After an impromptu trip to a colleague’s going away party, I decided to also stop by the newly opened Inglewood on a whim. I was pleased to be seated quickly and opted for a classic cheeseburger cooked however the chef recommended. In this case, that was medium which seamed a tad underdone, but they love…
Yakumanka- Geneva
A night of celebrations for a dear friend brought us to the Peruvian restaurant, Yakumanka (by Gaston Acurio), in the Madarin Oriental, Geneva. As I’d never been to the hotel before, I took it as my duty to arrive early for a pre-dinner drink and scope out the bar. While I was dressed for dinner,…
Ina’s English Scones
Coronation day deserves scones and champagne, so that’s just what it got. While this is a nice, basic recipe, they still aren’t mum’s scones, but they were very simple to make and certainly not dry (thanks cream). So, it’s good to keep it on hand for occasions like a new king. Next time I’ll try…
Four Seasons Brunch- Florence
The most indulgent way to spend a Sunday morning in Florence, HAS to be the gorgeous brunch at The Four Seasons. The space underneath the massive sky light was breath taking and when set with the tinkling backdrop of live music of contemporary classics played acoustically…well… there really were not words and I found it…
Parione- Florence
Well, here’s the story of the good Marco. I dined alone as one does on a solo trip which seemed to confuse the wait staff thinking I was waiting someone even after confirming I was not, so by the time I ordered an hour later, I was a little ragey from hunger, but also from…
Picteau Bistro- Florence
After an incredible stay at Continentale Florence, fun apero hours at La Terrazza, and a delicious meal at Caffe dell’Oro, I was pretty obsessed with the Lungarno Collection and determined to explore as much of these properties as I could before departing. I for went the Michelin-starred for the Picteau Bistro after reading the description…
Degusteria Italiana- Florence
With only nine tables, you’d best book Degusteria Italiana early, which meant for me, a table for one for a fancy lady lunch. The service was impeccable and I really appreciated the window-view table that the hostess told me she’s selected for me so I could watch outside. While I was of course armed with…
Caffe dell’Oro- Florence
On night one, I didn’t venture too far, thanks to my 02:30 sleeplessness. Lucky for me, I’d thought ahead and booked Caffe dell’Oro at the sister property of my beloved Continentale, just next door. The set-up was so chic, with the Italian women at the neighboring table in an eclectic mix of playing card sized…
La Terrazza- Florence
If Continentale Florence wasn’t already the most perfect hotel, she also brought the gorgeous rooftop bar, La Terrazza, who absolutely isn’t here to play. (She was only here to play). Make sure to reserve in advance, either online with a card or just ring up the hotel directly. The spot is tiny and full, but…
Continentale- Florence
Wow, wow, wow, I have not been happy with a hotel in quite a long time- Continentale was absolutely next level on service, room, location, and roof top bar. I was meant to stay here a few years ago with my then partner, but he bailed on the trip and we never made it. Continentale…
Gucci Gardens
Gucci Gardens was a major player of my Florentine weekend which is saying a lot as I really wasn’t expecting much. I’m all for a lifestyle store/bistro/bar concept, so I knew I would have to check it out, but really I was expecting to be underwhelmed- wow was I wrong! The outside space was lovely,…
Trattoria Toscanini- Lake Maggiore
Easter 2023 was spend island hopping the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore. I see them often from the train and am always intrigued, so here we are. You’d think I’d have arranged a holiday lunch in a tiny town, but I was determined to wing it. Based on gorgeous location, adorable lounge area, fellow apertivos,…
Ristorante La Stresa- Stresa
Ristorante La Stresa has a whole mess of killer reviews and for good reason- the service, food, and price all made for a nice evening. Two women worked the entire restaurant, not annoyed that I was dining solo and gave me choice of table which is always thoughtful for we solo diners. As usual in…
Taverna del Pappagallo- Stresa
Craving a pizza and seeing the line at the clearly loved Taverna del Pappagallo, I managed to squeak in for an early lunch reservation the next day. As the restaurant was parrot themed for some reason, it felt right to sit on the terrace that blended the in and outdoors well. The pizza that I’d…
Trattoria La Botte Stresa
On my first night in Stresa, I opted to try Trattoria La Botte. The cozy restaurant was adorned with fun caricatures of the family who was there running the place, even this particular evening. I was kindly seated at a very romantic table, ripe for people watching and even better as they poured me the…
Hotel La Palma- Stresa
With France striking for trains, pensions, and garbage on fire from those strikes, the only logical thing to do with the long Easter weekend was pop over to Italy. On a particularly frustrating work day I did about five minutes of googling and settled on Hotel La Palma for its proximity to the train station,…
Enoteca da Giannino- Stresa
What’s better than an effervescent glass of bubbly to sip while watching the buzzy tourist square of Sresa go by? A good book to go with it? Ok…now it’s better… a handful of potato chips…ok, ok maybe slightly better. (How to the Italians never tire of crisps?) And that’s precisely the fun little pit stop…
Citrus Olive Oil Cake
Hosting an unplanned Sunday lunch, I dug for whatever ingredients I could find in my pantry and for this particular occasion that would be a citrus olive oil cake. Inspired by Giada’s recipe, but using what I had, I made a few tweaks. The result was an absolutely delicious, citrus-kissed light cake. Served here with…
Harry’s Dolce- London
If you’re in need of a nice, but not too nice lunch break between major shopping destinations, look no further than Harry’s Dolce well-situated just behind Harrod’s. The sidewalk tables offer excellent people watching as the schmaciest of cars come to valet at Harrod’s. Also, well placed is the Moet champagne bar within Harrod’s just…
Margot- London
Originally, I’d booked Margot London for it’s dachshund themed signage, but later for it’s close proximity to my hotel and upscale Italian menu. The dachshunds even managed to provide a joyful touch to the apero. A small piece of foccacia and a perfectly measured tablespoon of olive oil warranted a 1 GBP cover charge. This…
Radio Rooftop- London
After a very rainy walk from the hotel and a an hour or so in the Cortauld Gallery for the first time (amazing) I ducked into the ME Hotel London for a spot of lunch at Radio Rooftop. The main hotel lobby is a true interior design thing of beauty. As one of the first…
The Barbary- London
On my list for some time after stumbling across it accidentally then continuing to read about it online thereafter, I was determined to dine for myself this trip. I took their website’s advice since I couldn’t make a reservation for one and waited the estimated 30 minutes for a seat for one. With just maybe…
Middle Eight Hotel- London
Wow oh wow do I absolutely have a new home away from home in London, particularly if coming via St. Pancreas. An easy 20 minute walk (even with too much luggage in the rain and wind) Middle Eight is well situated just outside of the happening Seven Dials areas. While the area can sometimes feel…
Hotel Indigo- Edinburgh
Company spending pressures combined with the needing to stay near Waverly station found myself at the Hotel Indigo for a few nights during my recent work trip. I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially being situated among a lot of construction even continuing on during a 10PM arrival. Surprise, surprise, the place was absolutely delightful!…
Venice M’Art
After reading about the ever-so-cool sounding Venice M’Art- bar, restaurant, and concept store, I knew I’d definitely be planning an afternoon around it. They had so many fun little menus and didn’t accept reservations for lunch so I was looking forward to the laid back good time. You see the chic white cushy chairs on…
La Caravella- Venice
While I had a reservation already booked for La Caravella my final night, I was wandering the neighborhood the night before, people watching and sneaking into a few shops as the merchants were closing up for the day. That’s how I found myself awkwardly perched on an uncomfortable bar stool in the high traffic area…
Gio’s- Venice
Sometimes it’s more fun to have the splurge meal of the day be lunch than dinner, providing a reason to stroll around all afternoon and lazily walk it off well in advance of the evening or if you’re on a city break, it creates the perfect opportunity for wine-fueled shopping. Gio’s did just that. Located…
Lineadombra- Venice
Lineadombra looked like a real gem as soon as I’d read the menu and realized it was just a fifteen minute walk from the hotel who also recommended this intimate place. I got all dolled up for my solo date night, starting with an apertivo at Antinoos Lounge, and even shoved my broken toes into…
Chaophraya- Edinburgh
Ahhh to be back in Edinburgh after a year and a half away felt so good. The moody city sprawled between small hills always manages to look cold while giving the chilled visitor a cozy feeling. Despite an eight hour plane delay, I was greeted with blue skies and stunning castle views from Chaophraya, the…
Antinoos Lounge- Venice
A hidden gem on the opposite side of Dorsoduro is the Sina Centurian Palace. I sneaked a peak during a leisurely stroll from the Guggenheim and pegged it for the perfect dinner or drink not so far from Il Palazzo Experimental. The entrance was rather grand and you could imagine how lovely this terrace would…
Il Palazzo Experimental- Venice
After falling hard for Experimental Chalet, Hotel des Grands Boulevards, and then maybe even a little in love at Menorca Experimental (it remains only a memory rather than a review), that I’ve been on a quest to check out and check in to all of the other properties of the Experimental Group. After a few…
Ristorante Riviera- Venice
After a 2:30AM wake-up call in rainy Switzerland, pushing through to a sunny arrival in Venice, I was in dire need of lunch! Nothing too heavy as I’d booked a nice dinner that evening, but just enough. My hotel restaurant’s tiny terrace was full, so I did the next best thing and just plopped down…
Ina’s Cacio e Pepe Eggs
Ms. Ina claims she makes cacio e pepe eggs for dinner parties of the ‘breakfast for dinner’ variety. While I find this somewhat hard to believe as this was exceptionally simple, they were a little more special than your usual scramble, so why not. I’ll buy it, like I’m off to buy some more Pecorino….
Macarons and Mayhem Guide: Paris
MACARONS La Grand Epicerie: Extensive upscale food hall and grocery with a truly impressive pastry case. Popelini: Choux pastry delights filled in a wonderful array of sweetness. MAYHEM Hotel de Crillon: My go-to bar when dressed for an occasion. Classically modern music and cocktails with excellent people-watching. Little Red Door: Consistently one of the best…
La Croix Verte- Nyon
It never ceases to amaze me that personal sized pizzas are something like $25-$45 in Switzerland. While I’ve gotten accustomed to doubled housing costs, higher grocery bills, a thousand different types of taxes, the pizza cost still blows my mind, maybe the most. You can drive over the border and have a delightful pie for…
Los Cuates- Nyon
Swiss Mexican always leaves something to be desired, but Los Cuates was definitely the best to date. A very festive dining room, somehow even more festive drinks, and food that was…well… Swiss Mexican. Pretty solid as there was note a grate of Gruyere or edible flower in sight as with previous attempts at the cuisine….
Mountain Burger- Villars
On an unusually sunny Friday in Villars, I was wondering the cutie little ski town seeking the best looking menu and spot to sit in the sun and devour a book I’d just started on the train. Ok, ok in reality I was also looking to devour some lunch and landed at Mountain Burger where…
Viu Villars
Hotel Viu Villars was the perfect jumping off point for a first ski weekend. Well situated by the center of town and train station, it made going back and forth, and storing luggage a breeze. The hotel was totally booked for the half-term school holiday and felt a bit like Lord of the Flies, but…
Villars-sur-Ollon
Bretaye, the ski station, and Villars will always have a special little, frozen, slice of my heart as it’s where I learned to ski- even after a icy-pants filled tumble down a giant hill.
On Valentine’s Day Ina Makes Us a Lemony Cheesecake
A lover of all holidays, Valentine’s Day has always struck me as one of the silliest, but somehow also loveliest. Hater of heart shapes, lover of romance this one was self-love in theme and started with a full 8 hours of sleep followed by winning a writing contest (shocking, I’m sure). Not romantic externally in…
Greek Lemony Chicken Soup
There’s something to be said about the worse the photo, but if it’s posted here, that the recipe must be REALLY good. This is one of those. My photographic skills are not only lacking, but more so here as I couldn’t wait to dive into this bowl of flavorful goodness. ADDITIONALLY, I am not one…
Steinhalle- Bern
While you can find my musings on travel, food, hotel reviews, and recipe testing on this gorgeous blog, I don’t often leave feedback directly to establishments unless it’s particularly incredible or awful. In the case of Steinhalle Bern, I thanked the chef, waiter, and host directly, lauding the experience as my favorite meal in Switzerland…
Noumi- Bern
On a city break where you’re logging 25K-30K steps a day, I subscribe that you can eat anything you want, life is short, right? So after traversing the city, the hill behind it, and back again, I landed at the oddly situated Noumi, in the basement of the Bellevue Hotel. The vibe was not at…
Hotel Bristol- Bern
Ah, that January to April time period where literally nothing happens every year. You have to convince yourself to get back into the swing of things for work and stop drinking champagne at all meals because you’ve now entered the dullest part of the year. May as well surrender your passport for renewal, right? With…
Loaded Biscuits
Loaded biscuits, biscuit bombs, cheddar-apple-bacon-chive biscuits, clean-out-the-fridge biscuits. Would a biscuit by any other name smell as savory? Whatever you call them, hop to it for a winter morning loaded in biscuity indulgence. Loaded Biscuits
Ina’s (Chipotle & Rosemary) Nuts
Wow- Ina’s nuts are DELICIOUS! These savory, slightly sweet nuts are going to be in regular rotation of my apero menus. My guests agreed that these were the standout of the meal and I’m only sad I sent a nice chunk of them away as part of my lovely hostess duties. Ina’s Nuts
Cold Longevity Noodle Salad
It turns out that longevity is a lot like revenge and is best served cold. This simple dish was a standout of my lunar new year brunch with friends taking it to go and it being the highlight of the following seriously bonkers work days. Save yourself about half of the sauce and prep extra…
Macarons and Mayhem 