There’s a new five star on the block and she’s actually affordable, welcome into the London rotation, The Stratford. While I wasn’t originally keen on staying just outside of the central city, this hotel certainly fits the bill- designy, bustling lobby, comfortable, clean rooms, and a delicious breakfast cooked to order. The neighborhood is full…
Tag: trip musings
Wicked Fish- Stratford
One sunny, London summer evening found us strolling along the canals near Stratford. The destination in mind was the Hackney Wick for a pint or two. Surprised to find that it was closed for the filming of a rom-com, we tried a few other spots before realizing it was time to find some food. Pubs…
Napoli on the Road- Chiswick
When you’re through London a lot, like very often a lot, and learn that the best pizza place in Europe (outside of Italy) is in the city… well, first you think, Brexit be damned! Then you think, we MUST go there. We opted for the Chiswick location and were glad we had a reservation. The…
Sina Centurian Palace- Venice
After test driving a night at the Sina Centurian Palace, along with the gorgeous meal at Antinoos, we were hooked! The building itself is an architectural dream. Pulling up to it in a water taxi, really gave the stay a special start. After booking a standard room with Tablet (my first time using this service),…
Antinoos Restaurant- Venice
If you’;re after THE restaurant for golden hour that is literally dripping in the golden showers of romance, the oddly named Antinoos is your spot. Could a table on the Grand Canal get much better? Just wait until your front row view of sunset. Amuse bouche are investitive even when impaled on rather sharp spikes….
Il Palazzo Experimental- Venice
We spent a lovely few days at the Il Palazzo Experimental in Dorsoduro. Despite being the height of August heat, the hotel was a breath of fresh air with it’s gorgeous gardens- not previously seen on a winter trip to the property- and dark, cool rooms. We booked a superior room which was said to…
Ristorante Riviera- Venice
On my favorite island of Venice, Dorsoduro, is the wonderful canal-side restaurant, Ristorante Riviera. The white table cloths and sunset location ensure that it feels like a special occasion. The attentive, but relaxed service allows you to feel comfortable and focus on the beautiful food at hand and time with your fellow diner. On this…
Hotel Tipografia- Porto
Years ago, I read about Hotel Tipografia in Porto and how it was one of the best values in boutique hotels in all of Europe. Naturally, I had to have a stay, because who doesn’t love a deal. Sadly, said stay was cancelled thanks to Covid. Four years, later, I found myself booking another trip…
Frida- Porto
The last night in Porto we were ready for some lighter fare than the heavy mains and starchy sides that we kept running into during the Porto humidity. Since we don’t get much Mexican in Switzerland, we opted for Frida, a small restaurant with a Mexican chef married to a Portuguese. The ambience was colorful…
Casa do Conto, Porto
The service at Casa do Conto has been four long years in the making- literally! I had a reservation with the small group in summer of 2020 when I was still living in the US. I’d booked it on the back end of a convention in the city as I read it was one of…
Semea by Euskalduna, Porto
Despite our 3AM wake-up call, we were determined to have a gorgeous first night in Porto and with that we tried for a Michelin star at Euskalduna. Of course it was full as we were trying just a few days in advance, so we headed to their sister project, Semea. The casual outdoor setting with…