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EAT > Wine is Fine, Athens Greece (14/20)
Wine Is Fine, is a French-inspired wine haven tucked into a sidestreet in the heart of Athens’ historic triangle. This is where the city’s new wave of food and wine lovers gather: a place that feels both cosmopolitan and quietly…
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…
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 > Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld VIC (19/20)
There are restaurants that feel like a pilgrimage—Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel is one of them. Set at the foot of the Grampians in Dunkeld, Wickens is not just a meal, but a masterclass in the art of place-driven dining. Here, the landscape is more than a backdrop: it’s the main ingredient.
AMBIENCE >
Descending into Wickens is a gentle immersion into the wild beauty of western Victoria. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the rugged silhouette of Mount Sturgeon, while the dining room’s blend of sheepskin leather, polished sandstone, and native timber is both luxe and grounded. The space is open, calm, and quietly confident—chic but never showy, with the kitchen garden just metres away and the bushland always in view.
The service is a study in balance: attentive but never intrusive, polished yet warm. The team moves with a kind of choreographed ease, guiding guests through the evening with genuine enthusiasm…
EAT > Kafeneion Emeis, Melbourne (15/20)
Once upon a time Lonsdale Street was home to Melbournes Greek community and was thick with restaurants and cafes. Today however most are gone, out to the suburbs leaving most people to believe that there are few choices in the CBD other than Stalactites (the greasy late night diner). Kafeneion Emeis, perched above the bustle of Spring Street, does precisely that, offering a slice of Greek hospitality that feels as much about philoxenia (friendliness to strangers) as it is about food.
ORIGINS >
Before finding its current home in the storied rooms above Spring Street, Kafeneion Emeis began as a pop-up on Bourke Street, inhabiting the former space of Self Preservation. The early days were marked by an intimate, experimental energy, with regulars drawn in by the promise of soulful Greek cooking and convivial late nights. This sense of community and culinary curiosity laid the groundwork for…
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 > …
