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, 20240Comments

DRINK > PARIS

DRINK > Isadora Cocktail Bar, Paris (16/20)

On a quiet street in the vibrant Les Halles neighbourhood, Isadora Cocktail Bar is a sophisticated oasis that transports patrons to the glamorous era of 1920s Paris. This hidden gem offers a perfect blend of artisanal mixology, elegant ambiance, and impeccable service. AMBIANCE > Upon entering Isadora, guests are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere…

ByEd ItorOctober 28, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Bistra, Melbourne (16/20)

Nestled at the quiet end of Elgin Street in Carlton, Bistra has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for those seeking a blend of casual elegance and exceptional cuisine. This modern Australian bistro, helmed by ex-Attica sous chef Alex Nishizawa, it offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated and welcoming. AMBIANCE > Situated…

ByCrispyOctober 4, 20240Comments

DRINK > HOBART

DRINK > Lucinda Wine Bar, Hobart

If you are walking down Collins Street, Hobart you might easily miss Lucinda hidden away in a beautiful historic building but the signage is very subtle. Step inside and you will find a small room with a large central table and bench seats around the outside. They also have a larger room,…

ByCrispyJune 14, 20240Comments

EAT > ROME

EAT > Armando Al Parthenon, Rome (16/20)

When you ask for recommendations on where to get an excellent traditional meal in Rome you get the same recommendation again and again. Armando al Pantheon its brilliant. A fairly simple restaurant that takes Roman dishes and perfects them. Started in 1961 by Armondo Gargioli, initially it was a wine bar with…

ByAl ManakJune 8, 20240Comments

DRINK > MELBOURNE

DRINK > V Wine Salon, Melbourne

V Wine Salon is located in the slightly unlikely West End of Melbourne's CBD. For those who are less familiar with region it is close to the Southern Cross Train Station which tends to make it an area less obvious as a destination for fine dining or fine wine-ing. But…

ByEd ItorMay 28, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Carlton Wine Room, Melbourne (16/20)

There is something so completely Melbourne about the Carlton Wine Room. I cannot imagine a bar or restaurant quite like it anywhere else in the world. The combination of wood, light, food, service and wine. A wonderful mix that comes from our cosmopolitan population and the wonderful venues that have…

ByEd ItorMay 20, 20240Comments

EAT > KYOTO

EAT > Wajoryomen Sugari, Kyoto

Ramen. You love it, or you don’t. Hot, spicy, full of flavour. The best ramen is something of a work of art (see the quote below from the incredible 1985 movie Tampopo). Sugari has something of a following in a classic Matcha house, hidden on a narrow lane off a side street,…

ByEd ItorApril 6, 20240Comments

EAT > TOKYO

EAT > Fujimaru, Osaka

Osaka is well known for its street food, with 222 listings in the Michelin Guide (3 for 3 star, 9 for 2 star and 80 for 1 star) you know that they are serious about food. But what about wine, well that is a little harder to find, especially if like us on…

ByEd ItorApril 4, 20240Comments

CAFE > TOKYO

CAFE > Verve Cafe, Roppongi Hills

Over in Roppongi Hills right next door to the excellent design store ‘Living Motif’ you will find an outlet for the popular Verve Coffee (and roasters) chain. Here they do an excellent range of pour over coffee’s (some of them are quite specialised and they are priced in line ~¥1,500 for a…

ByEd ItorApril 1, 20240Comments

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