Polyswitch 

Casablanca

Imagined by architect Pierre Bousquet in 1918, Marche Central is a staple "Souk" market located in the heart of Casablanca and emblematic heritage locals take pride in. Known particularly for its fresh offerings of local fish, but also meats, vegetables, rare spics and flowers, Marche Central represents a cultural experience, always a great pick for lunch and a walk in the surroundings. 

Every local can attest the best juices and smoothies in town are pressed here, I tried all the juices and they're all worth a shot. Open 24/7, the prices are reasonable and the staff are very friendly even when the orders come in heavy. 

To me, this place represents the true feel of a sunny local cafe terrace, perfect for reading a book or ideating about your next project. Bring your pastries from the corner, order a mint tea and enjoy the atmosphere. 

My gateway to Casablanca of the past, the Habbous neighbourhood is a pleasant and magical area. The ideal spot for those who seek Moroccan authenticity in Casablanca, aimed at an idealised version of the old Medina, located in one of the most ancient districts in town, its narrow alleys are charming to stroll around in. You can follow the arches and they will lead you to neat open-air markets, bookshops and bazaars. With such a serene aura, time spent in is assured to prevail over the bustling city life. 

Established in 1950, this place never disappoints, I've been coming over since my childhood. They offer a fabulous selection of ice cream and desserts in an impeccable context and beautiful decor, inarguably the best in town. The menu is extensive but, I don't think they have a bad flavour. 

My favourite spot to watch sunsets and sunrises from in Casablanca. 

A record store that knew how to portray the spirit of the city, "DISQUES GAM" was more than just a music store, it was the leading institution that generously served Casablanca, and the country as a whole with music for over 50 years, a goldmine for any record collector. Established by a very passionate and resilient man, "Boujemaa" was the last survivor of the many record stores Casablanca had back in the day, he always believed in vinyl as the best format, and he was right.

"Boujemaa" passed just a few years ago but his legacy will live on forever.

The 7 Best Places to Visit in Casablanca with Polyswitch

Spaghetto

Milan

Best movie theater in Milano. They screen really cool and diverse movies at literally every time of the day. Movies are not dubbed! You don’t have to hear your fav actors speaking with a weird Italian voice! Yes!! Another awesome thing about this place is that the lovely lesbian couple who run it got it from the local church. I have no idea how they manage to screen stuff like a death metal documentary there but I swear they do!

Illustration and comic book art museum. They have great exhibitions and workshops. The place where the museum is located is very nice. There is a cool funny statue, a little park with a tiny skatepark and a bar called Boom where you can enjoy happy hour sitting outside or on the rooftop.

The place is def not fancy and they only make pizza, but it's super delicious and it gives you an idea of what the Isola district used to be before hipsters and gentrification arrived.

It's a public swimming pool, but also a theater and venue that hosts various events. It's really a unique place, where beautiful 1930s Italian architecture meets contemporary art and happenings.

Triennale is home to the Italian design Museum and hosts some of the best exhibitions in Milano. They also have concerts and sometimes music events that start super late at night and in the morning. Outside in the garden there's a bar, amazing sculptures and a fountain by Giorgio De Chirico.

Probably the best gelato in Milano. Fucking amazing! Try salty pistachio!

It is the first fetish boutique in Italy opening back in 1998. Arianna and Martina are super nice and they have the best lingerie, toys and latex in Milan. What I love is that they also carry pin-up dresses and 50s inspired clothing.

Super fun and friendly place in the heart of Lambrate. They brew their own unpasteurised/unfiltered beer and have won many awards for it. They sell their craft beer to a lot of pubs in Milan, Italy, and abroad, but this is the original spot where it all started in the mid 90s.

I like Rob de Matt because food is good but it’s also a very cool concept/project. The association who runs it provides work and help to marginalised people. They have a big garden/outside area that is fantastic in the summer where you can have brunch outside in the weekends and they hosts lots of happenings.

If you love to be surrounded by books like I do, this is the place for you! It’s a wine bar/bistrot/second hand bookshop all together. You can go for lunch, aperitif, dinner or just drinks. They host poetry readings, stand up comedy nights, little concerts and you can take your drinks outside in the nice little square.

Spaghetto's Guide to Milan

CHAII

Los Angeles 

This is always the first Persian food place I stop at when in LA, Attari Sandwich shop! It reminds me of Iran, so it’s very special to me since I don't often get to experience that. To start off, you have to try the mouth watering Eggplant dish (Kashke bademjan) then any of their delicious sandwiches - my two favorites are Sausage and Tongue. They have an amazing menu filled with yummy Persian food that you can enjoy in the cute outdoor area. Persian cream puffs (Noon Khamei) is a MUST for dessert.

The name says it all! When you go to Saffron and Rose Ice Cream shop in Westwood you must try the ice cream that the shop is named after, the Saffron ice cream. Mixed with pistachios, I don’t know anyone who could dislike this signature Iranian Ice Cream flavor, it’s a must try.. 

Feeling a little fancy? Then Darya restaurant is the place to go to have an amazing dinner. My favorite dish is Zereshk Polo Morgh (Persian Barberry rice with chicken) OR ANY of the dishes. If you’re new to Persian food then get a few different dishes and share. Some nights there is live music to enjoy while dining at Darya Restaurant.

Iran has such a rich culture and a long history in arts, music and traditions. Stores like Ketabsara (ketab = Book) are much needed to keep the Persian culture alive. I can never get enough of walking in a store that carries that much depth in the art and history.

This is definitely the spot to go for a casual hang out with your friends where you can enjoy Shisha food and board games. Open until 3am most nights and until 5am on weekends this is the perfect place to end up after going out for dinner to the movies etc. I think of this place as somewhere nice and chill and if I lived in LA I imagine i’d become a regular here. Shisha (Ghelyoun) is a big part of Persian culture. In Iran, my family always would have the Ghelyoun going after lunch or dinner over a cup of tea and snacks. It’s not about smoking, it's more the fact it brings everyone together.

I went to Cafe Glace with my cousin and my friends for the first time in 2019 when we were in LA to shoot music videos. Everyone is so lovely here and the food is amazing. I’ve had their gourmet Pizzas and sandwiches. Don’t forget to order some Chai (tea) after your meal. In Persian culture, we drink tea a lot. First thing in the morning, before and after meals tea is something that is always being made and poured into your glass. We also believe that tea is great for the stomach after meals to help with digestion.

If you’re looking for some quality hair products including amazing hair extensions and wigs then look no further, my uncle's store Santee beauty in Downtown LA. I love visiting my family when I'm in LA and my uncle has had so much success at his store in downtown where many celebrities go to get their hair  products from.

Explore Los Angeles' Persian Spots with CHAII

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

Heartbroken

Brussels

It’s a very old and typical Brussels daily flea market. You can find good bargains and nice antiques as well as a lot of weird stuff. I used to go there since I’m a kid with my Dad and we would just look for some nice furniture for the house, and after that we would have a sandwich and a soup at la Clef d’Or, a cafe that’s right on the square and is still running today. Those are my dearest childhood memories.

It’s my favourite ice cream spot, I think, in the world. During the first lockdown everything was closed, and you could only have takeaways and I would walk from my home 35 minutes all the way to Bargello and every day I would go and buy one ice cream and that was like my highlight of the day. It’s a true Italian style ice cream parlour, they have these flavours that I love and that you don’t find so often, dark chocolate sorbet and tuscan cream with pistachio and almonds.

It’s a little park located in the heart of Saint Gilles, that typically represents the diversity of Brussels as a lot of different crowds mix there. There is a basketball court and a field where people play pétanque while sipping a beer, the kids play in the grass and the skaters use the upper level’s flat ground with their friends watching them sitting on the stairs. During the first lockdown, it spontaneously became a big hang out place as the bars were closed down, to the point that the police came to confiscate the skating equipment due to neighbourhood complaints.

They make these awesome jerk chicken plates and also fish but also, they make these cocktails which are a bit too strong but are really good, it’s worth the money. They have a DJ, he plays reggae and dancehall and he’s always very hyped about being there, it’s a very nice vibe.

Decoratelier started as a scenography workshop that his owner, Jozef Wouters, opened to other collectives and people from the neighbourhood, and it quickly became a strong community and an inclusive lab for all kinds of ideas and projects. The space is easy to adapt as they use modular scaffoldings to create a different setting for every event, so they have had theatre performances, screenings, club nights as well as karaoke and a gym club.

Heartbroken’s Guide to Summer in Brussels

New York City 

Very affordable Indian takeout. Very beloved by New Yorkers.

Former business partners turned rival kosher dim sum restaurant owners.

Lots of delicious flavours including black sesame and pandan.

A speakeasy that requires a call to a pay phone in a Crif Dog spot.

I used to come down to Coney Island Board Walk with my parents on spur of the moment trips in the evenings, and later on as a teenager to watch the weekly firework displays in the summer. Now, I like to go for the music, performances and to sit by the beach in the mornings. I always order frog legs at Nathan’s – a little-known Brooklyn classic!

Continuing with the nostalgic theme: I used to catch horseshoe crabs and run around in torn down buildings, but now this entire area has been developed and the park has expanded into a beautiful place to hang out. My favourite spots from childhood are the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, Grimaldi’s Pizza and Jacques Torres – a chocolate shop.

They sell an infamous drink called ‘ass juice’ that is extremely small, but very potent and dangerously delicious. The TVs usually play a medley of vintage, extreme porn.

L’Rain on Where to Eat and Drink in New York

Melbourne

For some nature Blairgowrie Rock Pools are found on this beach - f*cking insane!

Start with a cocktail at the speakeasy downstairs at GOGO Bar.

After Horn Please Indian, take a walk through the Edinburgh Gardens with a Billy Van’s ice cream (coconut sorbet all the way!)

My favourite out of the three buildings is the Heide II - a white lime stone modernist building and gallery. Eat at the cafe (you’ll need reservations!) or take a picnic and walk through the sculpture gardens - get into the bush!

Bobby Clark's Guide to Melbourne

Bianca Oblivion

This is a family-owned business that has been around since the 70s, one of the first (if not the first?) Indian grocery stores in Los Angeles. It began as a small storefront between a casket and hardware store, and eventually took over both to become a full restaurant and grocery. When I was in high school, one of the aunties would sell samosas at the register and I’d always buy one while I waited for the bus. Aside from having delicious vegetarian Indian food, they have every Indian spice you could think of and all kinds of imported items.

This market has gone by many names, and through many renovations. It’s our neighborhood market, just a few blocks from my house. It’s got all your Mexican/Latin groceries & meats plus some middle eastern specialty goods. It once had a joyeria where you could buy customized gold chains and rings, but that was replaced by a bakery and tortilleria. While I’m sad to see the gold go, their pan dulce and tortillas are pretty bomb.

Tucked away in a strip mall next to a laundromat is the most colorful ice cream shop you’ve seen thus far. They have a huge selection of tropical flavored sorbets, ice creams, and paletas (Mexican popsicles), as well as juices and smoothies. They even have a tamarind and “smoked milk” flavor.

Before Google, Belkin, and all the other “Silicon Beach” companies landed, along with luxury condos, there was a wide expanse of wetlands in West LA, just a few miles from LAX and Playa Del Rey beaches. While much of it has been paved with condos, there are still a few small trails alongside shallow ponds with cranes, ducks, and frogs. You can take a walk through and feel like you’ve escaped the sprawling metropolis and returned to an era of pre-developed LA.

This is a huge park that straddles Culver City and Baldwin Hills that has peaceful trails, ponds, and playground/grass areas for family gatherings. There is a Japanese Garden hidden away there and scenic overlook with a perfect view of the city. I’ve gone on many hikes and attended kid birthdays with my family here.

This is a Persian/Danish pizza and gyro spot offering a “pizza sandwich” that combines two...and it’s delicious. With its original location in Copenhagen, they somehow found their way to a small corner in Culver City to open up their second location. It also happens to be down the block from the palatial King Fahad Mosque, and you’ll often see crowds of people come in after prayer.

The swap meet of all swap meets with the iconic green paint and orange/red lettering (not West LA but not that far off). All the gold, kicks, knock offs, and airbrushed shirts you could ask for. One jewelry stand in particular sells gold nameplate rings--I’ve gotten “Bianca” and “Oblivion,” one for each hand.

Black-owned and operated health food store and Caribbean/soul restaurant in the View Park-Windsor Hills area (this neighborhood also has some of the most beautiful classic LA Spanish/Mediterranean style homes). They have delicious Jamaican patties, smoothies, fried chicken and cornbread, and on Sundays they have a live jazz band play on the patio for weekend brunch.

One of my favorite breakfast spots with the tastiest honey-infused pancakes, as its name would suggest. Alongside your standard egg, potato, and meat selections, they have a full selection of Salvadoran dishes, including pupusas, pastelitos, sopas, chorizo and more. It’s another family owned business, and I once got into a conversation about music with one of the brothers, who played us some reggaeton tracks he had rapped on.

West LA with Bianca Oblivion

ANEESHA

Mumbai

The timing was a bit unfortunate as Subko opened its doors to people just 3 days before the national lockdown in March. Kudos to the team for staying strong and pressing forward and still being able to build a solid follower base over time. What I really like about this place is that it is the only coffee shop in Bandra that has enough space and a good vibe, apart from the fact that they have partnered with Daniel Trulson from Bread and Chocolate in Auroville, Pondicherry for all the bakery goodies.

I appreciate the fact that the focus likes on export quality coffee from across various estates and regions in India and how they also want to build a creative community shedding light to so many talented people in the country.

This is a neighbourhood bar run by two very dear friends. It came to life in 2013, which was also the year I had moved back home from the UK and was the only place that was playing interesting electronic music. I was so disappointed as I was unable to find any place in Mumbai that played good music and when I stumbled upon The Daily I was so glad! Over time we also threw some of the best parties and although not a big space the compact and tight-knit vibe definitely creates some magic! A venue that has interesting tapped the best of both worlds i.e. food and brunches as well as gigs on weekends - I would highly recommend the Ravioli and The Elysium cocktail, it’s a definite go!

Ah, I have such a special bond with Mount Mary Church. I went to a Convent school and although not Catholic, we always had the option to attend the mass if we wanted to. And I always landed up at church with the rest. I felt at peace every time I visited. My friends and I used to often drive down late at night and go light candles at the altar opposite to the church and sit on the steps, just chatting or in silence. I pick this spot as it has been an integral part of my growing up years and it’s location in a beautiful and quiet neighbourhood adds on to the charm.

People are often surprised when they find out that I dig cricket. Another fact is, I can also throw down some Bollywood moves especially at a wedding. I guess not a lot of them have seen the Indian in me ;). Wankhede stadium has been home to some of the most amazing cricket matches I have witnessed. From One Day Internationals to T20, the electric energy of the crowd in the stadium is unlike any other. Witnessing a cricket game in Mumbai should definitely be on your list.

I went to college in the south of city which was a good 30-40 minute train ride from where I live. There is this old school Iranian ice cream parlour near my college that has been serving ice cream since 1953. The place is known for it’s freshest ice cream biscuits served as a thick slab sandwiched between wafer biscuits and wrapped in thin butter paper. Its most popular flavours, walnut crunch and kesar pista (Pistachios & Saffron) are also layered with bits of walnut and caramelised sugar. It’s a simple and humble looking place just the people who run it and they haven’t toyed around with their prices. This one is a hidden gem everyone must find.

Come here during Ramadhan! My best friend Nishrin is Muslim and every year during Eid she invites her close crew for a lavish Eid dinner. Something I always look forward to and super grateful to her for! Apart from that we also end up driving down to Mohammed Ali Road during Ramadan where you can get amazing street food and desserts. From Kebabs to Biryani to Malpua to Firnis to Nalli Niharis, everything is absolutely delicious.

A viewer will definitely love the old world vibe of this place, especially the beautiful dated ticket windows. Gaiety Galaxy is a G7 multiplex, a place where I have grown up watching movies. Their Samosas are to die for and they used to serve us popcorn from Hoggers Park which had this authentic unique taste that one got addicted to! The most enthusiastic crowd is found here. The crowd doesn’t shy away from hooting welcoming and cheering on their favourite mega star during songs, special entries or major twists/suspense which unfolds. You may even find some dancing away in the aisles. You will find a lot of celebrities dressed down or wearing a Burkha often visit the cinema to see the reaction of the crowd to the film they are starring in. Of course we have a lot of modern multiplexes in Mumbai now but it is always fun to catch a movie here every once in a while!

The best thing that I love about the Dome is the view. It overlooks Marine Drive and is a great place for brunch because you end up spending time until the sun goes down and that is the best part! It is a rooftop restaurant and bar, part of The Intercontinental Hotel on Marine Drive, so it is definitely one of the posh places. From sundowners to a quiet dinner with a loved one to brunch with friends, I definitely rate this as the go to bar if you’re in a good mood to treat yourself :)

As I run a music and culture agency in Mumbai, I have spent a lot of time putting together artist tours. This is a studio space available for rent mainly for movies and ad shoots, but we have organised a couple of events here which have been exceptional and memorable. This includes the likes of Seth Troxler, Parra for Cuva & Juju and Jordash. A lot more heart and effort goes into such events because you are producing them from scratch unlike putting up a club night where a lot of things are already in place. Both have their charm no doubt!

I know I have exceeded beyond 10 spots but I can’t not include The Yoga House in my list. This place conducts yoga classes and has a cafe on top and is the most peaceful place to spend your day. You could work out of here or read a book (I have also ended up taking a nap) that’s how serene this place is. I highly recommend their tartines and the max protein cottage cheese burger! All the health conscious ones are going to love this!

Mumbai with DJ, Aneesha 

Brisbane

It’s a Persian joint, the best food you’re going to get in Brisbane in my opinion. It’s in one of the suburbs that my mate used to live in and is an Arab spot that’s known by the locals.

Zarraffa’s has the best coffee in Brisbane. I thought they had them everywhere but recently found out they’re only up here. It’s like a Starbucks but better.

Blackbird is a classy joint: nice bar with a view of the Brisbane bridge and the river. It’s a good spot for people who have never been to Brisbane before. Good spot for a boujee drink.

A French restaurant that’s open 'til like 12am, there’s not many in the city open that late. There’s a big Eiffel Tower on the roof. The food is really good; if you can’t afford to go to Paris go there.

If you want to go for a nice run or walk hit Kangaroo Point, it’s along the river and you can see the whole city. It’s real nice. There’s a cliff that you can see the whole city from there too, there’s families doing picnics and shit. It’s real wholesome.

You walk in and it’s a bar, but if you like games they have all the old arcade games like Pacman, Street Fighter, Racing Games. My favourite game is the basketball one but it’s real cool if you like games. I’ve been trying to crack Stacker for 15 years so if you crack it let me know, that shit’s rigged.

If you want a space and a sauna place to relax, there’s a hidden one that not many people know about. There’s six separate spas, a cold spa, a sauna and a steam room with magnesium water.

If you want a luxury dinner or want to take someone out, you got to take them out to anything in James St. Hellenika is cool, they have a lot of shared plates and there’s a pool. It’s very moody.

So you did Soakhouse, you found a babe, took them to dinner; next step is you go to West End and you hit Anita’s. They have really, really good gelato and there’s a couple of them all around the city so you can close your date with a bang.

Day1’s Date Spots in Brisbane

Ayra Starr

Cotonou

Ci Gusta is a fun ice cream place and my favourite after-beach spot. Cotonou gets really hot, so catching a vibe with friends and eating ice-cream is like a dream sometimes.

The hotel has a huge pool and was a favourite hangout spot for students after lunch at Mimi’s. On certain days we would bring in our own food and have picnics by the pool or in the garden. It’s a quiet, serene hidden gem.

One of my favourite things about living in Cotonou was being so close to the water. Cite Beach was a student favourite and almost everyone celebrated birthdays and other special occasions on the beach.

This Jamaican and French fusion restaurant has the Caribbean vibes in Cotonou. They always come through with the best Afrobeats and Dancehall music. The food is amazing as well.

My favourite thing about the hotel is the HUGE pool. There's also a beautiful restaurant with a rooftop view. It has the best pizza in Cotonou.

One of my favourite memories is riding to class with the smell of freshly brewed beer from La Beninoise Brewery around me.

Cotonou with Ayra Starr

Lorenzo BITW

Rome

One of the biggest food markets of the city and a place where you can get lost really easily. I love to go shopping there when I have time to spend and find some particular food or something very typical that you won’t find in supermarkets.

Il Mangiadischi is a small record store situated in the area of San Lorenzo, Fidel Kato the owner is an hip hop and rap connoisseur and he will make you feel at home when you enter into the store.

The place is tiny and you can’t even sit inside, they will call it now street food but it’s something we always had in Rome. Supplì is the best thing to try there, a fried rice balls with ragù inside.

I love the fact that the owners of this spot are quite rude and they have the characteristics of the typical Roman guys. The bar is situated in popular area of Testaccio and the best thing to try there is Zabaione.

This is where locals in my area, Prati, go to have a drink or to chill but it’s not the usual Prati spot because it’s cheap and people are friendly. If you go there try Spritz mezzo e mezzo.

This beautiful building was built by Borromini and it has a unique architecture, inside there is also an incredible library. The place is not always open so it’s a matter of luck of walking by and find the doors opened.

This place is kind of magic and it has his own charm. Hanging everywhere there are communist posters and they serve only wine or prosecco. They have a really good selection of wine and you can also bring your own food and eat there.

Explore Rome's Best Local Spots with Lorenzo BITW

Devine Blacksher

I love the fusion of community and food Sugar Hill Creamery offers. The story behind the brand and the stories being told at each location provide you with more context about the community you’re living in. I’d recommend ordering the mint ice cream or the non-dairy chocolate ice cream.

If you’re into music and want to go to an OG spot in town, A1 Records is the spot. A lot of DJ legends have frequented the East Village staple. The team that works there is also super helpful and serious about the music. My tip would be to look up at the ceiling and just take your time going through the selection of music.

If you’re into smelling good and looking for a cool NYC experience, then you should definitely check out Kismet located in a basement in lower Manhattan. I love this spot because they have tonnes of essential oils to experiment with if you’re seeking to develop your own fragrance with them. If not, the core fragrances they offer will satisfy you just as much. Kismet’s merch would be a great souvenir to take home to a friend or to keep for yourself.

I like going here on Sundays around 11:30am, 12pm. Browsing the magazines and books then playing a couple rounds of Mancala with my boyfriend while drinking a glass of sparkling tea. The people who work here are super chill and great to talk to as well.

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