While I was on vacation in Thailand, I received an unexpected message on Instagram from Hatsune, a Japanese restaurant in Amsterdam I had never heard of before. They reached out because they had read my articles on Yamazato and Hokkai … Continue reading Dining in Amsterdam: Hatsune
In many touristy areas of Thailand, it is surprisingly difficult to find authentic local dishes because the food scene has adapted to the tastes and expectations of international visitors. Restaurants, night markets, and even street food stalls tend to serve … Continue reading Dining in Thailand: Pak Tai
I discovered Ban Suan Lung Khai through the Michelin Guide, where it holds a Bib Gourmand designation—an award given to restaurants offering high-quality food at affordable prices. The name translates to “Uncle Khai’s Garden House,” which fits perfectly: the restaurant … Continue reading Dining in Thailand: Ban Suan Lung Khai
Chris, originally from the UK, moved to Thailand 29 years ago to be with his Thai wife. Together they built The Gallery Restaurant and Gold Bar on the island of Koh Tao, perched on a hill, which is also their … Continue reading Dining in Thailand: The Gallery Restaurant
It was a series of coincidences that brought us to Locus Native Food Lab. First, we weren’t supposed to be in Northern Thailand at all—we had planned to visit Ko Lipe in the south. When bad weather hit there, we … Continue reading Dining in Thailand: Locus Native Food Lab
To celebrate my friend Robert’s birthday, I took him to one of my favorite restaurants in Amsterdam: 212, led by chef Richard van Oostenbrugge. I’ve been a fan of his cooking ever since my first visit to Bord’Eau in 2013 … Continue reading Dining in Amsterdam: 212** (2025)
Le Calandre is the restaurant of chef Max Alajmo, which has held 3 Michelin stars since 2002. The chef was only 28 years old back then, and thus became the youngest chef with three Michelin stars of all time. This … Continue reading Dining in Italy: Le Calandre*** (2025)
After the great meal at 212 last year, I couldn’t wait to go back again and decided to take my friend Melvin there for his birthday dinner. I hadn’t checked the menu when I made the reservation, so I only … Continue reading Dining in Amsterdam: 212** (2024)
Restaurant Heimat in Utrecht has just opened. In fact, I was there for the first regular night, after a trial week. My main purpose to be there was to catch up with a dear friend, who lives around the corner … Continue reading Dining in the Netherlands: Heimat
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