“I always wanted to open a place that locals love and want… a place like a friend,” Josh Kim tells me. The barista/chef and I are talking about his new opening, a cool coffee spot in Mount Eden called Holiday, with Kim explaining that, after spending 15 years in the local hospitality scene he wanted to offer a laid-back, relaxed (but delicious) drop-in where locals and those coming from further afield could find perfectly-brewed coffee, tasty bites and great company.
Inside, Holiday offers a sleek and pared-back but comfortable space, festooned in tactile timber and finished in a simple, monochromatic palette. Designed by Studio WeAreYoung, Holiday’s uncomplicated but contemporary interiors feel warm and timeless, the perfect place to park up for a morning brew.
On the menu, Kim explains that he wanted to keep things simple. “From my years of experience, the best-selling and most loved menus are not the trendy ones,” he says, “but the ones that are simple and delicious.” As such, Holiday offers mostly baguettes, sandwiches and scones, food that is accessible and easy to enjoy without much fuss.
Coffee nerds will be pleased to hear that the legendary Woo Hyung Lee (of Camper Coffee) is back in the game at Holiday, where Kim tells me they will be roasting their own specialty coffee alongside serving filter coffee with beans from Norway’s Tim Wendelboe and Korea’s Fritz.
Ultimately, Kim wants to offer his customers a place where they can connect with friends, drink delicious coffee and chill out. A simple concept, done really well.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 7am — 3pm Sunday, closed
In seeking to open something that would reimagine the classic bar experience, Luke Jones andDave Lincoln of Honest Rum, in collaboration with Italian expat Dan Pinto of popular pop-up Passa Passa have created Norma Taps — a captivating new pop-up that is opening in City Works Depot tomorrow and will run for the next 12 months. There, from lunch to dinner, diners will find mouthwatering bites, satiating seasonal drinks (all served on tap), live music and more, enjoyed in Norma Taps‘ relaxed but sophisticated and very welcoming space.
The menu is an exciting culinary journey brought to life by Pinto, who wanted to offer a vibrant celebration of authentic Italian dining, infusing every dish with his expertise and passion. Highlights include the burrata with roast cherry tomatoes, the Basque salami and pickles and of course, Pinto’s signature pizzettas. Those seeking the famous pizzettas will find a version with garlic, rosemary and butter, one with nduja and taleggio, and one boasting courgette, pesto and pecorino. These crispy, flavourful bites will transport patrons to the bustling Italian streets and are made to share, encouraging lively and convivial conversations.
Right: Passa Passa Pizza Fritta’s
Another major component of Norma Taps is its beverage offering, comprising a curated range of exceptional drinks, including crafted cocktails, premium spirits, craft beers, fine wines and enticing non-alcoholic options. Meticulously designed by the team at Honest, this drinks list was brought together to reimagine the classic bar experience and create a place where sustainability and quality could go hand in hand. Here, every drink is served on tap, with Honest’s Luke Jones explaining, “our decision to operate everything from tap was to explore a pioneering concept that could potentially reshape the landscape of hospitality.” He continues, “It’s an innovative approach that carries significant implications for sustainability, notably in our commitment to eliminating single-use bottles for spirits and cocktails. It also ensures a consistent product experience through batch production of all cocktails, enhancing quality and maintaining the same great taste every time.” For anyone seeking to bring a taste of Norma Taps home with them, there is also a refillery service on offer here, where guests will find takeaway versions of the pop-up’s cocktails, Honest’s spirit range and a variety of beers and wines, too.
Inside, Norma Taps offers a laid-back atmosphere, where rich mahogany tones, cream steel walls and plush touches of green velvet and leather craft an inviting yet sophisticated ambience. Inspired by Japanese listening rooms, a backdrop of vinyl records only adds to the vibe here, where midcentury charm collides with industrial brutalism to provide the perfect setting for any kind of meal, day or night.
Left: Passa Passa Pizza Fritta
So gather your crew and head to somewhere different this weekend. Norma Taps is open from tomorrow (Thursday the 9th of November) and will be running for a whole year. Marrying delicious food with great drinks, good music and exactly the kind of vibe we want as we head into the summer season, Norma Taps is set to be a popular new spot.
Norma Taps
City Works Depot
Shed 3
90 Wellesley Street
Auckland
Face-framing and feature-enhancing, a pair of well-groomed eyebrows can go a long way. But with many tough obstacles to avoid (over-plucking especially), the road to well-groomed brows isn’t an easy one to navigate. As such, we recommend you put down the tweezers and put your brows in the hands of a professional.
We’ve scoured the beauty bars and spas of Auckland in search of the specialists that really go the extra mile — these six are the best in the business.
For those looking for a distinctly luxurious affair, we recommend booking in an appointment with a specialist at East Day Spa, STAT. Not only has its staff garnered wide acclaim for their ability to create flawlessly defined brows, but their soft, gentle approach makes every visit here feel like a tranquil spa escape — even if it does involve getting hairs ruthlessly plucked from your face. NB: The henna brows here are a real crowd favourite.
Not merely masters of the lash, (although they are fantastic in this domain of beauty) those at Lash Noir are also adept at crafting the ultimate brow arch. The beauty maestros here are at your disposal no matter what the request, be that shaping, tattooing, tinting or simple touch-ups, and the variety of eyebrow products available ensure that you can extend the treatment long after you’ve left the City Works Depot premises.
With their deft handiwork and exquisite range of products, the beauty therapists at Endota (formally Forme spa) do an exceptional job every time. And while the brow gurus here offer shaping and tinting, their skills actually extend much further, and so, to truly take full advantage of their talents, we suggest you indulge in one of their packages (like the Waking Woman: Brazilian, Brow Shape & Lash Tint).
Get expert brow treatment at any of Spring Spa’s luxurious locations. Here, thanks to highly-trained practitioners, you can rest assured that your brows will come out exactly as you like them, whether via waxing, tinting or Spring Spa’s full-service Brow Henna Package, which includes a brow shampoo consultation, measure and preparation, threading/shaping, brow henna application, and then a brow henna moisturising oil.
The mantra at every Off & On location has long been ‘believable brows’ which means that their practitioners always start by assessing their clients’ faces, in order to understand what kind of shape is needed to enhance individual features. Offering a range of brow treatments including shaping, tinting and lamination, Off & On is a reliable, easy place where you can trust the brow experts to get it right every single time.
Far more than just a locals spot, Society, located in Grey Lynn, lures in brow-conscious aesthetes from all corners of Auckland. The professionals here are incredibly accomplished at all aspects of the process, but we have it on good authority that they’re particularly skilled at tinting.
Therapist Annie Bargiacchi’s beautiful home salon space in Avondale is always a welcoming place to go and have a treatment, and we’ve got it on good authority that Bargiacchi is extremely adept at brow lamination. If you’ve been wanting to try this treatment out, she’s the one to see. Read more about it here.
It’s housed in a small spot in Ellerslie, but this beauty haven has a presence that belies its size. Run by two effervescent young sisters, Courteney and Candy, what really makes treatments at The Beauty Chambers is the fun and friendly ambience — a visit here feels more like dropping in on an old friend than it does ticking off a life-admin task. If you’re in need of some direction, the girls are especially proficient at feather-touch brows.
Founder of Richmond Road’s new beauty spot Honeyroom, Gigi Kingi, is a beauty industry veteran who has garnered quite a reputation for her ability to tackle a brow. Here, you can find all the classic brow treatments, from waxing to shaping, tinting and laminating, alongside expert brow tattooing (if you’re seeking something a little more permanent).
Promising to take us on an exquisite culinary odyssey through the sun-drenched glamour of the Mediterranean, Esther restaurant (in Viaduct Harbour’s QT Auckland) is set to host the second instalment of its ongoing dining series, Food of the Sun, this time with a lunch that will speak to the glamorous surrounds of St. Tropez. Here, Executive Chef Sean Connolly has curated a gastronomic soiree evoking the essence of St. Tropez and encapsulating the beautiful grandeur of the French Riviera, where azure waters meet sun-kissed beaches and A-listers come to revel in indulgence.
Taking place this Saturday, the 11th of November, Esther’s St. Tropez lunch is set to be an afternoon of effortless elegance, with a carefully crafted food and beverage offering that sings with the flavours of the sea and some vibrant Mediterranean flair.
Left: Food of the Sun — Saint Tropez menu, featuring the Grilled Prawns and Salad Niçoise
On the menu, an array of culinary delights awaits, each dish a tribute to the sun-soaked paradise. To start, diners will be treated to dishes like Pissaladiere, a delightful blend of anchovy, olive and oregano, Grilled Prawns infused with Pernod butter and Salad Niçoise, featuring seared yellowfin tuna, black olive, and the freshest seasonal vegetables — a vibrant ode to the region’s produce.
For main courses, guests can choose from the Crayfish Bouillabaisse, a delightful medley of mussels, clams and scampi served with rouille and baguette, the Eastherbrook Farms Duck à l’Orange and the Ratatouille, a flavoursome dish of Provencal braised vegetables.
A Tarte Tropezienne — brioche filled with crème patissiere — will end the delicious lunch on a distinctly high note, culminating this culinary journey with a taste of one of St. Tropez’s most iconic desserts.
Accompanying these exquisite dishes are meticulously curated cocktails and fine wines. From the Elderflower Highball to the Classy Lady to the Seaside Spritz, and a selection of French wine and Champagne, the drinks have been designed as the perfect accompaniment to the lavish fare.
Esther’s upcoming Food of the Sun lunch is more than a culinary experience; it’s a sensory voyage through the opulent landscapes of St. Tropez, inviting connoisseurs of fine dining to indulge in a taste of the French Riviera’s sparkling summer sun and the true art of living well.
Tickets to Esther’s Food of the Sun St. Tropez lunch are $85 per person and can be secured by booking here.
Florals for spring might not be groundbreaking, but this season, the botanical inspiration is bright, bold and better than ever before. From sculptural iterations of the classic motif (seen mostly on shoes and bags) to bright, unapologetic colours that ensure you never end up as a wallflower, the florals this season are making a statement, and we have lined up our favourite feisty floral pieces to buy now.
Courtesy of a remarkable renovation that pays homage to its classical roots, the Monsieur G home by Decus showcases the power of restoration, tailored design, and the seamless integration of old and new.
The lounge features Utrecht armchairs by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld & a Tabouret Méribel stool by Charlotte Perriand, both for Cassina from Matisse
Stripped back to its traditional core, this residence in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill has undergone a series of incremental renovations over the last 80 years, each time shedding ill-fitting additions and embracing a warm, rich palette that marries open, contemporary design with historic character. With an eye on the present and the future, the design team at Decus skilfully tailored the home to reflect the personalities of its custodians, incorporating separate eastern and western wings to provide a sense of separation while cultivating an air of community and togetherness in the living spaces. The result? A home with a rich history that now feels relevant and ready to evolve alongside its young family.
“By balancing the integration of old and new, Decus has achieved a timeless elegance that ensures longevity for this magnificent home; the sleek and expansive spiral staircase is a perfect example of this. ”
The dining room features the Coco dining chairs by OEO Studio for Gubi from Cult Design
The cellar (right) features the Horse Hair sconce by Apparatus Studio from ECC, the Smalto table by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby & the Mr chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, both for Knoll from Studio Italia & the walls are painted with Resene Olive Green
Throughout the residence, pale oak floors create a soft, muted tone, allowing newly introduced elements to play into the overarching aesthetic of understated but luxurious elegance. The kitchen is commanding thanks to the unique, monochromatic speckled marble that anchors the space and custom timber joinery that gives it warmth and nods to its historic roots.
Around the rest of the home details like curved natural stone, burnished brass fixtures and pops of colour (in particular, a subtle palette of green tones) bring depth and animation to each room, which, while adhering to the overarching aesthetic flow of the home, feel personalised and expressive. Each is decorated with its own, idiosyncratic touches — a piece of sculptural art here, or an eye-catching wallpaper there. The living room, for instance, is a serene space of muted tones which is given a more interesting, design-led bent thanks to the pair of iconic Cassina Utrecht chairs, which frame a large, custom artwork that the clients wanted to integrate into the space.
“Around the rest of the home details like curved natural stone, burnished brass fixtures and pops of colour (in particular, a subtle palette of green tones) bring depth and animation to each room…”
The Monsieur G house masterfully redefines the rules of classical contemporary design, presenting a refreshing perspective through a muted, tonal lens. By balancing the integration of old and new, Decus has achieved a timeless elegance that ensures longevity for this magnificent home; the sleek and expansive spiral staircase is a perfect example of this. From the restoration of its traditional roots to the tailored design approach, and thoughtful blending of past and present, Monsieur G stands as a true example of considered architectural excellence.
Adding to the vibrant culinary landscape of Auckland is a delectable new restaurant serving the unusual but undeniably tasty fusion of Korean and Spanish flavours. Bonita, the brainchild of enterprising hospitality duo, Shanay and Isaac Yu, (known for establishments like SlowLane Cafe and The Breakfast Club), is the newest dining destination to have on your radar,
Nestled in Ellerslie, Bonita carries an air of chic sophistication. From the moment guests emerge into the dining room, they’re enveloped in a sumptuous tapestry of Spanish and Korean influences, from the rich, rust-toned curtains, to the plush banquettes and booths that hint at the culinary richness to come.
The menu, an ingenious marriage of Spanish and Korean elements, by Executive Chef Jason Wang, weaves a tantalising tapestry of flavours, artfully blending the savoury, bold tones of Korean cuisine with the breezy, made-to-share charm of Spanish tapas. Dishes come in varied sizes, encouraging a shared dining experience that delivers something truly unique to the palate. Think crispy Mandoo dumplings, succulent Wagyu carne cruda delicately perched on rice tostadas, and pappardelle infused with the rich essence of doenjang.
The bar is just as innovative, boasting an ever-flowing selection of cocktails and sangrias, including a remarkable white sangria with aloe, green apple, elderflower and soju on tap. The Makgeolli Margarita, adorned with a Korean dehydrated pepper rim, is another highlight, promises an exquisite, playful twist on the classic tipple.
Inside, the ambiance of Bonita is as inviting as its menu, with warm, cosy interiors accented by red velvet booths and Spanish-inspired tiles. The vision was to create a space that beckons guests to linger, indulge and revel in the sensory journey that intertwines Korean and Spanish elements in a harmonious and interesting melange.
Ultimately, Bonita offers an experience that will leave diners not only satiated but enchanted — a culinary expedition that promises to ignite the senses and leave an indelible mark on discerning diners of all tastes. With an eye toward expansion, the team plans to introduce lunch service soon, broadening the horizons for those eager to relish this distinctive gastronomic adventure.
Bonita is more than just a restaurant; it’s a tantalising fusion of cultures, flavours, and experiences — an homage to the marriage of Korean and Spanish gastronomy that promises a truly enchanting and unmissable dining experience.
‘Tis the season for glitz and glam. With summer soirées, Christmas gatherings, weddings aplenty and all manner of festive happenings to look forward to (and plan looks for), we suggest embracing the conviviality of the season and branching out from your usual makeup routine. Consult our roundup below to discover the most bold and beautiful beauty looks to see you through the summer season in style.
A matte finish encourages us to pull back from our glazed doughnut approach, and pick up the setting powder again. This will give you glow that doesn’t go away.
When it comes to applying blush this season, go big or go home. To achieve this look, steer clear of the centre of the face, and go for a more sculpted look with plenty of bold colour. A liberal use of creamy blush will give you that post-Euro summer feel, even when you haven’t been anywhere at all.
Rather than the clean, sharp lines delivered by sharpened pencils, lips now should instead have a ‘just been kissed’ appeal, where products like REFY’s cult-favourite beauty buff are applied, for a natural and carefree look.
In the same manner by which Euphoria-inspired make-up held us captive, Barbiecore is becoming the new norm. Think bright colours and various iterations of pink, delivering the perfect summer vibe.
As the holiday season fast approaches and Christmas creeps ever closer, now is the time to lock in those all-important venues for end-of-year celebrations. In seeking a place that can cater to every kind of occasion, we find ourselves turning to SkyCity and its dazzling array of dining experiences and event-hosting facilities, promising to take any and all festivities to another level.
At the heart of SkyCity’s allure is the selection of premium dining options. Whether it’s for sumptuous Christmas Day dining or a lavish New Year’s Eve party, there’s a culinary delight for every proclivity. From tantalising Japanese at MASU by Nic Watt, to the refined Pacific flavours of Metita, to contemporary Chinese cuisine at Huami, every restaurant promises an exquisite journey for the taste buds and a spectacular setting for a festive affair.
Here, we round up what is on offer at SkyCity this festive season, and why it really is the ultimate end-of-year destination, no matter what kind of event you’re planning.
Private Dining and Events
Metita’s Private Dining Room
If it’s an intimate dinner you are seeking, look no further than the selection of refined private dining rooms across SkyCity’s impressive venues. From Metita’s beautifully appointed space, in which you can enjoy Chef Michael Meredith’s exquisite, Pacific cuisine, to Cassia’s chic, contemporary hideaway, to MASU by Nic Watt’s renowned private space, in which you can partake in the restaurant’s award-winning Japanese fare, to Huami and The Sugar Club; the former offering a sprawling private room that can either seat 24 or be divided to accommodate two parties of 12, the latter, providing an elegant and elevated space in the Sky Tower that boasts breathtaking views over Auckland.
Beyond private dining, if you want to look into exclusive venue hire, SkyCity has plenty of options for that too. SkyCity’s iconic Sky Tower (one of our country’s most recognisable landmarks, with breathtaking views 220 metres high) is also available for private events. Whether you’re planning a morning corporate reception, drinks and nibbles or a private party 186 metres above Auckland. Of course, if you are interested in hiring out any of SkyCity’s exceptional restaurants exclusively, simply reach out to the team here with your requirements.
See SkyCity’s private dining options here, and its venue hire options here.
Christmas Day
The Sugar Club
Take the hassle out of Christmas Day by booking in at one of SkyCity’s restaurants (instead of hosting at home), where you can find a delicious feed for the whole family. Christmas Dinner can be booked at Metita, MASU, The Sugar Club, Huami, Fortuna Buffet Restaurant and Orbit 360 Dining, each venue offering its own unique take on the classic, celebratory meal. Or, if you’d rather book in for lunch, the latter three venues are also offering a daytime service, where revellers can relish in a raft of tasty food to mark Christmas Day in style.
SkyCity is the perfect place to book for your convivial New Year’s Eve celebrations, and not only because of its proximity to the best midnight fireworks in Auckland. In the lead-up to midnight, park up at one of this precinct’s premium venues for drinks, dinner or both, with SkyCity’s sprawling offering guaranteed to make this a night to remember. Partake in the mouthwatering Pacific, modern Indian or Japanese menus at Metita, Cassia and MASU, or pull up a chair at Auckland’s highest bar, SkyBar for a flute of Champagne or an expertly-made cocktail while enjoying panoramic views of Auckland City. Similarly, The Sugar Club is offering the chance to enjoy dinner and drinks in its exceptional, elevated dining space, where diners can ring in the New Year in the sky. While at Huami, the restaurant’s premium nectar menu (showcasing traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern twist) will be available for both lunch and dinner on New Year’s Eve. For a more all-encompassing feel, head to Fortuna Buffet restaurant, where both lunch and dinner will involve live carvery, freshly baked bread, Asian specialities and a fantastic range of fresh salads and vegetarian dishes, plus unlimited coffee and tea.
Book your New Year’s Eve extravaganza at SkyCity here.
The outdoor area features the Frame sofa & armchair by Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti from ECC, Porcini side tables & coffee tables by Dedon from Dawson & co. & the Spider outdoor rug by Cassina from Matisse
Tasked with transforming a penthouse on Sydney Harbour for a family who had moved from the suburbs, Luigi Rosselli Architects created a vibrant urban oasis that capitalises on its unparalleled views.
In pursuit of a more convenient and exciting city lifestyle, a family residing in a tranquil suburb made the bold decision to relocate to a breathtaking penthouse apartment on Sydney Harbour. Working closely with Luigi Rosselli Architects and the talented designers at Alwill Interiors, their new residence, Upper Deck, has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending urban sophistication with the serenity of nature.
The kitchen features two Capitol Complex chairs by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse
Originally constructed in the late 1980s, the penthouse has been thoughtfully redesigned by architects Ian Halliday and David Katon, who skilfully navigated strict council regulations to open up the floorplan and welcome the best aspects of the striking locale into the home’s interiors. The result is a spacious and airy abode that boasts generous proportions and panoramic views of the picturesque Sydney Harbour.
One of the standout features of this remarkable penthouse is its lush rooftop garden, designed in reaction to the sudden lack of access to land the owners would be faced with otherwise (having moved from a house with its own tennis court and pool). The result has turned the apartment’s terrace into a verdant tableau, but the journey to realising this vision wasn’t without its challenges. Local council planning policies posed hurdles during the approval process, neighbours raised objections, and bureaucratic red tape threatened to stifle the project altogether. Through patient negotiations alongside landscaper Michael Bates, Luigi Rosselli Architects managed to secure a reluctant council approval (albeit with a scaled-back design). Despite the obstacles, the rooftop garden serves as a symbol of nature’s resilience in urban environments.
The lounge features the Erei sofa by Elisa Ossino for De Padova & two Hug armchairs by Rossella Pugliatti for Giorgetti from ECC
For the residents of Upper Deck, this hard-fought garden not only enhances the appeal of their urban home, but it also nurtures a sense of wellbeing, and offers the opportunity to stop, take stock and reconnect with nature.
Extending this idea, the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces in this residence is seamless. Minimally-framed, openable windows provide unobstructed views of the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, and invite residents (and guests for that matter) to explore the terrace and its serene pond. Here, the team at Alwill Interiors have meticulously crafted the finishes and furniture to complement the outdoor spaces, creating a harmonious dialogue between the interior and exterior zones.
The study features the Ploum sofa by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec from Ligne Roset
The kitchen, originally relegated to the periphery, has now become the heart of the living area and rooftop terrace. Its design is a marriage of solid timber elements and the graceful beauty of Carrara marble, creating a sculptural masterpiece that is a delight for the senses. Adjacent to the kitchen, an impressive new wine cellar showcases an exquisite collection of world-class wines, paying homage to the kind of refined lifestyle that the Upper Deck residents enjoy. Furthermore, a tranquil study with timber shelves supported by travertine columns, and anchored by an eye-catching Ligne Roset Ploum sofa, provides a sanctuary for peaceful contemplation.
The Net outdoor dining armchairs around the Landscape extendable table, both by Kettal from Studio Italia
Throughout the home, a neutral but warm and tactile palette has been used where impactful marble meets sleek travertine, with timber detailing infusing the luxurious, contemporary spaces with depth. In the main areas, a light, airy ambiance is cultivated by lighter tones, while in the more private spaces (and particularly bathrooms), deeper hues are harnessed to offer a more intimate vibe. Reflective of the family’s interesting art collection, sculptural and unique furniture pieces have been placed as key focal points, from the pair of Giorgetti Hug armchairs in the living room to the beautifully linear Capitol Complex chairs that are gathered around the curves of the kitchen island.
The transformation of this penthouse into an urban oasis exemplifies the power of visionary design and the integration of natural elements with urban motifs. With its awe-inspiring views, rooftop garden, and the harmonious fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces, Upper Deck epitomises a sanctuary where the residents can bask in the beauty of their surroundings, entertain with stimulating company or indulge in moments of quiet solitude.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
