Viva 5th November 2025

SUMMER IN THE CITY

Discover Auckland's most stylish playground

Now

WELCOME

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This week’s special issue of Viva is a celebration of summer in the city created in collaboration with Commercial Bay, the shopping precinct at the heart of downtown Auckland With the Christmas party season under way and long golden days ahead we’re embracing everything that makes the summer shine: effortless fashion, fresh flavours, rooftop cocktails and after-dark adventures From art exhibitions to live gigs, designer finds to dining hotspots, consider this your guide to making the most of an Auckland summer in style Whether you’re dressing up, dining out or simply soaking in the city’s energy, we have you covered

Colour & Connection

CoolMove

This month sees the opening of a new Zambesi store in Commercial Bay Its new space embodies the iconic brand’s unmistakable design language directional, refined, and effortlessly cool and will showcase a signature edit of local and international names including Acne Studios, MM6, Rick Owens, Maison Margiela and Serge Thoraval To celebrate, founder Elisabeth Findlay has created an exclusive summer bag in Zambesi’s signature fabric, gifted to the first 50 shoppers, each with a surprise inside

A long-standing champion of women in arts, beauty department store Mecca is celebrating 10 years of spotlighting local artists with its Holiday Artist Series, developed in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria Over the course of a decade, the programme has blossomed into a fusion of beauty, creativity and cultural storytelling For its milestone year Mecca has collaborated with Australian painter and sculptor Karen Black, renowned for her bold, evocative depictions of women’s stories, examining the joy, power and complexity of their experiences through colour and movement As part of Mecca’s Beauty All Around holiday 2025 campaign, Black’s expressive brushstrokes are everywhere from instore installations through to limited-edition wrapping paper or bespoke packaging dressing up the brand’s bestsellers No stranger to the Mecca family, Black first captured the attention of Mecca art curator Charlotte Day back in 2022 Today, her artwork can be discovered in Mecca stores across Australia, including in the new Bourke St store’s Aesthetica Lounge As such, Mecca has funded the acquisition of her artwork, Glider (2024) for the NGV’s permanent collection Discover the campaign in-store at Mecca boutiques nationwide, including Commercial Bay, or online at Mecca com

HELLO, SANTA

It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas Now that you can no longer take the children to Smith & Caughey’s Santa grotto (RIP), head to Commercial Bay’s chic Santa’s Studio at One Queen Courtyard for a styled photo session Visit Candy Cane Lane at Harbour Eats every weekend for face painting, scavenger hunts, and festive crafts, while in the evening, Deck the Halls brings live music to the laneways every Thursday (in December) and Saturday, adding sparkle to late-night shopping Post a letter at the Magic Mailboxes for a chance to win a $1000 voucher or share your Christmas snap with #ChristmasBay to enter Plus, on Sunday November 22, Auckland’s giant Christmas tree, Te Manaaki, lights up Te Komititanga Square with music from Drax Project, the Auckland Youth Choir with host Sharyn Casey For more details, visit CommercialBay co nz

What’s On PUTITINYOURDIARY

Get ready for a hot summer in the city with this line-up of unmissable events bringing music, art, sport and culture to Tamaki Makaurau.

TWO ANOTHER

Australian-born, Europe-based duo Two Another bring their smooth blend of electronic, alt-R&B and soul to the Tuning Fork Known for lush vocals and grooveheavy production, Eliot and Angus have earned millions of streams and global fans with hits like Just a Phase and Back To Us Expect an intimate, high-energy live show Dec 6, The Tuning Fork Tuningfork co nz

ASB CLASSIC 2026

The tournament returns in January 2026 with both the WTA and ATP 250 tours, featuring global stars including Naomi Osaka, New Zealand’s own Lulu Sun, and many more top and rising players soon to be announced Off court, expect the vibrant terraces, shaded lounges, and toptier food and drink that make this event as much about style and summer vibes as it is about sport Jan 5-17, Manuka Doctor Arena Asbclassic co nz

DAVID BYRNE LIVE

Must-see events in Auckland this summer include concerts by David Byrne (left) and Two Another (top right), while the Auckland Art Gallery’s major exhibition, Pop to Present, includes Gullscape by Roy Lichtenstein (1964, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Gift of Sydney and Frances Lewis, 85 418 © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein/ Copyright Agency, 2025)

The endlessly inventive David Byrne is a musician, artist, filmmaker and former Talking Heads frontman He returns to Auckland this summer with his new album Who Is The Sky?, playing Spark Arena on January 14 Byrne’s visionary live show features a 13-piece ensemble of singers, dancers and musicians Expect a mesmerising mix of rhythm, theatre and visual art from one of music’s most original thinkers his first New Zealand show since 2018’s American Utopia tour Jan 14, Spark Arena Ticketmaster co nz

POP TO PRESENT

Auckland Art Gallery’s next major exhibition launches this month From Jackson Pollock’s iconic drip paintings to Andy Warhol’s pop visions, Pop to Present brings a dazzling sweep of postwar

American art to Auckland This landmark exhibition from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts features 52 works by artists including Rothko, Lichtenstein, Helen Frankenthaler and Kiki Smith, exploring abstraction, identity and the power of image-making With nearly 30 works by women and artists of colour, the show offers a rich, inclusive view of modern America’s creative pulse A must-see summer cultural event presented in association with Auckland Arts Festival 2026 Nov 8 until Mar 15, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Aucklandartgallery com

SAIL GP

Following last summer’s record-breaking debut, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix is back to our shores The purposebuilt Wynyard Point Race Stadium will expand its grandstand by 30%, welcoming over 10,000 fans a day to witness the world’s best sailors go head-to-head at speeds topping 100 km/h The racing, featuring local talent Blair Tuke and Peter

Burling, brings a festival atmosphere to Auckland’s waterfront that signals summer in the city Feb 14-15, Waitemata Harbour Tickets sailgp com

LANEWAY

Lather on sunscreen and stay hydrated because Laneway Festival returns to Auckland’s Western Springs with a massive 2026 lineup Headliner Chapelle Roan joins global indie icons Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, PinkPantheress, Lucy Dacus and Yung Lean & Bladee, as well as local stars Benee, Lontalius, and Mokotron for one unforgettable summer day Feb 5, Western Springs Lanewayfestival com

WAIORA TE UKAIPO

Marking 30 years since its premiere, Waiora Te Ukaipo The Homeland returns as a landmark work of Aotearoa theatre Written and directed by awardwinning playwright Hone Kouka (Ngati Porou, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Kahungunu), the play follows Hone and his whanau as they move from the East

Cape to the South Island in 1965, searching for a better life Presented by Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, Auckland Theatre Company, Tawata Productions and Te Ahurei Toi o Tamaki Auckland Arts Festival Mar 6-22, ASB Waterfront Theatre Atc co nz

THE OTHERS WAY FESTIVAL

Get ready, Karangahape Rd is shutting down for The Others Way Festival on November 29 For the first time, the festival will take over the whole block between Pitt St and Queen St with the main stage near the rainbow crossing The lineup is impressive, with Connan Mockasin, Florist, Toody Cole & Her Band, Karen Nyame KG, Georgia Knight, Ma, Jackaltheblackal, Jim Nothing, Pearly and the collaborative duo Caru and Brandn Shiraz joining headliners Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory, High Dependency Unit, The Phoenix Foundation (playing Pegasus) and more Nov 29, Karangahape Rd, Theothersway co nz

OUT ON THE TOWN

The beating heart of Auckland’s seafront, Commercial Bay is a fashion-lover’s mecca

CITY CHIC

From a bright, short sleeved T-shirt to ankle socks, pops of colour bring a playful energy to this fun button shift dress

Wynn Hamlyn ‘Pansy’ mini button dress, $1400

Camilla and Marc ‘Marjorie’ tee, $265, from Superette

H&M red shoes, $45, socks $20 for pack of 3, earrings $28, and fan, $20

IN BLOOM

Make a statement in a bold oversized coat and matching skirt teamed with a clashing bag for a burst of colour

Zambesi ‘Civilian’ coat, $1400 (made to order), and ‘Mod’ skirt, $750.

Superette ‘Bowery’ mesh top, $139

Kate Spade floral earrings, $249, and Spade bucket bag, $709

Silk and Steel ‘Allure’ necklace, $199, and ‘Dotty’ necklace, $159

RED HOT

Lunch on the run? Opt for daytime decadence in bright red silk and sparkling drop earrings

Sylvester ‘Coco’ shirt, $299

H&M diamanté earrings, $33.

Kate Spade ‘Grace’ mini east west bag $539, ‘On a Roll’ taxi charm, $149, and ‘Key to my Heart’ charm $209

Jasmin Sparrow ‘Serene’ ring, $300

SIMPLE ELEGANCE

Delicate knitwear isn’t just for day Add a belt or luxe accessories and voila! A chic evening look

Elle and Riley fine cashmere longline T-shirt, $490, and skirt, $490.

H&M rosette belt, $28.

Coach ‘Halo’ mini bucket bag, $709

Jasmin Sparrow ‘Frondis’ hoops, $450

PARTY PIECES

Look for lush and luxurious fabrics to elevate simple shapes; gold and black lace transforms this dress, while a butter soft leather jacket adds a sophisticated edge

Coach snap-front shrunken jacket, $1195, and ‘Empire 34’ bag, $880

Zambesi ‘Siren’ gold leaf dress $700

Jasmin Sparrow ‘Flow’ earrings, $800, and ‘Curve’ rings, $300 each

Left: Nothing says luxury more than a knit that elegantly skims the body

Aje ‘Breeze’ knit midi dress, $669, ‘Celeste’ flower clutch, $490, and ‘Isadore’ low heel, $340

Stockists: AjeWorld.co nz, NZ CamillaAndMarc.com Elleandriley com HM com

JasminSparrow com, JulietteHogan com, NZ Coach Com, OneOfOthers com, Superette co nz, SylvesterPG com, WynnHamlyn com, ZambesiStore com

Photographer: Babiche Martens

Stylist: Tori Ambler

Hair & make-up artist: Carolyn Haslett

Model: Ruby Honore from 62 Management

Photographer’s assistant: Isobella Turenhout

Location: Commercial Bay 7 Queen St Central Auckland CommercialBay co nz

Beauty AllNightLong

Party season makeup doesn’t always equate to sparkly eyeshadow. Here’s Ashleigh Cometti’s definitive guide to celebration looks that throw out the rulebook.

Makeup is one of the simplest ways to embrace the splendour of party season, with a handful of looks synonymous with this time of year

The best party season makeup should last through the night (and get better with wear)

Keep the sparkle in (and on) your eyes from dusk till dawn with beauty picks available from Commercial Bay

Take your look up a notch this season with a variety of showstopping party beauty essentials think bold, beautiful eyeshadow palettes from Mecca, high-shine lip glosses from Dior Beauty, playful pops of colour from Life Pharmacy and glowgiving tanning serums from Superette

ACE YOUR BASE

The saying goes that your makeup is only as good as your skin underneath, so the proper prep steps will put you in good stead to ace your base Start by gently exfoliating skin using Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, $74, before applying a light layer of Aotea Manuka Day Cream, $60, to lock in hydration and create a hydrated base for foundation to follow Once your skincare has been absorbed (very important if you want to avoid product pilling or shifting all over your face) use a light layer of Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer, $107, over the T-zone to even out skin texture and boost makeup longevity

for something a little less obvious For a flip on a dark party eye look, consider pale eyeshadow hues that feel both fresh and celebratory A wash of pale blue eyeshadow (a la Cameron Diaz) remains a 90s hallmark, but don’t overlook other colour families like pastel pink, green or purple Try one of the lighter hues in the Mecca Max Live In The Moment 12-Shade Eyeshadow Palette, $39, or the Morphe Sky-Fi Eyeshadow Palette, $29

To enhance the appearance of eyelashes, curl them using the MCo Beauty Eyelash Curler, $16, before adding a lick of Dior Diorshow Overvolume 24-Hour Extreme Volume Mascara, $82

Application Tip: Allow the warmth of your fingertips to blend cream-based eyeshadows to melt seamlessly into eyelids Start with a light wash of colour all over your lid for good coverage, then build up product by lightly pressing into skin until you achieve the desired colour pay-off

Application Tip: Fake a sun-kissed complexion with an even layer of Basekin Tan + Hydrate Face Serum, $75 It couples hydrating ingredients like vitamins C and E, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid with 100% natural DHA for a natural-looking tan

LAY A GOOD FOUNDATION

COLOUR ME PRETTY

A no-holds-barred approach to party beauty means leaving precise application at the door A splash of colour across eyelids, cheeks and lips doesn’t need to be ultra-defined, as blotted and blurred textures tend to wear more naturally as the night charges on Smudged coloured eyeliner like the Revlon Colorstay Multi-Player Liquid Glide Eyeliner in the shade Queen Of Hearts, $30, makes for a fun twist when used for winged liner, or try a blurring a sunset blush shade like Mecca Cosmetica’s Hydra Cheek Tint Duo in Rose, $50, high on to cheekbones and up towards temples

Radiance, revealed

Makeup artist Carolyn Haslett

Achieving a flawless, long-lasting base (sans caking) is no easy feat, but working with light layers and setting with power only where necessary will help After you’ve prepped skin, decant a little of the new YSL All Hours Foundation, $116 (pictures), on to the back of your hand before working the product into a foundation brush The unique waterproof and transfer-resistant formula promises long-lasting, comfortable wear without heaviness It helps control oil, too, meaning it’s great to smooth on before dancing the night away Next, conceal any imperfections with the YSL Touche E ´ clat Radiant Touch Highlighter Pen, $88, only where needed, and set with the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $84

Application Tip: For an even finish, start in the middle of your face and spread product outward using your preferred foundation brush or sponge

THE EYES HAVE IT

A smoked-out eyeshadow will always feel appropriate for a sparkling nighttime soiree, but why not take inspiration from 90s beauty muses

Application Tip: Use a blending brush to smudge eyeliner along your waterline, layering more product until you reach your desired impact Love the wet look? Press a balm highlighter on eyelids and finish with a lick of mascara The same approach works for a blurred lip; work with a pencil-shaped brush to fluff the edges of your lipstick for a fuller, lived-in effect

LIP LOCKED

Prepare to dazzle with a high-impact lip look that leaves classic red for dead Instead, try a frosted lip look by reaching for a satin finish lipstick and add a daub of shimmering pigment to the centre of your top and bottom lip It’s an easy way of faking a fuller pout and adding some dimension without overlining lips (which often requires regular top ups when sipping champagne all night)

Application Tip: Prep lips using a hydrating balm like the Dior Rouge Dior Balm, $80, before smoothing on a layer of M A C Macximal Sleek Satin Lipstick in the shade Blankety, $46

Finish by lightly pressing Half Magic Glitterpuck Multi-Use Pressed Fairy Dust, $58, into the centre to capture the light

shares her tips on how to recreate our glowing, summer-ready cover look from home

“After I finished my skin prep steps, I went in with M A C Strobe Cream, $82, mixed with M A C Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation, $79, for a thin veil of coverage Ruby has beautiful skin and I didn’t want to suffocate it with foundation For a pop of colour, I dusted on M A C Mineralize Blush, $67, working with a pink tone and a mid-brown for depth and dimension Next, I reached for the Mineralize Skinfinish Powder $86, in a deeper shade to use like a bronzer

“For eyes, I groomed Ruby’s brows with a spoolie and used a fluffy eyeshadow brush to add a wash of chocolate brown eyeshadow To give her a lived-in, uncontrived look, I worked quite a lot of kohl pencil along the upper lash line A slick of L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara, $39, was the perfect finishing touch

“Charlotte Tilbury does a lovely nude lip pencil (Lip Cheat, $52) it has a great consistency which I used around the perimeter of Ruby’s lips I overlaid this with a lick of Maybelline Lifter Lip Gloss, $27, for extra plump juiciness ”

1 Sylvester bag $129 (coming soon)

2.

3. St Agni

$749, from Superette

4. Nudie belt $230

5. Bailey Nelson sunglasses $299

6. Juliette Hogan hat $199 (coming soon)

7 Timberland sandals, $250, from Pat Menzies

8. I Love Ugly hat $59

Add coolour, texture and contrastto summer ensemmbleswith theselight and breezyaccessories

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ALITTLEEXTRA

9 Status Anxiety wallet, $79 95, from Flo & Frankie

Stockists: Wynnhamlyn.com; Juliettehogan.com; Baileynelson.co.nz; Floandfrankie.com; Patmenziesshoes.co.nz; Superette.co.nz; Iloveugly.co.nz; Nudiejeans.co.nz; Sylvesterpg.co Stylist: Madeleine Crutchley

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The Dish

ALL IN GOOD TASTE

Viva talks to Commercial Bay’s drink about cookin summ

Five Questions

Advieh executive chef Gareth Stewart talks spring ingredients, his favourite dish on the menu, and where he eats when he’s not in the kitchen

What’s your favourite dish on Advieh’s menu right now?

Some dishes have been on the menu since day one, and I remember the development of them with chef Sercan Kondek before we had a kitchen to prepare them in I am very fond of our whole dry-aged duck There is so much care and consideration every step of the process, including the carving of the breasts at the table It gives us a great opportunity to interact with our guests and explain the process of stuffing, blanching, hanging, aging, and then the final cookery of the tagine and the breasts cooked to order on the bone

What ingredient are you most excited about this season?

Tomatoes, peas, corn, and all the fresh kai moana that we receive from Tora Bay They are so passionate about sustainability that the fish is ordered and they go and fish for it We have been getting kina and paua in the past and both are so fresh!

Is there a dish or flavour that sums up spring at Advieh?

I am looking forward to welcoming back zucchini flowers We will be frying them in a light batter and serving them with our taramasalata and Aleppo pepper A beautiful umami-driven dish with great texture And it is delicious!

Where do you go in Commercial Bay when you’re not cooking?

When I can, I eat as many dumplings as possible any day of the week Eden Noodles is a little too convenient as it is literally upstairs, and within minutes I can get a large portion of extra hot pork and cabbage dumplings in spicy sauce Reign and Pour is perfect for a couple of beers to catch up with mates and debrief on the day

What’s one under-rated cooking tip we should steal from your kitchen?

When cooking meat, chicken, or fish, always use a thermometer It takes the guesswork out of the situation and you get the result that you’re after Whether you are after perfectly cooked chicken breast, chicken leg, a beautiful piece of opaque fish, or a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak – all those temperatures are available online Read up and pop out and buy a probe thermometer Digital is best

DREAMIN’

This signature Japanese negroni (right) created by JC, beverage director at vinyl and cocktail lounge Kemuri Hi-Fi, is an elegant twist on the negroni inspired by dreams of sipping cocktails in Tokyo bars months after his last visit It’s best paired with, and named after, the song Dreamin by Common and Pete Rock Served in an antique Japanese miso bowl over hand-chipped ice, it’s a cocktail that bridges place, memory and music

To make:

300ml gin; 300ml Martini Bitter Aperitivo; 250ml house vermouth

blend; 100ml shiso shochu; 5g jasmine flowers; 3g matcha stems; orange zest to garnish Method

1. Combine the gin, aperitivo, vermouth and shochu in a large container

2 Add jasmine flowers and matcha stems, then infuse for 12 hours

3 Strain, bottle and chill

4. To serve, stir 95ml of the mixture over a hand-chipped ice block in an antique miso bowl (or rocks glass)

5 Garnish with a umeshu-soaked hawthorn berry or a twist of orange zest Elegant, aromatic and quietly nostalgic this is a negroni worth dreaming about

IN SEASON

It’s whitebait season that short but eagerly awaited spring window from August to November, and Queen’s Rooftop is celebrating with a uniquely Kiwi creation: the Whitebait Toasty (above) Executive chef Maia Atvars known for his inventive seafood dishes gives this seasonal delicacy a playful twist, serving hand-fished Fiordland whitebait on a warm muffin with melted cheese, lettuce and mayo It’s a clever reimagining of a New Zealand classic, best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand and skyline views from Queen’s sunny rooftop terrace

ONE SPRING DISH

Ahi’s executive chef Mikhail Shatura’s “White Asparagus” dish was inspired by the seasonal produce from Ahi’s garden and its partnerships with local growers and suppliers Find it on the menu at Ahi for a limited time

“White asparagus is such a special ingredient,” says Shatura “Ours comes from Bill Cummings, near Cambridge His familyrun operation has been growing white asparagus since 2001 and has supplied Ahi since we first opened You can see more about Bill and his work in A New Zealand Food Story, Season 3, Episode 3

“This year, we’re pairing the asparagus with a broad bean mayo using fresh broad bean leaves from the Ahi garden in Patumahoe It tastes as if you’re walking through the bean rows on a spring morning We also feature beef tongue from Matangi Beef, high-quality cuts often overlooked but full of flavour In keeping with Ahi’s philosophy of minimal to zero waste, we’ve created a sourdough sauce from surplus Kawakawa sour-dough

Every element of the dish celebrates resourceful-ness, seasonality, and the best of what Aotearoa has to offer ”

first International guest DJ He travelled from Japan and instantly won us over with this song

4 PLAYED ME RUBI DU

Jewel in the Crown

From Kiwi brand Rodd & Gunn, The Lodge Bar & Dining is set to open its second Australian restaurant in November, following its 2022 debut in Brisbane Located at 280 Little Collins St, Melbourne, the new venue is the jewel in the crown of a new four-storey flagship that includes retail, a wine cellar and a member’s club (it’s also home to Mecca’s flash new flagship) It’s an evolution of Rodd & Gunn’s hospitality-meets-retail concept first established in Commercial Bay in Auckland and Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu Opening in stages, The Lodge Cellar & Caffetteria is a subterranean space dedicated to New Zealand wine and Italian-inspired dishes, which is now welcoming diners The Lodge Dining Room is being overseen by head chef James Evangelinos, who has worked closely with Auckland-based executive chef Matt Lambert His menu brings a bold Kiwi perspective to Melbourne’s produce-led ethos, showcasing the best of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients The wines are curated by New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier, Cameron Douglas, highlighting top New Zealand vineyards alongside standout Australian and international labels Find it at 280 Little Collins St, Melbourne, Australia

Wine of the Month Queens Wineshop manager John Robertson, the hospitality veteran with a resume spanning London, Melbourne and the muchloved Blackhearts & Sparrows handpicks a bottle worth celebrating this spring Brood Fermentation Nuka Rose 2023 ($38) is a blend of carbonic pinot noir and blush pinot gris “This wine offers confectionery and red fruit aromas on the nose, with rose-like tropical fruits and spices on the palate It drinks like a Tavel Rose deep long, savoury, and fruit-

forward all at once If you’re unsure what you’re in the mood for, this one hits all the right notes,” says John Find it at Queens Wineshop at 1 Queen St, and look out for their online store launching this November

3 GOOD THINGS

1 Huski Champagne bottle cooler, $109, from Flo & Frankie Floandfrankie com

2 Everything Nice Butter Dish by Areaware, $134, from Superette Superette co nz

3 Honest Chocolate advent calendar $92

Honestchocolat com

FATIMAS COOKBOOK

For three decades, Fatimas has been a fixture of Auckland’s food scene, serving up Middle Easterninspired shawarmas, pitas and salads that diners return to again and again And the koftas with aioli? A cult hit Now, co-founder Kirsty Senior and Sophie Gilmour share the colour, spirit and soul of their kitchens in FATIMAS, a vibrant new

cookbook packed with over 100 recipes, from brunchy dishes and zesty salads to slowcooked meats and irresistible sauces

Beautifully photographed by Vanessa Wu, it’s both a celebration of 30 years of flavour and a love letter to cooking with heart, texture and generosity

RRP $60, published by Bateman Books

SUMMER PLAYLIST

Vinyl bar Kemuri Hi-Fi is known for its great DJ sets Music director Vee has created a playlist to suit a summer filled with “fish and chips on the beach, barbecues, cold beers, delicious cocktails and quality music with friends and whanau”

1. HOPE FAT FREDDY’S DROP

Nothing says summer in Aotearoa like Fat Freddy’s Drop HOPE will forever be a classic wherever you are in the country and relaxing with summer vibes

2. DREAMIN’ - COMMON and PETE ROCK

The name of one of favourite Kemuri Hi-Fi classic cocktails both this song and signature cocktail have us dreaming of summer

3 LOVE IS WAITINGGROOVEMAN SPOT

Grooveman Spot was our very

One of Aotearoa’s finest MCs and singers

Chilled laid back reggae vibes with one of the most soulful voices the country has to offer

5 MIDNIGHT IN A PERFECT WORLD - DJ SHADOW

A absolute classic, ideal for sundowner vibes with a chilled cocktail Warm summer night air and great company ready to continue into the evening

DINE BY THE CLOCK:

Whether you’ve got five minutes or 30, Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats has a bite to match your schedule

5 minutes Keep it sweet and simple with an acai bowl or a hand-whisked iced matcha from Mokki

10 minutes Order a quick plate of freshly shucked oysters from BillyPot, best enjoyed with a glass of bubbles and a view of the harbour

15 minutes Try Loco Bro’s Taqueria, which specialises in Mexican street food like beef birria tacos, chilaques and churros

20 minutes Keep it fresh with a colourful poke bowl from Poke House, or on-the-go Oji sushi for something light and quick

30 minutes Craving comfort? Sit down with a bowl of spicy noodles from Daruma Ramen or a plant-based burger and fries from Wise Boys

SAVOUR THE WORLD

Angela Casley recreates

SLOW-COOKED PORK BROTH BOWL Serves 4

You

1

Method

1

5.

6.

7

STICKY BBQ CHICKEN BAO BUNS Makes 12

To keep this quick and simple, buy the buns frozen from the supermarket These are perfect for a quick snack or pre-dinner nibble

Get creative with your fillings by adding coleslaw shredded lettuce or pickled red onions if you like

6 chicken thighs, cut into thirds

2 Tbsp hoisin sauce

2 Tbsp brown sugar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp salt

1 2 cup chopped coriander

1 carrot shredded

1 4 cucumber, peeled

12 store-bought bao buns

Hoisin sauce and Jap mayonnaise to drizzle Coriander leaves and chopped peanuts to garnish

Method

1 Place the chicken in a bowl Add the hoisin, sugar, soy, sesame oil, and salt, then stir well

Let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight

2 Preheat the barbecue to medium heat

Drain the juice from the chicken Cook on the grill until golden and thoroughly cooked

3 Warm the buns according to the packet instructions

4 Fill with chicken, carrot, and cucumber, then drizzle with hoisin sauce and mayo

5 Garnish with coriander and chopped peanuts

BBQ BEEF LOADED FRIES Serves 6

6 large Agria potatoes, with skins on

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt 400g beef sirloin

1⁄2 cup chopped parsley

1⁄4 cup barbecue or spicy tamarind sauce

Cheese sauce 25g butter 25g flour

11⁄2 cups milk

1 cup tasty cheese

Method

1 Preheat the oven to 200C

2 Slice the potatoes into chips and lay them out on a large oven tray Drizzle with oil Bake for 45 minutes until golden and crispy season with salt

3 To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a pot Add the flour stirring for 2 minutes to cook gently Slowly pour in the milk, stirring until the sauce is smooth Remove from the heat and stir through the cheese

4 Preheat a barbecue grill to high heat Cook the steak for 3 or 4 minutes on each side Season with salt and pepper Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing

5 Place the chips in a serving dish Top with cheese and barbecue sauces, then add the thinly sliced steak Finish with a sprinkle of parsley

FOR MORE RECIPES SEE VIVA CO NZ