100 points)

Giant Steps make some sensational wines, predominately Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (though there are also some excellent other varietals). The Sexton Vineyard vines were planted in 1997 based on clones from the iconic Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River by founder Phil Sexton. Over the last twenty seven years the wines just continue to…

ByEd ItorJune 21, 20240Comments

SKI > Banff

MENU Getting There > Where To Stay > Where To Eat > Where To Drink > Where To Ski > Mount Norquay > Lake Louise > Sunshine Village > Breath taking beauty, amazing mountains, genuine Canadian hospitality and some of the best skiing in the world is what is going to take you to Banff…

ByAl ManakMay 16, 20240Comments

SKI > JAPAN WHERE TO SKI >

SKI > Aizu, Nekoma Mountain Fukushima, Japan

There are over 22 resorts in Aizu it is a region with an enormous quality of cumulative snowfall and micro fine snow, there are great runs in fresh snow that don't require any hiking, a lower risk of avalanche because of the dense trees. The best option is to seek out a local guide…

ByCrispyMay 13, 20240Comments

EAT > LISBON

EAT > Mini Bar, Lisbon

Jose Avillez is probably the most famous chef in Portugal and in 2023 he was named the best chef in Portugal in the Best Chef Top 100 Award for his incredible contribution to food and helping to make Lisbon a top global destination for fine gastronomy. His early career was at…

ByLulu MasterdonMay 3, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Emerald City, Healesville

Almanak does not often write about the places we have not been able to visit yet but this is a place we are very excited about and as soon as we get the chance to update with a proper review we will do so. However in the meantime lets get into what we are…

ByCrispyMay 3, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Lollo (14/20)

Lollo is a hotel restaurant. There I have said it straight up. And as is the case with many hotel restaurants there are some good and some not so good aspects of that come from being part of a very large hospitality venue and a global hotel chain. Lollo sits fashionably on Melbourne's Flinders Lane…

ByEd ItorApril 24, 20240Comments

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.…

ByMagnum OpusApril 15, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Tedesca Osteria, Red Hill Victoria

The moment you park your car and wander down into the white buildings of Tedesca Osteria and Graceburn House you realise you are visiting something special. The front door is an enormous piece of wood with remarkable carved handle. The room opens into a space immediately comfortable, stylish and fresh. …

ByCrispyFebruary 27, 20240Comments

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…

ByMagnum OpusFebruary 20, 20240Comments

EAT > ROME

EAT > Ristorante Giulio Passami L’olio, Rome

On any trip to Rome you are likely to have someone tell you about their favourite restaurant, a little place that is down a lane way, off on a quiet street far from the tourists and the piazza. Giulio Passami L'olio is one of those places, if like us you walk the cobbled streets…

ByEd ItorFebruary 13, 20240Comments