It’s a winning combination – the mamma, Maria, in the kitchen, and handsome son, Antonello, in the restaurant, in his black velvet jacket with designer beard, filling the room with warmth and charm. One of the best sommeliers I’ve come across, he chose a Vereto Rosso 2006 to go with our sumptuous meal. I had … Continued
Ember Yard isn’t a yard or even an outside space. But the name evokes a dusty, faraway location with exotic overtones. It’s a secret gem in Soho, immediately atmospheric, drawing you into its dimly lit, romantic ambience. I went with a painter who looks at things more carefully. She liked the earthy, rustic décor, low … Continued
Il Melograno is one of Italy’s hidden treasures in the sun-soaked province of Puglia. The solid white-washed masseria is set around a large square, with giant cacti, glazed urns and ancient olive trees. Furnished with antiques, richly coloured rugs, and valued paintings, it exudes a cool airy elegance. I loved the indoor and outdoor pools, … Continued
After walking the winding streets of Puglia’s exquisite Baroque town, Lecce, there’s only one restaurant to go to for authentic Leccese food. The casual, bustly Alle due Corti is so faithful to the cooking of the Salento, south eastern part of Puglia, that even the menu is in dialect. In fact Rosalba de Carlo, who … Continued
Lord Jim’s is the place to go for a long, relaxing, fishy lunch or dinner on the river in Bangkok. It’s like being under the sea as you walk past fish tanks into the oval, glass room with it’s blue hue. The swirling lines on the carpet and ceiling glimmer like the ripples of waves. … Continued
Baan Klang Nam, which means House on the Water, is where the locals go, real Thai, hardly any tourists and absolutely buzzing. This isn’t a romantic hotspot but it is a great family restaurant. You can even take the mother-in-law if she’s tagging along. A converted teak house right on the Chao Phraya River with … Continued
True Grace candle makers have perfected the art of creating different seasons in ones living room, whatever the weather outside. Whether it be the Moroccan Rose of spring or delicious Orangery of bright summer sunshine, the candles infuse a room with balmy scents, much more vibrant than the usual ones on the market. It”s a … Continued
This is a hotel that seeps into your psyche and lures you back time and again. Set amidst scented gardens, overlooking the glinting bay of Mirabello, the Elounda Mare is quintessentially romantic. The traditional whitewashed buildings are stylishly furnished with rugs, antiques, and comfortable furniture, and the overall sense is of space and privacy. It’s … Continued
