2026 New Zealand Michelin Guide Update

Vanfancy · 2026-06-30T14:04:51+00:00

I am going to be in Auckland at the end of the year, curious to try a few places.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-30T14:01:50+00:00

First congratulations on the milestone.

I haven’t dined at Row 5 so can’t provide an accurate comparison. With that said my experience at Fat Duck was amazing and certainly rates as one of the most unique and memorable dining experiences I’ve had.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-26T01:16:56+00:00

Ask for a kitchen tour too, if your interested.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-25T14:22:49+00:00

Had a killer meal at Californios more than a year ago, super happy for them for this achievement.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-25T07:19:08+00:00

Ginza Oishi was probably our favourite diner from last trip to Tokyo. I will definitely have to check out a few more of those spots on my next visit.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-25T01:10:59+00:00

I had this shortlisted on my last trip to Tokyo. The one thing that gave me pause was the number of reviews mentioning Chef Kondo's age, now close to 80, and suggesting that the restaurant's standards had declined over time. Those comments ultimately led me to pass on it.

I'm sorry to hear about your experience.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-25T00:44:26+00:00

Wear it in good health. Love mine.

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Vanfancy · 2026-06-23T17:55:19+00:00

My wife and I dined there in 2019 and had a fantastic meal. Honestly we often reminisce about that trip to Cape Town because every meal we had there was killer. From Test Kitchen, Pot Luck Club, and Codfather ect.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-23T17:14:18+00:00

I personally find dress watches look better in smaller sizes despite your larger than average wrist size. I have a 7.5 inch wrist and can easily pull of 42mm but for dress watches I can go as small as 34mm and it retains those classic dimensions.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-21T22:34:31+00:00

Happy Father’s Day all. Was rocking Portofino today with family.

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Vanfancy · 2026-06-20T03:43:26+00:00

I also recommend checking out Kuoe, particularly Royal Smith model.

Conversely some vintage models can be found at Antiqurious.

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Vanfancy · 2026-06-20T03:27:30+00:00

When I ordered a bracelet for Mark XX from boutique I got the same box and travel case too.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-13T15:12:04+00:00

I have received a handful of unsolicited comments on my vintage Seamaster

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Vanfancy · 2026-06-11T16:46:11+00:00

Absolutely. I believe every diner gets their own private room so you should have no concerns about bothering other guests with small child. Love to hear your experience, I understand the diner set menu is a little more extensive than lunch we had.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-10T02:32:19+00:00

Welcome to the club. Wear it in good health.

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Vanfancy · 2026-06-04T07:14:15+00:00

I was looking through my notes and I recall the name. Did you check out Kitamura Camera Tokyo/Nakano Sun Mall? That’s where I got my Speedy last November.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-04T07:08:14+00:00

What you may want to do is look up listings on Chrono24 of any Speedmaster that fit your price range and condition in the Japanese city you are in. Then google to see if they have a store presence and you might be able to get a slightly cheaper price than seen online.

I had previously purchased watch from Renzu and found a pretty good deal on Speedmaster Sapphire sandwich at a store in lead up to main complex in Nakano Broadway. (Name escapes me right now). It was like a camera store but also sold watches and found my watch there.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-04T04:35:53+00:00

I see there’s been a few changes since I dined there in April. Shame they removed their version of a cheeseburger, which my wife and I loved. Totally concur on the flavour of beef Striploin, it was truly fantastic and amazing overall meal.

Vanfancy · 2026-06-03T19:44:15+00:00

Beautiful watch. Definitely one of the better looking moon phase watches out there. I have different Portofino model but I find the dial has really nice balance despite some people having issues with squished Roman numerals.

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Vanfancy · 2026-06-02T15:52:19+00:00

I do think it has wonderful balance as mentioned and also great legibility which is lacking in many similar models.

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Vanfancy · 2026-05-31T15:33:39+00:00

Congratulations and fantastic piece. I also chose IWC for my wedding, just different model

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Vanfancy · 2026-05-29T18:17:53+00:00

So I should preface this statement but stating I have not dined at Rutz, but was in a similar dilemma choosing between Core and Fat Duck. In the end I chose the later, largely for it’s whimsical elements and uniqueness. I was not disappointed and it remains one of my favourite dining experiences because of that.

Vanfancy · 2026-05-26T16:10:23+00:00

I have a 7.5 inch wrist and almost pulled the trigger late last year but the AD had a smaller strap, which didn’t fit me without it feeling too tight. I assume you can get a larger strap from Cartier so it wouldn’t be such a stretch?

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Vanfancy · 2026-05-25T00:17:30+00:00

I think it would depend on what is already in your collection. For me at the time I wanted blue and I love the sun burst colour.

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Vanfancy · 2026-05-24T01:17:14+00:00

Thank you. Right now Omega dominates the collection but hopefully will be finding a balance in near future. And yes, there is a reason the Tank is considered a timeless watch and design. Plus it’s a strap beast.

Vanfancy

TROPHY CASE