Marr Guide
Here are a few of our clients and friends giving you the low down on their favourite spots and secret little gems around the world – some hidden, some not-so hidden. Updated bi-monthly. Enjoy!
October 2010 Rowan Duley & Shanelle Simpson – Berlin
Former Stephen Marr employees, Rowan and Shanelle, have been traveling the world together until they found a second place called home in Berlin, Germany. Here are some of their favourite spots.
GOOD COFFEE:
Passenger Espresso, Oppelner str. 45, 10997 Berlin (Map)- www.passenger-espresso.de – Germans aren’t exactly known for their coffee so we were pretty happy when our friend Kate introduced us to Garth of Passenger. Along with the cafe in Kreuzberg, they also have a cart which frequents various markets around Berlin.
Bonanza Coffee Heroes, Oderberger str 35, 10435 Berlin – www.bonanzacoffee.de – If you happen to be at the other end of town, you’ll find Bonanza just down from Mauer Park.
GOOD EATS:
Maria Bonita, Danziger Str. 33, 10435 Berlin – www.maria-bonita.com – Easily the best Mexican food either of us have had to date. Street food done really well. Definitely try the fish tacos or enchiladas suizas.
The Bird, Am Falkplatz 5, Prenzlauerberg, 10435 – www.thebirdinberlin.com – A New York style burger and steak house in the heart of Berlin. They make everything fresh, daily.
Il Ritrovo Cucina, Gabriel-Max-Straße 2, Wühlischstraße 29, 10245 Berlin Friedrichain – Nothing short of amazing pizza here, though the pasta is pretty good too. The owner is an old school, italian punk rocker, who now hosts various punk bands as they pass through Berlin. Their paraphernalia adorns the walls at all 3 restaurant locations, Friedrichain, Kreuzberg and Prenzlauerberg.
FAVOURITE BARS:
Ä, Weserstraße 40, 12045 Berlin Neukölln (Map) – www.ae-neukoelln.de – Nothing short of amazing pizza here, though the pasta is pretty good too. The owner is an old school, italian punk rocker, who now hosts various punk bands as they pass through Berlin. Their paraphernalia adorns the walls at all 3 restaurant locations, Friedrichain, Kreuzberg and Prenzlauerberg.
Neukö. Quickly becoming our local. (Map) – lln is currently undergoing gentrification which is both good and bad. Great little bars like Ä are popping up everywhere but tend to have a short life span. Very underground, if a little ghetto, perfect for an afternoon wine which stretches into evening.
8MM, Schö. nhauser Allee 177b
10437 Berlin – (Map) – http://www.8mmbar.com/8mm.html – A bar and a record label. Our friend Peter works the bar which sees us there a few times a week. Very dark save the projector continuously playing old films on the back wall. You’re likely to hear more english here than German and always some rock and roll.
Neu Bar, Greifswalder Str. 218, 10405 Berlin. Neu Bar is the grown up version of 8mm, also owned by German/American Ollie. Lit by 70s style lamps and full of vintage chairs and sofas. Small and cosy, with a great selection of whiskey.
Manouche, Grimmstraße 23, 10967 Berlin. A bar and creperie. Very quaint and quirky with lots of brick and eclectic furniture squeezed into wee rooms. Dimly lit and cosy with just the right amount of clutter.
BEST SHOPPING:
Glad I Never, Zehdenickerstrasse 25, 10119 Berlin. A new vintage store with Icelandic owners. Amazing vintage sourced mainly in Iceland but also throughout Europe. They also have a live show and party once monthly for friends and customers.
Sing Blackbird, Sander Str.11, 12047 Berlin Neukö – (Map) – www.singblackbird.com – Vintage, coffee and cake is what you will find at Sing Blackbird. A beautiful and handpicked selection of vintage from the 70s – 90s. You can even swap your own clothes for store or cafe credit.
Flohmarkt Neukö, lln Karl-Marx Str. 231, 12055 Berlin – (Map) – A giant flea market held in the Wal-mart car park in Neukö. lln. You can find everything here from clothing to bicycles and vintage furniture. This market still retains it’s underground status, unlike other, more touristy markets such as Mauer Park.
April 2009 Natalie Smith – Tokyo
Natalie is currently features writer for Russh Magazine, Australia along with running her own amazing blog site www.ilovewelove.blogspot.com Before venturing overseas, Natalie was a freelance writer for Runway Reporter and Pavement here in Auckland. Natalie was also responsible for our in-house copy for Lucy & the Powder Room and Stephen Marr – we LOVE Natalie!
BEST BAR:
Le Baron – The outpost of the infamous Parisian club owned by Andre is super cool – dark and underground, with lots of international visitors to Tokyo crammed into red-velvet private booths sipping Moet. It’s in Omotesando – see superfuture.com for directions.
New York Bar – Yes, it’s the bar from Lost in Translation – it might be a cliche to visit but it’s completely worth it – the best cocktails in town, great jazz and a mindblowingly beautiful view of the city. It’s on the 15th floor of the Park Hyatt, Shinjuku.
BEST Food:
Brown Rice – This is the best food I’ve ever had, seriously, and it’s completely vegan, macrobiotic and organic. It’s off Omotesando in Aoyama, just behind the big Gucci building. They make the most delicious juices, as well as producing their own soy milk and tofu.
BEST Shopping:
Cosmic Wonder Light Source – This clothing label is reminiscent of Comme des Garcons, but more feminine. The space doubles as an art gallery, and the label produces clothes for both men and women, shoes, delicate jewellery, scent and really, really good limited edition art publications. Very inspiring.
APC – There are three stores for this cute French brand in Daikanyama, which is my favourite suburb in Tokyo. They’re all masterpieces of retail design – I love the moss wall next to the men’s store. The rest of the area has lots of great patisseries, stores including Vivienne Westwood, Tsumori Chisato and Sonia Rykiel and even a cafe that only sells food and drinks based around tomatoes.
Itoya and Loft – There is nothing more Japanese than a department store dedicated entirely to stationery. Itoya is seven floors and located in Ginza, the flagship store mecca, and Loft is right in the heart of Shibuya and sells more cameras, notebooks, pens, stickers and stationery than you can possibly imagine.
BEST Suburb:
Naka Meguro – This little suburb is really great, especially in spring when all the cherry blossoms are out along the canal. My favourite place here is Higashiya, which, despite looking like a super modern art gallery, is a sweetstore, and upstairs, a traditional tea room – try a matcha tea ceremony and one of the amazing organic mochi balls.
JANUARY 2009 ELLA DRAKE – TOKYO
Once the friendly face to grace the front reception area of our Stephen Marr salons, Ella is now one of Australia’s top fashion models. On assignment in Japan, Ella shares with us her favorite spots in and around Tokyo.
BEST SHOPPING:
Cosmic Wonder – their retail space is a lovely meditative escape from the madness of Tokyo city. 5-18-10 Minami-Aoyama, 03-5774-6866. (Be warned it’s a hunt to find without an obvious storefront: reiterating their signature for hyper minimalism. The cool space is used for events as well; film screenings and concerts. www.cosmicwonder.com (If you’re really having trouble finding this spot just look for the amazing Aoyama landmark that is the Prada store. Cosmic Wonder is just a street behind).
The GYRE Bldg Omotesando – (designed by a Dutch architect) this building is somewhat more artisanal and consumerism conscious than it’s neighbouring stores. Hosting; Maison Martin Margiela, Chanel, Bulgari and the MoMA Design Store. An organic bakery/ cafe and some cool Restaurants (Smoke Restaurant serves great egg’s Benedict and view of the area).
BEST COFFEE:
Dean+Deluca and Starbuck’s have admittedly saved my life on many occasions, occupying prime real estate and notable corners of every destination.
Miyakoshi Coffee – in Shimbashi. For a true experience sit at the counter of this coffee shoppe and order it black. A hole in the wall café where they serve up traditional nail drip style coffee. My manager put me on to this one; claiming coffee to be his water.
Forbidden Fruit Cafe Omotesando – with a Biba-esque embellished interior you can design your own amazing breakfast smoothies and pick-me-up juices.
BEST EATS:
I’m totally in love with this wee restaurant; Sora No Niwa – specialising in organic hand-made tofu in the vastest variety of forms/flavours. The menu also has offerings of delicious things beside tofu. Great with a group of friends, or you can nestle away with quieter company. Their berry vinegar soda is a must- a perfect compliment to the lashings of creamy soy. 4-17 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, (03) 5728 5191.
Tas Yard Cafe – (translation; cafe plus a yard) Out of the way enough to escape Harajuku antics and enjoy a cup of tea. The landscaped backyard and cute vegetable garden really does add to its merits. www.tasyard.com
Weekend stalls held in Harajuku’s Yoyogi Park. The best way to cure a sore head on a Sunday is to eat festival food and revel in the hysterical acts of Yoyogi entertainers. My favourite stallholder even gives up his seat so you can ‘dine in’; 400 yen well spent!
BEST BARS:
La Jetee Bar – run by a film buff; an authentic Golden Gai type bar that is also friendly to foreigners. 1-1-8 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tel: 03-3208-9645
Chandelier (RED BAR) – outrageous leopard tapestry and wonderful light fittings.
FS Bldg, 3-20-6 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku. Good company; young unpretentious artsy crowd.
Le Baron – in Aoyama. www.lebaron.jp The sister club to Le Baron de Paris. A good spot to head if you’re into eye-spying Japanese celebrities.
BEST GALLERIES:
Ginza Graphic Gallery – A special little space in the midst of a busy shopping district. It has a fast turn over of exhibitions, and if I have to time to waste in this pompous shopping district it is spent here. Recently showing prolific artists such as Alan Fletcher and MM Paris.
Gallery Whiteroom – www.g-whiteroom.com Also part of the Gyre Building (see BEST SHOPPING); White Room is on the third floor and showcases multisensory art forms.
BEST HOTELS:
Nagakin Capsule Tower – the original of the capsule hotels. It was fun to see the ‘prototype of sustainable architecture’ after studying it years before at Uni.
Grand Park Hyatt – it would really be sad if you didn’t visit whilst in town. Boasting a brilliant pool, gym and spa. Japan really does modern architecture well, cleverly combined with natural and traditional materials.
ARPIL 2008 MARYSE O’DONNELL – LONDON
Lucy & the Powder Room’s star therapist and organic beauty product fanatic – Maryse O’Donnell gives us her underground guide to London.
BEST SHOPPING:
Absolute Vintage – This shop has over 10,000 items of vintage clothing ranging from 1930′s – 1980′s! This is somewhere I could spend hours sorting through all the amazing things. Think Fast and Loose but on a much, much larger scale! It has the largest selection of second-hand shoes in the UK! 15 Hanbury Street, Tower Hamlete E1. www.absolutevintage.co.uk
The Organic Pharmacy UK – Skincare shop – specialising only in herbs, homeopathy and organic skincare. All products are free from toxic ingredients. Within the store is a homeopathic and herbal dispensary where they custom blend remedies to suit. Just a short trip from Carnaby Street. www.theorganicpharmacy.com
BEST COFFEE:
Climpsons and Sons – Broadway Market, London Fields, E8.
BEST EATS:
Hummingbird Bakery – Has a selection of yummy cupcakes and various sweet treats. A great place to pop into whilst shopping down Portobello Road. 133 Portobello Road w11.
Borough Markets – Cheese toasties followed by fresh oysters – best hangover cure!
Mangal Two – Great Turkish place – if you feel like a lot of meat and getting hit on by Gilbert & George. Kingsland Rd, Dalston, E8.
BEST BAR:
Shunt Bar – Terrible name but Shunt bar, located in the caverns underneath London Bridge is easily one of the most interesting bars in the city. Each week is curated by a different artist. One night its performance art, the next a band, the next a small theatre group. It’s members only but on Friday and Saturday nights it’s open to the public. www.shunt.co.uk
BEST GALLERY:
White Cube, Hoxton Square – There are so many new galleries in east London. Start at White Cube in Hoxton Square. Ask at the front desk and they’ll give you a guided map of all the hard-to-find galleries in the area. www.whitecube.com
MAY 2007 MAYA VILLGER – NEW YORK
Previously based in New York, Maya now lives in Los Angeles. From there she manages boutique New Zealand souvenir brand ‘I Heart NZ’. Here are a few of her favourite spots in one of the greatest cities in the world – New York.
BEST SHOPPING:
Prada Flagship Store – An architectural masterpiece, like no other store you’ve ever visited. The amazing displays and art featured on the great wall and perfectly appointed mannequins make for fantastic eye candy. 575 Broadway, at Prince Street, New York.
Purl – A knitter’s paradise. Such a cute shop with such a great selection of yarn. 137 Sullivan Street, New York.
A.P.C. – Ok so it’s French but this brand has a great selection of beautiful classics to keep any wardrobe in ship shape order. Plus it’s in a fun area to wander.
BEST COFFEE:
Bonsignour – It’s true, most coffee here is below par, but this is a very reliable and cute little spot. It’s a take out gem also delivers very good croissants and if you visit in summer try the strawberry lemonade … delicious. 35 Jane Street, New York.
BEST RESTUARANTS:
Blue Ribbon Brasserie – Great fun atmosphere and divine food, a lovely menu to satisfy all cravings and one of the best raw bars NY has to offer. Open for dinner until 4am 7 days so perfect for late night get togethers. 97 Sullivan Street (bet. Spring and Prince streets), New York.
Freemans – I love this place for the fantastic wild flowers they always have, not to mention the interesting collection of taxidermy. Sit at the bar, nibble on crackers and artichoke dip while sipping a seasonal cocktail or take a seat in the cute country farmhouse style dining home. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, the prices are reasonable and the food deliciously simple. End of Freeman Alley (near Rivington Street), New York.
BEST CAFE:
Cafe Habana – A very cute Cuban cantina in Nolilta, absolutely delicious food means its well worth the wait for your seat, plus it’s cheap as chips. 17 Prince Street (at Elizabeth Street), New York.
BEST BAR:
Employees Only – The first bar I ever visited in NY and still one of my absolute favourites, for the beautifully poured drinks, quirky mix of patrons and impeccable bar tenders. They also serve up delicious food into the wee hours. 106 Kenmare Street, New York.
La Esquina – From the road a cute diner car doubles as a taqueria (and it’s good) but through the door marked “employees only” and down the stairs through the kitchen is a dark and very cool restaurant where margaritas flow and candelabras drip. It is the best Mexican food I have ever had, modern and so fresh … it’s worth the effort to get a booking at this spot. 510 Hudson Street, New York.
BEST PLACE TO STAY:
While my time in New York has been spent living in our petite West Village apartment I would love to indulge with a night at the historic St Regis Hotel … this is New York in all of it’s uptown glory. 2 East 55th Street (at Fifth Avenue) New York.
BEST DELIS:
Dean and Deluca – It’s famous for a reason, amazing displays of the most decadent groceries on offer, visit, it’s wonderful. 560 Broadway, New York.
Citarella – much more low-key but with equally delicious treats for sale. 1240 Avenue of the America, New York.
BEST GALLERIES:
Guggenheim – The delightful collection, fantastic exhibitions and amazing architecture make this gallery so special. 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York.
Moma – The best modern art collection I have ever experienced. Make sure you visit the photography space, they always showcase great exhibitions, and if possible, take lunch at one of the lovely restaurants where the food is nearly as beautiful as the art. 11 West 53 Street (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), New York.
The Frick – The personal collection of Henry Clay Frick, a 19th century Industrialist, Art Patron and Philanthropist, is housed in his amazing former NY residence. The collection features significant European work predominantly from the 18th and 19th century but for me the real pleasure of a visit here is to take in the grand surrounds, beautiful gardens and internal courtyard. 1 East 70th Street, New York.
MARCH 2007 KATIE LOCKHART – MILAN
PREVIOUSLY BASED IN EUROPE AS A FREELANCE DESIGNER AND CONSULTANT, KATIE LOCKHART HAS NOW RETURNED HOME TO NEW ZEALAND TO LAUNCH HER NEW CASHMERE BASICS LABEL ‘TO SIR WITH LOVE’. KATIE HAS WORKED FOR SOME OF THE INDUSTRY’S BEST SUCH AS; ITALIAN VOGUE, CASA DA ABITARE MAGAZINE AND MANY MORE. SHE IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN OF THE KAREN WALKER & SWANNDRI CONCEPT STORE’S BOTH NATIONALLY & INTERNATIONALLY.
BEST SHOPPING: I spend most of my time in Milan looking at vintage furniture as some of the best collections / collectors are based here. A few of my favourites are:
NILUFAR – A beautifully curated space filled with some of the most important vintage furniture from the 40/50/60′s including prototypes.ÃThe owner ‘Miss Nina’ is a close friend of Miuccia Prada’s and she is often out the back having an espresso! Via Spiga 32.
BLANCHEART – A family business now run by Jean Blancheart. A beautiful little gallery showcasing vintage and modern ceramics including plates painted by Miro. Via Nirone 19.
GALLERIA LUISA DELLE PIANE – A vintage furniture store situated in an apartment with the furniture laid out into room sets. By appointment only. Via Justi 24.
DAVID SORGATO – This gallery of rugs, wall hangings and tapestries covers Asian, Italian and Scandinavian histories and David can tell you the history of almost every rug he has. Via S.Orsola 13.
NOT TO FORGET CLOTHES: MIU MIU – A brand new concept store has just opened – the merchandising is always incredible with vintage mannequins from the 1940′s displaying Muiccia’s ultra modern collections. Via A. Maffei.
CORSO COMO – This store is owned and curated by Carla Sozzani sister of Franca Sozzani (Editor of Italian Vogue) and needs a few hours to digest as there is a great selection of clothing, books, music, art and a great cafe as well. 9 Corso Como.
BEST GALLERY:
FONDAZIONE PRADA – Always has a great show on not to mention the great selection of books for sale. Via Fogazzaro 26.
BEST RESTAURANT:
TRATTORIA TOSCANA – A little hard to find but certainly worth the effort. You will see a small sign on the front window -Ãwalk through the front door through a vacant shop to a small corridor that suddenly opens out into a lantern filled bamboo garden. Amazing regional pasta dishes and great vino all affordable and unpretentious. Corso di Porta Ticinese 58.
BEST COFFEE:
PECK – You must go and have a coffee here – the Milanese will tell you it is the best in Milan. Via Cesari Cantu 3.
BEST SIGHTSEEING:
DUOMO – This unfinished cathedral is so eerily quiet inside and the ceiling is so high that you feel tiny; you must go in to have a look. Best to go in the morning on a weekday – must cover your arms. You can also go on a rooftop tour which I would totally recommend as there are piles of statues carves into the supports that you cant see from the ground.
FORNASETTI’S HOUSE – You can organise to be shown through this incredible house that is literally covered in Fornasetti’s illustrations and textiles. To make an appointment go to Via Manzoni 45.
BEST PLACE TO STAY:
I always stay with friends but I know that the GRAND HOTEL VERDI – a boutique hotel in the centre is well recommended.
NOVEMBER 2006 BIC RUNGA – PARIS
BEST CAFE:
Le Petit Fer a Cheval – 30 rue Vielle du Temple 75003. Traditional french dishes and big salads. Excellent people watching in the Marais.
BEST CAKE:
Laduree. My favourite is the one on Rue Bonaparte, St Germain des Pres. Try the Rose macaroon, or the Rose Saint Honore.
BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE: Here is a little walk based around the Louvre/Palais Royale.
Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido – 142 Galerie de Valois – 25 Rue de Valois. This tiny, hidden shop is on the right hand path along the Jardin Palais Royal. Walk away form the stripey black and white Daniel Buren sculptures along the right of the garden. It’s almost at the end. The buzzer will open the door too the most charming perfumerie with exclusive scents by Serge Luten.
Didier Ludot – 31 galerie Montpensier. This well sourced vintage store is on the opposite path of the garden, back towards the Daniel Buren installation. It’s fairly expensive, but if you want to thumb through original Elsa Schiaperreli dresses and 70′s designer sunglasses, you’ll find this fun.
Colette – 213 rue Saint Honore. This is a fashion and design concept store that also sells music and books. It can be quite overwhelming, but everything is there. The whole of rue Saint Honore is worth exploring.
BEST GALLERIES: There’s so many, but my favourites are:
Attelier Brancusi – The modernist sculptor Brancusi gifted his entire studio intact to the city if Paris. It is on display next to the Pompidou Centre.
Musee de la Mode et du Textile – This gallery is devoted to the history of fashion. Some of the most memorable curations I’ve seen were the Elsa Schiapperreli and Balenciaga retrospectives. It’s part of the Louvre, make a day of it.
La Galerie d’Anatomie Comparee et de Paleontologie – This is part of the Jardin du Plantes, a dusty old paleontolgy museum the kids will love. Skeletons of every animal you can think of. (Have mint tea at Paris Mosque afterwards. It’s close by at place de l’Ermite, 39 rue geofrey St Hilaire.)
BEST RESTAURANTS:
Anahi – Traditional South American food, (very meat oriented..) 49 rueVolta, 75003, ph 01 48 878824. Book first, and take a cab, it’s in an old butcher’s shop in a fairly obscure street.
Le Petit Marche – Affordable, fresh, unpretentious eating. 9 rue de Bearne 75003, ph 01 427 20667.
BEST MARKET:
La marche aux puce de Vanves – This is the best flea market, still small, not as much of an assault as Clignacourt. Weekends only, go early if you can.
BEST SIGHT SEEING:
Sacre Couer – This beautiful romano-byzantine style basillica has the best view of Paris. 35 rue de Chevalier, Montmatre. Go early on a week day when it’s quieter.
AUGUST 2006 MYLES HENRICK (VAN URK) – LOS ANGELES (CITY OF ANGELS)
After relocating from New Zealand five years ago, Myles has beconme a regular in the LA rock scene; performing at and running acclaimed club Pashvine and fronting band Blood Cat Love. This guys knows the City of Angels like the back of his hand.
BEST BAR:
Bar Lubitsch – Short Stop, Hide.
BEST CLUB:
PASH! – Every Friday night at the Vine Bar, Hollywood (I promote and DJ there… most happening spot in all of the land).
BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE:
The Rose Bowl Flea market – every month. Best anywhere.
BEST HOTEL:
Chateau Marmont
BEST RESTAURANT:
Magnolia on Sunset – Little Door on 3rd in LA.
BEST CAFE:
M Cafe de Chaya – on Melrose, Elixir on Melrose.
BEST CLOTHING STORE:
Dior Homme
BEST DELI:
Jones on 3rd
BEST BREAKFAST:
Millies at Sunset Junction, Chateau Marmont patio.
BEST BEACH:
El Matador and Point Dume in Malibu
BEST SUNDAY DRIVE:
Up the 101 through Topanga Canyon to Malibu
JUNE 2006 KAREN WALKER – LONDON
New Zealand born designer Karen Walker has a reputation for original, effortless and unpretentious style. The Karen Walker label is stocked in over 130 stores throughout the world in cities including New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Sydney and in over 20 cities throughout Japan. Karen is fundamental in taking New Zealand cool to the fashion world.
BEST CAFE:
Afternoon tea at CLARIDGES. A great way to break up a day of site seeing or shopping. Allow 3 hours and have a few friends with you. Treat yourself to a glass of champagne with those little cakes and cucumber sandwiches. you’ll come out feeling like a million bucks. www.claridges.co.uk
DOVER STREET MARKET  CAFE – Dover street market can be a little too wacky crazy fashion at times  but there are some nice things there (Azzedine Alais shoes, Lanvin’s full range, great books etc). But the best thing is the top floor cafe.
BEST HOTEL:
THE TRAFALGAR HILTON is a great place to stay (as long as you’re room’s facing onto the Trafalgar square side and not into the back court yard). Central, easy and great service. On a fine evening enjoy a cocktail on the roof terrace which offers a rare view across London’s rooftops – it’s magic. www.thetrafalgar.com
BEST MARKET:
Saturday morning at PORTOBELLO. No trip to LondonÂs complete without a visit to the markets with Portobello being one of the better ones. Start off with breakfast at ‘the grocer on Elgin’ in Elgin crescent before working your way through the antiques and vintage clothes.
BEST RESTAURANT:
THE IVY. A bit sceney, but in a cool old school way. The perfect place for a long, relaxed dinner. Try not to be too obvious star spotting though. www.caprice-holdings.co.uk
BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE:
DUNHILL on Jermyn Street. Dunhill is the best men’s store in the world (no elegant man could possibly consider his life complete without a £3000 Dunhill backgammon board). Going into Dunhill makes anyone feel as effortlessly chic as Sean ConneryÂs 007 or Cary Grant at his best. www.dunhill.com
APRIL 2006 SIMON & CREGHAN WRIGHT – FRENCH CAFE – SYDNEY
The French cafe has earned a reputation as New Zealand’s most sophisticated dining experience. With a recent blitz at the 2006 Cuisine Magazine Restaurant awards the French Cafe was named Restaurant of the Year for the third time running, and Best Metropolitan Restaurant.
BEST BAR:
THE HEMISPHERE BAR. Does pay to reserve a spot on a busy night. Very relaxed and fantastic cocktails in a very cool environment. www.merivale.com
BEST FOOD MARKET:
FRATELLI FRESH. An incredible food market with a cafe upstairs. It serves simple, tasty Italian fare. It’s an amazing experience.
BEST RESTAURANT:
TETSUYA.Japanese based with French technique. Most incredible flavours, beautiful restaurant and fantastic service (Very unpretentious). It’s also BYO so you can take a special bottle of wine for only a small corkage. It’s definitely a special occasion restaurant. www.tetsuyas.com
BECASSE.This would be our choice for a wonderful evening. Stylish modern French food. www.becasse.com.au
BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE :
If you love books, KINOKUNIYA is for you. It’s opposite the Queen Victoria building and has the most incredible selection of books. Everything you would ever want. www.kinokuniya.com
FEBRUARY 2006 LUCY & STEPHEN MARR – BARCELONA & CADAQUES
Owners of both Stephen Marr Ponsonby and Newmarket. Stephen & Lucy give you the low down from their Spain travels.
BEST AREAS (BARCELONA):
EL BORN; brilliant vibe with great cafes and bars.
RAVAL; great new art galleries and cafes, quite an up & coming young area.
BEST BARS (BARCELONA):
DOSTRECE – Cool upbeat bar with a great atmos.
SPY BAROQUE – unbelievable experience but extremely hard to find (opposite Picasso museum behind a closed door).
GIMLET BAR – great happening bar.
BEST FOOD MARKET (BARCELONA):
Mercat de la Boqueria – Market. An incredible food experience – could have stayed there all day. www.boqueria.info
BEST HOTEL (BARCELONA):
BANYS ORIENTALS- Great location and beautiful spacious rooms which are rare in Europe. www.hotelbanysorientals.com. To rent an apartment there is a great website: I-ESCAPE – it profiles really cool apartments in the El Born district.
www.i-escape.com.
BEST RESTAURANT (BARCELONA):
CAL PEPS, ORIGINS 99%, COMMERCE 25, SANTA MARIA. All have amazing food and an excellent vibe.
BEST SITE SEEING (BARCELONA):
MEIS VANDEROHE house – a must see. JOAN MIRO MUSEUM: absolutely amazing, great architecture and amazing art.
BEST RESTAURANT (CADAQUES):
Casa Nun – incredible Spanish food and amazing wine – you feel like your dining in one of the locals private homes.
Can Tito & Can Rafa – owned by the same people. Great Spanish fare.
BEST HOTEL (CADAQUES):
Rocamar Hotel – nicest hotel in the area and looks out over the fishing port. www.rocamar.com
