After the year we’ve all had, we’re more than ready to embrace a relaxed and restorative festive season. This includes Christmas day and the lead-up — we’re not in the mood to be stressed and breaking a sweat while trying to get egg whites whipped for a pav. This doesn’t mean a lacklustre dessert centrepiece is on the cards, however, with The Pantry’s incredible Christmas offering available to impart significant wow factor to any spread.
Park Hyatt Auckland’s popular daytime eatery, this season The Pantry is a veritable treasure trove of incredible edible Christmas goodies, both made in-house and from traditional Italian makers.
Within the housemade selection are showstopping trifles and tarts, moreish mince pies, roulades, gingerbread houses and even a gingerbread wreath. Designed and created by Park Hyatt’s Executive Pastry Chef Callum Liddicoat and his team, each sweet sensation is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach, created with expert finesse and attention to detail.
While many of these desserts are of course traditional, Liddicoat and the team have put their own, fresh spin on each creation. Take the trifles, for example — available in three flavours (Tropical & Coconut, Berry & Peach, and Chocolate, Cherry & Mascarpone), they encompass silky panna cotta, fresh fruity compotes, airy sponge and clever gels and meringues. While we’re sure your grandmother’s trifle is tasty, these are next level and come in a glass trifle bowl that the recipient gets to keep.
The tarts are also exquisite; from lemon meringue to strawberry, chocolate hazelnut to raspberry, each is a colourful symphony of flavour and luscious presentation. For fans of a classic mince pie, The Pantry’s have a boozy touch from the fruit mixture being soaked in New Zealand-made, six-spiced botanical rum from Honest Spirits.
Any of the goods on offer would make a special gift, too — the gingerbread houses, in particular, are great for this, or the gingerbread wreath.
Additionally, within the broader Christmas Shop selection, find Dolce & Gabbana’s famously beautiful (and tasty) panettones as well as various flavours of panettone from traditional Italian pastry company Fiasconaro, chocolates from Bombones Cudié via Sabato, and more.
Whatever your choice, it’s sure to make sweet work of dessert this festive season.
When many of us think of newly built apartments, what might come to mind are potential compromises that have to be made in terms of space and character. But this need not be a worry with Shelly Beach, the new luxury development that’s set to raise the bar of apartment living to magnificent heights.
Located at 87 Shelly Beach Road, the secluded 1890m2 site will be home to eight penthouse-sized apartments, set over four levels. Hidden from street view down an extensive driveway, Shelly Beach will cut an elemental figure as it takes in unsurpassable views of the sea, the stone-anchored materiality of the building set to draw from its immediate coastal surrounds.
The project has been designed by renowned architect firm Monk Mackenzie in conjunction with respected Auckland-based property developer Vanguard & Co, and Interior Architect Ella Dallimore — Ella is the designer behind the Ocean Suites and a number of private homes at Tara Iti. From the outset, the team has approached Shelly Beach with a level of design focus and plan for bespoke detailing that is normally reserved for an architect-led residential build or a luxury lodge.
The strongly defined exterior will be punctuated with outdoor terraces that are recessed into the overall form, with overhanging planters adding verdant texture. Balance is to play a large part in creating a sense of liveability here; curved concrete internal and external walls will add a sculptural element to offset more linear shapes, and interior solidity will be balanced with softness from lush planting in winter garden spaces and high-quality, tactile fabrics used in the furnishings.
Each apartment is to have a generous floor plan of over 255m2, offering three bedrooms plus a flexible media room. The exquisitely appointed show kitchen, butlers kitchen, living and dining area in every home will boast an expansive 2.9m floor-to-ceiling height, and master bedrooms are designed to have an adjoining ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. The living areas are to be open plan and embrace an airy outlook, while the master bathroom is set to envelop the inhabitant in a zen-like retreat.
Spaces to display wine, art or classic car collections are an intrinsic part of the brief, and each apartment will also have its own lockable basement garage for up to four vehicles, all with an EV charger.
“Liveability is changing and New Zealanders are embracing the thoughtful design practices they see internationally,” says Developer Michael Dallimore of Vanguard & Co. “Our market wants house-like proportions and spaces that are flexible and efficient, enabling rest and relaxation while also providing the ability for people to work from home.”
Shelly Beach’s prime location offers short walking proximity to local Herne Bay and Ponsonby stores and eateries, as well as to Point Erin and Westhaven Marina. Looking out over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina and Rangitoto Island on one side, Auckland CBD and the Waitakere Ranges on the others, one is sure to be reminded every moment that there’s no better place to be than home.
Shelly Beach apartment sales particulars and pricing are by application, and an on-site display suite is available with viewings by appointment through Pene Milne at NZ Sotheby’s International Realty. Construction is scheduled to start in 2022 and the development will be completed in 2024.
A bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne is popped every second around the globe, such is its magnetism for those who wish to celebrate in exceptional style. Having brought people together to celebrate moments that bubble over with effervescence for over 270 years, Moët & Chandon is continuing the festivities with sparkling celebrations planned in cities around the world this Christmas — from London and New York to Paris, Milan, and Moscow
Now this joyful spirit can be delivered directly to your own soirée with Moët & Chandon Effervescence arriving in New Zealand. For a limited time, you can give the gift of effervescence with personalised Moët & Chandon Impérial magnums, featuring three holiday greetings choices ‘Celebrate’, ‘With Love’, or ‘Merry Christmas’, customised in gold calligraphy. Like all Moët & Chandon Champagnes, the Impérial magnum dazzles and delights with bright fruitiness, an enticing palate and an elegant maturity.
Those in Auckland Central have the opportunity to further immerse themselves, or their intended recipient, in the grandeur of Moët & Chandon by booking the House’s charming Champagne Concierge service. Inspired by the classic vehicles found in the bucolic French countryside, the custom Moët & Chandon Effervescence delivery truck carries its precious magnums in a bespoke limited edition Effervescence gift box for an unforgettable delivery.
Moët & Chandon Effervescence will be running from Monday the 13th to Saturday the 18th of December, and we recommend securing your delivery before it is booked up.
For those in the greater Auckland area, and other main metros nationwide, personalised Impérial magnums will be delivered in signature Moët & Chandon gift bags via standard courier for a limited time.
Take Kate Moss’ early noughties festival circuit signature — the waistcoat — to the boardroom and beyond. The way to wear it is either alone, as a top itself, or layered to add a touch of sleeveless structure to a lightweight dress or shirt. Pair with wide-legged trousers, choose a print or colour-blocking, and you have the reinvented look of the season.
This is an easy Japanese recipe and requires a succinct list of key ingredients. To transform this simple dish into a varied and nourishing meal, serve the salmon with steamed rice, teriyaki sauce, steamed seasonal vegetables and pickles for a satisfying, salmon teriyaki donburi bowl.
Teriyaki SalmonRecipe Serves 4
Ingredients 2cm fresh ginger root, finely sliced 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced 3 Tbsp soy sauce 2 Tbsp maple syrup 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine) 4 salmon fillets (about 500g in total) Vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste
Method 1. Put the ginger and garlic into a bowl and mix with the soy sauce, maple syrup, mirin and a drizzle of vegetable oil. 2. Place the salmon fillets in a dish, season with salt and pepper and pour the sticky dressing over them. 3. Cover and set aside in the fridge to marinate for up to 2 hours, but for at least 20 minutes. 4. Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add a dash of oil. 5. When hot, add the salmon, skin side down, reserving the marinade. 6. Cook for 2 minutes, then pour in the reserved marinade and cook for a further minute or so, until the salmon fillets are opaque halfway up the sides. 7. Turn them over and cook on the other side for 3–4 minutes, basting with the sauce so that the salmon is well coated. 8. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. 9. Serve the salmon fillets on individual plates, spooning over any teriyaki sauce left in the pan.
Developed by Viewpoint Collection and designed by Noah Walker of renowned architecture firm, Walker Workshop, The Carla House is a luxurious monument to Los Angeles living. Located on a sloped, 1.2-acre Carla Ridge property, in a prominent Beverly Hills neighbourhood, this awe-inspiring residence is about as ‘LA’ as it gets, sporting views from the Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign and designed with entertainment in mind.
Constructed over three storeys and broken into two wings connected by a low-lying central volume, the house comprises seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, as well as a number of special features (like a fitness studio and state-of-the-art movie theatre) across its sprawling footprint.
Wanting to create something that felt grand without sacrificing subtlety or sophistication, the team at Walker Workshop focused on a design that would integrate seamlessly into its surrounding landscape. Heroing long, elegant lines and an organic palette, a profusion of glass not only lets in natural light but maximises the home’s panoramic views.
Inside, materials like Western red cedar, concrete and white stucco combine in spaces that feel pared-back, modern and sophisticated. Grey tile flooring contrasts perfectly with the honey-toned timber on the walls and ceiling, while in the kitchen, spectacular marble islands and white oak cabinetry serve to conceal a suite of high-end Gaggenau appliances.
Elsewhere, the bedrooms are accessible by wooden, concrete-framed staircases, and feature generous balconies, offering moments of privacy in a home that is largely defined by its openness.
Aston dining chairs by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti gather around Henge’s Ly-table, available from ECC
Driven, seemingly, by the playbook of Californian living, Walker ensured a strong connection between the interior and exterior spaces, utilising motorised sliding doors in the middle part of the house to dissolve the boundaries between indoor and out. Out the front sits a long pool, cleverly placed to bounce refracted afternoon light into the house, while out the back is a series of patios and gardens alongside a 26-metre infinity lap pool.
In true Los Angeles style, this house becomes the ultimate party location via the middle structure’s rooftop, where a purpose-built, 2,000 square-foot party deck will offer a convivial experience that is second to none.
A sitting space overlooks the tranquil green lawn, furnished with Jensen low back armchairs by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti and Henge’s Rio stools, available from ECC
Putting aside the bells and whistles, The Carla House exemplifies quiet architecture — where a home is designed with as little drama or extravagance as possible, to derive the maximum value and square-footage from a property. It plays into Walker’s design mantra of warm, organic modernism, something that sees the architect typically adopt a softer approach in the homes he conceives.
It’s in the simple, practical details that Walker is able to make a project sing, creating timeless, transcendent moments. Offering pause for thought in its carefully considered materials and injections of nature into the manmade structures, this incredible property is a sanctuary on a grand scale.
Architect — Walker Workshop Interior Design — MASS Beverly Photography — Mike Kelly
When No.1 Pancake closed down its central city location on Lorne Street this year, it made headlines as its loyal patrons made the pilgrimage to the tiny store for one last order. Over 17 years, the unassuming hole-in-the-wall had won over hearts with its delightfully chewy filled Korean pancakes (known as hotteok), slowly pan-fried with a crisp outer layer.
The owners, Sung Kwon (SK) and Abigail Lim, took over No. 1 Pancake from a friend when it was still called Corner Pancake, and diligently flipped their new business into an inner-city culinary institution. When the lease came up on their outpost recently, the Lim family made the end-of-an-era decision to relocate away from city life, to the suburb of Rosedale. “For mum and dad, the opportunity came up to really think about moving,” their youngest son Jonathan says on their behalf. “It was a time to step back and think long term about shifting the work-life balance a bit.”
While the Lorne Street location was where devotees knew to line-up, an essential component of No. 1 Pancake’s secret recipe — the dough — was painstakingly proofed at the family’s commercial kitchen, so slowly that it took the whole night to complete. The new outlet is in the site of said commercial kitchen. As well as eliminating commuting times completely, it gives the parents the chance to prioritise their health and wellbeing.
The commercial kitchen is a lot more hospitable. “We can take a step backwards without hitting our backs against the wall. We can stretch out our arms fully without touching both walls,” says Jonathan. “It’s about 10 times bigger by the floor size.”
Devotees and newcomers alike can find No. 1 Pancake’s classic flavours at the new address, including ham and cheese, red bean and cheese, and, for dessert, brown sugar and cinnamon. While Abigail is always perfecting the dough, and finding how minor adaptations can change the taste and texture ever so slightly, it takes months before No. 1 Pancake introduces a new flavour. At the moment, it’s offering optional jalapeños, a spicy addition to complement and cut through the cheesiest of its pancakes.
Of paramount importance to the relocation was No. 1 Pancake doing right by their customers. Despite opening during level 3, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Although they didn’t have queues around the corner like they did on their city closing day, there were cars filing in from near and far. “It has been eventful,” says Johnathan. “Especially the first day, we had a much better turnout than we ever expected, seeing a lot of familiar faces pop up.”
While No. 1 Pancake is available via takeaway for now, the family is looking at shaded outdoor seating for relaxed dining during the less restricted summer months in Auckland — which will be a chance to regroup. “We want to say thank you for all the people who have cheered us on,” says Abigail. “We knew it was a big change, but it was a big change so we could maintain the quality.”
“We know it was a lot for our customers to bear,” adds Jonathan, “but we are still going to put in the same love and same effort.”
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 11am — 7.30pm Closed Sunday to Tuesday
No. 1 Pancake
Unit 6, 18 Airborne Road,
Rosedale, Auckland
You’ve got to feel for the hospitality and service industries — each time there’s a government announcement, it must be akin to whiplash as they scramble to pivot, pivot, and pivot again. As the latest ‘traffic light system’ confirmation has resulted in an avalanche of bookings for many restaurants, cafés and bars (for which they are undoubtedly grateful) we see fit to remind you that although we’re all looking forward to a proper Friday night meal out, thinking outside the box for reservations is another great way to support eateries.
It might be a Tuesday after-work dinner, a mid-afternoon high tea on the weekend or an early supper with the children, but spreading the love will help take the pressure off during those peak times and give eateries a steadier schedule to work with.
From left: Huami; Prego.
For an early supper with the children…
Masu An eternal family favourite, kids can enjoy a bento box with all the beloved Japanese delicacies, all while mum and dad enjoy some delicious fare from the regular menu and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
Azabu Mission Bay Swing by this Eastern Beaches beauty on the way home from school, and the kids can tuck into a special menu of sushi, bento boxes, chicken karaage and more. Did we mention a complimentary ice cream scoop for dessert?
Huami SkyCity’s sophisticated Chinese restaurant bridges the traditional and the modern. The expansive menu is sure to have something for everyone and serves dinner from 5:30pm, Wednesday to Saturday.
Baduzzi Get ’em started on the good stuff at a young age with Baduzzi’s kids’ menu. Book for dinner from 5pm for dishes like handmade buttered pasta with herbs and parmesan and organic lamb meatballs braised in tomato sauce.
Prego The Ponsonby Road stalwart is famed for its welcoming attitude to those of all ages. Park up in the late afternoon for an early bite and experience Prego’s much-loved hospitality and Italian fare.
From left: Gochu; Soul Bar & Bistro.
For a tasty weekday lunch…
Culprit The innovative Wyndham Street eatery has one of the best weekday lunches in town. Pull up for its Trolley Derby menu, designed to be speedy, seasonal and most of all utterly delicious, or order a la carte.
Gochu Open 7 days, 11:30am until late, Gochu is an ideal spot to pull up to if you’re working in town or simply just have a craving for its big-on-flavour modern Korean dishes.
Ebisu Head down to this elevated Japanese favourite between Tuesday and Friday, and enjoy a midday meal of classic favourites and Bento boxes — or settle in for a longer lounging lunch.
Soul Bar & Bistro Soul is an excellent choice for lunch, especially on a sunny day with the water sparkling beside. We’ll have the crayfish capellini, thank you — and a glass of something good. Why not, it’s festive season!
The Crab Shack Head down to Princes Wharf for one of the best lunchtime deals in town — between 12-3pm, the $15 lunch special includes a choice of either ‘Bang Bang’ chicken salad, barbeque prawn tacos or sensational seafood chowder.
Cafe Hanoi The fresh, flavoursome food at Britomart’s Vietnamese institution Cafe Hanoi is perfect for a weekday lunch when you want to be satisfied but not too weighed down. Book in for lunch Monday to Saturday.
The Engine Room Nip over the bridge (or down the road if you’re local) Wednesday to Friday and Northcote’s neighbourhood restaurant will have you well taken care of with its beloved bistro fare.
Sid at The French Café While it’s usually open for dinner Tuesday to Friday and lunch and dinner on a Saturday, the Eden Terrace fine dining favourite is offering lunch on Fridays for the month of December. A great way to see out the week, we think.
Jervois Steak House The famous Steak Your Claim lunch-for-two offer returns to JSH, boasting two mains, two sides, and two glasses of selected wine for only $90. Now, that’s sure to put a pep in your step for the rest of the day.
From Left: Ahi; Bar Celeste.
For dinner on a Monday or Tuesday…
Ahi With Commercial Bay’s eateries open seven days, Ben Bayly’s “truly New Zealand restaurant” Ahi is a fantastic option on a Monday and Tuesday.
The Lodge Bar & Dining Same goes for The Lodge Bar & Dining, delicious any day of the week but we think its incredible oysters, small plates and mains are a perfect way to end a Monday.
Bar Celeste The K’ Rd cutie is bound to be booked up on peak nights for December, but why not try your luck on a Tuesday for some of the best French neo-bistro food in town?
Pici Across the road in St Kevins Arcade, the pasta masters at Pici plate up dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, with lunch available Wednesday to Saturday.
Ghost Street Head downstairs to the cosy and atmospheric Ghost Street, open Monday to Sunday, and dig into its punchy, elevated Chinese dishes.
The Blue Breeze Inn Open seven days for lunch and dinner, Blue Breeze has us covered whenever we’re craving that pork belly bao. Which is, always.
Onslow Described as ‘refined but not fine-dining’, the menu spans the likes of fried chicken with caviar to the fluffiest soufflé we can ever recall sampling, making for the perfect spot to celebrate the festive season on a Monday or Tuesday.
From left: Siso; Bucks Bistro.
For a Sunday family catch-up...
Siso The expansive Remuera restaurant has plenty of room for groups of any size, and its contemporary Mediterranean menu will appeal to all.
Andiamo We’ve certainly missed Sunday lunches at this Herne Bay neighbourhood stalwart.
Akarana Eatery Take in one of the best ocean views in Auckland at Akarana, which has plenty of plates for the whole family to enjoy.
Bucks Bistro Giving its ocean view a hefty amount of competition, this recent addition to Bucklands Beach is open from 8am on Sundays, and its food is excellent.
Non Solo Pizza Another restaurant sorely missed over lockdown, get everyone together for Non Solo’s family-style long lunches on the weekend.
From left: The Living Room; Hotel Ponsonby.
For a mid-afternoon weekend session…
The Living Room Enjoy a light meal or indulge in Park Hyatt Auckland’s Afternoon Tea, a journey of discovery served in a playful style where nostalgia and modernity merge.
Ostro Book in for high tea, Sundays from 12 to 3pm, and enjoy exquisite savoury and sweet treats washed down with a flute of Veuve Clicquot.
Hotel Ponsonby While this popular watering hole heaves on a Friday and Saturday night, the vibe on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon is positively wholesome.
Parasol & Swing Offering an incredible view across the waters of Viaduct Harbour, this rooftop bar is a summertime favourite of ours. Indulge in one of Parasol & Swing’s seasonal cocktails and you’ll be setting yourself up for a perfect afternoon.
Northcote Tavern Grab a crew and a brew, and park up in the sundrenched garden for an afternoon at this North Shore gem.
Rooftop at QT Nab a spot on the balcony at QT’s Rooftop bar, and stick around for the impeccably mixed drinks as well as Mediterranean bites.
Saint Alice Glorious views and lip-smacking food collide in this enticing spot. Expect to find woodfired delights, ranging from pork spare ribs to pizza, alongside top-notch seafood and refreshing sangria and Pimm’s jugs.
Exceed all expectations with outdoor living spaces that are at one with the landscape, while being in step with your lifestyle. From poolside lounging to pillowy seating and dining among the elements, these are the furniture and outdoor decor pieces to consider for both comfort and style.
A summer by the pool is one excellently spent, so why not invest in cohesive lounge suites and recliners that enhance your sense of serenity. Refined forms with calming cool-toned cushions and natural wooden frames are the ultimate in laid-back luxury.
Clockwise: Shady umbrella by Royal Botania from ECC, Hora Sexta lounger by Antonio Citterio for Flexform from Studio Italia, Aquila Nest of tables from Coco Wolf, Rere Sun lounger from Devon.
The Thousand Oaks home by Nicole Hollis and Rios Clementi Hale Studios.
Where Slim Aarons meets David Hockney, a pool pavilion encourages colourful outdoor entertaining. Strong concrete tables and durable domed ottomans make it possible to bring the indoors-out — in a confident reversal of interior design prowess.
Clockwise: Harp armchair by Rodolfo Dordoni for Roda from ECC , Kyoto rug by Minotti from ECC, Tobi-Ishi table by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby for B&B Italia from Matisse, Tono pouf by Kris Van Puyvelde for Royal Botania from ECC.
Marenco outdoor sofa and armchair by Mario Marenco for Arflex from Studio Italia.
As you create shapes from the billows above (and your own imagination), float into a reverie on pillowy lounge chairs and soft sofas. Add an anchoring coffee table, and you’ll have all you need for a blissful afternoon in the breeze.
Clockwise: Boogie armchair for Bullfrog from Sarsfield Brooke, Opito low table from Devon, Butterfly outdoor sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse.
While the elements may form the backdrop of an al fresco meal, allow a well-appointed dining suite to be the star ingredient. Echo nature’s colour palette with wood and clever wicker-effect pieces, as seen on Studio MK27’s teak Quadrado table and Minotti’s Tape Cord dining chairs.
Clockwise: CTR Club chair by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga for Tribù from Dawson & Co, Echoes dining chair by Christophe Pillet for Flexform from Studio Italia, Rere side dining chair from Devon, Erica dining chair by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia from Matisse, Lapel dining chair by Busetti Garuti Redaelli from Ligne Roset, Serpentine outdoor chair by Eléonore Nalet from Ligne Roset.
Since launching in 2014 and winning the Worlds Best London Dry Gin award in 2018, independent New Zealand distillery Scapegrace has solidified its reputation for trailblazing spirits that bottle our country’s unique, clean flavours for enjoyment around the globe.
Its latest launch is no different, encompassing a range of new craft spirits that celebrate the true diversity of New Zealand’s seasonal produce and botanicals. Named ‘Uncommon’, every spirit released within this new category is to be limited edition, with 3,000 individually numbered bottles of each that only amplify the range’s exclusivity.
For the first outing of the Uncommon range, two completely distinct styles of gin have been created that showcase two different regions, and varying harvest periods.
There’s the Central Otago Early Harvest, with its botanical profile of nectarine and lavender, smoked hay and pollen, bringing young, fresh and ripe flavours to the fore. The Hawke’s Bay Late Harvest, on the other hand, encapsulates raspberry leaf, pear and olive brine for a slightly sweet yet tart drop that lingers with residual flavour.
From left: Central Otago Early Harvest; Hawke’s Bay Late Harvest.
Having collaborated with acclaimed hospitality virtuoso Mikey Ball on a selection of signature serves, Scapegrace’s Uncommon cocktails are just the quenching creations we want to be sipping this summer. Mix up a Bianca (a light and refreshing ode to the Negroni) which combines 20ml of Central Otago Early Harvest, 15ml of Americano Vermouth, a dash of orange bitters and is topped with soda water.
The Karamu Sip recipe sees 50ml of Hawkes Bay Late Harvest combined with 10ml of dry vermouth and a dash of hopped bitters, garnished with kaffir lime leaf for a fragrant take on a martini.
Thanks to their thoughtful, craft-centric creation and exclusivity, the Uncommon spirits make a brilliant gift — both for yourself, and someone else, and can be found at all good liquor stores nationwide and on the Scapegrace website.
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