Part 1
London, UK
In a city where everything changes all the time, here is an institution which has kept its game for more than 15 years. E&O mixes pan-asian dishes (from truffle sea bass sashimi to more traditional pad thais and curries) in a sophisticated but cool atmosphere, helped by the constant buzz in the bar area.
Restaurant.
London, UK
Edgy Meatpacking District interior meets creative and sophisticated cooking. On Golborne Road, the lesser known part of Notting Hill.
Restaurant
London, UK
Small French restaurant in Notting Hill, with very traditional French dishes in portions to be shared, and one of the most extensive wine list. Always warm and welcoming.
Restaurant
Boutique hotel in the city of Cheltenham, in the heart of the Costwolds region and its beautiful countryside. Great restaurant too.
Hotel
Cowley, UK
Traditional UK mansion meets Nordic interior design meets breathtaking swimming pool meets English countryside.
Hotel
Capri, Italy
Subtle luxury in on one of the most magical islands.
Hotel
Cascais, Portugal
Former private residence turned modern quirky hotel perched on a cliff. With 2 restaurants (with a preference for the Mediterranean one).
Hotel
New York City, US
Set in West Village, this open and airy local eatery serves a delicious combination of Middle East inspired dishes. Mixing Persian, Israeli and Yemeni influences, the kitchen is able to bring the sun out on a cloudy day.
Restaurant
New York City, USA
Not exactly a newcomer (est in 1978), Japonica remains one of the best sushi restaurants in Greenwich Village. Traditional, simple sushi served exactly as you would expect.
Restaurant
New York City, USA
An institution in the Meatpacking District, Pastis just reopened. Finally. This quirky French bistro always has one of the best buzz in town. To be enjoyed, in particular on a sunny and lazy day for lunch.
Restaurant
Author: John Carreyrou
Written by a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, Bad Blood is the best thriller that you have read in years. The real life story of rise and collapse of Elizabeth Holmes’ startup, Theranos. With what you would expect from a thriller: brilliance, intelligence and blatant lies and deception. Inspiring !
Book
Author: Ernest Cline
Supposedly a science fiction book, Ready Player One is actually not about tomorrow, but about today. Ernest Cline has a very sharp analysis of some of the biases of our modern technology driven life, with social media at its core. Also, Cline juggles with time, delighting us with references to the 80s embedded in this futuristic and realistic tale.
Book
Author: William Finnegan
This autobiography is a pleasure to read, even for those of us not into surfing. Following William on his life journey around the world, chasing waves and finding himself, is as engaging as any fiction we come across these days. In addition to being a precise description of the American culture in the 60s and 70s, Barbarian Days is also a fantastic introduction to the surfing way of life. Simply, honestly.
Book
Positano, Italy
This former private residence, converted into a beautiful hotel, manages what seems to be an impossible tour de force: be set right in the center of Positano, bustling with activity in the middle of the summer, while remaining an incredibly peaceful haven.
Hotel
Rome, Italy
May just look like another trattoria on the streets of Rome, but Maccheroni serves carefully prepared traditional dishes with the best ingredients. In particular, the truffle pasta and the grilled scarmoza a la bottarga (surprising but delicious combination) got us to return. Again. And again.
Restaurant
Positano, Italy
Definitely not your typical, tourist infested, restaurant in Positano. La Marinella is a very small, very (very) simple restaurant on a small beach next to Positano. Not easy to find, a bit of a walk to get to, but the homemade pasta and setting are worth the effort.
Restaurant
Positano, Italy
A refined restaurant, serving traditional Italian dishes on the heights of Positano. The nice vibe is a good complement to the food and the view (without being a “scene”).
Restaurant
Director: Chris Smith
“The greatest party that never happened”.
The real life story of the Fyre Festival: what was meant to be the most incredible, exclusive, beautiful party in the world ended up being nothing more than an ugly fraud. Story which resonated even more for us given the central part conflicted influencers played in helping orchestrate the scam. Of the dangers of conflict of interest in social medias… A documentary more thrilling than some of the best fictions. Available on Netflix (with a sister documentary on same topic on Hulu).
Movie
Creators: Baz Luhrmann, Stephen Adly Guirgis
A history lesson tracing parallels between the dark and vibrant period the late 70s were for Manhattan and the Bronx and the creation hip hop. Mixing fiction with documentary images, mixing historic anthems with original creations, The Get Down is a feast for the eyes and ears.
TV Series
Director: Ricky Gervais
A dark, funny and touching Ricky Gervais in the first season of After Life. Gervais as we would expect, but also as we would not, dealing with the loss of his wife. Looking forward to season 2.
TV Series