Hot Spots

Hot Spots

Charm and culinary greatness in Sienna

Charm and culinary greatness in Sienna

SIENNA, ITALY - When in Tuscany there are so many restaurants that you need to visit, but of course, having the time to eat at all of them is the challenge. Tre Cristi appeared on numerous sites as a standout in the heart of Sienna. Tucked on a small side street, away from the bustling and tourist filled Piazza del Campo, this enchanting little eatery serves up the best example of contemporary Tuscan cuisine. From their signature raw seasonal seafood starter, perfectly cooked prawns with saffron butternut squash puree, to lightly poached monkfish wrapped in crispy pancetta. Every dish is carefully prepared...
Lazy lunch in Venice

Lazy lunch in Venice

VENICE, ITALY - Sitting on a small canal, Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti, is a wonderful place to enjoy a long relaxing lunch, people watching, and enjoying artfully presented seafood and pasta. If you're lucky they will have the assorted raw fish plate that is a meal unto itself. Fresh sweet red prawns, tartare and carpaccio of local fresh fish are some of the stand outs on the plate. But save room for pasta, Ai Artisti is know for its contemporary take on tradition Venetian dishes and even the pasta pomodoro shines. Check out OSTERIA ENOTECA AI ARTISTI
Roadside Revelation in Tuscany

Roadside Revelation in Tuscany

BOLOGNA, ITALY - Sometimes you stumble across a surprisingly wonderful restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Alpiacere Di Mirko & Inna on Via Emilia Ponente outside Bologna is such an establishment. Referred by an American poolside guest at our resort, who remarked "It was the best meal we've had in Italy", it sparked our attention. From the road it's a small white building, that could be mistaken for someone's home. Inside a charming dining room, bar and small patio with tables adorned in beautiful white linen. Like most of the smaller restaurants we visited a single server darts around taking...
Pianostrada Laborotorio di Cucina

Pianostrada Laborotorio di Cucina

ROME, ITALY - We discovered this exceptional restaurant in Rome four years ago, and have been going back again and again. Run by sisters, this modern Italian eatery serves up, in my opinion, some of the best food in the city. From the daily house-made focaccia to their contemporary take on many classic Italian dishes. Deconstructed zucchini blossoms, Cacio e Pepe with raw red shrimps, to sublime pasta's and salads. This is a must visit restaurant. Check out PIANOSTRADA
Seafood and a Scene

Seafood and a Scene

MYKONOS, GREECE - If you're looking for an amazing lunch with a view in Mykonos, then Principote Beach Club is your spot. Located in a small bay with pristine waters, this bustling beach club of beautiful people and fun seekers delivers. The stunning terrace restaurant overlooking the beach serves up delicious seafood and Greek specialties along with Champagne bottles in all sizes and craft cocktails that are surprisingly good. Make sure you try the yellowtail carpaccio and the oysters.  
The Michelangelo of Pizza

The Michelangelo of Pizza

ROME, ITALY - Hidden on a back street in a residential neighborhood near the Vatican is BONCI Pizzarium is a true gem. Since being discovered by Anthony Bourdain this hip pizza joint always has a line. It's a funny place, with a few standing tables, a bench but most of all the best pizza in Rome. And that's straight from the locals. Once you reach the small counter, you understand why Rome's revolutionary pizza maker Gabriele Bonci is hailed as the Michelangelo of Pizza. The thinly sliced yellow squash atop of gooey fresh mozzarella and caramelized sweet onions is Devine. The...
The Four Culinary Pillars of Rome

The Four Culinary Pillars of Rome

ROME, ITLAY - Nestled in the busy side streets close to the Piazza Navona, Da Francesco serves some of the most authentic pasta dishes in the city. Their ever changing menu however features some of the best examples of traditional Roman cooking. Gricia, Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and Amatriciana all cooked perfectly and delicious every time. You must also try the homemade meatballs with fresh black truffles that are spectacular, and the pizzas never disappoint. Make sure you bring your appetite! Check out DA FRANCESCO ROMA
Little Italy in the Heart of Punta Cana

Little Italy in the Heart of Punta Cana

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC -  Nestled in Cap Cana's Fishing Lodge, this gem of a restaurant puts a smile on my face every time I visit. It also offers some of the best pasta dishes outside of Italy. It is a local hangout and the boho chic eatery definitely attracts the cool crowd. The small dining room, with exposed brick and adorned with local art buzzed with live music. The staff on point at all times and our hosts Carlos and Carolina treated us as if in their own home.  For more info, check out BARBUDO RESTAURANT