Maachew Bentley

New York City 

Enough fog machines to sin continuously for 48 hours.

5$ for a beer and tequila shot during Happy Hour - ideal for a cheap drink in Chinatown to start your evening.

Ummmmm, if you’re invited there, and looking for some wild memories, just go. I’ll leave the rest up to you.

Another restaurant mainstay with a pretty big club room in the back, with two parties usually going on. Prolly get a free drink if you ask when Elvis Guesthouse II is coming (if you know you know).

Relatively new venue with three rooms, much like the infamous Output sans all the rules. Personal favorite, haven’t really swung a miss since I’ve been going, but do go there on a weekend.

Late night dive bar in Chinatown, where the writers go, hit or miss really just a destination for the late night chill, music played on vinyl only.

Summer vibe for the rave, day time for the outdoor backyard breather.

A plot of land on the cusp of GreenPoint / Williamsburg. The Lot has become a home for every artist and local pit stop passerby. Music is playing live from 12 - midnight in a cargo trailer much like your local NTS or Balamii booth, equipped with hammocks, fire pit and outdoor cafe.

As far as I’m concerned, they have the best programming schedule all year long. From book fairs, to immersive installations, to full day raves every Saturday during the Summer. You can’t really lose going here on an off day or when there’s a line round the block.

Maachew Bentley Trippin in New York

Farhot

Hamburg

Guess there’s always a rich and a rotten side in the area around any train station. Well, at least in Germany. This one’s defo not the posh side – sex shops, backyard mosques, junkies, pawnbrokers, and you won’t spot too many blonde folks around here. But you can find lots of great Middle Eastern food joints like Akdeniz Tantuni.

Doner Kebab might be the most popular Turkish food in Germany but to me, Tantuni, which is also a type of kebab, is defo in a yumminess league above. If you love kebab, try this!

Feels and tastes like home. This restaurant is named after the Hindu Kush mountain range that stretches through Afghanistan, so if my mom doesn’t have time to cook up something delish on a Sunday, this is where I get great Afghan cuisine.

I just love Vietnamese street food! Lately many places that offer pho and such have been popping up around town but to me this is definitely the best place to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine in Hamburg. Normally, you’d find me at their branch close to the main train station.

Good movies are a blessing and one of my main sources of inspiration. I’ve watched countless great movies at this art-house cinema right in the heart of the university district. Hope they’ll be able to open up soon because I miss that big screen feeling.

Want to get away from the city and just enjoy some peace in nature? Then just grab a bike and cycle along the Dove Elbe, which is the rough, untouched lower part of the Elbe River. Ok, I really think I’m getting old.

Hamburg has always been big on trade and is home to the world’s biggest warehouse district. Here, you can see how goods are delivered and maybe get a discount on oriental rugs if you buy them directly from wholesalers like my dad. The classic architecture of the warehouses is a great contrast to the ultramodern Hafencity buildings.

Greasy! That’s what this little Korean food joint is. Doesn’t really look inviting at all but the food is damn delicious. If you love deep fried food chicken as much as I do, then this is the place to go. Oh yeah, and make sure to check out our KABUL FIRE “DEEP FRIED” PLAYLIST for some extra crispy beats!

If you’ve been feasting on too much greasy food during your stay in HH city and feel the need to burn off some calories, I recommend hitting the Gorilla Gym. From boxing to Yoga. For grown-ups and kids.

Explore Hamburg with Farhot

GUAPDAD 4000

Oakland

Brazilian / Asian / soul food fusion spot. I know the chef personally and this food is VERY well prepared and upscale.

THE FILIPINO SPOT WITH HANDS DOWN THE BEST CHICKEN WINGS. GOTTA GET THE G FIRE CHICKEN WINGS. NO EXCUSES!

A dimly lit, very sexy, very tucked away sushi spot. Believe me when I say this is some of the best cuts of fish in the whole of the Bay Area

This is a nod to secret speakeasy spots. The hidden restaurant, the bar and the wings and burger are amazing and not to be missed.

The best thing since Philly cheesesteaks fact check me

In the Dubs ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best banh Mi !!!!! Exxxtraa latte


Oakland's Top Food Joints with Rapper, GUAPDAD 4000

Florentino

Manchester

Cafe Sanjuan in Stockport is just 10 minutes on the train from Manchester's city centre. It’s the only Colombian spot in Manchester run by a lovely family and the food is as authentic as it gets. While it’s also an important hub for the Colombian community in the area, they are super welcoming of anyone wanting to try something new. Their weekend specials are something to behold.

Growing up in Manchester I've seen a drastic change in the city centre. As gentrification continues in and around the area, finding a down-to-earth spot to have a drink and snack without getting your head blown off by generic Top 40 music surrounded by hoards of yuppies has become next to impossible. Peste feels like a sanctuary away from that, you can browse records, books and cassettes while having a bevy or a hot chocolate – and it's peaceful. When it’s busy, it’s always good people too. Definitely recommend it for pre-drinks, or if you’re in Sunday chill mode, this place is the one. They invite local favourites to play on the weekend too.

Pho No. 1, just opposite the main post office depot, lies on a road with a number of different Vietnamese spots. All of them have their own particular charm and great food, but I find the people running Pho No. 1 to be lovely people. Not only are all their mains to die for but one of the ladies in there has started to organise raves. I love to go in, get a spicy vermicelli noodle soup and get a little update on how it's all going.

Kabana is a Sunday classic. I was introduced to this spot of Joey B's and Samrai's (basically if DJs had club music parents, these guys are that to me) and I’ve never looked back. It’s a legendary spot. The nehari on Sunday is to die for.

The raspberry Danish is amazing. Its got very popular so you have to queue up but it is worth it.

Maybe one of the only true 24-hour spots in Manchester. This place is super important to workers working throughout the night and has been running since 1999. A classic after-the-club spot but also, the food's great, it’s worth going anytime.

Chicken Run in Moss Side makes these chicken splits that are to die for. Going down in the summer, ordering one and then walking down to Alexandra Park is something I’ve really enjoyed in recent years.

Pho Cue holds a special place in my heart. Not only is the name very tongue-in-cheek but the food is also ridiculously good. Located in Chinatown, what it does best is serve up exciting takes on Vietnamese dishes. Everything on the menu is incredible. Definitely worth the trip.

Where to Eat and Drink in Manchester According to Florentino

Mexico City 

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

Lea Egerer

Munich

This cute little pizza place just opened during lockdown and has been selling out almost every day since then. Since the young couple makes the dough fresh every day and it hast o sit for 54 hrs – so when its gone, its gone! Every pizza is vegan and so delicious that it makes this place deserve their name 100%. Personal favorite: Alla Nonna.

A completely vegan vietnamese restaurant that gives you so much interior Inspiration and the most amazing food. You should definetely try the summer rolls – the peanut sauce is to die for. 

Bavarian food usually means meat and fat. This place made it their mission to create vegan alternatives of the most traditional dishes and sucess at it, to say the least. Whataver you do/eat save some room for the Kaiserschmarrn! 

This cute, pink café just recently opened and is the only place to serve a vegan cheese platter in Munich. They also make the prettiest and tastiest cakes. Super Plus: the cafe dog Frida!

This place serves truffled fries as their regular fries. Don’t really need to say more. They also have amazing bowls and big glasses of wine for 5 Euro. Should definitely make a reservation before since its always crowded. Plays nice old school tunes the later the night gets.

Arepa, Tostones and Empanadas – the best of the venzualan kitchen is made here. They’re vegan friendly and take on any extra wishes. They also host wild parties on the weekends!

Munich's Best Restaurants with Lea Egerer

FYI Chris

London

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

BOY SODA

Sydney

I love this spot! The edge of the cemetery falls away into this big panoramic view of the ocean and it reminds me how small I am! It’s such a beautiful contrast of life and death and it’s humbling to feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. The sheer size of the cemetery is breathtaking, definitely a special location. 

There is something so local and comforting about Marrickville Bowling club. A lot of rehearsal spaces and hole-in-the-wall recording studios are on the same street so I love going there and watching the sunset as drunk people play bare foot bowls like it’s ten-pin and running into local artists. They’ve had amazing shows there and their live setup is weirdly amazing for how lowkey it is.  They also do a bomb nachos!

They make Banh Mi’s here in lightning speed plus it’s cheap and so so delicious! Super fresh salads and fresh bread, it’s *chef kiss*, just be prepared, people queue around the block! Definitely my go to spot if I'm working or frolicking around the area, because it’s a small, family-oriented business and I get the feeling the food is made with a lot of love! (There’s also super tasty Vietnamese iced coffee right next door to them!) 

Irreplaceable store, easily spotted by the window full of vintage kicks, or their beautiful dog Jazzy who greets everyone at the door! They have a crazy selection of new and vintage kicks and heaps of vintage tees, jackets, workwear, and accessories. There are a few vintage stores in Newtown but I trust Irreplaceable so much for their good taste, so I know I’m always finding that thing I didn’t know I needed in there. There’s also really good size range in everything so I always want to spend my whole pay check on vintage Carhartt pants! 

We’re blessed with a bunch of great vinyl stores in Sydney. If you’ve got a couple of hours to kill, nothing better than flicking through old vinyl racks looking for a gem. I always find great Jazz and soul records in here, and if you’re a producer who loves crate digging it’s a goldmine.

Everybody loves a cocktail but this bar is disguised as an old butcher’s shop so it’s fun and usually very intimate and cosy to hide away in! Friday night cocktail hour is calling your name! From memory they have freshly squeezed apple juice which I love with Fireball! 

Exploring Sydney with BOY SODA

ANONIE

The silkiest noodles. Hope you have a strong grip.

Next door to Mala Project. If you are feeling cheeky get the Mala Beef Rice Noodle.

If hugs were a food, it would be pho from Hanoi House.

Get the braised meatball noodle soup. The eight spices crispy tofu is a must.

I am really bad with spicy food. But I’ll eat the rice cake hot pot from Her Name is Han through tears if I have to (I want to).

Let’s not forget about ramen. Try the thin rye noodles like Tokyo Shio."

NYC’s Best Noodle Spots with Anonie

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

Sister's of Sound

Los Angeles 

Peruvian ceviche and amazing roast chicken.

The best bakery in LA! The Canales and Almond Croissants are a must.

Mom and Pop breakfast spot on York. No frills, just really good hearty breakfast. 

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