EAT > Florentino, Melbourne (15/20)

Florentino is one of Melbourne’s oldest grand restaurants. At the ‘Paris End’ of Bourke Street (if there is such a thing), the restaurant is the centre piece of Guy Grossi’’s restaurant empire, which includes the Grossi Grill, Cellar Bar and the excellent Cocktail Bar Arlechin. Climb the stairs to a warm welcome on the first floor,…

ByCrispyApril 19, 2025

STAY > ITALY STAY > Sicily

STAY > UNA Hotel Capotaormina, Sicily Italy (16/20)

Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea and out to the Isola Bella (which is immediately familar to anyone who watched White Lotus) The UNA Hotel Capotaormina offers the perfect beach alternative to being up high in the pretty village of Taormina (204 metres above). The UNA is a funny hotel its…

ByCrispyApril 18, 2025

EAT > WOLLONGONG

EAT > The Boathouse, Wollongong (15/20)

Perched atop the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club, The Boathouse North Wollongong has quickly established itself as one of the South Coast's premier dining destinations since opening in October 2024. (Not that there has been a huge amount of competition for upmarket dining in Wollongong up until now). With panoramic views across North…

ByCrispyApril 13, 2025

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > French Saloon (16/20)

Tucked away above Kirk’s Wine Bar on Hardware Lane in Melbourne’s CBD, French Saloon offers a sophisticated dining experience that beautifully balances Parisian bistro charm with contemporary Australian flair. The restaurant’s discreet entrance and staircase lead to an elegant space that feels like a well-kept secret among Melbourne’s discerning diners. AMBIANCE > Upon entering French…

ByCrispyMarch 29, 2025

EAT > ORTISEI WHERE TO EAT >

EAT > Anna Stuben, Ortisei Italy (18/20)

Tucked away in the picturesque village of Ortisei and within the stunning Hotel Grödnerhof, lies the Michelin-starred gem, Anna Stuben. The name "Anna Stuben" pays homage to Anna Demetz, one of the founders of the Hotel Grödnerhof, which began as a guesthouse in 1923 and 'stuben' is a south tyrolean word for parlour. Over the…

ByCrispyMarch 23, 2025

DRINK > MILANO

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 us to partake in aperitivo…

ByCrispyMarch 16, 2025

STAY > DOLOMITES

STAY > Hotel Icaro, Val Gardena Italy (18/20)

With the most amazing views of the breathtaking Dolomites, Hotel Icaro in Val Gardena sits on the edge of ski run (which is a wonderful field of grass and flowers in warmer months), away from the villages of the Alpe di Siusi but still close to everything. Icaro is a gem that seamlessly blends modern…

ByCrispyMarch 16, 2025

STAY > MELBOURNE

STAY > Jackalope, Mornington Peninsula (18/20)

When you mention a weekend on the peninsula you get questions about where you are staying, what you are eating and the wineries and beaches you might visit. Mention Jackalope and you get ohh yes that place is fantastic and there is a good reason for that, they try very hard to make something a little…

ByCrispyMarch 16, 2025

STAY > MILAN

STAY > Magna Pars L’Hotel à Parfum (18/20)

Finding a smart boutique hotel in the busy city of Milan can be hit and miss, the big commercial brands are safe and are often in great locations but they are predictable and can be a little boring. Other smaller boutique hotels are in often in less optimal locations and regularly lack facilities. Magna Pars is…

ByCrispyFebruary 24, 2025

EAT > ALLEGHE

DRINK > Enoteca, Alleghe Italy (17/20)

Alleghe has majestic mountains, a beautiful lake and excellent skiing at the Civetta Ski Resort (part of the Dolomiti Superski ticket). The town itself is quite small, there are a couple of supermarkets, has a number hotels, some tourist and ski shops that are unlikely to excite you and of course a few restaurants (mostly…

ByCrispyFebruary 23, 2025

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