Jugatsu-ya In a dialogue with world class Japanese chef, Shinichiro Takagi, at the International Luxury Lifestyle Forum held in Kanazawa City in February, 2010, Alain Ducasse, the French cuisine master, remarked that “a chef is one who shares.” This is the ultimate lesson that Takagi embodies and brings forth at … Read more
I keep mental lists of my favorite places in the world, and Hoku’s at the Kahala Hotel & Resort happens to be on one. Perhaps Hoku’s belongs on the list of food so good you might cry, or of romantic sunsets and breathtaking ocean views to dine by, or … Read more
I recently learned that when it comes to eating out in Rio, it pays to get off the beaten path. Although everyone knows it’s the Squire’s destination of choice, for as many times as we’ve visited, we never seemed to venture further beyond touristy Copacabana and Ipanema, great standards … Read more
Palermo is probably best known for its open-air craft market that fills the historic neighborhood streets every weekend. Yet one who chooses to visit this fashionable art district in the evening hours will find it is also home to an endless number of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. On … Read more
Chef Michael Mina’s latest Las Vegas restaurant, his fifth in the city, isn’t very “Vegas.” Which is perfect considering its location inside the also very-unVegas City Center. American Fish goes against the Vegas grain by keeping things simple. Mina takes the freshest fish he can find and prepares them … Read more
La Llavor dels Orígens is a fun place to eat good, honest, fresh food for a reasonable price in Barcelona. The menu comes in three languages—Catalan, Spanish, and English (sometimes with quirky translations!). It also shows a photo of each dish, with a description of the ingredients (very helpful … Read more
Café Organico What better way to shower your beach-going-body with the utmost affection and appreciation than by feeding it the freshest, best quality organic ingredients? Serving up delicious gourmet vegetarian (mostly vegan) dishes and fresh juices, Café Organico has become a staple in the quaint fishing village of Montezuma, Costa … Read more
The Squire was struck by the ornate shell chandeliers gracing the dining room of Michy’s, Michelle Bernstein’s cozy, haunt on Biscayne Boulevard and soon learned that the whimsical lighting fixtures were made of Florida sand dollars. Such is the unexpected nature of this self-professed “gourmet neighborhood restaurant” where the eclectic … Read more
RED, The Steakhouse You have to be curious about a restaurant called RED … what comes to my mind is Russia, Diana Vreeland, Valentines hearts and high fashion lipstick, all associated in one way or another with the dramatic color. But allow me a gratuitous thought or two, well, yeah, … Read more
Soleá – The W Hotel’s Unwavering Perfection Soleá … even the name spurs your imagination. Could it mean something about the sun or perhaps as there is an accent on the “a” maybe an obscure Spanish verb that has something to do with using the sun to achieve a … Read more
It’s no lie; the Squire’s got an eye for Miami. Why? The weather, of course. If, like him, you also find yourself also craving the Miami sub-tropical heat, want to commune with nature in a jungle-like atmosphere and have a nice alfresco feast while you’re at it, head for Wish … Read more
de la Cava Lights, camera, action! The Squire recently took you backstage for a glimpse of culinary theater in New York City, courtesy of the Bocuse D’Or. Now imagine flipping the coin and sitting in the front row of the orchestra in Santo Domingo. Such is the feeling when … Read more
Greece is the Word B. Restaurant A massive red and black contemporary sculpture lures you into the expansive outdoor lounge and café that is the entrée to B., the restaurant. Through the interior portal a warm greige wall and 2 vertical columns punctuate a circular ceiling that covers this … Read more
Wineport Lodge & The Ice House Even in today’s fast paced world rampant with media hype, everyone still loves a rebirth, and I’m not talking religion. Upon arriving at The Wineport Lodge in Glasson, County Westmeath, all I could think was that I wished it was summer and we were … Read more
Cocoon Restaurant and Bar London’s Hot Spot After shopping on Bond Street or hopping around London’s amazing museums and galleries, Cocoon is the perfect place to relax and indulge your senses. As soon as you step foot in the door, subtle lighting with flashes of neon illuminating a stairwell that … Read more