If you’re embarking on a long weekend road trip and seeking inspiration for tunes or a new podcast to pass the time, look no further than our round up of some of the best new and noteworthy podcasts and albums to listen to now.
British It-Girl Suki Waterhouse’s new album is a mirror image of her life as a consummate creative, artist, actress, model, and mother. Memoir of a Sparklemuffin is “a masterful slab of exuberant, emotionally vulnerable pop,” offering a sonic palette of folky Americana, nineties alternative, turn-of-the-century indie, and hand-crafted, otherworldly pop.
Song to start with: Supersad
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
Wild God
Across ten tracks, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds offer a deeply joyful record full of secrets in Wild God. Dancing on the borders of convention and experimentation, the rich imagery and emotion in Cave’s soul-stirring narratives is on full display — veering from the revered storyteller’s usual solemn melodies towards an exuberant, heartwarming lightness.
Song to start with: Wild God
Jamie xx
In Waves
Nine years after his debut solo album, London producer Jamie xx has not only eclipsed the heights of its predecessor, but swiftly cut between sub-genres and decades, manipulating tempo, rhythm, and pitch, to create a journey of bliss, heartbreak, and introspection — instantly transporting listeners to the shadows of the dancefloor.
Song to start with: Baddy on the Floor
Coldplay
Moon Music
Iconic British rock band Coldplay’s tenth studio album, Moon Music, follows closely in it’s predecessor’s footsteps sonically, while breaking new ground sustainably. The world’s first album released as a 140g EcoRecord rPET LP, each copy is made from 9 recycled PET-plastic bottles recovered from post-consumer waste.
Song to start with: Good Feelings
New Podcasts
Doing it Right, Season Four
Starting out as a platform to bolster the launch of her fascinating book on navigating contemporary chaos, Doing it Right with Pandora Sykes, within which the revered journalist, podcaster and cultural commentator discusses the myths, anxieties and trends of modern life with experts, is now in its fourth season, and every bit as illuminating as the first.
The Pink House
Hosted by five-time Grammy winner Sam Smith, The Pink House — named for the artist’s childhood home, is about the people and places that make us who we are. Smith sits down with good friends and queer icons to explore how they navigated early struggles, found chosen families, overcame adversity, and ultimately found their place in the world.
Style-ish
Three stylish women, Anika Joshi-Smith, Maddison Sullivan-Thorpe and Joanna Flemming — each from different facets of the fashion and beauty industries, come together to discuss all things brand, business, fashion and beauty — from the lure of Rhode to how to invest in luxury fashion, and a veritable spectrum of topics in between.
How I Made It
A fortnightly podcast featuring stories from inside the Australian Financial Review’s Rich List, with some of the country’s most-known heavy hitters divulging how they built their wealth from the ground up. From property tycoons to social media superstars, software developers to hospitality maestros, these are the stories of how they made it.
Walking into Karangahape Road wine bar and bistro Apéro, you instantly feel cocooned in the warmth of the long, brick-walled room. With a menu of simple yet expertly-executed dishes and a comprehensive wine list, it is the ideal spot to while away an hour or three any evening, and now, you can get your fix come Thursday lunchtime, too.
Following the popularity of Friday lunches at Apéro, and to mark the eatery’s 10-year anniversary, the K’ Rd go-to is now inviting diners to their exceptional fare, always lovingly made, all day long on Thursdays. From the ever-popular terrine of the day to the infamous roasted cauliflower with goat curd, almond and mint to the moreish speciality charcuterie platter, there are no shortage of reasons to visit, with every meal elevated further by a glass or two from one of the best wine lists in town.
The idea here is to lunch in the same style owners, Leslie and Mo, themselves enjoy — long and leisurely. And, given how homely and welcoming the space it (not to mention just how much of the menu you’ll want to make your way through), that feels like the only way to do it.
Lunch service hours: Thursday & Friday, 12pm till late
When it comes to plant-based eating, there’s a growing local scene dedicated to vegetable-focused fare. Whether you’re a full-time vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or dining with someone who fits the aforementioned criteria, these are the best plant-focused eateries in Auckland, from cafes and bakeries to restaurants and bars worth a visit.
Inner-city restaurant East is an entirely vegetarian venture, with 75 percent of the menu dedicated to vegan dishes. A bold concept that was originally brought to life in 2021, thanks to a team of passionate experts, East’s modern Asian menu is a flavourful marvel from start to finish, filled with vibrant and complex pan-Asian dishes that taste as good as they look. And if that all wasn’t enough, recently, East launched Auckland’s first ever vegan Yum Cha service, held every Sunday at the restaurant from 12pm until 3pm. There, diners can delight in all the classic Yum Cha dishes, reimagined with a tasty, plant-based twist.
Having re-opened in a new spot on Dominion Road mid-way through last year, vegetarian favourite, Forest, is back and better than ever before. Helmed by clever chef Plabita Florence, this delicious and innovative spot pushes plant-based cuisine beyond your wildest expectations. At Forest, diners will find a more traditionally structured, a la carte menu that marries mainstay dishes with seasonal specials and still plays into Florence’s experimental, exciting and exceptional culinary approach. From entree-sized snacks like ‘Upside-down Broccoli’, which sees the vegetable lightly-battered, fried and served head down in a pool of green-olive mayo, to larger mains that are designed to share and a number of mouthwatering sides and add-ons like Florets Bakery sourdough served warm with ‘old wine butter’, which Florence explains as “wine dregs reduced to a tasty syrup and whipped through with warm, salty butter,” the food offering at Forest is, as expected, a gastronomic journey.
Originally a food truck, Wise Boys has been serving its mouth-watering vegan burgers to the masses since it opened a brick-and-mortar store in Grey Lynn in 2019 and a Commercial Bay outpost a few years later. With a menu of banging burgers featuring the likes of crispy fried ‘chicken’, smoky ‘bacon’ and BBQ jackfruit alongside a range of tempting sides, shakes and soft-serve sundaes, the hardest part is choosing what to order.
This off-the-beaten-track cafe makes for a cheap and cheerful lunch. Water Drop Vegetarian Cafe is situated in Flat Bush at the impressive Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, and no walk around the grounds is complete without a steaming laksa, BBQ bun or wonton noodle dish — all meat-free, of course.
Lovers of health and raw foods will appreciate Olivia from Breakfast Babes’ selection of delicious raw treats available online and at select retailers country-wide (including newly-opened boutique fitness studio, Redroom). If you find yourself craving a 3pm, guilt-free pick-me-up, you’ll certainly find a moreish treat sure to satiate your cravings.
Next time you find yourself in Ellerslie, follow the queue to Richoux Patisserie, the low-key bakery serving award-winning meat and vegan pies. With clever vegan renditions of mince and cheese pies, sausage rolls, doughnuts and custard tarts (to name just a few), this beloved bakery puts the utmost care into every one of its creations.
There’s always a line outside Sandringham’s Paradise, and for good reason. Whether you dine in, takeaway or peruse the buffet, there is plenty to satisfy vegetarian appetites. Choose from delights such as the vege manchurian, which sees dense vegetable dumplings fried and coated in an irresistible sauce, bagarey baigan with eggplant cooked in a tamarind gravy, or wholesome daal tadka with lentils, cumin and red chillies.
With big, bold flavours and a special vegetarian and gluten-free menu to boot, Hello Beasty ticks all our boxes for dining out with dietary requirements. The KFC (Korean fried cauliflower) gives the real deal a run for its money, plus dishes like the grilled mushroom pancake and charred broccolini can easily be tweaked to suit a vegan appetite.
Middle Eastern restaurant Ima has plenty to satiate non-meat-eaters throughout its delicious all-day menu. For lunch, we’d recommend the sabich pita. Described as the ‘king of sandwiches’, it’s filled to the brim with smooth hummus, charred eggplants, slices of fried potatoes, boiled eggs, tahini and amber, a fragrant Iraqi condiment. The vegetarian Middle Eastern platter for two will also hit the spot, comprising falafel, hummus, labneh, salad, pickles, olives, Lebanese cauliflower and spanakopita with pita.
With locations in Ponsonby, the CBD, and Milford, Khu Khu is an entirely vegan Thai restaurant that doesn’t skimp on flavour and finesse. Owner Michael Khuwattanasenee found himself struggling to find plant-based options when dining out, particularly in Asian eateries given their proclivity for not just meat, but also animal-based ingredients like fish and oyster sauces. Khuwattanasenee took matters into his own hands, reinventing the classics to create tempeh pad thai, kumara spring rolls, ‘duck’ drunken noodles and warming curries.
Since opening, the days where this plant-based patisserie hasn’t completely sold out are few and far between. Here the croissants are buttery and flakey, the delicate pastries perfectly made despite being entirely vegan, and the ‘ham’ and ‘cheese’ offering a personal favourite of the Denizen team.
Morningside’s Kind Cafe has been serving its delicious ‘mostly vegan’ menu since it opened its doors in 2018, with delectable breakfast and brunch sure to tempt even the most staunch meat-eaters to sample something a little different. With the likes of the plant-based Korean spicy sambla tofu burger, a big breakfast with vegan sausages and sambal tofu, and a tasty breakfast burrito, there are options aplenty.
If you’d like to chow down on some meat-free fare alongside a fellow steak-loving diner who wouldn’t be seen near a leaf of spinach, you’re both bound to find something to love at Devonport’s Vondel. The all-day eatery caters to both preferences, with a vegan crispy ‘chicken’ burger sitting next to a Wagyu beef burger on the menu. No need to compromise here.
The original raw, organic, vegan eatery, Little Bird is still going strong. Pop into its humming Ponsonby spot for the likes of the famous Bird Bowl, kimchi pancakes, dahl dosa and kumara hotcakes, or one of its utterly satiating smoothies and shakes — and make sure you don’t leave without a raw sweet treat.
Not only is this inner-city haunt home to some of the city’s most beloved vegan food, it serves up authentic Thai dishes without the addition of fish sauce or shrimp paste. At Sunflower, flavour isn’t compromised either, the joint famously serving up some of the most sought-after ‘prawn’ fried rice in town.
Infamous for its mac and cheese with ham off the bone, Soul Bar & Bistro offers a vegetarian version of this dish as well. In fact, Soul offers a wholly vegetarian menu, filled with meatless renditions of its regular dishes. For vegetarians, the spinach and mascarpone filled tortelli with asparagus, brown butter, and ricotta salata is too good to miss, while vegans can try an irresistible take on Soul’s ever-popular green goddess salad.
For those in the know (and vegans often are about these things), Jervois Road’s Janken has been touted as one of the best destinations in the country for plant-based foods. Offering a modern slant on traditional Japanese flavours, here the vegan offerings are plentiful, with ramen, sushi, and even a vegan Benedict breakfast.
At SkyCity’s Cassia, those who shy away from meat will find plenty of flavoursome dishes to dive into on Sid Sahrawat’s lauded menu. From the roasted carrot with ghost chilli and macadamia to the mushroom with green chilli cream and truffle, Sahrawat has always been known for the innovative and utterly delicious ways in which he reimagines vegetables on his menus. In fact, Cassia even has a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu, perfect for if you’re gathering a group together for a special dinner.
For those who want to eat plant-based but still treat themselves, Tart Bakery’s sweet and savoury treats are the pinnacle. With two locations — its flagship Grey Lynn bakery and a spot in Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats, right next to Wise Boys — the bakery’s delicious European-style bread, pasty, pies, doughnuts and sandwiches are made fresh every day and all its food is vegan and free of animal products.
Having only opened its doors last week, Bowler has already become a fixture on Team Denizen’s weekly rotation, and for good reason. Serving nutritious and delicious salad bowls that you’ll actually want to eat, with plenty for both vegetarians and carnivores alike, alongside acai bowls and epic smoothies, this drop-in is well worthy of your attention.
St Kevins Arcade’s beloved Lebanese eatery, Gemmayze Street, is the perfect spot for vegetarians and non vegetarians to come together in culinary bliss, with plentiful options for both. Here, the hummus is famous and an essential order, as is the babaganouj which pairs smokey eggplant with cumin and pomegaranate, and vegetarians shouldn’t look past the jazar roasted carrots with cashew, fennugreek, and spiced granola. Simply sublime.
Halloween is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning who or what you’re going to transform yourself into for the spoooooookiest night of the year. From major celebrity moments to memes, we have compiled a list of ideas inspired by some of the biggest moments of 2024 so far…
@naraaziza
NARA SMITH
Known the world over for her cooking mini-vlogs, in which she prepares meals entirely from scratch in extravagant clothing — narrated in impossibly softly-spoken voiceovers, Nara Smith has shot into cultural consciousness this year, with a number of outfits ripe for a Halloween-inspired reimagining. Simply add some razzle dazzle to your look, pack a knife and a sack of flour, and perfect your dulcet tone.
the Gallagher brothers
OASIS REUNION
Famously feuding no more, Oasis is back for a reunion tour, and to say we’re thrilled is an understatement. Not only for the music itself, but for the costume opportunities this moment presents. 90s Britpop fashion is back, bringing with it parkas, sneakers, band tees and polos. Halloween, sorted.
Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) in The Substance
ELISABETH SPARKLE — THE SUBSTANCE
A red dress (with larger-than-life shoulder pads), golden hoops, black evening gloves, smudged makeup, and a slightly unhinged look in your eye is all you’ll need to emulate Demi Moore’s character, Elisabeth Sparkle, in over-the-top horror-thriller, The Substance.
Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) and Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) in the 1988 movie
BEETLEJUICE
With the titular Beetlejuice once again making a comeback, the famous goth-glam costumes will undoubtedly be back for Halloween this year, too. Simple, but effective.
Australian Icon, Raygun
RAYGUN
Australian breakdancer, Raygun, who hopped like a kangaroo at the Paris Olympics and received zeros across the board, has been one of the most talked about figures of the year, and is sure to be one of the most emulated come Halloween. See.
Lana Del Rey
LANA DEL REY’S LOUISIANA WEDDING
Lana Del Rey not only shocked the world when she tied the knot with Gator Tour Guide Jeremy Dufrene this year, but also provided ample opportunities for Halloween mimicry. Whimsical, vintage wedding dresses can often be found at second-hand shops, and the Gator Tour Guide kit will be stocked at any good dress-up store.
Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga)
LADY GAGA AS LEE QUINZEL
One of the most talked about films of the year (for better or for worse), Joker: Folie à Deux isn’t lacking in the costuming department. If you’re looking to recreate Lady Gaga’s character’s look, go big on the clown checkers and eye makeup. Unwashed hair optional.
The Bear
THE BEAR (TV SHOW)
This physiological comedy-drama has certainly made waves this year, with the show’s central character — Carmy Berzatto (played by Jeremy Allen White) sure to provide costume inspiration this spooky season. Simplicity at its finest, grab some chef whites and a navy apron, and step into your best dishevelled chef persona.
Gigi Hadid
GIGI HADID VICTORIA SECRET
There are two types of people come Halloween, scary, or sexy, and this costume very clearly fits into the latter camp. Big pink wings and a barely-there teddy… enough said.
Martha
BABY REINDEER
There is little more frightening than the twisted (inspired by a) true story of Richard Gadd’s stalker, and Martha is a sure-fire way to spark up conversation at this year’s Halloween gatherings. A scratchy-looking faux Chanel tweed jacket, bright pink lips, and ‘undone’ hair should do the job.
Tiffany & Co. has unveiled the final chapter of its Blue Book 2024 collection, Tiffany Céleste — a celestial homage to the visionary Tiffany designer, Jean Schlumberger. This concluding launch introduces four ethereal new chapters — Owl on a Rock, Phoenix, Unicorn, and Star Burst — each reinterpreting Schlumberger’s iconic designs in an ode to the designer’s endless imagination and unrivalled vision.
Left: Owl on a Rock Black Opal Brooch. Right: Owl on a Rock Moonstone Brooch
The Owl on a Rock brooches offer a contemporary take on Jean Schlumberger’s emblematic Bird on a Rock, and evokes the nocturnal world with black opals, moonstones, and celestial star sapphires capturing the mystery of the night sky.
The Phoenix chapter celebrates rebirth through fiery hues, featuring stunning rubellites and striking fire opals, reimagining the mesmerising Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Phoenix brooch.
Phoenix Rubellite Fire Opal Brooch
Elsewhere, the Unicorn collection enchants with its whimsical twists and a captivating bicolour tourmaline. This theme draws inspiration from Jean Schlumberger’s Crazy Twist designs, and nods to the designer’s fascination with mythology.
Unicorn Purple Sapphire Ring
Finally, the Star Burst chapter draws inspiration from galaxies ablaze with light, with an emphasis on brilliance and luminosity. A striking necklace adorned with over 64 carats of crystal opals and diamonds including a necklace epitomises this inventive theme.
Star Burst Crystal Opal Necklace
Nathalie Verdeille, Tiffany’s Chief Artistic Officer of Jewellery and High Jewellery, beautifully intertwines Schlumberger’s boundless creativity with the awe-inspiring wonders of the cosmos. The exclusive in-person unveiling of these otherworldly treasures will take place in Madrid, adding a new chapter to Tiffany’s enduring legacy of high jewellery artistry. Each piece, a testament to Schlumberger’s legendary imagination, celebrates the mystery and magic of the universe.
One of the most convivial and thrilling events of the year is almost upon us, with the annual Melbourne Cup only weeks away, and — if you’re yet to make a call on how you’re spending the day, we’ve found the perfect place to get in on the action.
enjoy bubbles on arrival and freshly shucked Oysters
Don your finest and, come November 5th, make for Park Hyatt Auckland, where an exhilarating celebration awaits. Here, revellers will kick start the day with snacks and bubbles on arrival, before diving into an interactive gastronomic experience — with live race coverage on full display, as well as door prizes, raffles, and live entertainment throughout the day.
On offer are the Heirloom Tomatoes (left) and Bone-In Ribeye (right)
On the food front, expect premium cuts prepared to perfection, alongside fresh fish, delectable oysters and scampi from the BBQ, elevated spit roast, seasonal veg dishes, and more. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the infamous dessert station featuring an array of spring carnival treats, and grab a glass (or two) of bubbles if you fancy it.
To make your afternoon that much better, we have an exclusive discount code for Denizen readers — enter the promo code ‘DENIZEN15’ when making your booking to get 15% off your booking.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival at Onemata takes place from 12pm — 5.30pm on November 5th, and bookings are $168 per person.
Jamie Te Heuheu’s thought-provoking monochrome paintings explore texture and tone in a way that has garnered him critical praise and plenty of admirers. Since producing his first solo exhibition just two years out of art school, the young painter’s career has moved swiftly, collecting representation from two of Aotearoa’s most distinguished galleries along the way. When we spoke, Te Heuheu was preparing to tick off the next milestone showing at the Sydney Contemporary Art Fair, and contemplating the future, wherever that may lie.
When he was 17 years old, Jamie Te Heuheu (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) “didn’t really have a plan” for life post-high school. Born in Ōtautahi Christchurch, he had just shifted to Hagley College to complete Year 13 when the idea of pursuing a tertiary education in the arts was put forward to him by his teacher and artist, Brenda Nightingale. “She was fantastic, a huge encouragement who gave me the nudge to go for it,” Te Heuheu remembers. “I kind of thought, well, why not? What else am I going to do?” Allowing that fortuitous nudge to lead him to Christchurch’s Ilam School of Fine Arts, it wasn’t until his third year that the young painter began to see a career in his creativity. After that realisation dawned, things started to happen—quickly.
Just months after graduating with First Class Honours in 2020, Tim Melville invited Te Heuheu to participate in the group show A New Net: Four Early-career Māori Artists. Describing his practice at the time as “An ongoing study in the formal qualities of abstract art-making,” the works emphasised materiality, process and minimalism with broad brushstrokes and monochrome palettes playing out on canvas and jute. Soon after that inaugural exhibition, renowned Wellington gallerist Hamish McKay came calling. “I’d had offers to do solo shows a few times, but I’d always turned them down because I wasn’t ready,” says the artist. “But when Hamish rang, I was finally at the point in my practice that I felt prepared.”
That’s not to say it was all smooth sailing. Barely two years out of art school, Te Heuheu was showing with one of Aotearoa’s most prestigious galleries. “I put a lot of pressure on myself, and starting fresh with only a few months to pull it off was incredibly stressful,” he says. “But I did it and had a lot of fun in the process.” Though those first exhibitions were separated by mere months, the evolution in his practice is unmistakable. The artist’s exploration of contemplative tones and impactful brushstrokes develops as his work refines, allowing each exhibition to stand as an independent body of work. Discerning audiences have noted the influence of Hotere and McCahon within his past portfolio, but for now, Te Heuheu names his key inspiration as “light”.
“I draw from the light around us, the colours I see,” the artist explains, often using tones that are culturally significant to Māori. “I see it as a tying between the two worlds, aesthetic histories and personal histories. My culture is so important to me, but I haven’t connected with Te Ao Māori as much as I would like. It’s just a case of timing.”
“[Te Heuheu’s]exploration of contemplative tones and impactful brushstrokes develops as his work refines.”
Currently, Te Heuheu is working on pieces to show with Starkwhite at the Sydney Contemporary Art Fair and is in conversations about another solo show—but it all hinges on time. There’s also a hint of imposter syndrome that quietly nags at the back of his mind. “I don’t think I expected representation from a gallery like Starkwhite at such a young age,” he explains. “When their offer came up, I really had to consider it. Maybe it was too much too soon? Especially when you look at the extensive careers of the artists on their roster. But if you want to run with the bulls, this is the place to do it.”
Untitled by Jamie Te Heuheu, 2023, Oil on canvas, natural wood frame, 1250.4 x 1050.20 mm from Starkwhite
Untitled by Jamie Te Heuheu, 2023, Oil on canvas, natural wood frame, 1250.4 x 1050.20 mm from Starkwhite
The artist is exploring diptychs and triptychs in the new works, straying from his monochromatic narrative with long, narrow, horizon-like paintings. “At least that’s the plan,” says Te Heuheu. “I don’t have a studio space at the moment, so I’m using a garage with just one usable wall. It means that the works are playing out one at a time.” Painting in a draughty garage amid Christchurch winter sounds far from ideal. “It does the job,” he shrugs. “But yeah, it’s definitely freezing.” Through all of the early success of his career, Te Heuheu remains an unaffected young painter, aware of the hard graft the job demands.
Just four years after graduating, Jamie Te Heuheu is carving out his place in the Aotearoa art scene with his work, and soon, in the classroom as he heads back to his alma mater to teach third-year painting. Looking further ahead, there are global aspirations. A shift abroad or an international residency certainly feels like a natural progression. “The world is so accessible now,” he says. “It’s daunting, sure. But at the same time, it’s good to feel out of your depths, in a bit of danger. That’s when it starts to get interesting.”
Home is where the wellness retreat is — with today’s home gyms being converted into dedicated wellness spaces bespoke to their unique occupant’s personal practices.
As we continue to dedicate more and more time to our wellbeing practices, it’s little wonder that we’re also creating spaces in our homes for wellness sanctuaries of our very own. Whether it’s a dedicated, spa-like oasis, complete with an infrared sauna and temperature-controlled ice bath for daily contrast therapy, or a chic home gym conceived with your particular preferences in mind — from a Pilates reformer to a fully-equipped Technogym to a tech-led fitness mirror, the choice, ultimately, is yours, and the possibilities are endless.
Private Practice
High Contrast
Contrast therapy has quickly risen through the echelons as the incredible benefits of hot-cold exposure become more widely known. And, as more people cotton on to the impact a daily contrast practice can have on both physical and mental health, so too has there been advanced development in sleek and efficacious saunas and ice baths for at-home use.
A far cry from the lowly garage gyms of times gone by, today’s at-home gyms are sanctuary-like spaces, making breaking a sweat all the more appealing. From Celine’s monogrammed Pilates reformer and weights sets to Technogym’s elevated and cleverly-designed benches to Nordictrack’s Vault Training System — offering a virtual, at-home personal trainer, the options are endless, turning a once purely functional corner of your home into a striking focal point.
“More food, more value, and less fuss around it. Just your new local food company, setting out to make a positive impact on what people eat,” is, in co-founder Charles Williams’ words, what you’ll find at Bowler — an epic, nutritious new takeout spot serving delicious salad bowls that you’ll actually want to eat.
Growing up around good food, “in a busy household with a mum who could cook up a storm,” brothers Patrick and Charles Williams were naturally pulled towards hospitality, and have both been running cafes for nine plus years, slinging (in their words) “coffee, pasta, eggs, and negronis.” Charles tells me that the pair also have wonderfully talented partners who are on hand to help with the things that might not come so naturally to them, “like marketing, brand, and spelling!”
Housed within the foyer of Les Mills Victoria Park, Bowler’s space takes cues from 70s and 80s interiors, typography, and photography, harnessing earthy tones to represent the natural offering, sitting in contrast to the modernism of the stainless-steel and concrete surrounds. The Bowler app, website ordering platform, and soon-to-launch Kiosk are all nods to fast-food service. Yet for Bowler — while food is made fast, it’s grown slow, and that’s their key point of difference.
Zac Suvalko from Studio 024 was integral in helping the pair to bring the Bowler brand to life. “We had to be a lot more patient this time round, as we really wanted to nail down the details,” Charles tells me, “Blink Boys brought the brand into physical form, with vintage-inspired brown acrylic signage used throughout.”
The idea for Bowler came about super organically, with Patrick whipping up bowls similar to what’s on the menu for dinner most nights. Inspired by salad/bowl-leaning, fast-casual brands around the world (such as Australia’s infamous Fishbowl), the pair saw an opportunity to bring their own version to New Zealand. Since Patrick had been making 80% of the menu already, the foundation was already there, and the more they talked about it, the more it sunk in that they might be onto something great.
“We agreed that fast food sucks,” Charles tells me, “There is far too much of it in New Zealand, and we want Bowler to be another choice — a more nutritious choice — for a wider audience.” The duo quickly realised that, to meet their mark, they needed to make the offering fast and affordable. As such, for under $17, you can get a jam-packed salad bowl with quality, local ingredients and proteins, made fresh and from scratch, everyday.
Bowl #2 — GRASS FED BEEF BRISKET
Right: Bowl #1 — Free-range Chicken
Running with the theme of less fuss, the menu is small — but intentionally that way. “It allows us to focus on doing a few things really, really well,” says Charles, “It also takes away the choice paralysis so many bigger menus induce.” By only having seven (utterly delicious) salad bowls on the menu, it allows room for plenty of personalised additions or customisations to get your fill — including options to up protein intake or control macros (Bowler is, after all, located within a gym). While I already have my own go-to order, Charles tells me that the most popular bowl so far is the #2 Beef Brisket, which comes brimming with juicy, slow-cooked, grass-fed brisket and harissa, pickles, dukkah, hummus, beets, kale, and a flavourful herb dressing, with the #3 Mt Cook Salmon bowl with edamame, crunchy furikake, avo, ginger, and a ponzu dressing coming in a close second. But, speaking from experience, they’re all delectable, and the perfect wholesome lunch or dinner, not to mention great for feeding a crowd (catering is up and running, and a great option for meetings or events).
Left: Bowl #3 — Mt Cook Salmon
There’s also a concise breakfast menu of acai and protein oat bowls. Much to my delight, you’ll also find the tahini choc chip cookies that fly out the door at Williams (which are, in our humble opinion, the best cookie in town), and the already-infamous protein cookies that are a perfect pick-me-up when the afternoon slump hits.
On the drinks front, coffee comes first, “Coffee is a big part of who we are, so is naturally the platform of our drinks offering,” says Charles, adding that being in a humming environment with a wide range of people coming through, the drinks menu has been created cater to everyone and anyone, offering a bit of everything. From mushroom lattes to iced matcha, acai smoothies, and even a bone broth hot chocolate, as well as damn good Supreme coffee, at Bowler, there’s something for any time of day, and taste or proclivity. There’s also a grab-and-go fridge stacked full of functional beverages from local suppliers.
When I ask Charles what kind of experience he and Patrick want people to have at Bowler, he tells me a fulfilling one. “Too long have we have suffered with mediocre salads that leave you wanting more. We want our customers to grab life by the bowl!”
Ultimately, what Charles and Patrick have created is not only an epic, nutritious, quick and fuss-free offering that is both nourishing and wholly satisfying, but an energetic, fun, fast-paced dining experience for everyone. “We’re here for any and all of it, taking on life one salad bowl at a time.”
Opening hours: Monday — Saturday, 6.30am until 2pm You can also find Bowler on Uber Eats
From a new design destination to a number of notable collaborations, and a must-have advent calendar, this is everything that has our attention this week.
curated edit
Kayu Store Opening
Kayu Studio, renowned for its contemporary, effortlessly elevated furniture and homewares, has opened a stunning new showroom on Westmoreland Street in Grey Lynn. The expansive space (which once housed Città) showcases both Kayu’s own covetable collections and a curated edit of makers, from Baya Living to Special Studio. Known for prioritising fair trade practices and exceptional craftsmanship, Kayu Studio’s latest showroom offers discerning shoppers a considered edit of furniture and homewares that enhances the experience of home.
To celebrate Christopher Esber’s second Paris Fashion Week show, the designer has teamed up with frank green to create the exclusive Ydra 595 Reusable Bottle. This limited-edition collection features three stunning chrome finishes—Beluga, Cola, and Olive. Combining innovation and artisanal craftsmanship, the bottle is an extension of Esber’s Resort 25 collection, embodying both brands’ commitment to mindful production.
Maggie Marilyn has once again collaborated with iconic Australian swimwear brand, Fella, on an exclusive capsule of swim separates and one-pieces in bespoke fabrics and colourways. This summer launch marks the beginning of the brand’s 2024 offerings, with upcoming releases including striped shirting and Marilyn’s first venture into accessories in December. Crafted for both style and function, these pieces elevate swimwear essentials.
Louis Vuitton has launched its first permanent tableware collection, featuring two complete dinnerware sets—Constellation and Splendor — along with a new cutlery range. The collections include porcelain, handblown glass, carafes, and decanters, blending Monogram flowers with modern design. The cutlery, named Rivet, is crafted from stainless steel with tubular handles. These luxurious pieces are designed to add a luxurious edge to both everyday dining and special occasions.
This year’s Diptyque advent calendar comes in a striking design modelled after a sewing box and inspired by the world of artist Lucy Sparrow. Featuring golden accents and hidden compartments brimming with the best of Diptyque’s range, this limited-edition piece offers a daily festive surprise. Beyond the holidays, it transforms into a keepsake box for cherished items, blending artistry with functionality for a timeless, collectible treasure.
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