Features

The Great NZ Cocktail Book

2010-03-01T22:31:00Z

It’s one of those things where you wonder why somebody hasn’t done it before. But now it’s finally here - A comprehensive guide to the New Zealand bar scene, suitably titled, the Great New Zealand Cocktail Book.

This Holy Grail for drink-lovers contains over 200 pages on the subject of Aotearoa’s finest concoctions and establishments, from the top of the North Island to humble Invercargill.

There are bios and profiles on many of NZ’s leading bars, as the book takes us on a guided tour of all the current hot-spots.

It also offers a glimpse into those cocktail fashions that are going around at the moment. It looks at both the mainstream and more outsider mixes (Miss Crowley’s Chilli Tiquila Chocotini sounds fan-freakin-tastic), and gives us the basic lowdown on spirits in NZ.

The Great New Zealand Cocktail Book is available across the bar at Motel (Which is of course included in the book ), and costs $40.

-Darren

The Mint Chicks

2010-02-24T11:55:00Z

Changes are afoot for the Mint Chicks - and if they're successful, the record industry itself could be in for a shakeup.

The Chicks have ditched their old label, Warner, in favour of upstart music website MusicHy.pe - their debut EP through MusicHy.pe, Bad Buzz, is now available on a limited edition USB stick.

The idea, in a nutshell, is that most of the money paid to MusicHy.pe for music goes to the bands; in the meantime, as a member, you get to interact with the artists. In the Mint Chicks' case, this meant a couple of competitions - they released all the chords, lyrics and even the multi-track recordings of their song Crazy Yes, Dumb No, and invited fans to either remix or cover it - while paying a modest fee for the privilege (again, this mostly goes to the band).

The competition has now closed, but the next step is that MusicHy.pe members get to vote on the finished products, with the winners up for a range of prizes (including the chance to either open for the Mint Chicks, for those who chose a cover, or play at one of their afterparties, for those who went the remix route).

Whether this is going to be more successful than the traditional distribution model remains to be seen, but it's certainly unique. And anyone who's had the misfortune of hearing any Justin Bieber knows that the music industry surely needs a little realignment. But are the music-buying public ready for it?

Either way, you can preview the EP during the Mint Chicks' upcoming tour. They're playing the San Francisco Bathhouse on Friday 5 March as part of VUWSA Orientation - and if you like what you hear there, I'm sure they'd love you to become a MusicHy.pe customer.

- Jarrod

Breaking the Rules

2010-02-21T21:09:00Z

Traditional shopping territories have always been easily defined in downtown Welly. Cuba, Lambton and Willis have lorded it over the rest, sitting reasonably unchallenged for longer than I can remember.

But the late 2000’s brought a change, and out of nowhere came Victoria Street, clambering up the pecking order with some great new talent.

World started off as the big name on the block, but they were quickly joined by some fresh scenesters, including Kilt and the strawberry-sweetness of local wonders, Swonderful.

But what really brought some balance was one of the most interesting menswear stores to hit this city in a decade.

Marvel started off in Auckland during the early nineties, later expanding into Wellington behind the driving minds of designers and owners, Linz Ariell and Sam Grey.

Both wanted to see a change in the ideas behind mens fashion – or maybe lackthereof. They brought in a sense of innovation, with new labels that offered something different, and of course their own material which quickly became a signature look.

Top of the in-store class is MisteR, a label which mixes a touch of formality with much more designerly fun than should really be legal. Their lines tend to have a roguish sense of mischief about them, like a monkey let loose in a movie theatre – all spectacle, shits and giggles.

keep an eye out for Nudel, a new range of designer underwear - just for the guys. It’s an idea that many would have found crazy a couple of years ago, but places like Marvel have made old-school crazy their new-school cool.

-Darren

Cocktail World Cup

2010-02-17T11:06:00Z

The 42Below Cocktail World Cup has now been running for 7 years, believe it or not, and for 2010 the Grand Final will be in little old Wellington.

On March 27, representatives from several countries will converge on the Capital in order to wow the judges with their 42Below-based concoctions in a star-studded event at the old museum building (now Massey University).

First, however, the best Kiwi mixologist must be chosen...

This Sunday, the San Fran Bathhouse will host the New Zealand regional finals of the cocktail world cup. Bartenders from all over the country who fancy themselves as NZ's best will compete for the chance to represent us against the foreign devils... and unlike the Grand Final, it's free to come along and watch. Who knows, you might even get to sample the merchandise - in any case you might get some ideas for your own concoctions, and it can't be a bad way to spend a Sunday evening.

Come along and support your favourite local liquor-pushers.

- Jarrod

Cocktail World Cup NZ Regional Finals, San Francisco Bathhouse, Sunday 21 February 2010

Fringe Festival Comedy

2010-02-11T11:22:00Z

Against all odds (it was looking a little shaky there for a while) the Wellington Fringe Festival is back with us for another year, bringing with it another large helping of eclectic and eccentric entertainment.

It's no secret that my live diversion of choice is comedy, and the Fringe has no shortage of that - whether in the form of theatre, improv, musical comedy, sketch or straight standup.

To start with if you're quick you might still be able to catch Pirates vs Ninjas at BATS. A new play from local writer Anya Tate-Manning, this will hopefully answer the age old question of which one would win in a fight (even though it's a stupid question because the answer is OBVIOUSLY ninjas).

If you'd rather catch a bit of improv, however, then I direct you towards Gods and Heroes, also at BATS. Brand new myths, made up on the spot by the talented people of WIT. Prefer something musical? Catch the debut 1 hour show from comedy singer-songwriter Gabriel Page, L is for Love and Love is for Losers - or for a taste of sketch comedy, visit new trio Little Moustache for their show Laugh Experiences.

Finally, for a hefty mainline dose of standup, get your fix from the very talented Sarah Harpur and Jim Stanton in The Comediettes: Better Living; from the unpredictable James Nokise in Joker's Guide to Armageddon; or from a collection of comics trying out new stuff at Comedy Unplugged. Better yet, go to all three. Go to all seven shows, even. Think of it as a warmup for this year's comedy festival, which arrives in May.

- Jarrod

Decadent Sunday nibbles at Pollux

2010-02-10T19:11:00Z

ACDC have just steamrolled through town, leaving a trail of unshaven and slightly dazed looking bogans, loose in the city. It’s almost a bonus that the rain is falling, keeping the streets relatively clear of the black-shirted brigade that had been flooding into the capital over the last few days.

But Sunday’s mission remains the same for us. Eat, drink, and make the most of what little weekend is left while we can. Today, Pollux is our chosen destination, with a cosy atmosphere that provides welcome retreat from the wet and miserable world outside.

We’re greeted with a cheeky grin worn by Pollx's green haired owner, who apologizes profusely for the remnants of a party being cleared from the night before. No need for that, as I’d heard that Pollux parties go off like a neutron bomb in a crayola crayon factory, ending up a vibrant spectacle even on the quietest of nights.

Pollux specialise in decadent nibbles and treats, so the menu holds many a temptation for hungry and sand-paper mouthed customers such as us. Their cupcakes are always good, and the chocolate fondue fountain sounded freakin’ amazing, but the weather definitely called for something more savoury, this time around.

A mixed platter is the final choice, accompanied by some fine wine in the form of a sweet-tasting Fallen Angel Reisling.

Our plate comes out with a selection of goodies at the ready. There are mini meatballs, little pastry-coated mince puffs, corn nuggets, mini spring rolls and a bunch of freaky-looking prawn twisters for our taste-buds to savour.

We use little prongs to select our tasty victims and dip them in their respective sauces. The mini-meatballs are good, as are the spring rolls, but those strange looking prawn twisters are absolutely delicious.

An hour rolls by as we languidly devour the food, then another as we embark on round number two of our wines.

Pretty soon the sun is peeking through the clouds, so we reluctantly take our leave, moving slowly with a warm glow emanating from our stomachs, holding us in good stead until Monday arrives in just a few hours.

But... by then it wil be just 6 days until next Sunday, and I think that chocolate fondue fountain will be calling.

-Darren

It’s picnic season

2010-02-10T00:27:00Z

Picnic season has well and truly hit the capital. In fact I’ve had more picnics than barbeques this summer with the likes of the Garden Magic series, One Love, beach jaunts and the odd cricket match at the Basin all requiring a chequered-blanket fest.

So needless to say, I have grown tired of loose bread rolls, cold chicken, chips and dip, homemade salads and the subsequent acts of using dirty utensils, wrestling with melted camembert and dodging spilt drinks.

But there is a better, more convenient way of picnicking and it’s right at your fingertips.

Yip… I’m talking takeaways…

There are plenty of well-established delicious eateries from which to choose in downtown Wellington. My favourites include the nachos at Fidel’s, the chicken salad at Sweet Mothers Kitchen, the Ban Chow at Siem Reap, the Parisien pizza at Scopa or any of the fine burgers available at Off Beat Café… and they’re all takeawayable… neat.

- Karyn

Lomo your summer!

2010-02-09T23:20:00Z

In the early nineties a new style of artistic experimental photography grew from the Vienna underground. This approach was eagerly devoured by creative communities around the world and rapidly morphed into an international socio-cultural movement.

This approach / movement / philosophy is known as Lomography.

Lomography carries the motto ‘don’t think, just shoot’ and is characterised by over-saturated colours, off-kilter exposure, blurring, vignetting, spontaneity and other happy accidents.

Typical lomography cameras are inexpensive and deliberately constructed low-fi, with many comprising of multiple lenses, rainbow-coloured flashes and light leaks. Current models marketed include: Lomo LC-A, Diana F, Holga and the Pop-9.

For more information on this candid and incredibly artistic approach to photography head here. If you’re already convinced head into Artikel on Wakefield Street to check out their stock. You’ll never be the same again.

- Karyn

I heart Emerson’s…

2010-02-09T23:19:00Z

Nothing quite beats a cold beer in the warm sunshine.

Absolutely nothing.

As such it is imperative that you nurture this bond by ensuring that the brew you’ve chosen to consume is of an impeccable standard.

This is where the Dunedin-based Emerson’s Brewing Company comes in…

The company was formed in 1992, after Richard Emerson returned from overseas to find the calibre of New Zealand beer lacking. In a small, tatty student flat he started tinkering away, producing his first London Porter brew in 1993. Much has changed over the last seventeen years, like a fancy brewhouse that has capacity to brew a million litres per annum, but Richard Emerson is still motivated by the pure enjoyment of brewing and this is captured in his premium beer range.

You can nab a bottle of Emerson’s all around town, whether that be the Bookbinder, Pilsner, 1812 India Pale Ale, London Porter or the Old 95, but it is best enjoyed on tap, so head to Scopa, Dukes or the Southern Cross for such a treat.

- Karyn

Liberta D

2010-02-08T11:06:00Z

First popularised in Puerto Rico, reggaeton mashes reggae, dancehall, hip hop and a variety of Latin American and Caribbean musical parents into one mongrel offspring.

In recent years the genre has become something of a worldwide phenomenon, with reggaeton records moving off the Latin charts in the US to achieve mainstream chart success; reggaeton also remains popular throughout Latin America.

This includes Cuba, the former home of Yonier Cuevas Vega, now better known as Jinetero MC. Since moving to New Zealand six years ago, Jinetero MC has made it his mission to introduce our country to reggaeton - both as the reggaeton singer of Olmecha Supreme, and as a solo performer in his own right.

Jinetero MC has now put the finishing touches on his debut reggaeton EP, recorded in both NZ and Cuba, and to celebrate its release, he's putting on quite a party. Apart from getting a sneak preview of the tracks on offer, you'll be able to catch performances from the aforementioned Olmecha Supreme, as well as King Kapisi, The Wanderers, King Homeboy, Flowz and heaps more.

Did I mentioned that this will be New Zealand's first ever reggaeton EP? Better get along there, and make sure you catch a part of NZ music history.

- Jarrod

Jinetero MC presents Liberta D, San Francisco Bathhouse, Thursday 11 February

Brew Bar Spectacular

2010-01-26T23:17:00Z

A well known barista once told me that he thought Supreme was the best coffee brand out of all those regularly used in Wellington cafes. I suppose he may have been somewhat prejudiced due to what his cafe actually sold, but he had been around the coffee traps for a while so I’m inclined to take him at his word.

He’s been out of the game for a while now, living in green paddocks somewhere up north, but next time he’s in Wellington I’m definitely going to take him to the customs brew bar on Guzhnee Street and get his thoughts. Like any decent Barista he’s completely coffee mad, and absolutely infatuated with the science that resolves itself into our fix of piping hot java, every weekday (And weekend) morning.

In fact entering the brew house is almost like being in a coffee lab, you almost expect white-coated bespectacled nerd-lingers to be hurrying about taking bean samples and measurements of grounds - such is the professional nature of this coffee lovers paradise.

But for all its assumed professionalism, the brew bar is a vastly relaxing environment in which to take your ease. With the dual action of the neighbouring milk crate (A fine little cafe haven in itself), you may find good coffee seekers diverting off Cuba street and tracking down from the golden mile, and this little area becoming the place to be for esspressaholics who work/live/play in the downtown area.

The brew bar offers 9 single origins, and 4 different brewing methods, so you know that these guys are serious about their concoctions. And if you haven’t already seen it, they have the countries first Slayer espresso machine, a beast of a coffee-tool if ever I’ve seen one. Go in and check it out for yourself.

-Darren

What to do during Sevens weekend (if you're not into the Sevens)

2010-01-26T11:33:00Z

Hopefully it'll be no surprise to you that Wellington will soon be dominated by a certain sports event... Yes, the Sevens is on its way, bringing with it a veritable horde of garishly costumed binge-drinkers.

Now it goes without saying that the sports part of the Sevens is almost besides the point - you probably don't have to be a sports fan to participate in the festivities. Which is good news, because it's going to be hard to escape - Courtenay Place will be closed off, there's going to be a big party in Frank Kitts, there's a parade, and there'll be so many people in costumes that you'll swear they're stalking you (don't worry, only some of them actually are).

However. If, like me, you'd like to opt out of the Sevens weekend craziness, there are a few options available to you.

As a rule of thumb: STICK TO CUBA STREET. The erudite establishments based in the Cuba Quarter (with the exception of a couple of the large pubs in Cuba Mall - you know the ones) have a tendency to eschew sporting events in favour of something a little more musical. In particular, Mighty Mighty has a range of non-rugby diversions on offer, including its regular monthly market, and performances by Alex the Kid and Force Fields.

Further up the road, the San Fran has a special treat: Grant Hart from Husker Du (pictured) will be gracing their stage on the Friday night.

Outside of the CBD, there are also a couple of celebrations of note, as this time around the Sevens co-incide with the Waitangi Day / Bob Marley's birthday double-header. Head out to the Hataitai Velodrome for Radio Active's famous One Love festival (make sure you go early, or go on foot) or head to Waitangi Park for a waterfront celebration of Waitangi Day - and you'll at least be rugby-free for a good chunk of the weekend.

- Jarrod

Hola Mexico!

2010-01-21T10:13:00Z

Mexican cinema has been making its mark on the world stage for some time now - and when a country can boast directors such as Guillermo del Toro, Alfonso Cuarón, and Alejandro González Iñárritu, this should come as no surprise.

Of course in the part of the world we mostly know these directors for their work in English - del Toro is in New Zealand working on the Hobbit, Cuarón has directed both a Harry Potter film and the stunning Children of Men - so it's easy to forget that where they cut their teeth was making spectacular Spanish-language films completely outside of the Hollywood system.

Hola Mexico is a film festival celebrating the best of Mexican cinema, and this year it finally makes its way to Wellington. The eclectic lineup includes animation, comedy, thrillers, action, documentaries and short films - something for almost any taste.

If Hollywood blockbusters have left you with a bad taste in your mouth (*cough* Avatar *cough*) then this may just be the ideal cinematic palate cleanser. Get along to the Paramount before 27 January to catch some of the fine films on offer.

- Jarrod

Hola Mexico, Paramount, until 27 January

Help! I have Cider fever…

2010-01-21T02:48:00Z

Woah! Cider fever has hit the Capital this summer and I’m not talking low-brow PET bottles of Cider concentrate… sorry Scrummy... but rather premium Cider courtesy of Monteith’s master West Coast brewers and it is refreshingly fantastic.

Monteith’s Crushed Apple Cider is crafted from fresh sun-ripened one-hundred percent New Zealand apples… from Nelson orchards to be specific… that have been crushed to retain the apple’s natural flavour and patiently fermented to deliver a revitalising brew.

It is available all over town, including The Occidental, The General Practitioner, The Tasting Room, and The Southern Cross, or it comes conveniently in a four-pack from the bottlo or supie… great for the barbeque… AND it’s good for you, sort of, as Cider has a relatively high concentration of phenolics and antioxidants, which may be helpful for preventing heart disease, cancer and other ailments… take that beer and wine…!

- Karyn

Welcome to flavour country

2010-01-20T23:06:00Z

Flavour-infused spirits seem to be quite the ‘du jour ‘. Their unique taste has found a niche as the basis for a new generation of cocktails. And it doesn’t stop there. Maybe you’ve tried picking up a bottle of feijoa wine from the supermarket lately? They tend to sell-out faster than a starving indie band on its last six pack of Corona. Lightning-quick that is.

And it’s easy to spot the guy who made those tentative first few steps towards this fruity future of ours. I used to see him shopping at New World Chaffers on the odd occasion.

You might say that ex Wellington ad-man Geoff Ross was a guy with a dream. But I prefer to think of him as some dude who made vodka in his garage for kicks, and decided to make the most out of a good idea. If you have a good dream you may just be asleep, but if you have a good idea you might just be smart enough to wake other people up to it.

So from the demure upbringings of a Wellington garage, 42 Below vodka was born. Its international success is well noted, but the lasting gift that 42 below has left, is to really open up the world of flavoured spirits. Yes, others have been there as well, but few have done it with the same skill or panache as that “local brew” of ours.

Their feijoa vodka is a good example. Its zesty taste is perfectly oriented towards making numerous, stunning little cocktails. My favourite concoction (From 42 themselves) is a feijoa bramble, with:

45 mls of 42BELOW Feijoa,

a dash of Simple Syrup,

1/2 diced Kiwifruit, and Blackcurrent or Blackberry Liqueur.

Tastes like a summer party on the deck of a beachfront house in Lyall Bay. It’s that good.

But there are so many flavours already here and heaps more on their way. Skyy have been offering a pineapple vodka for a little while now, I am yet to try it but just saying the name rolls around the mouth quite sweetly. A big mover could be the Me Oko (Japanese for beauty) strawberry vodka that broke overseas markets last year. It’s seen as almost a liqueur, and is aimed to be drunk as such – straight up.

Most good bars in Wellington stock some version of these flavoursome beverages. Try Vespa lounge, who pretty-much have the full 42 Below range in stock, and can make you a cocktail to suit the vodka-style of your choosing.

Oh, and here’s a little video from the insane minds behind 42 Below’s honey vodka. NOTE: No bees were harmed in the making of this video. But the vodka is a different story.

-Darren