Grey Lynn locals with an observant eye will have noticed that over the last couple of weeks that there’s a new Thai restaurant in town. Thaiger, despite being a recent addition to the scene, was started by a couple with over two decades of experience serving some of the city’s most sought-after Thai food, and is promising a raft of tasty, flavoursome fare.
Paul Brandwood and his wife Pim are the duo behind Auckland’s quick-and-easy takeaway chain, Wok Express. And after facing down the challenges of a post-covid world (alongside increased competition from Uber Eats) the duo decided to add Thaiger as an elevated addition to their Thai food stable and the perfect neighbourhood drop-in.
Paul has been a chef for some 35 years and has always had a passion for Asian cuisine. But as the best Thai chefs are those native to the country, he found it challenging picking up the skills needed in the early days of his career — and that’s when he was introduced to Pim by his neighbour. She had moved over from Thailand to support her two children at home and offered to give Paul some cooking lessons. The rest, as they say, is history.
Now, Thaiger sits as the new pinnacle of their offering, a restaurant so popular that some nights they’ve had to turn customers away. Alongside serving beautiful, traditional Thai foods (with many recipes passed down from Pim’s mother through generations), the dishes have a modern and elevated take. The menu has been designed as a series of sharing plates (although no one would blame you if you ordered one all to yourself) with every dish centred around authentic, aromatic flacours. Some of the stand-outs include the Gai Yang (BBQ chicken marinated for 48 hours) and the Mair Yai Papaya Salad (a recipe taken from Pim’s mother, whose photograph hangs on the restaurant’s walls).
Ultimately, Thaiger is a welcomed addition to the burgeoning Grey Lynn dining scene, where this kind of elevated and inspired comfort food is met very much embraced. It is here that we plan to spend our Friday night dinners when we just feel like popping down the road for something easy and delicious.
Opening hours: Monday: 5pm until 10pm Wednesday — Sunday: 5pm until 10.30pm Closed Tuesdays.
Whether its a psychological crime drama you love, or something a little more light-hearted, these new series prove how television is truely becoming the medium for the best in the business to show off their talents. This season, among other things, Taron Egerton stars in Black Bird as a convicted drug dealer trying to elicit a confession from another inmate to lift his sentence, Maya Rudolph is a billionaire philanthropist trying to rebuild her life in Loot and Melanie Lynskey is the tragic best friend of a murderous Jessica Biel in Candy (to give you a small taste of the calibre on offer). Here’s what to watch now.
You Don’t Know Me Based on a novel by Imran Mahmood, this BBC thriller centres on a young accused of murder. Facing a multitude of evidence, Hero (played by Samuel Adewunmi) is determined to prove his innocence by reliving his version of events. But as the four-part series unfolds, viewers come to realise that his account isn’t exactly truthful, which begs the question; is he really capable of murder? Watch on Netflix
Black Bird In this psychological crime drama, Taron Egertonstars as a convicteddrug dealer trying to have his 10-year prison sentence lifted by coaxing a confession out of another inmate, Larry, who is a suspected serial killer (hauntingly played by Paul Walter Hauser). Based on a true story, this miniseries shines a light on the system which enlists the help of the very people put behind bars to solve its mysteries. Watch on Apple TV +
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KhxwG0eCiE
Pistol Based on Steve Jones’ 2017 memoir and with a stellar cast of rising stars, Pistol is a six-episode limited series about iconic band the Sex Pistols and their seminal role in the evolution of rock and roll. Expect a kaleidoscopic dive into some of the most chaotic but crucial years in musical history. Watch on Disney+
Candy Continuing our collective love for true crime is the gripping new miniseries Candy, which tells the dramatic story of how Texan suburbanite, Candy Montgomery murdered her church friend, Betty Gore. With exceptional performances by Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynskey, this series is the genre at its best. Watch onDisney+
Conversations with Friends Sally Rooney fans can now fill the Normal People-sized hole in their hearts with the adaptation of Conversations With Friends for the small screen (based on the Irish author’s debut novel). Exploring similar themes of inglorious love and inevitable heartbreak, with a similarly smutty take on what it means to be a young adult in this world, this series is set to be a fast favourite. Watch onAmazon Prime
Loot From the comedic brains behind the likes of Master of None and 30 Rock, comes Loot — the rollicking new series that follows the public downfall of billionaire Molly Novak (perfectly played by Maya Rudolph) after her husband of 20 years betrays her. Navigating her new life leads Molly on a journey of self discovery, and hilarity ensues. Watch on Apple TV+
For a brand built on a love story, it’s hardly surprising that Van Cleef & Arpels exudes romance. In the space of high jewellery, few can lay claim to pieces that evoke such a sense of fantasy and enchantment or that capture the imagination as profoundly as this historic Maison. And while its most iconic motifs are recognisable even to the uninitiated (the Alhambra and Zip collections both immediately come to mind) Van Cleef & Arpels has far more to offer, creating its collections from a place of passion, innovation and unparalleled savoir-faire that set it apart as one of the most noteworthy maisons operating today.
Van Cleef & Arpels Zip Antique necklace transformable into a bracelet.
With the brand having recently opened its first flagship store in New Zealand, and Denizen lucky enough to photograph pieces from its high-jewellery collections (with two of those gracing the cover of this issue), we couldn’t think of a better time than now to delve into the storied history of Van Cleef & Arpels and uncover what lies at the heart of its exceptional creations.
Born in 1895 from the marriage of Estelle Arpels — the daughter of a precious stone merchant — and Alfred Van Cleef — the son of a lapidary — a couple who found common ground in their love for jewels, Van Cleef & Arpels’ romantic origin story set the tone for what the Maison would become. Shortly after the marriage, Alfred established Van Cleef & Arpels with his brothers-in-law and set up shopat the address that remains home to the Maison today: 22 Place Vendôme, Paris.
After the founding couple’s daughter, Renée Puissant, was handed the creative reigns in 1926, a framework was established and foundations laid for a maison that put authenticity and innovation first — something that has ultimately seen Van Cleef & Arpels remain a seminal player in the world of jewellery for more than a century. (Impressive longevity in an industry that too-often falls prey to changing tastes.)
In 1956, American actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III, thus becoming Princess of Monaco. To celebrate their union, the Prince offered his bride a Van Cleef & Arpels wedding set resplendent with pearls and diamonds, which remained in her collection throughout her life.
Over the years, Van Cleef & Arpels has built its reputation on collections that go far beyond the ordinary. With ingenuity central to its ethos, the brand’s savoir-faire is second to none, often seeing it break new ground in the realm of jewellery design and gem setting. Take the Mystery Set, for example. For anyone unfamiliar, this complex method of gem setting was developed and patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933. It was a world-first in jewellery and could only be completed successfully by artisans of the highest skill. The Mystery Set technique made it possible to set precious stones with no metal component visible and exemplified the cutting-edge spirit the Maison was fast becoming known for.
The creative implications of this were enormous. It allowed Van Cleef & Arpels to explore designs that weren’t previously possible and gave rise to the dream-like aesthetic that has become so tethered to the brand as it is known today. Fluid shapes and figures could be set seamlessly with panels of exquisite, precious stones, and the Maison’s virtuoso craftsmen could combine functionality with form in ways that had never been done before — launching a whole new category of transformable jewellery.
To look at a Van Cleef & Arpels high jewellery collection is to lose yourself in storytelling. Each meticulous piece speaks of fairy tales or literature, or of journeys into space or nature, or of love and its power to create beauty. There is a reason that artists and actors, including the likes of Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor were such enthusiastic proponents of the brand. Its pieces possess an expressiveness that speaks louder than words ever could. In fact, the love story between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton can be traced by a number of now-legendary Van Cleef & Arpels pieces, including the jaw-dropping 8.24 carat Puertas Ruby ring.
Elizabeth Taylor wearing a Van Cleef & Arpels 8.24 carat Puertas Ruby ring. The ring was given to her by Richard Burton who promised her that “One day I’m going to find you the most perfect ruby in the world”. After four years searching, he finally found the right gem at Van Cleef & Arpels. Burton then gifted the ring to Taylor by stuffing it inside her Christmas stocking in 1968.
That said, behind every whimsical design and romantic backstory is Van Cleef & Arpels’ grounded, consistent approach. There is always history — pieces will reference motifs from the Maison’s archives and bring elements of Van Cleef’s past into the present; There is form — no matter how dreamlike the concept, each piece will be painstakingly and purposefully detailed; There is colour — beyond diamonds alone, an array of vibrant, precious stones are used to lend depth, dimension and opulence; And there is quality — Van Cleef & Arpels is known for its gemstones of unrivalled quality, selected through a process that not only seeks perfection in cut and colour but that chooses stones that carry something intangible, something that makes the heart race and the senses heighten. Stones with character and charisma.
Perhaps it is this quality that is responsible for Van Cleef & Arpels’ ascent to icon status. The brand taps into our imagination and encourages us to see jewellery for all of its artistic potential. For this brand, collections are vehicles for unbridled creativity and innovation. And when it comes to design, nothing is impossible.
Think about the Maison’s renowned Zip Necklace, for instance. Conceived at the suggestion of Wallis Simpson (her marriage to King Edward VIII was marked by a number of custom Van Cleef & Arpels designs) the necklace was officially produced in 1950 and featured a functioning zipper design that could transform the piece from necklace to bracelet, depending on how it was fastened. Over the years, it has undergone a variety of iterations and been canonised alongside the likes of the Alhambra — the recognisable motif reminiscent of a four-leaf clover that launched as a necklace in 1968 and now adorns a number of styles for the brand. The Zip Necklace and others like it, are the perfect representation of what makes Van Cleef & Arpels so extraordinary and ultimately, so transcendent.
From left: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge wearing mother-of-pearl necklace and earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels’s Magic Alhambra collection to the 2018 Bafta Awards; Margot Robbie wearing a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and sapphire Zip Antique necklace to the 2015 Academy Awards. The necklace was originally created for the created for Duchess of Windsor in 1938.
Reviewing our Winter Issue fashion editorial, it’s clear that, while Van Cleef & Arpels’ high jewellery is unmistakably opulent, it still feels entirely at home in a contemporary context. From the Flowerlace necklace that elegantly hangs between the collar of Dior’s vibrant coat, to the way the Bouton d’or pieces are highlighted by Fendi’s luminescent fabric, to the diamond-set Magic Alhambra necklace (the ultimate expression of the iconic symbol) paired perfectly with a simple Louis Vuitton dress, it’s clear that this Maison has mastered the art of balance. It allows disparate ideas to coexist: the old with the new, the simple with the complex, the high-end occasional with the everyday wearable. And there is something inherently charming about that.
Because even in the face of immense success, global renown and collections that have shaped an industry, Van Cleef & Arpels has never lost sight of the passion on which it was founded. You can feel it permeating through every piece. And with the Maison having just opened its new store in Downtown Auckland, this passion for perpetually pushing creative boundaries is something we can all finally experience first-hand.
Furniture that marries form with comfort in such a way as to ensure the two can coexist harmoniously, is something to be celebrated, mostly by days spent lounging about on the sofas we spend so long admiring. Anyone familiar with interiors will know that Patricia Urquiola has long been a pioneer of this aspect of design, which takes almost an eclectic approach to Brutalism, and considers usability and comfort as key its development. Her latest release for the iconic Italian brand Kartell is the ultimate example of this.
Just arrived at Backhouse earlier this month, Urquiola’s Lunam series is a line that is every bit indulgent, endearing and unique as we have come to expect from the designer. As the name might suggest (if the shape has not already), the dreamy lunar landscape served as inspiration for the collection, resulting in rounded silhouettes that are enchanting and comfortable. The back curvature of the sofa and armchair is crescent-shaped and promise the perfect places to either stretch out with the matching ottomans or cuddle up with an additional cushion.
Lunam almost exists as a refined take on Urquiola’s iconic Fat series, where the generous, bulbous base is propped atop shorter, essential legs that are almost dwarfed by the form. This juxtaposition of soft and slim lends Lunam its inherent eclectic charm.
With upholstery being the core focus of the cushioning, a wide range of colourways can be found in both the boucle of the moment and more traditional textiles. Lately, we’ve found much inspiration in homes that employ contrasting colours on soft furnishings for a more dynamic look.
When considering Urquiola’s most iconic designs, the bulbous silhouette of Lunam should almost be expected. The Spanish architect and designer, having been around for decades, is one of the most lauded and in-demand industrial designers in Europe, and is one of the most well-known proponents of modern eclecticism. Alongside constructing visionary designs for brands like Kartell, she is currently the Creative Director of Cassina — another renowned Italian furniture company that sees her iconic vision placed in some of the most highly-curated homes around the world.
Ultimately, Lunam is Urquiola exemplified in a way that only Kartell could execute to such perfection. As elevated in its look as it is comfortable to use, this collection is poised to become a future classic — the next, iconic series produced under this designer’s sought-after eye.
Patricia Urquiola’s Lunam for Kartell is available locally at Backhouse.
As the latest collections arrive in our favourite local boutiques, there has never been a better time to shop from the wide variety of chic new arrivals. From international luxury houses to local labels, these are the pieces we’re coveting right now (that that you should consider putting in your cart, too).
There are few places we won’t venture for delicious, authentic Asian food — whether it be to the depths of a niche food market, or in this case, to Auckland’s southernmost suburb, to uncover a hidden gem. From its delicious-looking dumplings to its stellar reviews, SuMei is the tasty new Asian-fusion restaurant that has taken up residence in Pukekohe, and while we’ve been told that locals have been craving something of this calibre for some time, after visiting, even us city slickers had to admit that it was a destination worthy of the drive.
SuMei is the brainchild of veteran chef Eugene Hamilton and his wife, Hannah. As Pukekohe residents themselves, they’ve committed their culinary careers to delivering the kinds of dining experiences locally, that their neighbours have spent years driving into the city for. And after the success of their first venue, popular gastropub Franklin’s Bar & Eatery (located just over the road from SuMei) the duo felt it was time to take the next step.
The vision behind SuMei was to create a restaurant in which the duo could bring their favourite Asian cuisines together in a way that both retained the integrity of each dish while offering something fresh. (Meaning there would be no fusion unless the plate called for it.) Hamilton pulled on his five years working in kitchens in Japan to create a menu that feels innovative and elevated, boasting a range of dishes full of rich, interesting flavours that speak to cuisines across Asia, although in a very curated way.
SuMei’s dumplings are perhaps its most sought-after offering, all of which are handmade with love by two professional dumpling chefs (one even being fourth-generation). Because of their traditional background, their jaws hit the floor (we’re told) when Hamilton suggested he wanted to try more elevated fillings like paua, squid ink and coriander, or duck, cherry and spinach – although the delicious results speak for themselves. And its not just in the fillings that SuMei’s dumplings push the envelope. Here, gluten-free options are not only offered but encouraged (meaning there are finally dumplings suitable for celiac folk). It’s a commitment that continues across the entire menu, with every dish (but one) able to be made entirely gluten-free, alongside ample delicious dairy-free and vegetarian options for all.
“People with celiac have been treated with a lot of contempt in the past,” Hamilton explains. “So we pride ourselves on our ability to take on any dietary requirements; preferable or medical — it doesn’t matter. It’s not our job to tell people how they should eat.”
And while the food is reason enough to visit, SuMei, its drinks menu offers the perfect accompaniment. The curated and inspired list of cocktails are designed to pair beautifully with the food offering, and feature traditional Asian ingredients and premium spirits only. For those seeking something neater, SuMei also offers a list of 17 exclusive Japanese whiskies, exquisitely suggested by Hamilton’s own hand. Beers like Tiger and Kingfisher are, of course, also available for those seeking something more subtle.
For a restaurant that was born from the idea of “filling voids”, SuMei is a divine destination that is highly considered, right down to the French Colonial decor reminiscent of something you might expect to find in bustling Hanoi. A clear standout, SuMei is the kind of restaurant that offers a culinary experience which, in our opinion, is only made all the more enjoyable for its distance out of the city. If you haven’t ventured out of the inner city and its surrounding suburbs in a while, why not head south this weekend for a delicious dumpling feast? You won’t be disappointed.
Opening hours: Wednesday — Sunday, 12pm until 10pm.
While Christchurch is perhaps not the first city that comes to mind when you think of a luxury vacation, there is a real beauty and inherent charm to be discovered in this city. From the resilient spirit of Cantabrians who call Christchurch home to the way in which the City has had to reinvent itself following the devastating earthquakes more than a decade ago, innovation and ingenuity form its backbone, and now, as Christchurch’s culture and infrastructure evolves, so too has its accommodation offering, with the recent opening of a brand new, luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
The arrival of The Mayfair feels like Christchurch is reclaiming its identity as a city to be proud of. Located centrally, in a premium spot on the corner of Victoria and Dorset streets, The Mayfair features 67 rooms over five stories, with spacious suites, including panoramic views through 3.3-metre floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views over Hagley Park and beyond, to the Southern Alps. It has often been said that the skies never feel as wide as they do when viewed from the Canterbury Plains, and from this outlook, that is certainly evident.
Luxury is at the heart of this boutique hotel, but not in a way that is overt or ostentatious. Instead, like much of the build, according to architect Tim Field, it is minimalist and elegant — luxury without all the formalities. “There’s a timeless drama to the black exterior juxtaposed with glass and concrete that gives the hotel an iconic street presence.” And Jeff Merrin of Lume Design says he established the interior design direction to make the most of the abundant natural light that streams in through the famed floor-to-ceiling windows.
Heading upstairs, the rooms are nothing short of delightful. Home comforts meet understated luxury, where every element of the guest experience has been considered with care. Noticeably, the bathrooms are stocked with a curated range of luxurious Byredo amenities, and while there is a gym nearby, we’ve heard that the concierge can organise gym equipment to be brought to your room — giving you no cause ever to want to leave.
Beyond the accommodation alone, The Mayfair’s flagship food offerings are cause enough to visit, with a delicious à la carte menu, all-day brunch, an exquisite cocktail bar, and afternoon high-tea launching soon. Curated by Executive Chef Nick Tatom, famed for his pivotal role in iconic Christchurch destination Hello Sunday, this exceptional culinary offering is reflective of the impressive inroads being made in the food scene across the city.
Should you decide to venture from The Mayfair (and trust us, you almost don’t need to), it is on the doorstep of Christchurch’s inner city — a location that includes the incredible art gallery and museum, alongside bustling art markets and some of the country’s most beautiful gardens. It is at the centre of the city where Christchurch’s heart is most evident, a place that captures the determination and spirit of Cantabrians and the place in which the old charm of Christchurch is brought into harmony with its more modern developments.
With international travellers set to finally arrive through our borders this week, taking on the Southern delights with reverence, the opening of such a monumental and design-led hotel could not have come at a better time. We, for one, cannot wait to plan our next trip to the Garden City.
Inspired by the snacks they were making for their kids, and ready to embark on a new hospitality venture after selling their franchise Poke Poke, husband-wife duo Jack Zhong and Monica Lee have (after taking some time off) opened a new spot dedicated to easy, delicious bites.
Meet Iiko Sando, the cute new Takapuna drop-in serving Japanese-style sandwiches, rice bowls, Matcha, coffee and creamy cheesecakes. ”The sandwiches we serve at Iiko Sando are inspired by the ones we would make when going to picnics or gatherings,” Zhong tells me. “Our kids love them (especially the fruit cream sando) so we thought this could be something that other people might like as well.”
Indeed, Iiko Sando’s offering feels like something quite novel for us here. Despite the popularity of the classic ’Katsu Sando’ seeing more and more iterations pop up at venues around the city, there really aren’t many places dedicated to this particularly tasty style of sandwich — until now, that is.
On the menu, options like the Fried Chicken Sando, the Eggplant Sando and the Pork Katsu Sando take centre stage, while others like the fruit and cream sandos are always on hand for something a little different.
And if the sandwiches don’t take your fancy, there is also a line-up of rice bowls with various toppings, including proteins, vegetables, salads, potatoes and egg, all served in different compartments, bento style.
Very much inspired by the family life of its owners, Iiko Sando was designed to be an easy, relaxed kid-friendly place to pop into for a simple bite, a coffee and some downtime. It even boasts shelves filled with childrens books, promising to keep any little ones you might have with you thoroughly entertained.
“We just want people who come in the shop to feel like they are at home,” says Zhong, ”with a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a tea, latte, snack or lunch and somewhere to recharge before getting on with their days… I like to think Iiko Sando is a combination of what we love about our family and food and hospitality, and so I want offer that same feeling to our customers.”
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am until 2:30pm
There is something about a glass — its subtle, almost-invisible finish married with the sleek, modern aesthetic it plays into — that can be so compelling. (When used correctly, that is.) And now, glass furnishings are once again staking their claim in the design space (reimagined, as it were, from their original, early-2000s popularity) and are fast-becoming crucial for any contemporary home.
From tables made entirely from glass, designed to melt into the background and open up a space, to pieces in which smooth glass meets sculptural details, offering something a little different, this trend is versatile and undeniably modern. Here, we round up some of the best examples of the new wave of glass furnishings, all of which more than deserve a place in the heart of any curated home. And if you want to go somewhere to puruse the selection in person, look no further than Sarsfield Brooke.
Forget the sneaky trips to Bunnings this weekend; those seeking a Saturday sausage sizzle will be more than catered for at our favourite Ponsonby Road burger joint, offering an elevated take on the classic comfort food.
This Saturday, Parade Ponsonby is teaming up with Everyday Wine (an authorityon beautiful, natural wines) to put an indulgent twist on the weekend sausage sizzle, and you can bet your gold coin donation that we’ll be there. While the pretzel bun maestros have turned Parade into a household name thanks to their gluttonous burgers (known to sell out daily), we love that a humble sausage sizzle isn’t beneath their culinary talents, and we know that there are few out there who could do it justice quite like these guys.
Morphing their signature pretzel bun into a more snag-friendly shape, there will be two gourmet combos on offer. The first is perhaps the most similar to what we’re used to — a single sausage, burger sauce, pickles and onions with a glass of wine of your choice. But for those wanting to embrace the authentic Parade experience, the Deluxe is what we recommend, with French Merguez sausage, horseradish and yogurt slaw, fried shallots and herbs, alongside a perfectly paired wine to match.
Honestly, when thinking about an ideal Saturday meal, delicious wine and simple foods are hard to look past. And while a sausage may usually be paired with a cold beer, organic wines are a simple way to elevate the experience. To add to the experience, Everyday Wine will serve up some of its most delicious tap wines alongside two Pét-Nats, and provide a little wine education and advice for those who wish to know more.
“Since we opened the new place, we have been getting to know the good folk at Everyday Wines and figuring out more ways we can work together and collaborate other than just selling their wines over the counter,” explains Parade co-founder Bryan Anderson. “This is the first of many collabs between the two of us, so keep your eyes peeled for the months to come.”
If Parade’s usual popularity is a marker of their success, we recommend getting in early for this one — treating it as a lunch rather than an early dinner. The team will be slinging sausages and pouring wines between 12 pm and 5 pm, but in the interest of making sure you’re not left hungry, it is absolutely essential that you get in early.
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