Restaurant Spis From restaurateurs Antero Aurivuo, Jaakko Kinnunen and Jani Kinanen and the Swedish word for ‘fireplace’ comes Spis, a grand Helsinki bow to its Nordic roots. Blending design, music, and fashion with traditional cuisine, Spis invites more than just foodies to its tables. The tiny 18-seat café, which … Read more
Chez Dominique A two star Michelin rating is a big deal in any country but in Finland it’s even bigger. It’s understandable that thoughts run toward France and the UK as far as award-winning cuisine, but who knew that Finland had ante-d up? I found out when I stepped foot … Read more
It’s not Your Momma’s Cuisine! Wild reindeer terrine with tart lingonberry jam. Earthy trumpet chanterelles in a wine reduction sauce over seasoned trout. Crispy buckwheat blinis with Russian pickles, honey and sour cream. It’s enough to give any culinary enthusiast warm and fuzzy goose bumps. Yet that’s what makes … Read more
Settle in on a cushy banquette at DohYO with a mango-ginger martini at arms length and study the playful murals that invite diners to experience the joyful energy at this one of a kind hotel restaurant. It’s 10 p.m. and the place is buzzing with the who’s who visiting New … Read more
This January, Napa Valley will be surprising us with much more than its world-renowned wine. As it gets ready for its second annual restaurant month, Napa Valley is rolling out the red carpet in preparation to treat us to their best. They’ve got Michelin stars and super attractive lodging packages … Read more
Crabs don’t have ears, so they haven’t heard the news: October 15-May 15 is Florida’s annual Crab Stone Season, where fans from all over flock to Florida to enjoy the stone crabs that arrive daily in Florida. Stone crabs are not like any other. For starters, they’re huge! A stone … Read more
If you crave being in the vortex of the SoBe (South Beach) scene when you’re weekending in Miami, then head to Quattro. Don’t even think about what came primero (first), segundo (second) and terzo (third), Quattro, although 4th in name should be first in mind. Quattro, the restaurant of “gastronomia … Read more
Few hotel lobbies have the theatricality of Morris Lapidus’ Eden Roc in Miami Beach. Upon entering the eye instantaneously meets a stage set for drama. A sheer curtained circular bar is the nucleus of the scene surrounded by undulating elliptical columns and softly lit by a galactic chandelier and sexy … Read more
A friendly staff greets you at City Hall. It’s as if you’re in your neighborhood joint and they’re excited to see you again. And once you see the menu du jour you’ll be excited, too. But first take a few minutes to enjoy a cocktail at this midtown eatery’s solidly … Read more
It’s obvious when a restaurant’s got the buzz and the very trendy Le Club has it! Situated in the red hot old city of Montréal in a building that’s of another era, its entrance is marked by a wordless iconic sign decorated with a discreet coat of arms-like design. A … Read more
It’s nice to walk into a restaurant and instantly feel a warm, fuzzy vibe … one where you want to stay. Le Clocher Penche sets a tone for comfort with a buzz of conversation from the dining room, slow mode ceiling fans, an art installation at the back that invites … Read more
Commonly after check-in, many hotel guests choose to sidestep the bar and restaurant on site for other establishments in the vicinity. The reasons vary. Perhaps some are seeking a local experience or others think they’ll be shelling out overinflated room service prices by eating at the property. Recently, at the … Read more
There’s nothing like the classics especially when it comes to French cuisine and even more so when you’re spending time in romantic Quebec City, which easily earns my vote for the best city for lovers in North America. Take a step into Cafe de la Paix with your significant other … Read more
*Photos by Riccardo Cellere Almost hiding on a tiny street in Montréal’s historic and romantic old city is L’Orignal, practically a shrine for carnivores. It’s hard to miss the groove of the place as you descend a set of stairs into what feels like a large playroom in … Read more
If you’re in Montréal and really want to channel a French groove, head to Leméac. When this bilingual city has gotten its hooks into you and you’re practically becoming a Francophile, there is no better place to discover. The elegant vibe is close to Brasserie Lipp or La Coupole in … Read more