With rain on the forecast, what better time to engage in some R&R and stay indoors with a great TV show? From royal satire to an acclaimed novel adaptation, these are the recent releases to watch now.
The Great Hilariously irreverent and loosely based on the facts, this show centres around Catherine The Great (Elle Fanning) and her fraught journey to power. Set in the Russian court of stroppy Emperor Peter (Nicholas Hoult), Catherine must find her own path through rampant promiscuity, violent outbursts and cautious conspiracy. Stream on Neon
Bad Education The true story of the largest public school embezzlement in American history, Bad Education is a dark comedy/drama that follows Dr Frank Tassone (Hugh Jackman) and Pamela Glukin (Allison Janney) as they steal millions of dollars from the Long Island public school they run, while simultaneously striving to make it the best in the district. Stream on Neon
The Way Back Ben Affleck plays an alcoholic ex-high-school basketball star who, after walking away from his future, is stuck on a meaningless path. Originally titled The Has-Been, this is a story of loss and resurrection without leaning on cliches, the protagonist is given a shot at redemption when he becomes the basketball coach at his alma mater. Stream on Apple TV
Misbehaviour Starring Keira Knightly, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jessie Buckley, Misbehavour tells the story of the women who hatched a plan to hijack the 1970 Miss World competition — the year that saw the first black competitor crowned. (Coming soon)
Normal People Based on the critically-acclaimed novel of the same name by Sally Rooney, Normal People offers a tender portrait of the relationship between protagonists Marianne and Connell, as they navigate life and love after high-school. Stream on TVNZ on demand
Mrs America Centred around second-wave feminism at the time of the Equal Rights Amendment, this slick miniseries focuses on Phylis Schlafly — conservative darling of the right — and her attempts to thwart the amendment’s passing into law. Told through the eyes of women from the era (on both sides of the aisle) and anchored by a masterful Cate Blanchett in the leading role, this show offers a fascinating look into history. Stream on Neon.
The humble cauliflower in cheese sauce receives a makeover.
A whole roasted cauliflower is an unexpected dinner party show-stopper, an edible centrepiece that your friends and family can hack away at, using the florets to scoop up extra cheese. We solicited the expertise of Orphans Kitchen head chef Tom Hishon to give the classic cauliflower dish an update, upping the ante by introducing an indulgent white truffle oil as well as a variety of herbs. This dish is deceptively easy to prepare, and will impress come serving time.
Whole Baked Cauliflower
Ingredients
1 whole cauliflower (stems on, rinsed well)
30ml virgin olive oil
Sea salt
Flour for dusting
Cayenne pepper
White truffle oil to finish
For the cheese sauce 60g butter
50g standard flour
Half a shallot
2 cloves
1 bay leaf
600ml blue top milk
3g sea salt
30ml white truffle oil
50g aged edam or other hard cheese (grated)
50g Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese (grated)
White pepper
METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius on fan bake.
2. In a large oven tray, place the whole rinsed cauliflower, drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower and grind sea salt over it, evenly covering the florets.
3. Cover the oven tray with foil and place in the preheated oven for 70 minutes or longer, depending on the size of the cauliflower.
4. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and take off the foil, letting it rest for 5-10 minutes before covering in cheese sauce.
Cheese sauce 1. While the cauliflower bakes, put the bay leaf, shallot and cloves into a saucepan. Pour the milk over the top, being sure to set aside an extra 100ml of milk for later.
2. Add salt, bring to a simmer and then take the saucepan away from heat. Melt butter in a separate saucepan on medium heat, and add the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon until it is smooth.
3. Add 1/4 of the warm milk to the pot and stir continuously until the mixture has returned to a smooth consistency, then slowly add one ladle of milk at a time until finished. Add in the grated cheese little by little to the sauce, still stirring continuously to ensure a thick, velvety texture.
4. Once all the cheese is mixed in, add the truffle oil and stir. The sauce should now look glossy. Finish with a few grinds of white pepper.
Set 1/4 of the sauce aside for later, dust the top of the baked cauliflower with flour, and while the sauce is still hot, pour it over, covering the whole head. Place in the oven for 7-10 minutes, or until golden. While it cooks, add the 100ml of milk back into the sauce you’ve set aside to serve on the side for dipping purposes. Place the whole cauliflower on a serving dish and sprinkle with a few pinches of cayenne pepper, before drizzling with more truffle oil.
The challenges of working as a fashion designer come easily to young designer Caitlin Crisp, which can be put down to a healthy dose of genetics, with her great grandfather working as a tailor and grandmother as a seamstress. Add to this her Diploma in Fashion Technology from the Ara Institute of Technology, a memorable stint on Project Runway New Zealand and battling through the Covid-19 lockdown by releasing her second collection and you have a fashion force to be reckoned with. Here we have taken a moment to stop admiring her stripped back feminine aesthetic to share her mental mood board.
My personal style can be defined by: Forever changing, always modest, respectful and reflective of what is going on in my life on any given day.
The last thing I bought and loved was: A pair of gorgeous Celine heels from The Real Real.
An unforgettable place I visited was: A cabin on a farm just out of Mangawhai. My boyfriend surprised me with a weekend there and it was a whole other world. I think it’s more the company than the place itself but that weekend was just perfect.
Next place I’d like to travel to: If Covid had never happened I would be on my first trip to Europe, and in Paris with one of my best friends right now! Fingers crossed that I’ll be able to have that Europe trip next year when things settle down a bit.
An object I would never part with is: My Grandma’s jewellery. She passed away when I was two and my mother has slowly started giving my pieces of her collection. I think Mum gets as much joy from me wearing it as I do. It’s pretty special.
The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: Every piece from my latest collection. But I’ve been getting the most wear out of my Horizon tops, the sleeves are to die for.
The design (building, person, item) that inspires me is: My quirky wee studio, it’s filled with light and has an amazing energy about it. Although, it’s not so much the room itself that inspires me but I feel inspired when I’m in it.
Caitlin Crisp knit
On my wish list is: Our latest Caitlin Crisp knit in Ivory, an absolute staple wardrobe piece. But they’ve been selling so well I may not get to keep one for myself (a good problem to have).
My favourite app is: Solitaire. I’m obsessed, it’s a great way to stop me thinking about the busyness of the day and slow down before bed.
An indulgence I would never forgo is: My mind jumps to food here and I go through phases. At the moment I’m obsessed with hot chocolates.
If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: Auckland, and.. Ponsonby. Muse Boutique with a side of Allpress coffee from Pat is all this girl needs.
I can’t miss an episode of: The O.C. I’m re-watching it at the moment and it gets me every time (don’t know if I should be admitting that).
In my fridge you’ll always find: My boyfriend Josh and our flatmate Tim’s beers… I’m never home so the fridge is their territory.
My favourite room in my house is: The lounge, I live with people with very serious jobs that come with fantastic work stories (think, intensive care paramedic) so it’s very grounding to come home after a day of ‘fashion’ and listen to some real-world problems.
I recently discovered: That taking a bit of time out does wonders for the soul.. you were right, Mum!
The people I rely on for my wellbeing are: Tied in first place would be my family, my boyfriend and my best friend Holly. I wouldn’t be who or where I am without them.
The podcasts I listen to are: I’m not loyal to one channel or even genre, lately it’s been jumping between Fashion In Focus and anything Brene Brown.
The beauty/ grooming product I can’t live without is: My hairbrush. These locks don’t tame themselves. One of the darling boys I nanny for also has an obsession with plaiting my hair so it’s often left a mop of knots.
Music I’m listening to currently: It’s a constant cycle of finding some good new ones and then reverting back to the playlist I’ve had going since 2010-ish, much to my friend’s dismay.
If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: Wishing I was doing what I’m doing! I never knew working retail and nannying would fit into my dream of being a designer and having my own label. But somehow they all came together to make for a very happy life. I couldn’t ask for more than that.
Lilian
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Lilian! Everytime. I couldn’t pick a favourite on the menu. It’s all so good.
I have a collection of: Buttons which I inherited from my Grandmother and my Nana Margaret and which my mother adds to as she finds interesting buttons.
A great piece of advice I have received: Life is 10 per cent what happens to you and 90 per cent what you do with it. Another golden nugget my old boss Anna gave me was “we’re selling clothes, not saving lives”. It keeps everything in perspective when facing the inevitable challenges that come with being in the fashion industry.
The last book I loved was: A toss up between Daring Greatly by Brene Brown and Acid For The Children by/about Flea. I learnt a lot about myself from one and laughed hysterically at the other, a good balance.
They’re the dishes that keep us coming back and with good reason; whether they’ve been on a menu for decades or are fresh additions, these restaurants serve up what we want to be eating now – and what you should eat this weekend.
Grass-fed Beef Steak Tartare from Jervois Steak House A classic combination of raw yolk, minced onion, hot sauce and mustard makes this beef tartare utterly delicious, especially when transported hand-to-mouth on crunchy house-made crisps.
Kombu-Cured Salmon Salad from Golden Nest at Woodpecker Hill For something fresh, look no further than Golden Nest at Woodpecker Hill’s kombu-cured salmon salad. A crowd favourite brought over from The Blue Breeze Inn and tweaked for this new venture, this version incorporates pumpkin seeds rather than peanuts, and house-made pickles for extra zing.
Chilli Cheese Dog from Good Dog Bad Dog When only a hot dog will do, this chilli cheese dog is the pick of the pack with a traditional frankfurter sausage topped with house-made chilli mix and cheese with chives.
Lamb Chuleta from Azabu Thanks to a dusting of cumin, ginger, garlic and shichimi (a common Japanese seasoning known as seven spice), these tender lamb cutlets are beautifully aromatic and served on a bed of smoky aubergine and coriander purée.
Ebi Mayo Roll from Ebisu Texture and flavour meet in absolute harmony with this dish of compressed rockmelon and black tiger prawn with avocado, red tobiko (fish roe), mayonnaise and chives, topped with a crunchy sprinkle of tempura.
Beef Wellington from Ostro Ostro’s Beef Wellington is a thing of beauty, served to share with a field mushroom duxelle, fine herb crepe, confit garlic and Kōkihi — also known as NZ spinach.
Pig Face from Culprit Culprit’s famous pig face is a mainstay on the restaurant’s menu, with regular updates. The latest iteration sees the Freedom Farms, Southern Alps braised pork jowl paired with black garlic, topped with puffed crackling accompanied by a persimmon, radicchio salad.
Fried Calamari from Andiamo No meal at Andiamo is complete without the establishment’s famous fried calamari. A drizzle of chorizo oil, the ‘bagna cauda’ dipping sauce and a squeeze of lemon takes this dish to the next level.
Lobster Roll from Lobster & Tap Perfection in a buttery brioche bun, Lobster & Tap’s lobster roll takes wild-caught lobster and mixes it with creamy mayo, herbs and spices for a simply gobble-worthy bite.
Caramel Semifreddo from Euro Leave room for dessert with this sweet course from the geniuses at Euro – a divine creation of caramel semifreddo, peanut butter mousse, peanut brittle and popcorn.
Ooh-la-la, when a French pastry craving strikes it’s hard to shake. Whether it’s a purely plain croissant, a pain au chocolat or a something stuffed with a savoury mixture of ham and cheese, here are the places to find the best version of each.
La Cigale French Market Why mess with perfection? La Cigale’s delicious classic croissants are even better consumed amongst the hustle and bustle of the French market.
Amano Authentic and artisanal, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better plain croissant anywhere else in the central city.
VANIYÉ Patisserie The award-winning Parnell pastry and baked-goods experts have the pain au chocolat down pat.
Fort Greene Delightfully indulgent, Fort Greene’s almond croissants are, of course, made fresh by hand every day. To take it to the next level, we also recommend trying their almond pain au chocolat.
Daily Bread Incorporating fruit into your diet has never been easier, with Daily Bread’s delightful fruit danishes. The fillings change depending on the season, but no matter what variation of nature’s candy is placed in the centre of the pastries, deliciousness is always guaranteed.
La Voie Française The Dominion Rd favourite’s pan au raisin pastries are second to none. A word of advice: if you’re planning on visiting on a Saturday, make sure you get there early as the goods sell out fast.
The Real Bread Project Driving out to Helensville just to get a taste of Daniel Cruden’s pastries at his bakery, The Real Bread Project is well worth it, and after you bite into his ham and cheese croissant, you’ll understand why. Filled with thick cuts of ham and swirled with cheese, it proves that not all indulgence has to be sweet.
Head on was the approach of architect Shaun Lockyer and interior designerJustine Hugh-Jonesto meet the challenge of creating a capacious five-bedroom home, with all the facilities of a six-star resort, to feel welcoming for a family with two teenage children.
Tom Dixon Beat Black Floor Light from ECC, Minotti Andersen Quilt sofa from ECC,
Removing the existing home on the prime position overlooking Sydney’s magnificent harbour and Taylor Bay, the committed team, along with leading landscaper William Dangar, set about creating a home that integrated with the prime landscape, offering much-needed privacy while still capitalising on the multi-million dollar views.
To achieve this balance Lockyer used Brailian Modern styles as a starting point. Popularised from the 1930s in Brasilia and Sao Paulo, the movement borrowed from the European approach to modernism but expanded on its teachings to accommodate the country’s sub-tropical demands. Here this comes into play with smooth concrete walls, French Oak floors and ceilings giving way to terrazzo and an intricate doors and window system that manipulates the facade.
Knoll Saarinen Conference Chair from Studio Italia, Contemporary chandelier from Ochre
Inside Hugh-Jones played against the solidity of the structure by tapping into the owner’s love of drama and detail with a jewel-toned palette that offered warmth and scene-stealing pendant lights for a welcome element of surprise.
Even the enormous kitchen, designed with entertaining in mind, makes the most of the views, with a frameless window above the cooktop capitalising on Dangar’s dab hand with the greenery.
The pool, spa, gym and grand wine cellar make the required statement of success for the owner but it’s the generous light, play of materials and inviting furnishings that make it a home.
Apparatus Cloud Pendant from ECC (left); Tom Dixon Tank Decanter from ECC
Inner-city multi-functional workshop, gallery and work space The Tuesday Club has welcomed a second outpost of cult favourite Eden Terrace sandwich shop Hero Sandwich House.
Situated in the downstairs of the versatile building, Hero at the Tuesday Club awaits to serve those who appreciate a truly delicious sando with a tempting array from the cabinet, filling the gap of quick yet fresh and chef-made lunch options in the CBD.
“I want it to be like a fast-paced deli”, says Hero founder Huri Neill, who plans on opening a third shop in Auckland by the end of the year. “Really good sandwiches you can find around the city.”
Hero Sandwich House’s first location opened in 2017 to rave reviews, and while locals will be relieved to know it’s still in action, the new venue is the much-anticipated final addition to owner Nick Worthington’s unique Airedale Street complex.
“It’s been about four years since we first moved in here”, says Worthington of The Tuesday Club. “The cafe was the last thing to go in, but it’s the best thing. We got introduced to Huri at just the right time; everything he was doing felt effortless and we’re like-minded.”
Clockwise from left: Philly Cheese, Mushroom and CBJ sandwiches
Hero at the Tuesday Club’s succinct-yet-mighty menu includes all the generous and flavourful fillings the sandwich house is known for.
One of the most popular choices is the Philly Cheese: a brioche bun stuffed with skirt steak, jalapenos, buttered onions, pickles and cheddar and toasted to perfection.
Beef brisket sausage roll
The CBJ or chicken, bacon jam and cheddar is another crowd favourite with its incredibly generous slathering of filling on toasted Wild Wheat sourdough, and the balsamic glazed mushroom, mozarella and griddle onion more than holds its own amongst meatier options.
There’s also a delicious brisket sausage roll on offer, plus a cheeseburger pie – both of which come served with pickles.
Additionally, Hero at the Sandwich Club is bringing a taste of another Eden Terrace favourite closer to the central city as it offers Coffee Pen‘s delicious cheesecakes and spiced apple caramel pie, all to be washed down with hot coffee from Allpress.
The industrial yet polished fit-out centres around a large metal table with velvet-topped stools, and was the combined effort of some of The Tuesday Club’s regular collaborators, including Worthington who has a motorbike and welding workshop on the same floor, and Leon McKay of Saint Leo metal workshop.
In such a varied and bustling location, the addition of Hero at the Tuesday Club is a welcome one and is sure to be as popular as its first iteration – we are certainly excited to return as soon as possible.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 7:30 until sold out Closed Saturday and Sunday
If you find yourself in Ponsonby with a craving for a cold drink and some hot dumplings, we’ve got just the place for you. Midnight Gardener, which opens today, is bringing popular inner-city dumpling spot Sumthin Dumplin to the suburb in a relaxed and down-to-earth beer garden setting.
Named for the corner site it occupies which used to hold the Ponsonby Rd Garden Centre, Midnight Gardener boasts a casual and comfortable backyard vibe, the ideal setting for those looking to while away an evening with friends over a few beers.
“We’ve always wanted to put our mark down in Ponsonby, ” says Sumthin Dumplin owner Shane Liu. He’s opened the venue in collaboration with Luke Dallow of Chapel Bar and Bistro and Phill Clark, both of whom bring their many years of hospitality experience to the new venture.
With an open-air vibe that, now it’s winter, will be cosy and convivial with multiple heaters and a fireplace, Midnight Gardener is anchored by sturdy shipping containers, one of which houses an indoor eating space, bordered by a stool-lined balcony. Astro turf tops the additional outside area, and a light-decorated maple tree stretches its branches in the centre — behind which, the container roof is primed for any future live DJ sets.
On offer food-wise, customers will be treated to Sumthin Dumplins mouth-watering Shanghainese dumplings. Traditionally made but contemporary flavoured, the menu is a happy fusion of traditional tastes with a modern twist.
Vegan monk dumplings with chilli
‘The OG’ sees the classic combination of pork and cabbage served in an original wrap (which is a soft, fluffy casing similar to the consistency of bread); whereas the Beef & Cheese offers a dumpling incarnation of our beloved meat and cheese pie, as premium beef, onion, mozzarella and parmesan are combined in a surprising blend. Vegetarian and vegan options are, of course, also available, with ‘The Monk’ dumplings — comprising tofu, shitake mushroom and bok choy ensconced in a spinach wrap.
Craft beer fans will be pleased to find a curated selection on tap, as well as ice cold Asahi, a wine list with local and international additions and of course non-alcoholic options.
The ‘OG’ dumplings with sriracha mayo
The venture is all about the prime corner site, and bringing a fresh bout of positivity to the neighbourhood with the casual ease and affordability of street food — we can already tell it will be the place to be.
Opening hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 3pm – late Thursday to Sunday, 12pm – late Closed Monday
Words Margie Riddiford | PHOTOS Donna Dotan | 16 Jun 2020
In this jaw-dropping Upper East Side duplex, evocative architecture and considered design produce a truly aspirational home, where exquisite interiors are accented by extraordinary views. Sitting on 5th Avenue, across from New York’s famed Metropolitan Museum of Art, this two-level apartment is a haven of calm in the heart of the city that never sleeps. What was previously three smaller apartments was reworked by the architects at Workshop/APD and Jenny Store of JGSK design, resulting in a beautiful family home that combines practicality with a serious dose of sophistication.
The bottom level of the 348-square-metre home features a foyer, two living spaces, three children’s bedrooms, a media room and the kitchen, where sculptural furnishings in a simple colour palette of grey, black and white lend elegant finesse. Touches of green are introduced in the communal spaces on soft furnishings with the verdant theme carried through the rest of the home. A fitting colour scheme that reflects the apartment’s sweeping views across the leafy tops of Central Park’s trees.
Two Atollo lamps from ECC, Pierre Paulin Ribbon chairs UFL
Recurring curves are introduced through the furniture, coffee tables and smaller details like lamps and accessories, a visual motif that reaches its peak in the spectacular spiral staircase leading from the main area to the master suite. A breathtaking feat of design, the stairs sit in front of a five-metre travertine backdrop and boast wooden treads that gently circle upwards, supported by painted steel and a white shell.9
Upstairs, the master suite offers an oasis in which to relax and unwind, where views across the park temporarily transport the occupier out of the bustle of urban life and into a place of calm contemplation.
Since 1995 Icebreaker has been a pioneering force both within the lifestyle and performance-wear space and in the wider industry as a business at the forefront of sustainability and innovation.
Now, as one of the 120 retailers to join the Commercial Bay precinct, its new Touch Lab store is perfectly timed with winter’s arrival.
We think it’s fair to say everyone gained a new level of appreciation for well-made, comfortable activewear during lockdown (whether or not you were particularly active) and Icebreaker’s offering epitomises a harmonious balance of form and function centring on principles of simplicity, versatility and longevity.
Icebreaker at Commercial Bay
Our picks from the latest collection are crucial layers you’ll be happy to have on show. Crafted from that all-important premium New Zealand-sourced merino, we can already see the women’s Waypoint roll neck sweater being in high-rotation, along with the Waypoint half-zip sweater for the stylish man.
The brand’s sixth Auckland Touch Lab store revolves around environmentally-conscious construction featuring suitably earth-friendly materials throughout.
Icebreaker’s Waypoint merino half-zip sweater
Prototype paper mâché mannequins are being tested as an eco-friendly update for the formerly ubiquitous plastic version, and shoppers can interact with educational touchpoints in the space, like Icebreaker’s ‘grower map’, showing each of the South Island stations from where the brand’s merino is sourced.
Within the mix of high fashion, high street and boutique labels on offer at Commercial Bay, Icebreaker holds its own as a formidable advocate for natural yet high-tech design and its presence is a welcome addition to this exciting shopping precinct.
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