The abrupt transition to winter (proper winter) has seen us cranking up the heat and reluctantly surrendering to our most cosy attire. And while the cold, rainy weather might be wreaking havoc on our usually festive Friday moods, we’ve decided to combat the blues with a spot of seasonal shopping. After all, what better excuse is there for picking up some new cashmere?
Without further ado, here is an assortment of the best knits we’re turning to, to see us through the cold snap in style.
Tucked away on a busy corner of Williamson Avenue is an unassuming spot offering an authentic Korean dining experience with an ultra-modern twist. Meet Banziha — a bustling cafe by day and an under-the-radar restaurant and soju bar by night.
From left: Banziha’s Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken; Fried lotus root with chilli mayonnaise.
Banziha was a concept inspired by the cult-favourite Korean film Parasite (popular a few years ago), and its name is a direct translation of ‘half-basement’ (referring to specific kinds of apartment spaces that exist throughout South Korea and feature heavily in the film). And while the moody, almost-underground interiors of this eatery definitely speak to the idea that inspired its name, the vibe here is anything but, offering an intimate, laid-back atmosphere in which to enjoy a range of mouth-watering, Korean dishes that pack a flavourful punch.
We are simply obsessed with Banziha’s lunch deal, where a simple menu offers a variety of delicious Korean bowls, served on salad, udon or rice. Think Bulgogi beef, sweet and spicy tofu, Korean fired chicken, spicy charcoal chicken and more. Yet when the sun goes down, the menu truly comes alive.
Offering authentic small bites like boiled porkbelly (Bo-Ssam), spicy pork back ribs (Mae-Un-GalBi-Jjim) and braised beef short ribs (So-Galbi-Jjim) alongside tasty shared plates and traditional meals and, of course, a comprehensive Korean Fried Chicken offering (the Volcanic Korean Chicken with charcoal chicken marinated in spicy sauce with mozzarella is a particular highlight), it is a menu designed to showcase the best of Korean cuisine.
Rounding out the dining experience is a drinks menu that heroes housemade soju in various iterations, promising a refreshing drink to cut through the spicy richness of the food.
A small but mighty restaurant, we have already seen great things from the team at Banziha and suggest booking a table before the rest of the city discovers this hidden gem.
Move over marble, there’s another stone undergoing a rapid resurgence in popularity: Travertine. Technically limestone, this warm-toned material makes for an attractive accent within any kind of room.
With a unique finish that is somehow simultaneously eye-catching and subtle, travertine offers a more elemental, earthy feel than its polished marble counterparts and recently, has been used in a number of high-end projects to complement their sleek, contemporary spaces.
Whether installed via built-in furnishings, or curated as furniture and objet d’art, this stone is as versatile to use as it is appealing to look at, and is the material we all want to have in our homes right now.
Distinct travertine table by Ferm Living from Slow Store.
Sculpted Lamp from Studio Henry Wilson, Soffio table lamp by Giopato & Coombes from ECC, Menu Reverse table lamp from Tim Webber.
Where would we be without these one-stop shops? These are the establishments that keep us satiated from sunrise to sunset — and all the moments in between. And while a number of all-day favourites like Depot and Odettes, are deserving of an honourable mention here, as well as Ponsonby’s neighbourhood spot Annabel’s (as good for a breakfast croissant as it is for an after-dark bite) and Devonport’s eminently cool Vondel, it was Britomart’s Amano that took the crown this year for its exceptional food and humming atmosphere, any time of day.
The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes is brought to you by American Express. Wining and dining your way around Auckland’s top restaurants (as voted by you), has never been easier thanks to American Express’s new Gold Rewards Cards. Find out more here.
They say summer bodies are made in winter, and when it comes to things like hair removal, it’s true. Laser is, without a doubt, the most effective method of waving bye-bye to body hair for good and because you need multiple treatments weeks apart (which cannot be done if you’re exposing your skin to the sun), winter is the best time to start prepping for bikini season.
That said, the landscape of laser is vast and varied, with many machines that simply don’t cut the mustard. In fact, there have been instances of practitioners with very little skill or experience buying sub-par machines and promising life-changing results for very low prices. But if something is too good to be true, it probably is.
So, while not every laser is created equal, allow us to guide you on where to find the ones that rise above the rest. Dubbed the ‘Rolls Royce in laser hair removal’ the Candela Gentle Max Pro is widely touted as one of the highest quality machines in the world, lauded for its pain-free process, lasting results and for the fact that it works on a wider range of skin-types than others of its kind. This means that even those for whom this treatment hasn’t worked in the past could now be a candidate to get results, thanks to the two-laser system at play here.
Lucky for us then, that this unparalleled hair-removal option is available locally at Off & On. There, laser treatments are run by some of the most experienced specialists in the country, including Off & On’s National Trainer Stacey Faloon.
“Having been in the business for over a decade, Off & On truly are New Zealand’s hair removal experts,” says Stacey. “In addition to having top-tier laser hair removal technology, we also ensure our technicians receive formal training and qualifications. The result is being able to offer our clients some of the highest qualified technicians in the country that clinically understand the effect of our laser machines on different bodies, ensuring that everyone receives the best possible treatment for their skin and hair type.”
And if all that wasn’t enough, a course of laser at Off & On is unlike anywhere else, thanks to the way each treatment is tailored to the individual. There is no one-size-fits-all approach here. Whatever your goals, however you want to tame your body hair (be it a little, or a lot) the experts at Off & On know exactly what to do to get you there. Which is exactly why we’re kicking off our summer beauty prep here, and why you should too. Trust us, you’ll never look back.
Off & On is here to help you break up with your body hair this month, offering 20% percent off all of its three- and eight-treatment laser packages for the month of June.* So if you’ve been thinking about undertaking some laser this season, consider this a sign to commit.
*Offer is 20% off any laser hair removal on any treatment area for 3- or 8-course package options. Bookings must be made before Thursday the 30th of June 2022. First treatment must take place between before Sunday 31st July 2022. Cannot redeem with any other offer. Subject to appointment availability at the time of booking.
The space of a restaurant can be just as impactful on the experience it offers as its menu, and the venues that comprise our Best Interior category prove it. Honourable mentions include the sleek Faraday’s Barand sophisticated Kingi, both designed by Cheshire Architects, the slick, inner-city finish by Evolve Design at Atelier on Karangahape Road and the coastal luxury at Waiheke’s Ki Māha, designed by owner Dominique Parat. But it’s the warm, woody interior at Britomart’s Bar Non Solo by Izzard Design, that was the firm favourite for the way its moody palette and luxurious finishes set the tone for a convivial night out.
The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes is brought to you by American Express. Wining and dining your way around Auckland’s top restaurants (as voted by you), has never been easier thanks to American Express’s new Gold Rewards Cards. Find out more here.
Seminal figures in the evolution of Auckland’s hospitality scene, these innovative operators are pushing the industry forward thanks to the warm hospitality that awaits anyone dining at their venues. While Hugo Baird, owner of Lilian and Hotel Ponsonby was voted the favourite, he was closely followed by the likes of David Lee (Gochu, The Candy Shop, Good Dog Bad Dog, Green Door Pizza and Poni),Gemmayze Street’s Samir Allen, Bar Céleste’s Emma Ogilvie and Nick Landsman and Bar Magda’s Carlo Buenaventura.
The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes is brought to you by American Express. Wining and dining your way around Auckland’s top restaurants (as voted by you), has never been easier thanks to American Express’s new Gold Rewards Cards. Find out more here.
It was the heartbreak of hearing about newborns leaving hospital with nothing more than baby-sized gowns for clothes that inspired Laura Howard to start Littlemore. Built on the philosophy that every baby deserves a good start, Littlemore collects good-quality, pre-loved baby gear from donors and gives it directly to families in need. And if the charity’s exponential growth over the last few years is anything to go by, the need out there is great.
The Philosophy Littlemore wants to provide New Zealand families with essential clothes, tools and equipment to keep their newborn babies safe and nurtured. At its heart, Littlemore is about encouraging generosity, building community connection and facilitating the act of giving in the simplest, most straightforward way. Importantly, this charity works alongside groups from a diverse cross-section of New Zealand and has strong relationships with people working and living in various communities in order to identify the greatest need.
Who Are They After hearing from her midwife that some Kiwi families were leaving the hospital with virtually nothing for their newborns, Laura Howard (a new mum herself) couldn’t sit by and do nothing. At first, Howard tapped into her own network of new parents to deliver bundles of pre-loved baby clothes and essentials to maternity wards (to be distributed by midwives), but once it became apparent that there was a much greater need out there, Littlemore was born. Since its inception in 2013, this charity has grown from small beginnings in its founder’s home to occupying its own (kindly donated) commercial space in Storage King Grey Lynn. It attracts thousands of donations every year and now boasts a team of more than 70 volunteers, including a board of trustees.
What They Do In the simplest terms, Littlemore gets pre-loved baby essentials from generous Kiwi donors and delivers them directly to families who need them. By partnering with organisations who have the experience and expertise to identify families with the most need, Littlemore can be sure that it is being strategic with its giving and making the most significant impact. It is important to note that Littlemore honours the families it helps by only accepting high-quality baby gear that is safe, clean and in great condition.
How To Get Involved It’s very easy to help Littlemore’s cause. All you have to do is collect a bundle of pre-loved baby essentials such as clothing or gear (as long as everything is in good condition) and take it to one of the charity’s donation drop off spots at Storage King Takapuna or Storage King Grey Lynn.
With no government funding, every private dollar donated to Littlemore’s cause really does make a difference. Those wanting to make a contribution to keeping Kiwi babies warm this winter, can do so here.
It’s the time of year when all we want to do is snuggle into a comfortable chair, eat satisfying food and be cosseted by our surroundings. This extends to dining out, so in anticipation we’ve rounded up the cosiest eateries in town that will make you forget about the outside world — at least for a few hours.
Siso With its warming fireplace, textural finishes and tempting Mediterranean fare, Remuera’s beloved Siso invites diners to unbundle from the cold and settle in. Open for lunch and dinner, Siso’s relaxed yet polished approach to dining makes it a neighbourhood eatery worth crossing town for.
Ponsonby Road Bistro Always consistent, and consistently cosy, Ponsonby Road Bistro is our go-to when a relaxed yet luxurious meal feels like the only remedy for the cold. There’s no time better spent than an afternoon or evening tucked into one of its cushy seats with a wine in hand. We’ll have the confit duck, thanks.
The Lodge Bar & Dining, Apéro.
The Lodge Bar & Dining With hide-covered chairs and blankets galore, Rodd & Gunn’s The Lodge Bar is a warming oasis waiting for you in Commercial Bay. Quite apart from the decor, The Lodge Bar & Dining’s produce-driven menu is a revelation, thanks to the onsite Josper charcoal oven which imbues dishes with a delicious depth of flavour.
Apéro Food & Wine Walking into Karangahape Rd wine bar and eatery Apéro, you’ll instantly feel cocooned in the warmth of the long, brick-walled room. With a menu of simple yet expertly-executed dishes and a comprehensive wine list, it is the ideal spot to while away an hour or three on a cold winter’s night.
Ghost Street, Ortolana.
Ghost Street As soon as this Britomart newbie opened its doors, we knew the subterranean spot would become a go-to over the cooler months. Located underneath Cafe Hanoi (in the former 1885 Basement), the 82-seat space is totally enveloping, inviting you to leave dreary skies behind in favour of bold Chinese flavours, bustling service and a convivial atmosphere.
Ortolana Italian-inspired bistro Ortolana turns on the charm for every one of its patrons, helped along by its cheery space. Sit beneath the distinctive twinkling Monmouth glass lights and dig in to one of the satiating pastas or locally-sourced meat dishes.
Prego Should you arrive when the timing is right, Prego has all the makings of a cosy restaurant experience. This Ponsonby Road stalwart has a rich history, with the many who patiently wait for a table a testament to its popularity. With heaters outside and a cosy, bustling vibe to perfectly complement the big bowls of comforting pasta, Prego is one place we will happily spend our winter nights.
Azabu, The Engine Room.
Azabu Ponsonby When in doubt about dinner plans, Azabu never fails to deliver. An excellent option any time of year, the dark interior and banquette seating proves to be particularly enticing come wintertime. Order the prawn tempura volcano roll and watch the flames flicker as it’s blowtorched until toasty — a tableside flourish that we simply cannot pass up.
Cassia Something about stepping down the stairs into Cassia’s inviting space has us feeling instantly cocooned. Sid Sahrawat‘s acclaimed menu takes diners on a masterful journey of modern Indian cuisine; from its flavourful, delicate snacks to its soul-stirring curries, it’s always a winner.
The Engine Room We always feel at home at Northcote Point establishment The Engine Room, thanks to its familiar, hospitable interior that’s as welcoming as its staff and as enticing as its crowd-pleasing dishes. The twice-baked goat’s cheese soufflé is an icon in its own right, and the steak frites goes down a treat every time.
Landmark occasions like birthdays, engagements, anniversaries and graduations all call for a certain calibre of restaurant. This year, it was Britomart’s Mr Morris that claimed the title of Best Celebration Restaurant, with other honourable mentions going to beloved Ponsonby stalwart Jervois Steak House and Park Hyatt’s Onemata. Commercial Bay’s Ahi also proved popular for its elevated atmosphere and sweeping views, as did Parnell’s Cibo – a time-honoured place for celebration.
The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes is brought to you by American Express. Wining and dining your way around Auckland’s top restaurants (as voted by you), has never been easier thanks to American Express’s new Gold Rewards Cards. Find out more here.
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