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EAT > Gallina, Athens Greece (16/20)
There are restaurants in Athens that lean on history, there are restaurants that lean on the view, and then there’s Gallina—a cosmopolitan newcomer that stands at the intersection of art, design, and gastronomy. Tucked away in the Acropolis-adjacent neighbourhood of…
EAT > Next2, Positano Italy (16/20)
There are restaurants in Positano that lean on the view, there are restaurants that are just for the tourists (formula and expensive), there are premium restaurants (overly expensive) and then there’s Next2: a contemporary gem tucked up above the town’s…
EAT > El Celler de Can Roca, Girona Spain (19/20)
There are restaurants that make you feel like you’re at the centre of the culinary universe. El Celler de Can Roca, tucked away in a quiet Girona suburb, is one of them. The Roca brothers-Joan, Josep, and Jordi-have turned their…
EAT > Ristorante Tubladel, Ortisei Italy (17/20)
Just a short walk from the bustling heart of Ortisei, Ristorante Tubladel offers a dining experience that feels both timeless and inventive. The restaurant—whose name means “hay barn” in the local Ladin language—occupies a beautifully renovated mountain chalet, its interiors…
EAT > Merceri, Athens Greece (16/20)
There are restaurants in Athens that lean on nostalgia, and those that chase the latest culinary trends. Then there’s Merceri: a quietly confident bistro in the heart of Thissio, where Greek tradition meets cosmopolitan flair and the result is something genuinely memorable.
AMBIENCE >
Tucked away on the pedestrian stretch of Iraklidon Street, Merceri sits within easy reach of the Ancient Agora, yet feels blissfully removed from the city’s tourist bustle. The room is elegant but never stuffy—think open kitchen, soft lighting, and a gentle hum of conversation. Outdoor tables spill onto the pavement, perfect for warm Athenian evenings, while inside, the décor is modern, understated, and inviting. Service is a highlight: attentive, knowledgeable, and refreshingly unpretentious, with a sommelier on hand to guide you through a well-curated list of Greek and international wines.
EAT >
The kitchen at Merceri is helmed by two chefs with Santorini pedigree, and…
STAY > Hotel Mediterraneo, Kastellorizo (15/20)
There are places where the Aegean feels infinite, where the line between land and sea blurs into a kind of dream. Hotel Mediterraneo, perched at the quiet edge of Kastellorizo’s horseshoe harbour, is one of them—a seven-room retreat that feels more like a friend’s eccentric island home than a hotel. Step off the boat, leave your luggage by the blue door, and let the island’s languid rhythm take over.
AMBIENCE >
Designed by Parisian architect Marie Rivalant, Mediterraneo is all sun-bleached neoclassical charm with a dash of bohemian spirit. The rooms—each bright, unique, and splashed with colour—either gaze over the deep blue or into a peaceful garden. Ottoman platform beds, hand-picked textiles, and a gentle sea breeze set the mood; you’ll want to throw open the shutters and let the light in. There’s no pool, but who needs one when a bathing ladder drops you straight into turquoise…
CAFE > Anäna, Syntagma Athens (15/20)
If you’re looking for a little corner in Athens that feels like a breath of fresh, contemporary air—this is Anäna, right in the heart of Syntagma. With its bright, glass-fronted façade and a charming, glass-roofed arcade, Anäna is a place…
STAY > Hotel Pupetto, Positano Italy (15/20)
Step off the ferry, leave the chaos of the main beach behind, and meander along the coastal path to discover Hotel Pupetto—a tranquil retreat nestled on the secluded sands of Fornillo Beach. Here, the Amalfi Coast reveals a quieter, more…
SKI > Lotte Arai Resort, Japan
Powder, Luxury, and Adventure on Japan’s Snowiest Slopes
There’s a certain thrill to arriving at Lotte Arai Resort—a sense that you’ve come to a place where the mountains still call the shots. Set on the flanks of Mt. Okenashi in…
SKI > RESORTS
Nestled in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, Val Gardena is a world-class ski destination that blends breathtaking scenery, rich Ladin culture, and access to one of Europe’s largest ski networks. The resort’s unique partnership with Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi) forms the largest ski area in the Dolomites, offering…
EAT >Where to Eat & Restaurant Reviews
STAY >
DRINK > BARS
DRINK > Materia Prima, Athens (15/20)
Tucked away in the lively neighbourhoods of Koukaki and Pagrati, Materia Prima is the kind of wine bar that quietly redefines what it means to drink well in Athens.
Here, the city’s creative pulse meets a deep reverence for the craft of wine, making it a must for anyone…
DRINK > Old Palm Liquor, Brunswick East (15/20)
The northern end of East Brunswick's Lygon Street is now a busy bar and dining district. It is an area where you can stumble left or right into a smart bar that serves good food. Old Palm Liquor is one of these places that is full from the front…
DRINK > Mid Air, Melbourne (15/20)
Early Autumn is my favourite time in Melbourne, it is when the warm days end with warm evening that cool down to fresh mornings. It is a time when there are so many things to do all complemented by amenable weather. Grand Prix, Comedy Festival, Food & Wine Festival, Fashion Festival its…
DRINK > Bar Morna, Milano Italy (15/20)
We stumbled into Bar Morna after a long drive from the Dolomites back to Milan and a fairly long walk from the car hire return (at the Duomo) back towards our hotel Magna Pars in the vibrant Via Tortona area of Milan.
The hosts immediately welcomed us in encouraged…
DRINK > Grünbeck, St Anton AM (15/20)
Finding a place that is really comfortable to pop in for a coffee, a beer, a snack or a meal. That is the sign of the local you want to visit.
Another good sign is when the patrons start talking and sharing stories. Grünbeck has both and plenty…
DRINK > Bobbie Peels, North Melbourne (15/20)
North Melbourne has more than its fare share of great pubs and the 'Bobbie Peels' is one of those that absolutely crackles. Nestled on the corner of Queensberry and Peel Streets in North Melbourne, Bobbie Peels stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant pub culture. This charming establishment seamlessly…
DRINK > WINEWine & Spirit Reviews
WINE > Quealy Musk Creek Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula Australia
APPEARANCE & AROMA >
A luminous garnet in the glass, Musk Creek Pinot Noir immediately impresses with its clarity and vibrancy. The nose is beguiling—florals, wild strawberry, and a touch of rose petal, underpinned by exotic spice (think Sichuan pepper) and forest floor. There’s a sense of autumn leaves…
WINE > La Maison Romane, Hautes-Côtes de Nuits 2018(91/100 points)
La Maison Romane's 2018 Hautes-Côtes de Nuits is a captivating expression of Pinot Noir that showcases the unique winemaking philosophy of founder Oronce de Beler. This biodynamic wine offers a delightful balance of elegance and rustic charm.
APPEARANCE & AROMA >
Medium ruby color with good clarity. Vibrant…
WINE > Hoddles Creek 1er, Yarra Valley Pinot Noir (95/100 points)
Hoddles Creek Estate has once again demonstrated their mastery of cool-climate winemaking with their 1er Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. This exceptional wine showcases the unique terroir of the Upper Yarra Valley and the skillful craftsmanship of winemaker Franco D’Anna and the Hoddles Creek team.
Appearance and Aroma > …
