This season, eye-catching sequinned pieces are delivering an alluring dose of glamour to our after-dark attire. From luminous shirts that stand out on their own to mini-dresses best paired with a tailored blazer and sky-high heels for a subtle hint of brilliance, these garments will have you incorporating sequins into every outfit you can this season.
Nowadays, a table is more than just a functional piece of furniture, acting as a centrepiece for those who love to host. A number of new tables are being rendered in a variety of exquisite materials — two to take note of are the ever-trustworthy timber and sleek marble. The latter is moving out of the kitchen and into the dining room, its undulating veins and tonal varieties bringing depth and intrigue to a typically simple, utilitarian space. Destined to be the darling of any dinner party, read on to discover the structures we have our eyes on — whether you prefer a minimalist, grand, or industrial feel for your space.
Translated to English, tiramisu literally means “pick me up” or “cheer me up”, and we can vouch for the fact that this delicious Italian dessert certainly lives up to its name. Although it requires only a few elements, the dish is actually harder to execute than one might think. The espresso-infused sponge needs to be moist without becoming soggy, the aroma and taste of the liqueur must be present but not overwhelming, and the mascarpone needs to be fresh and in proportion to the rest of the cake. That said, a few places around Auckland have gotten tiramisu down to a fine art, and these are some of our favourites.
This rendition features an amaretto crumb for some extra crunch to contrast against the creaminess of the mascarpone and also incorporates delightfully rich Valrhona chocolate. The generous portion is made for sharing, although we don’t blame you if you keep this one to yourself.
Prego’s version of this dessert is a tried-and-true classic, much like the restaurant itself. Served neatly in a glass so you can observe the seductive layers in all their glory, it’s almost compulsory to finish your Prego feast with this beloved treat.
At Remuera favourite Spiga it’s hard to secure a seat at the best of times, not least because of its irresistible tiramisu, which comes layered in a glass dish with cocoa wafers. If you’re lucky, co-owner Taryne Napolitano will pour you a digestif to enjoy at the end of the meal.
A staple on the menu since Baduzzi opened its doors in 2013, this tiramisu is a masterpiece. Stacked sky-high, with soft sponge soaked with Baileys and amaretto, it’s a satisfying feeling indeed when you crack into the sweet, biscuity shell.
Utilising Kahlua coffee liqueur and a generous dusting of premium cocoa powder, this treat-sized tiramisu is unbelievably rich and decadent.
Owner Luca Villari has been perfecting his personal recipe for many years, resulting in a tiramisu that’s a triumph of Italian flavours and served with a scoop of gelato.
NSP’s tiramisu sees sponge fingers dipped in espresso coffee and liqueur then layered with a mascarpone and zabaglione cream. Heavenly.
Served in a small glass filled with layers of light mascarpone and bittersweet sponge cake, the notes of espresso are especially strong in Pasta & Cuore’s version, which makes it perfect for those who enjoy a light texture but intense flavour.
Far from the hallmarks of a traditional tira, Little Bird’s virtuous iteration is one we could gladly indulge in throughout the week. The creamy, plant-based cake is one of their most sought-after raw treats, made with cashews, coconut, and the always essential, coffee.
Trust saccharine magicians Duck Island to conjure up the dreamiest, creamiest tiramisu ice cream that captures all its beguiling flavours in one scoop. While flavours store-to-store often change, this is one to keep your eye out for.
Inspired by Italy’s osterias and boasting some of the best pizza in town, it’s no surprise Grey Lynn eatery Lilian does a damn good tiramisu. Nothing fancy, just a traditional tiramisu done really, really well.
At the tempting price of just $10, it’s hard to resist Cotto’s clever take on tiramisu. Served as ice cream, with a little chocolate amaretto cookie on the side that’s perfect for dipping, crumbling or simply enjoying on its own.
Taking cues from a quintessential tiramisu, Amano’s espresso and mascarpone trifle features a tempting crumb on top, adding welcome texture to its soft, cushy layers.
If you’re attending a function at the elegant Viaduct Harbour establishment and lucky enough to indulge in the Italian Banquet courtesy of Executive Chef Anthony Price, dessert is one course that shouldn’t be missed. Tiramisu here is utterly indulgent, with each enticing layer more divine than its predecessor. Served in a small but sumptuous portion, it’s enough to keep you wanting more.
Bringing loved ones together over good food and drink is always a pleasure but often a chore, particularly when we’re overwhelmed by the arduous work (and mess) of entertaining. So for moments when we’d like to impress our guests with an impeccably presented tipple, we’ve discovered the Quarterpast Classic Cocktail Mixer kit, a simple yet sophisticated way to serve cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks at home.
Making the art of bartending rewarding, Quarterpast is a brand best known for elevating your at-home beverages. Its latest Mixology Bases range harnesses the punchy flavour of cold-brewed, real fruit, removing the need for you to source and muddle fruit and herbs. Essentially, cocktail making from your kitchen has never been simpler.
Quarterpast has combined the best of its Mixology Bases in its new Classic Cocktail Mixer kit. The curated quartet of Tahitian Lime & Mint, Cranberry & Lime, Crisp Apple, and Triple Peach means the world is your oyster when it comes to creating your preferred concoction. Whether you desire a gin fizz, spiced apple mule, cosmopolitan, or peach shrub, the Classic Cocktail Mixer kit is your personal guide to making drinks with an exceptional punch, and even better, it includes a recipe book and jigger.
All you need are fresh garnishes and a little help from your liquor cabinet — but don’t fret if you’re abstaining from alcohol, as the Mixology Bases allow you to make delectable mocktails and sodas. For those not versed in the world of mixology, the recipe book includes ingredient substitutions and ways to finesse your presentation — not only will your drinks taste great, but they’ll look fabulous too. You should also note that Quarterpast’s Classic Cocktail Mixer kit makes the perfect gift for a host, being a discreet and easeful way to lend a hand.
So, in a bid to prove just how simple it is to whip up a cocktail with the Quarterpast Classic Cocktail Mixer kit, we present a jalapeño mule recipe that promises to impress every single time. Cheers to that.
Quarterpast Tahitian Lime & Mint Jalapeño Mule
A Jalapenô Mule is the perfect cocktail recipe to impress your guests. It’s punchy, a little sweet, and simple to make.
Ingredients:
30ml Quarterpast Tahitian Lime & Mint
30ml vodka
50g cucumber (quartered)
10g pickled jalapeños
100ml soda water
100g ice
Fresh chilli
Mint springs
Method:
1. Add Quarterpast Tahitian Lime & Mint, Vodka, quartered cucumber, and jalapeños to a vessel.
2. Muddle the mixture to a fine pulp, then strain over a cup with ice.
3. Top with soda water and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with chilli and mint.
Follow Quarterpast on Instagram and Facebook for more recipe inspiration.
As we leave behind the wrath of winter’s glacial weather and move into spring’s warm embrace, it’s an opportune time to level up your shoe game. With footwear often an afterthought, we recommend building your outfits from the shoe up to guarantee a polished, impeccable fit every time.
Whether you uplift your attire (and mood) with a modern clog, try a neutral-toned sneaker for a classically casual feel or adorn a sophisticated slip-on for optimum comfort, creating a versatile footwear collection has never been easier. For all your seasonal shoe inspiration, here are the best new men’s styles sure to put a spring in your step.
Fisher & Paykel’s new Auckland Experience Centre is setting a formidable precedent, giving fans of the brand a tactile, interactive and beautiful space in which to experience the full potential of its products. And although this is not the brand’s first Experience Centre, the Auckland showroom is undoubtedly its most impressive.
In the global markets where Fisher & Paykel trades, ‘Designed in Aotearoa New Zealand’ is a core part of its message. This building is a tactile embodiment of this ethos, and one that for New Zealanders, exudes a sense of pride in our story.
Great brands communicate clearly through experiences, through people, and through the environments they create. And in this environment, which is the result of a partnership between Fisher & Paykel’s experience design team, led by Jaron Ansley, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Alt Group and Knight Associates, when you go through the door, every physical element and human interaction resonates with the brand’s connection to place.
From the basalt threshold sculpture that ‘breathes’ in time with the tides of Ōkahu Bay to the monumental trunk of 4,000-year-old swamp kauri, and the incredibly elemental material palette that includes West Coast black sand and rammed earth sourced from Muriwai, it’s an unparalleled design approach – and the finish is remarkable.
Ansley says it has also been designed to feel more like a luxury home, with the intention being to showcase Fisher & Paykel products as they might appear in real life. It is an ambitious space that reinforces the brand’s commitment to luxury product creation. Not only does it highlight the best international and local design, where Boffi, Arclinea and Henrybuilt sit alongside local names like Simon James and Nodi, it also emphasises Fisher & Paykel’s position as an industry leader.
The result is spectacular — a remarkable expansion that highlights the truly global potential of Fisher & Paykel’s unique design, serving up interior inspiration in spades. And given that the Experience Centre really has to be experienced firsthand, we highly recommend you discover it for yourself.
Fisher & Paykel’s Executive VP of Design and Brand, Mark Elmore, tells me that the space is just as much for local architects and designers and those with a general interest in luxury appliance design, as it is for more conventional customers.
“Our customers often fall into two groups — design lovers and food lovers”, he shares. “We cater to both here. Visitors can experience a space that allows them to understand how products are beautifully designed for varied and bespoke environments.” And thus, within the Experience Centre, you will find three impeccable kitchens, each equipped in different ways to showcase the potential of Fisher & Paykel appliances (as well as a smaller, apartment-centric counterpart), and at the heart of it all, The Social Kitchen. Designed to play host to a raft of industry-focused dinners at which insiders and customers are able to experience Fisher & Paykel products first-hand, and currently helmed by two full-time chefs, The Social Kitchen brings Fisher & Paykel’s philosophy to life in beautiful surrounds.
Alongside the three hero kitchens, the aforementioned apartment kitchen, and the addition of an outdoor kitchen that showcases Fisher & Paykel’s North American appliances (namely gigantic grills), there is also a range of more interactive spaces within the Experience Centre. Take the Plan & Choose Studio, for instance, that prompts intimate and collaborative focus groups to come together and consider how different products might be employed, allowing for both designer and client to make truly considered choices.
These innovative spaces are accompanied by product galleries that compare the most recent additions of Fisher & Paykel products side-by-side, to allow one to make the fair and just comparisons necessary when investing in these vital pieces. Designed with Boffi’s minimalist approach, the galleries include a series of laundry and closet solutions alongside a butler’s kitchen — providing inspiration for the most purpose-built areas of one’s home. Here, some of the most exciting additions coming to the brand’s stable can be found, such as the Fabric Care Cabinet. Best seen as a home dry cleaning alternative (and harnessing eco-friendly technology), it sanitises, steams and cleans clothing, all in one swift operation. Strategically stacked next to sleek new washers and dryers, the Cabinet is certainly a chic solution to our laundry woes.
Ultimately, Fisher & Paykel’s new Experience Centre offers a rich source of inspiration for the modern home. Whether you are a designer, an architect or just someone looking to reimagine their space, we recommend booking yourself in for a guided tour (complemented by a cup of delicious Kawakawa tea) or a full Mastery of Temperature experience that highlights exceptional local ingredients and award-winning wines. From its thoughtful design concept to its holistic, interactive nature, Fisher & Paykel’s new Auckland space is proving why this brand remains perpetually at the forefront, serving as a reminder to think more ambitiously when it comes to our own homes.
Fisher & Paykel Auckland Experience Centre
199 Great North Road,
Grey Lynn, Auckland
Peter Fell’s coloured concrete is cutting-edge. Credited with developing a unique method of adding colours to concrete using iron oxides, Peter Fell is able to supply its concrete in a wide variety of shades — from bright and vibrant to pared back and pastel. Now, it is to this innovative brand that we turn again, seeking concrete in calm, earthy hues that give our interior spaces a more grounded feel.
Motivated by the amount of time we have spent in our homes over the last few years, a collective desire to bring peace and tranquillity into our spaces has seen a rise in soothing tones like taupe, sand, nude and clay. And considering that Peter Fell offers over 80 colours to choose from, including Neutral, Sandstone, Terracotta, Brown and Stone ranges, tapping into this trend has never been easier.
Here, we round up some examples of how subtly-coloured concrete can be used effectively to create utterly serene domestic spaces. Trust us, you’ll never look at this material the same way again.
If you’re looking for a way to escape the every day, we’ve got just the thing. Our selection of new coffee table books is perfect for losing yourself in another world. They will keep you entertained for hours and allow you to delight in exploration, all without leaving the comfort of your home. From beautiful imagery to intimate details and untold stories, here are six inspiring coffee table books to acquire now.
Riva Aquarama by Michael Verdon
Capturing all the glamour, luxury and drama of the Riva Aquarama — Carlo Riva’s iconic wooden speed boat that has become so synonymous with the ‘la dolce vita’ optimism of early-60s Italy — this exciting new tome is an exceptional tribute to the most stylish sea-faring vessel you’ll ever come across. Published to mark the 60th anniversary of the Riva Aquarama, the book offers everyone their very own piece of the Riva dream, and showcases why this boat has become so universally loved.
The Architecture of Chanel by Peter Marino
Highlighting the intersection of Peter Marino’s architecture and Chanel’s renowned aesthetic, this fascinating and beautiful book delivers an in-depth look at buildings designed by Marino for Chanel in cities like Chicago, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Los Angeles, Nanjing, New York, Miami, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo.
Gold: The Impossible Collection by Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter
Natural splendour meets extraordinary human craftsmanship in this beautiful book that showcases 100 of the rarest and most precious treasures rendered in gold throughout human history. From ancient artifacts to modern creations, here, gold is the hero in all its dazzling, indestructible, mythical power.
1000 Design Classics by Phaidon
Highlighting the iconic pieces that have filled the interiors of some of the world’s most incredible spaces, this new release serves as part coffee-table-tome, part encyclopaedia of design. Featuring era-defining furnishings and the pioneers of the styles we covet today, this book is a must for anyone with an interest in design.
Elvis and The Birth of Rock and Roll by Alfred Wertheimer
Packed with photographs of era-defining crooner, Elvis, this book offers an intimate look at the singer just before he became a household name. Extraordinary in scope, the photographs were taken by Alfred Wertheimer, who, in 1956, was tasked with trailing a then-21-year-old Elvis at the naissance of his career and as a result, was offered intimate access to his life, capturing crucial portraits of a man on the brink of superstardom.
Alaïa Afore Alaïa by Carla Sozzani, Olivier Saillard
Offering a never-seen-before look at one of fashion’s most enigmatic personalities, this intriguing coffee table book documents the story of Azzedine Alaïa before the 1982 fashion show that put him on the map. Despite being lauded by many as a fashion genius, little has been written of Alaïa’s background and upbringing — from his native Tunisia to his time in Paris to finally bursting onto the scene in New York. Here, through interesting interviews, private photographs, archival materials and anecdotes from friends of the designer, this book delivers the untold story of a legend in unprecedented detail, and is sure to be of interest to any fan of fashion.
For most, the Los Angeles lifestyle is synonymous with entertainment, elevated living and expansive views and Zoltan Pali’s (of Studio Pali Fekete Architects) latest project, Siena Way, is the epitome of everything this lifestyle stands for and then some. Managing to be unassuming while still feeling glamorous, this address is redefining what it means to live in this city and offering moments of exceptional design in the process.
Decidedly modest for a residence behind Bel-Air gates, the home from the outside is understated and modern with an abstract, almost-rectangular shape made from Indiana limestone and curved bronze metalwork. It really is an architectural feat, something the designer wanted to feel fluid, complex and difficult to define.
And while there has been a minimalist approach to the outside, one only needs to step over the threshold of this house to witness its splendour unfurl, where a grand entry foyer opens up to the magnificence of floor-to-ceiling windows, full-height doors, glass elevators and a striking staircase that anchors the home and connects its three levels.
Set on just under an acre of land, with a floorspace of over 1,500 square metres and boasting eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, the scale of Siena Way is enormous, although thankfully, a thoughtful floor plan proves that cosy living and palatial builds are not mutually exclusive. But while comfort has indeed been considered key, this home is ultimately an entertainer’s paradise, offering all the amenities of glamorous hospitality and allowing the owner’s to make the most of an exquisite outlook.
And what an outlook it is. Located directly overlooking the fourth green of the iconic Bel-Air Country Club, the view extends far beyond the property itself, out to the city scape and the ocean beyond, framed by generous windows. The use of glass at this scale usually means some kind of sacrifice of privacy, yet here, with the elevated aspect and surrounding nature, there is something about the outlook that offers a wonderful sense of isolation and gives the sense of being far removed from the city (despite being in its heart).
Nature is invited in here, most clearly seen in one of the two courtyards where a large, mature olive tree lends a decidedly Mediterranean feel and offers a textural contrast to the stark white backdrop of the home. This symbiotic relationship with nature inspires the colour palette too, where warm neutrals have been set alongside pops of green and earthy browns.
The interior itself, curated by Mass Beverly, makes a trend-defying statement. Unlike other homes in this postcode, the use of marble is understated, instead replaced by board-form concrete, travertine and Ceppo di Gré stone, to complement French walnut floors. Furnishings range from elegant Minotti sofas and chairs, to intriguing Apparatus Studio pendants, with a view to cultivate spaces that balance comfort with contemporary design. It’s clear that the kind of ‘glamour’ usually found in homes of this ilk has been interpreted in a more sophisticated, understated way, which makes the home feel timeless, not trendy.
That said, the residence’s raft of amenities are a stark reminder of the lifestyle that most people living in this area expect to enjoy. Boasting its own wellness centre, spa and gym, a home theatre, wine room and even quarters dedicated to staff, Siena Way is a residence from which its owners really never have to leave. And in this day and age, that is the ultimate luxury.
There’s simply no denying that burrata is the moment. Despite being delicious on its own, the only thing differentiating one burrata from the next is precisely how creative the kitchen has been in serving it. Yet we stand by its status as an essential to share, and you’ll rarely find us enjoying a meal without it on our table. Done right, it’s nothing short of perfection, and we happen to think these places (all of which we have comprehensively taste-tested for you) hit the mark every time.
To look past Soul Bar & Bistro’s iconic offering would be a devastating mistake. Seasonally served with orange, fennel, chervil, and the thoughtful addition of sourdough, Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s burrata is the perfect appetiser for a sunny afternoon spent partaking in convivial affairs.
Ada’s current burrata iteration is as delicious as the famed menu suggests. Changing seasonally, right now, it is served with rich romesco and almonds, which provide just the right amount of crunch to contrast the cheese’s soft interior.
At Beau, simplicity is key — with a menu that allow the extensive wine list at this venue to shine. Here the fresh burrata is doused in aged balsamic and sprinkled with flaky sea salt. Come summer, we will be enjoying it spread on delicious sourdough while seated in Beau’s courtyard with a glass of chilled red in hand.
Ask diners why they come to Bar Céleste, and (aside from its comprehensive wine list and delicious menu), punters often say that they visit for the burrata alone. Here, it is served with crunchy almonds and olive oil, best accompanied by a slice of house-made sourdough and a bottle of the Albert Boxler Pinot Blanc, shared among friends.
While Ponsonby Road’s Elmo’s is famed for many things (bottomless brunches and after-work drinks included), the burrata might just be the dish that has garnered it the most attention. Served with truffles when in season, right now you’ll find a most beloved version — 125grams of the creamiest burrata in town is served in a big bowl of house-made pesto, candied wood-fired tomatoes and toasted pinenuts. Delightfully dreamy, we think.
Set in the suburbs of Auckland’s Inner-West, Bar Martin serves what we think might be some of the best burrata in the City. The cheese draws its distinct acidity from the careful use of capers, with the depth of flavour found in courtyard-grown herbs and a kick from fresh chilli. The result is a surprisingly delicious and absolutely moreish plate to share.
Taking the famed recipe from sister restaurant Non Solo Pizza, we love Bar Non Solo’s burrata merely because it’s so convenient and classic. Ideally suited to a few after-work drinks or a mid-afternoon snack, it is served with spinach, braised leeks and truffle salsa for the ultimate springtime fare.
Another inspired take is The Blue Breeze Inn’s Asian-influenced burrata. Here you’ll find it famously served with roasted peanuts, ginger, sweet soy, and coriander, alongside a healthy helping of Chinese fried bread to mop it all up. It’s the kind of delightful dish that, given the chance, you should keep all to yourself.
Creative explorations of burrata should be applauded which, in Milenta’s case, is clearly a winning strategy. Currently served with an assortment of seasonal fruits, namely kiwifruit and grapes, it’s a subtle nod to dessert that adds a welcome sweetness to this plate. We have heard a rumour that the menu is set to change soon — so we suggest getting in while you still can.
It would be impossible to get through this guide without making mention of Amano. One of the City’s most adored Italian eateries (renowned for being delicious every single time), of course the burrata here is nothing short of excellent. The creamy cheese is served atop wood mushrooms, balsamic and onions — the perfect interpretation, if you ask us.
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