Issue 14

Maybe it’s the meditation that precedes all food preparation or perhaps it’s the soft aquamarine walls and glowing pastel menu boards, but the atmosphere at Sweetness-Joy of the Unknown Beyond Juice Bar & Café is almost edible. This recent addition to the multitudes of Newmarket cafés, run by Sri Chinmoy-follower Sutibra, is fast becoming a favourite with NZ Life & Leisure staffers, specially those interested in vegetarian and vegan food. Sutibra and her colleagues prepare all food with love, aiming for a totally healthy environment.

Sweetness-Joy of the Unknown Beyond Juice Bar & Café, 22 Kingdon Street, Newmarket, phone (09) 524 0427

Art+Object is the first new auction house to emerge in this country in more than 30 years. Its founders, all formerly of the long-established Webbs in Auckland, claim to offer a “new, more contemporary voice”. Since opening in April, individual auctions for contemporary art, antiques and New Zealand historical items have been held. Coming up in July are contemporary photographs and 20th century design and in August there will be music memorabilia, toys and Kiwiana.

Art+Object, 3 Abbey Street, Newton, phone (09) 354 4646

Aveia, the star constellation used by Pacific navigators travelling between the islands, is an apt name for a new gallery in Auckland’s Britomart. Focusing on arts and artefacts from Aotearoa and the South Pacific, the gallery space is home to exhibitions as diverse as photography and glassware and there’s the chance you’ll be able to chat to one of the exhibiting artists. The adjacent café and wine bar carry on the New Zealand theme with seafood, vegetarian and meat platters to share.

Aveia, cnr Customs & Commerce Streets, Downtown Britomart, phone (09) 307 2310, www.aveia.co.nz

Long-time Italophile Lis Burt used to take tour groups to Italy and was always impressed by the design and craftsmanship of the furniture available there. When she gave up the travel business she took to importing the pieces she loved and set up shop in Auckland’s Newmarket. She’s just moved Mercatini to new premises where she displays exclusive designs from some of Italy’s best-known names. Among the pieces are massive dining tables, oversized mirrors and huge marble urns.

Mercatini, 139 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, phone (09) 529 4200, www.mercatini.co.nz

Monteith’s boutique and seasonal beers matched with a menu of wild foods (created by Len Baldwin, four-time winner of the Monteith’s Wild Food Challenge) are the prescription for a dose of conviviality at Wellington’s newest gastropub. The General Practitioner is housed in a 1903 building that was originally the home and surgery of Dr Henry Pollen and now sports a sophisticated leather, oak and stone interior. 

The General Practitioner, cnr Willis & Boulcott Streets, Wellington, phone (04) 499 6001