EAT > JULIA, Shibuya, Tokyo (19/20)

Tucked away in the residential fringes of Jingumae, just beyond Omotesando's designer bustle, JULIA remains a Shibuya gem for those seeking Japan's seasonal essence through innovative fine dining. Returning after our acclaimed 2024 visit to the expanded space—where Chef Nao and Sommelier Kenichiro elevated their husband-and-wife intimacy to a poised team operation—this latest meal reaffirms…

ByCrispyDecember 20, 20250Comments

EAT > AUSTRALIA EAT > NSW EAT > SYDNEY WHERE TO EAT >

EAT > Saint Peter, Paddington Sydney (19/20)

Saint Peter in Sydney is one of Australia’s (possibly the world’s) most compelling places to eat seafood right now, a restaurant that turns whole fish into high drama without ever losing sight of comfort, generosity, and genuine hospitality. Relocated to The Grand National Hotel in Paddington, it feels like both a neighbourhood dining room and…

ByCrispyDecember 2, 20250Comments

STAY > CHAMPAGNE STAY > FRANCE WHERE TO STAY >

STAY > Hôtel Les Avisés, Épernay (19/20)

With just 10 rooms, Hôtel Les Avisés and its neighbouring champagne house (Domaine Jacques Selosse) is a delightful stay with solid hospitality and exceptional food and drink. ABOUT > The town of Les Avisés Les Avisés is a picturesque enclave in the heart of Avize, Champagne, renowned for its grand cru vineyards…

ByPaulaOctober 12, 20250Comments

STAY > NEW ZEALAND WHERE TO STAY >

STAY > The Lindis, New Zealand (19/20)

Set in the heart of New Zealand’s majestic Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis is a standout luxury lodge that redefines high country hospitality with a blend of architectural elegance, immersive natural beauty, and bespoke experiences. LOCATION > Tucked within a 240-hectare sheep and cattle station in the South Island, The Lindis commands sweeping views of the…

BySebAugust 10, 20250Comments

CAFE > CAFE > SINGAPORE

CAFE > Apartment Coffee, Singapore (19/20)

There’s a certain quiet confidence to Apartment Coffee, nestled along Selegie Road in Singapore — a space where light pours in through clean lines and minimalism meets artistry. Once a local secret and now crowned Asia’s best coffee shop (and sixth worldwide on 2025’s World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list), Apartment Coffee is a pilgrimage…

ByCrispyAugust 2, 20250Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

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…

ByCrispyJuly 14, 20250Comments

EAT > GIRONA EAT > SPAIN

EAT > El Celler de Can Roca, Girona Spain (19/20)

There are restaurants that make you feel like you’re at the centre of the culinary universe. El Celler de Can Roca, tucked away in a quiet Girona suburb, is one of them. The Roca brothers-Joan, Josep, and Jordi-have turned their family-run spot into a temple of modern Catalan gastronomy, and the world has taken notice.…

ByEd ItorJune 14, 20250Comments

EAT > BURGUNDY

EAT > L’Épi d’Or, Paris (17/20)

L'Épi d'Or: A Parisian Bistro Reborn Nestled in the heart of Paris's 1st arrondissement, L'Épi d'Or stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional French bistro cuisine. This historic establishment, dating back to 1880, has recently undergone a revival under the expert guidance of Michelin-starred chef Jean-François Piège, (his fifth restaurant with partner…

ByEd ItorOctober 20, 20240Comments

EAT > BURGUNDY

EAT > Aux Terrasses, Tournus (19/20)

I found Aux Terrasses in Tournus entirely by accident. A string of Google searches, reviews in various online papers (the ones with reasonable travel sections), Tablet Guide, Michelin Guide and it made it to the top of the list. Offering a smart hotel (read the review here), a charming Michelin-starred restaurant (that offers an exceptional…

ByEd ItorOctober 20, 20240Comments

STAY > FRANCE STAY > PARIS

STAY > Aux Terrasses, Tournus, Bourgogne (19/20)

19/20 Nestled in the heart of Burgundy, Aux Terrasses offers a delightful blend of gastronomic excellence and exceptionally comfortable accommodation. A charming hotel and Michelin Star restaurant (review here) combination that provides an ideal base for exploring the picturesque town of Tournus and the surrounding wine country. AMBIANCE > The hotel Aux Terrasses features…

ByEd ItorOctober 14, 20240Comments

Best Choice for Creatives