We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again — Hello Beasty is one of the most delicious fusion eateries in the city, consistently serving up a taste of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese-inspired cuisine with something for everyone. And this month, the vibrant Viaduct Harbour eatery is building on its extensive menu, unveiling a number of satisfying and flavour-packed new dishes and drinks, conceived with the changing seasons in mind.
Left: Shokupan Japanese Milk Bread. Right: Heart and Seoul Cocktail
NZ Wagyu Beef, Shiitake and Black Pepper Potsticker Dumplings
The Shokupan Japanese Milk Bread with garlic, shiro, dashi and parsley butter (Hello Beasty’s take on the classic Kiwi garlic bread) is an impossibly fluffy morsel as light as air, and a more than perfect place to start. The delectable new potsticker dumpling iteration with NZ Wagyu beef, shiitake and black pepper served with garlic shoots, ginger and spring onion (on a bed of the eatery’s infamous housemade crunchy chilli, of course) is a must-try, ticking all of the soul-warming, craving-satisfying boxes.
Crispy-Fried Brussel Sprouts
Right: Crispy Salt & Pepper Pork Belly Gua Bao
Elsewhere on the menu, the new Crispy Salt & Pepper Pork Belly Gua Bao with pickled cucumber, chilli, and tamarind and lime sauce is an intriguing combination of flavours, conjuring the crisp, savoury tastes of salt and pepper squid combined with subtly sweet and juicy pork belly, paired perfectly with a hit of fresh pickled cucumber and a tasty sauce, all housed in a springy bao bun. Sublime. And the umami Crispy-Fried Brussel Sprouts with soubise, white miso and furikake is an essential addition to any table.
From the Hibachi, a Double Lamb Cutlet is served with tare, moromi miso eggplant, and spicy broad bean romesco, while a Spicy BBQ Chicken is served atop a chickpea, black garlic and sesame purée, finished with pickled cucumber and fresh turmeric.
Left: Beasty Martini. Right: Double Lamb Cutlet
On the drinks front, the Seoul Cocktail and the Beasty Martini have our attention. The martini, a heady mix of either Roku gin or Haku vodka, tomato and black pepper vermouth and lemon oil offers a unique take on the drink of the moment (and a delicious one at that), while the Heart and Seoul Cocktail pairs Hwayo Soju with Grey Goose vodka, rhubarb liqueur, rhubarb and raspberry shrub, lemon, and egg white, resulting in a libation that’s as stunning to imbibe as it is to behold.
Offering inventive fare sure to satisfy, in a vibrant spot that always promises a delightful dining experience, Hello Beasty is an eatery worthy of your attention. And with a number of exceptional new menu items to choose from, there’s only one thing for it — round up a group and book a table for the weekend ahead.
While children’s rooms are often more colourful and chaotic than calm and considered, when it comes to creativity, there’s a place for both. Cultivate a sense of discovery in a space that invites its inhabitants to explore and create in a pared-back setting — providing the canvas for endless imagination.
Since its inception, MoVida has delighted discerning Auckland diners with its mouthwatering menu, bringing a touch of exquisite, Spanish cuisine (with a decidedly Kiwi slant) to the city. Now, the destination’s acclaimed founder, Frank Camorra, is over from Melbourne to host an exquisite evening of food and wine this May in collaboration with Alkina Wines.
Alkina’s Polygon Grenache
Set to take place on Thursday May 16th, the evening will comprise four delectable courses curated by Frank himself, matched with a selection of world-class wines from Alkina — including the Polygon Grenache, a limited-release, allocation-only wine.
Wine expert Dan Coward from award-winning Alkina Vineyard in the Barossa Valley will lead the charge on the wine front, joining forces with Frank — the duo guiding lucky attendees through a night of exciting Spanish food and incredible Australian Grenache.
Wine expert Dan Coward from Alkina Wines
Set to be an unmissable event for wine and food enthusiasts alike, tickets include a four-course menu curated by Frank with matched wines, including a taster of the Polygon Grenache, for $125 per person. Spots are filling fast, so we suggest you secure yours sooner rather than later.
There is a plethora of tasty happenings for foodies to enjoy this May — offering an indulgent salve to the impending winter weather. From culinary celebrations to epic events and unmissable special menus, here is everything happening on Auckland’s dining scene this month.
AZABU PONSONBY’s Eat Drink Love Ponsonby Offer — ‘A Taste of Azabu’
The well-traversed streets of Ponsonby have once again transformed into a food lover’s paradise as the much-anticipated Eat Drink Love Ponsonby restaurant festival returns for its fifth year. Running until the 28th of May, the month-long event showcases the best of Ponsonby Road’s culinary melting pot of cuisines, spanning from Bangkok to Bali, Mexico to Malaysia, India to Italy — and beyond. This year, a record-breaking number of establishments are set to take part, with bars, cafes, restaurants and casual eateries all coming together to offer patrons an array of seriously tantalising culinary experiences — with options for every budget and palate.
Be it to start date night on a high note, squeeze in an early dinner with friends, catch up with colleagues for a bite after work, or settle in for dinner before a show, SkyCity’s Golden Hour offers elevated dining experiences no matter the occasion, with free parking for all bookings at SkyCity to make your meal stress-free. Here, in the bustling central city precinct, you’ll find a curation of bespoke seasonal menus and specials on offer for the night’s first sitting — allowing discerning diners to enjoy the last of the day’s rays while indulging in exceptional fare at one of the many award-winning restaurants within SkyCity’s impressive repertoire.
At the newly-opened Gloria’s deli in Commercial Bay, epic pizzas are a given, with every delicious component thoughtfully prepared — from slow-fermented breads to house-made sauces and fresh ingredients sourced from quality producers. So it’s little wonder that the clever team in the kitchen have dreamt up a divine seasonal iteration that has fast become the talk of the town. Introducing: the Pizza el Taglio — a divine combination of fig, honey, thyme, black pepper, and gorgonzola. Trust us when we say, you don’t want to miss this.
This Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12th, for those not clued up), two of our favourite purveyors of baked goods are joining forces, and our mouths are watering just thinking about it. Mor Bakery is bringing The Caker’s beloved minicakes to their cosy Remuera outpost for one day only, offering Aucklanders a chance to once again savour the institution’s most-loved flavours (exactly as you remember them, with ex-Cakers on the tools), filling the void that The Caker’s closure left in our local sweet treat scene. Run, don’t walk as, while Mor is (wisely) limiting cakes to four per person, we can guarantee that they won’t last long.
Escape from work week chaos by transporting yourself to the sun-drenched shores of the Pacific with Metita’s new Hibiscus Hour offering. Make for Michael Meredith’s much-loved SkyCity-based eatery between 3-6pm daily, and you’ll be met with a refreshing and undeniably tasty Hibiscus & Lemon Daiquiri made with Fijian Bati rum, served alongside (and complimented beautifully by) a fresh, natural oyster with hibiscus vinegar and lemon oil — available for a modest $25.
Chef Sid Sahrawat’s award-winning SkyCity venue, Cassia, has a lunch special on offer at present, featuring some of the stalwart chef’s most-loved dishes. The Prix Fixe (multi-course) Lunch features a starter and main for a modest $39 per person, with the option to add on sides, desserts and, of course, drinks — all at great prices. Start with a Tandoori Chicken Taco, before moving on to the utterly delicious Lamb Seekh or Market Fish, or opt for the Pani Puri followed by the Mixed Mushroom with green chilli cream or the Tandoori Chicken with madras sauce. Here, there’s something for everyone. Parking at SkyCity is free when dining, too.
Undeniably one of the best spots in the city for a grab-and-go lunch, Lebanese Grocer has fast-solidified itself as a much-loved institution since opening its doors early last year — so consistently delicious is the contemporary Lebanese offering. Now, the Pitt Street eatery has unveiled an extension to its laid-back space, adding a casual courtyard for diners to take repose and enjoy the many, many delights on offer, from mouthwatering shawarma to falafel, salads, Harra fries and all manner of tasty dips.
Britomart go-to, The Chamberlain, is a more than perfect spot to park up in the middle of the week for a hearty, delicious bite and a crisp drink, and the gastropub’s new mid-week special makes it all the more appealing to do just that. On Wednesday from 4pm, ravenous city-siders will find a refreshing pint and an irresistible chicken parmigiana for a modest $25.
Kicking off this week and running for the whole month of May, Soul is bringing back its effervescent 600 Reasons celebration with 31 days of excitement and covetable treats. With epic surprises up for grabs (including a luxurious trip for two to New Caledonia) Soul Bar & Bistro is giving us one (or 600, really) reasons to book a coveted table. Trust us when we say that this is a month-long event you don’t want to miss.
At SPQR’s ivy adorned outpost this month, you’ll find an exceptional (and delectable) deal, running across both lunch and dinner. Choose from a tasty pasta dish (the spaghetti with Cloudy Bay clam is our pick, but the burnt butter, sage and roast pumpkin gnocci comes in a close second) plus a glass of Pasqua pinot gris or montepulciano for a modest $42 — the perfect match, if you ask us.
Come Thursday May 23rd, Non Solo Pizza is the place to be as the Parnell favourite hosts a lavish Italian long lunch, commemorating 20 years of Yvonne Bennetti in association with Orsini Fine Jewellery. Promising an afternoon of style, and, of course, exceptional Italian fare, the event sees guests treated to a flute of Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve, a three-course lunch, and and opportunity to preview the latest ranges by Yvonne Bennetti, beautifully complemented by exquisite Orsini Fine Jewellery. All guests will also receive a Yvonne Bennetti voucher and have the chance to take home fabulous prizes, plus, a donation to the GRACI Foundation included with each ticket.
It’s no secret that, when dining with kids, us parents have to plan carefully and pick their destination wisely. But luckily, at Commercial Bay’s vibrant dining precinct, kids are not only welcome, their presence is encouraged — so much so, that at both Poni and Gemmi, their meals are on the house. From Poni’s epic bento boxes packed with dumplings, edamame, and fried chicken to Gemmi’s mouthwatering pasta, you’re guaranteed a tasty time for the whole family at Commercial Bay.
Somm’s Carrara Wagyu Sirloin paired with Church Road’s TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
Celebrate Somm’s Guest in Residence series with a special set menu created with Church Road’s prestigious TOM wine in mind. Here, amongst a month-long line-up of exclusive happenings, you’ll find a perfect pairing on the menu. A glass of 2019 Church Road TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (from the cellar) is served with a delectable Carrara Wagyu sirloin with Hawke’s Bay jus, chimichurri, shoestring fries, and rosemary salt, which beyond being delicious, presents a unique opportunity to try a wine that is seldom available by the glass. The Guest in Residence set menu is $75pp and is available for the month of May.
Down South? We can attest to the fact that a simple stroll through Ayrburn’s surrounds are reason enough to plan a visit, and the world-class eateries only add to it’s draw. But, perhaps lesser known to non-locals, is the precinct’s vibrant events roster, which is jam-packed with unmissable goings-on this autumn (and beyond). ‘Bubbly Brunch Saturdays’ is an uproarious weekly shindig not to be missed, where the bubbles are flowing, the brunch banquet is exquisite, cocktails are boundless, and donning your best wares is encouraged.
We look forward to the Auckland Writers Festival every year — which is hardly surprising given our line of work, but in our humble (and perhaps slightly biased) opinion, our festival is world-class and continues to top its predecessor year after year.
2024’s line-up is phenomenal — with a number of major literacy voices taking to the stage to discuss the nuances of their work, alongside an impressive list of local talent that is just as worthy of your attention. Although it was tough to pick just a handful of events, the below list gives you a snapshot of all that is to come across this year’s festival.
Award-winning author and journalist Trent Dalton is best known for his captivating coming-of-age debut Boy Swallows Universe. Australian’s fastest-selling debut, the auto-fiction novel sold over a million copies worldwide, and has had major stage and Netflix adaptations. His second novel, the immersive All Our Shimmering Skies followed to much admiration and acclaim, and now, Dalton is taking to the stage at the festival to discuss his eagerly awaited new novel Lola in the Mirror, a moving and magical story of a mother and daughter on the run from a violent past. Saturday 18th May, 10.00am — 11.00am
In conversation with Noelle McCarthy, internationally bestselling author Leslie Jamison discusses her highly-anticipated memoir, Splinters, and the craft behind her unique literary voice. Touted as one of our most acclaimed contemporary voices, Jamison has a unique knack for blending journalism, cultural criticism and personal essays in her signature electric prose, deftly exploring life’s most intimate relationships — from motherhood to marriage, with striking wit and wisdom. Saturday 18th May, 5.30pm — 6.30pm
Art historian, curator, and broadcaster Katy Hessel has left an indelible mark on the art world, whether through her documentaries, lectures at prestigious institutions (from Cambridge to The Guggenheim), or fostering a thriving community on her @thegreatwomenartists Instagram page. Her focus? Reintegrating women into the narrative of art. Her acclaimed book, The Story of Art Without Men — a lavishly illustrated chronicle spanning from 1500 to the present, soared to the top of bestseller lists in both The Sunday Times and New York Times, thanks to its accessibility and resonance with those within and outside of the art world. In a captivating conversation with Kiwi art curator Julia Waite, Hessel discusses her campaign for a more inclusive artistic canon, and introduces some artists you won’t regret discovering. Saturday 18th May, 1.00pm — 2.00pm
Telling her truly remarkable tale of survival, Suzanne Heywood takes to the stage to discuss her unbelievable childhood spent on the seas — the basis of her exceptional book Wavewalker: Breaking Free. At the tender age of seven, Heywood’s life took a dramatic turn when her father whisked her away from the life she knew to emulate Captain Cook’s third voyage. What started as a three-year family expedition spiralled into a harrowing, decade-long journey which, ultimately, inspired the now Oxford graduate to forge a new path. This is guaranteed to be an enthralling conversation, not to be missed. Friday 17th May, 5.30pm — 6.30pm
Chinese science fiction writer Liu Cixin’s The Three Body Problem is hailed as a seminal work of speculative fiction, lauded by the likes of Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg. Now, the captivating and complex page-turner, which draws upon Cixin’s background as a computer scientist and utilises theoretical physics, astrophysics and mathematics with both accuracy and intrigue, has been adapted by Netflix into a fervidly-watched series, drawing in both scientists and sci-fi fans alike. In an enlightening discussion, Aotearoa-based lead actress Jess Hong and scientist-writer Octavia Cade delve into the scientific underpinnings of Cixin’s imaginative universe, exploring how science fiction serves as a conduit for conveying complex concepts to even the most science-averse readers. Saturday 18th May, 4.00pm — 5.00pm
Samantha Shannon’s fantasy epics are not just New York Times and Sunday Times bestsellers; they’re also acclaimed for shifting the dial within the genre with complex feminist characters and queer representation. The acclaimed author’s career is as impressive as her writing — beginning at just 12 years old, and culminating in a seven-book deal from Bloomsbury straight out of Oxford (at just 21), that would become her international best-selling The Bone Season series. Don’t miss Shannon’s conversation with Nalini Singh, where they’ll touch on her newest release, sapphic literature, and the creativity (and technicalities) of dreaming up epic fantasy novels. Saturday 18th May, 5.30pm — 6.30pm
If it were up to us, every Friday would include a long, leisurely lunch complete with a glass or two of Champagne or a tasty cocktail. But this is the real world, and more often than not, lunch looks more like a salad or sandwich at our desks. But if you do find yourself with the time to duck out, there’s one option that is both quick and easy, yet indulgent and extremely satisfying — at one of our favourite spots in the city.
Pan fried market fish
Scotch Fillet, Onion rings and Seasonal green vegetables
Those in a time crunch but still hoping to break up the working day with a tasty Friday feast will do well to book a table at Jervois Steak House Auckland to enjoy the stalwart’s Power Lunch. Here, you’ll find a main, side, and a glass of house wine for $55, and the options are plentiful.
Potato gnocchi
As you’d expect, steak takes centre stage — with four cuts to choose from (including petit eye fillet, scotch, sirloin, and rump), as well as market fish, free-range chicken, or vegetarian gnocchi and cult-status sides such as the truffle mac ‘n’ cheese, duck fat roasted rosemary potatoes, an unforgettable signature creamed spinach, roasted beets with goats cheese and more.
Come Friday, there’s really only one thing for it. Secure your spot here.
Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS Nils Timms | 2 May 2024
When designing a home of their own, Osklo Co-Founders Arya & Michael Martin sought to pay homage to the property’s address, blending old world opulence with contemporary charm in a way that only they could.
With its undeniably grand scale, understated opulence, and cleverly considered connection to the outdoors, this Los Angeles residence sits exactly where it belongs — nestled in a private homeowner’s association in The Hollywood Hills. Counting Leonardo DiCaprio, Keanu Reeves, and Ariana Grande as neighbours, it’s little wonder that the house carries a certain gravitas, but there isn’t a hint of gaudiness in sight. The opposite, in fact. Here, the duo behind interior design and development company Osklo have created a sanctuary that perfectly blends design elements quintessential to Los Angeles with calm, structured Japanese aesthetics, resulting in a space that effortlessly melds East and West sensibilities to exude coolness and calm. Arya and Michael Martin’s vision for their personal residence was to maximise the site’s views, creating a home that connects seamlessly to the outdoors at every turn.
When it came to planning the design, the pair let LA’s natural landscape take the lead, drawing inspiration from the earthy tones of the granite hillside at the rear of the property when considering materials, and paying homage to the site’s history with the addition of both a front and rear colonnade — a distinctive feature typical of LA-based homes in the 60s and 70s. Striking a careful balance between comfort and aesthetics, the Osklo residence incorporates oversized, cavernous corridors enveloping an expansive atrium which creates a light and open anchor point to the home, while in the living areas and bedrooms, soft, plush textiles and intimate furniture arrangements cultivate a relaxed, cosy atmosphere.
“While a muted palette has been used throughout the home, thoughtful finishes add character & personality.”
The kitchen, generous in scale, features ample bar seating and an open-plan dining area, ideal for family cooking or more convivial get togethers. And while the entirety of the house follows a central theme and feels connected, there’s delineation to the spaces; each carefully considered and mapped out with daily life in mind, but with an obvious eye to the future, too.
Sitting on a large allotment atop Beverly Hills, the home’s voluminous structure is a masterful silhouette of architectural columns which conceal a series of interconnecting private terraces, with the atrium acting as the home’s centre point. Throughout, oak walls intersect with matte plaster detailing, punctuated with pops of art and collectibles found in Madrid, Tokyo, São Paulo and Marrakesh, and an entirely bespoke furniture selection — all of which speaks to the couple’s love of contemporary design. While a muted palette has been used across walls and flooring, thoughtful finishes add character and personality. Throughout the interior, Eastern touches such as Japanese-inspired wood panelling and furnishings add a certain grounded feel, while a soaking tub and an outdoor shower — also influenced by the couple’s travels through the East, further blur the lines between exterior and interior.
“Ultimately, what Arya & Michael Martin have created in this Los Angeles Residence is a love letter to the city in which they reside.”
Outdoor areas are ample, ranging from the luscious central green space adorned with a vibrant mix of grasses, black olive trees and stepping stones, to the limestone promenade that leads onto a truly striking edgeless pool. A spa, outdoor fireplace, and private dining garden connected to the kitchen via a generous sliding window also feature. At the furthermost edge of the property sits a spectacular granite rock formation inspired by the Amangiri hotel in Utah, a feature the Martins were sure to capitalise on. Inside, a sense of calm inhabits the space.
The material palette echoes the light wooden facade, punctuated with accents of deep grey, white marble and sleek black wood panelling and framing, while walls rendered in textured greys, creams and whites add subtle sophistication to bedrooms and bathrooms. A cosy mix of natural linen, bouclé, leather and wool adorn furnishings, giving interiors and luxurious feel, while a carefully curated, eclectic mix of artwork and objets d’art infuse the home with personality and charm. The furniture is an extension of the impressive art collection, featuring a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces such as a set of William Haines chairs sitting poolside and eight stunning vintage Pierre Jeanneret chairs flanking the outdoor dining table, as well as designs by Studio Osklo throughout the home.
Ultimately, what Arya and Michael Martin have created in this Los Angeles residence is a love letter to the city in which they reside. This home is one that both pays homage to old Hollywood and ushers in an entirely new age of living in LA, skilfully blending the past and the present; the indoors and outdoors; the calm and the creative, to create a masterclass in modern living.
Shark Beauty burst onto the hairstyling scene late last year and gave the category a much-needed shake-up — introducing a series of seriously impressive, powerful tools that not only get the job done to impressive effect but have been crafted with all hair types in mind, bringing diversity to the fore in a category that is seriously lacking it.
Shark Beauty’s FlexStyle tool quickly gained a cult following across both Australia and New Zealand, lauded not only for its ability to transition easily between a powerful, fast hairdryer and an ultra-versatile multi-styler (sans heat damage), but the brand’s heated comb straightener & smoother, we’ve discovered, is perhaps even more impressive.
Using heated comb technology, Shark Beauty’s SmoothStyle straightens and smooths hair using low temperatures, which not only maintains shape and movement but ensures hair absorbs less heat — preserving the health of your hair while delivering a salon-fresh blow wave. Not to be mistaken as a simple hair dryer brush, the tool also functions as a heated straightening comb, designed to straighten and smooth hair — leaving in its wake a healthy, voluminous finish.
SmoothStyle Heated Comb Straightener + Smoother from Shark Beauty
Saasha Burns
The most impressive feature (in our humble opinion) is this clever styler’s ability to be used on both wet and dry hair, thanks to its dual modes. This means that you can go from wet to dry hair on wash day, and simply refresh on the days that follow — smoothing everything from flyaways to ponytail creases and more. And unlike other blow-dry brushes, which can sometimes leave hair dry, frizzy, and overly voluminous, Shark Beauty’s SmoothStyle includes a combination of nylon bristles and boar bristles for grabbing, smoothing, and shining — guaranteeing a sleek finish every time.
From a wash-day blow wave that would have your hairdresser questioning your loyalty, to next-day refreshes that keep your hair looking flawless throughout the week, Shark Beauty’s SmoothStyle truly delivers salon-quality styling from the comfort of your home, in a fraction of the time, making luscious locks more attainable than ever.
Metita is Michael Meredith’s homage to his homeland, and the culmination of his decades-long career in cooking, and as such, brings something entirely unique to Auckland’s diverse dining scene. Opening last October to rave reviews, Meredith has since been refining Metita’s offering, discovering what people connect with, and building on the menu based on the dishes, drinks and ingredients that both resonate with diners and hold meaning for the chef himself.
Unsurprisingly, both those within and outside of the Pasifika community have been relishing the richness of Polynesian culture brought to life by Meredith’s incredibly elevated take at Metita. And as the restaurant launches a series of inventive, delicious new dishes, and gives new life to existing menu items, we chat with Meredith about his connection to the ingredients and where he seeks inspiration for such novel but accessible fare.
“The inspiration for this menu largely came from the ingredients themselves — paying homage to the origin of the traditional dishes at the heart of our menu. The challenge for me is then to reimagine the familiar, adding value and diversity — giving customers a taste of the Pacific and an entirely new experience,” Meredith tells me, “And while I wouldn’t be able to choose a favourite, these are three dishes that I think really bring the essence of our South Pacific cuisine to life.”
Seared Tuna
Seared Tuna with ifi and green papaya salsa
“You’ll see on the Metita menu that we use a lot of seafood, as the islands are surrounded by the ocean. Tuna is widely used in Pacific cooking, so we simply see it as a sustainable protein for this region. We have used ifi, which is a Pacific chestnut, to make the sauce on this dish, with spices that are commonly used in Fiji to give it a bit of a lift. The tuna is then balanced off with a paw paw salad on top.”
Geoduck Clam
Geoduck Clam with oka and finger lime
“I really wanted to highlight Oka (raw fish) from Samoa, but instead of using fish I opted to use Geoduck clam that is harvested from Golden Bay – it provides a beautiful texture and flavour that works well raw, and pairs beautifully with fresh grated coconut and finger lime. The chilli gives it a similar taste to traditional oka dishes, but with an intriguing twist.”
Fried Crispy Skin Pork Hock
Fried Crispy Skin Pork Hock with pineapple vinegar glaze, sapa sui, and chilli peanuts
“This pork dish was inspired by Sapa Sui (Samoan chop suey), which is widely known in the Pacific. Sapa Sui was brought about during the German occupancy of Samoa when Chinese labourers introduced dishes native to their homeland, and has since become a staple in South Pacific cuisine. Here, I’ve kept close to the traditional style but added a bit more acid and chilli, with a pineapple vinegar glaze to give the dish a lot of lift. I’ve kept the Sapa Sui itself simple, with glass noodles, soya sauce and vegetables, with added peanuts for texture.”
Metita’s Toana’i Sunday Long Lunch
If you’re looking for a way to experience a true taste of what Meredith is setting out to do with Metita, book in for the Toana’i Long Lunch. A celebration of the Pacific through both food and hospitality, Meredith’s Toona’i is Metita’s version of a traditional Sunday lunch in the islands — which is often the first meal of the day after church, and as such, a relaxing way to end the week and connect with community. At Metita, you’ll find a convivial shared lunch with snacks to start, dishes to share for the table, and a sweet treat to finish — hopefully, then followed by a delightful nap back at home (as is tradition in the islands). The menu combines a plethora of textures, flavours, and techniques, calling on a bespoke ingredients list to deliver something truly unique — and utterly delicious.
A quick guide
Metita’s Ingredients’ Pacific Connection
Seafood
Given the Pacific Islands are surrounded by the ocean, seafood plays a central role in Metita’s menu. Fish, shellfish, and other seafood are often grilled, steamed, or cooked in coconut milk-based sauces and sit as the hero ingredient in some of the eatery’s most-loved dishes.
Coconut
Coconut is a staple ingredient in many Pacific Island dishes. Coconut milk and cream is made fresh at Metita, and fresh grated coconut also appears across the men to stunning effect.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables like taro, carrot, and cassava are commonly used in Pacific Island cooking and served in interesting, unique ways on Metita’s menu.
Tropical Fruits
Metia showcases the bounty of fruits in the Pacific through mains, salads, desserts and cocktails, with the likes of pineapple, mango, papaya, tamarind, and passionfruit all featuring across the menu.
“Nami is an 80s soul diva from Korea. She wants to take you on a ride you’ll never forget — sipping cocktails, eating delicious food, and dancing the night away to soulful tunes underneath a shiny disco ball,” Dan Bali tells me of Nami Record Bar, his new co-venture now occupying the coveted spot Conch called home for 26 years.
Bali and his team (Paul Lee, Lisa Lee, and Kevin Cho) have over four decades’ combined experience in hospo, and are behind two of the city’s most-loved Korean eateries — Ockhee and Swings, serving homely Seoul food and epic Korean toasties respectively. Now, the clever cohort has turned their attention to Nami — a laid-back but lively new record bar and eatery replacing the utter institution that was Conch, and in doing so, setting out to create a new kind of icon. Based on what we’ve seen, they’re well on their way to doing just that.
Nami is a labour of love, transformed by Bali and the crew (plus a huge host of friends and family) from a charming but run-down bar to a thoughtfully designed, laid-back and modern space that instantly uplifts your mood upon entry. Taking inspiration from record bars of the 80s, here, the fit-out (which was pulled off in just three weeks) is pared-back but vibe-packed, with a series of wooden box shelves lining the walls brimming with records (of course) and all manner of tasty libations, plus low hanging industrial lights, vintage speakers, a sleek stainless bar, and 80s-esque tiles. “Our main aim was to breathe life back into the space whist maintaining the quirky character that had evolved over the years. A mix of new and old so it didn’t just feel like a brand new fit out lacking soul,” Bali tells me, and it’s clear they’ve met their mark. As you’d anticipate, records spin around the clock, as a glittering disco ball bathes the whole space in an enchanting, jewel-like glow.
Nami, at its heart, is a bar, so we were eager to discover what was on the drinks menu and what we discovered did not disappoint. “Taite, our Head cocktail man, invested a lot of time and passion into crafting our drinks menu. From his own take on the classics, to his original recipes featuring simple, well-balanced ingredients, each drink is thoughtfully crafted,” Bali tells me of the offering. And right he is. At Nami, not only do cocktails instantly transport you to far-flung places (the ‘Day Dreamer’ more so than most), there is also a really progressive and exciting wine list, with a strong focus on organic wines, alongside a number of epic collaborations bespoke to Nami — including two refreshing beers and a Nami orange wine on tap, created in conjunction with the experts at Everyday Wine.
The food, unsurprisingly, is centred on Korean cuisine — taking traditional flavours and much-loved favourites to new heights, with a menu created with love by Lisa Lee (of both Ockhee and Swings fame). There’s tasty deep-fried corn, pork and potato croquettes, deep-fried fish cake chips, Korean fries, crispy se-woo, and so much more. When asked, Bali reveals that the La Galbi is his personal favourite dish (for now), “It’s so juicy and tender and packed with flavour,” “We’re also about to launch some more items this week, and while I won’t ruin the surprise, I can confirm that tacos will make their debut.”
A spot that feels utterly nostalgic, while simultaneously instantly solidifying itself as the most hip place in town, Nami not only delivers on the food and drink front, but come sundown on Friday and Saturday, DJs take to the decks and this future institution transforms into a place to shuffle onto the dance floor as the records spin long into the evening. “We’ve partnered with our mates Sam Harmony & Frank Booker and though their company Music First, we’re bringing a roster of DJs to Nami every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm till 1am, so you can get your boogie on,” Bali tells me. “We’re not a night club, we’re a space to listen to great tunes, eat delicious food, drink tasty drinks and shuffle your feet if you feel like it.” he continues.
In essence, Nami fills a long-open void in Auckland’s hospitality scene, offering a casual but elevated spot where people over the age of twenty-something can go for great food, epic drinks, and a moment of revelry if the mood strikes. “We don’t wanna be that place you go to once every now and then, we want to be your local that you love going to every week for the good vibes,” Bali finishes on, and I expect we at Denizen will be doing just that.
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