A distinctive new way to dine is soon to intrigue and tantalise the tastebuds of Auckland gourmands. Set to be held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, starting on the 14th of March Origine’s Le Bar will play host to a unique and ever-changing dining experience. The inaugural event is set to comprise a five-course degustation, with the objective of the night being to discover and luxuriate in a raft of exceptional and unexpected flavours.
Conceived by Ahi chef Josh Phillips and mixologist Egor Petrov of Origine’s Le Bar and Bayside Rum Co., this degustation series is limited to ten individuals only per dinner, and is aptly titled ‘The Cocktail Kitchen by Josh & Egor‘. For the first iteration of the series, diners will feast on a series of food and cocktail pairings that highlight locally sourced ingredients from around Aotearoa (including Ahi’s bountiful garden) and delight in intricate flavours enhanced through methods of fermentation, preservation and carbonation.
A sample course from The Cocktail Kitchen by Josh and Egor.
As Phillips tells me, the art of Japanese omakase has inspired the style of dining for the event, where chefs prepare seasonal dishes in front of their patrons and showcase a variety of cooking techniques in the process. The intimate yet welcoming design of Le Bar is therefore ideal, allowing guests to focus on the assemblage of plates and cocktail artistry while enriching their understanding of what can be achieved through various culinary methods.
Petrov’s mouthwatering ‘Tomatini’ is just one drink event-goers will delight in at the March degustation. Similar in appearance to a dirty martini but concocted through a highly technical process, it incorporates small, pickled, unripe green tomatoes in place of the Sicilian olive and a sweet yet acidic consommé made from overripe tomatoes.
From left: Mixologist Egor Petrov and Chef Josh Phillips, a Le Bar cocktail.
The Tomatini will be paired with a tomato tart, another simple-looking yet elaborately cultivated creation. The tart’s pastry houses a creamy whipped Goat’s curd, an array of differently seasoned tomato varietals, and two-ingredient ketchup, using tomatoes smoked over Pohutakawa logs to achieve a meaty richness. These tomatoes are then lacto-fermented with salt to enhance a naturally acidic flavour without the need for sugar or vinegar.
While the details of other events beyond the inaugural one are vague, what we do know is that each dinner will be focused on various international cuisines and champion other local chefs and mixologists, too.
Limited to ten seatings at the covetable Le Bar, to experience local culinary prowess in a new and exciting way, we recommend you book your space with haste for the debut of The Cocktail Kitchen by Josh & Egor by visiting this link. Tickets are $250 per person, which includes five courses and drink pairings.
Le Bar
Upstairs at Origine
Commercial Bay
Level 2/172 Quay Street
Auckland Central 1010
Creating her expressive, ethereal works from an industrial studio in Te Atatu Peninsula, Loren Marks builds strokes of oil paint atop a watery acrylic base, coaxing the emergence of figures, form, and texture.
Based in Auckland with one foot firmly in the realm of figurative abstraction, Marks credits the development of her practice to her travels through Italy and Greece after completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe, as well as her time spent as a print and textile designer in the fashion industry. With her art in the back of her mind throughout these formative years, Marks returned to painting during the first Covid-19 pandemic-related lockdown in 2020 and has never looked back.
Ever Before, 2021, oil on canvas.
Painting with oil and acrylic is a profoundly intuitive process for Marks. Since the age of eleven, she has “built a muscle memory” of how she feels about “surface, figures, form and colour”. Marks works across several paintings at once, explaining that the oil is “pushed and pulled across the surface”, each layer requiring a week or so to dry out. This drawn-out affair means that Marks can “feel a certain way about the painting one week, and it can be completely different and go in a new direction the next.” She adds that “the oil can be worked back into for days. I use solvents and mediums which either add by building up or subtract to reveal layers underneath”.
Each of Marks’ works creates new questions, the figures and narrative emerging as layers form. Pigments are selected with intention, and as Marks tells me, “colour is like a material that has its own weight”, creating light or shadow to illuminate the canvas.
From left: Loren Marks, All I ask, 2022, oil on canvas.
Art historian and writer Maya Love describes Marks’ work as “paintings in continual flux, alive with the hum of her expressive application and electric colour, offering visions of form”. And these alchemic tenets are embodied in Marks’ debut exhibition ‘Here and There‘ at Sanderson Contemporary, her pieces a symphony of colours and textures that command the viewer’s eye at first glance.
While Marks can become lost in her studio for hours, she regularly practices yoga and meditation, attributing long-distance running to keeping her “centred amidst the chaos”.
Know by Now, 2023, oil on canvas.
An avid art enthusiast, Marks admires the works of George Rouy, Josh Hagler, Tahnee Lonsdale and Star Gossage. A stand-out piece from Marks’ personal collection is a pencil drawing by figurative painter Nour Hassan, housed in a gold frame and acquired at a silent auction for charity at a gallery on Karangahape Road. Marks recently received ‘Fausto and Felice Niccolini: The Houses and Monuments of Pompeii‘ by Roberto Cassanelli as a birthday gift, describing it as “the most monumental and beautiful book I have ever seen”.
I ask Marks if she has any advice for budding creatives. She believes that “emerging artist-led shows are really exciting and are an important part of the art world”, recommending to early career artists the book ‘Navigating the Art World: Professional Practice for the Early Career Artist‘ by Delphian.
Those with an affinity for the finest furnishings will know that there are few destinations more discerning than ECC. They’ll likely also understand that finding ECC’s coveted stock on sale is a rarity, as such pieces are typically in very high demand. However, every so often, we get a chance to shop ECC’s offering at a fraction of the designer price — and we always make the most of it.
On now, ECC’s summer sale is vast and all-encompassing, and in order to assist you to navigate the selection, we’ve compiled a list of the pieces we are lusting over right now. From essential bedroom furnishings from the likes of USM, to intriguing lighting from Flos, and even outdoor furniture from Royal Botania, we’re certain you’ll find something you adore. That said, we recommend getting in quick — these pieces won’t last long on the floor.
While the country is still reeling from Cyclone Gabrielle, many are still suffering the effects of her destruction (and likely will be for a long time to come), with whole regions in desperate need of personnel, essential items and financial aid. Here, we have rounded up some helpful resources for anyone who wants to lend a hand.
Givealittle
While Stuff’s Givealittle page (here) has already raised over $1 million (set to be evenly distributed between the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in regions still in a state of emergency), there is also a raft of personal Givealittle campaigns related to those affected by the cyclone, here. A little really will go a long way.
Tāmaki Donation Drive
Tomorrow, (Saturday the 18th of February) from 9am until 5pm, there will be a locally-organised donation drive for Hawke’s Bay taking place at the Strive Community Trust — 253 Buckland Road, Mangere. They are looking for donations of baby formula, milk powder, nappies, wipes, gas burners, clothing and essential items, activities for toddlers and kids, hygiene items, sanitary items, clean blankets, sleeping bags and camping gear (tents, air beds etc). This is an easy way for Aucklanders who are in a position to help, to get essentials into the hands of those who really need them. Follow Shane Young’s Instagram for up-to-date information on the drive and what is needed.
Honest Wolf
New Zealand business Honest Wolf has set up a donation option on their online store whereby people can make financial contributions that will be distributed directly to the North Island farming community. You can donate anywhere between $5 and $500.
Federated Farmers
Given the devastation that Cyclone Gabrielle caused to farms across the North Island, Federated Farmers has set up a dedicated bank account for donations that will go towards supporting farmers in flood-affected communities. Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) 03-0306-0626460-000
Volunteering
If you want to lend a hand (literally), there are a number of ways that you can help those effected by the cyclone. Depending on where you live, there are volunteer organisations in every region, from Northland to Auckland to Waikato to Bay of Plenty to Hawke’s Bay. There is also the Student Volunteer Army which is currently calling on volunteers to join them in helping affected communities. You can sign up, here.
Orange Sky
Orange Sky is a not-for-profit organisation that typically provides those experiencing homelessness with free laundry services and access to warm showers across New Zealand. It is currently responding to the need created by the widespread displacement of people from their homes following Cyclone Gabrielle. This is an essential service to support and you can do so by donating here.
No Probs Delivery Truck
Set to drive a large truck down to Hawke’s Bay on Monday, No Probs Delivery in Takapuna is accepting donations of non-perishable food, water, clothing (all ages) shoes, batteries and torches to 94 Anzac Street, Takapuna over the weekend.
HUHA: Helping You Help Animals
This essential service is dedicated to teaching empathy to the community and providing shelter for those less fortunate animals that struggle to survive in today’s disposable culture. HUHA runs shelters across New Zealand and has currently set up special evacuation centres for animals in Auckland and Hawke’s Bay that have been affected by the cyclone. Supporting this very worthy cause is easy, simple text HUHA to 4463 to donate $3.
We’ve said it once but we’ll say it again, there is nothing quite like the experience of settling into Faraday’s Bar for a delicious bite and something to drink — particularly after a day of shopping. Nestled along one side of the luxury department store, Faradays, in Parnell, this dining destination is the epitome of elegance, from its exquisite table settings and impeccable service to its carefully-considered menu and impressive wine list.
Now, Faraday’s Bar is launching a new seasonal menu, created in collaboration with renowned private chef, Anthony Price which will be available from Thursday to Sunday. Here, diners will find an array of mouth-watering dishes all of which showcase the freshest ingredients, underpinned by delicate Japanese flavours. Handily, everything on the menu is gluten-free, and most are dairy-free too.
For those seeking the full experience, we recommend booking at least 24 hours ahead to be able to partake in options like the Temaki Box (allowing you to roll your own sushi), the Nigiri Boat (with tamagoyaki) and the exceptional Hibachi Grilled Scotch Fillet (served with truffle tarragon wagyu-fat-mayo and togarashi kewpie).
That said, even if you decide to drop in on a whim, there are plenty of delectable a la carte options on this menu too. Think sushi rolls with spicy tuna, fresh salmon or just avocado, tataki dishes with either Angus pure eye fillet beef or peppered venison — both served with truffle frites and tsuyu dressing. There is also an unforgettable kingfish ceviche with togarashi spice, coconut and lime and yuzu cucumber.
Ensuring that every meal here ends on a high note, two new desserts have been added to wrap up the offering perfectly. Chocolate fiends will find comfort in the Dark Chocolate Delice, served with either mandarin or raspberry on an almond base. While those seeking something a little more fruity will delight in the Clafoutis Dessert with yuzu fromage.
In addition, Faraday’s Bar is introducing a rotating Champagne cocktail of the month, kicking off with the new Faradays 75. A take on the classic French 75 cocktail, this tasty tipple is made with Veuve Clicquot, Roku gin and fresh lemon, and will sit alongside Faraday’s Bar’s comprehensive wine menu, with an offering that spans lauded drops from the finest makers in New Zealand and Europe.
Only available from Thursday to Sunday, this new menu will run in conjunction with Faraday’s Bar’s classic Kitchen Menu, available from Tuesday to Friday, on which you will find an array of delectable seasonal dishes like market fish crudo, burrata with heirloom tomatoes and wood-fired bread with honeycomb, whipped goats cheese and truffle oil.
Whatever your proclivity, there’s no denying that Faraday’s Bar is cementing its reputation as one of the best places to dine in Auckland, as perfect for a quick meal or drinks with friends as it is for a longer, drawn-out lunch. And if you are yet to try the offering, this exceptional new menu is the only excuse you need.
Set on a sunny corner of Jervois Road is a beautiful new haven for health. Liquid Lightning is the brainchild of naturopath Grace Miller and Jane Wilson (a wellness entrepreneur who established the Exercise Room in 2004 as the first luxury gym in New Zealand) and has opened as the perfect place for those seeking to kick-start their day, boost their mood or find a place to escape for a moment of peace. Here, between raw stone bench tops and lilac floors, punters will find cabinets lined with fresh-pressed juices, a menu of nutrient-dense smoothies and coolers dosed with adaptogens, fresh coffee and an array of natural health products and supplements.
“I wanted to create a space where the people could start making their health a habit, and an important part of their daily routine,” Miller explains, going on to tell me that what really sets Liquid Lightning apart, is its focus on functional health, grounded in proven wellness practices. “There is no skimping on ingredients here,” she emphasises. “Every drink on our menu is made with medicinal doses of supplements and adaptogens to offer a real, noticeable effect on mood and overall health.” Indeed, Miller is working to prove the true power of natural, food-based remedies when prepared by someone who knows what they’re doing. The drinks at Liquid Lightning, whether you opt for a juice, a smoothie or something else, not only promise to boost mood and make you feel physically better but are making it easier than ever to prioritise your health and lay some good foundations for the year ahead.
In Liquid Lightning’s large juice fridge, you will find options like the ’04’, made with pineapple, cucumber, jalapeño, ginger, lemon and mint, designed to help with regularity, enhance enzymes and give an endorphin boost. The ’07’ is another standout, made with blueberry, apple, basil and tulsi to deliver a strong dose of antioxidants and help with muscle recovery and emotional balance. Those seeking a serious hit of greens will find it in the ’03’, where cos, celery, spinach, parsley, fennel and lime make for a mineral-rich concoction that will cleanse the kidneys and give a burst of phytonutrients.
There is also a menu of satiating smoothies for those seeking something more substantial. Made to order and packed with functional doses of supplements and fresh ingredients, these drinks offer a healthy pick-me-up to cure any craving. The Morning Glory, for instance, will start any day with a bang thanks to its potent combination of cold brew coffee, cacao, MCT oil, coconut milk, a medicinal mushroom blend, vanilla, cinnamon, dates, tocos, and a touch of chai spice. This particular combination harnesses healthy fats to deliver sustained energy throughout the day, as well as fibre to support bone health and subtle spices to soothe digestion and balance blood sugar. Tocos are rice bran solubles that are very high in vitamin E and work to protect and nourish the skin.
Elsewhere, the Glow Up smoothie is an anti-inflammatory concoction that is said to bolster the immune system thanks to its combination of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, bananas, goji berries, coconut oil, marine collagen, l-glutamine and buckwheat crackle. It is said to be able to help with eye and skin health thanks to the powerful antioxidants delivered by the berries and the gut-soothing and microbiome-boosting benefits of l-glutamine.
Liquid Lightning’s menu also features a raft of Iced Coolers, each designed as a refreshing thirst quencher, packed with adaptogens. For those unfamiliar, an adaptogen refers to certain foods, mushrooms, herbs and plants that both protect the body and help it heal from the effects of stress (the root cause of numerous ailments). They are considered nature’s antibiotics and are some of the most effective remedies against illnesses.
If you’re feeling low, opt for the Adrenal Cocktail, made with fresh orange juice, coconut water, ocean minerals, rhodiola and sea salt. Rhodiola is a traditional Chinese medicine known for its fortifying properties. When ingested, it can encourage endurance, combat fatigue, lower cortisol and increase cardiovascular function. The inclusion of sea salt also makes this drink deeply hydrating and encourages better blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body.
Alternatively, the Island Time cooler is perfect for those seeking a skin boost. It is made with pineapple, cucumber, mint and sparkling water and is packed with marine collagen — the key ingredient in achieving a glowing visage.
Other adaptogenic benefits can be garnered from Liquid Lightning’s coffee offering, where iced lattes are laced with a range of supplements to deliver an added boost to your morning Joe. The Sesame Sunrise offers a delicious twist in the form of cold brew coffee combined with tahini, black sesame and shatavari (an energising adaptogen known for delivering radiant skin and hair and supporting women’s hormonal health), whereas the Too Matcha sees a classic matcha latte bolstered with coconut butter.
Alongside all the delicious drinks, Miller explains that there will also be Supreme Coffee on filter, a selection of salads and small bites and a line-up of high-quality, practitioner-only supplements and health products for those who want to continue their health journey at home. We hear that there will also be a raft of juice and drink subscription offerings coming in the near future, which will be designed to help you address specific health concerns from the comfort of your home. (Watch this space.)
Drawing us in with its beautiful fit-out and keeping us there with its nutritious beverages, Liquid Lightning is the perfect place to recharge, relax and rediscover your sense of wellbeing. Here, health has been bottled, and for once we’re buying into the hype.
Liquid Lightening has now closed its Jervois Road store.
New York’s most recent Fashion Week reminded us that even amid uncertainty, there is always beauty in looking ahead. Runways were set against grand architectural backdrops (from the New York Public Library to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum), and designers revealed ready-to-wear collections with just the right balance of drama and sensibility. With garments abundant in luxurious fabrics, captivating colours and sleek shapes, read on to discover five key, highly-wearable style trends for Fall 2023.
Trend one: Dramatic hemlines
From left: Rodarte, Rodarte, Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch.
There was no shortage of long, flowy, and dramatic hemlines on the runway in all colours of the rainbow. However, it was classic black that left a lasting impression, especially through sheer yet tasteful or gleaming fabrications, paired with a chic boot or pump heel.
Trend two: Striking greens
From left: Ulla Johnson, Tory Burch, Carolina Herrera, Brandon Maxwell.
From deep emeralds to earthy olive tones, striking greens proved just how perfect they were for making a beautifully bright statement, whether in the form of an evening gown or incorporated into everyday attire.
Trend three: Luxurious leather
From left: Brandon Maxwell, Ulla Johnson, Proenza Schouler, Simkhai.
Leather trench coats, high-waisted maxi skirts and cropped garments exuded a contemporary vibe, taking classic staples to new heights and exemplifying trans-seasonal dressing at its finest. Some pieces went so far as to feature shearling accents, offering a more grounded, cosy feel.
Trend four: Exquisite embellishments
From left: Rodarte, Carolina Herrera, Rodarte, Carolina Herrera.
Through considered colourways and sophisticated silhouettes, a grown-up, romantic form of dopamine dressing was displayed through sparkles, embellishments and floral motifs, inspiring us to reconsider our party dressing — and perhaps even our workwear ensembles.
Trend five: Timeless tailoring
From left: Tory Burch, Carolina Herrera, Simkhai, Tory Burch.
Tailoring adopted a relaxed approach, with oversized fits cinched at the waist with a belt for good measure. Relaxed trousers were perfectly balanced with structured blazers, and monochrome hues endured.
With the last of New York’s Fashion Week showings ending this week, the new Fall collections showing over the rest of fashion month promise to be nothing short of magnificent. After all, fashion’s beauty is found in its resplendent ability to reinvent our wardrobes and transform our moods, season after season.
In the wake of his father, John Croucher’s, passing in 2021, artist Luke Jacomb returned to the ideas that the two of them had explored in their first collaborative exhibition in 2019 — ‘Alembics and Cucubitas: A New Glass Vernacular’. It was an exploration of alchemy and glass science, themes which Jacomb is now revisiting and weaving into new forms for his latest collection, Mercurio, exhibiting at Masterworks Gallery from this Saturday. The vibrant colours and larger scale of these works not only reflect Jacomb’s emotional journey through the grief of loss, but they speak to his personal growth, too. For the artist, revisiting the alembics is a way to reconnect with his father, see him in every piece, and forge a connection that spans the past, present and future.
Left to right: Chariot of Selene, Helios Rides.
Jacomb created Mercurio’s works in Seattle, the current centre for glass art in North America, where he enlisted the help of fellow glass artist and friend Dan Friday, a Seattle native and member of the Lummi Nation, giving the works an unusual provenance. Seattle holds a special place in the artist’s heart, having lived and worked there as both a production and fine artist, forging lasting friendships along the way.
Left to right: Courtship of Persephone, Muse of Apollo.
Mercurio takes its name from the Italian word for Mercury, a substance prized for its unusual chemical properties, and the Roman name for Hermes, the patron god of alchemists. With roots in Egypt and Islam, alchemy was grounded in the idea of transmutation — the process of turning base metals into gold and silver. The creation of gold ruby glass for instance (something that can be seen in this exhibition), relied on the discovery of how to dissolve gold using Aqua Regia. For this, tin metal was added to produce Purple of Cassius, a key ingredient in introducing gold into the glass melt and creating a striking ruby colour.
Left to right: The Eye of Horus, Ra’s Nile.
Glass, with its unique combination of fragility and durability, has retained its magical appeal in the modern age. It is a material that permeates every aspect of our lives, from the most petite water glass to the grandest stained-glass windows of Notre Dame. And while the process of creating coloured glasses may be more scientifically viable today than it was several thousand years ago, it remains no less visually arresting and mystical in its ability to enchant us.
The Lukeke Design Deflated Lamp/Pendant. Photograph for www.karakter.co.nz by Sena Akpalu.
In celebration of the new exhibition, showcased at Masterworks Gallery between Saturday the 18th of February and Saturday the 18th of March, we are giving one lucky Denizen the chance to win a coveted Lukeke Design Deflated Lamp/Pendant in the colour of their choosing (as seen here). To enter, simply click here, or enter your details below.
At-home beauty tech is about the best way to take your skincare routine to a whole new level. From wands to amp-up the effects of serums, to lights designed to smooth out fine lines, these helpful beauty tech tools are utterly essential for any skincare routine (and will make a real difference).
Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand Drawing on the philosophies of her facials that have amassed a cult following, aesthetician Shani Darden’s Facial Sculpting Wand offers the same vibration therapy she uses to firm and contour the complexions of her celebrity clientele. In as little as a week, wrinkles appear smaller and skin more supple, earning the sleek sculpting wand a well-deserved place on our beauty essentials list.
SolaWave Red Therapy Designed to be super convenient without compromising on quality, SolaWave’s Red Therapy Skincare Wand acts as both a gua sha and a light therapy device to depuff and energise skin on the fly. Slim and chic, it will easily fit into any cosmetics pouch for necessary travel and midday touch-ups.
Nurse Jamie Super-Cryo Massaging Orb This revolutionary new body and face duo combines the simplicity of cryotherapy with the indulgence of massage. Intended to be stored in the freezer, then worked across the face, these beauty tech tools invite a new kind of ritual that improves circulation and releases tension; both key elements for an eternal glow. www.net-a-porter.com
Vanity Planet’s Hot and Cold Smart Facial Steamer Best compared to a contrast therapy session for your face, this sink-side steamer manipulates the pores to allow for potent product penetration and moisture retention and eliminates any bacteria concealed underneath the skin barrier. In the thick of summer, it offers an utterly refreshing mist of cool air, too.
TheraFace Pro Marrying all of our most sworn-by skincare devices is the TheraFace Pro — soon to officially launch in New Zealand. Combining the cleansing action of a Foreo, the microcurrents of a NuFace and the LED light of a Déesse Pro, alongside TheraGun’s signature massage function, it is a simple tool to combat all manner of skin sins. Simply swap out the heads to create your own bespoke beauty ritual.
At Azabu Mission Bay, the essence of Japanese culinary heritage meets contemporary elegance. And now, as the restaurant welcomes its new world-class chef Darren Johnson, diners are in for a compelling new experience. Johnson brings a robatayaki-style approach to cooking, an ancient technique of fireside cooking over a charcoal grill, poised to elevate Azabu’s offering even further.
Spending over half of his career honing his skills over a robata grill, Johnson is a seasoned expert in this art. Cooking over charcoal imbues dishes with an almost primal BBQ flavour, and controlling the fire and adjusting the height of the cooking is a delicate balancing act that requires discipline, focus, and precision. As Johnson tells me, a kitchen without a robata grill is almost unfamiliar to him, and the flavour imparted by charcoal is unmatched.
With the unique flavours of expertly prepared meats, seafood and vegetables cooked to perfection over live fire, Azabu’s indulgent menu will showcase this traditional cooking method and offer diners an authentic taste of Japanese culture — anyone who’s tasted the results will guarantee the payoff is worth it.
Situated in an iconic spot by the water, Azabu Mission Bay is truly a hub for Japanese cuisine with a modern touch. The restaurant strongly emphasises fresh ingredients, high-quality products, and traditional cooking methods that complement the robata, offering a trifecta of indulgent food, flavourful cocktails and heavenly views.
To celebrate the launch of the new robata menu at Azabu Mission Bay, we have the chance for one lucky Denizen to win* a dining experience for four people, valued at $500. Visit our Instagram post below to enter. *Ts&cs apply.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
