Connor Gibson

London

Theo’s Pizzeria is greater than the sum of its parts. The interior design lends itself to life's great pastime; eating lunch. Danish interior, white wash walls and natural light seeping through the floor to ceiling windows creates an ethereal atmosphere. The lunchtime special panuozzo; specifically the tuna with mozzarella and their fiery fermented chilli condiment is a steal for only a fiver, split an Aubergine Parm and you're looking at a killer lunch.

One of life's great pleasures is rocking up at St John Bread and Wine past 9pm for a late evening dessert and digestive. With a pudding menu that is almost the same size as the mains, it’s worth ordering a selection of British classics such as ‘steamed pudding and custard’ or the ‘Eccles cake and Lancashire cheese’ and a bottle of Gamay to start proceedings. Moving swiftly on to Fergronies or Manhattans is the move, there’s a sense of beating the system.

Hole in the wall joints are few and far between in London, if something is good then it’s usually trying to capitalise on the gentrification of an area. Surrey Quays is a culinary wasteland but La Chingada makes it well worth the visit. The owner hailing from Mexico City is producing suardero and al pastor tacos and molettes with fiery salsas and Mexican beverages. It’s cheap, it’s cheerful and more importantly, it’s legit which is something missing in other London Mexican establishments.

Filipino food in London hasn’t had a light shone on it yet but Budgie is doing amazing things from his hole in the wall restaurant in Brixton Market. His signature dish is Lechon; slow cooked rolled pork belly with glass like skin and stuffed with Lemongrass and other fine things. Budgie has a fine dining background so brings that precision and is really showcasing Filipino food in a casual setting.

There’s rarely a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than a bracing walk in Hampstead heath followed by a pint by the fire and a pork roll at the Southampton Arms. A proper boozer with tables full of regulars, this is a pub that does things properly. Independent Ales, warm pork and apple rolls, Mature cheddar and chutney sarnies, it’s as British as you can get.

This is what I would call the Soho double, it’s a hark back to old Soho and its Italian roots and is the perfect lunchtime combo. I Camisa & Sons is London's original Italian deli and is the perfect spot to grab a cured meat sandwich. Follow this up with a negroni at Bar Termini. Perch at the bar and get the perfect pour negroni, there’s a 20th century charm to the service and the feeling that you’re putting the world to rights.

Palace records situated in a side street off of Crystal palace high street is the epitome of digging culture. The owner buys in Job lot record collections, primarily of late 90’s, early 2000s deep house and techno. They give you the space to properly dig and find some gems and the owner is always on hand to give you a little nudge in the right direction.

Guide to London’s Best Restaurants with Connor

Sueuga Kamau

Oakland

Sueuga Kamau's Guide to Oakland

Mexico City 

One of my favorite places to go pick up some crazy vintage finds for my wardrobe, for shows, editorial, etc. All range of prices and for every taste. And a very friendly treatment.

This is a traditional comida yucateca restaurant, hidden in a building downtown. The best southern food I’ve ever had in CDMX.

This kitschy house belonged to the famous Mexican songwriter Roberto Cantoral, who composed for big recording artists such as José José. He wrote a very beautiful song with a trio he had called ‘’El Reloj’’ and the music sheets are sculpted in the main entrance door. This used to be around the corner on the neighborhood I grew up in. It’s kind of a suburban zone but it gives perspective to the more touristic areas in CDMX.

This is little hidden Japanese ‘’fondita’’ in the heart of Roma Sur that offers a daily Japanese full meal menu at an amazing price. This is my favorite place to take new friends. Their matcha cake - it’s unbelievable!

It’s an old mansion that used to be property of a famous Mexican golden-era movie director and was also used as a set in many of his movies. Fun fact: he was actually the model for the Oscar’s award statue. My aunt used to know his granddaughter and they opened the house for us. Now it's a museum and you can actually schedule a visit.

Mexico City with Girl Ultra

Khruangbin

Houston

The vibe is great here. There's a functioning reel to reel tape machine providing the soundscape that greets you at the entrance. The entire menu is fire, but don't leave without trying the "Nancy Cakes.

Lots of records, cassettes, CDs and band swag here. There's also a small stage there as well that Khruangbin played many years ago.

Affectionately called "Rudz". Mark, Laura & I hung out here practically every Tuesday night before starting Khruangbin. Burger with cheddar & fresh jalapeños with a side of tots...and a side of mayo for dipping the tots.

Coolest late night hang in town, and if you can catch DJ Sun spinning while you're there, you're in for a treat.

Best BBQ spot on the Nawfside of the H. Can't go wrong with a chopped beef sandwich.

Hats fitted and made to order, perched above a barber shop in Downtown Houston.

A quirky gift shop filled with fun trinkets located in Rice Village.

Authentic Tex-Mex. An order of queso for the table, and chicken & beef combination fajitas. Corn or Flour tortillas is a big debate, but it's totally your call (I dig flour)

There's always interesting, well curated exhibits on display here throughout the year. James Turrell's "The Light Inside" installation lives there.

Khruangbin's Favourite Spots in Houston

Jorge León

Oaxaca

My favourites are the taco de chorizo and the taco de chile relleno.

My favourite dishes here are garnachas, mole estofado del istmo and the tamal de camarón seco.

Get the taco de barbacoa and the consomé.

Amazing space showing works from local Oaxacan artists.

Oaxaca with Chef, Jorge León

Portland

Owner, Ian Williams, offers sneaker-themed coffee + 👟 detail shop ☕️.

🎧 The NW first & only Hip-Hop winery created by Bertony Faustin.

Delicious, authentic west African cuisine cooked by a native west African girl.

They serve authentic Jamaican Cuisine in the heart of Portland. And yes, they cater events!

A contemporary soul food restaurant that provides career development opportunities and is non-profit.

Based in Portland, this pop-up vegan supper club is curated by two Black queer artists, Chef Salimatu Amabebe and artist, Annika Hansteen-Izora. It was founded on the premise to rail and dance against the erasure of Blackness in the food and art worlds.

A mellow Ethiopian spot offering yummy traditional food.

A unique cultural experience where you can come learn how to cook African food or order some for dinner!

Fresh and delicious Haitian and Caribbean meals.

Everything to make you salivate: baby back ribs, brisket, chicken, cajun links, etc…

Private Chef/Caterer providing delicious food all throughout the PDX & Gresham area.

The BEST green juices and smoothies. Literally, the best.

Cannabis dispensary in the heart of Madison South neighbourhood.

Black co-owned florist. Flowers & weddings without rules.

Keeping it sweet and simple. Good coffee, good food.

Owner Anthony Brown and big smile brings unique food is unique in his bright blue cart with Southern and Mexican inspired fusion of just plain ol” deliciousness.

Home of custom cakes & elaborate cupcakes, cookies... you name it.

BuzzFeed Tasty's Top 50 wings in the USA!

Southern-style cuisine fused with their Oregon roots.

A fun and tasty twist on your average healthy snacks. Perfect snacks for kids.

A soul food cart serving heart-warming dishes.

This publishing company all started with a book written by co-founder and CEO, Jelani Memory. As a black father with a blended family, racism was an inevitable topic of conversation. The increasingly popularity of this book developed into creating more books about complex topics such as feminism, cancer, gratitude, belonging and much more.

Their work and activism includes direct community education workshops, supporting the outreach of their continued advocacy as first respondents, and helping community members contribute through direct engagement and legislative value. They are focused on shifting cultural and systemic discrimination.

An amazing initiative which tracks the progress of the federal, state and local legislation which addresses police violence.

Founded by Cameron Whitten, a local Portlander, who has more than five years of experience in non-profit leadership and donation accountability. Cameron has served as the Executive Director of local nonprofits such as Know Your City, Brown Hope, and Q Center.

Black-Owned Businesses in Portland

I like to call this spot “A Mexican version of an Omakase”. No menu here, you just sit down and let them know about food restrictions (if there’s any) and let yourself be surprised by the parade of corn-based delicious dishes that roll out of their beautiful open kitchen. The head chef works directly with produce from Guerrero and cooks each dish thinking of seasonalities and taking influences from traditional foods from different regions of the country. 
No reservations available.


One of my favorite places to get to know a new city is through its markets. Mexico City is home of over 300 warehouse-looking mercados, one in almost every neighborhood. And I’d say each has a very distinct personality. Medellín is not only known being a favorite one-stop shop for the Roma neighbors with a meat & poultry section, flowers and plants, key maker, furniture and kitchenware but also for offering some soutamerican produce that would be hard to find elsewhere. 


Good coffee, amazing pastries and glorious breakfast in the mornings; delicious sourdough pizza and great wines in the evening. Has a very inviting, warm and casual atmosphere which makes it the perfect hangout spot for meeting both locals and visitors, or simply sipping on coffee. 

One of my absolute favorite projects in the city. La Rifa is a Bean-to-Bar place that works directly with Mexican cacao producers and turns the seed into the most delicious chocolate. From single origin bars to cacao and water based drinks, chocolate cookies, truffles and even kombucha and beer, it’s all delicious here. 

If there’s one thing you should try out when visiting the country is definitely its street food and tacos. This pop up stand has been serving the most amazing mixiote tacos since 1986. Here, the sheep meat is cooked inside little parchment paper sachets with a perfectly seasoned marinate with a mix of dried chiles, avocado leaf and even cinnamon. Top this double-sized taco with cactus, pineapple and one of their incredible salsas. Keep in mind they only open Wednesday, Friday, Saturdays and sometimes they show up on a random Sunday. 

If there is one place I like to spend my weekends at is this. Amazing music, guest dj’s, the most amazing daiquiris, natural wine, mezcal and incredibly delicious thai-inspired food. 
Only opens Saturdays and Sundays, so be patient as waiting times can get crazy long, or if you prefer, show up on listening Mondays which are way more chill and easier to get into. 


Street Food in Mexico City with The Curious Mexican 

Tyler Henry

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.

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 crazy delicious flavours. If you have one meal in all of Mexico city, this should be it. The concept is just “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 chef and owner, is from the countryside in Guerrero and he cooks with a pure soul. Many of the ingredients come directly from his farm or surrounding land in Guerrero.

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, yes, probably a 30min Uber from your Airbnb or hotel, and its in the middle of nowhere, and its only open for lunch - but it’s one of most soulful meals in CDMX. Its traditional Mexican dining at its absolute best, showcasing much of the diversity of the food of different regions of Mexico, as well as interesting Mexican ingredients and ancient Mexican recipes. Ask about the “teporocho” (alcoholic tea) to end the meal. In fact, ask lots of questions about everything! The menu changes often and the waiters are very educated on the food they serve so just ask for suggestions.

Tiny little taco joint in San Rafael with only standing space - it pains me to include this spot here because I want to keep the tiny, so fucking flavourful taco joint all for myself. The Al Pastor and the Tripa tacos are perfect. The Torta with pastor and queso is awesome too. The whole experience of eating tacos here is perfect. Im here at least once a week.

Yucatecan home-cooking. Soulful and spicy and always hits the spot. I will often be here eating alone relaxing to good music with a book. My go to order is the Sopa de Lima followed by panuches de Cochinita, an agua de Chaya, and a few beers. Run by a lovely woman Jocyln who started the place using her mothers recipes.

One of the cities best and most extensive mezcal lists coupled with trippy amazing music, well educated and friendly staff. Go here for a psychedelic night of heavy mezcal drinking with a good homie. The restaurant next door (same owner but the restaurant is unnamed/unmarked) is also absolutely delicious and focuses on unique regional cuisines of Mexico. This is an extraordinary bar.

One of the cities best mixologists, Kristian, opened a tiny bar tucked away in Roma where he is the only employee and you’re basically drinking in his home - a home with an absurdly fucking stocked bar. He built everything from the lighting to the bar by hand. A normal night might include a cocktail with juice squeezed fresh in front of you and a root that makes your mouth go numb, a sample of some sotol, a mezcal sample, a sample of some weird liquor he just got from a friend, a mezcal negroni style drink, a big beer you’re now splitting with the people next to you, a joint or two being passed around at 1:30am, and a fernet. You get the idea. Go here and drink till it closes and enjoy the amazing work and friendliness of Kris. Please do tell Kris that I sent you! To me, Tacobar is probably the best bar in all of Mexico city. It’s great when it’s slammed on the weekends, but it’s best experienced on a Tuesday or Wednesday when it’s a bit more intimate and Kristian can take his time taking care of you with delicious drinks.

Absolute, absolute, must go experience for anyone who likes dancing or is interested in nightlife. This is a legendary dance club that’s only open on Friday nights and has been going for like 30 years. It feels like you're walking into an insane dance party in the 80s. Its mostly “high energy” techno, its got the craziest diversity of people who go every week and are every age and wear every color and are very friendly. What defines the club is that EVERYONE dances, without pretention or care, and its known for insane dance circles with choreographed groups of people letting loose. Go here!!!

A perfect market for someone who wants to see a larger Mexico city market but isn’t quite ready to hit la Merced. Jamaica is best known as the OG flower market, and it has an insane selection of flowers. But it also has very good food and very good selection of ingredients I often go here for more special things like wild mushrooms, kefir limes or weird spices.

Chef Tyler Henry’s Guide to CDMX

Ariel Zetina

Chicago

Belizean restaurants are so rare, and I’m literally so glad I live in one of the only cities in the US with the food I grew up with. Black-owned and family-owned, perfectly authentic dishes, this is the real deal. My go-to order is panades (Belize’s version of empanadas, filled with fish or beans) and Belizean stew chicken (get it with rice and beans – a must), Belizean potato salad and plantains on the side). If you have to go to one place on this list, this is literally not the one to miss!

If you’re going to Chicago, please skip the deep dish; original Chicago pizza is thin crust. Chicago-style hot dogs are acceptable, but the real Chicago staple not to miss is the jibarito. Using tostones (fried plantain) instead of bread, this sandwich is a staple of Puerto Rican diasporic cooking in Chicago, and although it is not the inventor of the jibarito (Borinquen in Humboldt Park is, and also amazing), Jibaritos y Más in Logan Square delivers such a deep gastronomical experience that keeps me coming back. My favourite is the shrimp jibarito.

This Costa Rican BYOB spot is amazing for groups, especially for vegetarians – the veggie casado is amazing. Really proud of this restaurant for surviving the pandemic and coming out strong on the other side! Costa Rican cuisine is another that is so rare in the world to find and this is, in fact, the only Costa Rican restaurant in Chicago.

Sorry, I gotta do another Belizean place. Redz is on the very northern tip of Chicago, closest to the northernmost train station on the Red Line. Another family-owned spot that cannot be beat. My recommendations are the same here (panades, stew chicken), but be sure not to miss my favourite Belizean creation: the meat pie, basically replacing the terrible bland innards of British meat pie and replacing it with jerk turkey.

Belize was a British colony until the 80s, the more you know! Don’t miss getting bun either – a raisin sweet bread on the dessert menu. Though I grew up eating it with cheese on it, so try that if you dare.

The spot that’s also signed off by my Dominican friends. I used to live near this place and discovered Dominican food through here. Located in the very west of Logan Square off the beaten path, this casual place is a great breakfast or lunch spot. Get the mangu!

OK, really, you can’t go wrong anywhere on or near 18th Street in Pilsen – a formerly immigrant Czech neighbourhood but now mostly Mexican American. The staple, 5 Rabanitos, is the most vegetarian-friendly place. Here you can find vegetarian versions of many of the different dishes available at most of the places on or near 18th Street.

Also on 18th Street, and my go-to when ordering to-go Mexican. Make sure you’re headed to the correct Los Comales, the one on the corner of 18th and Ashland! I love the milanesa tortas here and also the escabeche on the table, marinated carrots, onions and peppers to top your dishes with (or to eat with chips).

I used to have a DJ gig weekly on Mondays at nearby Beauty Bar. This is my most random choice on this, since there are so many good Mexican taquerias all around Chicago, but this is the one that speaks to me most intimately over the years. The chile relleno torta is incredible. Great place to go after drinking with friends in the area. Very little seating so get it to go.

When you hear Peruvian food in Chicago, a lot of peoples' minds go to Cabra: the Stephanie Izzard-owned Peruvian rooftop restaurant above the Hoxton in West Loop. While this is good and one of my go-to rooftop spots, the real Peruvian staple is the family-owned, Guy Fieri-approved Taste of Peru on the north side. Rarely a wait, and a true Chicago hidden gem.

Known exclusively as the Tamale Guy, anyone who frequents semi-popular late night bars in Chicago knows this man. The husband-wife team runs their business out of a single cooler, which travels from bar to bar serving drunk and hungry patrons. When I see him, I always get one. The best tamales in Chicago. Follow @tamaletracker on Twitter to find the Tamale Guy, but more likely you will run into him, as he somehow always knows where the crowd is. Truly, truly impressive.

Ariel Zetina’s Top 10 Latin American Restaurants in Chicago

Mohammad Gorjestani

San Francisco 

Loquat explores the the flavours of Iraqi Jewish heritage and is the brainchild of my homie Tal Mor, who is behind Four Barrel Coffee and The Mill with Josey Baker Bread. Loquat is built from love and intentionally sourcing all of its ingredients, many of which are from Palestine. My favourite thing is the boureka plate with the house harissa and zhoug. Don’t sleep on the salted chocolate babka either.

I low-key think this is the best bar in America. The combination of community, food and drinks is unmatched. I get creatively inspired here with what Nicholas Torres and his team does. The cocktails span the imagination, and I especially appreciate the low ABV drinks. I would get the bartenders choice of cocktail and definitely get the hen of the woods mushrooms.

This is a special special place run by amazing people. You can’t beat the vibe – it is unequivocally San Francisco. 20 Spot is a restaurant inside the old Force of Habit record store, it’s run by Bodhi Freedom who is a Frisco OG. I recommend just sitting at the bar with a flatbread and anything else that looks good on Alejandro’s (the chef's) menu and letting Bodhi pour you a glass of what he’s feeling that night.

Isa and Kenzie used to work on farms before opening this spot that serves the most incredible tamales and bowls. Everything is amazing, but I go with the Hugo Street Retreat with a breakfast cookie to enjoy on a walk around one of the best neighbourhoods in the city.

24th Street is my favourite street in San Francisco and there’s nothing like it or La Palma in the world. I go with the Taco Sonora and I grab some queso and salsa for the fridge on my way out.

The best coffee in America is in San Francisco (sorry Portland) and Grand is one of my favourites. I love the two locations on Mission Street and I love everything this place and its owners represent as a community business. I love their espresso and usually go with an eight-ounce Americano or a Gibralatar (don’t call it a Cortado!).

When I first moved to San Francisco I lived in the Richmond, and I discovered this tiny spot that changed how I think about how food is made and that small is better. Pizetta makes a few pizzas a day based on what's at the farmer's market. I usually get whatever pizza is on the menu, a slice of flourless chocolate cake, and an espresso that takes me back to 2007 when I used to just sit at the bar and write.

Anybody telling you San Francisco is dead, just bring them here on the Friday or Saturday night. Probably the most fun place to dance in the city, and while I admittedly avoid the dancefloor, I do appreciate the natural wine, top shelf DJ and music curation that makes this place bump.

There’s a few great dive bars I was thinking of for this list, like Lone Palm and 500 Club, but I’m putting Wazema [down] because in addition to being around the block from me, and it being a historic San Francisco business, they also serve Ethiopian food every night 'til 10. I order the sampler plate and enjoy a little fernet after, and hit the pool table in the back.

I go to bat for Gallardo’s as the best brunch in the city. It’s only on the weekends, but it's worth the wait for their birria served with their tortillas and fixings.

Sunset Squares Foodhall is where you can go watch a game and choose between Sunset Squares Pizza (sourdough pizza), Namu Stonepot (Korean-inspired fare), Filipino food (Uncle Tito’s) and a really amazing curation of beer and wine. I go for the Pub pizza, and I add olives and gardiniere for the first half of the game.

The Palestinian diaspora in San Francisco is one of the most special things about the city. Biet Rima is a family business that makes you feel at home every time you eat at either of their two locations. I usually go with their chicken shish tawook plate, the mezze platter – and don’t sleep on Samir’s bread.

Few places in San Francisco have the room feeling that Zuni does. I always go back and forth between Bix and Zuni as my favourite old-school vibes. But Zuni takes it for me because when I first moved to the city it was the late-night meals I had here after my shifts that shaped my love for food. The move here is to grab a seat by the bar, get a martini, order the chicken, and patiently wait for it enjoying their Caesar salad. Classic and perfect.

Where to Eat and Drink in San Francisco, According to Mohammad Gorjestani

Kira Puru

Melbourne

A no-frills dive bar in the heart of Fitzroy. It's been one of my favourite haunts for like ten years and it literally hasn't changed that entire time.

A classic all-rounder, great for first dates, meet-the-parents, business meetings, or drinks with mates. The vibe is awesome, sangria is delicious, food is great, though it's a high risk game taking Americans out for Mexican. The fish taco is lit.

A tiny little cafe on Sparta Lane in Brunswick. I go for the lone barista, Michael's dry banter, but yeah, the coffee is good too.

This is your cheap and cheerful date night shit. $9 will get you a massive pasta but $40 will get you a literal 3 course meal for two. If you're broke and into carbs, this is it.

The wine list is always short but great, and if you can't get dirty martinis dirty enough. Here's your joint.

First Saturday of every month, this is the hot tip for cheap designer vintage gems, and yeah, you can drink while you shop.

Pretty sure I had the best dinner of my life here. I guess you've gotta like meat though. Seriously take a day off eating before you go here because it's really sad when you're full.

My two rogue punk mates own this dive bar in Thornbury, it's a safe bet for random weird times and a very diverse crowd.

So close to the city but so handy if you need to be amongst some nature and clear your mind for a bit. Perfect for a little afternoon bike ride.

This is a real cute first date vibe. The decor is simple and stylish, the staff are sweet and there's always a great record spinning.

Melbourne with Kira Puru

During Covid-19 Seo Ju Park and Sofia Acosta, both from Mexico City, started their Kimchi project because they felt Mexico City lacked a good Kimchi and K-Food project.

Dooriban is a dark kitchen family style K-food project by Mamá Park, using Seo Ju Park's mom's recipes for the best Korean food experience.

Makan is a Singaporean bites and wine bar space owned by Singaporean born Maryann and her Mexican partner Mario.

Founded by Thai-born Somsri Raksamran and her Mexican husband, Galanga Thai is one of the most known Thai restaurants in Mexico City.

Tachinomi Desu is one of Mexico city's coolest bars offering a large array of Sakes from Japan and some even made in Mexico. The bar is part of Edo Kobayashi's group. Edo is a Japanese-Mexican who owns several of the city's most iconic Asian spots.

Bao Bao is a Taiwanese eatery owned by Taiwanese-Panamanian Kathy Fong who opened this spot to best represent the diverse gastronomy of this tiny Asian island.

Vietnamese restaurant chain that opened in 2019 and now has three open restaurants in Mexico City and one upcoming in Cancún with Mexico's best Vietnamese food.

Go upstairs to the little steak Japanese joint they run. It’s a hidden entrance to the side of the actual restaurant and kind of an insider thing

Asian Owned Businesses in Mexico City

If you only eat one thing off the street it should be this. It’s a spot on Colima for quesadillas during the day. The huitlacoche and queso is incredible, so is [the] chicken tinga. But the green mole with chicken and cheese is otherworldly. A great entry point to street food as it's approachable, delicious and fairly simple. I probably eat here more than anywhere else in Mexico City. One mole verde con queso, one huitlacoche con queso.

Yucatecan home cooking. Soulful, spicy and hits the spot. I will often be here eating alone, relaxing to good music with a book. My go-to order is the sopa de lima followed by panuchos de cochinita, an agua de chaya and a few beers. Run by a lovely woman, Jocyln, who started the place using her mother's recipes. One sopa de lima, four panuchos de cochinita, one whatever else is inspiring.

Tacos of chargrilled meats. I love, love, love the poblano con bistec with a side order of chiles toreados. The alambre de pastor is very good. Poblano de bistec.


In centro, this is an OG taco spot open late and serving the best suadero and campechano tacos in Mexico City. I often bike here late at night to crush a few tacos. Be very, very careful walking around the surrounding area after dark. [Order] four campechano, two suadero.

A tiny little taco joint in San Rafael with only standing space. It pains me to include this spot here because I want to keep the tiny, flavourful taco joint all for myself. The al pastor and the tripas tacos are perfect. The torta with pastor and queso is awesome too. The whole experience of eating tacos here is perfect. I'm here at least once a week. Four pastor, one tripas.

An old-school joint cooking northern Mexican staples, and a great place to sit in a booth crushing beers and tacos for a long lunch. I often find myself here with chilaquiles on a slow Monday morning.

Easily a top five spot for me in Mexico! The coldest, best beer in Mexico! OG joint serving just birria, side of avocado, side of queso, amazing beers and tequila. Get the beer “campechano” – it’s a mix of their dark and light drafts in a huge, ice-cold mug. Live music, photographer running around. A celebratory place, great for groups and rowdy fun. Go here! Birria, side of queso, side of avocado, at least three campechano cervezas.

Commonly referred to as the best al pastor in the city. During the daytime it's an autobody shop; at night it turns into a massive al pastor operation that is not just delicious, but an awesome experience and vibe to eat at with giant, ripping pastor spits and people from all walks of life. Four pastor, one gringa.

The Best Tacos in Mexico City Chosen by Chef Tyler Henry

Paurro

My favourite coffee spot. They only use Mexican beans and they work directly, and sustainably, with their producers.

This record store has everything. A very good selection of 90s house. Everyone that works here really knows what they’re talking about.

I really love seafood. The format of this spot is like a Mexican cantina, but the food is Spanish-style seafood.

Really good food and mezcals; DJs play on the weekends. This is a good spot for pre-gaming in Coyoacán.

A weekend art market in San Angel where you can find Mexican artists selling their works. Perfect weekend activity.

University Museum of Contemporary Art. Always amazing exhibitions on here and it’s just awesome to walk around the campus – the buildings are insane. There’s also a botanical garden.

When I need to escape the city, I love to take my dogs here. It’s 45 minutes from the city and you can do a barbecue, go hiking, walking and fish.

For a good cocktail and record selectors. This is a nice date spot.

A Guide to CDMX, Mexico City, Mapped Out by Paurro

FYI Chris

Best burritos in Peckham? They may well be... Big flavours from the little Filipino food truck.

Some of the best food spots under one roof. Steamer is the undisputed dim sum and noodle lunch spot, Copeland Jerk also top tier munch and big ass portions.

One thing London does well is green space. Go fishing, have a BBQ (although getting a plot can be hectic). Usually some heated footy on a Sunday - it's got the lot.

No fuckin around, cheap tickets all day every day. Go to a horror film for peak experience. Fingers crossed they’ll be okay, I’m sure It’ll be rammed as soon as it is safe to open!

CD Base is a music spot in Holdrons Arcade, opposite Balamii. Get fresh mixtapes, afrobeat, dancehall, rap, R&B etc, catch a game of dominos (not sure what the buy in is). Maestro is a record shop with an extensive CD library too.

An OG Rye Wax food joint turned legit – some of the best tacos and nachos in London. DJ Morris whips up a fine cocktail too 😉

Another Rye Wax eatery that outgrew our basement, amazing authentic Vietnamese dishes from the nicest crew!

And if you pick up some munch from one of the spots above and want a place to cotch and get it down, why not visit the cats on Choumert Grove Car Park 🐈🐈.

Explore Peckham with FYI Chris

Keem De Peralta

Tokyo

This is where I first met the people I am involved with creatively right now. Some friends and people that I know used to throw the sickest parties here. The place has a pingpong table, a few couches, and a mad soundsystem. It's pretty sick too because it's kind of hidden, as it is located in a kind of abandoned building. Had some pretty crazy nights here before.

This place has the best uni pasta in all of Tokyo! Creamy and full! They also serve a bunch of rare stuff like Basashi (Horse meat) and Malaysian Duck! Super hidden and pretty exotic. The beef shank stew is to die for!

Whenever I crave for Mexican food, I would always go here. Tacos are the best, and the cactus ceviche!

2nd best Thai joint in the city. Won't tell the other one cause thats my ace lol. This place has the best thai curry, pork dishes and rice dishes

Out of all the commercial Japanese curry spots, Go go curry is the best because the flavour is not very strong, but very savoury and a little bit sweet. You can get the Omori size, it has tonkatsu, ebi katsu, sausages, and curry that'l feed 2-3 people.

My favorite Japanese dish of all time is a dish from Nagoya's "Hitsumabushi"! Its unagi (eel) on top of rice with a very bomb ass soup that you mix with the rice to make a rice porridge! Hitsumabushi is definitely the best out here in Tokyo.

Great Sashimi with an amazing view. I usually take dates here when things get serious lol.

Tokyo with Keem De Peralta

This year, I went on a mission to create a soul food fusion concept, Bando Belly with co-founder Alex Sintunayake. London is the world’s biggest melting pot and living in the capital means fusion is everywhere - food, music and of course the people. How many places in the world would an English, Turkish and Indian man all know the appropriate response to wagwan?!!
Bando Belly is about taking that exact energy and putting it on a plate; I have created a menu to highlight a diverse selection of flavours from all around the globe to reimagine London’s soul food.

A cute cafe serving classic Vietnamese dishes, they know me here as the woman who orders a table full of food. Don't miss the BÁNH XÈO Crêpe filled with pork or chicken, prawns, onion, bean sprouts and salad. CÁNH GÀ CHIÊN BƠ chicken wings with garlic butter and lemongrass. All their Pho are delicious or BÚN TÔM XÀO king prawns on rice. 

A Filipino food truck station outside Peckham library. They have been serving banging tender beef in adobo and marinated grilled chicken over rice with green and spicy sauces. You can grab a large box for £7 I always grab two one for now one for me and brother to fight over later.

Two Nigerian sisters with food as bold as they are. Their spin on Nigerian classics will have your mouth watering and belly full. My go to is the beef suya and prawn fried rice but grab a mixed plate for a taste of everything. 

A family run business with warm friendly service. Serving an array of South American food from tacos to arepas. I always get the beef chachapa, a sweet corn pancake with shredded beef and soft cheese.

A Mediterranean fusion kitchen inside a new bar that has a banging playlist full of amapiano bangers. Their portions never leave you hungry, there’s a tapas style menu and some great mains. I’ve had the thick sea bass fillet several times but I’m dying to try the confit duck and bean puree.

A traditional Eritrean restaurant serving vegan/ veggie delights tasty fish dishes and my favourite kulwa, which is lamb fried in ghee, onion and green chilli. Everything comes with Injera, a teff flour sourdough pancake. For first timers I suggest the combos based on how many people you're with, selections picked by the chef made for sharing. Great for date nights or group visits, make a night of it by trying the traditional honey wine and end with the authentic coffee ceremony.

Huge Peruvian restaurant with great outdoor seating for a spot of people watching. The cocktails are strong, and food packed with flavour. I have unashamedly ordered the same thing every time, grilled beef heart in aji amarillo and cod ceviche. The softness and deep flavour of the beef heart is unforgettable.

Master Chefs 2011 winner’s Japanese fusion restaurant serves great Japanese classics with sprinkles of Caribbean flavours. My go to is the Leopard ramen, a super thick creamy pork broth with parmesan and scotch bonnet or the extraordinary lazy goat ramen boneless curry goat with noodles, that one is a spice girl for sure!

This hole in the wall in Brixton a mother and daughter serving Colombian street food. Seeing a girl walking down Brixton high street with a massive snow cone piled with fruit and I had to stop her to ask where I could get one. Think fruit salad in fruit juice covered with a mountain of shaved ice and condensed milk and syrup. There's a lot going on but oh my there's a lot more to love. A super sweet summer treat. If its a hot day be ready to wait up to 30 mins.

A great fun Korean BBQ restaurant, a huge menu to choose from. This place you can take anyone, and they will enjoy. Don't go too crazy with the starters the wings and beef short ribs are my favourite or you'll have to come back twice like me to try the BBQ. Always order a bottle of soju and a pot of makgeolli, the milky, off-white, and lightly sparkling rice wine, get a cab home you will need it!

The Best Food in South London with Naz

Tai Verdes

Los Angeles 

This beach is a secret hideaway. Less people more waves and sand. That might be cheesy but this beach is still great. There are cliffs overlooking the water where people are constantly taking pictures and even engagement photos. It’s towards Malibu so you also get that nice lil PCH drive towards this beach.

Monty's is a late-night burger place that is all vegan. These burgers vegan or not are some of the best in la. The milkshakes too are the cherry on top. If you want a real introduction of vegan food then go here and have your mind blown.

The sandy dunes in Malibu are kind of jaw-dropping to look at. I used to work out there twice a month when I was training for college basketball. That’s the type of workout you should look forward to when you’re climbing to the top of that sand. The reward is an amazing view of Malibu beach and you get to run down like a maniac.

This is where I get all of my clothes. Okay not all but most. This spot is overrun by people who love fashion. I don’t blame them. So many great vendors come to sell dope shit there. Every time I go there I find another staple of my closet. If you walk into the trading post you will walk out with something.

Where I performed my first show ever. I released my album on the night I played at Winston house. It’s a great venue where great artists come to make memories. I’ll never forget this place. You should definitely check it out if you’re looking more live music in your life.

This hilltop is for Instagram professionals only. You will get some pictures that might be cooler than all the pictures you’ve ever taken in your life. Sometimes if you go at the right time you will see a line of people waiting to snap the perfect shot. I think you should go get in line.

This is a very interesting museum in LA that I go to when people visit me. If you bring someone to this spot you can say that you have taste but your not too boujee. I love the creativity of all the modern art in this spot. Maybe one day I’ll make something that ends up in there.

This wall is iconic in LA. It’s right by the skate park in Venice and artists are always marking it up with amazing unique pieces. I’ve been there a bunch of times and almost every time I’ve seen an artist working on the wall live. I don’t think I could ever be a graffiti artist. Those people are so talented.

Bowl, double black beans, double pinto, a small amount of fajitas, mild salsa, guac, lettuce, orange vinaigrette, with an extra tortilla (NO MEAT). This was my order every single day for a year. The downtown chipotle next to staple centre in Los Angeles. This is the best chipotle in LA. I’ve never had anything stale or had anything missing in my order at this place. When I was going through some hard times the workers there even let me have some free chips because they knew me. This place is golden.

Secret Beaches in Los Angeles with Tai Verdes

Tesselated

Jamaica

"Secluded, calm beach spot. One of my favourite places to get away from the city for the day and just breathe for a minute.

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