The Bon Vivant Blog

Usually when you’re traveling in European countries, “Mexican” restaurants aren’t real Mexican food, but rather are Tex-Mex; so when we were in the beautiful lakeside town of Como, who would have thought that we’d find a “Mexican” restaurant that served some of the best pizza in town? This place was in the [...]

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This place is worth seeking out when you are in the city centre – seek it out more than once if you have time. As you stroll the streets of Florence displays of gelato piled high and decorated with fruit will entice you at every corner. Ignore those poor imitations of [...]

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A popular local Kensington coffee shop just off one of the busy streets. – but it is definitely worth the short stroll. There is no real signage except for the coffee cup with a galaxy-like symbol above the door.

The beans are roasted in house and the baristas rigorously trained before they serve actual customers. [...]

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A simple brown awning with charcuterie written in simple letters hides a den of deliciousness. Well – it is not exactly hidden since as soon as you look in the window/door you can see that this small restaurant is completely full – both at the tables and the small bar at the front.
The menu is [...]

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So we tried to tackle the list that a newspaper in France, Le Figaro, printed listing the best croissants in Paris. The list reproduced below:
LE CLASSEMENT DES MEILLEURS CROISSANTS DE PARIS (List of Best Croissants in Paris)
1 – Pierre Hermé
2 – Triomphe
3 – L. Duchêne
4 – Mulot
5 – Lenôtre
6 – [...]

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So we braved the line-ups and went back to Toshi’s. There is a no reservation policy so write your name on the list and be prepared to wait (and wait) unless of course you get there before 5pm (when it opens) or after 8:30pm. The restaurant only seats approximately 30 people. ALL [...]

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The perfect place for us to unwind and enjoy good simple food after the extravagance of Per Se.  One of Mario Batalli’s battalion of restaurants, this place hit the spot.  It is obviously a local favorite – still going strong after 11pm when we were seated.  Despite being busy and [...]

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