Rest of the World

Going to Hong Kong and not going to Ho Lee Fook is a major mistake. It combines the style and energy of a hole-in-the-wall but with such intentionality and energy of a world-class restaurant. Food is not subtle and on purpose and the team are a band of people with incredibly interesting stories and may have all worked at an Urban Outfitters (are those still around?) back in the day. Obsessed. It’s funky, it’s delicious and worth asking your concierge at the Upper House to get someone to stand in line for you. (jk… but…)

蘇豪 3-5號地下, Elgin St, Central, Hong Kong

Ho Lee Fook

Impeccable design by my favorite designers ASH NYC but beyond that, they have assembled some timeless F+B concepts like the cool diner upstairs Karl's and Wes Anderson and I’s dream bar: Candy Bar. Actually, maybe this whole place is Wes Anderson and I’s dream but seriously this for Detroit is exactly the future the Motor City needs.

1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

The Siren Hotel

When in Rome, do as the Jewish do. In a very intimate historically Jewish enclave, you can find Piperno. Of all the amazing meals you will have, this personal neighborhood favorite had stand out Cacio e Pepe and a ridiculous artichoke and some hidden gems on the wine list that made for one of my favorite nights in Italy.

Via Monte dè Cenci, 9, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Piperno Restaurant

Full disclaimer: I have never had the pleasure to try this place but the person I trust more than anyone in the world not only swears by it but has been so many times I feel like I have been. It is on a swamp outside Valdosta, Georgia and has zero frills but all the soul, Southern cooking needs. There is no pretentiousness but a lot of Gator on the menu. This is that hidden find in the middle of the country and it’s how I like my tea: sweet. Honorable mention: King's Grill which is in downtown Valdosta and has hand-written xeroxed menus that change daily.

875 Rays Mill Pond Rd, Ray City, GA

Ray's Millpond

The first rule of Ka Jok See is you don’t talk about Ka Jok See. It is better I not tell you every detail but trust, if you can go, you must. Come with an open mind and a high tolerance and definitely no photos.

26 Takua Pa Road, Phuket Town (off Rassada Road, past Michael’s bar)

There are a handful of proper hotels around California and the West but Santa Monica just speaks to me. The design and art is impeccable and feels as much 2020 as it does 1970 and I am beyond biased to the name proper for good reason.

700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Santa Monica Proper

One of my hero’s Marc Nicholson once said, there are two types of people in the world: people who queue and people who don’t. I am definitely not a person who queues but when it came to Franklin Barbecue, I proudly waited for 3.5 hours and would do it again tomorrow if I had the opportunity. Bring your Netflix app and watch the Irishmen and develop an appetite for the best brisket in the world.

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

Franklin Bbq

One can find it difficult to find a bad meal in New Orleans and as my second-favorite city in America there is a lot to lure me back. However, every-time I go, I make a point of leaving the French Quarter to find the greatest po boy this boy has ever had. The place is no frills, no nonsense and a bit off the beaten path but this level of authenticity makes it one of the most inspiring can’t misses in these United States. PS don’t forget the Crystal.

5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar

Find me a restaurant in a giant warehouse and we are already off to a good start. But in an area like Bali which has so many restaurants and so many that are actually kinda good, Barbacoa stands out as a nuanced, grown up, thoughtful Latin American grill that is down-right delicious and makes you want to spend hours. I had such a good meal there once with someone quite important to me that I haven’t even gone back since because why mess with such a good thing?

Jl. Petitenget No.14, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361

Barbacoa

New steakhouse in Venice that feels like a cross between a relic of Old-Hollywood and also a super fresh touch of Venice vibes. The clientele is as good as the steaks and martinis and the menu design is a breathe of fresh air. Delicious. Oh also, stop by the Win-Dow for a bomb fried chicken sando.

425 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

American Beauty

This is the place. In Denver. It is retro without being like a Johnny Rockets. Food is comfort without making you feel fat and the manhattans are world class. I used to go about 3-5 days a week and I don’t quote me on this locals, but I think they have Coors.

523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Steuben's

Converted old Greyhound Bus terminal that has my kind of blue and my kind of wood stain. The chef is “a sister” and throws down. Like she really throws down. On a 3 day trip to Savannah, I went every day and want to take everything about this place, bottle it up and drink it in every continent of the world.

109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA

The Grey

Arguably the greatest hotel in the world. Yes, I said it. It may literally be the greatest hotel in the world. No, not just for the views and impeccable Andre Fu design. No, not just for the prime location and a full room dedicated just to your bathtub. No not just for Cafe Grey on the top floor and their litany of special talks and programming. It is all of those things plus the relentless attention to detail and service from the entire team lead by GM Marcel Thoma. They take customization and going above and beyond to another level and have an insight on how to make the most seamless experience I have ever experienced.

Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Upper House Hong Kong