Chuck Inglish

Chicago

Chicago’s most famous chicken shack - you go to Sears Tower and then go to Harold's - that’s what you do. It’s a tourist moment, but ya gotta do it.

This spot is like an international food market, food court kinda thing.

This is a whole new breed of pizza spot - try the caramelised cheese crust.

Top restaurant in the city - good date spot if you’re travelling with boo. Get the oxtail egg rolls!

The experience during games is super live, dope wings and get the parmesan fries.

The buffalo wings & the sandwiches & the happy hours :)

The pasta salad, the brisket, the chicken, the selections of beers on draft, the architecture - that type of shit.

Chuck Inglish’s Top Chicago Food Spots

Singapore 

Perfect for a date night, pre-drinks before going out-out, catching up with friends and discovering new DJs, old heads and undiscovered tunes. It’s a sociable hub for music lovers, creatives and friendly faces. It’s not open late so I’d recommend not after 8pm if you want a good shift. They serve Pan-Asian fusion food and cocktails, the menu is mouthwatering! Ask for Dean Chew, one of the co-founders of the label Darker Than Wax runs this place. He’s a sweet, sweet soul.

Perfect for a casual catch up with your friends. The crowd is a lot of East-siders – so some really laid-back people. The sunset is beautiful around the East Coast, it feels really nostalgic, so I’d say [pull up] at 7pm just before the evening sets in. They serve beers and spirits, as well as some hard-hitting Thai food. The spot is run by a really chill older couple, I used to work here actually!

The vibe is perfect for if you’re craving some authentic Chinese seafood whilst having a catch up with some friends and family. This is the place you need to hit up. Almost exclusively local Singaporean folk and longtime Singapore residents. It’s definitely a hidden gem. The stingray, fried rice and sambal kangkong are my go-to dishes. If you haven’t tried stingray, it has a soft meat texture that essentially melts in your mouth.

It’s affordable dim sum, so the vibe is perfect for any occasion! You have hundreds of options and insanely quick service. The place is almost always local Singaporeans – another hidden gem. You should order lime juice with sour plum, xiao long bao (Shanghai soup dumplings), siu mai, fried prawn dumplings, wanton, crab meat sauce with mantou. Basically anything, to be honest. I could order everything twice over.

It’s the perfect place to end your night out. I’d always end up here after the club with a group of friends. I'd say the crowd is a mix between people who want to watch football and drunk club-goers. Order the roti prata with fish, chicken, lamb curry or dhal if you’re vegan or vegetarian.

You can get to the island by hopping on a ferry for under 20 Singapore dollars (SGD) from Marina South Pier. I’d recommend the 10am ferry so you get a full day out. Definitely bring your own food and water to St John’s Island because they don’t sell any!

It’s super affordable to get to Pulau Ubin – it costs under five SGD for a single trip. You can get a bumboat at Changi Point Ferry Terminal which usually takes around 15 minutes. You can also bring your own bicycle here or rent one when you’re there. It’s also a good shout to bring your own water and snacks even though you can find food there. My favourite thing to do is kayaking along the mangroves – surreal.

Jhumka on Where to Go in Singapore

Juran Bowen

Barbados

Now this bar is an old time local favourite for the middle class of Barbados, but what this unique space has become is so much more. Embracing its connection to live music and its commitment to providing LGBTQIA+ safe spaces, Mojo has become a hub centred on love, family and acceptance. It’s easy to get to and the food is really yummy too. My favourite hidden gem here are the deep fried mushrooms, and all the bar tenders know me and my friends by name.

Now this one is close to my creative side. Sage Bar represents artistry at its finest as it is the home to so many queer-friendly creative spaces for open mics to performances in the most intimate of settings. The aesthetic of the place is its charm and eclectic atmosphere with mismatched pieces of furniture – from couches to stools to love seats and more; but imagine that all in the front of your cosy old style Barbadian bungalow. You heard right. It’s run out of the owners’ house and trust me when I say you’d love them, because they run it with love, love and more love.

Worthing Square is like a second home to me. It’s a food truck plaza with about 30 types of food to choose from: Asian fusion, Italian pizza, tacos, burgers, Bajan food (like the real, real stuff), curries and even some Arabian food. Imagine all of that and then add a Mount Gay rum bar with specialty cocktails and bottles for sale, even a three for $10 beer special, and seating to enjoy the cool shade on a hot day. At night, the vibe changes as live entertainment livens up the place.

This is my best friend’s favourite place to go and I knew I needed to
mention it because thrifting is both charity and self-gratification. Cheap, unique, thrifty finds with a particular Bajan flair, trust me it’s worth it.

Lastly, my workspace. An organisation dedicated to providing safe spaces and services to the LGBTQIA+ community. Now I've got to mention this. Equals hosts and sponsors limes, games nights, balls, parties, quiz nights – all for queer people by queer people.

Queer-Friendly Spaces in Barbados Spotlighted by Juran

Maeve

Cayman Islands

This is where a lot of the locals get their fish fry. In my opinion, it's the best place on island for fish fry. They also have tables under cabanas on a beach and it's on the quieter side of the island.

My favourite spot on the Island. Not only do they have amazing food but they throw events like live music and parties. It's an amazing cultural and creative hub. They use a lot of local produce, give a lot back to the community and support local creatives.
If you go you should ask for Aris Latham's vegan pie - it's unreal.

It's a local tradition to hop on a boat and go to Rum Point on a Sunday. It can get pretty crazy - everyone anchors at a sandbar plays music and it always ends up being a big party. You can't miss this tradition if you come to Cayman!

They have insane Trinidadian and local food here but my favourite thing to get are the doubles. The best hangover cure is getting takeaway from here.

Little Cayman is the smallest island of the three and though the majority of tourists visit Grand Cayman - Little Cayman is an amazing place to go for a couple of days to recharge. Everything is slow moving here and it's so peaceful. You can rent scooters and explore the island.

A quiet beach named after the fact that it's got little starfish dotted around the shore. You can get there by boat and anchor in the shallows. It's a nice place to chill with friends.

Here you can get local art and amazing produce from local farmers. Also cool place to meet some Caymanians and get some advice on what's going on on the island.

Discover the Cayman Islands with Maeve

Chuck George 

Milan

A cozy corner spot with a great selection of natural wines by its proprietor, Emanuele. The space is intimate enough to go for a first date but casual enough to kick back and have a few glasses with friends. I drop in occasionally when looking for a particular bottle from the winemakers on offer.

I started coming every Sunday when I moved into the neighbourhood. Unlike many of the new bars cropping up, this one is special. What it lacks in pretentiousness, it makes up for with its welcoming team. I always have a Guinness on draft and don’t snooze on the table snacks.

Founded by Chef Yoji Tokuyoshi, Bentoteca is immensely creative Japanese kitchen utilising Italian ingredients that is followed up equally by its selection of wines. I like to bring friends from out of town here because It’s the one thing that should not be missed. If it’s your first time, go for the Omakase.

Born in the 1930’s, this Milanese patisserie and cafe exemplifies a historic period. Traditional, but elegant, the space hosts a large outdoor seating area to sip a cocktail, smoke cigarettes and people watch. Before I moved out of the neighbourhood, I spent my mornings on the sidewalk sipping coffee and chatting with friends.

A Roman kitchen housed in an unstuffy, classically adorned space. It’s my weekly go-to since I am always craving carbonara or cacio pepe with a small beer. Always full of locals which adds to its charm. Sit outside in the warmer months, but get there early.

A historically important restaurant in Milan for its cuisine and family-run atmosphere that was recently purchased and reopened by Italian fashion brand Loro Piana. In creative circles, it is also the place to be and be seen. Go for the legacy, stay for the Spaghetti limone e peproncino. Lovely space with limited seating and thankfully, no reservations.

A neighbourhood gem, Terroir has a well-curated selection of products from small Italian producers by its esteemed proprietor Gabry. My recommendation is to go in the evening, have a glass of wine and some meats and cheeses that you may select from the refrigerated shelves and they’ll prepare for you. Probably my favourite place to head for some me time and a glass or just to run into friends.

Located on a tree-lined street Porta Venezia, Union Fade has a nice selection of Americana from denim and work jackets to boots and accessories. Some of the best pieces are hanging up high so be sure to look up for some treasures.

Led by a trio of creatives that hosts a number of brand activations, dinners and occasional workshops. Tune into their IG for community happenings @spaziofonte.

What’s An Italian Fashion Week Without Food? Milan’s Best Eating Out Spots with Chuck George 

Mohammad Gorjestani

San Francisco 

Loquat explores the the flavours of Iraqi Jewish heritage and is the brainchild of my homie Tal Mor, who is behind Four Barrel Coffee and The Mill with Josey Baker Bread. Loquat is built from love and intentionally sourcing all of its ingredients, many of which are from Palestine. My favourite thing is the boureka plate with the house harissa and zhoug. Don’t sleep on the salted chocolate babka either.

I low-key think this is the best bar in America. The combination of community, food and drinks is unmatched. I get creatively inspired here with what Nicholas Torres and his team does. The cocktails span the imagination, and I especially appreciate the low ABV drinks. I would get the bartenders choice of cocktail and definitely get the hen of the woods mushrooms.

This is a special special place run by amazing people. You can’t beat the vibe – it is unequivocally San Francisco. 20 Spot is a restaurant inside the old Force of Habit record store, it’s run by Bodhi Freedom who is a Frisco OG. I recommend just sitting at the bar with a flatbread and anything else that looks good on Alejandro’s (the chef's) menu and letting Bodhi pour you a glass of what he’s feeling that night.

Isa and Kenzie used to work on farms before opening this spot that serves the most incredible tamales and bowls. Everything is amazing, but I go with the Hugo Street Retreat with a breakfast cookie to enjoy on a walk around one of the best neighbourhoods in the city.

24th Street is my favourite street in San Francisco and there’s nothing like it or La Palma in the world. I go with the Taco Sonora and I grab some queso and salsa for the fridge on my way out.

The best coffee in America is in San Francisco (sorry Portland) and Grand is one of my favourites. I love the two locations on Mission Street and I love everything this place and its owners represent as a community business. I love their espresso and usually go with an eight-ounce Americano or a Gibralatar (don’t call it a Cortado!).

When I first moved to San Francisco I lived in the Richmond, and I discovered this tiny spot that changed how I think about how food is made and that small is better. Pizetta makes a few pizzas a day based on what's at the farmer's market. I usually get whatever pizza is on the menu, a slice of flourless chocolate cake, and an espresso that takes me back to 2007 when I used to just sit at the bar and write.

Anybody telling you San Francisco is dead, just bring them here on the Friday or Saturday night. Probably the most fun place to dance in the city, and while I admittedly avoid the dancefloor, I do appreciate the natural wine, top shelf DJ and music curation that makes this place bump.

There’s a few great dive bars I was thinking of for this list, like Lone Palm and 500 Club, but I’m putting Wazema [down] because in addition to being around the block from me, and it being a historic San Francisco business, they also serve Ethiopian food every night 'til 10. I order the sampler plate and enjoy a little fernet after, and hit the pool table in the back.

I go to bat for Gallardo’s as the best brunch in the city. It’s only on the weekends, but it's worth the wait for their birria served with their tortillas and fixings.

Sunset Squares Foodhall is where you can go watch a game and choose between Sunset Squares Pizza (sourdough pizza), Namu Stonepot (Korean-inspired fare), Filipino food (Uncle Tito’s) and a really amazing curation of beer and wine. I go for the Pub pizza, and I add olives and gardiniere for the first half of the game.

The Palestinian diaspora in San Francisco is one of the most special things about the city. Biet Rima is a family business that makes you feel at home every time you eat at either of their two locations. I usually go with their chicken shish tawook plate, the mezze platter – and don’t sleep on Samir’s bread.

Few places in San Francisco have the room feeling that Zuni does. I always go back and forth between Bix and Zuni as my favourite old-school vibes. But Zuni takes it for me because when I first moved to the city it was the late-night meals I had here after my shifts that shaped my love for food. The move here is to grab a seat by the bar, get a martini, order the chicken, and patiently wait for it enjoying their Caesar salad. Classic and perfect.

Where to Eat and Drink in San Francisco, According to Mohammad Gorjestani

London

A chilled lunch spot that won't break the bank! It's a cute little cafe with a casual hint of colourful tapestry and great Moroccan food that stays true to the culture. It's hard to pick a favourite but I'd definitely try a tagine, of course.

Open everyday apart from Sunday, this market is an extension of the busy Portobello Road Market. It has different traders on different days, but on most days you can find it full of stalls selling tagines, spices and Moroccan decor. If you ran out of luggage space during your trip to the country, you can easily find the same fare in this market.

A high-end experience if you're willing to part with some £££. It's got a smart casual dress code and offers up an environment for people to enjoy a truly authentic Middle Eastern dining and drinking experience. Although it's predominantly Lebanese cuisine, they offer up a growing menu of Moroccan dishes alongside some weekend entertainment, along the lines of belly dancers and DJs playing music from the MENA region.

Sorry men, but this one's for the ladies only. It's a highly rated spa that offers a lot of treatments you'd find in real Moroccan hammams. Think Rhassoul clay scrub and exfoliation with kessa gloves, including a relaxation area served up with Moroccan mint tea, naturally.

Authentic Moroccan takeaway based in Bethnal Green and serving the majority of the central and east London areas. Fun fact: I actually met the owner in the back of an Uber and he was telling me how there were virtually no Moroccan cuisine options on our favourite delivery apps. Small menu and insanely good prices. I'd recommend the zaalouk and Moroccan wings in particular.

Sicaria’s Guide to Moroccan Restaurants in London

Enrico Gambadoro

Ortigia

Bar Artale is one of the oldest bars on the island of Ortigia. A stone's throw from the Cathedral of Syracuse you can taste excellent granitas and a fine selection of traditional pastries. Definitely try the almond granita and cassatelle!

Marco Cappuccio grew up in the family fish market. Cappuccio, an institution in Ortigia’s market, as well as being an excellent musician, offers a selection of fresh, high-quality fish. The tuna hamburger is one of the cult dishes of this iconic street food spot in the island.

Chiodo was, in the past, a beautiful interior design workshop. Over the recent years it has been transformed into a bistro, open for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant recalls its background despite the change, thanks to refined interior and furnishings. Dishes to try include red prawn and mango tartare and the ceviche with catch of the day.

The spaghetti with urchins from the Pesce Azzurro Trattoria, over the years, has become one of the staple stops for the Ortigia Sound System audience. In this trattoria run by the landlord called 'Sergio known as the Turk' you can try some of the dishes of the seafood tradition, such as sarde alla beccafico and the red prawns.

Enoteca Solaria over the last few years has become an institution for natural wine, not only in Syracuse but throughout Sicily. The two owners have a great passion for organic wines. The beautiful wooden interior offers a selection of wine of the highest quality.

Malamore represents a unique rarity on the island of Ortigia. It is, in fact, a small record shop with lots of gems. Run by a team of DJs and entrepreneurs including Lucio Acquilina (half of Neapolitan group Nu Genea). In addition to records, you can drink an excellent selection of local beers, both draught or canned.

Divino Mare is located in the heart of the Ortigia market, and in recent years has established itself as a place for experimentation and research in the field of food and wine. At Divino Mare you can relax simply by ordering a bottle of wine and tasting some tapas. Must try: the fried fish and tuna belly skewers.

Boats is a cocktail bar located opposite the splendid ruins of the Temple of Apollo. Top quality and research make this venue one of the essential hedonistic stops of the Ortigia tour. For cocktails let yourself be guided by the skillful hands of the bartender, but we can always recommend the Pisco Sours.

As well as being one of the festival's most iconic venues, during the rest of the year the boat becomes a viable platform for events of various types and genres. Various activities organised during the season: parties, tastings, dinners and much more. In addition, the bar is always open from sunset onwards so you can have a beer or a cocktail by the sea.

A Guide to Ortigia Island by Festival Founder Enrico Gambadoro

Medellin

This food cart has been located on the same area/corner in Envigado as far as I can remember and serve the most outrageous yet delicious perras, which is our version of a hot dog where the sausage gets replaced with bacon and cheese, then topped with coleslaw, crushed crisps and loads of sauce. Medellín Street Eats 101.

When in Medellín you should always take a trip to one of our plazas or markets to get a more real image of the city. But, more importantly, you also get a wide option of small traditional restaurants and going to La Floresta’s plaza will get you off the beaten path. Look for Menu del Día and you will get a lovely Colombian meal for a reasonable price.

This one is for the sweet tooth. This cosy wooden shack at the top of Medellín’s Hills serve, as you can imagine, grotesque, coma-inducing traditional desserts. Go for the strawberries with cream or oblea con todo, which is a tortilla shaped wafer sandwich with cream, dulce de leche, cheese, blueberry jam, strawberries. You can also add extra toppings, not that you need it.

This is one of Medellín’s best hidden spots. Specialising in the Pacific Coast cuisine, El Barco (the boat) is packed with ocean décor resembling a wooden ship inside serving traditional dishes. I always recommend the fish soup (better if you have a hangover) but they serve whole fried fish with plantain chips, coconut rice and salad. The legend says the owner has his own cargo jet and he gets fresh fish for the restaurant. No miss here.

Located in the outskirts with a stunning view of the city, Donde Estela is the staple Paisa (individual belonging to Medellín) establishment. A place for hard liquor (Aguardiente is the way to go) and an assembly of pork belly, chorizo, pork belly, arepas and plantain chips. Just figure out the size, portions are generous, and off you go.

I am a pizza enthusiast and although I would make my pizza at home, Pizza Centro is my go-to option when friends are visiting. Located in downtown Medellín, this pizzeria serves an OK pizza (I got to be honest), but being in a historical, traditional neighbourhood downtown elevates the experience.

Chitterlings, chitlings or chunchurria, as we call it, is a love or hate dish in Medellín, responsible for many discussions – normally in the company of Aguardiente. When poorly done, avoiding it is a must, but the one from del Mocho is among the best if not the best in the city.

Medellín is not great on breakfasts or baking, but buñuelos (deep fried cheese balls) are among the best bites one gets around in most bakeries. Buñuelo Supremo located at the heart of Poblado will cover your daily dose. They serve a range of full breakfast options (arepas, eggs, chocolate, etc.) but I would suggest exploring our most common fried bites (empanadas, buñuelos, pastel de pollo, etc.).

There is something about naming traditional food joints as the owner, just like Donde Estela, La Gloria de Gloria in Envigado is the go-to place for our most known and important dish: la Bandeja Paisa. If you suffer from the heart, avoid it (I mean it), this plate comes with our traditional thick bean soup, rice, minced meat, salad, fried chorizo, plantain, egg, avocado, fries and a massive pork belly (yes, you guessed right, also fried). Sharing between two is my recommendation.

Although this is located around 30 minutes from Medellín, it gets a mention as I always paid a visit when cycling outside the city (pretty much every weekend). Ricas Arepas serve, in my opinion, the best, sweetcorn arepas in the country – yes, the country! They grind the corn daily and are baked in a clay oven. These arepas are split open, smothered in butter and fresh cheese – a match made in heaven. A bonus here is that you are close to Scarab Cycles and Torrealta Cerveceria, two local artisans making bespoke Colombia bicycles and beer.

TraTraTrax Co-Founder, DJ Lomalinda, Selects His Top 10 Food Joints in Medellín

City Daze

Start at Alexandra Palace and enjoy the incredible views over London. Then, head towards Highgate Woods. Peaceful and green, full of tall trees and little clearings perfect for sitting down, taking a breath and soaking it all in. You feel a world away from the hustle. If you want to continue, Queen Woods is right next door and is home to one of the loveliest woodland cafe’s around. 

Bushy Park is a beautiful alternative to Richmond Park for those who want to wander through wide open spaces, tall grass, roaming deer, listen to the sound of woodpeckers and stare at big skies. There are lots of hidden trails taking you through pockets of woodland, streams and ponds making for a lovely adventure. The perfect recipe for regulating your nervous system and inspiring creativity. While it’s a little bit further out than the rest of the routes, you can still get there by bus from central London. 

While Hampstead Heath holds the limelight and rightly so, Golders Hill Park and the Hill Garden & Pergola offer a quieter, lesser known alternative. This route winds through beautiful gardens, ponds, shaded woodland paths, and leads you to the Pergola - a raised, ivy-covered walkway with crumbling stone columns and gorgeous views over the flowers below. Golders Hill itself is full of surprises - there’s a deer enclosure and a small aviary where you can spot owls among other birds. It’s a calm, open space with ponds, a café, and plenty of benches to pause on. If you’re looking for the beauty of the Heath without the crowds, this is definitely a detour worth taking.

Start in the bustle of the market and head towards Mare Street and King Edwards Road. After a short stretch, the path opens into Victoria Park where you can have a wander among the tree-lined paths or cut across the open fields. From there, the route dips onto the canal and winds through more industrial surroundings past old warehouses, murals, and the echoes of raves gone by before reaching Hackney Wick. A walk that mixes calm and character with plenty of chances to stop and take in the surroundings.

Hackney is where it all started for us! This is where City Daze was born and where we (Rose and Zoe) became friends, psychologists and walking guides. Start from Walthamstow Wetlands and head down towards the Marshes - both mystical in their own right. Tucked in East London, the Marshes stretch wide with wild paths and pockets of stillness that make the city feel miles away. There are hidden corners everywhere, from open fields to secret woodland trails, but the area around the Middlesex Filter Beds is our go to. 

Pack refreshments as you’ll likely get lost in the marshes' charm and lose track of time. 

If you’re looking for a mix of history, green space and classic views, the route from Cutty Sark to Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory is a must. Head off from the Cutty Sark Ship and walk uphill into Greenwich Park for the most beautiful London skyline and the chance to visit the Royal Observatory and Prime meridian line. 

It’s a lovely route that blends a day out in the city with the vast open space you’d typically get in the countryside.

The Three Brockley Peaks is a loop linking Hilly Fields, Blythe Hill, and One Tree Hill - three underrated high points in South London with some of the best panoramic views across the city. It’s a walk that takes you through green pockets, woodland paths, and open skies, showing just how much nature South East has to offer. Perfect for golden hour or a slow Sunday reset.

Battersea Park is a green gem right by the Thames, perfect for a walk and talk meet up. It’s got everything: wide open lawns, water, woodland trails, and a cool sculpture garden. We’d recommend heading down Terrace Walk towards the London Peace Pergoda for the views. You’ll spot swans, squirrels, and plenty of locals out for a stroll or picnic. 

If you find yourself overwhelmed in central London and looking for a beautiful park to unwind, within a few minutes you can be among flowers, wildlife and history. The Green Park & St James Park circular is the one. Tucked behind Buckingham Palace this route offers a breather in the heart of the city. Pause by the water or watch the Pelicans roam around before heading back into the charming chaos of the city. 

Top 9 London Walks: City Daze Show Us London's Best Green Spaces

Hong Kong

[You] need an online booking. Make an appointment a month before. [You can] book for weekdays more easily than for the weekend.

A lot of good food around, and you can eat on the street with the homies and skip dinner, just chill on the street. It's a vibe.

Order the strawberry daiquiri and the banana daiquiri. I used to go here after dinner and order non-alcohol daiquiris. The cup [comes] covered with cocoa powder; feels like dessert to me. Alcohol [may be even] better, I bet.

Located in Mong Kok just a few minutes on foot from the Prince Edward MTR station, the flower market is one of the most colourful places in Hong Kong. It is adjacent to the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden.

This market is a few minutes away from the flower market.

[Go to] Mummy Pancake [for] the chocolate egg waffles. In the alley they have a vintage store. There's a lot of good, local food shops there and some cafes.


I went there every month when I was a kid 'cause Tuesdays or Wednesdays are free. Also, I really like the old Hong Kong history decor there.

The location is at Mongkok. It's a very popular area and if you’re tourists you must go. This is the one and only special cafe. The orange colour is for the main decor, inside [it's] full of graffiti by HK's famous graffiti artist “Uncle,” and the burger is very delicious.

FM Belowground radio station powered by YEITOUT. They always have guest DJs doing recordings or podcasts in there, and the ASTERISK retail shop has got all kinds of stuff to shop. Sometimes, belowground have a unique pop-up store.

Explore the Streets of Hong Kong with Subez

Miami

This is Trevor's favourite pizza in the world. The menu is simple and leans heavily on pizza, but the Japanese sweet potato with buckwheat is another fantastic dish. Wonderful owners, and a beautiful, cosy space.

This is the breakfast place we take all of our guests to when they're in town. It's got your familiar American breakfast classics done very well, but also has pan con tomate and cachito de jamon that you'll love.

This is our Midtown local spot. The food is fantastic, nothing fancy – just the greatest Italian hits done well. The Branzino and the Milanese paired with a pasta are the usuals when we sneak away from the studio for dinner.

An institution with fantastic Cuban food and community that you can feel whenever you're in the place. Some of the employees have been there 30 plus years and put their heart and soul into the food. Come by for lunch and take a picture next to the Dwayne Wade mural inside.

This is a seafood market on the river that has some seating and a restaurant upstairs. This is where we head to during stone crab season, and it's a great excuse to go for a walk near the river and have some excellent seafood.

Like the name says: fantastic coffee and baked goods. This is the best coffee in the neighbourhood, and the owners are super sweet. Get a cappuccino and an amaretti.

SoFTT on Where to Eat in Miami

Lorenzo BITW

Rome

One of the biggest food markets of the city and a place where you can get lost really easily. I love to go shopping there when I have time to spend and find some particular food or something very typical that you won’t find in supermarkets.

Il Mangiadischi is a small record store situated in the area of San Lorenzo, Fidel Kato the owner is an hip hop and rap connoisseur and he will make you feel at home when you enter into the store.

The place is tiny and you can’t even sit inside, they will call it now street food but it’s something we always had in Rome. Supplì is the best thing to try there, a fried rice balls with ragù inside.

I love the fact that the owners of this spot are quite rude and they have the characteristics of the typical Roman guys. The bar is situated in popular area of Testaccio and the best thing to try there is Zabaione.

This is where locals in my area, Prati, go to have a drink or to chill but it’s not the usual Prati spot because it’s cheap and people are friendly. If you go there try Spritz mezzo e mezzo.

This beautiful building was built by Borromini and it has a unique architecture, inside there is also an incredible library. The place is not always open so it’s a matter of luck of walking by and find the doors opened.

This place is kind of magic and it has his own charm. Hanging everywhere there are communist posters and they serve only wine or prosecco. They have a really good selection of wine and you can also bring your own food and eat there.

Explore Rome's Best Local Spots with Lorenzo BITW

Merca Bae

Madrid

First stop: my go-to barbershop in Lavapiés. A proper night out starts with looking your best. Tito and Mayo will have you fresh and ready.

Central Madrid has become quite hostile to locals (it feels more like a theme park nowadays). But this market still keeps the neighbourhood’s essence alive. A perfect spot for a few pre-party drinks.

One of my go-to restaurants when I’m organising parties. Amazing Chinese food, right in downtown, cheap and authentic. Don’t miss the eggplant with garlic sauce and meat, it’s impressive.

A classic cocktail bar in the heart of the city. I always go for an after-dinner drink. My favorites: the “Cielo Raso” and the “Bronx”.

One of Madrid’s most iconic clubs, which opened in 1989. Like most venues here, the independent promoters are the ones that keep it interesting. Some of the city’s most cutting-edge collectives like Post Club and BRRRRRAP have held events here, Fridays or Saturdays mainly. I co-organise the ‘MERCABR5AP’ party at Siroco with BRRRRRAP, a collective that’s been active for over 12 years. It’s a small venue (around 180-capacity), and could definitely invest in a better sound system and also improve conditions for promoters, but for me still feels like home.

Since the pandemic, most of the most exciting parties have moved out here. Solid clubs, serious respect for sound, and really interesting line-ups. No names mentioned, gotta keep the secret location vibe alive. 

Right now, I think this is the most exciting neighbourhood in Madrid — although gentrification is creeping in fast. It's packed with recording studios, art galleries, dance schools, and more… It still keeps that authentic neighbourhood feel.

When The Club Feels Like Home: Merca Bae's Madrid

Jakarta

Located at the parking lot of a mini market, this place serves you ketoprak – vegetables, rice cakes, tofu and rice noodle drenched with peanut sauce. To top everything, pick one: salted duck eggs, sunny side up or omelette – your choice!

This rice porridge place is located next to my past office. Whenever I needed that extra kick of carbs, I would go here before work. I also love to talk with Bang Udin, who happens to be a paralympic athlete in archery. When you eat here, don’t forget to ask for extra crackers!

A breakfast spot in the middle of Jakarta’s business district that can make you feel like you’re transported to a tranquil place with their fried chive noodles cooked in a wok, paired with fried meatballs.

In a country full of Soto, this one is a taste of Surabaya, a city in East Java that you can enjoy in Jakarta. A piping hot bowl of chicken soup filled with slices of chicken, egg, rice noodle and shreds of cabbage. Located just behind the city’s bustling business district, you will experience eating soto with office workers.

Rice cooked with coconut milk. You will be faced with an endless option of toppings. From soy-glazed tempe orek, fried omelette with green onions to potato fritters; I usually get two to three different toppings to try, but you’re more than welcome to get more!

An explosion of spice and herbs that I always crave when I need something to wake me up in the morning. It’s rice cakes poured with light vegetable curry, topped with eggs, crispy potato bits, shrimp crackers and shredded coconut. Not to mention the clam skewers that you can add as extra.

This is a quite personal spot I used to go to with my family! One of the legendary dishes originated from Solo: rice cooked with coconut milk with spicy chayote vegetables, chicken and steamed eggs served on banana leaves.

Noodles with boiled chicken. Sounds simple, but it’s always the simple things that are the most difficult. Their broth is some of the most flavourful broth I’ve ever tasted. Perfect for one of those cold and gloomy mornings.

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