New Amsterdam Surf Association

Netherlands

Amsterdam

Ace & Tate

I chose Kaasland because it’s my summer hotspot to go have breakfast or lunch, like the best cheese and the best sandwiches. And it’s in the Haarlemmerdijk which is one of the nicest streets in Amsterdam. 

Kaasland

We’re at the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, that’s where the store is and that’s next to the dam so there’s not many places more central. During corona everything was kinda hard, especially during the winter months. I think it should be that community hangout spot for us, the surf team and everybody but I think now it’s just started to become that, because we can do the drinks and the afterparties and collection release parties here.

You have a lot of types of people jumping from the piers and everyone just brings their own towel and a lot of food and drinks. It’s a really fun place to just chill and get a tan. In summer it gets really busy so sometimes you really have to come early to get a good spot but it’s worth it. You can stay there for the whole day and usually at night, people will play music and maybe light little barbecues.

Buitenzwembad Marineterrein

It’s a spot that’s a little bit further away from the city centre, so for us, it’s a bit more local. It’s very DIY in a way and it has this mix of fine dining but not with a dress code and not with those prices and afterwards around 9pm they usually take out all the chairs and tables and it just turns up really, really quick.
 
It’s just a place where they don’t want to have too many rules and they just want to be very open-minded about everything and if stuff goes crazy, the owners will be the guys that go crazier. It’s very easy-going, it’s not about who you are, it’s about music and having fun with a lot of people. 

Skatecafe

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WizTheMC

Germany

Berlin

It’s easy to find good food on Sonnenallee, but finding great food is much harder. This one's a Lebanese take on hummus making, and they are doing the thing. The new white-tiled, highly-illuminated LED lit interior may not be the most inviting but the massive plates of mixed food + hummus will hit every spot possible.

Azzam

Another Sonnenallee steal. This one for the shawarma lover. Tell them you want the Arabisch. All will be good in the world.

Shawarma Albaik

Not a hummus-specialty, but doing some of the best shawarma this side of the Spree. The Lebanese family who runs this spot are incredibly lovely, and if you smile there, they slip in a piece of fried halloumi just where you take your first bite.

Nachtigall Imbiss

The craziness of Schlesi can drive anybody mad, but take a step away just here for a rejuvenating hummus bowl. Add a few falafels balls and you’re laughing. Shoutout my boy Anwar, for him the Kafta bowl is 'a cathartic experience'.

Hummusapiens

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Chuck Inglish

United States

Chicago

MacArthur's

Chicago’s most famous chicken shack - you go to Sears Tower and then go to Harold's - that’s what you do. It’s a tourist moment, but ya gotta do it.

Harold's Chicken Shack

This spot is like an international food market, food court kinda thing.

Eataly

This is a whole new breed of pizza spot - try the caramelised cheese crust.

Pequod's Pizzeria

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Top restaurant in the city - good date spot if you’re travelling with boo. Get the oxtail egg rolls!

Sunda

The experience during games is super live, dope wings and get the parmesan fries.

The Ogden

The buffalo wings & the sandwiches & the happy hours :)

Aberdeen Tap

The pasta salad, the brisket, the chicken, the selections of beers on draft, the architecture - that type of shit.

Green Street Smoked Meats

Chuck Inglish’s Top Chicago Food Spots

Connor Gibson

United Kingdom

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.

Theo's Pizzeria

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.

St John Bread and Wine

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.

La Chingada 

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.

Sarap

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.

South Hampton Arms 

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.

The Soho double - I Camisa & Sons and Bar Termini

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.

Palace Records

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Polyswitch 

Morocco

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. 

Marché Central

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. 

Jus Bordeaux 

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. 

Café Imperial

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. 

Habbous

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. 

Oliveri

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

El Hank Lighthouse

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.

Disques Gam

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Sujin Lee

South Korea

Seoul

Samcheon-dong is a very old classic art area. There have many art galleries and it’s also near by Gyeongbokgung Palace where you can experience old art culture.

Samcheon-dong

I love to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace when I want to feel calm.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

This is a very nice spot to see local Korean art exhibitions. If you want to feel some young art, you have to go Hongdae. This area is very famous in young art culture because of Hongik-university which is one of the famous art universities in Korea.

MMCA Seoul

I usually visit here for buying art suppliers, especially Homi art supply store. You can see good quality art supplies here.

Homi Art Supply Store

Sungsu-dong is getting popular not just for art, you can see the fashion and design culture. Samuel Smalls is really good to see vintage furniture and home accessories.

Samuel Smalls

If you like vintage clothes you have to visit Million Archive! So many beautiful vintage clothes are there, you can enjoy to see.

Million Archive

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Maachew Bentley

New York City 

Enough fog machines to sin continuously for 48 hours.

H0L0

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

169 BAR

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

House of Yes

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).

Baby's All Right

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.

Elsewhere

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.

Mr. Fong's 

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

Trans-Pecos

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.

The Lot Radio

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.

Moma PS1 Contemporary Art Center

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I’m so lucky to have moved so close to Bake Street, as you’ll find me and my son in there most weekends. He’s obsessed with the creme brulee cookie (there’s a reason it went viral with queues round the block). Their smashed burgers are, in my opinion, the best in London.  Also, the smashed patty melt and the birria totchos (like nachos, but on tater tots) are also up there as my fave. Follow them on instagram to be updated on the weekend menu, get there early to avoid disappointment and take someone to share so you can have a bit of everything. Big up Chloe and the whole team!

Bake Street

What can I say about Pelliccis that hasn’t been said a thousand times before?  It’s a classic, an institution; the Pelliccis needs to be treasured forever. The absolute best of the best cafe there is and ever was. Have the chips with mama’s homemade bolognese on top and don’t forget to buy a jar of Anna’s pesto sauce. You won’t regret it!

E Pellicci

My favourite place to get authentic Malaysian food, hidden down a side street in Chinatown. It’s a family favourite, and my go-to dishes are the five spice loh bak, was tan hor and Singapore laksa (my auntie’s favourite!).

C&R Cafe

This is my local butcher that turns into a cook shop restaurant in the evenings, serving the most delicious cuts of meat. They just know how to cook meat to perfection, and I’ve had cuts of meat in there that I wouldn’t normally order in a restaurant – and they have been the best bits of meat I have ever had in my life (sorry vegans). So blessed to have this close to me.

Hill + Szrok

This is another family favourite and we usually come here every year for Lunar New Year. It’s a seafood restaurant, but they’re really famous for their lobster noodle dish with ginger and spring onion – honestly, it’s that good! The deep fried dover sole with chilli and onions is also up there.

Mandarin Kitchen

I’m not really a bread-y type person, but I am a Rogue Sarnies fan. They make their own bread too, and it’s wonderful – not too doughy, not too thick, just the right proportions. Chef's kiss!  My current favourite is the grand lamb slam, a slow roast lamb shoulder drenched in lamb jus with caramelised onions, pecorino, land cress and a St John-inspired green sauce. They also have limited specials on the menu, so this is my chance to ask them to bring back the Hail Caesar.

Rogue Sarnies

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Lafat Bordieu

Chile

Santiago 

This is where I used to come and sell on the street, right on that corner. If the police came you’d go to Bellas Artes. There weren’t as many police as there are now. 

Lastarria 

An emblematic place. There are people selling art in spots like Galería La Curtiembre and Factoría Santa Rosa. I mostly move in the street or in festivals, but it's where artistic things are happening, for sure.

Franklin

An independent place, run by people who are interested in books. It has a good selection of titles.  Books are difficult to make a business out of; whoever decides to work in this industry is a form of resistance to a certain digital era, it’s a way to reaffirm the physical and tangible. Anyone who starts a business with books is excellent to me.

La Inquieta Librería 

Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre, GAM hosts various cultural fairs and exhibitions. It is a bureaucratic institution, but even so, it offers a varied mixture of things. What I most like is that it's a public space—where people can do there own thing; dance, sell, whatever, go to the library. It's an open community space, which is the main difference between a cultural centre and a purely artistic one. 

There’s a street market with a lot of secondhand items; people selling vegetables next to people selling art and other things. Another incredible place.

Parque los Reyes

There’s a mix between generations that go to this bar, and you always find interesting people, there’s good music playing and it's relatively affordable.

Costa Bright

I like to draw here because it’s relaxing. There are old museums, families on day trips, drunks, people BBQing, me drawing, dogs in the lake. I feel that it’s very Chilean, it’s a collage. You take things from here and there and put them together like cutouts—that’s my style too, mixing things.

Quinta Normal

A space that holds activities, with a genuine interest in supporting local and interdisciplinary art: vinyl records, books, and souvenirs.

La Tienda Nacional

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Intimate bar for natural wine and Vietnamese snacks. I’m Vietnamese and Connie craves Viet food often; she’s Korean, but I always say she's an honorary Viet. This place combines two of the things I enjoy consuming the most at the moment: natural wine and Viet food. Kitchen Co Ut is also a block away which might be one of my favourite Viet restaurants in the city if you want some more substantial grub nearby.

Lai Rai

Great spot to hit for light drinks before dinner. Personal favourite drinks are Cereal Milk and Melon Dew for well balanced flavours that aren't too sweet. Korean-owned and very cute!

Reception Bar

Eva and Emily are the sweetest and most hardworking friend duo you’ll ever meet. They were both in the fashion industry for a long time and quit to create their own coffee shop, creative space and wine bar in Brooklyn. We’ve hosted a few workshops here such as collaging and future-self visualisations. Get the pork bun and the hojicha Latte, their seasonal drinks are life-changing too, especially the rosemary matcha in the winter — ooph. 

⁠Land to Sea

I don’t know if they still have this, but the shrimp toast literally took our breaths away. This was one of our first work dates after we started AZN AMERICANA. Close to the L train. Definitely one of the best Asian restaurants in Bushwick, they have good cocktails too. Munzzy is Bengali-American and Harvey is Taiwanese-American (very cute co-owner couple) and their menu is celebratory of their own cultures but also other Asian cultures.

Monkey King 

Viet and French pastries and cakes, plus pandan for days! I would fight someone for the pandan coconut chiffon cake.

Bánh by Lauren

Best ice cream. Masala chai and sweetcorn saffron flavour. Crying.

Malai

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Canada

Toronto

My favourite Italian food in the city. The restaurant is beautiful, the food is so good, staff is amazing. Would recommend to anyone looking for elevated Italian. 

Giulietta

Specifically the one on Ossington (but they’re all great). They’ve got my favourite cold brew and the staff is so sweet.

Rooms Coffee

My go-to spot for a big cup of fresh squeezed juice. I make sure to always have cash in my wallet exclusively for Galaxy (cash only). 

Galaxy T&T

Best park in the city, always some entertaining sports to sit and watch or meet up with a friend and walk / have a picnic.

Christie Pits Park

My favourite Italian deli sandwiches & cannoli. Simple, light & flavourful. Follow the IG for popup info @tutto.panino. NB: Map location is not accurate, please check their IG for details of their pop-ups. 

Tutto Panino Sandwich Pop-ups

Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds. I go for the vintage shopping, butchers, fish mongers, produce, bars, vendors & consignment instrument shopping. There’s something for everyone.

Kensington Market

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James Cochran

If I was on death row, I’d take all the menu from Around the Cluck - with chips and curry sauce, and maybe cheese. Whether it's at your local high-street chicken shop or a high-end restaurant, fried chicken has become truly universal.

Around The Cluck

Morleys have always been fiercely south east London based - but have now actually ventured on to Brick Lane and Finsbury Park. It’s a fried chicken institution and has been a big part of my life since I was introduced to it back in the early 90s visiting Brixton for the first time with my mum. Four chicken wings for a pound has always been my go to order.

Morley's

To me these guys represent the new wave of how we eat chicken in London. They put a restaurant fried chicken on the map. The K-Pop is the standout burger and the Seaweed Crack Tenders are an absolute winner. The smacked cucumber is lovely, all the dips are on point. Their Suffolk-bred chicken is top quality and it’s Halal. You’re paying £20-£25 and you’re coming out well fed. The guys behind it, Carl and David, are top boys.

Chick 'n' Sours

The Keralan fried chicken from chef Will Bowlby has to be on the list. The first time I tried it I was with friends in Soho and I rang Will, and asked if we could pop down to check it out. It was incredible. It’s that traditional Deep South style fried chicken but with added Indian spices. Mayonnaise infused with curry oil, turmeric and black mustard seeds, deep fried curry leaves, mooli. Is it a fried chicken spot, no, it’s an Indian restaurant - but the fried chicken is on levels BELIEVE.

Kricket

This place is not known only for its fried chicken but I’m giving a shout out to Bao down in Borough Market. Me and some friends went there after watching the football. Taiwanese food, Asian food is one of my favourites. It’s full of spice, full of flavour. Bao is 100% on their game and their fried chicken is next level. It’s sitting in-between two pillows of aerated bao bun with this spicy mayonnaise, hot sauce, kimchi, coriander and the chicken was so juicy and nice. You can get a plate of chicken there as well. The restaurant is like an old-school restaurant you find in Chinatown in New York. It has that kind of cafe-style. We had a really good time there. They have another branch in Soho that is top too.

Bao Borough 

I got introduced to this Vietnamese restaurant when I was living up in Stoke Newington. The chicken wings with fish sauce caramel and garlic salt are outrageous and they’re an absolute bargain. They’re around six quid. It was my go-to delivery in lockdown because I was trying to eat healthy and I was always getting a pho - but as a little treat I’d get these wings. I rate them really, really highly.

Salvation in Noodles

After starting out small, fast forward a few years and they’ve got them all over London. They tea brine their chicken, then use buttermilk and a double coating of flour. The crack and crunch of the coating you get on their chicken is up there. There’s a reason they’re doing so well. Their menu is ever changing but go for The Cluck Bun.

Mother Clucker

I first went down to their spot on Peckham Levels when I was living in Peckham. It used to be a multi-story carpark. The council took it over as a hub to support the local community and give people with different skills or interests the tools to learn and make a success of themselves. They have a lot of workshops and classes going on, but on one level they’ve got a few takeaway joints. I saw it, my eyes lit up and I was not disappointed. They’ve got this naughty burger - it’s brown butter garlic mayonnaise, Parmesan, pickles, lettuce. They’ve got a few across London now. If I’m walking down the street and I see the sign, I go no further - I head straight to OSF. In Brixton there’s a little counter you can just sit at, in 10 or 20 minutes I’ve got my chicken fix and off I go.

Other Side Fried

Hear me out. McDonald’s Chicken nuggets were my Friday treat after school so they have to be in the mix. We’d go to the drive-through and I’d get my six chicken nuggets, and a whippy ice cream. I still devour these nuggets on the regular - with the curry sauce. Sometimes I take it home and put together two slices of bread, six nuggets, bacon, tomato and lettuce, I call it a McCBLT, you heard that here first.