Category

City breaks

Category

If you are looking for an all-encompassing holiday that is super cool, cosmopolitan and just a bit quirky, then the awe-inspiring city of San Francisco delivers on ALL levels.

Whether you are seeking endless adventure, incredible shopping, culture and some of the prettiest looking houses in the state, then look no further than this Californian gem which should be top of your travel list this summer and beyond.

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge

This architectural marvel is a must-see when visiting San Francisco. Spanning over 1.7 miles, the Golden Gate Bridge offers the most stunning views of the city and the bay. You can walk or bike across the bridge to enjoy the panoramic views of the city’s skyline, Alcatraz Island and the Pacific Ocean. If you’re looking for iconic, yet insta-worthy pics, then this is the perfect spot to capture some amazing photos.

Alcatraz Island

Steeped in history, ‘The Rock’ as Alcatraz Island is also known as is a former federal prison that housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history. These days, the prison cells are empty and it’s a popular tourist attraction that attracts millions of visitors every year.

This top-notch attraction offers a fascinating and intriguing glimpse into Alcatraz’s colourful past. You can take a ferry across to the island and explore the prison cells, learn about the island’s history and enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline.

Fisherman’s Wharf

This lively waterfront area is a vibrant hub of activity where you can find musicians and other street performers, a wide variety of shops and some of the best seafood restaurants in the state – don’t forget to try the famous clam chowder. One of the best things about Fisherman’s Wharf is the super cute sea lions that bask in the sun or why not hop onto a boat for a scenic cruise of San Francisco bay?

Take a cable car

San Francisco’s bright yellow iconic cable cars are not only a fun and unique way to get around the city, but they also offer passengers the most stunning views of the city’s hills and architecture. You can take a ride on one of the cable cars to experience the thrill of climbing the steep hills of San Fran while enjoying the panoramic views of the city.

Chinatown

Did you know that San Francisco’s very own Chinatown is the largest one outside of Asia? This vibrant neighbourhood is awash with lanterns, rich colours and intriguing sights. This historic neighbourhood is where you will find the best dim sum and bubble tea as well as being home to a great selection of shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks. You can also walk through the bustling streets to explore the markets, temples, and parks.

The Painted Ladies

As seen on screen! These colourful Victorian houses are an unmissable San Francisco icon and have been featured in countless movies and TV shows. You can take a walk through Alamo Square park to get a picture-perfect view of the houses with the city skyline in the background.

Golden Gate Park

This massive urban park is filled with gardens, lakes, museums, and even a Japanese tea garden. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can rent a bike or a boat to explore the park or visit the California Academy of Sciences to learn about the natural world.

The Castro

San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood is known for its colorful architecture, lively nightlife, and rich history. You can take a walk through the streets to explore the rainbow-colored buildings, bars as well as getting your vintage shopping fix too.

The Ferry Building

Calling all foodies! You can’t visit San Francisco without a visit to this historic building which is now a foodie’s paradise with a bustling farmer’s market and artisanal food vendors. You can enjoy some of the best local produce, cheeses, and baked goods while taking in the stunning views of the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Terminal.

Lan Kwai Fong has become synonymous with the nightlife scene of Hong Kong over the years. However, this wasn’t the case until 1983 when Allan Zeman famously opened California Restaurant on a narrow alleyway in this forgotten part of the Central district. Before that time, it was dominated by flower shops and warehouses but Allan had the vision to see the potential of the area. By 1984, Allan had bought the entire block and launched his career as a property mogul and a hospitality specialist. He reportedly owns 65% of properties in the Lan Kwai Fong area. His impeccable business acumen has seen him involved in wide-ranging industries from TVB (the ITV equivalent in Hong Kong), the Airport Authority of Hong Kong and Wynn Macau. He is currently the chairman of LKF Group whilst his son, Jonathan Zemen is the CEO.

The district is the place to be for all kinds of celebrations from Halloween to New Year’s Eve. Whilst people associate the countdown in New York with Times Square, locals and tourists alike gravitate towards Lan Kwai Fong on New Year’s Eve. Apart from being a major landlord in the area, they own some of the most distinguished restaurants in the area. The eclectic choices on offer have been the key to their success. In such a small radius, you’ll find the very best steakhouse in the city, the freshest sashimi dishes and restaurants with breathtaking views of the city.

In Hong Kong, it’s always been about sourcing the very best ingredients rather than local produce, being a tiny island in the South China Sea. At Porterhouse, you can savour full-blood wagyu from Mayura, Australia to extremely well-marbled, Rubia Gallega from Los Nortenos, Spain. Their legendary seafood brunch is unrivalled with unlimited oysters, Boston lobster and Irish crab. No other country executes buffets quite like Hong Kong and this is one of the most spectacular, you’ll encounter.

If you want to admire the scintillating skyline of Hong Kong, a top choice to consider is dining at Aria on the 24/F of California Tower. With floor-to-ceiling glass, an outdoor terrace and a trendy mixture of contemporary and art-deco touches, this is the place to see and be seen. You won’t be surprised to find the operatic nature of the restaurant name has inspired a menu filled with elevated Italian classics. Melanzane alla puttanesca and spaghettoni all’Amatriciana are all created from traditional family-style recipes but presented for 21st-century consumption. They have a wine club series in the coming months focusing on wines from different regions of Italy. In May, it will be Marche, in June, it will be Lazio and in July, it will be Tuscany. You’ll get to explore wineries that are hidden gems whilst dining on the finest Italian produce at this ever-popular restaurant.

Japanese food is undoubtedly still all the rage in Hong Kong. And the LKF Group have three distinguished offerings: Fumi – Japanese kaiseki, Tokio Joe – sushi & sake and Kyoto Joe – modern izakaya. Tokio Joe is particularly worthy of a mention. It is THE original Japanese restaurant of Lan Kwai Fong having been opened since 1995. It is one of the first restaurants in Hong Kong to offer an omakase menu. Their sashimi platters offer delicacies which you’ll rarely experience in Europe such as succulent Hokkaido sea urchin and akagai (red clam). They do frequently launch new products to be in tune with the times. Kyoto Joe offers an unlimited vegetarian feast which includes the likes of cauliflower tempura and yam sushi rolls. They also offer a decadent-sounding A4 Wagyu & lobster tasting menu dinner.

Lan Kwai Fong has developed into a cultural phenomenon with the likes of the Lan Kwai Fong beer and music festival. They’ve also expanded their brand into China with LKF Chengdu and LKF852 Prince Bay. They are most definitely one of the most exciting companies to have evolved in Hong Kong over the past decades and one to watch as the expansion plans are limitless.

https://www.lkfgroup.com/

There is nothing that quite says “Hong Kong is back” like the flurry of international exhibitions that has been hitting the town in recent months. The biggest of which is Art Central, a key cornerstone of Hong Kong Art Week that is happening at the end of March. This showcase event is in its eighth year and on display are the next generation of artists from the brightest and the best of Asia. It is also their largest gallery lineup since 2019.

Art Central

Discover the Unparalleled Artistic Offerings at Art Central

There will be 37 cutting-edge galleries from Hong Kong including the likes of Contemporary by Angela Li and Square Street Gallery, 60 renowned galleries from Asia such as 021gallery (Daegu) and K Gallery (Chendu), and 12 galleries handpicked from the rest of the world including MARC STRAUS (New York), VETA by Fer Francés (Madrid), and Guns & Rain (Johannesburg).

There are large-scale, immersive installations like Glows in the Night by Yang Yongliang. It will be a video artwork to be presented on an eye-catching scaled LED installation of 18 metres. Yang has a background in Chinese paintings, so he will use his knowledge to reconstruct and recompose urban images in the style of historic Chinese paintings. Ecological issues caused by urbanisation, commercialisation and consumerism are raised in a thought-provoking manner.

There is a ground-breaking group exhibition, Blue Throat – Start the Churning. It places the spotlight on sixteen Hong Kong artists. They articulate through their work the relationship between the individual and the collective, self and the modern world through the lens of art in the contemporary society of Hong Kong.

Exploring Themes of Displacement, Discovery, and Survival

A significant portion of Art Central is devoted to performance art. Three performance artists will deliver a series of intimate flows of movement that focuses on the themes of displacement, personal discovery, and survival. For example, Kensa Hung and Kiwi Chan will be exploring the theme of homelessness with their piece, Pack/Unpack. They will play out a contrasting performance of opposing actions in a journey of what it means to pack and unpack. Particularly poignant is the work of Natasha Cheung who draws from her overseas background living as part of the Chinese diaspora in She Taut. She highlights key elements of her identity that have built up over the years in her survival as a queer, Chinese woman. Themes that are touched on in the recent Oscar-winning film, Everything Everywhere all at once.

Nurturing Future Artists

Central to the philosophy of Art Central is inspiring the artists of the future so they have a wide-ranging educational programme that engages all ages during the fair. There will be educational tours, talks and workshops that are free of charge to Art Central ticketholders. The activities vary from workshops that are suitable for children from 4 to in-depth one-hour talks from featured artists which are aimed at university students. Art Central’s Children’s Education Partner, Art Loop, will be offering a unique hour-long immersion course with an art workshop and guided tour aimed at children aged 4 to 12 years old. Whilst the fair’s talk programme, not only includes artists but also collectors, academia, and leaders at art institutions. Art Central will be running small guided tours of the fair twice daily on a first-come first served basis.

Explore Contemporary Art from Anywhere in the World

You can take part even if you are not visiting Hong Kong this month through their exclusive online partner, Artsy. It is the largest global online marketplace for buying, selling and discovering art by preeminent artists. The commercial digital platform will feature handpicked works from each exhibiting gallery, thus they can showcase their virtual booths to a global audience.

Since its inaugural edition in 2015, Art Central has been growing from strength to strength. It is constantly pushing the boundaries of contemporary art, especially for the Chinese market. It is universally recognised as the place to visit for collectors and curators representing private, corporate, and institutional collections worldwide.

Home

If you want to dine like Khmer kings and queens in Cambodia, there are only two establishments in the country that offer such cuisine. One is at 1932 Restaurant, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. The other is at their sister hotel in Phnom Penh. The recipes have been passed on by royal decree from the king’s kitchen directly to both hotels. You might wonder why the restaurant is named ‘1932’. It was the year this fabulous hotel opened in Cambodia and has been the place to see and be seen in Siem Reap ever since.

There is a timeless elegance to the design of the restaurant. Ceiling fans and rattan chairs are synonymous with the Indochina region. There are gentle hints of the local culture from the ornate metal holder for the glasses to the elegant lotus flowers that adorn every table. The dining space is welcoming, understated and refined.

The menu is a joyous exploration of Khmer cuisine. It’s generally regarded as subtler than Thai cuisine. The flavours are vibrant without ever being overpowering. The culinary team has developed a menu that adapts traditional Khmer recipes for the modern palate. The presentation of their dishes are as immaculate as the King’s royal palace gardens in Phnom Penh.

Signature dishes include their Chay Yor Bampong which is a deconstructed take on the humble spring rolls. The exciting flavours will dance on your taste buds with a spicy plum sauce as well as a chilli sauce. We opted for an authentic local classic in the form of sweet pomelo salad with fresh water prawn and smoked Kes fish. It had a fine balance between sweet and savoury flavours. The fine seafood is sourced locally from the Mekong and Tonlé Sap River regions. For their fragrant herbs and spices, they have their hotel gardens to help minimise the carbon footprint.

The main course was in the form of soft like butter, braised Wagyu beef cheeks with ma-om infusion (an aromatic local herb), quail egg, green tomato puree and baby carrots. Beef dishes are surprisingly popular in Khmer cuisine but sometimes the quality of the meat can be variable. That is most definitely not the case with the premium Wagyu on offer at 1932 restaurant. They have carefully crafted vegetarian options too like their crusted tofu with slow-cooked sweet potato, French beans and melon along with Som Lor Kari & coconut foam. It has a gentle heat along with a moreish sweetness.

They can offer a Royal Khmer cuisine tasting menu at USD 70 per person or a signature tasting menu at USD 62 per person. They also offer wine pairings along with your meal courtesy of their talented sommelier, Ms Sum Socheata. I am often dubious about wine pairings along with Asian food, but she delivers on the wine suggestions. Often, it is contrasting flavours that help to bring out the complexities of a dish. Her Charles Mignon Premium Reserve Brut pairing with their dessert course is both bold and innovative.

The freshness of the Champagne helped to bring out the fruitiness of the signature pumpkin custard tart dessert. It was also served with mango salsa, hand-grated coconut and pandan sauce. If you ever wanted to have a taste of Cambodia on a plate, this was it. A refreshing, light dessert to end a truly magnificent feast.

The Elephant Bar nearby is a great way to enjoy an aperitif or a digestif pre or post-dinner. They have their famous version of the Singapore Sling, the Grand Hotel d’Angkor Sling which utilises galangal and ginger. The hotel also has a luxury array of boutique shops as well as occasional exhibitions like the “When the Buddha smiles” during our visit. Make sure you allocate plenty of time when you plan your Khmer feast at the wonderful 1932 restaurant.

1932

Ocean Park holds a very dear place in the hearts of most Hong Kong locals and tourists who have visited the magical marine park. For some it’s a theme park, for others it’s a conservation or education centre. The mesmerising location in the Southern District of Hong Kong with spectacular sea views makes it one of the top tourist attractions in Southeast Asia. Although it’s been having a tough time due to competition from the likes of Hong Kong Disneyland and COVID-induced lockdowns. However, with the indomitable Hong Kong entrepreneurial spirit, they’ve come back with bigger and better products that will secure their legendary status for decades to come.

On the top of the list of recent improvements is the opening of Water World Ocean Park at the back end of 2021. It is Asia’s first all-weather, year-round seaside water park. They have 27 indoor and outdoor attractions spread across five zones. The varying levels of difficulties range from a kid fun zone to a fearless fun zone for those adrenaline-seeking junkies. They have the first-ever indoor surf simulator in Hong Kong and an infinity pool at their Riptide area which has majestic ocean views.

They’ve launched a starry double feature Friday at the beginning of this year where you can enjoy Hollywood blockbusters on floating tubes at their state-of-the-art aquatic theatre or from beach chairs at the shore. It is priced at HK$88 and you can enjoy both the movie and exceptional rides on a Friday evening.

Their “Get Closer to the Animals” programme is another side of their business which successfully marries conservation work with entertaining education. You can visit delightful red pandas inside its living enclosure but also understand the daily husbandry work of the park’s keepers. And what is the best way to conserve them in the wild.

They are also offering starry summit glamping at the moment. The focus is on glamorous camping with an air-conditioned tent, and private showers and all necessities are taken care of by the staff. A Thai feast is served at Ginger Grill whilst breakfast is served at Bayview restaurant. The whole stay includes special programs such as Sunrise Moment, South Pole Spectacular Night Tour, and Sea Lion Meet and Greet.

There is the Island South Discovery programme supported by the Tourism Commission where you are offered unique itineraries to learn more about the Southern District of Hong Kong, the fishing traditions and the ecological landscape of the surrounding area. It is extremely child-friendly and shows the importance of the educational work which often happens behind the scenes. It is all part of their Ocean Park Academy which opened in 2004 and aims to foster greater learning and understanding of the subjects of nature and conservation.

They are closely linked with two of the best hotels in Hong Kong: Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel and The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong. They are both only a short walk from the marine park and have numerous world-class dining options from sumptuous buffets to authentic Singaporean cuisine. With the latter, it is the first Fullerton resort worldwide and all 425 well-sized guest rooms have breathtaking ocean views overlooking the South China Sea.

What about the future of the park? They are not resting on their laurels. They have three new zones in development. The lower park will be a major new hub for retail, dining and entertainment. Whilst at the summit of the park will be an adventure and a wellness zone. Unbelievably, the park is a mere 6 minutes away by underground from the city centre. With their lofty goals set for the coming years, they will certainly remain a major resort and leisure destination with a strong focus on conservation and education in Southeast Asia.

All-day packages are currently: Adult ticket at HK$360; Child ticket at HK$216. Do check their website for the latest information on what special events they are offering.

https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en

Renowned for its rich culture, the Danube River, its beautiful Parliament building and of course, it stands as the world’s Spa capital. Budapest is a historic and adventurous place filled with lots of fun things!

Visit the Museum of Sweets and Selfies

An influencers paradise, this museum is for those who like all things fabulous, pink, sparkles, and obviously a selfie! There are plenty of opportunities to get the perfect pic for the gram. Get lost in the maze, taking a pic at each station, from bananas to sprinkles, you’re bound to have fun in here.

Take a trip to the famous Thermal Spa

You can’t take a trip to Budapest without visiting the iconic Széchenyi Thermal Bath. The largest natural hot spring bath in Europe dates back to 1913 and still embraces its renaissance architecture. Open all year round, enjoy whirlpools, water jets, and an underwater aqua massage.

Try a Chimney Cake

These things are de-lic-ious! A local staple in Budapest, and across many European countries, you can find the cinnamon sugary sweet treats on almost every corner of the city. You can choose from a wide range of fillings and toppings including cream, ice cream, Nutella, and fruit.

Take a tour around Margaret Island

Separating Buda and Pest, Margaret Island is a fascinating place located on the Danube River. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Filled with plenty of things to do, you can watch the beautiful fountains of Margaret Island dance to the opera, visit one of the many hippy bars or sit by the river and take in the picturesque view.

Experience a hint of Greece in Budapest

If the local delicacy, doesn’t suit your taste, why not try out some Greek cuisine? Dionysos Taverna is an amazing spot that makes you feel as if you’re in Santorini. The interior beautifully channels the Greek Island with white walls and blue detail. The food is also outstanding; choose from Feta Pasta, Greek salads, Seafood, and much more.

Relax at the Secret Garden Spa

Located inside the Mystery Hotel, this beautiful spa is a hidden gem. Take in the tranquil setting, and relax in total luxe. Fitting with its name, The Secret Garden Spa is designed with a garden-like theme, including palm trees, and detailed art of plants, and the Jacuzzi resembles a glass greenhouse. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi, let it all out in the steam room and sauna or enjoy one of the spa’s many messages.

What is a hawker centre you might be wondering? They are typically open-air community buildings found in South-east Asia that hosts a vast array of food stalls selling eclectic street food dishes. In Singapore, there are over 100 hawker centres and you could conceivably spend your whole vacation feasting like a king without visiting an actual restaurant.

Why are they so popular in Singapore? Much like the ubiquitous pubs in the United Kingdom, they are seen as community gathering hotspots. They are often connected to housing estates and seen by the government as crucial to social cohesion. Singapore has been renowned as a cultural melting pot since its independence from Malaysia in 1965. Ethnic Chinese makes up 75.9% of the population, followed by ethnic Malays at 15% and ethnic Indians at 7.5%. This is reflected in the thrilling diversity of gastronomic delights on offer at hawker centres. It was no surprise to see hawker culture awarded UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.

The largest hawker centre is the Chinatown market with over 700 stalls (including non-food stalls). It has the famous original Hawker Chan food stall, which was the only Michelin-starred food stall until 2021 when it sadly lost its star but it still retained its Bib Gourmand recognition. Queues persist every day for the maestro’s world-famous soy sauce chicken. The buddha tooth relic temple next door is a sight to behold even if you are not religious by nature. Apart from the majestic nature of the building, there are numerous artifacts of great historical significance.

If you want to sample the delights of Indian cuisine, then the place to visit is Tekka Centre, right by thriving Little India. For those who claim Singapore is too sterile and too clinical, a little trip to this area will dispel those myths. With hip graffiti artwork, vibrant traders and a happening atmosphere, this is the beating heart of Singapore. Here, you must visit Haji Johan to try the Temasek Indian Rojak. Their colourful fritters include cow lungs, cuttlefish, fish cakes and the ever-popular prawns. It isn’t reheated in a microwave for you but re-fried behind the scenes and presented with onions, cucumbers and chilli. Don’t forget to order the iconic teh tarik (pulled tea) from a nearby stall, which offers a much fuller flavour compared to conventional tea.

For Malay food, look no further than Joo Chiat Complex. The local area is the focal point of the Malay community and here you can experience the authentic sights, sounds and smells of Singapore. A visit to Pondok Ambeng is a must with their impressive Indonesian sharing platters. It might be casual food stalls, but their ambeng daging and ambeng ayam are immaculately arranged. They are essentially rice platters that feed up to 4 people surrounded by classic meat or vegetarian dishes. At this food complex, all dishes are halal.

Others to consider visiting include the spacious Tiong Bahru Market. It opened in 1951 as a town centre for public meetings and political rallies. There is something for everyone with their vast array of options. You can try the famous Singapore “carrot” cake. It is a dish of stirred-fried radish cakes. It doesn’t contain any carrots, but the misnomer arose due to loose English from the Hokkien translation of radish pastry. There is also Chwee kueh, steamed rice cakes served with preserved radish and prawn mee, which are noodles filled with an umami-rich broth. The latter is around $5 whilst the other dishes are even cheaper.

Rounding off our hawker food guide is Lau Pa Sat which is centrally located in a historic building with a Victorian rooftop. Everything is ultra-clean and accessible (there is no wet market on site). You can satisfy your sweet cravings with classic Singaporean desserts like ice-shaved assorted bubur chacha which has flavoured ice, konnyaku jelly, sweet potatoes and yam.

Finally, countless Singaporean restaurants do offer hawker-style food whilst not being housed officially in a hawker centre. One of my favourites is Keng Eng Kee. They are one of the best zi char (a mish-mash of local dishes cooked in a communal setting) restaurants in the country and were Michelin-plated from 2016-2021. Their take on the iconic Singapore chilli crab is less spicy than other versions on the island and perhaps more palatable for western tastes. Their coffee pork ribs are a genius creation whilst the signature moonlight hor fun is silky smooth thanks to the addition of the raw egg yolk on top.

Flight tickets might be expensive at the moment to the Far East due to limited flight schedules, but Singapore has proven to be incredibly affordable and has the diversity and breadth of cuisine to impress the most demanding food connoisseurs.

https://www.visitsingapore.com/en/

Not all snacks are created equal, and for travel, you want ones that don’t take a lot of room, not high in salt (to add to the potential dehydration) or sugar and after all – still tastes great. Snacks, as you know, are better shared and so this was a taste test between myself and a few of my work team members: Jessica, Megan, Bre, Yasamin and Jeremy. Here are a few snack companies to consider the next time you are flying the friendly skies or find yourself on the go:

Pan’s Mushroom Jerky

If you followed me this summer, you may have noticed I took a trip to Jackson Hole. While in the very beautiful, small airport I came across Pan’s Mushroom Jerky in one of the two airport shops. From the time between landing in San Francisco and arriving home, I was hooked on Pan’s.

This Malaysian family recipe found its way to ABC’s Shark Tank and now is being sold in over 3,500 stores in the United States and counting. Overall, the mushroom jerky was “meaty” without being salty or too sweet. It was the perfect texture for jerky, not too tough or dry like how sometimes real meat can get. It would be a great addition to noodles or salads. My favorite flavors are a tie between Salt and Pepper and Teriyaki.

LesserEvil’s Sun Poppers

Known for their popcorn, LesserEvil’s Sun Poppers are now available in a variety of flavors including Himalayan Pink Salt, Sour Cream + Onion and Vegan Nacho Cheese. The Poppers are made from organic watermelon protein, organic pumpkin seed protein powder. Both Jeremy and I felt that the Poppers were lightly seasoned with flavor. With Jeremy adding that they had a “nice puffy crunch” and was a hit with his daughters and neighbors’ young kids.

Keto Krisp

Let’s be honest. It’s hard to find a keto bar that suits everyone’s tastes. Odds are someone (Megan) is not a fan of artificial sweeteners, or in the case of Bre – finds they smell/taste “soapy”. However, the majority of the group enjoyed the Keto Krisp Bars. Yasamin said, “I love almond butter but have difficulty fitting it into my macros [nutrients] so this was a delightful way to enjoy it. Most plant proteins have a dry chalky texture but this one was light and crisp.”

SkinnyDipped

On a recent United flight leaving Vancouver to Denver, SkinnyDipped nuts were offered as a snack option. I loved the strong lemon tart flavor with the crunchy almond. In fact, across the board, all my teammates were sold on the SkinnyDipped products as well. Megan thought the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Almonds were “like a crunchy peanut butter cup.” She also valued them as Keto friendly but without the sweeteners. Even the discerning Bre, gave SkinnyDipped a thumbs up.

Bobby Sue’s Nuts

My coworker Jessica, was on board her Delta flight to Paris when she sent me a photo of Bobby Sue’s nuts. At first, I didn’t think that nuts would be that exciting. Yet, the team had overall positive feedback on Bobby Sue’s Nuts. Megan liked the Original savory and sweet combo and thought they would be a great addition to salads. Already a fan from her flight, Jessica thought the ‘Nuts over Olives’ had a nice ratio of olive to complement the nuts. I really like the serving size of the snack packs and how there is minimal worry of crushing the snack in transit.

UNDERCOVER Chocolate Quinoa Crisps

We are nearing that holiday season where chocolate is basically everywhere; I think the UNDERCOVER Chocolate Quinoa Crisps can be a nice addition to a grazing board for upcoming gatherings. I’m partial to anything mint chocolate and found them light and crunchy. Healthwise, Quinoa is gluten-free, full of protein and fiber which can make shoppers skeptical of the taste. Yet, between Jeremy, Yasamin and Jessica they all enjoyed the crunchy texture and the balanced flavor of the chocolate between each bite.

The Varsity hotel is an amalgamation of old meets new, modern flare coupled with nods to yesteryear. In one swift movement you are welcomed through a very instagrammable flower arch, into an unassuming reception area and up to rooms steeped in the history of Cambridge, all rooms being named after the university colleges within the city and complete with corresponding yet understated decorative touches. With floor to ceiling windows boasting a view over St John’s college, a mahogany style writing desk and luxe heavy curtains juxtaposed against in-room tablets offering a variety of services at the end of one’s finger, Elemis bathroom goodies and geometric patterned finishings, this hotel is a great execution of days gone by still holding their own in a modern setting.

The hotel itself is situated in a very quiet residential street, moments from Jesus Green Park and sitting on the banks of the River Cam and its bustling punting station, bars and restaurants. A quick stumble and you are in the heart of the city, a haven for both shoppers and sightseers. However, the real USP of this hotel is not its location, nor its onsite spa and restaurants – more on that later – but the views it boasts. The vista offered from our bedroom window was only the foreplay, the main event being a rooftop bar with 360, unparalleled, uncompromised view of one of the UK’s most beautiful cities. Open to both the public and residents, this little pocket of paradise is the perfect place to sip a cocktail and while away the hours as the sun sets.

The one thing the hotel drops points on is the food. Don’t get me wrong it’s not bad, it’s just not fantastic and given the food scene that has developed in Cambridge, it needs to be. We ate at The River Bar Steakhouse and Grill which is in the neighboring building, a repurposed brewery warehouse that is all exposed brick and trusswork. This place could work really well with a few tweaks – riverside warehouse eatery serving up red meat and red wine calls for low lighting and atmosphere. Instead we were greeted by stark lights and orange leatherette seats. That I can forgive if the food makes up for it. What I can’t forgive is a countertop storage unit in view of everyone dining, housing pre-cut slices of cheesecake and catering sized tubs of ketchup and mayo ready to be decanted into a nearby ramekin. If that’s how you’re going to do it, fine, but at least do it back of house or out of sight of customers that are spending a fair chunk of money on plates of food that the condiments are no doubt going to be slung on to.

Between the two of us we ordered Garlic Butter Tiger Prawns and Calamari to start followed by a New York Strip and a Wagyu. The starters were OK. I lucked out with the calamari, it was as it should be, golden, crispy, no slime, very punchy aioli. My friend’s prawns (which were not of the tiger variety, perhaps a tiger cub in a pinch) were slightly anemic and considering we were in a grill restaurant, it would have been nice to see a bit of char, or any form of colour to be fair. I gave the restaurant the benefit of the doubt, this was indeed a Steakhouse and perhaps the main courses were where it really shone. Being an absolute slag for a steak, I poured over the menu for a good while, wondering if I could justify the £89 price tag that went with the Wagyu – after much circling back I thought f**k it, you only live once right? World’s ending and all that jazz. I ordered my steak medium rare as suggested with this cut. Alas, when my steak arrived it was most definitely rare, very rare. Now I have no problem with rare meat, give it to me blue and I am happy but for a steak costing the best part of a hundy and showing the cut the respect it deserves by ordering it as recommended, it was a bit of a disappointment and so a steak that is famed for being the tenderest of all the steaks was in actuality tough and not of the melt in the mouth variety. My advice would be to scrap the theatrics of the cloche and artsy plate and in fact concentrate on cooking the thing correctly. The New York strip that sat across the table from me was also nearing average rather than stupendous. A cut that isn’t seen too often in UK restaurants, I was excited to stab a piece off my friend’s plate but again – there seemed to be more focus on the criss cross griddle marks and unnecessary skillet it was served in than the actual cooking of the meat. I will say this – you could absolutely taste the difference between both cuts and the Wagyu was superior, but £60 superior? I’m not so sure.

What the restaurant lacked in finesse of food it made up for with both its front of house team and ridiculous but delicious cocktail menu. I know this isn’t the reason you visit a restaurant but it truly turned the experience around for me. Our wonderful waiter Sibu looked after us as if we were the only people in the restaurant ( he didn’t know we were there as press). Wine glasses never ran empty, attentive but not overbearing, as the restaurant emptied out he pulled up a chair and sat with us for a bit, discussing how the hospitality industry differs in his native South Africa – warm and friendly, to the more robotic nature of the UK. Perhaps it was the bottle of red, the champagne cocktail to start or the nutella martini to finish but it really made me think about how the front of house team really are the first line of defense when it comes to a positive eating experience. Quick circle back, I would actually go back to this restaurant just for the Nutella Martini – it was absolute filth and I loved it.

The next morning, with slightly sore heads we headed to SIX for breakfast. Situated on  the floor below the roof terrace, despite being a floor lower, the wrap-around windows still offer an impressive view point of the city, really leaning to the ‘breakfast with a backdrop’ vibe. The continental breakfast was average – as I have come to expect with UK continental breakfasts, slightly under-ripe fruit and toasting machines that never really work. To gear up for a day of sightseeing I opted for Eggs Benedict from the a la carte menu, my absolute favourite breakfast in the world and I would go as far as to say I am an expert when it comes to an eggs benny. Fluffy muffin – check. Rich, unctuous hollandaise check. Slightly greying salmon, check. Undercooked eggs that I would have sent back if I had not been in a rush, check. We were close, so close, but alas no cigar.

Putting the food portion of our trip behind us, it was time for our spa treatments. The health club and spa is in the adjoining building and again, open to both residents and the public. The offering is small but well laid out and intimate with nice touches such as flavoured water and tea to welcome you. A hot tub bubbles away in an atmospheric cavernous room overlooking the river with well thought out one way glass. The perfect spot to people watch and take in the punts as they bob past. A sauna and steam room do exactly what they say on the tin and make for a perfectly pleasant way to reset from the night before ahead of a day of exploration. After an hour of bobbing and sweating we were whisked upstairs to the couples treatment room – very romantic – where we were treated to the signature facial and massage. The treatments were exceptional. I was nervous at first when our therapists came to get us and looked like they should still be in school, however on reflection I think this is a ‘me ageing’ problem and not a them problem. I need not have worried, they were informative and good at what they do – young smooth hands kneading us both into a slumber. If only they knew the sore knuckle joints that await them.

All in all, our stay at The Varisty was great – the perfect place for a girly getaway or a romantic minibreak. Yes, there are things that could be improved upon but it made a great base to explore the city, enjoy a drink with a view and live our best collegiate lives. My advice would be to use this as a settlement site, enjoy the bars and the views. Make the most of the spa and then explore everything that is on its doorstep and the wonderful things that Cambridge has to offer.

Rhinoceros Roma, Via del Velabro, 9, 00186 Roma

Located in the very heart of Rome’s historical centre lies Rhinoceros Roma, an incredible artsy hotel established by Alda Fendi in 2018 and designed by world renowned French architect Jean Nouvel.

Here you’ll find luxury, but in a slightly unconventional way. A contemporary design infused with raw materials and a splash of Italian architecture leaves the senses pleasantly surprised for the outcome is truly a one of a kind masterpiece.

What will I find at Rhinoceros Roma?

Home to 25 unique apartments, Rhinoceros Roma offers something for everyone, from Superior Apartments to Suite Apartments. Each apartment uses a juxtaposition of materials including my favourite; the exposed concrete with remnants of Graffiti from a past life.

Where is the hotel?

Set in the Velabro district, the hotel is located at the foot of Palantine Hill next to the Roman Forum. Less than a 10 minute walk from The Colosseum, the historic centre of Rome starts just footsteps from the hotel.

Also within walking distance you’ll find Circus Maximus, Venice Square, The Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, making Rhinoceros Roma the perfect hotel for exploring this ancient city.

Need to know?

Rhinoceros Roma also doubles up as an art gallery, currently showcasing an exhibition on the life and works of Pablo Picasso. Drawing in hundreds of visitors a week this gallery is a must if you’re in the area.

The place to relax

Located off the beaten track, Rhinoceros Roma is THE place for your next stay in Rome. The perfect spot to relax at the end of a day walking around The Eternal City, take a soak in the bath tub (the Himilayan bath salts were very kindly left in my bathroom along with a hand written note – a lovely touch after a long day), or cook yourself a meal in the fully equipped kitchen, this hotel really is the home away from home that you’ve been searching for!

Check out Rhinoceros Roma HERE, and book your stay HERE.