March is officially in full swing, and, while we’re not quite ready to say hello to autumn just yet, there is one particular reason why we’re thrilled that the third month of the year is upon us — Bluffies! It is at this time of the year that ocean delicacies that are Bluff oysters, in all their delicious, refreshing, slurpable glory, are finally in abundance, and we plan on making the most of it. For those who are partial to a Bluffie or two, we suggest you take a look at our list below. These are the places in Auckland really doing the season justice.
What better way to celebrate Bluffie season than at this stunning Viaduct Harbour spot? Here, in the Bivacco restaurant you can enjoy half a dozen natural Bluff oysters for $25, or a dozen for $50, or have them served battered with Guindilla mayonnaise for $27.50 or $55 respectively. Taking its offering one step further, the clever culinary team at Bivacco has also dreamt up a special dish for the Bivacco Bar. This mouthwatering Crispy Bluff Oyster Sandwich with horseradish and iceberg is the perfect way to mark the season in style.
With its reputation for being home to some of the City’s finest seafood dishes, it comes as no surprise that Depot will be shucking Bluffs this season. As fresh as they come, and served in the most liveliest of locations, these are as good as it gets.
Advieh, the exceptional new Middle Eastern eatery sitting pretty within the new InterContinental Auckland, is shucking Bluff oysters this season. With sprawling views of Waitematā Harbour, this is a more than perfect spot to park up and enjoy these tasty morsels, priced at $8.5 each, or $100 for a dozen.
Adding to an already extensive list of reasons to visit Soul, the Viaduct Harbour stalwart is offering Bluffies this season, serving them up alongside their extensive list of libations and delicious menu. Unfortunately, the all-you-can-eat event has been and gone (you’ve got to be quick around here), but, catch dependant, Soul will be well stocked for the season ahead.
While, more often than not, it’s the delicious carnivorous offering that draws us in to Jervois Steak House, the clever team in the kitchen also knows a thing or two about seafood. As well as their new acqua pazza market fish and much-loved whitebait, prawns, scallops and more, here you’ll find freshly-shucked Bluffies (catch dependant) on offer.
City-siders will do well to make for The Glass Goose this Bluffie season, where you’ll be met with an exceptional price on the delectable delicacies. Here, you’ll find a dozen for a modest $40 (!!!) — served au naturel with mignonette, and best when paired with a crisp glass of Mumm. Divine.
Offering an entirely unique take on Bluff oysters, Korean eatery Gochu — known for their modern take on authentic Seoul flavours, is serving the delicacy with kimchi juice, leek oil, and pickled radish, for $7 each.
Herne Bay favourite Andiamo is adding oysters to the mix this season, available on a first-come, first-served basis (as they are known to fly out the door here!). Head along at lunchtime, try your luck at securing a dozen, and indulge in the delicious Autumn lunch menu while you’re there.
Head to our favourite Parnell dining institution to indulge in the best of the season, before enjoying one of NSP’s signature Italian long lunches or tasty dinners. Here, you can order either half a dozen or a full dozen (for $25 and $50 respectively), which will be served natural with either mignonette & lemon or Bacio Del Limone Granita. Or, you can order your Bluffies to come battered with a delicate lemon aioli. Perfection.
For those who are craving the delicacies but are low on time and simply can’t commit to a long lunch, Auckland Fish Market’s Billypot has you covered. Freshly shucked to order and takeaway-friendly, you can take these Bluffies wherever you like, for $7 each, or $60 a dozen.
However you celebrate Easter, there’s no denying the joy of finding a delicious treat to enjoy. Like all great egg hunts, Denizen has set out to find the most enticing examples that can be devoured come Easter weekend.
Luna Bakehouse
Holiday cruffins courtesy of Luna Bakehouse
To celebrate Easter the sweetest way, the incredible talents at Newmarket’s Luna Bakehouse have taken their most famous delicacy and given it a holiday twist. The Easter Biscoff Cruffins (also available in Nutella and Classic Buttercream) are perfectly flaky and not too sickly, with a delicious dollop of the much-loved spread on top — the perfect addition to a delicious cruffin.
Easter-themed cookie kits at Amano bakery
We can’t conceive a better way to keep the kids busy this Easter than with Amano Bakery’s delicious and inventive cookie decorating kits. With everything you need for bespoke creations (and all that you need to keep well-satiated whilst crafting), each kit includes mixed shape cookies and icing in piping bags, plus marshmallow eggs, chocolate cross buns, and varlhona hot chocolate bunnies and carrots to snack on. There’s only one thing for it — place your order before they’re gone.
Devonport Chocolates
Devonport Chocolates’ handcrafted festive treats
Not only is one of the City’s top chocolate purveyors offering an extensive range of delectable Easter treats (with something for everyone — from bunnies for the kids to artful eggs, chocolate boxes and gift sets for even the most discerning chocolate eaters), but this year, there’s a personalised offering available, with keepsake, named ribbons adorning the necks of their coveted, handcrafted bunnies. Get in quick before they sell out.
Honest Chocolat’s painted, edible eggs
If you like your Easter treats to have an arty and artisanal touch, look no further than the Honest Chocolat boutique at Commercial Bay. Limited-edition creations for this year’s collection are all made to honour the planet and its natural beauty. The Volcano egg sees layer of hazelnut praline and popping candy sandwiched between the thick milk chocolate shell, with an interpretive painting of flowing lava on the outside. The Acorn egg is made with velvety milk chocolate and hand-sculpted to look like its namesake, with pieces of apple and vanilla fruit jelly hidden inside.
Left: La Petite Fourchette. Right: Colestone
La Petite Fourchette’s smashing chocolate egg
French patisserie La Petite Fourchette & sister bakery Copain are creating a bit of drama this Easter, with their delectable Chocolate Smash Eggs. Theaw large creations are dusted with gold, and come with a wooden hammer so you can break your way to the treats inside. These include mixed cookies, dark chocolate bonbons, and melt-in-the-mouth white chocolate bonbons. There’s also bunnies on offer, as well as easter sable biscuits in all manner of sweet designs, which can be bought individually.
Colestone’s Easter-themed range
This Easter, Colestone in Remuera has pulled out all of the stops, crafting an extensive range that promises something for every chocolate aficionado. The medium-sized solid eggs are our pick — beautifully adorned with intricate speckles and swirls, but the marshmallow and praline iterations are highly sought after, and the large scale eggs (available in either milk or dark) are guaranteed to impress.
Atelier Shu
Atelier Shu’s thoughtfully-crafted Easter treats
The beautiful, serene bakery that is Atelier Shu (now located in Newmarket) has just unveiled its Easter range for 2024, and it’s as covetable as you’d expect. An uber cute, colourful array of treats are on offer, from handmade macarons adorned in all manner of Easter-themed designs (including bunnies, chickens, speckled eggs and more) to handmade cakes (the Little Chick with coconut mousse, lime curd and pineapple confit on an almond base is divine) eggs, and meringues perfect for creating a festive table setting.
Left: The Pantry. Right: House of Chocolate
House of Chocolate’s newest additions
For egg aficionados, the Chocolatier bunnies at House of Chocolate have been busy taste testing and trialling the very best Easter eggs for this year. This year, the full Easter range has something for every discerning palette — from adorable bunny shaped goodies to perfectly painted eggs hiding delightful surprises. The delectable flavours span crunchy hazelnut, creamy caramel, sweet fairy sprinkles and more, and come in an array of sizes and pairings. This year, our pick is the hand-poured ruby white chocolate egg — a delicious celebration of sweet and fruity flavours.
The Pantry at Park Hyatt’s new creations
There is something delicious for every occasion at The Pantry at Park Hyatt, and as we near Good Friday, Executive Pastry Chef Callum Liddicoat and his team have gone above and beyond to create a curated edit of utterly delicious and entirely inventive Easter treats. From an incredible take on a hot cross bun (crossed with a custard donut…) to modern interpretations of the classic crème egg, a stunningly adorned white chocolate yuzu iteration, and more, here you’ll find something guaranteed to impress this Easter.
Allpress Coffee x Bennetts of Mangawhai
Allpress Coffee x Bennetts of Mangawhai eggs
Always the independent, Allpress has teamed up with local chocolate house Bennetts of Mangawhai for its limited-edition, coffee-spiked chocolate Easter eggs. Extremely popular, this re-release for 2024 is made with fresh, roasted Allpress and hand-poured in Mangawhai, north of Auckland. Each carton contains three Flat White eggs and three Espresso eggs flavours, packaged in a novel and fully recyclable carton. They’re available to shop at Farro Fresh.
Miann’s Easter range
As well as its highly anticipated hot cross buns and Easter-themed macarons, the chocolate masters at Miann have introduced a delightful range of Easter eggs, including a Craft White Chocolate paired with the iconic freeze dried mandarin from Fresh As. While Miann treats are always striking, the 1.8kg eggs — available in milk, dark and caramelised white chocolate, are a true sight to behold. There are also decadent Easter bunny and Easter egg cakes, plus festive gingerbread in the cabinets for your perusal.
As the weather starts to cool off, allow yourself to be transported to the glorious Amalfi Coast with Sìso’s upcoming exclusive pop-up, ‘Sapore Di Malfi,’ where a bespoke offering of sophisticated food and fun drinks has been created to offer an immersive sensory experience you don’t want to miss. On now and running until the 14th of April, this curated affair has seen the Remuera institution transformed with beautiful, evocative installations and a specialty menu designed to celebrate the distinctive flavours of Malfy Gin.
From the Malfy Originale (a more traditional dry gin), to the Con Limone (made using a citrus extract), to the Gin Rosa (an expression of Sicilian pink grapefruit) and the Con Arancia (with notes of Sicilian blood orange), each of Mafly Gin’s iterations are honoured at ‘Sapore Di Malfi’. Here, you can indulge in cocktails that expertly blend Malfy’s signature botanicals with premium ingredients, like the ‘Singing in Sorento’, with Malfy Con Limone, Créme de Mure, lemon, raspberry and Deutz Rosé, and ‘The White Lotus’, with Malfy Con Arancia, Crème de Abricot, strawberry, lemon and basil.
Alongside the libations is a tantalising array of culinary delights too, from Sgropporino (small batch artisan gelato using Malfy Gin that has been carefully crafted by the award-winning team at Island Gelato), to tasty grazing platters comprising freshly-made sourdough, marinated olives, feta, prosciutto, melon, mozzarella, Ortiz anchovies, pickled guindilla and Malfy-cured salmon gravlax, and of course, the offer of some seriously juicy Bluff oysters. In fact, the food here is just as much a drawcard as the drinks, and will provide the perfect accompaniment to any of Sìso’s specialty cocktails.
Designed to evoke the ambiance of Italian coastal living, ‘Sapore Di Malfy’ promises an immersive sensory experience. With every sip and bite, you will be transported to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, where every moment is infused with a sense of la dolce vita.
Inspired by ideas of landscapes and capturing natural beauty, The Rug Company’s Supertextures collection is an ode to timeless tactility. Crafted from undyed New Zealand wool, each rug tells a story through its intricate design where geometric motifs shine against a backdrop of fluffy cut-pile and flatweave techniques. Here, each rug boasts a tile-like effect, reminiscent of ancient mosaics, which makes the collection feel both untethered to contemporary trends and perfect for the modern home.
Available exclusively from Design Central, the Supertextures collection marries luxury with sustainability, and craftsmanship with contemporary design. If you’ve been looking for a way to warm up your home for the coming seasons, look no further than one of these exquisite pieces.
Given that Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’, it’s hardly surprising that Viaduct Harbour, our vibrant and bustling waterfront precinct, sits at the heart of our urban landscape. A testament to the City’s longstanding affinity with maritime culture, Viaduct Harbour has evolved over the past 30 years, from a practical gateway for seafarers to a dynamic and diverse hub of culinary delights, luxurious accommodations, captivating events, thriving businesses, full-time residences, and more, and the offering just keeps getting better.
Left: Beasty sashimi from Hello Beasty. Right: Soul Bar & Bistro
Bivacco
Central to Viaduct Harbour’s allure is its thriving dining scene, a line-up of restaurants, eateries and bars that cater to every kind of palate, whether you’re seeking a sophisticated dinner out, after-work drinks with colleagues, a celebration with friends or a quick, easy bite. From the iconic stalwart Soul Bar & Bistro (and its sprawling, sun-drenched terrace) where culinary excellence meets waterfront elegance, to the flavoursome Asian-fusion fare of Hello Beasty, to the contemporary Italian offering at Bivacco (not to mention its incredible, wrap-around corner site) and the refined ambiance of Park Hyatt’s Onemata, Viaduct Harbour promises unforgettable dining experiences for any occasion.
Beyond its culinary delights, this precinct also gives Auckland’s residents and visitors access to the pristine waters of the Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. Boasting its own marina that bustles with activity, Viaduct Harbour offers daily adventures via charter boats to those who want to explore Auckland’s stunning coastline from a unique perspective. Whether it be via a leisurely cruise or an exhilarating sailing excursion, visitors can find a quintessential ‘City of Sails’ experience to suit their desires. Those seeking a more intimate voyage can arrange a private luxury charter, where the day will be entirely tailored to individual preferences, ensuring an unparalleled glimpse of the Gulf at its best.
Left: Sofitel Spa. Right: Park Hyatt
QT Auckland
Complementing its maritime allure, Viaduct Harbour’s curated offering of luxury accommodation speaks to the welcoming hospitality this precinct has become known for. At the QT Auckland, for instance, discover a chic, urban oasis where luxurious rooms await and incredible dining experiences can be found in its ground-level restaurant, Esther. Over at The Sofitel, timeless elegance permeates every corner, while the Sofitel Spa provides a sanctuary and escape from the bustle of the city. Similarly, Park Hyatt is the perfect place to book for a waterfront getaway, offering generous rooms and acclaimed dining.
But Viaduct Harbour’s appeal extends beyond its culinary and maritime offerings, where the precinct has, in recent years, embraced a burgeoning art scene that adds a layer of cultural richness to its landscape. From Jeppe Hein’s mesmerising Long Modified Bench in Waitematā Plaza to Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) and LandLAB’s striking Te Mata Topaki lookout structure, the precinct is adorned with captivating works of art that invite contemplation and discovery. Phil Price’s Cytoplasm sculpture stands as a testament to the intersection of art and innovation, offering visitors a glimpse into the creative spirit that animates Viaduct Harbour’s vibrant community.
Te Mata Topaki lookout structure
From its cuisine to its accommodation to the incredible access it offers to the Gulf, Viaduct Harbour really is the ultimate waterfront precinct, where connections are forged, and world-class experiences abound. Whether you choose to dine while overlooking panoramic views of the water, embark on a maritime adventure, or immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of its art scene, Viaduct Harbour is a rich representation of the best of Auckland’s waterfront lifestyle. With its irresistible blend of luxury, convenience and natural beauty, it is a place in which locals feel right at home, and visitors can embark on journeys of exploration and discovery. It’s ongoing evolution continues to prove how Auckland’s Viaduct waterfront is truly one of the best in the world.
The spectacular sanctuary of Wawata Estate sits perched atop a ridge between two of Waiheke’s most idyllic beaches, boasting sprawling natural parkland, rolling hills, and 25 thoughtful development plots seamlessly integrated into the local landscape. Those lucky enough to secure one of the few remaining sites will find endless ocean views, tranquil rural vistas, and untouched native bush on their doorstep, with Palm Beach and Onetangi just a few minutes away, offering endless potential for a life well lived.
Despite the farmland site’s vastness, only a small set of carefully placed development sites are on offer, so as to respectfully preserve the land and add to (not detract from) Waiheke’s quaint, timeless allure. So desirable is Wawata’s future-focused infrastructure and elevated address that some of the country’s leading architects are making the gated community home, crafting thoughtful residences (in keeping with Wawata’s design code) across the sprawling estate.
Architectural render of proposed property
To understand the true appeal of Wawata beyond its unmatched scenery, one must look to the substantial commitment to the future that developer Chris Jacobs is making with the project. Here, house sites occupy just 15 percent of the total land area, with the remainder dedicated to conservation — with future generations in mind. Over 300,000 New Zealand natives have been planted, wetlands carefully restored, and private walkways and bush trails maintained for the exclusive use of residents. Local iwi and Heritage New Zealand have also been consulted to safeguard sacred lands, ensuring a legacy of preservation for generations to come.
On Waiheke Island, the pace of life is slow and steady, and although it’s only a short 45-minute ferry from Auckland’s bustling CBD, it feels like a world of its own. Wawata Estate taps into this feeling, harnessing the spoils of the land, partnering with nature to provide a spectacular canvas on which residents can create their very own version of paradise.
The year was 1973 and Celine Vipiana, founder of the now-iconic fashion house that carries her name, had just been in a minor collision on the Place de l’Etoile when she noticed a motif adorning the chain around the outside of the Arc de Triomphe. It was a moment that would change the visual identity of her brand forever. Fascinated by the subtle inverted ‘C’ link, Vipiana allegedly reached out to the City of Paris to seek permission to adapt the symbol as her house emblem, and soon, it was emblazoned across labels, on pieces of ready-to-wear clothing and on sought-after bags and accessories.
Celine winter 23
Known then as the ‘Blazon Chaîne’, the symbol quickly gained icon status. Not only did it represent the deep ties between Celine and the city in which it was founded but it also spoke to the maison’s intrinsic spirit of victory and resilience, respect for history and timeless sophistication. It was a subtle marker of status, embodying that simple but undeniable nod to luxury that the French do so well. And it persisted for a number of seasons before eventually (and unfortunately) falling out of Celine’s collections altogether.
“The Triomphe emblem offers a perfect balance between the history of Celine… and the idea of commercial iconography that creates sell-out items each season.”
In fact, it wasn’t until fairly recently that the Blazon Chaîne was pulled from the archives of Celine to be given a new life as the ‘Triomphe’, gaining fresh meaning in the context of contemporary, 21st Century fashion, and bridging the gap between Celine’s rich history and its hugely impactful role as a forward-thinking player in the industry today.
Back in 2018, when Hedi Slimane took the reins of Celine, the designer meticulously studied the maison and its origins in search of inspiration for his creative direction. There, in the brand’s archive, he realised that he was sitting on a piece of fashion gold; a symbol that hadn’t been utilised in nearly five decades, but that spoke perfectly to the unique vision that Slimane was bringing to this storied brand.
In Celine’s Spring 2019 show, titled ‘Paris La Nuit’, Slimane reintroduced the logo as the ‘Triomphe’ and adorned a series of simple, chic handbags with the icon as a gold clasp, a move that not only reinstated its standing as one of the maison’s central motifs, but that marked the start of what can only be described as the Triomphe era. Truly it was a pivotal, full-circle moment for Celine. The Triomphe exemplified Slimane’s sophisticated eye, as well as his commitment to honouring the brand’s history while anchoring it firmly within the contemporary landscape. With the Triomphe, the designer managed to both reaffirm Celine’s status as a leader in the luxury field, and remind everyone of the richness of its past.
It also, almost immediately, birthed a new ‘It’ bag. Very quickly, Slimane’s Triomphe design became one of the fashion set’s most sought-after styles, and since its introduction in 2019, its cache as a coveted symbol for luxury and refined design has only continued to grow.
According to Constance von Dadelszen, Creative Director of Faradays (the exclusive New Zealand stockist of Celine ready-to-wear) the brand’s Triomphe pieces, particularly accessories like belts, and any clothing that features the logo will sell out as soon as they hit the store, von Dadelszen explaining how the Triomphe speaks to such a wide cross-section of their customers and can look as modern as it can classic, depending on who is wearing it and how it is styled. “I think the Triomphe emblem offers a perfect balance between the history of Celine (I have a number of early-era Celine vintage pieces in my collection which feature the marque), and the idea of commercial iconography that creates sell-out items each season.”
Chic, timeless and imbued with history, Celine’s Triomphe logo is more than just an undeniably successful selling point for the brand. It is a symbol of Celine’s values, a representation of its Parisian origins and a testament to the ways in which Hedi Slimane’s clever creative strategy continues to drive the brand forward.
For over four decades, Hartfield Jewellers has been synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and impeccable taste thanks to its unique offering of exquisite jewellery under the stewardship of Margaret Foley. With a remarkable 43 years of dedication to the boutique, Margaret, alongside her husband Brian and daughter Rebecca, has dedicated her career to bringing some of the most beautiful jewellery from around the world to her discerning clientele, and now after such an impressive tenure, it is time for her to pass on the torch.
Enter Jodie and Luke Dick, the visionary mother-son team poised to carry the legacy of Hartfield into an exciting new chapter of luxury and style. “I have the utmost respect and admiration for the wonderful family business Margaret has created over the years,” Jodie says. “She has run it with her husband and daughter and has been able to offer some of the most exquisite jewels from luxury brands to the most discerning of clients both here in New Zealand and around the globe. I am so incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to carry on the family tradition with my son Luke.”
For this clever duo, the aim is to evolve Hartfield while remaining true to its familial roots, the pair wanting to usher in a new era at the hallowed boutique and still offer the kinds of classic pieces that Hartfield’s longstanding customers know and love. As Jodie articulates, “Luke and I recently travelled to Milan and Hong Kong to meet with our partners and have been looking at the Pasquale Bruni and Chaumet collections. Having already placed our orders, we’re focusing on showcasing pieces that range from entry level to truly special, high-end jewels.” She pauses, “We can also see that there are some untapped opportunities in the market here and so we will have a few surprises in store.”
Pasquale Bruni Giardini Segreti Multi Flower necklace from Hartfield
Pasquale Bruni Bouquet Lunaire Drop earrings from Hartfield
Pasquale Bruni GIARDINI SEGRETI DIAMOND LEAF earrings from Hartfield
Pasquale Bruni Rose Gold Bon Ton Quartz & Diamond Ring from Hartfield
Part of their vision, it seems, is about embracing inclusivity and accessibility without compromising on luxury. “We want to break down any barriers that people may have about luxury brands being unattainable, intimidating and formal,” Jodie expresses. “We want our clients to feel comfortable to pop in whenever they feel like it, just to have a play.”
With a keen eye for style and a passion for luxury, the duo are set to introduce fresh, innovative ideas and new pieces to the Hartfield repertoire, and as the curtains rise on this new chapter, it would seem that the legacy of Hartfield is in very good hands.
In the world of design, few names are as synonymous with innovation, elegance and an unwavering commitment to their craft as that of Rodolfo Dordoni. The rationalist architect and mastermind Italian designer was credited with being a genius in his field, and over his lifetime, he left an indelible mark on the landscape of design globally. Born in the vibrant city of Milan in 1954, Dordoni’s career began with his deep-rooted passion for architecture, and evolved into a lifelong relationship with furniture design. His passing in August last year has left an undeniable void, but his legacy endures through his timeless pieces and the profound impact he had on Italian design. Here we celebrate the life work of one of the world’s greatest designers.
Rodolfo Dordoni’s career took its most pivotal turn when, in 1979 after graduating from the renowned Politecnico di Milano, he joined forces with Giulio Cappellini, a widely respected figure in the design world. This collaboration set the stage for Dordoni’s enduring impact on the industry. Over the years, he lent his creative genius to some of Italy’s most iconic design brands, including Cappellini, Kettal, Cassina, Roda, Artemide, Molteni&C and, of course, Minotti.
Rodolfo Dordoni with Renato Minotti, co-CEO of the brand with his brother Roberto — Courtesy of Minotti S.p.A
In fact, it was his artistic direction at Minotti that truly defined his legacy. In 1998, after forming a firm friendship with the Minotti brothers Renato and Roberto, Dordoni took the helm as the artistic director of the renowned Italian furniture company. Under his guidance, Minotti blossomed into an international powerhouse, known for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless pieces. Dordoni’s remarkable vision, passion and dedication not only shaped the brand’s identity but also established a distinctive stylistic language that resonated across the globe.
Beyond his role at Minotti, Dordoni’s influence was multi-faceted and far-reaching. He co-founded his eponymous architecture firm Dordoni Architetti alongside Luca Zaniboni and Alessandro Acerbi in 2005. Together, they ventured into architectural planning and interior design, crafting spaces that seamlessly merged functionality with aesthetics. Dordoni’s designs were marked by a rationalist approach, emphasising clean lines, impeccable proportions, and enduring elegance. His creations, from architectural marvels to indoor and outdoor furniture, reflected his commitment to discreet sophistication that transcended trends. His iconic ‘Suitcase’ chair for Minotti, inspired by the world of fashion and luggage, first exemplified his penchant for merging form and function, something he continued as a signature throughout his career.
“His creations, be them indoor or outdoor furniture, reflected his commitment to discreet sophistication that transcended trends”
Dordoni’s passing in August 2023 left a void in the design world, but his legacy endures through his timeless pieces and the profound impact he had on Italian design. More than merely a designer Dordoni was a true artist who found the perfect balance between creative passion and unwavering dedication, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate design enthusiasts worldwide. His genius will undoubtedly be remembered and cherished for generations to come.
The Suitcase chair, an iconic piece of design that was originally conceived by Rodolfo Dordoni in 1997, underwent a contemporary revamp in Minotti’s 2019 Suitcase Line. Still maintaining the linear precision of the original, the new iteration saw the chrome feet removed, allowing it to sit gracefully on the floor. Four sleek aluminium strips were introduced to adorn the corners, offering a tantalising glimpse of the luxurious upholstery beneath. Available in various fabrics and leathers, the Pony Look version, featuring calfskin with a ponyskin print, adds an extra layer of sophistication. New colour options, including Oil Green, Burgundy, Ash Grey and Sage, breathe fresh life into this iconic piece, that still carries the timeless air of the original.
Embodying softness and simplicity, Rodolfo Dordoni’s Guest seat redefined elegance in living and dining spaces. This chair, reminiscent of a throne, boasts a flexible moulded polyurethane structure with a robust metal frame, ensuring both comfort and longevity. Its non-removable fabric or leather upholstery combines comfort with the durability required for frequent use while its most unique feature is a set of discreetly concealed swivel wheels, which facilitate effortless manoeuvring. Dordoni’s Guest chair embodies a harmonious blend of aesthetics and practicality, inviting you to relax in style.
Left: Guest Dining Chair for Poliform. Right: Cesar Coffee Table for Minotti
In this striking and versatile piece, Rodolfo Dordoni seamlessly merged functionality with artistry. Able to be doubled as a stool or accent table, the Cesar injects contemporary flair into any room. Its dynamic form, resembling a vibrant zigzag, comes alive in an array of colours. And beyond its aesthetic allure, Cesar’s minimalist design ensures adaptability, making it a timeless Minotti icon. Whether used as a coffee table or a supportive surface, it effortlessly complements both indoor and outdoor settings and stands as a testament to Dordoni’s visionary touch, offering both style and substance in one elegant package.
This contemporary lighting collection was designed by Rodolfo Dordoni for iconic brand Flos, and comprises a series of pieces perfect for any kind of space. From the table lamp to the floor lamp and the suspension light, Ray’s various iterations are connected by their distinctive drum diffusers, which were allegedly inspired by the timeless silhouette of a lighthouse. Combining classic and cutting-edge aesthetics. Ray is a testament to Dordoni’s ability to blend tradition and innovation seamlessly, offering a captivating lighting solution for discerning design enthusiasts.
Left: Bitta Collection for Kettal. Right: Ray for Flos
A masterful expression of Rodolfo Dordoni’s singular design eye, the Bitta collection for Kettal is a revelation in outdoor furniture. Dordoni was inspired by the mooring ropes of boats (‘Bitta’ means mooring in Italian), crafting pieces that were made with aluminium frames and braided polyester seats that allowed air to pass through while maintaining a cosy, nest-like appearance. The addition of plush cushions ensures that every piece in the Bitta Collection exudes both comfort and elegance. Elsewhere, the collection’s tables are topped in either teak and stone, completing the set perfectly and creating a harmonious blend of natural colours. Ultimately, Bitta is an invitation to unwind and relax in style, and saw Dordoni, once again, redefining outdoor lounging.
This exceptional seating system offers outstanding flexibility through a harmonious blend of two distinct personalities. The ‘Duvet’ elements embody pure relaxation, with their smooth lines and extra-soft cushions (reminiscent of a warm embrace). In contrast, the ‘Tailor’ elements exude a contemporary spirit with graphic top-stitching and defined shapes. Together, they create multitasking compositions, adapting to different moments and lifestyles. The sofa’s elegance extends to its extruded aluminium frame, cast aluminium joint fittings and glossy bronze-painted metal feet, adding sophistication and lightness to any living space. Freeman is a true example of Rodolfo Dordoni’s meticulous approach to design, and the careful ways he would blend classic and modern elements.
Rodolfo Dornoni’s Harp armchair for Roda is crafted from woven polyester cords with cotton finishing that gracefully encircle a hand-welded, powder-coated stainless steel frame, creating an uninterrupted, elegant silhouette. The Harp collection introduces a burst of colour with its vibrant cushions while maintaining an airy aesthetic, thanks to thick cords that allow light to bounce through. A celebration of craftsmanship, the Harp armchair is available in a variety of versatile finishes and colours designed to seamlessly blend into any setting.
Elegance, modernity and functionality collide in Rodolfo Dordoni’s Sail Out table for Cassina. This low side table is a testament to contemporary design, offering a choice of yellow and white or green and white terrazzo or cement tops, supported by sturdy, solid teak feet. Part of the wider Sail Out family that includes a modular sofa and a versatile pouf in two different sizes, this table is sleek, durable and destined to be a talking point in any outdoor line-up.
Left: Sail Out Table for Cassina. Right: Barbican Chair for Molteni&C
The core feature of the Barbican chair by Rodolfo Dordoni for Molteni&C is its built-in padded seat, which can be open or with armrests, encased in a rigid polyurethane frame that offers fabric or luxurious leather upholstery options. Encapsulating the perfect balance of comfort and style, with three base options, including wood or metal, this chair is adaptable to a range of interior settings, and (like most of Dordoni’s designs) embodies timeless sophistication and striking but simple style.
Jervois Steak House has maintained its mantel as the purveyors of the best steak in town for nearly two decades, and the Herne Bay stalwart’s delicious new autumn menu only adds to their extensive carnivorous offering, with a slew of inventive new dishes sure to satisfy.
The new menu retains the steakhouse’s extensive cuts alongside their most-loved dishes, but everything else offers some fresh inspiration. To celebrate its launch, we’re giving you a chance to win a table for two — giving you and a friend or your significant other the opportunity to try the new menu out for yourselves. And because we consider ourselves experts in the trappings of this particular establishment, we’ve rounded up the must-try dishes to provide some inspiration.
The first new addition is the JSH Beef Tartare. This flavourful, utterly addictive iteration of the classic is topped with raw yolk and Vintage Waikato, paired perfectly with wagyu fat toast which, quite honestly, is a stroke of pure genius not to be missed.
Left: JSH classic beef tartare
Pan fried market fish
While many venture to this stalwart for their prime steak cuts, there’s simply no denying that the clever team in the kitchen know how to turn out a fantastic fish dish. This particular iteration sees pan fried market fish acqua pazza, served with a simple medley of fennel and tomato, letting the flavours of the few, thoughful ingredients stand out.
Wagyu short rib
JSH is known City-wide for their sharing cuts, and new takes are always a hit. This particular addition is a 12-hour slow-cooked Wagyu short rib, flavoured with a sweet, smokey, and fiery jerk spice. This cut falls off the bone, making it ideal for sharing, and it packs a flavoursome punch — perfect when paired with JSH’s infamous whipped potato.
Roasted bone marrow
And last, but certainly not least, the Roasted Bone Marrow with pickled onion gremolata and sourdough is the best of the bunch (in our humble opinion). Impossibly delectable, and bursting with flavour, this delicious entrée is a must for the table.
Jervois Steak House Auckland’s new seasonal menu is available now. Explore the menu here.
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