Latest from Life & Style Reviews

Review: Pilkington's, Auckland CBD

Some highlights in an otherwise disappointing performance gives a flicker of hope for the future.

Brunch: The Raw Kitchen, Ponsonby

The menu is a collection of freshly made raw meals, snacks, sweets and smoothies all on show behind a glass cabinet.

Bar review: Union Post Brew Bar, Ellerslie

The turfed and covered outdoor area with overhanging fairy lights is a cool spot for a couple of afternoon beers out in Ellerslie.

Review: Ika Seafood Bar and Grill, Mt Eden

Review: Clooney, Freeman's Bay

Approaching a decade on the dining scene, Clooney impresses like a debutante.

Brunch: Le Chef, Auckland

While the Rendez-Vous has a more takeaway/bakery focus, Le Chef is where you come for a meal.

Bar review: Mo's, Auckland CBD

Like the bar, Mo’s menu is compact but classic.

Review: United Kitchen, Phil's Kitchen

Review: Deco, Titirangi

It was a joy to see that Deco, Titirangi's latest restaurant is as stylish as the rest of the newly restored Lopdell House.

Review: Woodpecker Hill, Parnell

The newest restaurant in Parnell achieved something special before even opening for business. Supplanting a pub charmingly called The Bog, it reduced by one the number of Irish bars in the world.

Review: Ima Cuisine, Auckland CBD

Ima’s soul food and convivial atmosphere will help transport you to downtown Tel Aviv.

Brunch: Little Sister, Henderson

The menu was exciting. Loads of dishes you won’t find elsewhere, as well as some of the standards, but with an interesting twist.

Books: One fine bromance

Books: How to build a life

Australian writer Kate Grenville’s new book is a homage to her mother Nance, an ‘ordinary’ woman who decided she wasn’t going to follow in her own mother’s footsteps. She talks to Linda Herrick.

Bar review: The Portland Public House, Kingsland

We attempted to order a Bombay gin and tonic, as listed on the stained, dog-eared menu but were informed they didn't have Bombay Sapphire.

Review: Lucky Buddha, Auckland CBD

East meets east in the kitchen of the latest addition to the small eating-out precinct at the eastern end of Fort St.

Review: The Crab Shack

Extracting morsels can be troublesome but it’s all part of the fun

Brunch: Kaos Cafe, Pukekohe

The look is definitely set at 33RPM. Kaos is a homage to music and vinyl — there are LP album covers on the walls — and to 70s style, with the decor leaning heavily on retro furniture and fixtures.