Cityscape Issue 04 December 2017

YOUR MONTHLY FIX

CHRISTCHURCH CURATED CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY The Sol3 Mio lads get their yuletide on with some p-opera in the Park

CROWNING JEWELS

DEC 2017

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Filigree Fine Jewels’ Vanessa Stowers on creating bespoke jewellery to die for

‘TIS THE SEASON Rock Christmas right with Cityscape’s guide to the festive season

CITYSCAPE MONTHLY December 2017 Issue 04

CONTENTS

December 2017 In this issue

CEO/Director Andrea Rickerby Editor Isaac Wilson Sub Editor Ben Allan Creative Tristan Brehaut Account Manager Derek Thorp Ollie McKenna Accounts Administrator Claire Ross NEED TO GET IN TOUCH? Editorial and Advertising Enquiries: 03 366 3340 info@somocreative.co.nz www.cityscape.co.nz

PUBLISHED BY

SOMO Creative Ltd PO Box 13 717 Christchurch Cityscape is a division of SOMO Creative Ltd. Cityscape is subject to copyright in its entirety. Opinions expressed in Cityscape are not necessarily those of Cityscape. Editorial contributions welcome.

No responsibility taken for unsolicited submissions.

Prizewinners will be notified by phone and email. If Cityscape is unable to contact the winner within 14 days, Cityscape reserves the right to draw another winner. Cityscape reserves the right to use image/ name of competition entrants for publicity purposes.

International Standard Serial Number ISSN 2537-933X print, ISSN 2537-9348 online

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The festive season is upon us as we launch into another awesome Christchurch summer! We’ve got all the info you need for a fantastic silly season.

ON THE COVER

SOL3 MIO homegrown p-opera sensation Sol3 Mio (tenor brothers Pene and Amitai Pati and baritone cousin Moses Mackay) bring Christmas to the city once again – see page 14.

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04 NEWSFEED Tip-offs, trends and more.

07 WALKING THE LINE Stan Walker on The Stolen.

10 CULTURE CALENDAR December’s highlights.

17 FINE JEWELS Filigree Fine Jewels’ Vanessa Stowers.

20 STYLE FILES What’s hot this month.

21 PURE BLISS Forme’s Hady Wenham.

22 ‘TIS THE SEASON Go big on Christmas in the city.

26 OH HELLO Hello Sunday’s Chris Penny.

28 ROGUE TRADER Cider maker Paul Donaldson.

30 CUTTING SHAPES Shapeshifter’s Nick Robinson.

32 ENTERTAIN ME Films, music and books.

34 FOOD & DRINK Eating and drinking in the city.

38 THE LAST WORD Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas.

Newsfeed

NEW

TIP-OFFS, TRENDS & MORE

COLLECTED COOL

Image: xxx

Gift buying just got a whole lot easier with the opening of the Ballantynes Contemporary Lounge’s Contemporary Gifting area. Filled with a carefully-curated selection of must-haves, this awesome new space has something for everyone, from toys and novelties through to designer pieces from Montblanc, An Organised Life, Bang & Olufsen, and more. ballantynes.co.nz

Wanderful

SUMMERTIMES

The Livin’ is Easy

Christchurch’s awesome SummerTimes programme is back for another big season of fun this summer (how could it not be?!). As always, the schedule is set to stuff the warmer months full of amazing events and activities to help you make the most of a Canterbury summer, with something for all tastes and ages, and much of it is free! Events include live lunchtime music with City Sounds, the ever popular Lazy Sundays, Street Prints Ōtautahi, Kite Day, and Anthony Harper Summer Theatre, to name but a few! ccc.govt.nz/summertimes

Bringing Zen, cool vibes and unity to Sumner’s St Leonard’s Park, Wanderlust 108 Christchurch (Dec 2) gives the city its first taste of their famed ‘mindful triathlon’. The event combines a 5k-your-way run/walk/ skip with 75 minutes of DJ-powered yoga (led by international yoga rockstar Josh Blau) and group meditation, followed by your pick of classes (think aerial yoga, hooping and music workshop, among others). You can also enjoy the Mindful Market, complete with True North Café and Kombucha Garden. wanderlust.com

Making Tracks Good news for mountain bike enthusiasts, walkers and zip line fans with the news that the Christchurch Adventure Park is re-opening on December 5. christchurchadventurepark.com 04

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Disco Inferno

With what is still one of the biggest-selling soundtracks of all time (pipped for first by The Bodyguard), 1977 musical drama Saturday Night Fever launched one John Travolta into stardom and catapulted The Bee Gees into the stratosphere, almost single-handedly extending the popularity of disco and racking up awards nominations along the way (and also doing a lot for giant lapels). It’s slightly surprising then that it took until 1998 to produce a stage musical version; since then though, the musical has had runs on Broadway and the West End and toured the world. Now a new touring Kiwi production coincides with the 40th anniversary of the film’s release. The coming-of-age story follows Tony Manero as he yearns for a better life in 1970s Brooklyn, a paint store clerk by day and the polyesterclad king of the local discotheque by night. If sweet dance moves and a bit of ‘Jive Talkin’ are your thing (and aren’t they everyone’s?), don’t miss it! Saturday Night Fever, Horncastle Arena, Dec 7, ticketek.co.nz

YULE LIKE IT

The CSO’s popular annual A Festive Christmas concert features all the appropriate seasonal hits to get you into the right sort of celebratory mood for the holidays. Round-the-piano family faves like ‘Carol of the Bells’, ‘O Holy Night’, and ‘Joy to the World’ are given the full orchestral treatment under the baton of Tom Rainey in this Christmassy countdown that also trots out the festive trimmings to ensure things are appropriately merry. Cracker. Isaac Theatre Royal, Dec 20, cso.co.nz

FREE PARKING! Normally a concept confined sadly to the Monopoly board, free parking is a real-world-treat this summer (yuss!) thanks to the CCC, who are offering the first hour free at any of their 6 central city carparking buildings. “But what about Wilson?!”, said no-one ever.

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Image: Chris Boyd

Expect to see some seriously cool revamps going down at Armstrong Prestige, with the news that the Christchurch dealership has been given the green light to be one of just two AMG Performance Centres in the country. Due to be finished mid next year, the exclusive addition will coincide with the dealership’s slick new makeover and showcase the badge’s high performance arm, featuring cutting-edge architectural design along with the latest AMG models and branded merchandise, while creating a stunning new space for events. Armstrong Prestige, 6 Detroit Place, mbchristchurch.co.nz

Outlook For Thursday Sydenham’s celebrated First

Thursdays event returns on (surprise) the first Thursday of December for another big evening celebrating art, creativity and community. The event serves up a street party vibe, with art galleries and shops at The Colombo and throughout Sydenham open late and pop-up exhibitions from local and national artists springing into existence. At Pennylane Records Kiwi rock icon Jordan Luck will be singing up a storm, while artist Margaret Lewis will be creating a new work especially for Sydenham. The First Thursdays Night Market collects a tempting array of locally-made crafts, with a soundtrack of more live music and your favourite taste sensations from The Colombo food hall on hand to fuel you up with tasty eats. Dec 7, firstthursdayschch.co.nz

HERITAGE WIN Props to the team at the Arts Centre on collecting an Award of Merit in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation for their post-earthquake restoration of the Great Hall and Clock Tower. It’s awesome watching this iconic and beloved space returning to glory – we reckon jury chair Duong Bich Hanh said it best: “The restoration … celebrates a memorable step towards the city’s recovery following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.”

PIZZA PERFECTION A Christchurch legend with a 39-year history, Spagalimis is simply the city’s favourite go-to pizza place. Their much-loved Victoria Street restaurant was knocked out of action after 20 years by the quakes, but the local fave is back where they belong in the CBD, having moved into historic Ironside House to create another iconic venue. With three dining rooms and a separate bar, a deck and an outdoor area, it’s the perfect place to relax over one of their – count ‘em – 39 different pizza varieties and of course, a bowl of the virtually compulsory Spag’s chips. 32 Salisbury Street (Montreal Street corner), spagalimis.co.nz

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A Week Of It New Zealand’s longest running comedy TV show 7 Days shows no signs of slowing – in fact it’s so popular that it keeps bursting off the screen and onto the stage. Expect a raucous live take from Jeremy, Dai, Paul and the gang. Horncastle Arena, Dec 9, ticketek.co.nz

HITTING THE MARQUE

CHECK IT OUT

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WALKING THE LINE Cityscape caught up with one of the country’s hardest working slashies – musician/television personality/actor Stan Walker, who’s currently starring in locally-filmed flick The Stolen as Māori warrior Matai – about life on set and his new version of ‘Find You’.

What I’m …

LISTENING TO Kaiit is a new artist I just discovered, a Melbourne based soulstress... she’s amazing!

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE STOLEN’S SCRIPT? That it was a period film, my character, Matai, and all the physical things he had to do and how much of a challenge it would be for me.

YOU PLAY A MĀORI WARRIOR/GUIDE. WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOUR PERFORMANCE? I’m not sure. I just kind of felt it and tried to do my best at being at being Māori, but at that time.

WHAT SORT OF TRAINING DID YOU HAVE TO DO FOR THE ROLE? I had to learn Karakia and Māori movement, which was challenging; especially having to learn how to fight using Māori weaponry and how they used them back in the day.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ON-SCREEN TA MOKO. I had to show them what to do, ‘cos what they had was not Māori at all! Only a day before filming we got it right – I based it off one of my ancestors who was a chief, Taiaho Hori Ngatai.

WHAT WAS YOUR HARDEST DAY ON SET? Working in the cold water that came from the snowy mountains.

YOU’VE RE-RECORDED THE APPROPRIATELY TITLED ‘FIND YOU’ FOR THE MOVIE; HOW DID YOU APPROACH THIS? I wanted something more bare-minimum and raw, but beautiful and strong – stripped back.

WHO WAS YOUR FAVOURITE CO-STAR AND WHY? I think it would have to be my horse – LOL! Best company and a lot of fun.

WHAT DID YOU GET UP TO WHILE YOU WERE FILMING IN CHRISTCHURCH? We went paintballing and just ate at some good pubs, and visited Hanmer Springs a bit.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE ON-SET EXPERIENCE. Riding in the open country on the horses and carriages in the midst of creation.

WEARING Adidas tracksuit.

DID YOU GET ANY SOUVENIRS FROM THE SET? No, but I should have!

WIN See page 32 for more on The Stolen and your chance to win tix to the movie.

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DRINKING Vodka soda.

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WATCHING Dragon Ball Super.

plenty of bold, robust and gutsy flavours.

Dishes are regularly in rotation to make the most of seasonal produce; you might opt for the Baked Akaroa Salmon, mustard and herb crust, sautéed baby spinach, vine ripened tomato, paysanne potatoes, caper and pine nut salsa, or Tai Tapu Venison tender loin, parsnip rosti, white bean puree, spring veg and Madeira jus before finishing with a Dark Chocolate Torte and vanilla cream terrine, currant coulis and raspberry ice cream – or Pear Tarte Tatin with Earl Grey tea ice cream. Hungry yet?

Contemplating the Twenty Seven Steps menu tends to do that to people, but the (outstanding) fare isn’t just the be-all and end-all of the experience. Excellent, friendly service is another hallmark, and downstairs, the new and aptly-named Tiny Bar may be small but nonetheless packs a powerful punch, showcasing boutique local wines with regular winery bar takeovers. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet evening drink al fresco either ahead of your meal, or just because! twentysevensteps.co.nz PROFILE

TWENTY SEVEN STEPS Taking very little time to establish themselves as one of the city’s – and the country’s – leading dining establishments, Twenty Seven Steps relies on a simple formula of doing the basics so very, very right. It’s an approach that netted coowners Emma Mettrick and chef Paul Howell a haul at this year’s Christchurch Hospitality Awards, with the New Regent Street restaurant collecting Chevron awards for Restaurant of the Year, Supreme Establishment, the People’s Choice Best Restaurant, and Hospo Hero for Emma herself. The local awards only add to all the kudos they’ve received this year, having already been named in the country’s top 100 dining establishments by the Cuisine Good Food Guide.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to make the climb up the eponymous steps to their welcoming dining room, you’ll know all the praise is well-founded. The upstairs space

channels bistro-luxe sophistication sans the stuffy pretension; timber floors and dark wood tables – complete with guttering candlelight and vintage crockery – are joined by eclectic retro light fittings dangling from the ceiling, black and white tiling (done right) and a slick, black-tiled bar infusing timeless Euro-cool. Should you tire of watching the restaurant’s lively hum, enchanting rounded windows offer views of the peaceful pastel parade of Spanish-style villas across the street. Their simply-styled space is cosy and intimate, and the philosophy extends to the food, too, which isn’t frilly or over styled – don’t come looking for foams, smears or tweezerplaced adornments!

Everything is made in-house or name checked, sourced from the best Emma and Paul can track down – independent, free range, ethical and organic suppliers are used whenever possible, and the result is

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THE MONTH IN CULTURE CHICAGO THEATRE Scandal, murder,

celebrity and all that jazz return in the Court’s summer production of one of the most famous musicals of all time.

The Court Theatre, Until Sat 20 Jan, courttheatre.org.nz

PARTY Addington Raceway

KOREAN DAY

once again brings us fabulous food, action-packed harness racing and late night entertainment over three nights.

Addington Raceway, Fri 1, Sat 9/16 Dec, theraces.co.nz

FESTIVAL This Korean culture

COMEDY/THEATRE Back for 2017

by popular demand, the Court Jesters’ fast and loose adaptation of the Dickens classic sees just two actors and a trusty pianist scramble through the whole story, powered only by festive spirit.

The Court Theatre, Sat 2 – Sat 23 Dec, courttheatre.org.nz

showcase in Cathedral Square promises music, dance, food and fun activities, with cultural performers making the trip from Korea for the big day.

Cathedral Square, Sat 2 Dec, Find it on Facebook

WANDERLUST 108 FITNESS The internationally

successful “mindful triathlon” comes to Christchurch for the first time.

St Leonard’s Square, Sat 2 Dec, wanderlust.com

FESTIVAL The South Island’s

favourite Wine & Food event returns to Hagley Park with the finest efforts of more than 40 wineries, 30 gourmet food producers, and nine top local restaurants on show, and a fantastic music lineup to boot.

Hagley Park, Sat 2 Dec, winefestival.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH SANTA PARADE FAMILY As much as a quarter of

the Christchurch region will once again line Riccarton Road for this evergreen event of spectacular floats, favourite characters and music.

Riccarton Road, Sun 3 Dec, christchurchsantaparade.co.nz

BRIDGE TO BRIDGE SPORT/FITNESS This cycle and

running challenge offers a variety of distance options for both runners and cyclists along the mighty Waimakariri.

Waimakariri Gorge Bridge, Sun 3 Dec, bridgetobridge.co.nz

Image: Wanderlust

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

SOUTH ISLAND WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL 2017

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JIVE TALKIN’

ADDINGTON CHRISTMAS AT THE RACES

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER – THE MUSICAL THEATRE A new touring

production brings one of the biggest dancefloor musicals of all time down to us for a big night of hit tunes and flared pants at Horncastle.

Horncastle Arena, Thu 7 Dec, eventfinda.co.nz

LEIGH’S CONSTRUCTION OUTDOOR CINEMA FAMILY/FILM Enjoy family

outdoor evening movie screenings at the re-burgeoning Arts Centre over summer, with your gold coin entry going towards restoration funds.

The Arts Centre, Fri 8 Dec, artscentre.org.nz

Christchurch’s must-sees, go-listens, and should-dos around the city this December.

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RICCARTON CHRISTMAS AT THE RACES PARTY Riccarton Park

Racecourse gets into the Christmas spirit, with a big afternoon/evening of racing action and general good times.

Riccarton Park, Fri 8 Dec, theraces.co.nz

Crusaders going into bat against a team of NZ olympians and other sports stars to help cystic fibrosis research.

Christchurch Boys’ High School, Sun 10 Dec, cfnz.org.nz

DON’T MISS

SOL3 MIO: CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY LIVE MUSIC The popera stars

HANDEL’S MESSIAH LIVE MUSIC The Christchurch

City Choir’s performance of Handel’s masterwork is back for another year to make things officially Christmassy.

Charles Luney Auditorium, Sat 9 Dec, citychoir.co.nz

bring their annual outdoor pre-Chrissy festivities to North Hagley Park as part of their first NZ performances together as a group in a busy year.

North Hagley Park, Sat 16 Dec, civicevents.co.nz

CHRISTMAS FOR THE CITY LIVE IN THE PARK LIVE MUSIC Shapeshifter, Shihad,

Kora, Dub FX and Drax Project combine for an oxymoronic massive-mini music festival in Hagley Park.

North Hagley Park, Sat 9 Dec, Find it on Facebook

7 DAYS LIVE COMEDY The 7 Days crew rock

into town for another of their uproarious live renditions of New Zealand’s longest-running comedy television series.

Horncastle Arena, Sat 9 Dec, ticketek.co.nz

CRUSADERS BATTING FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS SPORT/FUNDRAISER The annual

FAMILY The city’s churches are

teaming up to bring us this free fun family afternoon and evening Christmas party for all ages; art, music, dance crews, drama and activities for kids such as toy making, cookie decorating, animal rides, and food galore.

Ara Institute of Canterbury Sat 16 Dec, christmasforthecity.org.nz

ANGUS & JULIA STONE SNOW WORLD TOUR

YUSUF/CAT STEVENS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR LIVE MUSIC The songwriting

LIVE MUSIC The brother and

sister duo tour their new album Snow, already the basis for a sold-out tour of Australia.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Sun 17 Dec, angusandjuliastone.com

charity cricket game sees the

legend makes his second trip to New Zealand: this is the definition of an unmissable concert for any music fan.

Horncastle Arena, Tue 19 Dec, livenation.co.nz

LEIGHS CONSTRUCTION CSO PRESENTS: A FESTIVE CHRISTMAS LIVE MUSIC The CSO’s Yuletide

celebration is back for with another round-up of Christmas classics.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Wed 20 Dec, cso.co.nz

BLACKCAPS VS WEST INDIES: 2ND & 3RD ODIS

Image: Jennifer Stenglein

SPORT It doesn’t get more

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NZ-summery: Kane and the boys take on the West Indies in a one-dayer double header for Hagley Oval either side of Christmas.

Hagley Oval, Sat 23/Tue 26 Dec, blackcaps.co.nz

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INTERISLANDER SUMMER FESTIVAL MOTUKARARA TROTS SPORT The first of two of the

South Island’s biggest racedays; exciting racing action, free entertainment for the kids and live music in a festival atmosphere.

Motukarara Racecourse, Fri 29 Dec/Sun 28 Jan, theraces.co.nz

CRAP MUSIC RAVE PARTY PARTY/MUSIC Hyperactive party machine and self-styled “worst DJ in the world” Tomás Ford is back for two big New Year’s parties with his winning Crap Music Rave Party concept.

Wunderbar, Sat 30/Sun 31 Dec, Find it on Facebook

NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY The CCC’s official NYE

celebrations (pictured above) offer family entertainment early in the evening before DJs and fireworks later in the night.

North Hagley Park, Sun 31 Dec, ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/ events

SCREEN TIME

The Arts Centre is embracing the joys of a Christchurch summer in a big way with another series of Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema showings. It’s a great chance to enjoy the re-blooming Centre’s beautifully restored spaces in the evening sun and get a close up look at the ongoing restoration process while you take in some entertainment with the whanau. Films will be screened from December to February in the picturesque North Quad, with your gold coin donation going towards supporting the Art Centre’s ongoing heritage restoration project. December screenings include The Polar Express and Love Actually (on at 6pm and 8pm respectively), while a poll will give keen audience members a say on what will go up on the big screen in February.

Outdoor Cinema, The Arts Centre, Dec 8, artscentre.org.nz HOT TICKET

PARK LIFE The classic Kiwi summer gig season kicks into high gear locally this month with Live In The Park. The 8-hour minifestival has rapidly become one of the tentpoles of a legendary local summer (and how spoiled are we starting to get in Christchurch for awesome music festival-style events?), and this year’s looking like another good ‘un. Heading to Hagley Park are two massive New Zealand “sh”s – Shapeshifter (see our interview on page 30) and Shihad – who are joined by Kora, Dub FX and Drax Project (pictured) for a massive afternoon and evening of great tunes and good times. Kick your sunny season off in style – this’ll be huuuuuge! Live In The Park, Dec 9, FB/LiveinTheParkNZ

Eat, drink & be merry

It’s a cliché to deploy the phrase, but the South Island Wine & Food Festival really has gone from strength to strength. The celebration of the best food and wine the Mainland has to offer has bloomed over a short history to the point where this year’s event will see over 40 wineries travelling to the city from the great South Island wine regions of Marlborough, Central Otago, and Waipara to showcase their best vintages. They’re joined by many of our city’s top food offerings, including BBQ Brazil, The Cuban, Lower 9th Diner, TMR Restaurant and Bar, and Vesuvios. Great food and drink is only the start of your big day out though; live music this year includes The Black Seeds, Iva Lamkum, Mel Parsons and more, the Cooking Theatre will be rocking tips and recipes, and Giulio Sturla and the Roots Restaurant team will present the festival’s inaugural ticketed feature restaurant, while New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas will be giving a masterclass in the Wine Seminar Lounge (see p38 for more). Launch your festival experience into the stratosphere with the VIP or hosting lounge options, or simply take a firm grasp on the souvenir tasting glass you get with general entry and see where your tastebuds lead you! South Island Wine & Food Festival, North Hagley Park, Dec 2, winefestival.co.nz

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ONE BIRD, TWO STONES Aussie folk indie pop duo Angus & Julia Stone’s latest drop Snow, which landed in September, continues an impressive run for the New South Wales-born brother and sister. Having already torn up the Triple J Hottest 100 in the past with the likes of the platinum-certified single ‘Big Jet Plane’ (that song was everywhere!), their latest, co-written offer (the first time, in fact, that they have co-written every song on an album together) has been described by Renowned For Sound as “the quintessence of chillout acoustica”. Now you can check it out for yourself when the big tour they’re currently on rolls off North America (where they’ve sold out several gigs) and down our way; they’re on stage at the Isaac Theatre Royal this month.

Local fans might want to consider giving themselves an early Christmas present. Angus & Julia Stone, Isaac Theatre Royal, Dec 17, angusandjuliastone.com

Image: JB Walter

GROUP THERAPY

A BRIDGE JUST FAR ENOUGH Bridge to Bridge

YE OLDE SKOOL

If you like partying like its 1499, you might want to look into joining the Christchurch branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism – the Southron Gaard – where they get totally medieval, recreating life from 1600 backwards. Wind back the clock to learn Middle Age skills in brewing, blacksmithing, archery, rapier, and the pinnacle of their society: heavy armoured combat! It’s followed by feasts that deliver period recipes and much dancing – go thither! sg.sca.org.nz 13

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does what it says on the tin; the O.G. version sees mountain bikers hit the trail from the Waimakariri Gorge Bridge to the SH1 Bridge on the south bank of the river, a 58km distance.

There’s more options though; get into the 12km or 30km rides, or run or walk the 5km, 10.5km, or 21km half-marathon. Whether you’re a hardcore competitor or a have-a-goer, there’s an option for you; go hard and fast or take it at your own pace to enjoy the scenery as you tackle the varied terrain. And best of all, it’s all downhill! Celebrate at the finish with a picnic and a cold one.

Bridge to Bridge, Waimakariri Gorge Bridge, Dec 3, bridgetobridge.co.nz

HEY, HO, LET’S GO Drummer Marky (Ramone, duh) of The Ramones blasts into town with his Blitzkrieg tour this month to bust out a set list of the seminal punk outfit’s iconic hits. One of the band’s last remaining members, Ramone handled skins duties for The Ramones from 1978 – 1983 and again from 1987 – 1996, featuring on several of the group’s classic tracks including 1978’s ’I Wanna Be Sedated’, ‘The KKK Took My Baby Away’, ‘Rock And Roll High School’, and 1989’s ‘Pet Semetary’. Blitzkrieg digs deep into the band’s catalogue to deliver an essential gig for any fan.

Old-skool Ramones-heads will likely find themselves in full voice, and younger fans have the rare chance to catch one of the original members of this iconic rock outfit live and loud. Grab tickets now because as Joey Ramone once put it: “If you’re not in it, you’re out of it.”

Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, The Foundry, Dec 2, markyramone.com

TEN GIGS TO CATCH THIS MONTH Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg The Foundry, Sat 2 The Black Seeds South Island Wine & Food Festival, Hagley Park, Sat 2 Paul Ubana Jones Blue Smoke, Thu 7 Shapeshifter Live in the Park, Hagley Park, Sat 9

SOUND IDEA Good vibes hit spots around the central city this summer with free live music c/o SummerTimes’ City Sounds every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Locations will include the Bridge of Remembrance, City Mall, Cathedral Square, Margaret Mahy Playground, and Botanic Gardens.

City Sounds, Dec 1 – Mar 25, ccc.govt.nz/summertimes

Devilish Mary & The Holy Rollers Vesuvio, Sat 9 A Tribute to Lou Reed Darkroom, Thu 14 Sol3 Mio Hagley Park, Sat 16 Angus & Julia Stone Isaac Theatre Royal, Sun 17 The Danberrys Blue Smoke, Sun 17 Yusuf/Cat Stevens Horncastle Arena, Tue 19

THE ARTS CENTRE SUMMER EVENTS

Enjoy cool events this summer: markets in December and March; Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema from December – February; and the Voices Co. Fundraising Christmas Concert on 10 December.

2 Worcester Boulevard 03 366 0989 artscentre.org.nz

PRINTS OF THE STREETS The city’s latest street art festival, Street Prints Ōtautahi, hits the central city, New Brighton and Lyttelton from 20 – 31 Dec. ccc.govt.nz/summertimes

SOL3 MIO: ASSEMBLE!

Image: Paul Chessell

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It’s been hectic times for the lads that make up homegrown p-opera sensation Sol3 Mio; apart from a one-off gig in San Francisco, they haven’t performed together as a group all year. That’s because they’ve been busy with their own solo careers – tenor brothers Pene and Amitai Pati have been in the US performing as Adler Fellows at the world renowned San Francisco Opera, while their baritone cousin Moses Mackay has been busy with projects at home, including taking a lead role in Carmen as part of Napier’s Festival of Opera. They’ve managed to clear some schedule space for another summer tour of their homeland, though – just as well, as their outdoor gigs have proved mega-popular. They reach us at Hagley Park, where they’ll be busting out their signature mix of opera arias, traditional songs, hits from their best-selling albums, and (of course) all your favourite Christmas carols. It sounds like another summer stunner is in store; they’re making it a bit of a habit. Sol3 Mio: Christmas in the City, North Hagley Park, Dec 16, sol3mio.com

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Songbird Cat

HIT THE FLOOR

Image: Karen Lowe

The Arts Centre restoration is going incredibly well, but there’s a bit left to do yet; plenty more money still needs to be raised in order to complete work.

Fortunately there’s plenty of opportunities in the pipeline for you to provide your support for this city icon in an enjoyable way.

One such way is the special Christmas fundraising performance in the gloriously restored Great Hall from Voices Co., fresh off their success on TVNZ’s The Naked Choir. The talented quintet that beat all comers to be crowned ‘NZ’s Best A Cappella Group’ will be performing a mix of Christmas classics and other favourites, with money raised from the concert going towards the Arts Centre’s restoration funds. Grab tickets online via the Arts Centre website or in person from Rutherford’s Den for a bit of top-tier a capella action.

Voices Co. Unplugged, The Arts Centre, Dec 10, artscentre.org.nz

Craptastic

PITCH PERFECT

We’ve had a few music legends make their way here in recent times, but they don’t come much bigger in the biz than British singer-songwriter legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Yusuf (a.k.a.

Cat Stevens), who graces Horncastle Arena this month. He’s on the worldwide Peace Train Tour, which commemorates the 50th (!) anniversary of his first major hit single and debut album Matthew & Son, released in 1967. The folk-rock icon is making only his second trip to New Zealand, having last visited with two sold-out arena shows in 2010. First rising to prominence in the mid-60s and then superstardom in the 70s, the spiritual singer (/charity worker/peace activist) has a back catalogue that includes some of the most beloved songs ever; think ‘Matthew and Son’, ‘Here Comes My Baby’, ‘The First Cut Is The Deepest’, ‘Wild World’, ‘Where Do the Children Play?’, ‘Father & Son’, ‘Morning Has Broken, ‘Peace Train’, ‘Moonshadow’… look, essentially we’re getting a gig from one of the greats here, and you definitely don’t want to miss out! There’s every chance this will sell out, so stop reading this sentence and go book yourself an in-the-flesh experience with a musical icon. Yusuf (Cat Stevens), Horncastle Arena, Dec 19, ticketek.co.nz

Proving once and for all that people love them some guilty pleasures, Tomás Ford’s Crap Music Rave Party concept has proved a hit wherever he’s taken it on the planet. Now back in Christchurch after his last sold-out visit, Tomás is bringing us a New Year’s double header, with two big parties at the Wunderbar. Proudly ‘the worst DJ in the world’ Tomás brings us some of the silliest fun you can have. Think rave videos, DIY disco lights, a DJ who dances like no-one’s watching (even though you won’t be able to look away), and one very simple rule: request any song you like, so long as it’s terrible. Tomas will then drop it like an arty

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trance hit at the most exclusive of underground warehouse parties. Think Rednex, Justin Bieber, Amii Stewart, the Dawson’s Creek soundtrack, Barry Manilow, 80s hair metal, Nickelback, Aqua, 90’s Cher – if it’s bad, it’s in, and somehow it makes for the most hilarious dance party ever. In fact, people are lining up to get a bit of it; the event has a weird habit of selling out. So gather up-for-it mates, think of some horrible requests and grab tickets! You’ll be having too much fun to worry about the shocking playlist; the shame will only come later. Crap Music Rave Party, Wunderbar, Dec 30 & 31, eventfinda.co.nz

Terra Nova

Image: Sam Hartnett

CoCA’s major summer exhibition is Geophagy, the first large-scale Ōtautahi exhibition by Canterbury-born, Auckland-based artist Ruth Watson. After a successful first showing at Auckland’s Gus Fisher Gallery, this criticallyacclaimed exhibition has been reworked and up-scaled specifically for CoCA's own galleries.

In the exhibition, Watson explores how our relationship to the Earth and each other is influenced by technology in complex ways, with the artworks on display offering a broad-spectrum picture of the ways in which technologically-inspired, or caused, developments such as international transportation, instant communication, digital mapping and surveillance, environmental degradation and global migration have irrevocably altered both our social fabric and the natural ecosystem. With a title that literally means “eating earth”, the mixed-media exhibition features a range of pieces that includes a towering sculptural installation, poetic video works and photography, each exploring our relationship with and influence on the world. Head in to CoCA this summer to broaden your horizons with this new collection of work from a major talent on the country’s contemporary art scene. Ruth Watson: Geophagy, Centre of Contemporary Art, Dec 16 – Feb 18, coca.org.nz

AROUND THE GALLERIES Arberhart Starts Here Christchurch Art Gallery, to Feb 6, christchurchartgallery.org.nz Wishlist VII Form Gallery, to Dec 24, form.co.nz Reuben Moss: Property is Theft!

The Physics Room, to Dec 24, physicsroom.org.nz Face Value: An Exploration of Portraiture Fiksate Design Studio & Gallery, to Dec 17, fiksate.com

What’s the time, Mr Frizzell? Iconic Kiwi artist Dick Frizzell puts some style on your dial with the Frizzell-O-Clock (RRP $99.50) from the Christchurch Art Gallery Design Store.

ARTS ON FOOT

THE SCENIC ROUTE

Ōtākaro’s new self-guided walk initiative plots a few handy routes to introduce you to spaces and buildings in our ever-changing CBD, with four themed walks taking you on a tiki tour of what’s new and rebuilding. We’d suggest the Welcome to the Arts, which heads along the Avon River to take in art as well as the Convention Centre works, Victoria Square restoration and Performing Arts Precinct before heading down New Regent Street for the Theatre Royal, is well worth checking out on a sunny Saturday! otakaroltd.co.nz/news/ take-a-walk-around-the-newcentral-city

Discover New Zealand’s brilliant landscapes through the eyes of some of the country’s finest artists at The Central’s Glimpse Panorama – Landscape Aspects in Contemporary New Zealand Art exhibition opening this month. Running through to the end of January, the celebration of Kiwi landscapes features the works of 15 artists, including Dick Frizzell (pictured: Left Turn, 2017, 1000 x 1200, Oil on Canvas, RRP $40,000), Elizabeth Thomson, Nathan Pohio and Neil Dawson.

Glimpse Panorama, The Central, Dec 7 – Jan 28, thecentral.co.nz

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FINE

JEWELS

Christchurch’s iconic Filigree Fine Jewels have been meticulously handcrafting their range of breathcatching, unique jewellery in the city since 2005.

Cityscape caught up with accomplished jeweller and designer Vanessa Stowers – who leads their talented team of jewellers in the creation of exceptional, tailor-made jewellery – to find out more about their new bridal line launching soon, as well as the upcoming Christmas Woodland Capsule Collection with local artist McChesney Kelly Adams.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO JEWELLERY DESIGN? Art has always played an important part in my life; craft club after school, painting class, and generally a lot of gluing things together! Later on this interest developed into a passion for making jewellery.

TELL US ABOUT THE FIRST PIECE YOU DESIGNED. The first piece of jewellery I made was most likely something very basic at the silversmith guild, prior to

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me doing any formal study, and I think it was a very clumsy fish! I loved the process however; it felt very natural and I enjoyed the intricacy of it. It was like a tiny personal artwork.

HOW DID THE FILIGREE BRAND COME TO BE AND WHAT DOES THE NAME REPRESENT? ‘Filigree’ is ornamental work consisting of wire formed into delicate patterns. It takes a high level of skill and patience and it is for these attributes that I chose the name. It also sounds very exotic, which helps!

YOU OPENED FILIGREE ON HIGH STREET IN 2005, WHAT WAS THE PLAN BACK THEN? We achieved my initial vision which was to give Christchurch a bespoke luxury product in a field where mass-production dominated. I think as the years have progressed we are still leaders in our field, which is an achievement in itself.

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Even after 15 years I still get pleasure out of seeing my jewellery worn.

Twilight Drop with Small Diamond Set Hook Earrings (RRP $410)

Quattro Diamond Shape Stud Set with stone / pearl with Capped Briolette Earrings (RRP $380)

Briolette Drop with 9ct Yellow Gold Cap and Fixed Hook Earrings (RRP $295)

Milgrain Seed Pearl Bud with Pearl Drop Stud Earrings (RRP $475)

THE FILIGREE BRAND IS SYNONYMOUS WITH A TIMELESS MODERN AESTHETIC; WHAT ARE THE KEY INSPIRATIONS/CRITERIA BEHIND YOUR DESIGNS? The phrase that my staff and I use constantly is “modern with a classic overtone”. I would say this sums up our aesthetic.

TELL US ABOUT THE FILIGREE EXPERIENCE. Service would have to be at the top of our list. If you establish a great rapport with a customer it is only natural that they will end up with a beautifully-crafted piece of jewellery that is reflective of the individual.

YOU’RE LAUNCHING YOUR NEW BRIDAL LINE SOON – WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? Bespoke bridal jewellery is something Filigree has always made. Brides often struggle to create the vision they want with their wedding jewellery, so this range gives them an opportunity to try and play with different

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looks, whether it be vintage, romantic, feminine or modern.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING CHRISTMAS WOODLAND CAPSULE COLLECTION AND COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL ARTIST MCCHESNEY KELLY ADAMS. Think Brothers Grimm, rather than pretty bunnies!

Tangled bramble thickets, wild raspberry and mischievous hares.

IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF SOME ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Life is short – stress less and enjoy the finer things in life.

WHAT WAS THE LAST PIECE YOU MADE THAT YOU COULDN’T BEAR TO PART WITH? We have been doing a lot of remodelling lately and creating some stunning modern art deco rings that I have coveted!

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If you establish a great rapport with a customer it is only natural that they will end up with a beautifully-crafted piece of jewellery reflective of the individual.

Dark Moonlight Earrings, Four claw White Moonstones, Brilliant Diamond chains and White Baroque Pearls stud earrings. Sterling Silver (RRP $1,180)

Eclipse Necklace, Chequerboard cut double sided Onyx with Black Brilliant Diamond set chain necklace. Sterling Silver Oxidised (RRP $1,030)

HOW DOES IT FEEL WHEN YOU’RE OUT AND YOU SEE SOMEONE WEARING YOUR WORK? Even after 15 years I still get pleasure out of seeing my jewellery worn – more often than not the client and I recognise each other and have a chat!

IF YOU WERE GRANTED ONE CAREER DO-OVER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A stylist for a magazine.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BRUNCH ITEM OF CHOICE? I have a sweet tooth, so probably French toast with berries and definitely Belgian hot chocolate from the Metro Café in Ferrymead.

FAVOURITE WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY AFTERNOON? A drive with my husband in his restored 1971 XY Falcon (which was his first car and the transport for our early first dates!) to a café and to scour the countryside for antiques and interesting things.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/AND OR BINGEWATCHING AT THE MOMENT? The Good Wife is dominating any spare relaxation time that I have, or a good home design magazine such as Urbis.

Filigree Fine Jewels, 447 Colombo Street filigree.co.nz

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Peach Tourmaline Ring, Round cut gem, claw ‘V’ setting, grain set Brilliant Diamond with a milgrain tapered band.

Platinum and White Gold (RRP $2,730)

ARTY BUYS Nestled in the Christchurch Art Gallery, the Gallery’s Design Store is filled with next-level pieces where form meets function in an ever-changing range of creative products inspired by the Gallery’s collection and exhibitions. Discover everything from books, cards and jewellery through to cool art-inspired design pieces, with a focus on local artists and business. Cnr Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, christchurchartgallery.org.nz/shop

Style

Lounging, About

Those who want to be on the cutting edge of fashion make Ballantynes' Contemporary Lounge a regular haunt.

Located on the first floor of the iconic Christchurch store, Contemporary Lounge focuses on high fashion for both men and women aimed squarely at those who demand the hottest looks from NZ and overseas.

You’ll find concept stores from New Zealand fashion icons Karen Walker, Juliette Hogan, Deadly Ponies and Kate Sylvester as well as overseas brands Ted Baker and Ben Sherman, plus a lot more; prepare to leave more stylish than when you came in.

City Mall, ballantynes.co.nz

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WORK IT! Workshop’s flagship boutique and home to Workshop Denim, Helen Cherry, Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant, See by Chloe, Common Projects, James Perse, Jil Sander Navy, Vanessa Bruno and Marc Jacobs has moved into slick new shopping destination The Crossing. The chic new store, complete with original brass details on the exterior, adds its funky wares to an already killer clothing offering at The Crossing.

684 Colombo Street, workshop.co.nz

TIME TO REFLECT The treasure trove of awesome at the Reflection store is an Aladdin’s cave of the eminently covetable.

You’ll find home décor, art, furniture, homewares and more besides, all of it a reflection (geddit?) of the taste, style and design sensibilities of local designer Rachael Hemingway of Hemingway Design.

This is the store to hit to sort out the hard-to-buy-fors in your life this Christmas!

181 High Street, hemingway.design

Plume Returns Edgy designer boutique Plume celebrated its return to High Street last month following its post-quake departure to Merivale.

The new store, located on the corner of Tuam Street and Cotters Lane, rocks a super frosty minimal look; you’ll find such brands as NOM*d, Rick Owens, Comme des Garçons, Dries van Noten, Jimmy D and Y-3 – welcome back guys! nomd.co.nz 20

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I loved the feel-good factor of the industry and how it could have such a positive impact on people. things go wrong (and they always will from time to time), tenacity to keep going and find a solution if you get knocked back, a clear vision of what your business is, and a positive attitude are all essential.

WHAT ARE THE HALLMARKS OF AN AMAZING SPA EXPERIENCE? It’s all about the details. Every step of the guest journey needs to be thought through.

But ultimately, it’s about the team and the therapist providing the service. They have to be happy and enjoy what they do, and want to provide an amazing experience.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU UNDERTAKE QUALITY CONTROL? Regularly. It’s a great way to notice things from a guest perspective. The hard part is relaxing during it as I’m so busy noticing everything around me!

JUST OPENED

Pure Bliss

Cityscape caught up with Forme Spa & Wellbeing’s managing director, self-confessed spa junkie, and owner of the country’s largest day spa group Hady Wenham following the opening of her first South Island spa in Christchurch.

YOU’RE NOW A NATION-WIDE DAY SPA GROUP (CONGRATULATIONS!). HOW DOES IT FEEL OPENING YOUR FIRST SOUTH ISLAND SPA IN CHRISTCHURCH? Exciting! You have sunshine for starters. It’s been our goal for a long time to open in Christchurch, and we’re thrilled to have encountered the opportunity to buy Urban Skin & Body, as the spa and team have a similar culture and philosophy to ours in how they care for their guests.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW SPA. Urban Skin & Body already had a great layout and feel, so we didn’t need to do too much except make it Forme. We changed the colour palette to our signature dusky rose and added brass accents and new signage. Plus we are introducing Christchurch to Bioelements, Bless and Babor skincare and some new equipment, and the team have just been trained to provide these amazing facials.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN THE DAY SPA WORLD? Initially it was due to the difficulty of juggling a baby and a role as an account director in an advertising agency

that lead me to look for something with flexibility. Having been a regular spa goer, I loved the feel-good factor of the industry, and how it could have such a positive impact on people. I knew I was far too impatient to be a good therapist, but was able to use my marketing and business experience to add value that way.

DID YOU THINK YOU’D BE AT THE HELM OF A NATION-WIDE BEAUTY EMPIRE BACK THEN? When I purchased and renovated and rebranded the initial location I had no idea how well it would take off and how ready the market was for the type of service and offering we had. Within a year we had opened our second location in Parnell, and then the following year Remuera and Takapuna. At that point it was obvious that the business was scalable and it became a case of evolving and refining what we do. Believe me, it hasn’t been easy!

WHAT HAS BEEN THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESS? I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, wanting to push the boundaries and try new things, and I think that has helped. Resilience to cope when

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WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO TREATMENT? Only one? Impossible. Love a great Babor facial – it’s the perfect blend of relaxation and amazing results – but I’m also very partial to a great massage; sometimes deep tissue if there are aches and pains, sometimes hot stone for relaxation. The Lumiere is great for a collagen-boosting radiant skin, which is great after a peel or microdermabrasion.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER A TREATMENT? Go as slow as I possibly can for as long as I possibly can and savour the bliss feeling.

Unfortunately, that usually isn’t very long!

329 Durham Street North, formespa.co.nz

‘Tis the Season Markets

Christchurch teems with excellent places to pick up your Christmas pressies n’ produce, c/o special Christmas editions of many of the city’s regular markets and the odd special festive retail jamboree as well.

Look for special Christmas editions of the Riccarton Market (Dec 10), starring Santa, specialist stallholders with goodies for Christmas and some very cute greyhounds to possibly adopt, Christchurch Farmers’ Market (Dec 23), Opawa Farmers’ Market (Dec 24), and the Shabby Chic Market Day (Dec 3). There are special Christmas market events aplenty on offer as well in the form of the Love Light Christmas Market at 280 Hasketts Road on Dec 2, the Kids, Xmas Market at the Halswell Community Centre, also on Dec 2, and the ReVamp Vintage Christmas Market at CGHS on Dec 3.

SWEET AS SHOPPING The Arts Centre are kicking off your summer in style this month with their Summer Sweetener Market. It features excellent retail options, art, live music, and great food and drinks.

Following the success of the last Arts Centre market, they’re doubling down, boosting the number of market stalls and food trucks and rehousing the market (appropriately enough) in Market Square. It's a prime spot for you to get plenty of your Chrissy shopping sorted.

Summer Sweetener Market, The Arts Centre, Dec 3, artscentre.org.nz

GOURMET GOODIES

Cityscape gets festive with our ultimate wrap of the Chrissy season with killer gifts, Xmas-themed markets, where to get the best festive treats and how to get your Christmas on big time, from celebrations and parties to primo Christmas dinners where you don’t have to cook a thing!

What would Christmas be without a serious splurge on some sensational food and drink? Sort your ham (of the award-winning kind, double Manuka smoked no less) and turkey out with the team at Cashmere Cuisine, hamper without hindrance for gifts or to stay stocked over the season with the customisable artisan food baskets from The Lincoln Pantry or the beautiful gourmet gift packs from Yumm, while Taste @ Twenty are turning out their superb Christmas cakes – time to get those orders in!

12 Days of Christmas Expect the city to get super festive in the lead up to Christmas when ChristchurchNZ and the Christchurch City Council join forces for their 12 Days of Christmas celebrations, including giveaways and activities in the city centre.

CHRISTMAS AT BALLANTYNES Ballantynes’ famous celebratory Christmas window display is already up and running – you’ll want to head along (kids in tow) to check it out if you haven’t yet. The city’s favourite department store goes deeply Christmassy with its thoughtful in-store Christmas gift guide, a range of spectacular decorations, all the table trimmings and titbits you need to make Christmas day special, and their range of exclusive-goodie-packed hampers, perfect for celebrating the festive season properly.

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/ 'TIS THE SEASON

Celebrations Family friendly events for the festive season are on offer around the city.

CHRISTCHURCH SANTA PARADE Kick the festive season off in fine city tradition style with the Christchurch Santa Parade (Riccarton Road, Dec 3), now 70(!) years old and set to keep the good times going as a septuagenarian with its usual mix of spectacular floats, popular characters, music, and multicultural displays. Pick your spot early; a quarter of the city is expected to attend!

CHRISTMAS FOR THE CITY The team behind the city’s famous Christmas Grotto experience at South West Baptist Church are taking a break this year to reimagine their Christmas celebrations, which has led to the inaugural Christmas For The City (Ara City Campus, Dec 16) event, developed in collaboration with church groups across the city. The festive bonanza will feature elements from the grotto alongside new activities including music, a live nativity, North Pole village and Santa, bouncy castles, face-painting and much more to keep your elves entertained.

CHRISTMAS JOY Renowned chanteuse Ali Harper gets into the festive spirit with Christmas Joy (Dec 15 & 17). A local sellout last year, the special concert at The Piano celebrates this special time of year with the assistance of Julian Hay (founder of TVNZ’s Naked Choir winners Voices Co.) on piano.

A FESTIVE CHRISTMAS The CSO’s popular annual A Festive Christmas concert (Isaac Theatre Royal, Dec 20) features all the appropriate seasonal hits to get you into the right sort of celebratory mood for the holidays.

Round-the-piano family faves like ‘Carol of the Bells’, ‘O’ Holy Night’, and ‘Joy to the World’ are given the full orchestral treatment under the baton of Tom Rainey in this Christmassy countdown that also trots out the festive trimmings to ensure things are appropriately merry. Cracker!

CHRISTCHURCH CITY CHOIR Christmas in Christchurch can’t actually really officially happen until the Christchurch City Choir has presented its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah

(Charles Luney Auditorium, Dec 9). This year conductor John Linker and international star soloists (Madeleine Pierard, Cassandra Seideman, John Longmuir and James Clayton) are joined by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra for the great composer’s masterpiece.

CHRISTMAS DINNERS Let someone else do all the hard work on Christmas Day, with festively-themed feasts at Bloody Mary’s (where your mains options are Cantervalley Turkey breast with rhubarb corn bread stuffing, kumara puree, asparagus, and cranberry orange jus or duo of Canterbury lamb with a French cutlet, and braised shoulder croquette, with roasted garlic gratin, green beans, watercress, mint pesto and jus) or Crowne Plaza, where Christmas Day will heap up stuffed turkey and cranberry sauce, champagne ham, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, as well as Kiwi favourites Canterbury leg of lamb or Akaroa salmon, and will also see the special return of legendary piano man Peter Lewis, who played the foyer in the old Crowne Plaza for 23 years before the earthquake.

The Option Bistro and Wine’s special New Year’s Eve dinner party on the big night from 7pm comes complete with a welcome glass of bubbles, pre-dinner canapés, a full three course festive dinner and also some delightful gifts and surprises!

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LET’S COOK Give the gift of yum with a Strawberry Fare Baking School voucher for their Tasting Plate (desserts), Death By Chocolate, or Bread Baking class ($139.50 each), all including lunch and a glass of wine.

the edit Christmas

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Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet (E 300 RRP from $133,500 + on road costs) from Armstrong Prestige

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VINE TIMES Fans of fine wine, food, opera and glamorous outdoor settings will be well pleased with the Pegasus Bay Lunch option ($178) at the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra’s PwC Opera at Pegasus Bay (Feb 3).

1. Jellycat Rainbow Pom Pom (RRP $130) from Corso Merivale 2. Charbonnel & Walker Sipsmith Gin Truffles (RRP $39) from Ballantynes Department Store 3. Limited edition Belvedere Ice Duo gift pack (RRP $70) 4. Montblanc for Unicef Platinum Classique Fountain Pen (RRP $1,680) from Ballantynes Department Store 5. Seletti Industry Garden Chair (RRP $545) from Corso Merivale 6. Princess and Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Ring (POA) from Filigree Fine Jewels 7. BFM by Alfresco Plus The Entertainer 4-burner BBQ with integrated 163-litre fridge (POA) from Harvey Norman Commercial 8. Vifa Helsinki Portable Speaker (RRP $850) from Ballantynes Department Store

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VIA SOLLERTIA

REFLECTION – HEMINGWAY DESIGN

JEWELLERY

GIFTS, INTERIORS AND DESIGN

Specialists in amazing and custom designed pieces. They aim for joy through jewellery by staying affordable without compromising quality.

11 New Regent Street 03 366 8001 viasollertia.co.nz

Shop at the Reflection store for a great range of gifts, furniture, art, home decor and much more besides. Perfect gifts for any occasion, both in store and online!

181 High Street 03 374 6654 hemingway.design

CHRISTMAS SPARKLE One of the most popular Christmas spa packages, Forme Spa & Wellbeing’s annual Christmas Sparkle (offering a $238 value for $159!) combines a Bliss Me 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage with a Rejuvenate Me one-hour facial, wild lime and coconut foot scrub, hands-and-feetsoftening warm keratin treatment and massage, and a pressure point scalp massage.

DELUXE CINEMAS

THE MOHAIR STORE

THE GIFT OF CINEMA

FASHION | BECKENHAM

Deluxe Cinemas movie vouchers are the perfect gift this Christmas. Valid for any film, any time, and they never expire! Starting at just $12; available in-store or online.

The Tannery 03 389 5360 deluxecinemas.co.nz

Experience the warmth-without-weight feeling that NZ-made Mohair & Alpaca provides. You will be spoilt for choice at The Mohair Store.

140 Colombo Street 03 943 1639 themohairstore.co.nz

For more inspiration check out cityscape.co.nz or download the Cityscape App to your smartphone.

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Oh Hello Cityscape caught up with Hello Sunday’s Chris Penny to talk about their impressive stack of Chevrons, life in hospitality, and what we can expect from their new venture 5th Street.

CONGRATULATIONS ON TAKING OUT CAFÉ OF THE YEAR AND PEOPLE’S CHOICE CAFÉ OF THE YEAR AT LAST MONTH’S HOSPITALITY AWARDS! HOW MANY IS THAT NOW, AND HOW DOES IT FEEL HAVING THAT SORT OF SUPPORT? That’s three years in a row, for both. It’s kind of a humbling feeling; with hospitality you are putting yourself out there to be measured by your peers and by the public.

People always have an opinion on the industry, and they are not afraid to vocalise it. You need to be quite comfortable in what you do because of that and just believe in what you’re offering. When you get an award like this it’s nice to find out that people feel the same way about your café as you do, because we basically just pour love into this place. What we do is authentic – there’s no faking this, it’s not a formula to us; it’s very much based on emotions and wanting the place to feel a certain way, to put creative food and drinks in front of people, give heartfelt service and really care.

So it’s really nice to hear from both the industry and from the public that they acknowledge that. I’m somewhat just the face of a core group of people that make this whole thing happen; I have the backing and support of my business partners Jonathan [Spark] and Yasmeen [Clark], and my boy Samson [Stewart] – he and I have run Hello

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Sunday from day one together. The success of this place is as much down to him as me.

When you think of Hello Sunday you think of the food, right? Enough said.

We basically just pour love into this place.

HOW DID HELLO SUNDAY COME TO BE? My business partner Jonathan and I had a friendship that went back a few years, and he and his wife Yasmeen had to move their business the Pascha from its original site next to Black Betty pre-quake to a new location, and when they found the Elgin Street site Jonathan got in touch with me while I was overseas and said “When you come back to Christchurch I have a spot I want you to look at, and I think we should start a café”. That’s where it started.

WHAT WAS THE PLAN WHEN YOU OPENED HELLO SUNDAY? The plan was to create a really epic brunch restaurant, not so much a café but a brunch restaurant with table service, inventive menus and more care than the usual model, because we saw a hole in the market for that, and it’s shown because I think a few people have followed suit.

WHERE DID THE CONCEPT FOR THE EPIC BRUNCH RESTAURANT COME FROM? I saw it a lot while I was overseas. I used to work in a place called Medina in Vancouver, Canada, which is probably one of the best brunch restaurants I have ever known, and super popular. I had never seen such a level of cuisine put into breakfast food; ideas beyond what people thought were breakfast. All sorts of multi-ethnic influences transferred into a brunch version of these classics. Working there I thought it was such a great idea to do an extensive, inventive concept of brunch, and knowing I was moving back, the idea of doing something inspired by the places I’d seen in Canada, Europe and Australia excited me.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT 5TH STREET, AND WHEN WILL IT OPEN? It’s going be an operation based around the effort of our core team at Hello Sunday. It will be an extension of our ethos here in terms of our care for customers and our approach to food being fresh, inventive and creative. We’re going for a shared dining approach, so I guess the cuisine type would be contemporary shared bistro that’s slightly more interactive, where you order for the whole table rather than just yourself, and everyone gets to try a little bit of everything – it’s a fun way to dine. We’re going to put a real focus on quality drinks: cocktails, wine and Christchurch craft beer. We want to have a really nice lounge bar space as well, with a table service bar. Basically from the moment you come in someone greets you, whatever you’re looking for – if you just want

to chill on a couch with a low coffee table and have a drink and small bite to eat then that’s where you’ll go. If you’re coming in to dine more formally, we’ve got our dining space as well, but whatever you do, you come in, you get seated and met with a smile and care for your experience, and from there on in you’re just taken care of until you leave. It’s an extension of Hello Sunday into the evening – we want to connect with our customers more than your average restaurant does. We want to be open for Christmas, but at the latest, it’ll be January.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO HOSPITALITY? As soon as I left high school; I’ve been working in hospo for around 11 years. I think my first job was as a dish hand at Le Café, and after that I worked as a barista at Metro by the Town Hall, and then I moved off overseas. I tried to go to uni a couple of times, but each time I went back to hospo, and I realised I was actually doing what I wanted to be doing – and it could be a serious career path! So I think my young self was doing hospo and loving it, but always thinking I needed to be doing more; then I realised I didn’t and could go gung-ho at it.

YOU ALWAYS SEEM TO BE HERE; HOW IMPORTANT IS BEING HANDS-ON? It’s hugely important. When we talked about care, it’s about customer relations, it’s knowing your staff and making them feel comfortable in their role, and being absolutely sure the flow of things is going exactly how you want it to. When I think of all the best restaurants I know they’re all

owner-operated. Even when I think of Christchurch and my favourite spots – like Roots, Twenty Seven Steps and The Bicycle Thief – you find the owners there, and it’s no coincidence that they’re the best places. I think it’s important to set the pace. I work as hard as anyone, and that’s how it should be.

HOW MANY HOURS DO YOU WORK? It’s hard to say; there’s hours spent on the floor and hours at home. I take phone calls at all hours, answer emails at night – you can’t measure that. It’s got better, that’s what I can say – it used to be pretty rough! Now that I have a team that I trust, I would say that I’ve gotten down to a modest 45 – 50 hours on the floor. It didn’t start that way; I did the first four months pretty much open to close every day. It’s just what you gotta do!

HOW DO YOU UNWIND AFTER A SHIFT? Basically I just like to go home and hang out with my partner. I watch basketball. I’m a religious basketball fan. I play a little bit socially. I guess all my hobbies have been put on hold for four years, but I’d say taking my dog to the beach for a walk is the best way to unwind. Though some days after 10 hours of people, people, people, the TV and couch are calling!

Hello Sunday, 6 Elgin Street, hellosundaycafe.co.nz

It’s an extension of Hello Sunday into the evening – we want to connect with our customers more than your average restaurant does.

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ROGUE TRADER Cityscape caught up with self-anointed scoundrel and New Zealand cider-making legend Paul Donaldson (who helms local cider house Scoundrels and Rogues), following his 5-for-5 award grab at the New Zealand Cider Awards, in order to get the inside word on his kick-ass creations.

WE UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE WITH AWARD-WINNING WINES IN THE NORTH CANTERBURY REGION. HOW DID YOU GET INTO CIDER? An old school friend found himself in the position of having access to an abandoned orchard, and being a fan of turning things into alcohol I said “We should try cider”. The story on the back label of the Pleasantly Corrupted Cider is exactly the way I made my first ever cider… that is, we raided the orchard, I smashed the apples in a bucket with a sledge hammer, I accidentally froze the pulp while storing it, then I pressed it and fermented it in an old barrel, just 150-litres – that was 2011. It was a lot of fun, and I was keen to do it again the next year.

Since then the volumes crept up each year until I thought ‘I can’t drink/give away all this anymore, I’d better sell some’.

EACH OF YOUR 5 CIDERS WON A MEDAL AT NOVEMBER’S NEW ZEALAND CIDER AWARDS. WHAT MAKES YOUR CIDERS SO DAMN FINE, AND HOW PROUD ARE YOU? There’s a few things that I think have contributed to making ciders that have stood out, and been well received. They are all vintage ciders, made just once a year, from whole fruit from that season, with nothing else added. So the 2014 cider is a bit different to the 2015 cider, but both should still be good. They are all fermented and aged in barrels, and apart from the pear cider, everything is in barrels for more than a year, which I really think softens any rough edges and makes a well-balanced and more rounded cider. I keep all the barrels separate, and blend right before bottling to achieve the style I want in each cider. So I’m shooting for consistently good, consistently

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different ciders, and because I spent a few years aging stock and working out blends before going to market, I think it’s allowed me to make a product that not only works with the traditional cider market, but also appeals to the craft beer market. I get a lot of people saying to me “I don’t drink cider, but I’ll drink your cider!”

When I entered the 2016 awards, I had no clue what the judges were looking for. It was my first time, and I thought [the ciders] would either go alright, or be panned.

Luckily the judges liked them and I got 3 golds from 3 entries (which was actually more golds than any other producer that year). When the 2017 awards came around I felt a bit the same – that new judges might love or hate them. Again I had a great result with 5 medals from 5 entries. To get both consumer and critical acceptance does

make me very proud, especially for something I’ve been learning with as I go along. When my dad, who only drinks wine, actually asked if he could have some to take home, I felt pretty good about it.

CIDER IS LIKE THE COMEBACK KING. WHAT’S BEHIND ITS RETURN TO POPULARITY? I think the New Zealand palate is a learning one, and always looking for something good. Much like with beer, 30 years ago it was all mass-produced and minimal craft, and when people wanted more they switched to wine, then as their palates developed and became more adventurous craft beer surged and created interest in a more inventive sector. Cider then followed the same pattern, with even the cheaper ciders you see available now being much more interesting than the lolly water I saw when I was at university. Cider is still in the very early experimental stage, but I am noticing that even in the last 5 years the rise of truly craft cider has been pretty strong, and it seems to be something that gels with the more adventurous and more-well developed New Zealand palate.

WHAT PORTION OF YOUR CIDERMAKING FRUIT IS GROWN BY YOURSELF AND WHAT PORTION WOULD YOU SAY IS RAIDED IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT? At present I rely on about 30% raiding, and 70% buying in fruit from sources deemed too hard to raid. Several years ago I planted my own little orchard though of around 60 different heritage varieties, and I hope to

get a crop off that in 2018. The good thing about the way I make cider is I have only just bottled and released the 2016 ciders, so I have an ability to balance supply with demand – there’s no chance I’ll run out (I think!) before the 2018 harvest.

YOU ONLY USE WILD YEAST – JUST HOW WILD IS IT? Wild yeast means the yeast that comes in on the apple skins. If you add a commercially-bought yeast to juice it will generally multiply and ferment faster than a wild strain, but will give a cleaner finish with less character. Because I want something a little funky, a little different, when I put the juice in a barrel, I don’t add yeast; I just let whatever is in there already go for it.

YOU’RE STUCK ON A DESSERT ISLAND WITH JUST ONE OF YOUR CIDERS – WHICH ONE IS IT? I would have to go with the Evil Genius Imperial Cider. While it is big, at 10.9%, I think it’s exceptionally well balanced, with a luscious but not overpowering sweetness, and great tannins. It will improve for years in the bottle, and will be great for bartering with the local tribes.

YOU’RE THE ‘SCOUNDREL’ AT SCOUNDRELS AND ROGUES. HOW DID YOU GET THE MONIKER AND HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOU LIVE UP TO IT? Well… based on the apple raiding, I pretty much self-anointed. I was looking for a name that would stand out in the current cider market, but one that would allow me

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to get away with some of the results of my self-taught cider making practices. Once I tried the first cider I made, and it was pretty funky, I thought how can I make this sound good? So it became Scoundrels and Rogues ‘Pleasantly Corrupted’ Cider. It was always a reflection of my general personality anyway, so living up to it hasn’t been hard.

ANY TIPS FOR PEOPLE LOOKING TO EXPAND THEIR CIDER REPERTOIRE? You can certainly age it. Ciders such as mine improve for years in the bottle. I’ve done tastings where I’ve provided older stock from my cider library (everyone needs a cider library!) and the feedback has been great. In that respect it’s more like wine – it should improve with age.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY A FEW CIDERS OVER SUMMER? Ensure the cider has a Scoundrels and Rogues label on it, and that should do the trick. Also try drinking one lightly chilled; too much chilling can dull the flavour. Oh, and do yourself a favour, and don’t put ice in it! scoundrelsandrogues.com

CUTTING SHAPES Cityscape caught up with legendary local band Shapeshifter’s bassist and producer Nick Robinson ahead of their epic Live in the Parkheadlining gig this month.

HOW DID FOUR LOCAL LADS BECOME THE ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S BIGGEST BANDS? Whoa it sounds crazy, there’s a lot of amazing artists on the scene, and it seems a bit hard to believe we’d be called that. I don’t think we thought we’d still be going this much time later, but I think the first key to making a living in this game is staying together, not quitting. When we started (and still) the Christchurch music scene was rich in talent, there were a lot of good local bands. We came out of the Christchurch Jazz conservatory. It was competitive but it was also a mean social scene and basically just a fun thing to be doing. We wanted to push the boundaries of live music like the old jazz musicians did. We spent time getting into synthesisers and we took every chance to make our band’s live experience better.

From our very first show at the Dux de Lux we had Tiki Taane doing our sound; we would lose money so we could have the biggest and best sound and lights. I’m not

sure what got us where we are, but I do know we’ve failed a million times along the way and succeeded a few times, so I think a mixture of being totally unhealthily obsessed with the band and not really caring is good (as is having thick skin). We were taken under the wing of Salmonella Dub guitarist Andy Penman. He took us on tour and kind of taught us the basics of touring. He was a huge factor in our early success around the country. Without Andy we would have never had the platform to get up from.

whoever was on the mic! Then along came Digsss, making it look easy. And he just sang the perfect things every time, silky smooth charisma just floating over the rumbling drum and bass. It was like a dream come true for the four of us in the band – our sound was complete. It just made sense as our next step.

We always wanted to reinvent our sound as time went on and as we grew as a group and as musicians and people. Shapeshifting.

WHAT HAPPENED WHEN P DIGSSS JOINED THE BAND? When we first jammed with Digsss it was at The Gathering 2000 – 2001. We had previous MCs come and go up till then, but most were probably hip-hop based and found it hard to get flow over the noise on stage. I remember being told we were the loudest on stage band sound technicians had ever dealt with, and it made everyone’s jobs a lot harder – especially

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR KILLER TRACK ‘STARS’? ‘Stars’ was one of over 100 ideas we took to the recording of the album and was originally in half-time. It had a hip-hop beat to it and kinda rolled with a sort of Dr Dre feel. So it was quickly chucked in the no pile, until – I can’t remember why or when – we tried it with a rolling drum and bass feel. I think I might have played the chords in for the main bit and then after adding a bass line I was certain it was going to go nowhere. I got back to the studio the next morning and Sam had written some verse chords – and Digsss had recorded some ideas too, specifically the line – “We were like shooting

We wanted to push the boundaries of live music like the old jazz musicians did.

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/ CUTTING SHAPES

new riffs and ideas, and then there’s a few songs that we feel we want to play for most sets – for it to be a true Shapeshifter experience. Some songs just never get old to play even after 100s of times. There’s something about playing in Hagley Park; it’s a bit like playing in your own backyard, and every time we get the chance I think it could be our last chance – you never know! So I feel I just want to enjoy every moment and just appreciate what and where we are allowed to play.

WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO CATCHING UP WITH MOST BACKSTAGE? We know the Shihad boys quite well; we spent time living in Melbourne at the same time they were, and also shared many bills with them over the years. The first one being ‘bFM Private Function’, I think it was called, where we met for the first time. Those boys were full-blown rock stars, we were just gob-smacked – their performance is second to none. So always looking forward to acting up with those lads for sure.

stars… blah blah”. I thought OK, what’s this?

We had the first real idea of how it was going to unfold.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST GIG. Our first gig was the heat of the RDU Not So Young Entertainers competition. We played at least four songs, ‘Chain Reaction’, ‘Uplifted’, ‘Starlifter’ and ‘Double Bass’.

We’d all played many other gigs with many other bands, but we never had a reaction like this – the crowd went mental (there was only a few there) and then the next day on RDU Graeme, the morning DJ, just started hyping us – he was our champion really, he created this sort of Christchurch student radio Beatlemania-style Shapeshiftermania – it was madness. It was a surreal time.

YOU’RE HEADLINING LIVE IN THE PARK – WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? We have New Ideas for our set this summer, so I think we will do the old formula of batting out some

WHAT’S ON THE TOP OF YOUR TO-DO LIST WHEN YOU’RE BACK IN CHRISTCHURCH? Well, it’s like being in a new city now, there’s so many new restaurants and bars. I’d have to say I would head out to my favourite beach, New Brighton, get a coffee from Switch and then walk down towards the spit. Not many places in the world you can have the whole beach to yourself!

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT? I’ve been writing a lot of music recently, just ideas for playing live or for future releases. I’m co-writing a track with fellow Hospital Records artist Danny Byrd – for what release we don’t know, we’re just having a bit of fun there. Sam is also writing a bit, and did some things with the Nextmen when we were in UK earlier this year – so we’re sending ideas around the group trying to figure out where the beast is going next.

Live in the Park, Hagley Park, Dec 9, FB/liveintheparknz

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/ ENTERTAIN ME

Watching

Our picks of the best flicks, music and stuff to read.

THE FLORIDA PROJECT Described as “so human it hurts” and a darling of the 2017 film festival circuit, The Florida Project tells the story of precocious 6-year-old chatterbox Moonee (Brooklyn Prince), who lives in a run-down motel in the dusty shadow of Disney World with her struggling single mum Halley (Bria Vinaite). Spending her summer looking for adventure with her ragtag group of friends, ignorance is bliss for Moonee, whose sense of wonder blinkers the struggles of the adults around her, including motel manager/father figure Bobby (Willem Dafoe). A heartbreaking portrait of life on the fringe from nuanced director Sean Baker (Tangerine).

WIN! We’ve got 5 double passes to The Florida Project to giveaway.

To enter, send us an email to info@somocreative.co.nz with ‘Florida’ in the subject line and tell us your fave summer holiday memory.

Entries close December 18.

THE ROCK

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE THE STOLEN Rounding out a year crammed with locally-filmed killer Kiwi flicks, gold rush-era western/thriller The Stolen flips the Death Wish script, with violently widowed Charlotte Lockton (Alice Eve, Star Trek: Into Darkness) searching for her kidnapped son after the murder of her husband. Charlotte traverses the wild and untamed NZ of the 1860s, joined by a rag-tag posse of whores, ex-cons and a Māori warrior (Stan Walker) in this revenge-soaked romp. Local viewers will recognise Ferrymead Heritage Park among the film’s locations, while further Kiwi connections include actor Richard O’Brien (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) and former local producer Emily Corcoran.

WIN! We’ve got 2 double passes to The Stolen to giveaway. To enter, send us an email at info@somocreative.co.nz with ‘Stolen’ in the subject line and tell us why you need an ol’ school NZ fix. Entries close December 4.

The game might have changed, but the legend continues in this thrill-a-minute reboot of the 90s adventure classic. Following the Robin Williams original, but upping the age of its protagonists, Jumanji 2.0 sees four high-school kids sucked into the jungle setting of an old-school video game they discover. Moving with the times, the teens become the avatars they chose: gamer nerd Spencer becomes a hulking adventurer (Dwayne Johnson); football jock Fridge shrinks in stature but cranks up his IQ as an Einstein (Kevin Hart), token hottie Bethany is transformed into a middleaged male professor in the form of Jack Black, and mousey wiener Martha becomes a badass warrior (Karen Gillan) a la Lana Croft.

This is looking like the perfect family-friendly summer blockbuster popcorn flick.

WIN! We’ve have 10 double passes to Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle to giveaway. To enter, send us an email with ‘Jumanji’ in the subject line to info@somocreative.co.nz and tell us your favourite childhood game. Entries close December 18.

DVD: THE CHANGEOVER Based on the best-selling and Carnegie Medal-winning novel by Margaret Mahy, The Changeover sees post-quake Christchurch star alongside an international cast that includes Timothy Spall, Lucy Lawless and Melanie Lynskey in a celebrated young adult thriller that’s charmed audiences.

WIN! We have 3 copies of The Changeover to giveaway. To enter, send us an email with ‘Changeover’ in the subject line to info@somocreative.co.nz and tell us your fave Kiwi movie. Entries close December 31.

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/ ENTERTAIN ME

PLAYLIST

The killer tracks on high-rotation in the Cityscape office.

ALICE MERTON ‘No Roots’ No Roots

Listening THE ARCHITECT, PALOMA FAITH Fashion tour-de-force and quirky crooner Paloma Faith dropped her massively anticipated fourth album The Architect this month, and it’s crammed with some of the coolest co-labs you’re ever likely to find on one album. Ringing in legends Sia, TMS, Eg White, Rag’n’Bone and the iconic, brilliant and slightly typecast US actor Samuel L. Jackson across the 15-track release, Faith’s self-proclaimed “social observation record” charts new territory for the feisty artist. The first single ‘Crybaby’, is a slinky, soul-funk track that wades into the deep end with heavy-hitting questions in a perfect, edgy pop package, while the high-stakes lyrics of ‘Guilty’ are perfectly belted out by Faith’s deep, soaring vocals in a strings-filled powerhouse.

WHEN I WAS YOUNG, MØ

Reading

She of the helicoptering plait and angst-ridden tracks of love gone wrong has been keeping fans sated with team-ups with Iggy Azalea, Charli XCX and Major Lazer on ‘Lean On’. Now

she brings it home with her latest 6-track surprise EP. Title track ‘When I Was Young’ sees the Danish singer-songwriter rocking her signature killer vocals alongside a beat-laden jam that’s pimped out with one of the year’s most infectious hooks. Other standouts include the Lana Del Rey-esque ‘Roots’: sublime minimalism allows MØ’s (real name Karen Marie Ørsted) sultry vocals to shine, while the crackling energy of ‘Turn My Heart To Stone’ offers a nostalgic romp in her early sounds.

EVERYDAY IS CHRISTMAS, SIA If you are going to listen to a Christmas album this season, make it the one from Aussie singer-songwriter and all-round powerhouse Sia. Having penned some of the biggest selling songs in forever, the beautifully bonkers mega-star has turned her hand to Christmas tracks. There’s some real crackers, from ‘Santa’s Coming For Us’ to jam with a message ‘Puppies Are Forever’. Put down Mariah’s monotonous tripe and rock Christmas right, Sia-style.

HIDEAWAYS, SAM STUCHBURY, HILARY NGAN KEE Discover far flung retreats, mountain hut escapes, beach-front baches, hunting shacks, riverside cribs and more in this beautifully presented celebration of Kiwi holiday getaways that showcases spots open to the public – perfect for arranging a rustic getaway.

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MONDO COZMO ‘Automatic’ Plastic Soul

JULIA DEANS ‘Walking in the Sun’ We Light Fire

RACING ‘If Only’ The Bass

SIR SLY ‘High’ You Don’t Worry, Honey

SUGAR, JAMES WALVIN “Sugar is bad … sugar has been bad for centuries,” writes James Walvin in this searing book that charts the history of sugar’s rise from luxury to modern-day staple and its effects on society, from slavery through to global health in the 21st century. Put down the candy bar and give it a shot.

Forget platters; when you have real hunger pangs you need to tap the delicious monstrosity that is No.4 Bar & Restaurant’s heavy-hitting The No.4 Plank.

Piled high with chicken wings, spiced calamari, duck liver parfait, smoked salmon, cured meats, local cheddar, vegetable dumplings, pickles, dips, pork crackling and toasted breads, it’s perfect for a sesh in their sun-drenched courtyard of laid back cool. no4bar.co.nz

The New Protocol Expect exciting things from Cashmere gastro pub Protocol, which has been taken over by the legends from Valley Inn Tavern.

Eat the Plank

Food & Drink

FRIDAY BUBBLES In one of the best end of week celebrations ever, the legends over at Universo Brasserie & Bar are rocking the ridiculously good value of two exquisite courses and a glass of Veuve Clicquot for $40 with their Ladies Lunch every Friday. Perfect for the summer days and swishy catch ups with the girls, this lavish lunch offering is already garnering some serious attention – expect bookings to be essential soon. universo.co.nz

The Caffeination

TWIST & SHOUT Woolston outfit The Twisted Hop is the kind of place you want to make your local even if you live in Hornby. The cosy and welcoming gastro pub does an excellent line in food, has a jam-packed monthly events schedule and one of the city’s finest and most serious craft beer bars, with their own range of (excellent) cask-conditioned, hand-pulled real ales on tap, as well as an ever-changing rotation of local and national guest stars (including ciders). thetwistedhoppub.co.nz

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Engine Coffee Brewers like to say coffee comes down to three very important things: taste, taste, and taste! Tucked away in St Asaph Street’s cool Boxed Quarter, these coffee connoisseurs take their brew-ups well-seriously, describing themselves as a “sensoryfocused company”. Exploring what really affects the flavour profiles in each cuppa – whether that’s water temperature, grind size or quality, or other elements – they focus squarely on just how amazing we all know coffee can be; just try one of their coffee tasting trays. Even the (excellent) food offerings are flavourmatched to the coffees they have on offer, creating an amazing synergy in your café experience. If you’re serious about your morning caffeine and haven’t yet discovered this haven of all things coffee, you need to get them into your regular rotation stat!

FB/enginecoffeebrewers

CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ December 17

REVIEW

King of Snake 145 Victoria Street, 03 365 7363 kingofsnake.co.nz

Eschewing street frontage and the obligatory rubbernecking gawkers it attracts, Stealth Hospitality’s flagship (and the literal King of its popular empire) King of Snake epitomises off-the-grid nonchalance, with its no-fuss entrance via an unassuming alleyway. Equal measures chic sophistication and rock star swag (note the now iconic skull wallpaper in the bar!), this post-quake bar raiser has become the measuring stick of cool. It’s a flawless union: a slick fit-out, top-of-the-game Asian fusion fare, and that elusive hybrid of über professional, efficient and disarming Kiwi charm/service usually reserved for the country’s luxury lodgings.

With primo cocktails a given, King of Snake’s legendary namesake elixir is top-shelf lightning-in-a-tumbler magic, and not to be missed. Bitingly potent, it’s a harmoniously-blended firecracker of fresh

ginger, chilli-infused Belvedere Vodka and citrus liqueur. It’s the perfect primer for, and distillation of, executive chef Stuart Langsford’s celebrated Asianic menu without borders. The diligent front of house team give us the King of Snake rundown: lots of exotic flavours, designed to share, and plenty of fun – all the ingredients for an unforgettable night out.

We start with the deservedly-famous spinach leaf, a tightly-coiled flavour bomb of roasted coconut, peanuts, garlic, chilli and lime. The first bite lights up my tastebuds like a pinball machine, ricocheting around my palate and firing up the sweet, sour and salty zones to converge in a star-seeing king hit. Crunchy, fresh, feisty and obscenely moreish, it effortlessly seduces. For entrees we double tap crispy offerings squid with garlic and peppercorns (tender, crisp and, when dipped in the chilli sauce, eyewideningly delicious) and pork belly, plum sauce and Sichuan pickled cucumber (beautifully rendered, crackled to perfection and humming with the piquant cumbers).

Already impressed, we’re blown out of the

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water when the mains arrive. The painstakingly prepared crispy pressed half duck with caramelised mandarin sauce is an immediate favourite – delicate, moist and decadent, with the edgy-sweetness of the mandarin and restrained seasoning allowing its crispy hero to soar. The Penang curry meanwhile marries melt-in-the-mouth tender beef cheeks with a velvety, punchy curry, which also rocks soft-boiled eggs with melting yolks and a crunchy scattering of fish crackling for a next-level textural surprise. Surprising also is the liberal use of fresh coriander (which, for some reason, is sorely lacking from so many Christchurch ingredients lists) in the stir-fried exotic and common greens.

Our dessert order of lime pudding from the menu’s cheeky and apt ‘Happy Ending’ section sees a rich, silky custard tingling with lime and citrus segments gently soothed by the addition of fresh coconut milk and hit home with a sensational yam biscuit crumb. The near professionallycleaned bowl that makes its way back to the kitchen says it all – long live the King!

Craft Brews

We caught up with Andy Teo and the Dux Central tribe on what’s good drinking on the craft beer scene.

The Tribe at Dux Central don’t believe in excluding people, so we’re smashing your FOMO and bringing you a banger from Behemoth Brewing Co – their Tropical Mo Fo. This little Mofo is a pale ale, which although hailing from New Zealand, has heavy island influences, giving off heavy notes of passionfruit and tropical fruit. The Tropical Mo Fo is ideal if you are just getting into craft beers and want a refreshing pale ale that isn’t too hoppy, is dry, fruity, and refreshing. Whip out your Hawaiian shirt, put on some sunglasses and lounge out in the sun and imagine you’re on a beach somewhere with this beer in hand. Can you dig it?

Yes you can. duxcentral.co.nz

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Sitting within the YMCA, with killer street frontage on Rolleston Avenue serving up epic views of the Botanic Gardens from a sun-drenched al fresco area, DUO Dining Room & Bar fuses a funky, en-pointe hip vibe with some seriously boundary-pushing Asian fare. Dubbed ‘modern Asian’, the stunning menu features the likes of sticky pork bao buns, their now famous crispy eggplant, steamed pork and prawn dumplings, Lamb Dan Dan noodles, some epic lunch specials and an exotic cocktail listing including the super fresh summer sessional Lychee Mojito – a party-in-the-mouth inducing mix of fresh mint and lychee liqueur! duochch.com

WHISKY LOUNGE Nestled cosily in historic New Regent Street, The Last Word is a whisky and cocktail lounge that falls very definitely into the category of ‘bars for grown-ups’. lastword.co.nz

Killer Casual Eats

MOSAIC BY SIMO

SISTER KONG

CARIBE LATIN KITCHEN

SLIDEYS

MOROCCAN

MODERN CHINESE

CARIBBEAN/LATIN AMERICAN

SLIDER BAR

Established by local chef and food identity Simo, Mosaic by Simo is a Moroccan culinary adventure in Addington that offers delectable tagines, salads and Mediterranean deli items. Addington Mall, 3/300 Lincoln Road 03 338 2882 mosaicbysimo.com

Sister Kong is inspired by Hong Kong eats and late-night Chinatown cocktail bars in New York. They obsess about Bao, doing whatever it takes to make the best in the city, and once tried you’ll be smitten. 123 Victoria Street 03 421 6494 sisterkong.co.nz

With the sounds of Salsa, smells of the Caribbean, the textures of the Amazon, and the colours of Latin America, Caribe creates humble but intense cuisine for locals and visitors to enjoy.

255 St Asaph Street 021 0848 3158 caribelatinkitchen.com

This striking new slider bar at The Colombo has a fresh take on creating bite-sized sliders. With inspiration from Europe they’re simply delicious, flavourful and filling. Come “get Slidey”.

The Colombo, 363 Colombo Street, 03 377 1368 slideys.co.nz

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and family gatherings. A sun-drenched courtyard at the Fitzgerald Street entrance offers al fresco dining with a view. The super friendly staff, led by the quietly charming manager extraordinaire Louie Henderson, are experts at reading their customers, happy to stop and chat when required or leave you to it with their flawless efficiency.

With an exchange pending, I savour the final bites of the benny before tackling another of the venue’s most celebrated offerings. Crispy and chewy, the salty halloumi perfectly marries with the light sweetness of the smashed peas and creamy avocado, while smoked almond pieces provide a thrilling textural contrast along with a lingering smokiness. We bask in the afterglow of the crowd pleasers while sipping a (real!) Hakanoa spiced chai latte.

It’s fragrant and moreish, with notes of ginger and cardamom. There’s also time to split a next-level date scone filled with plump fruit and relax, blissfully oblivious to the hustle and bustle of Saturday afternoon on the other side of the glass.

REVIEW

Little Pom’s

294 Kilmore Street, 03 366 5808, littlepoms.co.nz

I’m ruined for all other eggs benny. After the first mouthful of Little Pom’s tricked up version, it’s painfully obvious any standard version of the classic brunch item will now no longer suffice. An absolute firecracker, the Little Pom’s Benny tips its sombrero with a south-of-the-border-infused mash-up of huge, fresh flavours; smoky bacon sits atop some damn fine housemade cheddar buttermilk biscuits, perfectly poached free-range eggs, creamy avocado, charred corn and coriander, while a primo smoked jalapeno lime hollandaise shines things off with some seriously piquant heat.

We’d planned on sharing, but watching the golden yolk streak through the thick, silken hollandaise as I pile a bit of everything onto my fork to get the full effect of this new-found fave, I’m having second thoughts – mercifully the grilled buffalo milk halloumi my companion has ordered looks equally enticing.

It’s definitely a day that calls for craft beer, with spring turning on an early Saturday afternoon that summer would be proud to

claim, but as tempting as the line-up of craft beers is (which is severely, given several are practically from the source – neighbouring freehouse Pomeroy’s), my eyes are drawn to another tap – WabiO Kombucha.

The locally-brewed fermented tea tonic/ elixir’s liver detoxification qualities make it the perfect primer with a big night planned.

It’s similar to less-sweet homemade ginger beer, and makes for a refreshing respite as we eye off the menu. Both the drinks and food menu are a celebration of the region’s finest, where Black Estate’s Circuit wines join ethically-sourced and organic artisan goods. Unsurprisingly, the talented troupe of chefs rocking the open kitchen also make their own nut butters.

Little Pom’s has the casual elegance of a well-loved local. A slick, black tiled bar (overseen by a portrait of the queen and duke from back in the day!) and kitchen joins designer lighting, vases of fresh-cut flowers, funked-up lounge music, and some über hip floral wallpaper, while a huge table at the entrance is perfect for larger groups

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/ THE LAST WORD

Wine Masterclass Cityscape caught up with New Zealand’s first and (so far) only Master Sommelier, Cameron Douglas MS, ahead of his stint in the Wine Seminar Lounge at the South Island Wine & Food Festival, to tap his genius on all things wine.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A MASTER SOMMELIER? My career in hospo started as a chef/cook working at various Auckland outlets in the 1980s – I learned so much about aromas, textures and flavours in food – as well as how to cook. After a couple of redundancies I decided to swap to front of house, and discovered very quickly how much I loved people, food, and wine and how those three elements created a synergy within the dining experience – at any level. Back then fine dining was VIP; today, not so much. I eventually discovered how much I loved the wine experience and began to explore how I could develop this aspect and stay interested in hospitality.

Eventually after a few years and while at Vinnies Restaurant I learned of the Court of Master Sommeliers programme. Till this time I was an un-credentialed sommelier. By 2001 I had started my journey on the CMS program with the level 1 course and exam.

The Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas was the venue – daunting to say the least – but it opened my eyes to a new and different level of education housed within the hospitality sector. I passed level 1 and the journey was set and I knew what I wanted to do: be the best sommelier I could. This became a Master Sommelier credential about 7 years later.

IT SOUNDS LIKE A DREAM JOB; WHAT’S THE LEAST FUN ASPECT? Great question! Managing time and being able to maintain the very high standards I set for myself and finding the balance between family, volunteering time for other sommeliers, and wondering if I’ll ever get the chance to mow my own lawn instead of paying a contractor!

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOUR SESSION IN THE WINE SEMINAR LOUNGE AT THE SOUTH ISLAND WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL? Brosé and Rosé for Other

Humans: rosé is a bit like your fave cuppa tea in the morning – so familiar, so easy to drink and so god-damned popular! Why? That’s kinda what I’m gonna talk about.

HOW DO SOUTH ISLAND WINES HOLD UP ON THE GLOBAL STAGE? Extremely well, but it’s also about creating awareness on that stage – that’s the tough bit. We need more New Zealand wine ambassadors overseas.

WHERE ARE THE MOST UNUSUAL PLACES YOU HAVE YOU SEEN THEM POPPING UP? Texas, San Diego and Florida.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO SUMMER DROP? The list is long I’m afraid, but a few include: Sparkling Rosé, Funky Sauvignon Blanc (Ata Rangi), Aged Pinot Noir, exploring Chardonnay’s many faces, IPA Beer and a really decent cigar at the end of the day.

WHAT ARE THE EXCITING KIWI WINES THAT NEED TO BE ON OUR RADARS? Readers have to research these: The

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CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ December 17

Landing, Brick Bay, Westbrook Waimauku Chardonnay, Puriri Hills, Clearview Estate, Ceres Wines, Alexandra Wines – all of them!

Misha’s Vineyard – all of them! Schubert Wines, Millton Muskats @ Dawn, Mangaorapa Pinot Noir, Syrah from anywhere in New Zealand – the obvious, and Otago and Marlborough expressions.

WHAT ARE THE 5 MUST-TRY WINES AT THE SOUTH ISLAND WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL? Anything you’ve not considered trying before. Don’t just go for your faves – be adventurous and explore! Learn about and embrace the small-fish players.

WHAT ARE YOUR PRO-TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE FESTIVAL? Sun-block (hopefully), drink loads of water (it’s not a race!), shake the hand of a stranger and enjoy the wine and food together.

South Island Wine & Food Festival, Dec 2, winefestival.co.nz