Aga Ristorante – Dining is Fine in Italy’s Dolomites

We may be in the mountains but that doesn't mean the dining isn't fine. Michelin one-starred Aga Ristorante is manned by a team of talented millennials led by husband and wife team of Oliver Piras and Alessandra del Favero. Located just twenty minutes drive south of Cortina in San Vito di Cadore, the restaurant is off the main road in the Hotel Villa Trieste and close enough for us to have a good lunch after a walk at Tre Cime. And because the restaurant exudes a Scandinavian cool, it was...

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I Tigli in Theoria in Como – Modern Italian in an Enchanting Space

Theoria restaurant Como

I Tigli in Theoria is a Michelin starred modern Italian restaurant with fantastic pastry in a beautiful courtyard building in central Como. This was our first meal in Como - a large seven course lunch at the chef's table with a view of the kitchen. Unfortunately, having just arrived after a 12-hour flight, it was difficult to fully enjoy what we were eating. Nonetheless, I'm glad I was able to squeeze in a visit and overall, I think it's well worth having a meal here. The tasting menu costs...

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Ajiro in Kyoto is the Temple for Japanese Buddhist Cuisine

Shojin Ryori cuisine

Michelin one-starred Ajiro is certainly the temple of buddhist vegetarian ("shojin ryori") cuisine with the foundation of its food being yuba, the tofu skin that Kyoto is famous for.  I've been here in both winter and summer and have enjoyed both visits immensely. Beautifully presented dishes are brought forth as we scoop the yuba from a simmering box of soy milk. So this is non-stop yuba snacking punctuated by vegetarian presentations of meat dishes. And best of all, whether it's true or...

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Le Calandre, near Padua, is Worth the Detour

Le Calandre Rubano

Helmed by one of Italy's best chefs, Le Calandre is worth the detour to this modern Italian restaurant located in Rubano, on the outskirts of Padua. This was possibly the most fun 3-star Michelin experience I've had because the staff were incredibly fun and witty, very much in line with their boss, and the food was good, modern and yet, not too precious. Given the chance I would definitely come back here again.

We made the one hour drive to Le Calandre from Verona. We figured that we...

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Andre – Still the Premier Restaurant in Singapore

Update - Restaurant Andre has closed (Feb. 2018).

Restaurant Andre remains on top of my list for fine-dining restaurants in Singapore. My one gripe is that dinner here is quite pricey so coming for lunch was much more palatable and no less satisfying. Frankly, its two Michelin stars were no surprise to me. I've always found that Chef Andre's cooking is pleasingly creative but easy to eat as well and that his standards are on par with that of many illustrious restaurants...

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