ATLAS

From the same guys as Charlie Bird and Pasquale Jones, I can’t think of another restaurant that has more soul. Chef Ryan Hardy knows how to throw down but the way they incorporate a wine bar, wine shop and private dining spaces galore is the true work of art.

517 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018

Legacy Records

No frills is an understatement but there is something nostalgic about a New York slice by “Dom” himself. After over 50 years, there is never a bad day to go, because each pie is only by the master himself.

1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230

Di Fara Pizza

Unconventional. Wild. Unapologetically bold. These are a few of my favorite things. Mission Chinese Food is like taking an adrenaline shot right to the intestines and every decision feels like the most interesting kid in class thought of everything. Danny Bowien is my hero whether he gives a damn or not.

171 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

Mission Chinese Food

If you want to find me on any given night, I will probably end up at Paul’s. Paul Sevigny delivers an experience with the help of artists André Saraiva and Josh Smith that keeps you dancing and drinking with some of the most interesting people in the 5 boroughs and like Studio 54, it’s dictatorship at the door and a democracy on the dance floor.

2 6th Ave, New York, NY 10013

Paul's Cocktail Lounge

A tall candle can do a lot to change the tempo of the room but Le Coucou does so much more. Start with Savart Champagne and end with the same actually because at Le Coucou no detail goes unnoticed. For a complete, proper dining experience look no further.

138 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013

Le Coucou

Full disclaimer: I haven’t come by a po boy I don’t like but what I appreciate most is the unapologetic use of flavor, music and juiciness that makes it the go-to spot for the lower east side. Turn up and go full big easy.

36 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

Cheeky Sandwiches

Nope. It isn’t a restaurant. Also, not a hotel. But on the attention to detail front, they are certainly deserving of notice. They don’t just give a really great haircut but they do so with a selection of amazing products and swagger without feeling like an outdated episode of Girls, if you catch my drift.

Many locations but I was a regular here:

33 Crosby St, New York, NY 10013

Fellow Barber

Listen, if you’re going to gain a waist size, then make it worth it. THIS IS WORTH IT. I am not going to say I have been there multiple times the minute they opened, but I am not going to say I haven’t either. Addictive is the only word to give Dough justice.

14 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011

Dough

It’s design stupid. Thoughtful, intentional and just exactly what you need. Grab a drink at The Blonde or just take in Aby Rosen’s ridiculous art collection.

11 Howard St, New York, NY 10013

11 Howard

There doesn’t exist a more charming place on the island for breakfast or brunch or even late night. Very French and oh so rustic and chic. Warms you up like a fresh croissant. Brunch it up.

42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

Buvette

Authenticity at its finest. There is no place I know that has an equal amount of respect from the local Italian community of Carroll Gardens while also convincing people to travel from the far away island of Manhattan and even farther to partake in a proper pizza and calzone.

575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Lucali

Missy Robbins has never made a pasta I didn’t close my eyes while eating. Moreover, the restaurant is exactly what a restaurant should be: simple, to the point and about the food. I am a sucker for clean lines and great wine glasses as much as I am about a wood-fired grill with dishes that have just the perfect amount of ingredients on every plate or in every bowl .

567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Lilia

Always a soft spot for pizza but these guys know how to embrace nostalgia in their own unique way. Pizza on paper plates, ideal wood panelling and the right crowd makes it worth the visit in Soho.

22 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

Scarr's Pizza

No visit to Lucali, down the street, is complete without a short walk to Farmacy after dinner. It is a true relic but with the best Egg Creams money can buy. Former apothecary turned soda fountain, don’t think, just enjoy.

513 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain

Sentimental and nostalgic, this diner became a bit of a go-to on the west side. The best Easter I ever had was here and as a much more articulate person once said, it is what a New York City diner is supposed to feel like.

28 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014

Tight is the best word to describe everything from the space, drink list and menu. My friend Quincy can’t get enough of the place and although I am sick of seeing his posts about it, I get it. Best value in New York and the team redefine fantastic.

180 West St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Achilles Heel

This is probably where it all began. The first time I had a (then) expensive cocktail in thoughtful lighting and a lush environment with music that was just a vibe. This could be the exact same recommendation for the hotel itself which the inspiring Ian Schrager did with such grace that it has truly stood the test of time. I hope to get both married and divorced here one day but in the meantime I am simply going to ask for a Diamonds and Pearls and enjoy the Le Labo in every inch.

2 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010

Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel

Don’t call it a hostel, it’s been here for years. Okay, no it hasn’t but I fell in love with Freehand in Miami and on a quick trip to New York, why stay anywhere else? This hotel is like a Donald Judd work of art: only what is necessary is there and clearly there is so much necessary.

23 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010

Freehand Hotel NYC

Okay, we are going east to lamping in the Hamptons. Full disclaimer: I ran this place for a bit, but not mentioning the best fried oysters, biscuits and intentional lighting that defined my whole career would be a mistake, huge. You won’t find more consistent service and thoughtfulness anywhere. Guaranteed. God Bless Hillstone Restaurant Group.

99 N Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937

East Hampton Grill

American as apple pie or should I say, as American as Ralph Lauren. The goal was to create an iconic, timeless institution that redefined New York and became an instant classic. Success… handsome success.

1 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022

Holiday Cocktail Lounge is an “on purpose” dive bar but with style and character. The cocktails are actually interesting and good but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I love the attention to detail and it feels a bit like a secret just for those that call the East Village home.

75 St Marks Pl, New York, NY

Holiday Cocktail Lounge

Every six months, expect an entire concept change from agave to tiki to a swiss lodge. Helmed by Joe Alessandroni, always a good time in this hidden 10-seater bar.

43 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore (in the back)

Junior the Pocket Bar

People just don’t do what the folks behind Olivia do. What I mean, is that people don’t invest in the furniture, build out and tenacious menu like these Spanish cats. Don’t tell them I told you, but ask for the illegal cured meat.

55 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore

Olivia

Might be the best pizza in Singapore… for now. No but really, I chose where I lived to be within walking distance from the restaurant and that has been one of the best decisions in my life. Stick to the pizza and try the Diavola and afterwards walk down the block and go to Green Apple Spa for a foot massage and a good, pirated film.

52 Kandahar St, Singapore

Cicheti

Every Singaporean will state that the best Hawker Centre is the one next to their house and I have fallen into that trip. Go see my girl at stall #101 for Wonton Noodles, Chicken Rice and Char Siew Noodles.

861 North Bridge Rd, Singapore

North Bridge Food Market

If you’re in the know, then you know about what Yijun and Hutch have gotten started on Keong Saik. There are no better drinks and no better playlist and the design is damn good as well. Try the Tom Yum cocktail and end with the espresso martini. They are just damn cool. Also, during the day they allegedly also sell coffee.

20 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore

No Sleep Club

Old school hardware store turned hippest of hip coffee shops. They do so much more than serve coffee and I am happy to let them. Design is intentional and damn good and the beer selection (yeah I said it) keeps me pretty sorted in the garden.

150 Tyrwhitt Rd, Singapore

Chye Seng Huat

What I love, besides the incredible natural wine list and the chips with french dip and caviar, is the decor. Lighting and use of stone makes it the ultimate lovely date spot. Don’t sit in the dining room, stay up front by the bar of course.

29 Club St, Singapore

Le Bon Funk

This is the mecca. Just look at the grill. Mecca. Get a seat at the counter and don’t worry about the price, just indulge. The unsung heroes of Burnt Ends is definitely the front-of-house who work like ninjas slinging picklebacks and the most sought after Australian wines, funky and iconic alike.

20 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore

Burnt Ends

I hate ruining the secret but the world deserves to know. Through the most basic, standard, corporate hotel lobby find the tiniest bar with such a mighty soul and swagger that goes late late. It’s hard to find a jam this good on a Sunday or Monday and men, send me your thank you’s in the morning because this is THE way to impress that Tinderoni or Bumblerella.

320 Orchard Road, #01-05 Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

The Other Room

I don’t care what you say, but this one is even better than the original. It comes down to care. They care what song is playing. They care how many napkins they throw at you. They care about the chicken soup at closing. They care about how many espresso beans on your espresso martini. They care about having the best pork chop in Singapore. They simply care. Get in and get down.

112 Amoy St, Singapore

Employees Only

It’s hot pot. But not just hot pot. They will go above and beyond and out of their way to make sure your experience is flawless. From a screen protector for your mobile phone screen to a free manicure if you have to wait for a table, this is a true HOT spot. (see what I did there?)

103 Irrawaddy Rd, #06-01/02 Royal Square @Novena (but there are a lot of locations, this is just the one we ended up at 3:15 am after a wild night at Avenue)

Hai Di Lao

Luke’s is a nod to those classic business institutions that serve consistent oysters, steaks and a baller shrimp cocktail. Travis Masiero understands what matters to a guest and insists on comfortable seating, stunning art and the right amount of marble. Also, who is Luke anyway?

22 Gemmill Ln, Singapore

Luke's Oyster Bar and Chop House

They just don’t make them like this anymore. Well, this place just opened, but still. They did not waste an inch of this massive two-floored space. Upstairs is the elegant but high energy Barbary Ballroom and downstairs is home to $6 or $10 beers and large batch colored cocktails. This is a game-changer and I can’t decide if I like the PRESS FOR CHAMPAGNE buttons that actually work or the bathrooms more.

16 N Canal Rd, Singapore

Barbary Coast

To be honest, I had a bit of a hand on this joint. But what I started, the boys behind the bar, particularly Richie, Gally, Magic and Dave have taken to a whole new level. Expect to find one of these guys on the bar pouring drinks in your mouth to “It’s Raining Men” on what is considered a “quiet” night. But beyond that, chef is throwing down in the kitchen and it may be the best kept (not so) secret at Marina Bay Sands.

10 Bayfront Ave, Lobby Tower 2 Hotel, Singapore

Adrift by David Myers

Not officially opened yet but worth a round of applause. Chef Bjorn Shen took his little chef’s office and turned it into a 4-seater, tasting menu revolving around pizza. He took inspiration from dive pizza restaurants in the US and packed a shit ton of innovation into this extremely tiny future talk-of-the-town. If you can get in, sit back and get ready for the most intimate of dining experiences and amazing 90s R+B baby-making music. See you next week Bjorn.

161 Middle Rd, Singapore

Small's

Inspired by the original name of JFK airport, this bar marries some of the best jazz in Singapore with some truly solid cocktails. My personal favorite: Touria but you may catch me with a Last Word as my first word. Erik Hargrove on drums is enough to keep me there on the weekend and one day they will sing Tina Turner for me…. one day.

Lobby Level, 80, Middle Rd, Singapore

Idlewild

Folks, it ain’t pretty. Ladies and Gentleman, it is in a car park in Hillview (far af). But man, do they understand hospitality. Try to get in the back room and have a cheeky cigar and some even cheekier wine and cognac and the most diverse menu you can imagine. Our perpetual “boys night” spot.

#06-00 Lam Soon Industrial Building, 63 Hillview Avenue

Peranakan cuisine is my kind of cuisine. Please just get the tasting menu. It is an exceptional value and includes the best dish I have had in 5.7 years: blue swimmer crab curry. What to drink? Have a bottle of champagne or stick to gin and tonics because the wine list isn’t exceptional (call me, I can fix that).

17A Dempsey Rd, Singapore

Candlenut

Chains aren’t always bad. Especially when it comes to Imperial Treasure. On top of having really solid dim sum, they have the most attentive service in Singapore. These folks give a damn. When I am at Marina Bay Sands, I sneak upstairs to partake and when I am on Orchard Rd I find that infamous duck.

L2-04, Marina Bay Sands Level 2 Dining, 10 Bayfront Ave

Imperial Treasure

So, your family is visiting from out-of-town and they want to see the 8th best bar in the world and the world’s largest gin collection, so you take them to Atlas. But in reality, if that is the only time you go to Atlas, you aren’t really practicing “self-care.” My therapist recommends a Josephine Baker or Atlas Martini at least 2-3 times a week and I am happy to follow doctor’s orders because this is what bars are made of. True elegance and refined attention to detail and I am so happy the music ain’t jazz. It would be way too on the nose.

600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore

Atlas

Relaxed and super chill, but that is not how to describe the food or attention to design. It just simply feels good. There is an effortless, natural approach to service and style that makes you feel like you’re living in a page from Esquire Magazine.

97 Duxton Rd, Singapore

Kilo Kitchen

Damn, Luca is sexy. Honestly, it just feels like a vintage Ferrari. Food is effortless and so appropriate for this way of thinking: British meets Italian. Anyone who dines here feels attractive and it hints at how a restaurant should just hum…like a Ferrari.

88 St John St, Farringdon, London

Luca

This is my kind of cocktail bar. Classic martinis meet creative excellence. The team is just brilliant and they have this very simple quality I like: they want to give you a drink. I know it sounds simple, but it is true and I am happy to give them what they want.

12 Old Compton St, Soho, London

Swift

London has no shortage of private member’s clubs. No literally, there are loads (as the Brits say). But The Conduit actually resonates. It is made for those who kind of want to change the world over really exceptional food and actually relevant design and I can’t get enough. God Save The Private Club.

40 Conduit St, Mayfair, London

The Conduit

This is my kind of hotel. Art deco design and such a stunning restaurant and overall operation, however the devil is in the details. The closet had 7 hangers but I had 9 shirts, they fixed that really quickly and rearranged my clothes to be color coded and sleeves properly pinned to reduce wrinkles. I left a pair of glasses, so they joined them with a proper glasses cloth and all of those pesky iPhone cables, they were tied neatly with Beaumont ribbon. They take on luxury as a challenge and not a given and therefore have earned my perpetual loyalty… again and again for as long as we both shall live.

8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair, London

The Beaumont

In the movie Boomerang, the late John Witherspoon’s character describes how he eats everything from the “rootah to the tootah.” Mr. Fergus Henderson clearly gets it and serves offals better than anybody knows. However, it is the super clean-cut, minimalist design that keeps me inspired, paired with the exceptional team and no-frills approach that makes St. John an institution.

26 St John St, Barbican, London

St. John

You can ask my ex- but I am a true sucker for scents. I came here to see the shop design which was enough to peak my interest but I left with a total smell redesign. They release their perfumes in collections like a fashion label and I knew I should have stayed with my CK One that I buy at Duty-Free because once you go to Perfumer H, you never go back.

106A Crawford St, Marylebone, London

Perfumer H

Might be the Best of the Best. This joint has the clean lines of a Danish piece of furniture, which I think they have a fair amount of. The bread deserves it’s own fan page but I always give a lot of credit to a minimalist restaurant who practices what they preach. Also, whoever does the wine program may deserve a Nobel prize to be as memorable as James Lowe’s just-about-perfect cuisine.

Tea Bldg, 56 Shoreditch High St, Hackney, London

Lyle's London

Not getting Indian food in London is like not getting Indian food in Mumbai. Gymkhana does it in a super cool way with impeccable design, cocktails and creative takes on tandoori dishes that you have probably not seen before. We went as a walk-in and talked our way into two good bar seats but I will go back again and again.

42 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London

Gymkhana

Sure, they have this pink tea room that may be the most instagrammed thing on the gram followed by their restrooms. But objectively they take afternoon tea to another level. They are good when they don’t have to be. The food is delicious when it doesn’t have to be. The staff is knowledgable and thoughtful when they don’t have to be either but for me it’s moving to another room that sketch really comes alive. Incredible sound, strong cocktails and the right crowd makes you an idiot for not trying to get in.

9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London

This one is just my type. Quaint, to the point and just what I need to get by. The hotel has got style with its few rooms and the design is impeccable. It is a lot harder to do less and feel more and Henrietta is just the lady to show me a good time.

14-15 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London

Henrietta

There are just no words. The place is a riot. Imagine dining at the weirdest successful artist you know’s home. It is a fully immersive experience without being a fully-immersive experience because I am not about that. But this restaurant is mad in just the right way and so cool that you don’t have to be.

69 Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris

Derrière

So no, I have never slept here, because spoiler alert, I am not a gajillionaire, but finding this secret spot nestled in the most charming courtyard for a glass or bottle of wine and a few too many negronis is exactly the type of energy you need in your life. Also, love the toilets.

Pavillon, 23 Avenue Junot D, 75018 Paris

Hôtel Particulier

The hood is close to the Marais but not exactly. But this joint by one of my favorites, Andre Saraiva is just the right amount of qwerky and fun. Whenever you enter your room, the best music is playing and every song I heard have ended up on a playlist at one of my restaurants. Enjoy the penis statues at the entrance and the vagina carpets in the hallways but most importantly, the price is just damn right. Imagine the energy of Hotel Costes for the price of a Motel 6.

18 Rue de la Fidélité, 75010 Paris

Grand Amour

Most still talk about Septime, the grown-up next door neighbor which some say is still one of the best restaurant’s in Paris but Clamato is actually my go to. Rustic defines not only the style of service, the decor of the joint but also the simple humble nature of just really great food in the right energy and space.

80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris

Clamato

Yes to a Mexican taqueria and double yes to a secret door in the back that takes you to a bomb bar filled with young people and agave spirits. Put down the baguette and grab a margarita.

52 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris

Candelaria

Buly has been making perfumes since 1803. The store is beyond gorgeous and the experts who work here are patient and know not only everything about the perfumes but also know the best lingerie shops around the corner (don’t know why I felt to include this but it’s a thing). Most interest though besides their perfumes and candles has to be the scented matches. Skip the keychain and magnets and buy these instead as souvenirs for your friends.

6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris

Buly 1803

A Lebanese guys walks into an Israeli restaurant… oh you know how the story goes. But actually, it’s true. Besides the falafel that put them on the map, it’s the vegetables. They are everywhere. All over the restaurant and if super fresh and seasonal. If you are there at the right time, the green beans will take you to another dimension. The cauliflower as well. The fact that I have devoted arguable more than 3 words discussing a vegetable proves my point.

22 Rue des Ecouffes, 75004 Paris

Miznon Paris

I will have whatever Zaiyu Hasegawa is having. Always. Originally, met him in New York but I have never met a chef who is so happy and wants everyone else to be happy around him. His menu is fun and just that, happy. The staff are happy. The salad is happy. The fried chicken is happy. Happy Happy Happy.

Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 2 Chome−3−18 建築家会館ＪＩＡ館

Den

I asked Chef Sean Gray (Momofuku Ko) before my first trip to Tokyo to give me a list of restaurants to go to in Tokyo. I was hoping for ramen spots, udon, sushi, yakitori, etc. But being Sean, he gave me only one spot: Savoy. A pizza joint. However, this pizza joint does so with ninja-like precision and graceful approach to a famed art that can rival anything in Italy, yeah I said it.

Japan, 〒106-0046 Tokyo, Minato City, Motoazabu, 3 Chome−10−1 中岡ビル201

Savoy

I could spend weeks talking about Tokyo bars. However, many of them I don’t know the name but can probably just “take you” the way that someone took me. What stands out about Ben Fiddich is his use of abstinthe and sometimes the way he doesn’t use abstinthe but instead uses a ridiculous amount of fennel. Creative without being annoying and truly drinkable drinks in a cool old office building in the red-light district.

Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−13−7 大和家ビル 9F

Ben Fiddich

It is a bar but with a lot of books. Drinks are made entirely of fresh fruit and usually served tall with ice. Oh yeah, the space feels like a bit of a tree house with a bunch of nooks and crannies but oh yeah about the books they have the complete Visionaire Magazine series. Get in, get tippled and get inspired.

Japan, 〒106-0031 Tokyo, Minato City, Nishiazabu, 2 Chome−15−12 カルテットビル 1F

THESE - Library Bar

Seirinkan have been doing pizza from well before "pizza from Tokyo” became a thing. Actually, pretty much every great Tokyo pizzeria can somehow trace their roots back to this marinara only spot. There is a ton of oil which I don’t really mind and to appreciate the kids, you have to meet the mater.

2 Chome-6-4 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051

Seirinkan

I used to live on 7th Street in New York where the 2nd location of Miss Lily’s opened and where we ended up spending more than a few wild nights, so imagine the joy finding this translation in Dubai that actually brings legit Caribbean flavors, music and some of the more interesting people in the desert to dance.

Sheikh Zayed Road، 5th Floor,Sheraton Grand Hotel - Dubai

Miss Lily's

Admittedly, we one time ate here four nights in a row. Some of the best Indian food I’ve ever eaten. The restaurant is big and dark (just like me) but more importantly it is about the food. Even at this moment, it is worth the flight… even though there is a Rang Mahal 9 minutes away from me….

Sheikh Zayed Rd, JW Marriot Marquit Hotel - Dubai

Rang Mahal

Anyone can go to Coya, but to the right, find a very sultry members club that has the same spirit and energy of Coya and Zuma and Dubai in general but with way better people watching. Design is as rich as the Bugatti’s outside and service is suprisingly and consistently on point. Also, Nusr-Et is a couple doors down, which deserves an honorable mention.

Restaurant Village Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2 - Dubai

Coya

Going to Hong Kong and not going to Ho Lee Fook is a major mistake. It combines the style and energy of a hole-in-the-wall but with such intentionality and energy of a world-class restaurant. Food is not subtle and on purpose and the team are a band of people with incredibly interesting stories and may have all worked at an Urban Outfitters (are those still around?) back in the day. Obsessed. It’s funky, it’s delicious and worth asking your concierge at the Upper House to get someone to stand in line for you. (jk… but…)

蘇豪 3-5號地下, Elgin St, Central, Hong Kong

Ho Lee Fook

Impeccable design by my favorite designers ASH NYC but beyond that, they have assembled some timeless F+B concepts like the cool diner upstairs Karl's and Wes Anderson and I’s dream bar: Candy Bar. Actually, maybe this whole place is Wes Anderson and I’s dream but seriously this for Detroit is exactly the future the Motor City needs.

1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

The Siren Hotel

When in Rome, do as the Jewish do. In a very intimate historically Jewish enclave, you can find Piperno. Of all the amazing meals you will have, this personal neighborhood favorite had stand out Cacio e Pepe and a ridiculous artichoke and some hidden gems on the wine list that made for one of my favorite nights in Italy.

Via Monte dè Cenci, 9, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Piperno Restaurant

Full disclaimer: I have never had the pleasure to try this place but the person I trust more than anyone in the world not only swears by it but has been so many times I feel like I have been. It is on a swamp outside Valdosta, Georgia and has zero frills but all the soul, Southern cooking needs. There is no pretentiousness but a lot of Gator on the menu. This is that hidden find in the middle of the country and it’s how I like my tea: sweet. Honorable mention: King's Grill which is in downtown Valdosta and has hand-written xeroxed menus that change daily.

875 Rays Mill Pond Rd, Ray City, GA

Ray's Millpond

The first rule of Ka Jok See is you don’t talk about Ka Jok See. It is better I not tell you every detail but trust, if you can go, you must. Come with an open mind and a high tolerance and definitely no photos.

26 Takua Pa Road, Phuket Town (off Rassada Road, past Michael’s bar)

There are a handful of proper hotels around California and the West but Santa Monica just speaks to me. The design and art is impeccable and feels as much 2020 as it does 1970 and I am beyond biased to the name proper for good reason.

700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Santa Monica Proper

One of my hero’s Marc Nicholson once said, there are two types of people in the world: people who queue and people who don’t. I am definitely not a person who queues but when it came to Franklin Barbecue, I proudly waited for 3.5 hours and would do it again tomorrow if I had the opportunity. Bring your Netflix app and watch the Irishmen and develop an appetite for the best brisket in the world.

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

Franklin Bbq

One can find it difficult to find a bad meal in New Orleans and as my second-favorite city in America there is a lot to lure me back. However, every-time I go, I make a point of leaving the French Quarter to find the greatest po boy this boy has ever had. The place is no frills, no nonsense and a bit off the beaten path but this level of authenticity makes it one of the most inspiring can’t misses in these United States. PS don’t forget the Crystal.

5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar

Find me a restaurant in a giant warehouse and we are already off to a good start. But in an area like Bali which has so many restaurants and so many that are actually kinda good, Barbacoa stands out as a nuanced, grown up, thoughtful Latin American grill that is down-right delicious and makes you want to spend hours. I had such a good meal there once with someone quite important to me that I haven’t even gone back since because why mess with such a good thing?

Jl. Petitenget No.14, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361

Barbacoa

New steakhouse in Venice that feels like a cross between a relic of Old-Hollywood and also a super fresh touch of Venice vibes. The clientele is as good as the steaks and martinis and the menu design is a breathe of fresh air. Delicious. Oh also, stop by the Win-Dow for a bomb fried chicken sando.

425 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

American Beauty

This is the place. In Denver. It is retro without being like a Johnny Rockets. Food is comfort without making you feel fat and the manhattans are world class. I used to go about 3-5 days a week and I don’t quote me on this locals, but I think they have Coors.

523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Steuben's

Converted old Greyhound Bus terminal that has my kind of blue and my kind of wood stain. The chef is “a sister” and throws down. Like she really throws down. On a 3 day trip to Savannah, I went every day and want to take everything about this place, bottle it up and drink it in every continent of the world.

109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA

The Grey

Arguably the greatest hotel in the world. Yes, I said it. It may literally be the greatest hotel in the world. No, not just for the views and impeccable Andre Fu design. No, not just for the prime location and a full room dedicated just to your bathtub. No not just for Cafe Grey on the top floor and their litany of special talks and programming. It is all of those things plus the relentless attention to detail and service from the entire team lead by GM Marcel Thoma. They take customization and going above and beyond to another level and have an insight on how to make the most seamless experience I have ever experienced.

Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Upper House Hong Kong