Moxie

London

The team room is stunning and I always visit it when ever i go and see an exhibition there. It’s covered with beautiful tiles from head to toe and has chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. If not to grab some tea and cake it’s definitely worth taking a look at.

Walking around the Tate is always fun. I especially love ending up in the book store and I love browsing what books they have on offer.

On a sunny day take a walk around Hampstead Heath. It’s huge and covers a few areas of North London, but the area I always love to chill out by is next to the dog pond. You can sit up on the hill and watch all the different types of breeds jumping in and out the pond.

If you like gelato, then I would highly recommend this spot.

A great record shop again in Soho, which specialises in dub, reggae and world music. You can find lots of beautiful Brazilian LPS in here and they also have a great book and dvd selection downstairs.

Renting a pedalo out for the afternoon at the Serpentine is always fun, especially so in Summertime.

If you would like to see some culture but are strapped for cash, The British Museum is great because the entry is free. They have permanent exhibits of Egyptian & Greek artefacts which are always fascinating to go and look at.

I often get asked where to go out clubbing in London and my answer is always Corsica Studios. It’s such a reliable club for the music and the sound is great in there too.

My new favourite restaurant to go to in London. It’s french bistro and they serve great natural wines. They switch up the menu every week so it’s always something different when you go.

London with Moxie

Justice Wears Cool Pants

Los Angeles 

In LA, there’s really no Caribbean culture. So, the Jerk Spot is one of those places that I go to and it makes me forget that I’m in LA kind of thing. The food’s incredible, the area is like this little small, almost hole-in-the-wall type spot. I’m a big foodie.

In my free time, I’ve been taking photos. I’m like a fake photographer, for me it’s significant because it’s when you create memories and don’t take photos of them, you almost forget about them. So, when I go to that photo lab to develop my photos and I receive them, it almost feels like me reliving these memories.

The taco truck experience feels cultural, it feels like a good place to coagulate, sit on the block. Get some tacos, vibe out. It’s very communal, in like the most street-possible way. LA culture is completely different and i feel like that taco truck adds like a little bit more street-ness to Los Angeles. You gotta do the Carnita tacos with the green sauce.

For me, it’s all about trying to find different flavours in this city because like I said, LA is so spread out that sometimes it’s kinda hard to find pockets of things. But this spot has a very strong Parisian feel. It’s kind of like a little Paris hangout, it feels like you’re in the middle of Paris even though you’re in the middle of LA. And you know the drinks are amazing and the thought process behind that experience, again, like I said, I’m a foodie, so it’s kind of just where I hang out. The crowd there is more creative.

The thing about this spot is that it gives me a clash of culture and creativity. Because everyone that’s selling stuff there or goes there is usually from a lack of funds, it’s not a lot of wealthy people or people that are affluent that really go there. You just get to see what everybody’s taste is and how everyone’s trying to relate what they’re putting forward. It gives me a sense of a melting pot.


Eating in LA with Justice Wears Cool Pants

Tiny's Pizza

Berlin

It’s a very lovely spot, right on Paul-Lincke-Ufer. The bakery is really good, I think it’s been rated one of the best in Berlin so the croissants and baked goods there are really delicious.

This is kind of a general spot in the summer, people just try and catch as much sun as they can, with a beer or with wine and you kind of just find whatever space you have, maybe you run into some friends, maybe you meet someone new. That’s kind of the energy, it’s very casual.

It’s really nice to go on bike rides, also through the forest that is attached to it. And this island (Insel der Jugend) specifically is really lovely because there’s an outdoor cinema there, you can rent boats, there’s a little späti to pick up snacks or something to drink. And then there’s this one little spot, kind of like a boardwalk, where you just find people picnicking and sprawling out and the sun sets right along that view.

This is where you can rent out some paddle boats. It’s quite fun being on these little paddle boats. Actually driving the boat yourself is a different experience and with a close circle of friends it’s very funny but hectic as well.

It’s a really cute restaurant, kind of tucked away in the centre of the city. We have a big garden, a really big outdoor space for seating and for people to enjoy themselves. In the summer there’s a big emphasis on music and having DJs perform here.

Tiny's Pizza’s Guide To Summer in Berlin

Afgan

Jakarta

Hutan Kota by Plataran is one of the well-recognized restaurant and hotel chains that serves the authentic Indonesian culinary experience. The place was delicately designed for both indoor and outdoor areas with a high-end Indonesian ambiance. They serve authentic Indonesian cuisine which complements your whole Indonesian dining experience and educates yourself about Indonesian heritage.


I personally love the vibe of the place, it’s definitely suited for both dinner and brunch. Located in Sequis tower in the central of Jakarta, Roma serves the best Italian food in town. Starts from the pizzas to the kinds of pasta that are very delightful. The Pachheri with beef sausage, arugula, and light cream sauce is definitely addictive.

If an amazing city view is something that you would consider in selecting a place to dine, Alto is definitely a place to go. It is located on top of the Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta. Get ready to be mesmerized by one of Jakarta’s best views while enjoying exquisite food and cocktails. 


If you’re looking for different taste buds of national food in Indonesia, this place will suit your palate perfectly. Considering West Sumatran food was famously voted as the best food in the world through their rich spices and distinct taste. FYI, West Sumatera is where my family from.


My place to go for a casual lunch or dinner located in the heart of Jakarta’s Central Business District. It is very famous among expatriates due to its prime location. They serve American-Italian cuisine that is never gone wrong. From Wagyu rib eye, Goose ravioli, and of course the distinctive Bistecca alla Fiorentina.


I have always been a fan of Japanese cuisine, especially yakiniku. In my opinion, this place really serves the best Japanese yakiniku in Jakarta. They only serve the best quality of Japanese meat, which plays a big part in an excellent yakiniku experience. The food is also complemented by a modern take of Japanese interior design.  


Pierre reminds you of the whole picture of Paris vividly. The nuance of the place gives you a French ambiance that completes your cuisine dining experience. Dacquoise Aux Noisettes is definitely my go-to main menu, accompanied by their exquisite wine selections. Closing it off with their perfectly baked Crème Brule. 


Exploring The Best of Jakarta's Restaurants with Afgan

Paris

"If you're up early with some extra time to spare, head over to Dreamin Man to visit owner/barista Yui and get (what we would say) one of the best coffees in Paris. Oh and get the scone too"

Embrace the chaos and be sure to try the beef bourguignon pita, as well as the legendary roasted cauliflower

Le Potager de Charlotte serves seasonal and local vegan produce in innovative ways. Whatever you choose, rest assured that you’ll be leaving a more positive impact on the environment than many of the less sustainable restaurants in Paris

A restaurant for those who like an intimate experience with their food. Be prepared to have dishes recommended, explained, prepared and served right before your very eyes

Who doesn’t love tacos? No one! This is the go to lunch spot if you're in the neighbourhood. They always change up the menu with daily specials so best to head over and check it out. It’s takeaway only, but don’t stress, Canal Saint Martin is right around the corner so just post up there. Say hello to Manu when you head over

A proper foodie spot - make sure you book a table well in advance as its super popular

One of Paris’ best seafood restaurants. Be sure to try one of their orange wines if you’re feeling adventurous

Pizza and pasta as delicious as the decor - try anything with truffle on it

The best Turkish sandwich in town: inexpensive and incomparable (AND they make their own pitta on site)

Probably the best kept secret. No fancy words needed for this joint - Japanese curry done well. Super small so get in early or expect to wait. The Pork Katsu Curry is my go to. The Karaage Donburi has a special place in my heart too

Les Papilles offers a 4-course set menu which changes every day, so be prepared to try new and totally delicious seasonal dishes

Their selection never really fails to disappoint. Inside is a constant mix of high fashion and streetwear. It’s attached to their own café so if you’re looking for a bite before or after, it’s a nice place to catch a breath

With so many flaming drinks on the menu, it would be rude not to try one. However if you want something a bit less theatrical, then their signature mojito is certainly something to write home about

Paris Community Guide

New York City 

Cafe con Libros (coffee with books) is an intersectional Feminist community bookstore and coffee shop. Through their choice of books, programming and great coffee, they endeavour to create a vibrant community space where everyone; specifically female-identified folx, feel centered, affirmed and celebrated.

LICHEN NYC is location in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It’s a design shop that’s helping to democratize design and proselytize more under-the-radar participants. Founded by Jared Blake and Ed Be the two have curated an exceptional archive of accessible vintage and contemporary furniture.

Brooklyn Blooms was planted in 2017 in the neighbourhood of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn with a mission to serve it’s neighborhood and the surrounding communities with uniquely curated blooms while maintaining sustainable practices.

Harlem's 1st 100 percent African American owned craft beer bar. Their mission is to invest in their local community, to offer great beers "made by us and for us" and expand access and enjoy good times together, in their own way.

Brooklyn Clay Industries is a ceramics studio that holds pottery classes and workshops. The owner Reuben King, a native of Dominica, grew up with pottery-making as a time-honored tradition that he wishes to share and inspire creativity.

Byas & Leon is a heavy hitting local spot with distinct taste. They specialize in sustainable fashion & craftsmanship, while also serving as an Afro Caribbean cultural hub.

Founded by friends Shelby Macklin and Banna Nega in 2015, Glazed NYC is a community-based lifestyle brand focused on providing high quality, classic accessories that bridge the gap between function and glamour.

Designed in Brooklyn and handcrafted sustainably with artisans spanning Nairobi to NY, these shoes give anyone who wears them an extra spring in their step.

A little more mainstream but they're all about Black excellence.

Owned and run by Telsha Anderson, this beautiful store is completely designed to cater to the women-identifying community in NYC. It also has fabulous clothes.

Brooklyn's Best fried chicken! They are doing delivery or you can stroll down and pick up.

Bed Vyne is an independent brewery, cocktail bar and liquor store in Bed-Stuy, BV feels more like a family cookout than your standard bar.

A social and wellness club designed to celebrate people of colour, online and in real life. It's one of the first coworking and social spaces curated by young people of color for other young people of color.



Make Manifest is a retail and community space in the heart Bed-stuy Brooklyn. Designed to insure growth of local & independent businesses. The artistic platform strives for economic equity and an environmental consciousness.

A well stocked wine shop determined to give Brooklyn quality wine at a quality price.

Joloff Restaurant has become a local go to for Senegalese flavours made in Brooklyn.

Cafe Rue Dix explores West African and French heritage through its food, drinks and decor.

Haitian-American café and cocktail bar, CAFE ERZULIE, partnered with an existing flower shop so that both local businesses could flourish.

Ode to Babel is a small bar and lounge in Prospect Heights that has a become a true neighbourhood space.

Black Owned Businesses in New York 

Tony Rais

Lyon

Our shop. If you like good clothes, you will find something. The red heart on the front door is a personal message who just wants to say "I love you."



Neighbourhood bar, since 30 years. Flashback to the 70s. Special mention for the very cool staff. Cool cheap beers, cool atmosphere and meeting place.



Shoutout to "The Sopranos." You have the best choice for natural wines. You can choice your bottle and drink here. Good music and vinyls in your ears also.

Everything is fresh, french and homemade. Full of tastes, you can eat from from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Lyl Radio is on direct live, broadcast in Paris, Bruxelles too.

My favourite is the avocado bun and truffle croque. Turn your head and you have a big view to the city. Take your food and sit on the benches in the garden of the « montée de la grande-côte ». The neighbor is Maria Pizza, same owner.

Vintage store. Shop around, search, and discover the treasures of this store in a good atmosphere. You have rare items.

Next to the famous place des Terreaux. the building and the interior courtyard is just wonderful. Find some famous artists like Picasso and Matisse.

Typical french food, cheap, no reservation, say hi and take a seat. Near to the « Gros Caillou » place with a view.

Cross the bridge above the « quais de Saone ». Old town of Lyon, very touristic but it’s full of history, buildings, restaurants, silk factories and many others. You can walk, climb to see the famous Fourvière basilique, best spot view in Lyon around and antique theatre.

It’s on industrial district of « Confluence » but it’s a must have for nightlife. everything happens on the roof. Laurent Garnier, shareholder of the club, a real techno scene of Lyon. They are also about the big event « Nuits sonores » and « Heat » cultural place.

Lyon's Best Spots With Tony Rais

Collard

Gorgeous Italian spot, candle lit and romantic as romantic can be. Forest green decor and seating for either an intimate date or group date. It’s usually pretty full in there so I’d advise you to book in advance -- but it’s worth it. Recommended dish: Lobster Linguini with a side of Quail Eggs.

Perfect day time date spot in Belsize Park North London, a breakfast menu with a Persian influence. Lovely service, get to see a few actors and actresses that live around the area which is cool but just don’t be weird, practise your nonchalant “too cool for school, yeah whatever famous person”- nod in the mirror. Close proximity to Primrose Hill park also which is a staple date location. Recommended dish: Baked Eggs.

The finest of fine dining, beautiful restaurant, decor levels on a thousand. Would recommend for relationship daters. Probably a bit over-blown for a first date experience unless the person you’re trying to court has a great pallet for French cuisine and loves a glamorous atmosphere. Recommended dish: Black-legged Chicken to share & Escargot for the side.

My girlfriend coined this spot “The Thinking spot” she took me there all the time and said it’s where she does all her best thinking. Pull up in the car and chat for hours in front of the bird decorated lake or take a stroll down the lake side. It really is a beautiful and calming spot inside such a popular Royal Park. I recommend going at night to avoid having to weave around large crowds.

This is the low key pre-drinks date spot you hit for if you’re about to go out for drinks (my Londoners know what I’m on about) -- the drinks before the drinks. Lounge-y and quiet, Polo Bar is perfect for conversation and shaking off nerves before you go out for the “after drinks” at a restaurant or club once were allowed back in them.

Why not look at some art if you’re both into it? This particular gallery is situated in central london so it’s surrounded by an array of food spots and makes the whole dating experience a lot more eventful. Doing something is cool. Always incredible exhibits on show here also, from artists like Reginald Sylvester and Coco Capitán.

For the film enthusiasts the Curzon Bloomsbury is the perfect cinema for a movie date. It’s a smaller and more boutique feel as opposed to the usual cinema experience elsewhere. There’s a boatload of great restaurants and cafes in the Bloomsbury area to eat at before or after the film if it’s all going well, and if it’s not then it’s only 5 mins from tube station.

London's Finest Date Spots with Collard

Minneapolis 

Head to Fhima's for fine Moroccan and Sicilian cuisine. It's tradition before a Gravy show in Minneapolis to go here with my mum and all the homies. We’ll get a private room, a bunch of drinks and get the menu brought out family feast-style. I've tried every item on the menu, and probably quite a few that aren't on there, and have loved every one. My favourite restaurant in Minnesota. Don't miss it.

The nicest little classy bar and restaurant in Rochester. Right downtown – within walking distance from my crib – and the food is sensational. My favourite meal is the Minute Chicken, with the steak fondue appetiser if you're big-time hungry. All the waitresses and bartenders are people I grew up with so tell ‘em Matt Hauri says what’s good.

Pizza shop right down the street from my childhood home. They have the best pizza in all of Rochester, and just the dopest people working there. Every time I step in it turns into a party.

The most poppin' bar that has survived in Rochester. So if you end up in Rochester on any weekend night, Kathy’s is where it's at. It's got a little rooftop that I'd recommend. A lot of hectic memories from back in the day up there.

This is basically where all the rich people in Minnesota live, but even us middle class folk would pull up and show face. It's a big ass lake with a ton of shoreland that people build fancy shit on. Tons of lake bars and supper clubs that people can pull their boats up to. In high school I'd go out there with my boys in a canoe and convince people to let us wild out on their boats. This is as Minnesota as it gets.

If you end up at Minnetonka I recommend Lord Fletcher's, it's the go-to spot on Minnetonka. Giant ass bar. They probably have like five different bars spread out there, could fit like 1,000 people probably. Everyone is lit too.

Another spot to check out on Minnetonka: Big Island is the main spot where everyone goes on weekends. Hundreds of boats tied together, Michelob Golden (the Minnesota beer), waist-high water, it's lit.

It's my favourite club to hit on a weekend night. They've got bottle service, they know what music to play and that’s where you'll find me if I'm in Minneapolis.

This is a Jamaican restaurant and rum bar with discotheque music from all over the world, and they have some of the best Caribbean food that I've had – at least in the Midwest. And just an insane set of rums. It’s a great vibe.

Lit ass bar in downtown Minneapolis. Potentially the most lit gay bar that I've been to, and I spend a lot of time in WeHo. Gay folks party harder than most, baby don't miss it.

Bar and coffee shop all in one. The coffee is fire, the bar is fire, it's pretty poppin'. I met the owner and he's a great fella.

Yung Gravy's Guide to Minnesota 

Blue Hawaii

Montreal

A spa out on the water overlooking the old port. Beautiful views. Good at all times of the year.

Fine French dining. Best steak frites in Montreal. Stunning ambiance. Wonderful wine list.

Record shop with a really good selection and really good prices.

A book shop with graphic novels and modern novels - really special vibe here.

This cafe is the best, it feels like you’re walking into a cafe from the 1960’s. Wonderful atmosphere.

Small stalls and local farmers. A beautiful experience with all kinds of food to try.

The large orange globe with good drinks and hot dogs, a must see, especially in the summer.

Kabinet on a Thursday for jazz/tarot night. Cute cocktail club, try the rasputin. Datcha is the club side. Wednesday nights are best at Datcha or Thursday’s after-jazz tarot.

Blue Hawaii's Guide to Montreal

Tyler Henry

Mexico City 

This is the type of place that makes me fall in love with Mexico City. Go here for a relaxed lunch of people watching and very delicious rural Mexican food based around heirloom corn they source, nixtamalize and grind in-house (as well as supplying many other restaurants in Mexico). Jesus, the owner and founding chef, is from the countryside in Guerrero and he cooks with pure soul. Many of the ingredients come directly from his farm or surrounding land in Guerrero. Jesus is one of the most influential people in the way I interact with food today. He is family to me – please tell him I sent you.

This is my favourite. A more proper sit down restaurant in Mexico City. This was the first restaurant I cooked in in Mexico, and has a huge place in my heart.  Make a reservation for 3pm, preferably on a Thursday or Friday when they have live music, and go for a superbly long meal. It’s far, probably a 30-minute Uber from your Airbnb or hotel, and it’s in the middle of nowhere. It’s only open for lunch, but it's traditional Mexican dining at its absolute best, showcasing much of the diversity of the food of different Regions of Mexico, as well as ancient recipes. You’ll be surrounded by Mexican families, tourist couples, local chefs, Mexican businessmen, etc. Get lots of mezcal. Take your time sipping, relaxing and hanging before ordering your next item to eat. Ask questions about everything! Skip the bread service, and instead get more tortillas and use them for dipping, scooping, wrapping everything in sight into them. The mole dishes are my favourite on the menu, but the menu changes often and the waiters are great so just ask for suggestions.

A unique and undeniably cool concept from an Indian husband and Mexican wife team, and great friends Saqib and Norma. They are extremely warm humans. Great soundtrack, natural wine flowing freely and tasty blends of Mexican and Indian flavours with huge care in sourcing ingredients. Brunch is great. Saqib is always running around drinking and pouring wine; if you get to talking tell him I sent you. Masala is best experienced with three to four people as a long brunch with at least one bottle of wine to start the day and sharing everything. Expect to spend some money.

If you’re going to go fine dining, this is the gangster gangster from Eduardo Garcia. French technique, French execution, French plates – but the best of Mexican ingredients and a focus on pure deliciousness.

It’s on everyone’s list and, yes, it’s cool and a great stop in for lunch despite being almost exclusively tourists. Tuna tostadas and the whole grilled fish, contramar style. They’ll adjust the size of the fish depending on your group and supply fresh tortillas and some salsas to do your thing. It’s very, very, very well executed, delicious and a fun scene.

Painfully perfect Mexican breakfast cooked with love. Come here after a very late night partying (without sleeping), or wake up early and get here before 10am when most things begin to sell out. If you are a foodie, wake up early with a fat joint and go here.

So stoked on this recent opening from a very close friend, Chef Filipe Nives, and his partner Ramses from Berlin. They operated a badass restaurant together once upon a time in Berlin. Kind of all over the place on food, but I’d say elegant food meant for drinking with influence from Portugal – where Filipe is from – while also celebrating Japanese izakaya culture. The menu revolves around vegetables, but also great fried chicken. Extraordinary wine and drink selection. I love being here at the later end of the night – it feels like a back alley in NYC Chinatown. They often have events and pop-ups of sorts. An industry hang.

Thoughtful use of Mexican ingredients for excellent Italian food, housed in a stunning mansion. Classic institution. When you’re bored of Mexican food, this is a great place to have a more romantic dinner while still enjoying the local bounty, especially with an intimate friend or group of friends.

A spectacular, royal dining experience! This is royal Thai food in a gorgeous garden setting. Run by husband, wife and dear friends Somsri and Eleazar. They have done an extraordinary job creating an elegant dinner with authentic flavours – they grow many of the ingredients they cook with themselves (and I cook with!) on a farm in Hidalgo. I always leave a meal here impressed with their attention to detail and commitment to sharing authentic Thai culture with Mexico.

This is my restaurant! Come say hi. Choza is a Thai-influenced restaurant and listening bar. The vibe is for drinking cold beer, eating with your hands and sharing spicy food. Music is a priority, and there is a custom hi-fi system always grooving something psychedelic, global, funky, etc. – usually with someone selecting vinyls. You won’t find choza on Google. It’s walk-in only and only open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, but the experience is made with a huge amount of love and deliciousness.

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