It’s no secret that Bivacco is one of the City’s most-loved harbour-side eateries and watering holes, and a more-than-perfect spot to while away a sun-soaked afternoon or a convivial evening with friends. And now, the popular destination is giving us yet another reason to visit with the inauguration of Club BBG.
Adding an innovative new layer to Bivacco’s hospitality offering, Club BBG is a new membership loyalty programme offering unmissable monthly deals when you dine and drink in the bar only. Taking the form of a user-friendly app, Club BBG will keep its members abreast of all of Bivacco’s exclusive goings-on — from early access to events and pop-ups to members-only offers, daily deals, and a rewards system to inspire indulgence in the very best way.
As a Club BBG member, you will earn points for every dollar you spend at Bivacco’s bar, where you will find members-only prices alongside a range of other unmissable benefits. Valid for a year, points earned at the bar can be redeemed anywhere in the venue to be spent on whatever food or drinks you fancy.
Moreover, if you download the Club BBG app from the App Store or Google Play, and sign up with an account now, you’ll receive a $10 member’s credit and gain immediate access to members’ deals including $12 Peroni and house wine, $15 Aperol Spritz and Margaritas, a delicious new wagyu burger (with fries) for $25, a 200-gram steak with shoestring fries for $25, or a fresh cos salad with a glass of Whispering Angel rosé for $30. (Deals like these change out monthly and will be updated on the Club BBG app.)
So, as we head into the weekend, why not jump on the Club BBG bandwagon and start earning points and reaping rewards? Our advice is to make the most of Bivacco’s famous Sundown Sessions by beelining for the Viaduct Harbour venue this weekend, where you’ll find an extensive list of libations and great vibes, delivered by a rotation of DJs on Friday and Saturday from 4pm.
Inspired by The Grand Tour, a historical odyssey through the major cultural centres of Europe, Van Cleef & Arpels’ latest high jewellery collection takes us on an incredible, sweeping journey where history, geography and gemstones collide.
London
The journey of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Le Grand Tour begins in London, where Canova’s statue at the sumptuous Chatsworth House inspired the Dea Eterna Clip, boasting an oval-cut 3.47-carat pink sapphire, blue sapphires, lapis lazuli, a grey cultured pearl and diamonds. The Josiah Necklace and Earrings were inspired by the heart of London, where baguette and round-cut diamonds drape around the neck or hang elegantly from the ears, culminating in remarkable oval-cut sapphires. Elsewhere, the rose gold Elizabeth Earrings (their name derived from the iconic monarch) with detachable pendants, feature two triangle-cut pink spinels, alongside coral and sparkling diamonds.
Elizabeth earrings with detachable pendants, Cornucopia clip & Schäppel ring from Van Cleef & Arpels
The mythological horn of plenty inspired Van Cleef & Arpels to create the Cornucopia Clip where a rubellite immediately attracts the gaze, surrounded by diamond leaves, amethysts, rubies and spessartite garnets and finished with bouqiets of sapphire flowers, spessartite garnets and diamonds. The Escale Antique bracelet is another marvel inspired by Rome, fashioned from rose gold, it boasts emeralds, tsavorite garnets and diamonds in an intricate, botanical pattern.
Over to Naples where Van Cleef & Arpels’ Ninfe Necklace depicts a floral crown, like those in the mosaics of the ruined Nymphaeum in Herculaneum. Comprising links of gadrooned rose gold, diamonds and pink sapphires, the centre of the creation is a composition of leaves in rose and white gold, diamonds and red and pink ‘angel-skin’ coral. These surround a striking cushion-cut rubellite, subtly accentuated by two oval-cut rubellites. The Symphonie Florale Clip, was inspired by the hanging gardens of Ravello, and boasts white and rose gold, a breathtaking collection of spessartite and tsavorite garnets, a pink, mauve sapphire and diamonds.
Ninfe necklace, Symphonie végétale clip & Escale sur la baie bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels
Transporting us to The Alps as winter ends, the blossoms come into bloom and Edelweiss gently awakens, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Etoile des Glaciers Clip features a stunning cluster of sapphires, white and yellow diamonds, designed to represent a rare and protected plant species that only thrives in high-altitude environments.
Regina Montium necklace with detachable pendant & Etoile des glaciers clip from Van Cleef & Arpels
Inspired by the refined ladies-in-waiting of the court of Louis XV, Van Cleef & Arpels created the Eclat Mystérieux Necklace with Traditional Mystery Set emeralds, mauve sapphires white cultured pearls and diamonds. While its Lucendi Earrings suggest an elaborate, 18th Century chandelier and are rendered in rose and white gold with two oval-cut rubellites, mauve sapphires and diamonds. Elsewhere, its jaw-dropping Noeud Royal Ring heroes a cushion-cut pink sapphire set in white gold and surrounded by diamonds.
Long gone are the days of lip care involving a simple smear of balm or a swipe of lipstick. Now, there are a host of products promising the perfect pout — from scrubs to glosses to setting powders and more, only adding to our already packed beauty routines. But, not all hope as lost, as this year’s breakthrough beauty trend (and viral heavyweight) has entered the scene, offering a one-stop-shop solution when it comes to lip care. Sitting somewhere between a gloss and a balm, the lip oil offers a sheer tint which hydrates, smooths and adds the prettiest wash of colour.
Here, we’ve rounded up an edit of the best lip oils to shop now — from the ultra-hydrating to the high-shine heroes, and everything in between.
Since opening its doors in 2022, Knead on Benson has been quietly solidifying itself as one of the City’s most consistent and delicious daytime eateries. Adored by locals and those who make the pilgrimage from other parts of Auckland to seek out perfect pastries, sandwiches, pies and cakes from the ever-evolving cabinet, or (for those lucky enough to secure a coveted streetside table) a sit-down brunch that is about as tasty as they come, Knead on Benson is everything a great cafe should be.
Now, its founders have taken over the space directly next door, converting the ex-dairy into a European-style deli stocking pantry provisions and serving scoops of house-made gelato and sorbet supplied by sister eatery Takapuna Beach Cafe. Called ‘Knead Next Door,’ the space also doubles as a working kitchen for the pastry team, so always promises a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, adding to the ever-convivial vibe at the neighbourhood cafe.
“Expanding Knead on Benson and taking over the space next door was a matter of necessity to accommodate our growing business,” director James Bryant tells me. “But it was also an opportunity to add to the Knead experience. Taking over a longstanding former dairy, we wanted kids and neighbours to continue to be able to pop in for ice cream or to grab the paper and a bottle of milk,” Bryant continues.
After seeing an increase in demand for their bread, the team at Knead on Benson spotted an opportunity to expand their offering with the addition of elevated pantry products that pair perfectly with the loaves available. “We wanted to introduce a retail space selling top quality accompaniments for our bread (currently sourdough, five-grain loaf and croissant loaf) to offer our customers everything they’d find at a traditional European deli, where everything they might need for a tasty lunch or light dinner is available in one place,” says Bryant.
Indeed, there is an increasing desire for fine foods and quality pantry goods as we continue to see our culinary culture inspired by European metropolises. At the deli, you’ll find a curated selection of charcuterie, fine meats and cheeses, locally-made and imported oils, salts, vinegars, mustards, sauces and spreads, tinned and smoked fish, Knead’s house-made products including the much-loved granola and homemade jam, and more. “Everything that’s sold in the cabinet at Knead on Benson, from croissants to cakes, is made from scratch in the new Knead Next Door space,” confirms Bryant.
And leaning further into the Italian inspiration, the team have also added a gelato and sorbet offering, serving irresistible, homemade scoops made in-house at the stalwart seaside eatery, Takapuna Beach Cafe (which is run by Knead on Benson’s owners). When it comes to the gelato, you’ll find the usual favourites — from salted caramel to chocolate hazelnut, vanilla bean and honeycomb, passionfruit yogurt and more. And as for the sorbet — mango, strawberry, lemon and espresso all feature.
From its thoughtful offering to its flavoursome scoops and lively location, Knead Next Door is the perfect place to pop into for weekend supplies and a delicious sweet treat.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 6:30am until 4pm Friday to Sunday, 6:30am until 5pm
Any entertainer knows the crucial importance of a well-stocked bar for hosting success. Whether you opt for something that is tucked tidily behind sleek doors or installed as a focal point in the corner of a room, these home bar options (and accoutrements) are sure to keep the good times rolling, no matter the occasion.
As summer starts to fade and the cool days of autumn set in, now is the best time to think about booking a tranquil spa day to ease you into the season. Luckily, Sofitel Spa — a veritable haven of health, wellbeing and rejuvenation — is running an unmissable deal over the next month, giving us every excuse to book in for a blissful treatment (or two).
Available exclusively from Tuesday to Thursday throughout March, Sofitel Spa is offering an extra 30 minutes for every 60-minute treatment booked, whether it be a soothing massage, a revitalising facial, a pampering body treatment or anything in between.
Promising more than enough time to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, Sofitel Spa’s serene oasis and skilled therapists will transport you to a world of pure bliss, where each treatment is tailored to nourish your body, mind and soul. With a focus on French cosmology and premium skincare brands such as Elemis, Biologique Recherche and Nellie Tier, Sofitel Spa promises a holistic approach to wellness that will leave you feeling utterly renewed and ready to take on the season ahead.
So, whether you’ve been feeling down at the prospect of seasonal change, or are already burnt out from the start of your working year, don’t miss the opportunity to treat yourself to a luxurious, limited-time experience. Our advice? Lock in your appointment now.
While the calendar officially reads autumn, the long, warm days of summer remain, so naturally it’s to one of our favourite Herne Bay haunts that we flock. As beloved for its delicious food as it is for its coveted outdoor tables that get the best of the late afternoon sun, Andiamo is the perfect place to mark the changing of seasons, and now, the stalwart eatery is giving us the perfect excuse to lock in a long lunch.
Vavasour Pinot Noir and Focaccia with red pepper & parmesan butter
Left: Market fish
Harnessing the spirit of autumn, Andiamo has created a celebratory lunch menu with the fabulous Vavasour wines in mind. Available now, and running for a limited time only, the seasonal set menu will be available from Wednesdays to Sundays between 12pm and 3pm, and for a modest $40 per person, will include a glass of Vavasour’s award winning 2023 Sauvignon Blanc on arrival, followed by two delicious courses comprising Andiamo’s iconic focaccia with red pepper and parmesan butter, and your choice of market fish with ajo blanco, grape, and pine nut, or the tasty tomato risotto with soffritto, stracciatella, and basil. And if you’re feeling indulgent, for an additional $9 you can finish on something sweet with a ‘Tiramisu bambina’ (a classic tiramisu in mini size).
Left: Tiramisu bambina
And for those who can’t make lunch, a curated selection of Vavasour’s finest wines will be on offer — no matter the hour, to complement your dining experience. Four beautiful pours, all inspired by the nuances of Marlborough’s Awatere Valley, are available for a limited time.
Tushar Grover cut his teeth as a chef in New Zealand by working in some of the most respected kitchens in the country, including Huka Lodge (under the tutelage of Paul Froggatt) and Pasture — one of Auckland’s most distinguished fine-dining institutions until it sadly closed last year. There, the Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef was not only serving as sous in the main restaurant, but he ran Pasture’s bar, Boxer and its bakery, Alpha, for two years, churning out some of the tastiest fare to be found in this city. And, after Pasture, Boxer and Alpha closed, Grover was called on to help set up another elevated spot on K’ Road, Flor (with Dan Gillet from Wine Diamonds) which since opening, has seen an incredible response from local diners.
Now, the clever chef has returned to an old stomping ground to open his own venture, Rhu, which has quickly established itself as a place that should been on everyone’s radar. Set in the Parnell space that once housed Alpha, Rhu is a new all-day eatery serving impeccably-crafted but refreshingly uncomplicated fare that reimagines classic dishes with finesse and flavour.
Left: French omelette with goat cheese. Right: Fried chicken sandwich
For Grover, despite his fine-dining training, the goal at Rhu is to offer food that is as technically complex as it is simple and delicious, food that marries fine dining principles with minimalist presentation in a way that gives fine culinary concepts a more accessible spin. Telling me he often passed by the site of Alpha after it shut down, Grover explains how the seeds for Rhu were planted. “I had always envisioned a space that would not only cater to the community but become an integral part of it.” And eventually, with an investor on board and after countless hours of research and development, concept and design meetings, Rhu has come to life in exactly the way that Grover had dreamed.
“At Rhu I want to offer simple, well-executed food and flavours, from rustic bread to vibrant salads and grab-and-go bites,” Grover tells me, “alongside tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, and expertly-made coffee. When we open our evening service, we’ll have a number of curated wines and cocktails, too.”
Right: Steamed egg with sourdough
Having just opened this week, Rhu is currently offering a delicious breakfast and lunch service from 8am until 2pm, Wednesday through Sunday. On the menu, find dishes like steamed egg with housemade sourdough, a meticulously-made French omelette with goat cheese, toast with charred avocado and kimchi and a perfectly-sweet honey toast, served with vanilla yoghurt and peach. For those seeking something more substantial, the salmon rillette on toast with salmon roe, the epic fried chicken sandwich or one of the two salads (one with cos, one with quinoa and both able to have chicken added) promise to satisfy any craving.
There is also a line-up of sweet treats and freshly-baked delights at Rhu, perfect for enjoying with a cup of its tasty Havana coffee (which I have been told on very good authority, is made on the crème de la crème of coffee machines — a Slayer). From satiating sourdough to impossibly soft milk buns, berry tarts and indulgent cookies, the offering here truly ticks all the boxes, whether you’re searching for an impeccable weekend brunch, or an easy, daily drop-in.
Rhu’s daily baked sourdough
For now and over the next two weeks, Rhu will be sticking with breakfast and lunch service only, until it finds its feet, before extending the offering to an all-day one, and remaining open late into the night. “Rhu will launch its wine bar offering soon,” Grover reveals, “where the wine list will be curated with the help of Dan Gillett and Pierre Bernardu — my restaurant manager — and the cocktails conceptualised by Phil Spector, who has worked in the best bars in the world and is a magician with the rotary evaporator.”
From its sun-drenched spot to its carefully-curated menu of exceptional dishes and simple bites, Rhu is a new opening you should add to your dining agenda immediately.
On a warm, sunny day, nothing can quench our thirst quite like a crisp glass of rosé, particularly when it is consumed while basking in the beautiful surrounds of Soul Bar & Bistro’s sprawling terrace. Taking this idea and thrusting it into the spotlight, the lauded Viaduct Harbour restaurant is set to launch a month-long celebration of rosé, where specials on wine will collide with a variety of delicious, creative and unexpected cocktails, created in line with the pink theme and designed to suit any palate.
Left: The Sweetest Thing. Right: Devil’s Margarita
Rosé Month at Soul Bar & Bistro will run throughout March and has been designed to allow us to soak in the final stretch of Summer. There, diners can discover a comprehensive line-up of rosé-centric cocktails, designed for the occasion by Soul’s clever Bar Manager, Katie Cramphorn, including the ‘Sweet On You,’ (a mixture of Havana 3 Rum, strawberry, lychee, vanilla, lemon and egg whites), the ‘Devil’s Margarita’ (with Altos Plata Tequila, grapefruit aperitif, lime, almond and red wine float), the ‘Watermelon Sugar High’ (with Malfy Rosa Gin, Malibu watermelon, rhubarb and smashed mandarin tonic), and the ‘Mission Impossible’ (a mixture of Absolut Vanilia Vodka, elderflower, raspberry, lemon, mint and ginger beer).
There is also a non-alcoholic option for those who would rather enjoy their delicious concoctions without alcohol, where ‘The Sweetest Thing’ combines Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit with strawberry, lychee, lemon and egg whites.
And for those who prefer to celebrate rosé with a glass or two of the best varietals, Soul will also be offering a raft of unmissable wine and Champagne deals throughout March, including G.H. Mumm Rosé at the same price as G.H. Mumm, which will reduce it to $25 for a glass and $125 for a bottle (normally $35 for a glass and $170 for a bottle).
There will also be, of course, a curated line-up of some of the tastiest rosé around, including Campo Viejo rosé, Mt Difficulty’s 2023 ‘Roaring Meg’ from Central Otago, the 2022 Church Road ‘Gwen’ from Hawke’s Bay, and a 2022 Château Roubine ‘La Vie en Rose’ from Côtes de Provence, among a number of others.
Left: Sweet On You
So whether you consider yourself a die-hard fan of delicious rosé or are simply seeking an excuse to spend a few hours being treated to Soul’s exceptional hospitality, Rosé Month is the celebration you’ve been waiting for. Get ready to bask in the final weeks of summer while sipping on some seriously delicious libations — this is something you certainly don’t want to miss.
When renowned Italian jewellery house, Pomellato, was founded in 1967, it upended the industry by introducing the concept of ready-to-wear jewels. Since then, the brand has been seen as a leader in its field, and its designs widely-sought-after as iconic collector pieces.
As Sarah Hutchings (Director of Orsini Fine Jewellery, exclusive New Zealand Pomellato stockist) says, it represents everything she loves about Italian jewellery and craftsmanship. “I fell in love with Pomellato on my earliest trips to Italy,” Hutchings explains, “and over the years I have spent so much time in its headquarters.” She continues, “every Pomellato piece is made with meticulous care by Italian craftspeople… the brand’s mission of bringing the jewel out of the safe and into the everyday embodies the attitude of the women who wear and love it; women who are self-confident, creative, sensual and unconventional.”
Indeed, over the years, Pomellato has become globally renowned for its unique designs that marry eye-catching colour with simple shapes and fine diamonds. Its beauty lies in the way it can be dressed up or down, depending on where it’s being worn, which, as Hutchings emphasises, makes it perfect for her New Zealand customers too.
For Hutchings, who is a jewellery and gemology expert also known for her bespoke engagement rings, Pomellato, with its versatility, stackability and striking colours is a brand that will make heads turn in any setting, and should be a staple brand in every discerning jewellery-lover’s collection.
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