Urban oasis, bar, restaurant | 20 Fenchurch Street, near Monument | ££ | Have a look!
20 Fenchurch Street may not be to everyone’s architectural taste but the oasis that is hosting at its top is. ‘Sky Garden’ is actually a public garden and a very special place offering observation decks, a brasserie, a restaurant, cafe and bars.
I tried the Darwin Brasserie and the food and presentation is excellent and so are the prices. But choices are many either for a drink or coffee stop this is a great opportunity to enjoy – literally -the best views in London.
What can I say about Bottega Friulana. From the cosy interior, the delicious cakes and strong coffee, the music, to the late closing times (10 and 11pm) this place ticks off all my boxes.
I have been returning to Rio since 2008. It was instant attraction, love at first sight on that very rainy day I arrived. My friend and I decided to enjoy our first caipirinhas at Copacabana Palace where we met an American couple who told us they had been coming to Brazil and Rio for the last 10 years. I thought this was something rather extravagant. Seven years later I know exactly what they meant. It is hard not to fall for the charms of this city, the music, the rhythm, its people and the landscapes which are unique and instantly recognisable even from those that have never visited. Rio has evolved a lot throughout the last years and its ‘rough around the edge’ type of exotic beauty is getting more and more polished – something that opens the door to more mainstream tourism. Still, looking away from the areas of Copacabana and Ipanema there are a lot of gems ‘off the beaten track’ waiting to be discovered and neighbourhoods that have been untouched and still retain their original charms. If you are lucky enough to find yourselves in this amazing city, soak the local colour and culture, do the tourist highlights but explore, discover and experience ‘off the tourist trails’, blend with the locals and live a day like a real Carioca. This is how.
Miami was one of those places I wanted to go for so long, mostly because of the hype, I worried that it would actually flop in expectations. I loved Miami. It felt I was in this little weird planet, it definitely didn’t feel I was in the US. I loved the vibe, I loved the weather, I loved the people. I loved it mostly for its unpretentious style – yes I know this may comes as a surprise to some. But it is always down to the ‘experience’ and in the land of beauty I found a place with the right attitude, friendliness and spotless service. If you are a major culture buff – in the traditional sense – then probably this is not the place for you. Miami offers a distinct culture, dominated by the latin vibe which is evident everywhere from small live music holes to Little Havana and the annual festivals and food…[read more]
That’s the thing about London. When you think you are trending into dodgy territory there is always a more upscale little street that can offer an escape exit. Trapped between not so glam Tottenham Court Road and touristy Oxford Street, Charlotte Street takes you to an evening in Continental Europe. Or sort of. It is a short street, but sweet! Small cafes, independent restaurants and a couple of cosy bars. A great choice if you find yourself trapped in Central London but wanting to avoid the Soho buzz.
taksidin 