Whether you’re a fervent foodie, a cocktail connoisseur or simply a lover of festive cheer, beloved Remuera eatery Síso is the place to be this silly season. From the 9th of November until early January, diners can expect a fully immersive and enchanting experience with the eatery’s ‘Tis The Season Christmas offering, in partnership with Malfy Gin. From visual delights to indulgent eats to refreshing libations and a healthy dose of convivial ambience, there’s no better place to celebrate the joys of the season in impeccable style.
Right: The Merry Fairy
Transforming the establishment into a glittering, whimsical Christmas wonderland, festive decor inspired by the exuberance of London’s The Ivy Chelsea Garden covers every corner. Adding a decidedly antipodean spin, Síso is bringing the vibrancy of summer in the southern hemisphere to life, drawing on the bright colours of Malfy Gin’s bottles (blue and yellow joined by tangerine and a touch of pink) to theme the space.
When it comes to the all-important drinks menu, Síso has teamed up with Malfy Gin to ensure excellence. A uniquely crafted cocktail menu steeped in festive influences features delightfully effervescent gin cocktails in abundance, each a reflection of the radiant and vibrant spirit of Malfy Gin. The Merry Fairy is the height of festive cheer, pairing Malfy Con Arancia with Aperol, Crème de Rose, citrus and fairy floss, while the delightfully fresh and fragrant Síso X Tree sees Malfy Gin Rosa mixed with Lillet Rose, pomegranate, rosemary and Mumm Marlborough Vintage Rose.
Left: The Malfy Bram-Bell
When it comes to the food, in typical Síso fashion, quality produce and beautifully balanced flavours take centre stage. Chef Michael Hill has curated a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired take on the classic Christmas menu, striking a balance between modern and traditional; light and decadent. Here, Akaroa salmon is cured in Malfy Gin’s Con Limon, paired with fermented fennel, cucumber and dill, while pork chop is topped with smoked jus and served alongside panzanella salad, Sicilian olives and pancetta. To finish, an experimental take on trifle sees the traditional variation given a citrus twist with Malfy Gin’s Limon, paired with whipped pannacotta and thyme.
Diners have the option of two or three courses, available for $79 and $99 respectively, and each includes a cocktail on arrival. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot for an end-of-year function, or simply an exceptional meal to get you in the spirit, ’tis the season to visit Síso. Book here.
Words Margie Riddiford | PHOTOS James Munro | 1 Nov 2023
With a new exhibition featuring monotype prints that capture dynamic motion and vibrant energy, lauded New Zealand artist Zara Dolan has unveiled her latest creative offering with Tempo at Sanderson Contemporary.
Inspired by iconic artists like Jackson Pollock, David Reed, David Row and Joan Mitchell, Dolan’s prints reveal suspended moments of animated vitality, emphasising the interplay of colour and form. Her meticulous process involves layering ink and using a subtractive technique, making each print unique. Influenced by abstract expressionism, Dolan’s gestures and brush strokes are guided by a specific methodology; resulting in prints that resonate with a lively cadence.
Here, we sit down with Dolan to talk about the inspiration behind her latest works and how they came to life in Tempo — on now at Sanderson Contemporary until the 26th of November.
Exclusive Q&A
Your current exhibition at Sanderson Contemporary is titled ‘Tempo’. What role does music play in your process? Music plays a crucial role in shaping the mood and character of my work, and the marks that I make. I mainly listen to drum and bass music to help me get in the zone, which is often quite intense but I love it. Faster tempos I listen to always inject excitement and energy into my process, while slower beats offer a sense of calm. Music has always been integral to my practice, I find it challenging to create art without the companionship of sound.
Can you explain to us what a mono-type print is and what makes them unique? A monotype print, by its very nature, remains one-of-a-kind, devoid of repeatable elements. It achieves its unique, often painterly, effect by transferring ink onto a flat surface. My technique combines the additive process of applying multiple layers of ink onto the plate with the subtractive process of selectively removing ink from the surface. The image is then transferred onto the paper by rolling it through a printing press.
A selection of Zara’s monotype prints & the printing press she uses
You started your Master’s Degree as a painting major, can you tell us why you made the change to printing? Discovering the printmaking studio at Ilam I recognized the opportunity to access specialised equipment that was quite rare and I saw this as a door to further develop my practice. I began to interchangeably switch between painting and printmaking. When my oil paintings were drying I printed and vice versa. This felt like a dynamic and versatile approach to art making, which I really enjoyed. It was during this time that I really fell in love with printmaking as a process and then I decided I wanted to take it further with my practice.
We have been told you have the largest print-making press in the country. How did this come about? During my Master’s program, I decided to venture into larger formats, pushing the boundaries of the University press’ capabilities. It was at this time that I made the conscious decision to pursue a career that centred around working at this grand scale. I sought out a specialised craftsman, who was responsible for building the Canterbury University’s printing press. I then commissioned him to make a similar press, with a few modifications to suit my needs.
Zara explaining where she draws her inspiration from
How has your background in painting informed your printmaking? My paintings echo process and how movement can translate into form. I draw inspiration from abstract expressionists like Joan Mitchell and Jackson Pollock. Vibrant, lyrical colour combined with textured brushwork gives a sense of dynamic energy. I see my monotypes as an organic extension of my paintings, where each mark informs the next. My mark-making is direct and intuitive and central to my process.
What sets your practice apart? My custom-made printing press really helps to set my practice apart, I think, as it is capable of producing prints measuring an impressive 1.2 meters by 2.4 meters. Such a scale is rare in the realm of handmade monotypes. The fact that each print is unique is also important. My works materialise in the very moment before printing, and once they pass through the press, the image transfers permanently, incapable of ever being repeated.
Zara showing the scale of her works
Tell us one thing about yourself that people wouldn’t know.
I’m an Irish dancer!
Zara Dolan’s exhibition ‘Tempo’ is on now at Sanderson Contemporary until the 26th of November 2023.
Zara Dolan’s Exhibition ‘Tempo’ at Sanderson Contemporary
Somm Cellar Door has quickly earned a reputation for its impeccable wine list and expansive cellar, but perhaps even more impressive is the staff’s extensive expert knowledge. Whether it’s a perfumed pinot from Central Otago or a delicious drop from Church Road that you’re seeking, the team at Somm will deliver excellence in both education and libation alike.
This Saturday, attention will be turned exclusively to chardonnay at Somm as MartinboroughVineyard‘s head winemaker Paul Mason hosts a guided tasting. The educational event will see keen connoisseurs journey through six different vintages, delving into the winemaker’s pursuit of perfection through a series from the vineyard’s library spanning 2011 to the current 2021 release.
Right: Martinborough Vineyard Head Winemaker Paul Mason
It’s no coincidence that chardonnay is the focus here. Martinborough Vineyard’s quest to perfect the region’s venerable style began in 1980, and the stalwart vineyard now has a reputation for producing the very best chardonnay in the world (outside of Burgundy). Mason, who is passionate about the style’s history, will present the impressive fruits of their labour at this one-off tasting afternoon that must not be missed.
Of course, event-goers will be able to sample more than just chardonnay if they so wish, with both the full food and beverage menu available throughout. If you’re anything like us, a trip to Somm simply isn’t complete without first devouring a cheese platter — the smoked brie really is something else (and the perfect accompaniment to a crisp white, too).
Martinborough Vineyard Chardonnay Vintages
The Martinborough Vineyard Vertical Chardonnay Tasting is taking place this Saturday, the 4th of November, and runs from 2.30pm-6pm at Somm. Spots are $30 per tasting, which includes six wines, and walk-ins are welcome.
In serious need of a pamper session? When pencilling some well-deserved self-care into your busy calendar, a ‘one facial fits all’ philosophy just won’t cut it. Whether you’re after a tailored approach or a luxurious experience, a results-driven treatment or a face-sculpting massage, we’ve scoped out the facials designed to suit your needs. So go ahead, put your best face forward with our insider’s guide to the best facials in town.
The F.Sculpt at The Facialist
Best Scalpel-Free Facelifts
The F.Sculpt at The Facialist, CBD Using expert massage and lymphatic drainage techniques, this incredible facial was designed by renowned holistic facialist and The Facialist founder Ashleigh Scott, to lift, tone and firm the facial muscles. A facial fitness protocol like no other this treatment uses specialised massage techniques to stimulate blood flow, then sculpt and tone the facial muscles. Working deep into the jawline, defining the cheekbones and lifting the eyes. If you want something even more effective, opt for the F.Sculpt+, which adds on intra-oral (buccal) massage or even the F.Sculpt Intense, which sees the addition of micro-current which contracts the muscles to keep them lifted for longer.
The Buccal Massage at Skinography, Ponsonby Nothing uplifts the face or leaves us feeling taut and about five years younger than this unique facial. Designed to get into every crevice and muscle of the face, the buccal massage is similar in nature to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), as it helps to move stagnant lymphatic systems and any associated puffiness away from the face. Specially-trained facialist Kate Michelmore (one of the only practitioners in New Zealand qualified to deliver this technique) will treat your face to a rigorous massage using repetitive strokes that awaken and lift your muscles and get rid of tension (particularly in the jaw and cheeks). We like to see this treatment as a ‘summer shred’ for your face because of the way it results in a noticeably slimmed-down and glowing visage. And while this is the perfect pre-event treatment, its effects are far more long-lasting when undertaken regularly.
Best for Hydration
Codage Hydration Facial at Spring Spa, various locations Bring your skin out of its winter hibernation with a hefty and necessary dose of moisture. The Codage Hydration Facial at Spring Spa is our go-to offering an intensely nourishing facial that regenerates and moisturises skin, boosting vitality. With an enzyme peel that gently stimulates cell renewal to restore radiance, skin is left soft to the touch and perfectly glowing.
East Day Spa
Best for Clean Beauty Lovers
U Beauty Resurfacing Facial at East Day Spa, CBD The ultimate indulgence for those seeking a clean approach to anti-ageing, East Day Spa’s U Beauty Resurfacing facial is designed to revitalise, lighten pigmentation and minimise fine lines, creating a smoother and brighter complexion. The treatment marries a holistic, healing massage flow sequence using rose quartz gua sha to detoxify and strengthen the skin and improve its health and radiance. Clean actives including hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C and antioxidants are then released from revolutionary Siren Capsules to hydrate, repair and reverse ageing. This is all enjoyed in East Day Spa’s utterly beautiful, recently-refurbished new space.
Skintopia
Best for an Instant Glow
OxyGlow Treatment at Skintopia, Herne Bay Those seeking instantaneous radiance should look no further than Skintopia in Herne Bay. In the 60-minute OxyGlow treatment, your complexion will benefit from the intraceuticals oxygen machine followed by the MediLUX LED light to hydrate, repair, rejuvenate and heal. A treatment adored by beauty aficionados across the city this facial is designed to be a skin quenching saviour that lifts, tones and hydrates the skin. Like all Skintopia treatments, the facial is customised based on your skin’s unique needs to feature two options of LED light that suit your top skin concerns. These include rosacea, acne, an impaired barrier, stressed skin, eczema and dermatitis.
Best Luxurious Experience
The Ultimate Haute Couture Facial at Park Hyatt Auckland, Wynyard Quarter Employing highly active algae-derived V-TOX cream from London’s revered facialist Linda Meredith, Park Hyatt’s Ultimate Haute Couture Facial utilises oxygen to infuse the product into the skin. Oxygen therapy is an important component of skincare technology, thanks to its role in supporting collagen production, and the results from a 90-minute facial speak for themselves with skin feeling substantially plumper and smooth. Administered in some of the most indulgent surroundings ever seen in this city, an afternoon here is the antidote to life in the fast lane.
The Power of Three Facial at About Face
Best Results-Based Facials
Osmosis Medi Infusionat Clinic 1 Designed to improve all skin conditions, including oily/congested skin, acne, rosacea, dryness, anti-ageing, dullness and pigmentation, Clinic 1’s Osmosis Medical Infusion is a powerhouse, multi-faceted facial. Suitable if you want a more intense facial treatment (with exceptional results), this facial combines powerful liposomal ingredients with the benefits of rejuvenating facial massage and can be tailored to your skin concerns using specialised powder blends, actives and masks. The experience includes a consultation, double-cleanse and enzyme exfoliation, followed by your tailored infusion deeply massaged into the skin. The massage incorporates lymphatic drainage to improve circulation and distribution of lymph fluids.
The Power of Three Facial at About Face, Ponsonby A potent treatment that includes a skin peel, LED light therapy and an active vitamin infusion via Sonophoresis the ‘Power of Three’ facial will leave you with noticeable results. You can count on this facial to leave your skin feeling plump, dewy and hydrated, and it’s a go-to for several of us in the Denizen office.
Iontophoresis Facial with a Synergy Peel at Room 9, Newmarket Room 9 director and skin specialist Amelia Story is an advocate for introducing regular peels into everyone’s routines, as an effective way to get instant results that also have long-term gains. Her Synergy peel, while light and not at all aggressive, will help the skin renew and replenish. This peel can be added to any one of Room 9’s facials, like the Iontophoresis facial that uses an Ionzyme DF II Machine to help the product penetrate even further into the skin.
Sothys Seasonal Facial at Chuan Spa
Best Seasonal Appointment
Sothys Seasonal Facial at Chuan Spa, Cordis Hotel A considered, individualised philosophy is what underpins this luxurious one-hour treatment. Designed to offer each recipient exactly the kind of attention their skin needs, with a focus on treating the skin against any mitigating seasonal conditions, both relaxation and effectiveness go hand-in-hand here as Sothys’ excellent products work their magic. This treatment will get your skin in the best shape for the long summer season ahead.
There are few better ways to enjoy a leisurely afternoon than by indulging in a luxurious afternoon tea — better still when your venue of choice is Park Hyatt Auckland. Here, you’ll find one of the very best in the city, thanks in large part to Callum Liddicoat, the master pastry chef behind the destination’s immaculate treats. From small pastries to savoury treats to moreish sweet indulgences, Park Hyatt Auckland’s famed afternoon tea is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, or simply while away a few hours in culinary bliss.
Park Hyatt Auckland has become renowned for its exquisite slant on the sweeter side of life, and for the month of November, it’s adding to its offering with the addition of the Rose at the Rose Afternoon Tea. This tantalising take on the venue’s already impressive afternoon tea invites diners to immerse themselves in floral decadence, with each course representing and conjuring a bouquet of refined flavours. Taking inspiration from the vibrancy of spring and the crisp, light and fruit-forward flavours of Château Roubine’s renowned Rosé wines, you can expect an exceptional selection of fresh and flavourful fare.
Strawberry confit with tart rhubarb cream and white chocolate, passionfruit curd brioche doughnuts, and kiwifruit, oabika and pineapple tartlets all feature — sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. For those more interested in the savoury delights, there are elevated clubs (the herbed smoked salmon and cream cheese iteration with confit lemon isn’t to be missed), and a selection of beautifully crafted bites including a goat cheese tart with pecan, cranberry and prosciutto and a deliciously light early summer gazpacho with basil and olive oil foam.
Even the most discerning diners are sure to delight in Liddicoat and his team’s latest creative selection. Park Hyatt Auckland’s Rose Afternoon Tea is available throughout November, running Thursday through Sunday from 12pm to 3.30pm. Make sure to book your spot now so you don’t miss out.
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