Estou de Volta, Lisboa

Categories: Accommodations · Art · Lisbon · Portugal · TravelTags: · · · · Leave a comment

“I am back, Lisbon” – albeit for only two days to meet good friends who also happen to be in town. I finally got the chance to visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and its art collection that was amassed by Armenian oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian. The collection contains some 6,000 pieces that stretch from 2500BC to the 20th century, from Egyptian and Greek antiquities, to French furniture and European paintings. At the other end of the museum’s gardens is the Centro de Arte Moderna (CAM), which opened in 1983. The building was recently renovated by Kengo Kuma to feature an…

Tchau, Açores

Categories: Azores · Portugal · TravelTags: · · · · · Leave a comment

The Azores comprise of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic half-way between North America and continental Portugal. The Portuguese discovered this remote archipelago, scattered 1,400 kms west of their mainland in the early1500s. The islands are mythical land of volcanoes, bubbling thermal waters, geysers of rising steam, turquoise-toned lagoons, and bottle-green lakes. Lagoa des Furnas is a volcanic crater lake in Furnas Valley. Fed by the valley’s geothermal activity, a number of alfresco pools provides the perfect rejuvenation, courtesy of Mother Nature. This volcanic caldera has lain dormant since 1630, and it’s one of São Miguel’s most intriguing…

Laters

Categories: Travel · Art · Food · AccommodationsTags: · · ·

Goodbye to London for now, till the next one. The Courtauld Gallery is home to a great art collections, located in the historical setting of Somerset House. Now for the food and accommodations. First stop was The Parlour at Fortnum & Mason. First dinner with friends was at Straker’s in Notting Hill. I was walking by Borough Market and came across a long line outside Bao’s take out window (there was no line to eat in!). I recall eating at its Soho location during my last visit. The Bugis Singapore Restaurant in Kensington served good Singaporean classics. LaBombe by Trivet…

Adios, Colombia

Categories: Accommodations · Bogota · Cartagena · Colombia · Food · Medellin · Pereira · TravelTags: · · · · · · · · ·

Colombia bills itself el país de la belleza – the country of beauty. The South American nation features astounding biodiversity and cultural heritage, and topography ranging from the majestic Andes and the Amazon rainforest to the Caribbean coast. My second and more extensive visit to this country has only confirmed the impression left by my first: that Colombia rewards those willing to look past is reputation, revealing a place of extraordinary warmth, resilience, and richness at every turn. Some of the cafes that serves good Colombian coffee: And now for the food and accommodations during my visit: Two memorable meals in Medellin were…

NYC Break

Categories: Accommodations · Art · Food · New York · USATags: · ·

Spending the Easter long weekend in New York City. I came with no plans and winging it – which turned out great! First stop was the Whitney Biennial 2026. I was able to attend the 2024 edition and took the opportunity to see what’s new thus year. Also on exhibit is Unitiled (America) featuring Whitney’s collection and new acquisitions. Isamu Noguchi collection: I was able to sneak in a Broadway musical as well (booked my ticket the morning of) – Maybe Happy Ending, which won the Tony Awards for Best Musical. Very entertaining and enchanting – with only four actors…

Supergoed

Categories: Accommodations · Amsterdam · Food · NetherlandsTags: · · ·

I noticed the Dutch tend to use “super” more frequently in casual daily conversations, as an adjective or adverb to mean “very”, “extremely” or “amazing”. Now talking about food: first dinner was at Serre located at the Hotel Okura. A Michelin Bib Gourmand designated restaurant serving fusion cuisine. Next dinner was at another Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Wils Bakery Cafe with the kitchen serving French classics with global influence. Now this is Super! I had to go back on this trip to Rijks – the gem of a restaurant at the Rijksmuseum that has a one star Michelin. It was…

Visita Maravilhosa

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Food · Lisbon · Portugal · TravelTags: · · ·

Church of São Roque (Igreja de São Roque) is a 16th-century Jesuit church known for its plain facade and stunning Baroque interior. My third visit to Lisbon – and its dining scene continues to evolve. Mix of iconic seafood institutions, modern interpretations of Portuguese classics, and an increasing number of Michelin-recognized contemporary concepts. From the historic “tascas” in Alfama to upscale rooftops with river views, the city offers high-quality gastronomy that remains relatively affordable compared to other Western European capitals.  First dinner was at Mercearia do Século – a charming mom and pop serving very good traditional dishes. Make a…

Food & Stays

Categories: Accommodations · Basel · Food · France · Paris · Switzerland · ZurichTags: · ·

As I say Danke and Merci to Zurich and Paris, here are the food and stays during this trip: La Bottega Di Mario is a wonderful ristorante and salumeria in Zürich, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction. Catching up with Swiss friends, I was taken to Zeughauskeller, for traditional Swiss fare (warning servings are huge!) Another Bib Gourmand brasserie that is good is AuGust. A gem of a restaurant is Bauernschanke, tucked in an alleyway in the old town. Totally deserving of their Bib Gormand. A modern Japanese izakaya is Gaijin – another casual place with a Bib Gourmand distinction….

An Empire Long Weekend

Categories: Art · Food · New York · USATags: · ·

A long weekend back in New York – for 72 hours this time. It has been awhile since I have been to the Guggenheim Museum so I decided to pay a visit on this trip. I decided to go back to Momofuku Noodle Bar for my first meal, as it has been years, compounded by the closing of its Toronto outlet. I also headed back to the one star Michelin rated Estela in SoHo. The arroz negra still tastes as good as I remember it. One new restaurant I tried is DomoDomo and ordered their “Domokase” tasting menu. Food and…

Þakka þér fyrir

Categories: Accommodations · Food · Iceland · ReykjavikTags: · · ·

Or simply said as Takk (thank you). I have several friends who have raved about this country, yet in many respects, it still feels like a well-guarded secret – likely because of its bountiful natural resources, empty roads that wind through vast volcanic landscape, or massive open land with nothing but horses and waterfalls for miles. No trip to Iceland is complete without bathing in a hot springs. I decided to skip the famous Blue Lagoon, as I heard it gets overcrowded, and went to the Sky Lagoon instead. Featuring an infinity edge geothermal lagoon with views of the Atlantic…