Simon

Simon has travelled the world visiting some of the world's most extraordinary locations. From China, Afghanistan, Russia, Japan (where he lived for a number of years), Germany where he lived as a child and has returned to often.

All those decades of travel have given him clear standards on what makes a great restaurant or hotel.

15 articles published

EAT > MILAN

EAT > Mamma Rosa Osteria, Milan (16/20)

Tucked into Piazza Cincinnato, Mama Rosa stands as a testament to Milan's enduring culinary traditions. The decades-old establishment delivers sophisticated comfort in a setting that balances refinement with familial warmth. One of the best known restaurants in Milan, Mamma Rosa has been in business for decades, originally as a salumeria and enoteca with a small restaurant…

BySimonNovember 17, 2024

EAT > VINCENZA

EAT > Matteo Grandi in Basilica, Vicenza (18/20)

This sparely furnished restaurant, named after the chef whose stature matches his name, is situated at ground level in a classic building in the centre of Vicenza. It faces on to the famous Piazza dei Signori and from your table you have a view across the Piazza to the Renaissance-style Basilica by the famous Italian architect Andrea della Gondola (1508-1580) who soon…

BySimonNovember 13, 2024

STAY > ITALY

STAY > Villa Abbazia, Follina (17/20)

A bit off the regular tourist track, Follina is a beautiful village in the Prosecco Hills, it is about an hour north of Venice. The Villa Abbazia is a small Relais & Chateau hotel set in an 18th century mansion that blends historical grandeur with contemporary luxury. The restaurant La Corte has a one star…

BySimonNovember 11, 2024

EAT > ZURICH

EAT > Baur’s, Zurich (18/20)

Baur’s is an up-market brasserie and part of the famous Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich but with its own equally grand entrance. Recently spruced up by the Gorgeous company from London whose credits include Harrods, The Langham, Peninsula Hotels and many more, it is the grandest brasserie we’ve visited. One star Michelin,…

BySimonNovember 11, 2024

EAT EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Sosta Ristorante, North Melbourne (17/20)

An institution of fine dining for the last 15 years Sosta Cucina in Errol Street North Melbourne has changed hands and is now Sosta Ristorante. But its more than just an ownership change the menu while still Italian is more refined, ingredients are premium with a focus on using Australian ingredients to create delicious meals.…

BySimonApril 15, 2024

EAT > ROME

EAT > Roscioli, Salumeria con Cucina, Rome

If you are travelling to Rome there is a very good chance people are going to say, you have to go to that Salami place, the one near Campo de Fiori, it's brilliant. What people might not tell you is that if you want to eat there bookings are essential. This is the perfect…

BySimonFebruary 20, 2024

SEE & DO SEE & DO > SYDNEY

SEE&DO > Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney

The Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) stands as a cultural beacon in Sydney, Australia, tracing its roots back to 1871 when it was established as part of the Sydney International Exhibition when a Fine Arts Annexe building was established in the Botanical Gardens. The fine arts commissioners of the NSW Academy of…

BySimonFebruary 7, 2024

STAY STAY > MELBOURNE TRAVEL TRAVEL > AUSTRALIA

STAY > The Prince, Melbourne

Fitzroy Street, St Kilda is a street that oscillates between grunge, derelict, hip, smart and fashionable and then back again. Once famed for its seedier side of life today the bayside suburb of St Kilda is a lot more gentrified though its darker edges still remain. The Prince was once old Prince of Wales,…

BySimonFebruary 1, 2024

EAT EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Reine & La Rue, Melbourne 18/20

With so many new restaurants opening in Melbourne in 2023 it might be easy to miss one. Especially one that is hidden behind the grand old ANZ bank but missing out on Reine & La Rue would be a mistake as this is amongst the best restaurants to open in Melbourne over the five years.…

BySimonDecember 12, 2023

RIDE RIDE > SNOW

RIDE: Dynastar SPEED 763

It seems everywhere we turn people are only talking about all mountain skis but most of the us ski on piste most of the time, so what is happening with skis that are designed to make you ski your very best on the terrain you spend most of your time. One ski that is getting…

BySimonMay 4, 2023

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