While we find ourselves quite comfortable and adequately repleted with our inner-city dining options, when good food calls, we will happily go further afield. And now with a new Manukau eatery on our radar, we find ourselves heading out south for a delicious sojourn.
Left: Pork belly bao with herb slaw and hoisin dressing.
From the brains behind Newmarket’s Leafe and Ormiston’s Journal comes Amble + Birch, a cafe space designed to unite beautiful food and an inviting atmosphere where diners can have a work meeting, a catch up with friends or a bite on the go. It’s a much-needed addition to the South Auckland dining scene, and we, for one, are very happy it’s here.
The menu (alongside delicious daily cabinet food) focuses on fresh and seasonal, with a touch of the unexpected. It’s all-day dining at its finest, offering everything from smores pancakes to chilli prawn pasta, but where the meals truly thrive is in their presentation, which has seen Amble + Birch’s tasty-looking dishes flood social media. Couple that with a lengthy coffee menu and some of the freshest pastries on that side of Manukau Harbour, and we’ve found ourselves a winner.
Few shapes are as iconic as Mario Bellini’s Le Bambole for B&B Italia — a seat and sofa pairing that has been making its mark in design since first being released in 1972. Now, the trend-defining style is celebrating 50 years with an anticipated relaunch (landing at local design Mecca, Matisse) that will have you falling for its comfortable curves all over again.
St Georges Road by Bayley Ward Architects & Larritt Evans. Photography by Eve Wilson.
Le Bambole is one of the most coveted products by architect and designer Mario Bellini, whose innovative styles helped define the design landscape of the 1970s. The concept of the style is simple yet considered and started when Bellini considered the shape that an empty plastic bag took when it was turned upside down. Applying his creative eye, the designer used his observations to craft the unique shape the La Bambole chairs are renowned for today.
In line with modern tastes and innovative technologies, the re-release of La Bambole gives the iconic style a decidedly responsible twist, as it considers the longevity of both the object and the materials that make it. And the furniture is now more sustainable, thanks to a construction method that allows its components to be disassembled entirely — making them easily recyclable.
The relaunch also offers a refreshed take on upholstery that allows La Bambole to be dressed up or down to suit any kind of space; Sila is a new sablé fabric available in eight colours, Manila is a dreamy and humorous floral print characterised by large roses with a classic feel and Kasia is an extremely soft and naturally marked full-grain leather.
Tamsin Johnson.
From its sharp corners to its comfortable, cocooning cushions, La Bambole is attention-grabbing in a subtle, sophisticated way and can be used to introduce intrigue and dimension to an interior. With new finishes that place it perfectly at the heart of the contemporary home, the style is cementing its legacy as an undisputed icon of design — one which, thanks to Matisse, we can all now add to our collections.
Whether draped over a sofa or wrapped around your person, a soft throw blanket is the surprisingly versatile essential we are coveting this winter. For interiors, a cosy throw will add texture, depth and a touch of personality, although if you can’t quite tear yourself away on cold mornings, simply draping one over your shoulders is an easy way to layer — provided the throw in question isn’t too oversized. Here are some of our favoutites.
Few classics come as close to authentic New Zealand cuisine as our beloved fish and chips. An iconic summertime or Friday-night staple, fish and chips are about as ‘Kiwiana’ as rugby or Tip Top or jandals. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a New Zealander for whom this dish doesn’t serve up some serious childhood nostalgia. And while we do like to indulge in a newspaper-wrapped classic from time to time, our tastebuds have refined somewhat since childhood, and now, we seek a version of fish and chips that feels more elevated.
Enter Nate’s Plaice: Grey Lynn’s newest fish and chippery taking the core elements of the chip shop experience and lifting them to delicious new heights. The brainchild of chef Nathan Ward, Nate’s Plaice takes everything we love about contemporary cuisine and marries it with a classic chip shop — which is proving to be a successful combination.
Fish tacos, beer bettered fish.
Ocean to plate is the approach, with a curated sustainable seafood menu courtesy of Kiwifish — a supplier that specializes in catches from fresh, local fishermen. The offering is simple but delicious, with fish boxes including the holy trio of fish, chips and coleslaw, and re-imagined chip-shop burgers with 100% NZ prime beef patties or freshly caught seafood or even a vegan option for anyone that way inclined. The menu boasts sides, salads and simple sweets (the national hero pineapple fritter makes an appearance here), and gluten-free options are also available.
And although Nates Plaice is new, Ward has been honing his skills in the kitchen for years. The chef has worked in Melbourne, London and on superyachts all over the globe. In fact, Nates Plaice arrives on the back of One Fish Two Fish, another new spot Ward recently opened in New Windsor. He is also the founder of From The Pass, a not-for-profit that aims to support workers’ mental health in the hospitality industry.
With a vision to create a healthy but authentic fish and chip shop that used fresh local produce and fish from independent fishermen, Ward is reimagining the classic takeaway for a more discerning customer. With Nates Plaice, he has created the perfect spot to reignite the Friday night traditions of our childhoods and indulge in some deliciously easy and guilt-free fish and chips.
This is your cue to put down the screen and pick up a book (or switch to your e-reader if that’s your habit). These new novels are worthy contenders for your undivided attention, from a lauded debut to a Booker Prize-winner’s latest release.
To Paradiseby Hanya Yanagihara She single-handedly destroyed the nerves and broke the heart of anyone who read her visceral book A Little Life, and now Hanya Yanagihara is back with one of the year’s most anticipated works of fiction. Arranged in three distinct but correlated parts, To Paradise is a complex and multi-layered novel that spans three centuries. It explores themes of race and relationships, wealth and poverty, illness and autonomy — and what freedom means in a world that seems to be falling apart.
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors This much-buzzed-about literary debut centres on 24-year-old British painter Cleo (who has moved to New York from England), and 44-year-old, successful Frank. They impulsively marry, and the ripples of this decision are felt in unexpected ways by them and those closest to them. An immersive, affecting and memorable contemporary relationship novel.
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles For lovers of a road trip narrative, this charming novel paints a rich picture. Set in 1950s America, it follows eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson, just released from juvenile detention. He plans on driving to California to start a new life, but this is sidelined by his car getting stolen. The process of chasing it becomes quite the adventure.
Grand Hotel Europa by Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer When a writer is holed up at the lavish but past-its-glory Grand Hotel Europa, nursing heartbreak, he becomes fascinated with the Hotel’s old-world charm. This highly-acclaimed Dutch novel (the English translation of which is out in April), is a compelling story that examines “the old continent” and asks how history can be preserved for the future.
The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan A bonafide page-turner, The Murder Rule is a legal thriller that follows law student Hannah Rokeby as she sneaks her way into The Innocence Project — an initiative helping convicted criminals overturn their sentences. Why? For revenge, of course. As motives are revealed through the narrative, interspersed with excerpts from her mother’s diary, all is not as it first seemed.
Loveland by Robert Lukins A moving, beautiful read, the latest release from acclaimed Australian writer Robert Lukins weaves the tale of May who arrives in Loveland, Nebraska, to claim an old, damaged house left to her by her grandmother. The longer she stays, the more she finds out about this matriarch who kept her many secrets well hidden.
Mouth to Mouthby Antoine Wilson When Jeff Cook saved the life of a drowning man, his own life was irrevocably altered. The narrator listens as Cook reveals how, after this incident, he sought out the man he’d saved, only to have their fates intertwine in unexpected and explosive ways. This is a suspenseful, clever and compulsive read.
Young Mungoby Douglas Stuart From this Booker Prize-winning author comes a powerful portrayal of working-class culture, forbidden love and the foibles of hyper-masculinity. Two young men, Protestant Mungo and Catholic James, are raised in Glasgow in violent housing estates. They meet and fall for one another, and must stay strong in the face of discrimination.
The Unwillingby John Hart A potent combination of crime, suspense and raw explorations of the human psyche, TheUnwilling is set in the South at the height of the Vietnam War. It follows two brothers, Gibby and Jason, who are set on a dramatic trajectory after the death of a woman sees them fighting for their own lives.
There’s something about a good burger that holds our city captive. While the infatuation with other cuisines ebbs and flows, burgers are a constant and any new opening serving up a healthy chunk of meat between two soft buns is one that we’ll welcome with open arms.
When we first heard that Real Burger was set to open in Birkenhead, the Denizen office was immediately curious. And after waiting with bated breath, we’ve finally had a chance to sample the delicious burgers — and we weren’t disappointed.
Left: Nashville Chicken.
Real Burger is the creation of brothers Michael and George Blackmore, who decided to open a burger joint on the back of nothing more than a genuine love for the tasty morsels. Lifelong North Shore residents themselves, the brothers saw Birkenhead as ripe for something new, and took inspiration from classic diners to create a laid-back drop-in that has quickly become a favourite with locals.
Real Burger is a marriage of burgers and beer — a holy duo — and when executed well, there’s nothing that hits the spot quite like it. “We just wanted to create a casual vibe, not too serious. And we just thought craft beers go so well with burgers,” the brothers reflected.
Real Burger.
The beers are on tap, and usually rotate between seasonal kegs, with customers finding their favourites. There’s no Auckland prejudice here either; the beers on tap hail from all over the country.
When it comes to the burgers themselves, they are some of the best we’ve ever tried. The brothers focused on using the best ingredients they could, making everything in house. “Everything’s fresh, so prep takes a bit longer, and it’s more work, but it’s definitely worth it,” they explain.
And while The Real Burger is an popular star on the menu, The Nashville Chicken is an unexpected hero (something that took both of the brothers by surprise). The public’s reception to this chicken burger even has the brothers thinking about how a sibling chicken shop may look in the future.
With an interior that evokes a classic American Diner (with a touch of Blade Runner surrealism), Real Burger is humble but mighty. And it’s something that the Birkenhead community has been quick to realise. “We’ve been pretty lucky with the community in Birkenhead” the brothers said. I don’t know if we deserve it, but they’ve been great.”
North Shore residents (and those willing to travel), you’ve struck gold here. If you’re looking for a burger on the run or a place to pull up a stool to enjoy some burgers with friends, Real Burger is proving an epic addition to your neck of the woods.
What makes this venue so deserving of your attention is its under-the-radar, word-of-mouth popularity. Despite only opening recently, the burgers regularly sell out, meaning you really do have to get in there early.
It’s no wonder burgers this good can’t be made at home. Try as we might, we’re still lacking the skill needed to execute one as perfectly as the team at Real Burger. And with no plans to go anywhere, we’ll leave the cooking up to them and happily revel in their offering.
Opening hours: Wednesday – Thursday, 5pm until 9pm Friday — Sunday, 12pm until 9pm Closed Monday and Tuesday
Mount Eden Village has always had good food, but recent years have seen it in need of a bit of a culinary revival. The population of the suburb is shifting, and new residents have been seeking options in the same vein as Ponsonby, K Road, Parnell or even the inner-city, where good brunch and all-day options abound for hungry locals.
Meet Lucky Strike, the new Mount Eden cafe wooing the local crowd with its perfect brews and tasty bites. The cafe began as a pipe dream for Robby Hekkers, a former barista from Grey Lynn’s beloved Crumb. After its closure earlier this year, he realised that there was a need for a good cafe and buzzing local hub in his home suburb of Mount Eden.
Inspired by his partner’s inner-city-store-come-creative-hub Monty’s, Hekkers set his sights on creating a cafe that housed more than just a good brew. He designed Lucky Strike as a place where creatives could congregate, exhibit and sell their work, use the space for inspiration, and of course, get a drink and a good bite to eat — courtesy of some tasty cabinet offerings from Daily Bread .
It’s the kind of cafe that’s effortlessly cool, where the coffee is great and everyone is welcome, and that’s the vibe the owner intends to maintain. Having handled every aspect of building the business, from the fit-out to poster design and working behind the till, Hekkers has exciting plans for the future. But for now, it’s the perfect place for those residing in Mount Eden to adopt as their new local.
With good food a core part of Denizen’s ethos (and our approach to life, really), we couldn’t be more excited by the latest deal coming out of one of the city’s premier dining precincts.
Since opening in 2020, Commercial Bay has been ahead of the game, with Harbour Eats offering an elevated take on a traditional food court experience and restaurants like Ahi providing seriously memorable dining experiences. And if you still haven’t managed to eat your way around Commercial Bay’s offering, its new, week-long meal deal is the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Launched this week, The $25 Deal will see one of Commercial Bay’s world-class eateries offering up something delicious for the mere sum of $25 every day this week. And with Gochu’s regularly sold-out milk buns, Ghost Donkey’s margaritas and Green Door’s famous pizzas included in the line-up, there’s never been a better excuse to eat your way around Commercial Bay.
Our advice? Valet parking is complimentary for those spending $50 or more in the precinct, so take a friend and revel in the joys of easy inner-city parking.
The daily $25 deals include: Monday: Burger Burger — Beef & Cheese and Beer Tuesday: Gochu — Glass of House Wine and Milk Bun Wednesday: Ghost Donkey — Any Two Tacos & Margarita Thursday: Green Door Pizza — Two slices and two Garage Project Lagers Friday: Brothers Beer Juke Joint — Sandwich, small side and house beer or wine Saturday: Hawker & Roll — Hawker Roll and Can Lah Garage Project Beer
Whether you are able to share time on the sofa, or synchronise your screens and watch these movies together while on the phone, here’s a selection of films that deliver all of the required Mother’s Day feels. It’s worth noting that Meryl Streep appears on the list three times, perhaps making her cinema’s most loved mum (although we did leave out Kramer vs Kramer). Here are the movies to watch, laugh at and cry along with, this Mother’s Day.
Mamma Mia! The charms of this interpretation of ABBA’s hit parade, with a nonsensical storyline and Pierce Brosnan’s truly woeful singing, are not immediately apparent. But the leading lady trio of Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters, along with mothers-of-a-certain-age catnip Colin Firth, does make this jukebox musical adaptation seep under your skin. By the end credits you may even shed a tear at TheWinner Takes It All (not just because of Brosnan’s singing). Watch on Netflix
The Blind Side Sandra Bullock picked up an Oscar for her star turn as the ultimate Soccer Mom, Leigh Anne Tuohy, who welcomes a black football player from a disadvantaged background into her privileged family. Bullock delivering the line “You mess with my son, you mess with me,” will kick in the most dormant maternal instincts. Watch on Apple TV
Bad Moms For those wanting a comedic release this Mother’s Day, Bad Moms is a raunchy comedy about rebelling against the image of the suburban soccer mom. Watch on Amazon Prime
The Parent Trap The epitome of a family classic, this 1998 romcom follows separated-at-birth twins Annie and Hallie on their mission to make their family whole again. Watch on Disney+
Little Women The most recent feminist reimagining of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, directed by Greta Gerwig, stars Meryl Streep as an eldery aunt along with Oscar-winner Laura Dern as the world’s most saintly mother since Mary. A knockout Florence Pugh as the beautiful Amy and Saoirse Ronan as headstrong Jo round out the girl power casting. See why this enduring story has been a crowd pleaser for 150 years. Watch on Netflix
Serial Mom Not all mothers are the red roses and Earl Grey tea type, so if yours is fond of a wicked laugh, indulge in the suspicious humour of underground film legend John Waters. Kathleen Turner delivers a delightfully grubby tour de force as happy housewife Beverly Sutphin, who unexpectedly discovers an appetite for murder and potty-mouthed prank calls. For cool mums only (if she has a collection of Josh Groban CDs, maybe skip this one). Watch on Amazon Prime
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7sJD0u7AFE
The Sound of Music If you’re part of a blended family, bypass Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon in Stepmom and go straight to the OG amazing stepmother, a perky Julie Andrews as Maria Von Trapp in this enduring musical. The chocolate box Austrian scenery, sassy nuns and a ridiculously handsome Christopher Plummer will have you holding mum’s hand by the second round of Edelweiss. Watch on Disney+
Lion
If you’re in the mood for a big old cry this Mother’s day then Lion would be our top pick. Starring Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel, this tearjerker follows an adoptive mother whose son travels around the world to find his birth family. Watch on Neon
Postcards From The Edge You’ve hit the Mother’s Day mothership with Shirley MacLaine and Meryl Streep in the one movie. In the 1990 adaptation of Carrie Fisher’s acclaimed novel (which drew from Fisher’s life growing up as the daughter of Singing In The Rain star Debbie Reynolds) Streep and MacLaine go head to head over addiction, bad relationships, worse marriages and the nightmare of moving home in your thirties. Hang in there through the sharp dialogue and sarcastic asides because there’s a fantastic feel good ending. Watch on Apple TV
20th Century Women Prepare for an oestrogen overload with Annette Bening as a free-thinking mother raising her adolescent son alongside punk artist Abbie (Greta Gerwig) and provocative neighbour (Elle Fanning). Set in Santa Barbara in 1979, the movie perfectly captures the clash between cultures and generations. It takes a village people. Watch on Apple TV
Steel Magnolias Julia Roberts makes one of her earliest screen appearances in this certified weepy set in a salon, operated by Dolly Parton no less, in the American South. Sally Field, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah round out the cast of wealthy white women sharing stories of love and incredible loss. The camp classic is packed with wonderful one liners, with Parton’s character Truvey aptly declaring that “Laughter through tears is my favourite emotion.” Watch on Apple TV
Boyhood Richard Linklater’s masterpiece focuses on a boy over a 12 year span of his early life and not surprisingly, his mother, played by Oscar-winner Patricia Arquette, is an important figure. As Olivia, Arquette is left with the bulk of the parenting duties while young Mason’s father, played by a suitably scraggly Ethan Hawke, slides in and out of their lives. Arquette’s performance is raw and will be easily recognisable to many mothers out there. Watch on Netflix
Coda In this Sundance film festival darling, Ruby (played by Emilia Jones) is the child of deaf parents (known as a CODA) who finds she has a unique talent for singing. Dealing with what it means to ‘find your voice’ while helping those who don’t have one, it’s a heartwarming film that pushes a known coming-of-age narrative to find new meaning. Watch on Apple TV+
Terms of Endearment If you’re in need of an emotional release, this 1983 tearjerker has been known to get the waterworks flowing from the most constipated of cryers. Shirley MacLaine as the overbearing mother Aurora and Debra Winger as her daughter Emma manage to capture the complicated nature of many family relationships. Keep a handkerchief close by. Watch on Apple TV
Crazy Rich Asians Rachel Chu is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. She’s also surprised to learn that Nick’s family is extremely wealthy and he’s considered one of the country’s most eligible bachelors. Thrust into the spotlight, Rachel must now contend with jealous socialites, quirky relatives and something far, far worse – Nick’s disapproving mother. Watch on Neon
Diverse, delicious and comforting noodles are something we really start craving as the weather cools down. From spicy noodle bowls to fulfilling noodle soups and everything in between, we have rounded up a list of the best to keep you satiated as we head into winter.
XO Noodles from Gochu Described by some as a Korean ‘spaghetti bolognese’ these incredibly tasty noodles are back on Gochu’s menu after a hiatus in which they were sorely missed. Returning to sighs of relief from anyone who loves this innovative Korean restaurant in Commercial Bay, the chewy noodles are served topped with flavoursome Korean pork XO, indulgent cashew cream and perfectly pickled radish.
Seafood Laksa from Selera It’s hard to beat the laksa from Selera. You don’t even need to be a noodle fanatic to appreciate the greatness of this dish — it really is that good. The soup is like a thick curry, and the egg noodles soak up all of its deliciousness while maintaining their perfectly-chewy texture. Also loaded with fish balls and plump prawns (or even pillowy prawn dumplings if you wish), it never fails to leave us feeling absolutely satiated.
Hello Beasty, Xi’An Food Bar.
Spicy SichuanNoodles from Hello Beasty One of our favourite Viaduct Harbour spots to head to for a tasty bite, Hello Beasty serves up a hearty noodle dish that is flavoursome and fulfilling. Soft egg noodles are piled into a bowl and topped with delicious crispy pork mince and a mixture of chilli, black vinegar and mustard greens before being finished with sesame seeds and roasted peanuts, which offer a much-needed crunchiness to balance out the soft textures of the rest of the dish.
Number 37 from Xi’An Food Bar A dish so iconic that the people behind the counter usually assume it’s what you’re after the moment you walk through the doors (and usually they’re right), the Number 37 is something else. Pulled pork sits atop a bed of noodles surrounded by a pool of spicy chilli sauce in what we can promise will be some of the sauciest noodles you have ever tried.
Kalppong from Kaya Serving up South Korean noodles, Kaya on Lorne St or in Albany is the place to go. Kalppong is a combination of two noodle dishes that are extremely popular in Korea — kalguksu and jjamppong. Kalguksu means knife-cut noodles, which sees each noodle in this dish carefully hand-cut to achieve a consistent size and texture. Jjamppong is renowned for its spiciness and seafood-rich flavour, and Kaya has married the two ideas for a one-of-a-kind dish.
East.
Dan Dan Noodles from East With an innovative menu that sees traditional Asian-style dishes given a modern, plant-based twist, East is a delicious vegetarian spot that delivers on flavour every time. Served with sesame, peanut, soft egg and a hint of spice, East’s Dan Dan noodles are not too heavy, not too light and perfect for refuelling on a temperamental autumnal day.
Kitsune Udon from Udon Works This Japanese udon dish is simple yet delicious and will leave you feeling wholly nourished without feeling overly parched from a lot of salt. A slightly opaque dashi broth is supplemented with thick, satisfying udon noodles, and fried tofu finished with a light sprinkling of spring onion, seaweed, and bonito flakes.
Bibim Guksu from Ockhee This delicious Korean eatery has cultivated a loyal following for its unique take on ‘Seoul food.’ Promising the perfect antidote to this increasingly chilly weather, Ockchee’s Bibim Guksu noodles offer a delicious yet simple bowl of Somyeon (wheat flour) noodles in a Gochujang based spicy sauce that will warm you up from the inside out.
Wan Dan Hor + Vermicelli from Bunga Raya Tucked away in New Lynn, this tasty Malaysian restaurant is home to one seriously delicious noodle dish. Wan Dan Hor is often found in Malaysian and Chinese restaurants, but no one does it better than Bunga Raya. There are two versions of this dish on the menu, the original or one with the addition of vermicelli, which is what we recommend. Fried vermicelli noodles offer a perfectly crispy counterbalance to the soft rice noodles, drenched in an egg gravy — a tiny tweak that makes a big difference.
Chop Chop, Tanpopo.
Twelve-hour Organic Beef Brisket Ramen from Chop Chop While it’s hardly surprising that this Ponsonby Central noodle house serves some of the tastiest noodles in town, Chop Chop’s twelve-hour organic beef brisket ramen is something else. The bowl of rye noodles is served with pieces of slow-cooked beef brisket that work to give the entire dish a rich flavour, alongside strips of bacon, shiitake mushrooms and egg before being topped with spring onion, sesame, and black garlic.
Tonkotsu Shio Tanpopo Chasu Ramen from Tanpopo When it comes to Japanese ramen, Tanpopo is a great place to start. Its signature dish is the Tonkotsu Shio Chasu ramen, which sees thin noodles drowning in a rich, salty pork broth, topped with tender slices of pork and flavoursome black garlic oil.
Rare Beef Rice Noodle Soup from Try It Out Finding a solid bowl of Vietnamese phở is not the easiest task in Auckland, but Try It Out leaves us impressed every single time. Its broth has an unbelievable depth in flavour and allows the rare beef to cook slowly underneath the surface while you slurp your way through the thin rice noodles — which surprisingly never go soft or mushy.
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