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March 5, 2016

Last month I visited Budapest. The city is really beautiful and in tourism terms it seems to be doing much better than when I last visited in 2012. Then I visited at the beginning of the summer and in spite of the fact that this last time I went there in the middle of the winter, I could see that there were more tourists. And the prices have gone noticeably up. But luckily traditional foods haven’t changed that much. Here you are a feature with ten key products and dishes to better understand Hungarian food culture. 

 
 

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A Return to the Past for Lodestars Anthology

February 1, 2016

A return to the past

If there is a European country where heritage and everyday life coexist in a perfect combination that is Italy.
The Borghi -Italian word for villages- define themselves as the most beautiful villages in Italy. And likely they are. For a Borgo to be accepted in the Club, they need to meet strict requirements, like the need of architectonic harmony within the urban fabric and building heritage, or high standards of quality of life for those who live there.  However, for us the wandering travellers, the Borghi offer among many delights a haven of peace wrapped with delicious food. Here you are a small selection of the most picturesque villages in Italy and what to see when you get there.
 


Apricale, Liguria
 
Apricale is a dream hill borgo surrounded by lusciously green mountains and olive groves in northern Italy, less than 20 miles away from the French border. With statues dating back to 1267, it was the first village to become independent in the whole Liguria region. Apricale has a rich history and boasting Italian small village charm, life happens around the small piazza with a Gothic fountain. Never has a name been more appropriate, as Apricale derives from the Latin word “Apricus”, that means “sunny, exposed to the sun”.  And similar to centuries ago when the name was first coined, the privileged setting where it is settle, on top of a hill, allows that the sun’s rays filter through the narrow medieval streets all day long. The historic centre is admirably well preserved and if you can avoid the signs of our contemporary society, like the inviting cafes, you can truly transport yourself to medieval times

Read more and buy your copy here.

Lodestars Anthology Issue 5, A Return to the Past by M�nica R. Goya

See more here.

 

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Bar Tartine

February 8, 2016

We were lucky. After a misunderstanding with the booking we were left with no reservation at Bar Tartine, one of the restaurants that was on our must-visit list when in SanFrancisco. Fortunately a last-minute cancellation saved us from returning to the UK without enjoying it. Whatever you do, don't leave SF without trying their delicious DIY pickles, cheese and everything else. Read more on Plate Selector.

 

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Feast at Lele

December 1, 2015

Life in Maui (Hawaii) goes at a different pace. It constantly feels as if tomorrow is a long time. It is this amazing island where clichés coexist with amazing surprises. This luau was one of them: the most widespread Hawaiian cliché (hula dancing), of course packed with tourists AND locals. Locals do attend luaus! Who would have told... Check my review here.

 

 
 
 

Tartine Bakery

November 25, 2015

Tartine Bakery is one of the reasons why San Francisco might be the best city in the world. I wish we could have such a relaxed vibe here in London and also those morning buns. And croissants. And lemon tarts. And basically anything they sell there. You can read my review now on Plate Selector.

 

 
 

Gringa Dairy

November 22, 2015

Kristen is a modern hero. She makes Mexican cheese from her south London dairy, Gringa Dairy. Born in California, she quit her corporate job to start her own food business without having worked in that industry before. And she made it. Her story is really inspiring, read more on Comidas magazine.

 

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Caffe Trieste

November 15, 2015

While road tripping the Golden State I shot this story about the cafe that introduced the espresso in California. We coincidentally chatted with a lovely couple who had met at the Caffe in their hippy days back in the 70s and surprisingly she happened to be from southern Spain. Read more here. 

 
 

 
 

E5 Bakehouse

November 04, 2015

E5 Bakehouse is one of my favourites cafes in London and my absolutely go-to place for bread. I was delighted to photoshoot the bakery and interview the founder, Ben Mackinnon, for Plate Selector.

Spending time behind the counters confirmed what I suspected: they are indeed a happy bunch. You can read the story now here.