workshop promises more than just a crafty afternoon. Here, Savor has teamed up with Vida Flores, renowned for its floral expertise, and Moët & Chandon, a Champagne synonymous with convivial opulence.
The workshop will take place from 11 am until 2 pm and is designed to guide participants through the intricate process of crafting a Christmas wreath. The materials, including a sturdy frame, wire, and an assortment of lush green foliage, will have those in attendance tapping into their creative potential to produce veritable masterpieces to hang proudly on their front doors.
In addition to recieving wreath expertise, guests will be welcomed with a crisp flute of Moët & Chandon, followed by a refreshing Belvedere Spritz, setting the tone for a day of indulgence. There will also be a number of culinary delights on hand in the form of a light lunch, each course meticulously crafted by the Ebisu team. The whole event offers a fusion of floral artistry and gastronomic pleasures, making it the perfect prelude to the festive season.
Sp, for those who love the festive pomp and ceremony of Christmas but are seeking a break from the conventional holiday routine of shopping, wrapping and packing, secure a coveted spot at Savor’s Wreath Making Workshop now, and take home your very own, beautiful wreath (as well as a new skill set to boot). Tickets are $250 per person, and there is limited availability so we recommend getting in while you can. Book here.
The Ayrburn story started over 150 years ago, when an expansive piece of land set against a striking, mountainous backdrop was purchased by Scottish-born William Paterson. It was turned into one of the first farms in the area, and remained a successful wheat, sheep and dairy operation until the early 21st Century. Over the years, it evolved to incorporate a striking homestead, woolshed, stables, a cart shed and dairy, each addition enhancing its charm. Now, after a series of meticulous renovations and painstaking restorations to the original buildings (in order to carefully maintain their original features), Ayrburn is poised to reopen as New Zealand’s most exciting new dining destination, courtesy of local developers Winton.
The new Ayrburn exists at the intersection of heritage and innovation. While the old farm buildings remain, they now serve to house a series of exceptional hospitality venues that will offer visitors a vast array of experiences. Officially open to the public from the ninth of December, Ayrburn is shaping up to be unlike any other dining precinct in the country, not only for its spectacular setting but also for the sheer breadth of its offering. From The Woolshed, where diners can order hearty and delicious, family-friendly meals by an open fire, to The Burr Bar, an intimate, calm and luxurious space in which drinks with friends will take on a decidedly elevated vibe, to The Manure Room, dubbed a ‘haven for wine lovers,’ and offering a more relaxed atmosphere and specialty wine tastings of Ayrburn’s own wine range, there truly is something here for any taste or proclivity.
Even those harbouring a sweet tooth will find everything they need at Ayrburn’s The Dairy, a destination filled with whimsical sweet treats that promise to hit the spot every time. While those who simply want to take in the peaceful setting with a coffee or wine in hand, or even with a picnic, can do so at The Dell, Ayrburn’s central, social lawn that will become something of a gathering space, as well as playing host to markets and other community events.
The venues mentioned above will be open in December, while in 2024, Ayrburn will add another four to its hospitality lineup, including Billy’s, its flagship fine dining restaurant, The Bakehouse, a casual drop-in where visitors can enjoy fresh coffee, pastries, pizza and more in an alfresco, garden setting, R.M. Specialty Meats, a traditional butchery selling the finest line-up of epicurean meats, and The Barrel Room, an exclusive, candle-litspace that can be booked for private functions and gatherings.
Overseen by industry leaders, from Executive Chef Richard Highnam to Master of Wine Sophie Parker-Thompson (who has worked with winemaker Jody Pagey to bring expertise to Ayrburn’s award-winning wine range, served exclusively on site), Ayrburn’s many venues have been thoughtfully brought to life with the goal of offering something truly unique and memorable.
As Winton’s CEO, Chris Meehan says, “An incredible amount of time has gone into making sure Ayrburn will be a place for great times. It embodies our commitment to celebrating the stories of the past by giving them a new future… Ayrburn is not just a destination, it’s an invitation to have fun and experience the best of New Zealand’s food, wine and hospitality in a place chosen 160 years ago for being one of the country’s most stunning locations.”
Indeed, looking across Ayrburn’s historic buildings, set against the dramatic Central Otago backdrop that has, since time immemorial, endeared visitors to this place, it’s clear that this dining destination is out of the ordinary.
Winton’s design team have created some of the best interiors and gardens seen in the region, with Ayrburn humming with history even as it leads New Zealand’s hospitality scene into the future. Sit in any one of its many venues (like The Manure Room, allegedly once used by tipplers to evade the authorities during prohibition) under the carefully-preserved, barn-like roofs, surrounded by an extensive collection of New Zealand art, and you’ll feel the special energy of the place. From its majestic, postcard views of the Remarkables and Coronet Peak to its perfectly manicured grounds where mature trees sit alongside a natural stream that winds through the outdoor tables, Ayrburn is a place where exceptional food, great wine and good times collide in one of the most spectacular settings in the world.
Sure to become a hive of activity as soon as it opens, and the scene of many memorable occasions to come, Ayrburn is exactly where you should find yourself the next time you head to Queenstown and its idyllic surrounds. “We wanted to create a destination where locals and visitors alike could spend the day with friends and family, to simply enjoy being together over world-class food and wine,” Meehan reiterates. A simple goal, executed perfectly, plan your visit now.
When searching for gifts that are as useful as they are luxurious, it is to the clever, creative minds at Powersurge that we turn every time. Renowned for creating bespoke pieces for the home, as well as collections of elegant, brass accessories and sleek tabletop accoutrements, Powersurge is the perfect place to find a gift for the design-lover in your life. From showstopping door handles (Powersurge’s new Empire range is a stunning example) to simple shelves to tech-savvy stands, these are the Powersurge pieces that we are putting on our Christmas wish lists.
Moreover, purchase any Powersurge product for Christmas this year and you’ll automatically go in the draw to win over $30,000 from the brand’s coveted Home Collection. On now until the 15th of December (11:59 pm) this deal is the perfect excuse to get your hands on a Powersurge piece for someone special.
With the dawn of summer comes a considered re-introduction of a bolder, brighter colour palette, and adding a subtle, tonal touch to your makeup is a surefire way to dazzle this holiday season.
Lend some colour to your outfits by adding a hint of 60s-era glam via a coloured eye or lip in adventurous hues. Keep it simple with a sorbet shade of peach, lilac or powder blue, or strike out with an electric liner or a bold lip in an unexpected tone. ‘Tis the season!
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Skywash Liquid-to-Powde Eyeshadow Tint from glossier
GUCCI BEAUTY Rouge à Lèvres Gothique Lipstick from Net-A-Porter
While we all know how important it is to limit our exposure to the sun, there’s no reason to forgo a glow this summer. Fake tans have come a long way since the days of orange tones and patchy hands, and there is a raft of intriguing products promising a faux glow that is just as good as the real thing.
From easy-to-use drops to gradual, buildable creams to tanning pads and all the buffers and brushes to ensure streak-free application, these are our picks of the best bronzers to buy this season.
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Tan Lux The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops from Revolve
ST. TROPEZ Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body Mist from Smith & Caugheys
From new womenswear collections to trending styles for men, to a raft of handbags, accessories, shoes, sunglasses, beachwear, celebratory attire, exquisite jewellery and highly collectable watches, the Coveted pages of our Summer Issue are full of everything to keep you feeling ahead of the style game this season. Here, we have rounded up all our hero pieces from the pages of our latest magazine in one, easy-to-shop edit, so that you can have the latest fashion at your fingertips, just in time for the summer season.
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Coastal Classic
Athleisure meets beach style in this sporty hybrid that will have you ready to spring into action at any time.
Destined to become heirlooms for future generations, there are plenty of reasons to invest in beautiful jewellery pieces. Pick the right ones, and you’ll cherish them forever.
A decidedly contemporary take on the classic sleepers, this luxurious style carries plenty of glamorous cachet but are still subtle enough to wear everyday.
Offering rich tones that deliver depth and dimension to any jewellery collection, special pieces with gemstones like sapphires, emeralds or rubies are always unique and memorable.
Invest in a piece with head-turning capabilities, to be worn on occasions that call for a bit of sparkle. Here, opt for something colourful, iridescent and unapologetically glamorous.
David Yurman stax chain link hoop earrings from nat-a-porter
05. Bold Earrings
Rendered in exquisite yellow gold and set with diamonds, a pair of bold earrings should be included in every jewellery box. Not only statement making, this style will take any outfit to the next level.
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Time Keepers
Wrap your wrist in a diamond-lined timepiece to stay one step ahead of the game.
From the pages of our Summer Issue straight to your screens, our curated edit of the very best pieces of design are now at your fingertips. Featuring the colours, materials, textures and trends sure to elevate any space, this shoppable edit allows you to explore all the hero design pieces from our recently unveiled Summer Issue.
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Set the Bar High
Any entertainer knows the crucial importance of a well-stocked bar for hosting success. Whether you opt for something that is tucked tidily behind sleek doors or installed as a focal point in the corner of a room, these home bar options are sure to keep the good times rolling, no matter the occasion.
Offset the linear shape of your dining table with a set of chairs that bring soft, serene curvature to the space. Not only do these chairs look good but their rounded backs are so comfortable, you’ll want to linger long after the last plates have been cleared.
Introduce an element of whimsy into your space with an ethereal, cloud-like pendant. Carefully made with near-translucent materials cleverly shaped over metal frames, these eye-catching lights promise to cast your home in an otherworldly glow.
Create a dream-like oasis for children with a room rendered almost entirely in soft hues of dusty pink. Layered on a neutral base, this bold but beautiful room choice will result in a space that feels imaginative, calm and perfect for kids to escape into their own, unique world.
Children’s room in John Legend & Chrissy Teigen’s Beverly Hills Home
Giving mid-century modern a contemporary twist, this trend harnesses elements of perpetually stylish mid-century design and marries them with distinctly of-the-moment details — a bold piece of art here or a pop of chrome here. Take the mid-century aesthetic and make it your own.
Infuse your home with a tactile warmth by employing natural textures and materials. Raw timber, stone, bouclé upholstery, brass and leather detailing and soft woollen carpets all play into this trend, and will (when used correctly) result in an interior that feels inviting and cosy, but still decidedly contemporary and cool.
After 14 years in the hospitality industry both as a chef, a manager and a venue owner (having run Mollie’s Boutique Hotel and previously owning Ponsonby’s Boy & Bird), Aari Puri decided that his next venture would be something simple and impactful, and Brew’d Hawt was born.
A few years ago, Puri opened his first Brew’d Hawt outlet in Manukau, with a vision for offering fried chicken that was bold, inventive and high quality. “It’s been the culmination of a life-long passion for me,” Puri tells us, who explains how Brew’d Hawt’s free-range fried chicken has been meticulously tested and crafted to retain its flavour and crunch, even when picked up as a takeaway and eaten 20 minutes later. “My idea was to create a nice, clean place to eat flavoursome fried chicken,” Puri says, “where people can find chilled vibes and good food and drinks, whether they want to dine-in or takeaway.” He continues, “as we say, friend chicken is a new religion.”
Left: Bombay G Burger. Right: Mac’N’Cheese with House Chilli Oil
Indeed, fried chicken in its myriad forms is at the heart of Brew’d Hawt’s delicious menu, which, when combined with the vast array of spices and sauces, makes for a surprisingly diverse offering. There, you’ll find epic classics like chicken wings in buffalo, Korean and Brew’d Hawt’s ‘OG’ (which we’re told is a fresh take on Nashville) flavouring, alongside more unusual combinations like Szechuan pepper, lemon pepper and Thai Thai (a sticky, sweet combo lashed with coriander, kaffir lime and lemongrass).
In the burgers, the classics are joined by the likes of the Bombay G (a flavour sensation of Indian spices), the Truff’d (a fried chicken burger finished with truffle honey, truffle aioli and smoked cheddar) and a veggie offering that packs a serious punch.
All of the fried chicken and burgers can be ordered with a level of spice that works for you, whether it be none at all or the ‘Hawt Hawt’, with three other options in between.
OG Loaded Fries
As for sides, hungry punters can order dishes like sweet and spicy fried pickles, jalapeño cheese rolls, cucumber marinated in chilli, garlic, ginger and soy, a line-up of lettuce wedges (served with a range of toppings) and a variety of fries, whether you like them crinkle cut, shoestring or loaded. One particular highlight, however, is the mac n’ cheese, where an indulgent béchamel sauce is topped with a baked breadcrumb crust and a drizzle of chilli oil. This can either be ordered as a side, or, as Puri tells us, is a part of Brew’d Hawt’s ‘Secret Menu’, where he divulges that those in the know can order the ‘OG Mac’ — which is the OG burger with a hefty helping of mac n’ cheese added in.
This ‘Secret Menu’ can be found as an extra tab on Brew’d Hawt’s ordering screens, with Puri explaining that it will be constantly changing with various specials and tasty treats.
Left: Truff’d Burger. Right: Marinated Cucumber
Those wanting some kind of libation with their fried chicken can choose from Estrella Damm on tap, a range of Fortune Flavour craft beer, Spy Valley wines, Catinella Sounds, Moet Chandon and an Italian Prosecco. Of course there is also an array of soft drinks served in vintage glassware (if dining in) and kombucha, too.
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cheesecake
And if you harbour a sweet tooth, Brew’d Hawt’s desserts are sure to hit the spot, including a Whittaker’s chocolate brownie with salted caramel sauce and peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake, with an Oreo cookie base, Whittaker’s milk chocolate and a peanut praline.
Shaping up to become a new go-to for a quick, delicious bite, or when a fried chicken craving comes on, Brew’d Hawt should definitely be added to your dining agenda.
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