Casey MQ

Canada

Toronto

Fresh pressed juices and cold cut bánh mì sandwiches from this local restaurant. A gem in Toronto and the owners are incredibly kind. Plus their instagram is amazing.

Galaxy T&T

A great beach spot to suddenly feel a little removed from Toronto while maintaining a view from the city. There is a clothing optional area as well.

Hanlan’s Point 

I do not drink coffee but if I did, from what I’ve heard, I would purchase from The Common. I regularly get a tea and croissant from there though. Currently takeout but in the past I have spent a lot of time hanging out in there.

The Common

This family run restaurant in Parkdale makes excellent Momos. Lovely place!

Loga’s Corner

TECHNICALLY you could ride your bike from Leslie Spit through to Don Valley Trail but it would be a mission. It’s a beautiful bike ride though and Leslie Spit takes you to an outer point of Toronto where you end up looking right back at the city by the end of the epic trail.

Don Valley Trail

The Lightbox is not open at the moment but I’ve always loved the programming and have gone on solo dates there many times!

TIFF Lightbox 

This is a lovely fashion store in Toronto. Tightly curated selection of clothing and publications. The store really has it’s own demeanor.

Soop Soop

A great place to find preloved books. There are three locations at this point in Toronto but most of my purchases have been at the Bloor location. I basically stand around the recommended reads for a little too long.

Which brings me to the Toronto Reference Library lol. Last year I spent a lot of time at this library on the fourth or fifth floor. The inside is gorgeous. I actually spent a lot of time working on ‘babycasey’ at this library.

Toronto Reference Library 

I have only been here a few times at night but if you hope the fence which is not a particularly easy task - you can maybe get a few laps of swimming in!

Christie Pitt’s Pool

Similar Guides

Casey MQ takes us around Toronto

Spaghetto

Italy

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!

Beltrade

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.

WOW Spazio Fumetto

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.

Coccinella Pizzeria

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.

Bagni Misteriosi

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.

La Triennale

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

Artico Gelateria Tradizionale

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.

Sexsade

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.

Birrifico Lambrate

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.

Rob de Matt

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.

LibrOsteria

Spaghetto's Guide to Milan

David Hanes-Gonzalez

Mexico

Mexico City 

Boxers from all across the city and state flock here every Saturday morning. Better known as La Casa de Sparring. Ask for Coach Chicano and you’ll be in good hands. Getting here is an equally thrilling experience. You must travel through 10-15 minutes of tianguis, passing hundreds of people, carnicerias, fruit and vegetables vendors, and eventually walk up a flight of stairs of a large warehouse.

Los Recios de La Merced

Arguably the most scenic place to train in the city. Coach Tony Vega holds private and group classes early in the morning and every evening Monday to Saturday. A great place to train outdoors with a view.

Tony Vega

A historic gym located in the Transito neighbourhood. If you are an amateur boxer fighting in Mexico City this place is a rite of passage.

Pancho Rosales

Tucked in the middle of Tepito is another historic gym and home to many champion boxers. It’s open throughout the day with access to a soccer field as well. Come in early morning or around 4pm to train with some of them.

Deportivo Maracana

The centre for photography in all of Mexico. I'm very thankful that this institution exists. They have rotating exhibits featuring work from Mexican and Latin American artists, and frequently host workshops, portfolio reviews and other activities for artists of all ranges.

Centro de La Imagen 

Looking to surround yourself with fellow photographers, develop and buy film, and work on your creative projects all from a rooftop? At Dichroic Lab you can do all that. My go-to place for my film developing needs and nerding out on all things photography.

Dichroic Lab

Come for the coffee, stay for the music. Half coffee shop, half record store where the baristas DJ vinyl. A great space to edit photos or catch up with a friend. The music is so good that using headphones is almost frowned upon. At night they become a cocktail joint with rotating DJs. A must visit.

Hule

My perfect night out consists of live music. Former apartment-turned-jazz-club featuring music from local and international musicians. An intimate space, perfect for a date night or gathering with a group of friends. Make a reservation two days in advance so you can get a seat in the main room.

Casa Franca

A good indicator of a classic taqueria is one that doesn’t have Instagram or accepts cards. This is my favourite in all of the city. If you need a reason why, read the 40,000 reviews on Google Maps or check out the line on any given Saturday or Sunday morning. Order the carnitas, you won’t be disappointed.

Taqueria el Gran Abanico

A small pulqueria and cantina located in Roma. A place I like to take visitors. Come here during the day or late night with a group of friends. Order a round of mezcal shots and pitcher of coconut pulque while listening to Mexican classics like Luis Miguel, Juan Gabriel and Los Angeles Azules.

La Nuclear

A Guide to Mexico City’s Boxing Gyms and Cultural Hotspots

Steven Julien 

United Kingdom

London

Og status! They been in the game for a min, I’ve been going there since they had their lil shop on St Annes Court Soho, with the sliding glass doors and shoes in metal cages. Sometimes I pop in the current location to check what’s new!

Footpatrol

A more refined selection of shoes, limited or sometimes hard-to-get sneakers, especially collabs, but overall a chill shopping experience and very well curated.

DSM London

Family Patta, big the crew up. I was honoured to score for their Nike campaign for the “air max 1 waves”. Great shoe, I got all the colours except one, anyway nice lil shop to cop sneakers.

Patta Soho

I’ve been going there for timeeeeee! I even paid my lil bro to queue there for a limited shoe—some MTV Raps Puma Clyde’s—think only 200 and odd pairs made! Fatima, who I collab with even worked in there years ago, as well as some other friends. It's good to see it’s still there, I occasionally pop in to see whats up.

size? Carnaby Street

Lil cheeky Sports Direct comes in handy now and then! Getta quick fix on some all black or white air max 95s, no frills, straight to the point pit stop when wanting new simple shoes.

Sports Direct Stoke Newington

Steven Julien on London's Best Trainer Shops

Maeve

Cayman Islands

This is where a lot of the locals get their fish fry. In my opinion, it's the best place on island for fish fry. They also have tables under cabanas on a beach and it's on the quieter side of the island.

Grape Tree Cafe

My favourite spot on the Island. Not only do they have amazing food but they throw events like live music and parties. It's an amazing cultural and creative hub. They use a lot of local produce, give a lot back to the community and support local creatives.
If you go you should ask for Aris Latham's vegan pie - it's unreal.

Tillies

It's a local tradition to hop on a boat and go to Rum Point on a Sunday. It can get pretty crazy - everyone anchors at a sandbar plays music and it always ends up being a big party. You can't miss this tradition if you come to Cayman!

Rum Point

They have insane Trinidadian and local food here but my favourite thing to get are the doubles. The best hangover cure is getting takeaway from here.

Singh's Roti shop

Little Cayman is the smallest island of the three and though the majority of tourists visit Grand Cayman - Little Cayman is an amazing place to go for a couple of days to recharge. Everything is slow moving here and it's so peaceful. You can rent scooters and explore the island.

Little Cayman

A quiet beach named after the fact that it's got little starfish dotted around the shore. You can get there by boat and anchor in the shallows. It's a nice place to chill with friends.

Star fish point

Here you can get local art and amazing produce from local farmers. Also cool place to meet some Caymanians and get some advice on what's going on on the island.

Farmers Market

Discover the Cayman Islands with Maeve

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.

RESERVA

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

Coox Hanal

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.

Casa de Roberto Cantoral

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!

C.O.M.E.

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.

Casa Del Indio Fernández

Mexico City with Girl Ultra

Khruangbin

United States

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.

Nancy's Hustle

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

Cactus Records

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.

Rudyard's

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

The Flat

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

Triple J's Smokehouse

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

Kennimer Co. Hat Shop

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

The Blue Hand

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)

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

Crumbville

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

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Khruangbin's Favourite Spots in Houston

Thailand

Bangkok

A therapeutic escape to the greener side of Bangkok for nature lovers and daytrippers. Tip: for the sunset, you can visit Hidden Woods.

Bang Kachao

Located in the historic venue of Bangkok 1899, Bar Na is a fantastic addition to Bangkok's growing scene of alternative listening bars. The atmosphere and music is spot on, complemented by a standout cocktail selection. Here's a tip: try the Pisco Sour.

Bar Na by Na Projects

Built with love, and managed by a group of amazing folks. It's fun, cosy and a space to dance with a versatile selection of music being played throughout the week. It also serves up great cocktails. A little tip: don't forget to flash a big smile and give the bartender, Arm, a high five.

12 × 12

All about immersing yourself in music at this bar and embracing the idea of experiencing full-length albums from beginning to end. The owner, a passionate vinyl collector, shares this collection with guests through an audiophile-grade sound system. Get involved!

Freaking Out the Neighborhood

A great place for runners to sweat out the week or weekend.

Benjakitti Forest Park

Sunju Hargun on Where to Unwind in Bangkok

Paulo Saul 

Brazil

São Paulo

First things first, my chosen family and I are a walking party. If we are training for the balls or just voguing in the middle of the streets, we for sure bring life to the party. You can find us at the coolest places and at your closest function snatching all the grand prizes.

HOUSE ØF BLYNDEX

MARSHA! is a festival that celebrates and empowers trans lives. With its latest online version, it gathered many artists with an extensive line-up of talks about issues and demands of the trans community and many shows and performances by various forms of art.

Festival MARSHA!

Way more than just a party: it’s a platform for young black queer artists and a one-of-a-kind experience in São Paulo’s nightlife. If at the end of the night - probably morning already - and you’re not exhausted from dancing, it was not Batekoo.

Batekoo

“Queer music by queer people” - an online radio party featuring the best of Brazilian queer talents in the music scene. Not limited by music genre but open to all forms of expression.

Bumbum

Away from the center of the city, in the middle of the southern outskirts of town, Crash Party is an independent party organized by young queer people living in Capão Redondo. The idea is to showcase new local talents and have fun.

Crash Party

From the east side to the world, Helipa LGBT brings you the best of funk music and Brazilian culture.

Helipa LGBT

Amazing visuals and experimental sounds, Vorlat is a party to discover the new and what is yet to be defined (or not).

Vorlat

A reunion of many different versions of queerness with lots of fashion, beauty and personality. Chernobyl is where the outcasts get together to listen to great underground music and have a great time.

Chernobyl

It’s a bar, a restaurant and a tiny dance club. The perfect place to meet your friends, have some amazing drinks and vibe to cool music.

Pavão Bar

One of the biggest and most popular electronic music events in São Paulo. From the sound to the performances (known to be mesmerising) everything from Mamba represents the essence of São Paulo.

Mamba Negra

Queer Spaces in São Paulo

Interplanetary Criminal

Manchester

The finest menswear shop in the north. Original Mephisto stockist and curated garms. OP is a certified dress code in Manchester.

Oi Polloi 

Spent a lot of time behind the cage in Room 1 – what more could you ask for in a club in Manchester? Gritty with great sound and the finest line-ups. Chef's kiss.

Hidden

The only place to get exceptional vintage Italian designer wear among other pieces in Manny.

Gone Fishing Vintage

Secondhand vinyl mostly [with] a massive bounce/donk collection alongside house and techno. I’ve found some gems in here.

Vinyl Exchange 

Arguably the best club nights in the UK. The production levels are insane, the line-ups are phenomenal and it's in a massive warehouse.

The Warehouse Project 

The Smithfield Social

I’ve heard people say this is the best club in the UK right now, and I can get beside that. It feels closer to Berlin than the UK, housing a lot of sick Manchester-based collectives' club nights.

The White Hotel

Interplanetary Criminal’s Guide to Clubs and Shops in Manchester

It’s kind of the skaters of Milan headquarters and it was also the first bar I went to, to celebrate my birthday the first year I moved to Milan. I’m pretty attached to it.

Tutti Fritti

My friend works there and she makes the best sweet and spicy shots, and as a shots girl that just gets me emotional.

I would say that [this bar] is like a landmark in Milan. There’s a tiny club underneath and the owner is known and loved by everyone. It’s also the first place I ever DJ’d in front of people, so also a lot of sentimental value for me.

LOVE

One of my favourite trattorias in the city, I think one of the few trattorias left in  Milan, that still has the OG mindset of it. It’s like going to your nonna’s house for lunch: authentic Italian meals at super reasonable prices. I always go there to have a nice lunch or dinner with friends, it’s always good energy and good food.

Il Brutto Anatroccolo

There’s a Nigerian restaurant that actually isn’t on the internet, it’s called Jarnas Bar and Cafeteria in Via Lodovico Settala 3 (Angolo Via Panfilo Castaldi 23), but it’s super cute and authentic with Madam Eve that runs the show. It’s primarily a bar, but if you call in advance you can create your own menu, and if you go there randomly there’s the meals of the day. I absolutely love it, I was looking for a place in Milan to eat Nigerian food and when I found this gem I almost cried. I organised a massive dinner with a bunch of my friends so they could try it as well.

Jarnas Bar and Cafeteria

I’m obsessseeeeedd with tacos. I could probably eat just tacos for the rest of my life and the absolute best tacos in Milan are Santo Taco. Super authentic tacos and cocktails, in a cute a cosy restaurant, 10/10 in love.