For those whose hosting accoutrements are yearning for a seasonal overhaul, there’s no better time for a refresh than now — timed to take advantage of The Studio of Tableware‘s impressive sale. Here, you’ll find discounts on most of the retailer’s highly coveted brands and pieces, comprising a varied range sure to impress even the most discerning diners.
On now, The Studio of Tableware’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 impossibly chic caviar sets and the widely-coveted cutlery egg, to elevated cookware, tableware, glassware, barware and more, we’re certain you’ll find something you adore. That said, we recommend getting in quick — these pieces won’t last long.
Top tip: Whilst most is available online, make for the Mount Eden showroom to discover an exclusive selection of clearance pieces, only available in-store.
Going back to to the office doesn’t have to mean forgetting about your personal style. There are plenty of work-ready options that marry elegant, timeless design with interesting details, and if you ask us, most of them can be found at Muse.
From crisp shirting and flattering trousers to subtle accessories and bags that fit all the essentials, we have pulled our favourite pieces from Muse to see you back to the office in style. Shop our essential edit below.
Choosing just the right restaurant to flaunt Auckland’s culinary prowess to a group when dining with international guests whose palates have been toiled with and tantalised by some of the finest chefs in the world (I deal in the luxury realm after all), could seem to some, an extremely daunting task. However, I am a woman of great determination and also of great belief in our own impressive and diverse culinary scene. Showcasing our city and country’s gastronomic soul, particularly when the stakes are high and the discerning palates are technically educated in the finer nuances of cuisine, makes the process all the more exciting. And if the truth be known, the greatest experience we can offer visiting guests is an insight into our own symphony of gastronomic talent, that’s less about amuse bouches and more about amusing tales and rousing nights out.
Auckland’s dining landscape offers choices that are as diverse as the city itself, providing a tapestry of tastes and experiences. From the avant-garde kitchens at the likes of Ben Bayly’s Ahi, where chefs wield their passion for expressing New Zealand on a plate, to the timeless, effortless classics and world-class location of Soul Bar & Bistro, to Metita where every dish tells a story of Michael Meredith’s life, it’s a culinary journey that promises both delight and daring. Choosing an experience that not only satisfies the senses but also uncovers the very essence of New Zealand’s identity can be more than just a meal. Dining with international guests at Somm Cellar Door and Bar, for example, offers a passport into the heart of our winemaking regions, showcasing our most acclaimed wines and globally renowned viticulture, all from its stunning waterfront location. So rest assured, wherever you choose, every bite tells a story, and every plate is a chapter in the evolution of New Zealand’s burgeoning and impressive food culture.
While it has been glorious to bask in the warmth of summer for the last few weeks, the sun exposure that comes with long days by the pool can lead to a trove of seasonal skincare issues. From sunburn and irritation to dryness and pigmentation, the sunnier season can wreak havoc on our skin. But not all hope is lost, with just a few simple product changes it’s possible to both combat and prevent the sun’s damaging effects. Here, we outline the best way to switch up your skincare regime for the season.
01. The Cleanser
When searching for the right summer-ready cleanser, try opting for one boasting soft, soothing ingredients that will gently remove makeup, without stripping the skin of its moisture even further. The brightening Cleansing Cream from Sothys smoothes onto the face before gently cleansing and eliminating impurities — all while boosting radiance.
02. The Primer
Keeping makeup firmly in place during summer’s high temperatures is no easy feat, making a quality primer an essential. Try to find a multi-purpose primer like this Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primerfrom Charlotte Tilbury, not only will it keep your makeup from slipping, but it also gives a hydration boost to sun-worn skin and helps prevent future damage by incorporating Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen.
03. The Lip Balm
One of the first places to fall subject to the suns wrath is our lips, and it pays to keep them protected. Ecostore’s Beeswax Lip-Balm blends natural beeswax and sweet almond oil to deeply hydrate and nourish lips right when they need it the most.
04. The Moisturiser
While it’s important to find a cream that replenishes moisture and helps restore skin’s natural barrier, it’s especially essential that you find a daytime moisturiser with UVA protection in order to prevent new damage, too. Emma Lewisham’s Skin Shield Take On The Day Crème with SPF30 and UVA/ UVB, pollution and blue light protection is a multi-shield formula to dramatically slow down the visible signs of ageing.
05. The Face Mask
There’s an array of face masks on the market that are capable of deeply hydrating the skin, but none are as lightweight as Noble Panacea’s The Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask. Ideal for those humid evenings, when the last thing you want is a heavy product on your face, this treatment uses its highly concentrated formula to restore moisture levels, strengthen the skin’s barrier function and reduce irritation all while allowing your skin to breathe freely and comfortably.
06. The Serum
In a bid to protect against environmental stressors, especially the damage caused by the sun, it’s important to invest in a quality Vitamin C Serum. Codage’s No.3 serum, available from East Day Spa and Spring Store, is especially formulated to detoxify and restore brightness to lacklustre skin dulled by the elements.
07. The Night-Cream
A quality night cream is a year-round necessity, but during summer it pays to amp up protection against dehydration and damage from the climate. The Superdefence Night Recovery Moisturiser from Clinique focuses on strengthening the barrier to diffuse environmental aggressors, all while spurring on cellular recovery come sundown.
08. The Sunblock
What should be a summertime no-brainer is still often overlooked by many, in order to keep skin fully protected against future damage sunscreen is an absolute must — whether you plan on being in the sun or not. SPF infused moisturisers, primers and oils are ideal for those days spent mainly in the office, but for those containing longer sun exposure we recommend Skincycles DNA Defence Sun Shieldwith SPF100+.
It was Daren Zhou’s experiences living in places like Beijing and London that inspired him to move from a career in video and art direction to one in the hospitality realm. Now, after returning to New Zealand, he is set to open a new venue that promises to bring a sophisticated, international edge to the city’s nightlife scene, and it’s the kind of place we’ve been sorely missing. Meet The Nightcar.
“My favourite kind of restaurant and bar is the kind where I can dine and drink in a boutique nightclub setting,” Zhou explains. “For me, the ideal is when you take the vibes and energy of an upmarket nightclub and the booth-seating and table service of a restaurant and combine the two.” It is this mix that Zhou has adopted for his new venture, citing places like Delilah in Los Angeles, Tao in Chicago and Supper in Amsterdam as his inspirations. “The Nightcar is a third culture lounge bar that will deliver the feel of a luxurious nightclub alongside the flavours of the Yangtze River,” he says.
Set in an atmospheric, underground spot on Queen Street, The Nightcar evokes after-dark sophistication with a film noir edge, with Zhou telling me how his background in video direction saw him naturally draw references from some of his favourite movies and TV shows. “One of my favourite shows is Snowpiercer,” he tells me, “which tells the story of a doomsday train that circles Earth carrying the last of humanity. One of the train carriages is a lounge bar is called ‘The Nightcar’, hence the name.”
Indeed, The Nightcar’s interior, expertly brought to life by CTRL Space, has elements that speak to the idea of luxurious train travel, from the cosy and low-lit carriage-shaped dining room to the sumptuous, deep-red colour scheme. It also boasts a futuristic, backlit bar, heavy drapes, and sleek, glossy dining tables surrounded by plush booth-seating that one could only imagine sinking into to enjoy a nightcap or two, or some delicious food.
The menu, designed in collaboration with The Nightcar’s Head Chef Win Siak Lai, was largely inspired by the unique culture of North West China (north of the Yangtze River), where both Zhou and his business partner William Zhang are originally from. “Our food and culture is still very much unknown, even to Chinese citizens,” Zhou tells me, “so we decided to cook and serve dishes based on what we grew up eating.” Best described as modern Chinese, The Nightcar’s food offering comprises a range of small, made-to-share plates, including both hot and cold vegetarian and meat dishes and a number of noodle options, designed as the perfect accompaniments for a cocktail or two.
“The ‘Zha Jiang Mian’ Pork Belly Yangchun Noodlesis my favourite noodle dish,” Zhou reveals, “which is best alongside the ‘Huang Gua’ with cucumber, minced garlic and vinegar as a cold dish and the ‘Yang Pai’ which is lightly seared lamb spare rib with cumin and chilli (the traditional choice of meat for the nomadic people of China’s North West) as a hot dish.” He continues, “as a dessert I would strongly recommend the ‘Ci Ba’ Rice Cake coated in panko and drizzled with brown sugar — one plate is never enough of this one.”
Alongside the food there is an impressive wine offering, spanning a raft of international and local drops, as well as a perfectly-curated line-up of cocktails, which combine ingredients from different parts of the world and a variety of spirits from The Nightcar’s extensive list. Here, the drinks and food are made to be enjoyed together, with Zhou telling me how he hopes his guests will be able to discover unexpected pairings and new favourites.
Ultimately, Zhou’s vision for The Nightcar is a place that represents his cultural roots while still tapping into a universal appeal. “The term ‘third culture’ is usually used to explain someone being raised in a culture that is not their own,” Zhou says, “but I like to think that today, it means international and inclusive.” As such, The Nightcar, pulls influence from everywhere, seen in its interesting food, its unique fit-out and the way its lounge-bar vibes are enhanced by a roster of music that marries afrobeats with hip hop, Latin, elements of reggae and modern Chinese.
Open from tonight, The Nightcar is a luxurious lounge and late-night spot that offers the perfect place to perch for your favourite tipple and a tasty bite.
Opening hours Sunday & Monday — closed Tuesday & Wednesday — 5pm until 11pm Thursday — 5pm until 1am Friday & Saturday — 5pm until 3am
I preface this by saying that I am married, so my take on romantic dinner dates may not be as subjective nor as sensitive to the nuances of ‘stranger dating’ to make it particularly helpful. I do, however, take great interest in matters of the heart, particularly when I am dining and enjoy noting which couples on the surrounding tables are engaging in initiation dances of extreme awkwardness. So, taking this into account, along with my experience of dining with other couples, some of whom may be on second dates, I can suggest that date dining comes with its perils. There is always a very high chance of a comical misstep. As with all dining, in my opinion, ambience is paramount — never go for a setting that screams romance or is overly intimate. While dimmed lights, soft music, and cosy corners can be ideal to set the stage, be cautious not to choose a place so quiet that the sound of your silverware becomes a public performance.
The cuisine should be adventurous but not too wild. You’re not trying to impress your date with your fearless palate for exotic dishes that may lead to unexpected gastrointestinal issues. And there are a lot of ‘dietary issues’ in today’s dating landscape. Opt for a menu that strikes the right balance between tantalising and approachable.
Choosing the right wine is also a tricky tightrope. Do they even drink wine? What if they like white and you only drink red? This is the first test of your knowledge and finesse; mispronouncing a French Bordeaux can quickly turn into an embarrassing linguistic disaster. Service is where things can get interesting. A waiter who hovers like an overprotective parent can induce anxiety, but one who forgets your table exists can be utterly annoying.
Lastly, the element of surprise. Choose a place for your next romantic dinner date that has something else to look at other than each other, just in case things go south, or get surly quickly. Diverting your attention to other diners can offer a quick redirection of the conversation especially if it enters into the geopolitical arena.
The failsafe approach here is to avoid weird and eccentric, which will no doubt reflect upon you and your personality. Instead, opt for classics that never falter and those that bring a bit of energy to the evening will always win.
Serving up inventive Japanese-Italian fare in the heart of Ponsonby, Itameshi is the tasty new fusion restaurant well worthy of your attention. The name Itameshi means Italian food in Japanese, and here, you’ll find a host of impressive dishes that combine the two cuisines beautifully, marrying the hearty, wholesome flavours of Italian fare with the fresh, lightness of Japanese dishes to create a new take entirely — and one that we can’t get enough of.
Lobster Bisque Pasta
With a calm, spacious fit-out by hospitality design studio, Millé, Itameshi (located on Williamson Ave) has all the makings of a chic Italian trattoria. Here, you’ll find deep wooden fittings, green-hued accents and hardy concrete flooring, with Japanese art scattered throughout adding a touch of playfulness and vibrancy to the space.
Perch at the marble-topped bar, or take to one of the leather-lined banquette seats throughout and select a cocktail before taking your time to peruse the concise, incredibly creative menu. If you’re visiting for brunch, you’ll find the likes of matcha green tea hotcakes (a dish made for Instagram), where a cluster of pillowy soft pancakes is topped with strawberry mascarpone, fresh fruit, and maple butter. Or if it’s savoury flavours that you’re craving, look no further than the unagi scramble sandwich, or the miso carbonara — sure to become an instant icon.
Matcha tiramisu
If it’s drinks and dinner that draws you in (cocktails are available from 10am, meaning drinks and brunch is also entirely acceptable), you’ll do well to start on a selection of snack plates to share. Our order? Spicy Karaage chicken with caviar, the Sicilian sashimi with orange sauce, onion, caper, parsley and shiso olive oil, and the delectable soy beef carpaccio with parmesan cheese, puff rice, soy sauce reduction land cress and spring onion oil .
Moving on to mains, while the brown butter ribeye and parmesan pork katsu are sublime, it’s the pasta dishes that truly bring the melding of these two disparate cuisines to life. The tomato beef cheek ragu with Japanese curry and spiced cheese is a flavour sensation that feels entirely new, while the Mentaiko house-made pasta with caviar and dashi butter sauce is perfection; the lobster bisque iteration with butter prawn, masago, and chive is a failsafe crowdpleaser. And you’re missing a trick if you don’t finish on the matcha tiramisu.
Sicilian sashimi
The drinks list is exceptionally considered, too, with coffee, matcha, and smoothies available alongside quenching cocktails (the sake martini is a must) and a curated wine list.
Bringing an entirely new style of fare to Auckland’s dining scene, it’s no surprise that Itameshi’s verdant booths are filling up fast. Be sure to get in quick.
While we’ve all just had a wonderful summer break, the effects of sun, saltwater, sand, sunscreen, makeup and other happy hallmarks of holidays well-spent can wreak havoc on the skin. This means that now is the perfect time to book in with the experts at East Day Spa to ensure that your skin is looking ship shape for the year ahead.
At this inner city sanctuary of calm, the East Day Spa team offers a raft of treatments designed to address any and all concerns, where each practitioner can tailor their approach according to what one’s skin might need. From deeply rehydrating products to rigorous gua sha techniques to micro-needling and more, there is something here to suit everyone.
All that said, East Day Spa’s newest treatment, the Codage Paris Deep Pore Cleansing Facial, is one that we find hard to pass up. Here, the spa’s expert facialists will lather your skin in luxurious serums from Codage Paris before harnessing magnetic pulse therapy by using the celebrity-endorsed Facify wand to smooth your lines and help activate lymphatic drainage. After this, a warming compression treatment and a blissful scalp massage will be applied to leave you feeling revitalised and entirely renewed.
So, if you’re looking for a facial that will give your skin a fresh start for the year ahead, one that will rid your pores of imperfections while simultaneously giving it a boost of hydration, this is the treatment for you. Book now and give your skin some of the post-holiday care it’s been craving.
Practice — Warren & Mahoney Architects Interior Design — Davinia Sutton Photography — Samuel Hartnett
Nestled in an idyllic Canterbury landscape lies the Hepburn’s Road House, a stunning architectural masterpiece by the renowned Warren and Mahoney, designed in collaboration with interior designer Davinia Sutton. Not only does this exceptional residence present a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity but it also offers a unique and flexible living experience, where the practicalities of family life are woven into a beautiful design.
The essence of Hepburn’s Road House lies in its distributed pavilions, a concept that gracefully responds to the expansive flat land on which the home sits. Designed to cater to the needs of a couple and their daughter, the residence has been made as suitable for quiet family life as it is for accommodating guests, its layout and structural features lending versatility and plenty of space for both public and private pursuits.
This pavilion-style architecture sees the home divided into three symmetrically stacked volumes, each boasting gabled roofs. The striking but ultimately simple exterior, clad in traditional bevel-back weatherboards, appears as a monolithic form, with only subtle hints at the intricate floor plan hidden beneath its surface. Designed with practicality as much as aesthetics in mind, each pavilion features full-height timber shutters with black steel frames that can be adjusted to control natural light and ventilation throughout the changing seasons.
This idea of a balance between functionality and form continues in the home’s adaptable interior. Here, practical elements have been incorporated with a careful attention to detail, ensuring they can serve their intended purpose without disrupting the home’s elegant furnishings, fixtures and material palette.
At the heart of the residence is the kitchen. There, in what one can only imagine is a hive of family activity, a series of Fisher & Paykel appliances have been seamlessly integrated, enhancing both the design and usability of the space. For cooking, Fisher & Paykel’s Minimal Induction Cooktop and Gas on Glass Cooktop, as well as its Integrated Insert Rangehood, Minimal Combination Steam Oven and Minimal Oven lie unobtrusively in the background, ready to spring into action when needed. While for other kitchen functions like storage, Fisher & Paykel’s Integrated Column Refrigerator and Freezer alongside its Integrated Wine Cabinet and CoolDrawerTM are all tidily tucked behind matte-painted and stained-veneer joinery, something that interior designer Davina Sutton cited as the perfect finishing touch. “Applied to reflect the form and detail of the architecture, they provide a modern twist on the traditional cabinetry-style panelled door,” she says.
In fact, Sutton’s meticulous interior choices, including natural and engineered stone benchtops, stained oak herringbone timber floors and the aforementioned veneer joinery, combined with Fisher & Paykel’s innovative technology have resulted in a kitchen that is not only functional, but stands as a visually stunning focal point within this home.
Elsewhere, the Hepburn’s Road House boasts a separate and generous laundry space, equipped with a Fisher & Paykel Heat Pump Dryer and a Front Loader Washing Machine. Set in their sophisticated, modern environment, these appliances offer practicality and efficiency as well as aligning perfectly with the overarching design philosophy at play.
Hepburn’s Road House is a harmonious marriage of architectural excellence, thoughtful interior design and cleverly applied practical elements. It exemplifies how tradition and innovation can (and should) coexist seamlessly in modern living spaces, and stands as a testament to the timeless beauty and practicality that exceptional design can bring to our lives.
Forget flowing caftans and laid-back linen, this summer, adopt a more active style with sleek, sporty pieces that marry athleisure with beachwear in a cool, sporty hybrid. Whether you’re taking the boat out for a day of adventure, or are setting out for the nearest beach, these essentials will have you ready to spring into action. Shop our summer style edit now.
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