Marlou Fernanda

Netherlands

Rotterdam

This is where I used to get my hair products when I had long curly hair.

MeGorgeous

When we’re in the city, we usually pass by to get a Pastechi.

Cadushi

For two years we’ve made it a habit to order pastechi, cheese balls, sate ku batata and other dishes from Curaçao at this specific place for the holidays, especially for New Year's Eve. I know the owners, and normally they’d do the catering whenever my good friend Junelisa had a party, for example. I’ve been waiting for them to open a restaurant ever since. They have the best Caribbean food in town (for me) no doubt!

Blue Caribbean Restaurant

I used to go to this café/venue/club where they’d have R&B, funk, soul, salsa and bossa-nova nights. I loved seeing so many people from Brazil coming together in Rotterdam to play beautiful samba music. I’d always go here with my big sister – I really miss those days! We used to meet so many people there and I felt like I was learning more about different cultures and different people.

BIRD

I’m in their extended family program, and for that reason I’ve been able to go behind the scenes and visit their archives. They had so many crazy items that I’ve never seen before. A lot of slavery related items too. Curaçao and Brazil, of course, were a part of this too. I remember feeling so connected to my heritage and actually became angry at what ‘they’ stole from us.

Wereldmuseum

Similar Guides

Marlou Fernanda's Guide To Caribbean Spots In Rotterdam

Diana Gordon

United States

New York City 

My favorite African restaurant — I love the Maffe Yappe.

Joloff

Great vegan spot. I love the ginger latte and the gnocchi.

Blossom

Prospect Park

Nostrand Avenue

INA Women

Screaming Mimis

For childlike wonder even an adult can enjoy.

Hall of Science

Diana Gordon's Guide to New York City

Bios Contrast

India

Kolkata

I recently performed at the Azad Music Factory. It is a great event space for experimental musicians.

Azad Music Factory

An excellent place for DJs and live performances. I performed my first DJ show with my friend Rohan Thakuri there in 2019 via Enkore Bassment.

TopCat CCU

Chandraketugarh is on the list as my next album is based on this place. It is a 2500-year-old archaeological site where Mauryan artefacts were also found. It is in the 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, about 35 kilometres north-east of Kolkata.


Chandraketugarh

It's my favourite instrument shop—I've bought multiple Harmoniums from there. I recently also did a shoot there for The Wire Magazine Issue 495

Dey Music Centre

This place is a must when visiting Kolkata, it is an Anglican church completed in 1847 noted for its Gothic architecture and dedicated to Paul the Apostle.

St Paul's Cathedral Kolkata 

I usually hang out with my friends at Oudh 1590, their food is just terrific and the place has an excellent Nawabi ambience from the 1590 period.

Oudh 1590

Their sandwiches are top tier and great coffee hangout place.

Blue Mug Café

Harmonium Shopping and Nawabi Ambience: Bios Contrast's Guide to Kolkata 

CHICA Gang

Spain

Bilbao

Best tortilla in Bilbao! You have to try their Spanish tortilla, as well as their croquetas and “ensaladilla”. Pure bliss, everyone in Bilbao recommends this one for tortilla, one of Bilbao’s main dishes. No doubt.

Txintxirri

Located at La parte Vieja, this is a unique place to have a ‘Marianito’, a special martini made by the family that owns the place, they have been doing these for more that 10 years, and for the locals, they’re just like family. I was introduced to this place right when I started living here and since then it’s one of the places from Bilbao I have in my heart.

Ander Etxea

If you want local food that tastes just like sitting at a Basque family kitchen, this is the place. Piparras, albóndigas and croquetas, served by the most enchanting , nice and welcoming women that make you feel home.


Bar Rotterdam

If you’re looking for an independent and local bookstore, these are two of the nicest ones I’ve found here [see spot below]. Lots of feminist, LGBT+ books, and self-published journals or books that are pretty unique. They also host events and are a big muscle of the city.


ANTI Liburudenda

Louise Michel Liburuak

Bilbao has a beautiful river that crosses the city, there are some points to sit down and enjoying the view, in from of Bar Nervion, just after ANTI Liburdenda, you have a spot to sit, have a drink and a chat with the best view. 

Río Nervion

A cute spot to grab a drink with the river in front of you. If you are lucky, you’ll catch part of the sunset over there. 

Bar Marzana

Where to Eat the Best Tortilla in Bilbao with CHICA Gang

Alani Adenle

Nigeria

Lagos

Ahm-RAF Ventures

Ilashe Beach

If you want a relaxed day and a nice meal out

RSVP

Bogobiri

Lagos with Alani

Tyler Henry

Mexico

Mexico City 

If you only eat one thing off the street it should be this. It’s a spot on Colima for quesadillas during the day. The huitlacoche and queso is incredible, so is [the] chicken tinga. But the green mole with chicken and cheese is otherworldly. A great entry point to street food as it's approachable, delicious and fairly simple. I probably eat here more than anywhere else in Mexico City. One mole verde con queso, one huitlacoche con queso.

Jenni's Street Quesadillas

Yucatecan home cooking. Soulful, spicy and hits the spot. I will often be here eating alone, relaxing to good music with a book. My go-to order is the sopa de lima followed by panuchos de cochinita, an agua de chaya and a few beers. Run by a lovely woman, Jocyln, who started the place using her mother's recipes. One sopa de lima, four panuchos de cochinita, one whatever else is inspiring.

El Habanerito

Tacos of chargrilled meats. I love, love, love the poblano con bistec with a side order of chiles toreados. The alambre de pastor is very good. Poblano de bistec.


Taqueria Los Parados 

In centro, this is an OG taco spot open late and serving the best suadero and campechano tacos in Mexico City. I often bike here late at night to crush a few tacos. Be very, very careful walking around the surrounding area after dark. [Order] four campechano, two suadero.

Los Cocuyos 

A tiny little taco joint in San Rafael with only standing space. It pains me to include this spot here because I want to keep the tiny, flavourful taco joint all for myself. The al pastor and the tripas tacos are perfect. The torta with pastor and queso is awesome too. The whole experience of eating tacos here is perfect. I'm here at least once a week. Four pastor, one tripas.

Tacos "El Betin"

An old-school joint cooking northern Mexican staples, and a great place to sit in a booth crushing beers and tacos for a long lunch. I often find myself here with chilaquiles on a slow Monday morning.

La Tonina 

Easily a top five spot for me in Mexico! The coldest, best beer in Mexico! OG joint serving just birria, side of avocado, side of queso, amazing beers and tequila. Get the beer “campechano” – it’s a mix of their dark and light drafts in a huge, ice-cold mug. Live music, photographer running around. A celebratory place, great for groups and rowdy fun. Go here! Birria, side of queso, side of avocado, at least three campechano cervezas.

La Polar

Commonly referred to as the best al pastor in the city. During the daytime it's an autobody shop; at night it turns into a massive al pastor operation that is not just delicious, but an awesome experience and vibe to eat at with giant, ripping pastor spits and people from all walks of life. Four pastor, one gringa.

El Vilsito

The Best Tacos in Mexico City Chosen by Chef Tyler Henry

Drew Smith

Yosemite

This is the place to camp, the only first come first serve campground in Yosemite. Camp 4 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its nationally significant role in the development of rock climbing as a sport. You will meet travellers and climbers from all over the world here.

Camp 4 Campground

My favorite place to look up at El Capitan. Yosemite’s most iconic formation, rising 3000ft straight up from the valley floor. Once you've parked, grab a blanket, snacks, and a beverage. With these items in hand, find a spot to relax and enjoy the sunset. A spot that is my favorite is right next to the tree on the eastern side of the meadow.

El Capitan Meadow

If you’re into sunsets this is the spot. Park at the Taft Point trailhead and hike 20-30 minutes. You'll get impressive views of the north valley wall, including El Capitan (which you'll actually be looking down on) and Yosemite Falls.

Taft Point

Taking the Mist Trail up to Nevada Falls is one of my favorite hikes. The steep hike follows the Merced River. Starting at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, you’ll hike past Vernal Falls and Emerald Pool, ending at Nevada Falls. Hiking to Nevada Falls is around 3.5 miles and the views are breathtaking all along the way.

The Mist Trail

If it’s raining or you just feel like chilling inside. The Ahwahnee has big sitting rooms and is the best place to read a book under the impressive architecture.

Ahwahnee Hotel

Best pizza in the Valley. After a big day out this is my go-to: grabbing a pizza and cold beverage.

Curry Village Pizza Patio

If you forget any supplies and need anything from clothing to climbing gear this place has it all.

Yosemite Mountain Shop

This natural spring is just off the road while driving into Yosemite Valley. It’s a great place to fill up water bottles and take a break. Some say the water is healing.

Fern Springs

This is a Yosemite classic, a fun long 5.10 climb that takes you floor to rim. Covering lots of ground with a solid partner are some of my favorite days out.

Royal Arches Rock Climb

This might be the best 5.11c multi-pitch rock climb on earth. Every pitch is high-quality and would be sought after individual classics were they at any crag, but stacked on top of each other they create a superb and memorable challenge. The climbing is secure, well protected, and physical.

The Rostrum Rock Climb

Explore Yosemite with Climber Drew Smith

Bru-C

United Kingdom

Nottingham 

Has to be first, purely due to the history. Robin Hood, the history of many kings, hella corruption and hella rebellion, bun the government and all that.


Nottingham Castle 

You need to go to Stealth, the best nightclub in Nottingham. Great for a little party, little shoobs, little knees up. Bubbling Tuesdays, D&B every Tuesday, that's my event by the way - cheeky plug.


Stealth

In the Heart of Hockley, which is like the shoreditch of Nottingham, super creative place. Cool cinema that shows alot of independent films, you can also order a full meal and a bottle of wine into the cinema. Like what's better than eating chips and getting steaming whilst watching your favourite foreign film?


Broadway cinema

Obviously. Not that you'll get a ticket cos we're in the prem now, but if you get a chance mate shout up the reds at the river Trent.

The Nottingham Forest City Ground Stadium

It's full of skateboarders and mandem drinking beers in the middle of the day. It's just an experience, do you know what I mean? Sometimes you've gotta take the rough with the smooth.


Sneinton Market

Actually technically Derbyshire, but it's an NG10 postcode so that's what I've been telling people my whole life  - you know what I'm saying? It's the ends man, it's where I grew up - there isn't a lot going on there to be honest, but go check it out man. It's a strange and wonderful place.

Long Eaton

Go to Suede Pizza, bad boy pizza - actual levels and the owner is a G.

Suede Bar

The final place to visit in Nottingham is the Brian Clough statue on the market square. Living legend from Nottingham. If you don't know about Brian Clough you don't know about Nottingham.

Brian Clough Statue on the Market Square

The Best Spots in Nottingham with Bru-C

Dani Pujalte

Barcelona

Of all the bars I really like Quimet. They have tapas and conservas. I used to live really close so this was the bar I went to all the time

Quimet

It's the best party in Barcelona. You'll need to drink but it's definitely the best party in town

Voodoo club

This place is really special. When we had the Olympics here they built a pool with a super high trampoline where you can see all of Barcelona. They built a shitty bar there too, it’s not fancy at all but that’s why I like it. It’s good for the views, having a beer with your friends and watching the sunset

Montjuic

I really like this gallery. It's also in Montjuic so stop by when you're there

Museu Nacional

I really like pizza and Italian food. It’s really good here. It’s a bit expensive, but not super expensive and they have really good wines. It's run by two twin brothers and I really recommend this one I love it. Everything’s super good, the spaghetti and squid ink pasta super good

Xemei

It's super crowded but they've opened an exhibition on Picasso with photography which is really nice. I've been lucky to have been documenting the installation and stuff so I got a sneak peek. There are loads of cool sculptures too.

Museu Picasso

I've been going here since I was super young - this is a good club to go to in Barcelona

Apollo

We’re super lucky in Barcelona to have the sea here, it's super important for me. Whenever I have some free space, I used to go to where the beach is separated by stones because I hate sand. I have my own stone that I sit on, relax and have my legs in the water. I really like this stone. There’s not thousands of tourists so you can be chill alone and naked too

Barceloneta Beach

Dani Pujalte takes us Trippin in Barcelona

Flume

Australia

Byron Bay

It’s a waterfall, it’s very beautiful. It’s about a 15 minute walk to get there and it’s great to swim in and hang out, it’s a regular spot of mine. 


Killen Falls

A really good spot for food, up in the hills a bit. They do the best coffee and they have the most amazing bread I’ve ever had in my life. They make it themselves and it’s incredible.


Harvest Cafe

It’s a very beautiful, quite calm beach, and a lot of longboarders go there. It’s a gentle wave and incredibly picturesque!

Wategos Beach

There’s this cafe called Rays there, which you can get a drink at. Overpriced but hey, it’s in a beautiful position.


Ray's Cafe

If you were in town, in Byron, I would say go to Bay Leaf. Really great restaurant with delicious food. 


Bayleaf Cafe

Another incredible beach, great for learning to surf. It’s really pretty.


The Pass

You wanna go to Kings if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s a nudist beach, so if you feel like getting naked go to Kings!

Kings Beach

Brays and White are incredibly picturesque and quite private.


Brays Beach

Explore Australia's Beaches with Flume 

Lazare Hoche

France

Paris

This is the symbol of my current area - the 9th district of Paris. Originally opened in 1879, the biggest renovation took place in 1926; the magnificent gold Art Deco 'bas-relief' reflects the sun on surrounding streets. This theatre also hosted one of my favorite TV Shows from the 90’s called “double jeu”.

Folie Bergere

Known more as 'Colonnes de Buren'. A highly controversial art installation created by French artist, Daniel Buren in 1985–1986. It’s found in the inner courtyard (Cour d'Honneur) of the Palais Royal in Paris, France. Unusual sight in the city

Les Deux Plateaux

The Lebanese restaurant of my aunt - featured in the guide michelin - is a family food display, with generous portions, a warm atmosphere and a lot of personality. Located in a very random and residential area, this place is not the usual tourist trap; it's a secret weapon. It's what we love best - Lebanese gastronomy.

Chez Madeleine

Back in the 9th district of Paris, very few people know that there's a Tunisian food scene here. I’m obviously from Lebanon, but Tunisian food is kind of a non-hidden love affair. Some of them, open since the 70’s, are still going and proud. La Boule Rouge has got it all. A true favorite of all the kemia enthusiasts and couscous nerds. The homemade tuna meshouia is the real deal here. No fancy vibes here or “wanna-be hipsters”, but a very comfortable family feeling as soon as you enter the place.

La Boule Rouge

For record shops, it's pretty much around the center-east side of Paris, where you will find all types of stores, with great selections. My favorite one is this one; Melik, the owner, is one of the finest listeners and selectors of the city.

Heartbeat Vinyl

This is a cultural explosion in Paris. It's thrown on a Thursday night in the infamous Pigalle area. It’s an extension of all your fantasies at once; curated by the mighty DJ Dorion. The vibe is mind blowing, the music selection and people are eclectic, the performers and the show are authentic and fine-tuned.

Je t'aime Party

Legend is the party of DJ Deep in Paris since 1997. It's the purest NYC House vibe you can get in Europe. This shot is the infamous, Kerri Chandler, doing what he does best in Rex in August 2019.

Rex Club

Paris with DJ, Lazare Hoche

Even if everybody knows about Procell, for me it's the ultimate cultural hub in terms of vintage. I’ve been going to this shop for a long long time now and it always feel so inspiring. Prices range is between $80 and more but every piece is extremely well selected, full of history and in the best condition. Its like going to a museum.

Procell

I actually just discovered this one, it’s a few blocks away from our place and it's my new favourite one to stop in every week. The selection is awesome, it specialises more in Vintage tee shirts, work wear, hats, designer sunglasses. You can always get away with a piece and prices are so good for vintage in NYC. Definitely one that I recommend so much!

Looks Vintage 

A classic stop for any New Yorker and specially Brooklyn based people, but this one in Bushwick is has a particularly good selection, mainly focusing on designer, new designer and real vintage pieces. Beacon's Closet is a buy, sell, trade place with amazing prices, if you come early enough, you can dig through all the gold. Its really one of the places that Im so excited to visit for a shopping day!

Beacon's Closet 

L Train in Bushwick houses lots of vintage spots and is a must go but my favourite one is this one, at the corner of Urban Jungle. The selection is based on real vintage, tee shirts, americana, work wear, army, some modern pieces as old vintage become rare. I always find some of my best army pieces or graphic tee shirts here. 
