EAT > Sodafish, Lakes Entrance (15/20)

Perched along the picturesque Esplanade in Lakes Entrance, Sodafish has quickly become a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts and casual diners alike. This coastal eatery offers a perfect blend of fresh, locally-sourced seafood and a relaxed atmosphere that captures the essence of the Gippsland Lakes region. AMBIANCE > A floating restaurant amongst the fishing…

ByEd ItorOctober 9, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Pinotta, Fitzroy North (15/20)

Pinotta has been a busy bustling bistro wine bar on St Georges Road in Fitzroy North since 2011, led by the vibrant Heidi Modra who welcomes guests who come from the neighbourhood and across Melbourne. The big change in 2024 is the addition of Phillipa Sibley as executive chef. Sibley (you may well remember her…

ByCrispyJune 11, 20240Comments

STAY > SYDNEY

STAY > Ace Hotel, Sydney

The Ace Hotel in Sydney knows how to party. It is definitely that kind of place. If you are looking for a low key discreet place to chill, then this is probably not the place for you. If you are looking for a hotel that is party central then good chance…

ByCrispyMay 3, 20240Comments

STAY > TOKYO

STAY > Agora Tokyo Ginza, Tokyo

The Agora Ginza Hotel is a welcome hotel for travellers sticking to a budget but wanting a great location and a reasonable room. Rooms have the kind of features you expect from a nice hotel in Japan, (thinking a warm toilet seat with all the functions), slippers, jinbei (japanese pajamas), bottled water,…

ByEd ItorApril 10, 20240Comments

CAFE > TOKYO

CAFE > Turret, Tokyo

It doesn’t seem that long ago that finding a decent espresso in Tokyo was quite a difficult thing. There were a few Tully Coffee Shops and a few Starbucks but that was it. A wasteland for those needing a real caffeine fix. Turret Coffee was the exception, down by the Tsukijii Tuna…

ByEd ItorApril 10, 20240Comments

CAFE > TOKYO

CAFE > Kitasando Coffee, Kitasando

Not far from the Meiji Jingue Temple in Yoyogi Park and sandwiched between the Shinjuku Goyen National Garden you will find the small suburban area of Kitasando (there is even a Kitasando station there on the Fukutoshin Line). In amongst the apartments and small shops you will find a coffee oasis Kitasando (it has…

ByEd ItorApril 1, 20240Comments

EAT > TOKYO

EAT > Menchirashi, Shibuya

Udon, the under rated noodle. Its chewy and tasty, fresh and filling and at Menchirashi it is made into an enormous range of wonderful dishes, from traditional Udon (noodle) soup dishes to a Japanese twist on Carbonara. You do need to line up and yes it will probably take about 20-40 minutes to get a…

ByEd ItorMarch 31, 20240Comments

CAFE > TOKYO

CAFE > About Life Coffee Brewers, Shibuya

About Life is a funky coffee shop close to Shibuya station, probably the best coffee in that area. A simple menu the shop sells espresso, brews (hot and cold) and cold drip coffee. They have a small food menu and the space is ‘funky’ in that classic Tokyo way somewhere between design…

ByEd ItorMarch 30, 20240Comments

CAFE > TOKYO

CAFE > Sedai Coffee & Roasters, Shibuya

Sedai Coffee & Roasters is another place that might be a blessing when searching for an early coffee. Open from 9am to 7.30pm each day the simple store on Cat Street offers a range of fresh brews. This is a coffee store first and foremost it is not a fancy cafe or brunch…

ByCrispyMarch 29, 20240Comments

DRINK > TOKYO

DRINK > Bar Soul B, Tokyo

Bar Soul B is a bar we have walked past more than a dozen times, each time thinking we must go down and check that place out, never doing so. But last night we decided it was time, a rainy night in Shibuya and we wandered down in the damp from a delightful…

ByCrispyMarch 29, 20240Comments