With its generous proportions and clever, in-built technology, the Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer Air Fryer eliminates back-to-back, multi-pan cooking, with capacity to divide and simultaneously prepare dual components of any meal.
Perfect for family mealtimes or entertaining, with this clever appliance, you can prepare protein and veggies in tandem — making roasts a breeze, summer salads simpler than ever, and the kid’s meals stress-free.
As Ninja’s largest air fryer, the XXXL FlexDrawer unlocks the ability to feed the whole family — with capacity to cook larger proteins (like whole chickens) and plenty of vegetables in one draw, or divide different elements of a meal — cooking two foods, two ways with Ninja’s Smart Finish setting.
There are seven functions, from air frying to baking, roasting to reheating, proofing, dehydrating, and keeping things at the perfect temperature, offering a simple, speedy solution to busy mealtimes.
Soho House’s legacy began in the mid-nineties, when founder Nick Jones opened the first venue on London’s Greek Street above his restaurant, Cafe Boheme. A chic, eclectic boutique residence and private club situated in a Georgian house in Soho, this first iteration set the tone for all that followed, as Jones quickly captured the attention of the cultural capital’s creative elite.
Now, you’ll find Soho House venues across the globe, eschewing the stuffy and trite nature of traditional member’s clubs and luxury hotels to offer thoughtful spaces with a homely yet unique atmosphere, affording members a consistent yet novel experience with each visit. From New York to Barcelona, Mumbai to Rome, no matter which of the 43 venues you visit, you’ll find meticulously planned spaces, designed with the lifestyle of creatives top of mind. Each ‘House’ includes spaces for drinking, dining, unwinding, working, and leisure, with screening rooms, rooftop pools, and, perhaps most notably, a curated collection of artworks which shape the distinct ambience.
Not a hotel chain, nor a hospitality business, nor exclusively a private member’s club, Soho House has solidified itself as an interconnected series of cultural hubs, its allure ever-present, despite the location. From a design perspective, its success lies in a unique ability to implement a bespoke design approach sympathetic to each building and city, while maintaining a central set of creative codes that link each House.
And it’s the thoughtful design of the venues that brings to life the now world-straddling brand’s essence. When speaking on Soho House’s design approach, Jones told Dezeen, “I think that, above all, it’s got to be comfortable,” — a modus operandi enlivened by the company’s interiors venture, Soho Home, which is available exclusively in New Zealand via Design Central.
The elevated brand offers a curated edit of the furniture, tableware, accessories, lighting, home fragrance, and textiles found at the Houses around the world; an offering members and non-members alike have been requesting since Greek Street. The Soho Home range invites those who have admired the Houses’ hallmark interiors to bring the covetable brand into their own homes — each thoughtfully-designed piece bringing with it that inimitable sense of relaxed yet elevated, social living that has become synonymous with Soho House.
In a world where our next sensory fix is often served via an Instagram post designed to satiate our appetites, we’re encouraging you to go beyond the digital realm and engage your senses by indulging in a little tantalising of the taste buds.
Have you ever stopped to think about why a juicy steak ignites your taste buds, or why a tangy lime awakens your senses? The answer lies in a fascinating dance of five basic flavours: sweet, salty, sour, umami and bitter (which we’ve replaced here with spicy for its tasty and compelling properties). These profiles, detected by our taste buds, are far more than just sensations; they are deeply woven into our biology, wellbeing, and even our history.
Sweetness, a primal pleasure trigger, signalled readily available energy for our ancestors. Salt, crucial for regulating bodily fluids, became a precious commodity in early nomadic societies. Sourness, with its cleansing properties, may have helped guide our ancestors towards potentially nutritious fermented foods. Spice, once scarce and potentially medicinal, now excites our palates and boosts circulation. Umami, the essence of savouriness, provided a satisfying richness to protein-rich foods.
Over millennia, these taste preferences evolved into culinary traditions. Today, chefs leverage this knowledge, crafting dishes that tantalise our taste buds while subtly influencing our health. A perfectly seasoned steak might be both delicious (umami) and a source of protein and iron (salty). A vibrant Thai curry might entice with its sweetness and spice, promoting digestion and blood flow.
This exploration of taste is more than just a foodie adventure. It’s a journey into the intricate connections between our senses, our history, and the symphony of flavours that define a truly satisfying meal. Here, we introduce dishes that will help you appreciate the world of taste. By understanding these five flavour profiles, we can become more mindful eaters, appreciating the intricate dance of tastes that chefs have created in each dish, ultimately making for a balanced and truly enjoyable dining experience.
Tantalise the Taste Buds
Salty
Enhancing a savoury dish, salt isn’t just a seasoning, it’s a classic technique used to elevate dishes and tantalise our taste buds. It boosts flavour, adding a savoury intensity that lifts any dish to new heights. Think of the satisfying richness it brings to meats, the depth it adds to cured seafood, or the way it makes fries and buttery sauces sing. It’s a crave-worthy characteristic that keeps you coming back for more.
Not to be relegated to just the dessert menu, sweetness adds subtle complexity, balancing richness and highlighting savoury notes. Think of the caramelised sweetness of roasted vegetables, the sweet-smoky glaze on grilled meats, or the way it enhances the fruitiness in certain sauces. These dishes showcase how sweet notes can be incorporated into savoury creations, adding depth and unexpected complexity.
While not an official flavour profile, spicy still deserves major recognition for its complex dance that ignites taste buds, stimulates circulation, and adds depth. Think of the fiery warmth of chillies, the tingling sensation of Szechuan peppercorns, or how it complements savoury sauces and cuts through the richness of curries and stir-fries.
The elusive fifth taste is the heart and soul of savoury dishes, delivering an explosion of rich and deeply satisfying flavours. It’s the essence of “meaty” or “brothy” flavours, triggering a satisfying sensation on the tongue. Think of the luxurious depth in aged cheeses, the intense savouriness of perfectly cooked mushrooms, or the way it elevates stews and braises to a whole new level.
Sour flavours are not just the realm of lemons. Acidity is used to create depth, balance, and an unexpected vibrancy in dishes. The vibrant acidity cuts through richness, brightens flavours, and awakens the palate. Think of the tangy zing in citrus sauces, the refreshing bite in fermented foods like kimchi, or the way it balances the heaviness of an otherwise rich dish.
Toast Martinborough, New Zealand’s most loved celebration of exceptional wines, fine food, and summer tunes among the vines, is returning this summer with a new Wellington Anniversary date. With six iconic winery locations to experience along a walkable ‘Festival Road’, fine food purveyors, and musicians coming together, it is set to be one of the season’s most unmissable events.
Alongside a calendar of events over the long weekend, the iconic festival takes place on Sunday, January 19th along a picturesque 2.5km stretch from The Runholder to Ata Rangi. Revellers are invited to explore each boutique location, with bespoke culinary offerings and live music creating a unique atmosphere at each winery.
The Runholder is the perfect place to start your day with a glass of Palliser Estate’s famous bubbles, or a pinot or chardonnay from Te Kairanga or Martinborough Vineyard. Settle in to the shaded cottage gardens with the culinary creations of Shed 5, Crab Shack, Mao & Co, and Goodtimes to pair. At The Vintage Bar, each winemaker will be pouring special and rare drops pulled from their cellar, while garden games and the summer tunes of the Uptakes and DJ Coda & Jenwill provide ample atmosphere for the perfect festival afternoon. For those after something brewed rather than fermented, The Runholder will also be serving perfectly chilled beer from the local Martinborough Brewery.
Or, for those wanting to elevate their experience, The Runholder VIP experience affords access to The Runholder lounge including a three-course paired wine lunch, dedicated VIP amenities, and a private bar against a backdrop of breathtaking views from the edge of the Martinborough Terrace. Add a winemaker masterclass, or join the magnum party in the Tasting Room. As dusk falls, circle back to The Runholder to celebrate the day that was at their Sundown Party (almost sold out!).
A 15 minute walk or five minute peddle along the Festival Road, Moy Hall is a quaint, charming spot that embodies Martinborough’s essence perfectly. Savour delicious food cooked over fire and coals by Rose and Smith, or authentic, hand-stretched Italian pizza from Colombo. Moy Hall’s kitchen will star local produce, and, of course, there will be a number of wines on offer produced from the surrounding vines. Will Prior, Winsome Lost, and festival favourites The Noodles will keep toes tapping throughout the day. Moy Hall will be pouring Parrot Dog Beer for those wanting a palate cleanser.
A further five minute stroll along the Festival Road, join Luna Estate in the Moon Garden for live blues, jazz, and top DJs. When you’re ready for a bite, indulge in delicious snacks from award-winning Plonk and Graze and raise a glass of rosé to an unforgettable party. Or, join Luna’s Winemakers Lunch, where you will be treated to a six-wine tasting of Luna Estate, Big Sky and Schubert, with each winemaker walking you through their wines plus a special three-course menu with an optional wine match for each course.
Another short walk between the vines brings festival goers to Poppies Martinborough, joining the festival for the first time this summer. Poppies will be pouring an array of the winery’s much-loved aromatic wines and Garage Project beers, accompanied by delectable global street food by Nick Arnold’s Trestle & Mortar. Shaun Preston along with Hype Entertainment will be completing the perfect wine, food and music occasion with classics and lively tunes.
Next, the picturesque Tirohana Estate, renowned for its award-winning restaurant and fine artisan wines offers plenty of seating and shade under its elegant grand marquee. For those who want to sit back and relax, choose from the terraces overlooking the vines, or the garden dotted with trees. For those who want to party and dance, the Neemias (featuring Drew Neemia), the Satisfactions and DJ Ivan will be setting the mood for the afternoon.
Completing the Festival Road is Ata Rangi, a legendary winery set in the heart of their vineyards. Share a glass of Ata Rangi wines alongside delicious food created by Egmont St Eatery. Or, for those looking to enhance their experience, The Vintage Room offers an intimate space of vintage and single vineyard wines, with the winemaking team and The Egmont St Pop Up wining and dining VIP guests to their heart’s content. Café L’affare will be in the shade of the trees for your coffee fix, and The Bicycle Kitchen have doughnuts and gelato for a sweet treat.
And, because showcasing the best of Martinborough takes more than one day, Toast is inspiring guests to make a long weekend of it, with a number of events taking place across the entire weekend, including opening festivities on Friday evening and the return of the Lighthouse Gin Garden Party on Saturday. The Tauherenikau Glamping Village is also back, with transfers provided to and from the festival. Or, if you’re making the pilgrimage from Wellington, Palmerston North or Wairarapa, return bus travel is available.
Tickets are selling fast, and are on track to be sold out well in advance of the festival, with several VIP options close to sold out. So we suggest gathering your wine friends and secure your tickets here today.
Photography by Guy Coombes | Styling by Claire Sullivan-Kraus | Creative Direction by Anna Saveleva | Hair and Makeup by Kiekie Stanners
From an idyllic childhood on an apple orchard in Nelson to starring in one of the year’s biggest blockbuster films — Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, coverstar Lydia Peckham’s rise in Hollywood has been a journey. And the inimitable actress is undoubtedly on the path to superstardom. With an effervescent personality and contagiously optimistic outlook, Peckham was a joy to shoot for our Spring Issue cover story on location at Rahimoana, Eagles Nest in the Bay of Islands, instantly enlivening the stunning jewels and clothes she wore for the shoot.
Here, taking sartorial notes from the rising star, we have curated a ‘shop the look’ line-up of exceptional pieces to introduce a little necessary glamour to your wardrobe. Shop the look now.
If you’re seeking something new to read, look no further than our curation of new releases below. There have been some stellar books released this season (with a few more available now for pre-order) — from captivating novels to moving memoirs to educational non fiction. Not to mention the International Booker Prize winners and runners up being announced — inviting us to look at things from a different perspective. And with something to suit almost any taste, we’ve rounded up our picks. These are the books to read now.
As has become unfaltering in Rooney’s work, Intermezzo sweeps you up from the first line and holds you until the final page, wholly engaged and absorbed in the central characters’ nuanced lives. At its heart, Intermezzo is a tale of love, loss, and the complexity of family, as two brothers in the throes of grief navigate new beginnings.
An adult novel by beloved kids’ author Jacqueline Wilson, Think Again revisits Ellie, Magda and Nadine from the wildly popular Girls series, now aged 40. As Ellie approaches a monumental birthday, life decides to throw her a curveball, with Wilson perfectly capturing the nuances of friendship, family, and fulfilment in a way only she can.
Filled with wonder and adventure, international bestselling author Matt Haig lays out an incredible journey of discovery, as protagonist, Grace, sets out to uncover the mysteries of her long-lost friend, unearthing truths stranger than she could have dreamed of and finding the promise of a new life along the way.
Jo Hamya, touted by many as the next Rachel Cusk, masterfully crafts a novel set between London and Sicily, centred on a complex argument between an up-and-coming young playwright who turns her novelist father’s shortcomings into her own theatrical fodder, and a father who increasingly fears his daughter’s voice.
This posthumous memoir is composed of two voices, as Presley tells her raw and riveting story through the lens of her only daughter. Profoundly moving and deeply revealing, mother and daughter come together across the transom of death to tell the tale of a true legend.
One of the world’s most iconic acting greats, Al Pacino, lays his life bare in Sonny Boy. Part memoir, part love letter to his craft, Pacino charts his life and life’s work, telling of his ascent from bohemian, avante-garde theatre fixture to Hollywood legend, mapping the trials, tribulations, and thrills of life at the top.
Revered historian and storyteller Yuval Noah Harari presents yet another cerebral tome, this time calling into question the impact of information networks on our world. Taking us from the Stone Age to AI, Harari asks us to consider the complex relationship between information and truth, wisdom and power.
Drawing on a discovery with tremendous implications, Australian researcher Lynne Kelly has uncovered the source of human creativity in a supergene. Her findings, laid out within The Knowledge Gene, present a strong case for the importance of a fundamental emphasis on the arts — no matter who we are, or where we’ve come from.
What to read
International Booker Prize
Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck Translated from German by Michael Hofmann
The first German book to win the International Booker Prize, Kairos is a lyrical and complex exploration of the influence politics and power have on love. Beautiful and challenging; an intimate and devastating portrait of two lovers lost in the ruins of a relationship, set against the backdrop of a seismic period in European history. Michael Hofmann masterfully translates the eloquence and eccentricities of Erpenbeck’s writing, her musical prose, and the expanse of her emotional vocabulary, to deliver a truly beautiful piece of literature.
This heartbreaking yet hilarious story explores the inexplicable link tethering twins. As the protagonist tells the story of her depressive brother who has taken his own life, she reflects on their connected life, discovering truths about herself along the way.
The Details by Ia Genberg Translated from Swedish by Kira Josefsson
Part meditation on how the decisions we make impact our lives irrevocably, part intimate exploration of our most important relationships, this stunning novel about a woman in the throes of a fever vividly captures what it means to be human.
A Dictator Calls by Ismail Kadare Translated from Albanian by John Hodgson
A Dictator Calls is profound and political, inspired by an alleged phonecall in June 1934 between Joseph Stalin and Boris Pasternak. A fascinating look into Soviet Russia, authoritarianism, power structures, and a period of great writers.
Lost on Me by Veronica Raimo Translated from Italian by Leah Janeczko
A funny, sharp, wonderfully readable novel that takes us to the heart of a fractured, unpredictable Italian family in 1980s Rome, as protagonist Vero navigates an anxiety-affiliated mother, obsessive compulsive father, and genius brother, and seeks an escape.
The Celine Beauté collection, designed by Hedi Slimane, is here at last — much to the delight of beauty-lovers the world round. Following the successful launch of the maison’s haute perfumery collection in 2019, the beauty line feels like a natural evolution. The perfect French red lip — dubbed Rouge Triomphe, inaugurates the Celine Beauty Ritual by Hedi Slimane, dressed in a faceted gold sheath and embossed with Celine’s couture monogram, soon to be followed by a slew of chic products — from mascaras to brushes, blushes, and everything in between. Those looking to wholly embrace the Celine beauty experience can also nab a made-to-order, monogrammed vanity, elevating your beauty routine to new heights.
Over the past three decades, Powersurge has created some of the most enduring designs and interiors in Aotearoa. Celebrating 30 years in business, the iconic brand has unveiled a limited edition release — the Colour Fall Table Collection. Iconic with a timeless elegance vested in lines and negative space, the collection is archetypally minimalist, offering both a coffee table and side table cast in modern pastels. The limited edition pieces extend three playful refined hues, complimenting modern living and contemporary design.
Bulgari revitalises its iconic Tubogas collection with a fresh campaign that celebrates the timeless elegance of yellow gold. Originally concieved in the 1940s, this bold design blends innovative craftsmanship with modern flair, introducing 16 new pieces, ranging from minimalist gold designs to vibrant gemstone-studded creations. Each piece highlights the seamless integration of suppleness and aesthetics, making the Tubogas collection a stunning tribute to the maison’s Roman roots, and a symbol of contemporary luxury.
Tiffany has this week unveiled its ‘Diamonds by the Yard’ racket, created in partnership with Elsa Peretti. This one-of-a-kind racket honours the maison’s long-standing ties to the USTA. Forgoing traditional strings, the dazzling design features 108 bezel-set diamonds of over 30 total carats, sprinkled across platinum chains spanning over 13 yards in total, accompanied by a leather handle painted in black lacquer by artisans using an ancient Japanese technique known as inden, reflecting Peretti’s love of craft. The racket is on display at Tiffany’s innovative new pop-up at the 2024 US Open, which features a wall of tennis balls in their infamous blue hue, and replicas of the US Open Men’s and Women’s Singles Championship Trophies, crafted by Tiffany & Co. since 1987.
Best known for designing functional, durable, yet elegant tableware with a minimalist aesthetic, Acme has long-been a go-to at mealtimes. In the latest evolution of the Roman Range, the brand has unveiled a series of plates and bowls in a vibrant new hue — Kawakawa, a deep verdant shade inspired by New Zealand’s native shrub. Available in two tonal variations, and across four pieces, including both small and large plates and bowls, this chic new hue is sure to elevate any culinary occasion — from dinner parties to quiet mornings at home.
Van Cleef & Arpels continues its tradition of poetic tributes to nature with the 2024 expansion of the Frivole collection. This year, the maison has unveiled five stunning new pieces, including a white gold 7-flowers bracelet, a rose gold Between the Finger ring, and a unique 8-flowers ring that marries rose and white gold.
Each piece shines with expertly selected diamonds, illuminating the skin with their sunny glow. The maison’s mastery of craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from diamond selection to the signature mirror-polished finish that has defined Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations since the 1920s.
One of the collection’s highlights is the white gold 7-flowers bracelet, which features nearly 300 meticulously set diamonds. The asymmetry of the design, combined with the heart-shaped petals’ gentle tilt, reflects the vitality and movement of nature. Similarly, the 8-flowers ring brings a fresh dialogue between rose and white gold, with flowers at varying heights adorned with diamonds to create a three-dimensional bouquet on the finger.
A new aesthetic emerges in the rose gold pieces, particularly in the Between the Finger ring, where two mirror-polished flowers form a delicate tête-à-tête. The asymmetry extends to the diamond settings, emphasising the maison’s attention to detail and savoir-faire.
Adding a dynamic, artistic touch to this year’s collection is French artist and illustrator Alexandre Benjamin Navet, a close collaborator of Van Cleef & Arpels since 2020. Navet’s colourful, poetic world sets the stage for the Frivole collection, with his vibrant designs adorning boutiques and store windows notably. His spirited pencil strokes and lively compositions of flowers and decorative elements infuse the collection with a sense of wonder, transforming each piece into a celebration of both nature and artistic creativity.
With a fully mirrored exterior that seemingly disappears into the surrounding desert landscape, Invisible House in California’s Joshua Tree sits as a striking exploration of contrast — the sharp, angular structure offset by a minimalist interior palette and careful curation of iconic furniture, art, and lighting.
The homeowners looked to Flos to illuminate the space, seeking the brand’s minimalist yet contemporary aesthetic to mirror that of the house. Minimal and monolithic lights illuminate the firepit, while iconic pieces, such as the Aim Pendant give spaces a design-led edge.
Swiss luxury brand Chopard has long been loved by celebrity royalty, and now, it’s supermodel and entrepreneur Bella Hadid that is flying the flag — announcing her appointment as global ambassador for the house via a striking new campaign.
Adorned in some of Chopard’s most dazzling jewels, Hadid is captured in her understated essence by British fashion photographer and director Charlotte Wales, starring in a campaign which celebrates the purity, appeal, and contemporary character of the maison’s Ice Cube jewellery.
The unique ice cube motif pays tribute to minimalism — embodying an idea of geometric perfection as it magnifys the light bouncing off its facets. Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele introduced this motif in 1999 through a watch that ditched flashy artifice to focus instead on pure shapes, with the collection continuing to evolve in a perpetual dialogue with light ever since. This latest iteration embodies the minimalism of modern architecture through its vertical nature, evoking the skyscrapers of international capitals that are natural homes to the avant-garde. These streamlined, geometric designs are showcased in the new ‘Sculpted by Light’ visuals starring Hadid — within which the notion of enduring over ephemeral is embodied.
Far from her first encounter with the brand, Hadid has long admired the luxury house — her stunning adornment at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival setting the tone for an enduring relationship. “I have so much appreciation for Chopard’s craftsmanship and have been an admirer of theirs for many years. I am so thrilled to be joining the Chopard family,” says Hadid.
Beginning her trailblazing career in the fashion industry at the young age of sixteen, Hadid has, over the years, has graced the covers of thirty different editions of Vogue, been named one of the most influential people in the world by Time, and dubbed the Model of the Year in 2022 at the British Fashion Awards. Hadid continues to enchant the world with her incandescent beauty, natural elegance, strength of character, and self-assured sense of style. Proving she’s much more than a pretty face, she has gone on to become a successful entrepreneur with her non-alcoholic drink company, Kin Euphorics, and her skin-nourishing fragrance Orebella, and this is just the beginning.
Now, as she steps into the ambassadorship role with Chopard, a new chapter dawns for both the model and the brand — with Hadid making a triumphant return to the fashion stage, and Chopard continuing to develop its offerings in watches and jewellery — renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to the highest ethical and environmental standards.
“Bella epitomises the spirit of Chopard: a harmonious mix of effortless elegance and a zest for life that are truly enchanting and perfectly resonate with what our watches and jewellery stand for. We are excited about embarking on this new journey together,” Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard, says of the perfect partnership.
Here, we round up the stunning pieces within the collection that have our attention.
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