It’s not often that you get the chance to speak with a chef who has over 70 years experience in cooking. The phenomenal Jacques Pépin is one such man. Born in France, he worked in some of the finest kitchens in Paris (as well as working as the private chef…

Gaining a Michelin star, or three, isn’t simply a mark of excellence, it means your restaurant status goes automatically from a great choice to a must. We had the great pleasure to speak to Chris Watson, ex-Michelin Guide inspector, about the complexity of this rating system, the weight of allocating…

By Andrew Gyokudari Andrew Gyokudari is the CEO of Gyokudari Inc., a company specializing in the hospitality and technology industries. He is the co-owner of Yoshino New York, GMO OMAKASE, Sushi Sagawa, Sushi Kuranami, Savoy Pizzeria, Domi-La, Woodstock Japan, Fukujin, Ozaki Yukitaka, Hazuki, and Umizaru/Fukuei Suisan. He also provides advisory…

The Peninsula Tokyo holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favourites. Its location is truly unbeatable, right in the centre of Tokyo, close to both the Marunouchi and Ginza districts, which makes exploring the city so convenient. From the moment one enters, it feels like…

Entering through the historic Kajiimiya Gate, which has stood for over 300 years, I was enveloped in an atmosphere that felt almost spiritual. HOTEL THE MITSUI, Kyoto creates a sort of parallel world where history and modern luxury coexist in the perfect harmony of contemporary design. Situated on the site…

Where can you do poem tracing, where you carefully transcribe the words of master poets of the Meiji era, to imagine the gestures of those who lived over 100 years ago and then take a stroll next to Hozu riverthe Arashiyama with a bottomless glass of Japanese wine. Or take…

At Casa Pepe, nestled in the Teramo countryside of Torano Nuovo, wine production has been a tradition since 1899, handed down through five generations. At 30 years old, Chiara De Iulis Pepe, embodies the spirit of this, now, predominantly female-run family business. The daughters and granddaughters of Emidio Pepe navigate…

Heinz Beck, the German-born chef who has been at the helm of La Pergola for 30 years, brings a new-level of lightness of touch to traditional Mediterranean ingredients. La Pergola was the first restaurant in Rome to be awarded three Michelin stars, and it remains the only one in the…

No coffee or wine! This is not my usual way of enjoying a few days away. Yet my recent stay at Palazzo Fiuggi was one of intense enjoyment, incredible food and full relaxation. This health and medical resort takes wellness to a whole new level and my recent 4 day stay…

Repair is rebirth for Japanese glass artist Yukito Nishinaka, who highlights the beauty of imperfection. Offering a unique interpretation of the Japanese mending technique developed in the 17th century for tea bowls : Yobitsugi, Nishinaka san is dedicated to glass and the art of repairing broken objects. The Yobitsugi technique…

In 2024, one of Zurich’s most majestic and luxurious hotels, the Dolder Grand is celebrating its 125th anniversary, marking a milestone in its storied history as a premier destination for luxury, art, and culinary excellence. Perched atop the central wooded mountain, Adlisberg hill. This palatial hotel, goes beyond traditional expectations…

Miami is about to get just a little closer to Japan with the upcoming opening of Ura, a 1700 square-foot members-only club led by renowned Tokyo sushi master, Hidefumi Namba. Meaning “back” or “reverse side” in Japanese, Ura aims to offer a one-of-a-kind experience combining Japanese aesthetics, relaxation, and entertainment,…

Embark on a captivating journey through Tokyo and Kyoto with Aiste as she explores the rich culinary heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of Japan. From the lively Toyosu Market and innovative sushi experiences to traditional soba noodles and artisanal pizza, discover the diverse flavors and culinary innovations of these iconic cities.…