EAT > IDES, Melbourne

It is not that long ago when Smith Street in Collingwood was considered more a place to see a grunge band than a place for fine dining and slick cocktail bars but Collingwood has gentrified a lot in the last 10 years and now there are lots of outstanding places to eat and drink. …

ByCrispyMarch 3, 20240Comments

STAY > ROME

STAY > G-Rough, Rome

Just off the Piazza Navona at the end of a quiet little square and across the road from the famous Roman 'talking statue' Pasquino, you will find the design hotel G-Rough a bespoke ten room hotel. Set in a 17th century building the rooms offset the rough patina on the walls with slightly weathered…

BySebastian SomerledFebruary 26, 20240Comments

STAY > ROME

STAY > Soho House Rome

The Soho House brand has gone global and the once slightly secretive hipster private club now has venues around the world and some of them are excellent hotel choices for those looking for comfort, style and familiarity. Soho House Rome is a dedicated building 10 floors with a gym, rooftop pool, the Soho House signatory…

BySebastian SomerledFebruary 19, 20240Comments

DRINK > SYDNEY

DRINK > Busby’s Bar, Paddington (Sydney)

Busby's feels a bit more like a bar you might find in Tokyo or Kyoto rather than Paddington and that is due to the resurgent popularity old vinyl and enjoying those good tunes in a funky dark space. But Busby's is in Paddington, Sydney not Japan so it has a focus on wine…

ByLulu MasterdonFebruary 16, 20240Comments

DRINK > TOKYO

DRINK > Gen Yamamoto, Tokyo

You have eaten an omakase (degustation course) before but have you experienced an omakase cocktail bar? Probably not. With only 8 seats this bar has a slightly reverential experience as cocktails are elevated beyond mere libation to fine palate experiences. You have to make a reservation (at least a week in advance) as…

ByEd ItorFebruary 15, 20240Comments

STAY > TOKYO

STAY > Hotel TRUNK, Tokyo

Finding a hotel that fits you like a glove is a rare thing, it is likely that somethings about the place you will love but others let you down a little. We have stayed at TRUNK which is towards the bottom of Cat Street in Shibuya three times now and there are some…

ByCrispyFebruary 14, 20240Comments

STAY > ROME

STAY > Hotel H’all Tailor Suite

You know it is not all about the breakfast but at this hotel it is definitely a consideration. Hotel H'all is a boutique hotel of just 14 suites each with it's own style and identity. It is also home to Michelin Starred Ristorante All'Oro (ALMANAK 18/20) which is downstairs. That means…

ByEd ItorFebruary 13, 20240Comments

DRINK > TOKYO

DRINK > Bar TRENCH, Tokyo

Bar TRENCH, Bar TRIAD and Bar TRAM are all part of the Small AXE group of bars found in Ebisu, Tokyo. Each of them offer something a little special and make the region a great place for a night of bar hopping. Ebisu might not have been on your list for a night out,…

ByCrispyFebruary 12, 20240Comments

STAY > MELBOURNE

STAY > Hotel No, Melbourne

The thing about Hotel No is that it is not really a hotel at all, rather it is truely unique glamping in the centre of the city. It starts with a secret 'speak easy' entrance which takes you to the rooftop and there you will find your shiny chrome Airstream. I know you…

ByEd ItorFebruary 12, 20240Comments

DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

DRINK > François Lumpp Givry 1er Cru ‘Crausot’ 2020 (94/100)

Crausot is a relatively recent premier cru, established in the 1990's, the vineyard sits at the southern tip of the appellation. Soils are very calcareous driving complexity and minerality. The Lumpp family originally come from Baden, Germany and emigrated to France in the late 1800's. Two brothers François and Vincent began…

ByEd ItorFebruary 9, 20240Comments

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