EAT > Matteo Grandi in Basilica, Vicenza (18/20)

This sparely furnished restaurant, named after the chef whose stature matches his name, is situated at ground level in a classic building in the centre of Vicenza. It faces on to the famous Piazza dei Signori and from your table you have a view across the Piazza to the Renaissance-style Basilica by the famous Italian architect Andrea della Gondola (1508-1580) who soon…

BySimonNovember 13, 20240Comments

STAY > ITALY

STAY > Villa Abbazia, Follina (17/20)

A bit off the regular tourist track, Follina is a beautiful village in the Prosecco Hills, it is about an hour north of Venice. The Villa Abbazia is a small Relais & Chateau hotel set in an 18th century mansion that blends historical grandeur with contemporary luxury. The restaurant La Corte has a one star…

BySimonNovember 11, 20240Comments

EAT > ZURICH

EAT > Baur’s, Zurich (18/20)

Baur’s is an up-market brasserie and part of the famous Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich but with its own equally grand entrance. Recently spruced up by the Gorgeous company from London whose credits include Harrods, The Langham, Peninsula Hotels and many more, it is the grandest brasserie we’ve visited. One star Michelin,…

BySimonNovember 11, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Circl Wine House, Melbourne (18/20)

A vinous wonderland in Melbourne's CBD, Circl has quickly established itself as one of the city's most ambitious wine destinations. Under the guidance of award-winning Head Sommelier Xavier Vigier, this Punch Lane establishment houses a staggering collection of 1,500 wines, with an unprecedented 150 available by the glass. AMBIANCE > The two-story venue on Punch…

ByCrispyNovember 2, 20240Comments

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

EAT > PARIS

EAT > Guy Savoy, Paris (18/20)

Do some research on best restaurants in Paris and there is a good chance Guy Savoy‘s remarkable restaurant will be among the top recommendations. On the top of “La Liste” (the top restaurants in the world) for the 7th year and with two Michelin stars, there is no question that this is haute…

ByEd ItorOctober 7, 20240Comments

EAT > HOBART

EAT > Ogee, North Hobart (16/20)

It is quite a solid walk up to Ogee in North Hobart from Sullivan’s Cove and downtown Hobart. It will take you about 30 minutes depending where you start and the incline gradually increases all the way up. I note this because we chose to walk up, it is a Sunday morning and…

ByCrispyJune 16, 20240Comments

EAT > HOBART

EAT > Fico, Hobart (19/20)

Fico means fig in Italian, but in Italian slang it also mean cool and that is a very good definition for Fico it is definitely cool. To start it is not a typically Italian restaurant but the food is obviously heavily influenced with Italian techniques and flavours. The chef co-owners Federica…

ByCrispyJune 16, 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

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