Location is Secure

The people in Meru, Selangor are really afraid someone will nick their stuff! 
Or maybe this is just a clever way to re-purpose them containers in which autoparts are being shipped in?
 

Now I need Grappa!

The treasure trove of hotel grade stuff has delivered again. Every time we stumble into this thrift shop specialised on hotel furniture and fittings, we find something. This time, it was Grappa glasses from one of the top glass manufacturers. At the price offered, we could not resist, but had to buy a few packs.

Now we need Grappa. 

(This was posted in Jacqueline's Instagram, Riedel was tagged and they even commented!)

I am sure SOMEONE needs this!

If you thought that collecting Ultraman or Godzilla figurines is an obscure hobby, wait until you come across the more drastic vending machines in Japan. I am sure that this kind of plastic model would fit in SOME diorama, however,... I will stick with Deadpool for 300 Yen. 

A Different Stay in Japan

 

Being it for business or pleasure, Japan is and remains the darling of international travellers. Being it for business or pleasure, the choice of the hotel one is staying in has a huge impact.

Wanting to stay away from a more common experience, or needing a bit more space, MIMARU is a brand that should catch the attention of seasoned travellers that value a more personal touch while enjoying the comfort of a sophisticated space. MIMARU is an apartment-hotel brand with two series—MIMARU and MIMARU SUITES. While the SUITES series offers exclusively suite-type layouts, both series provide spacious apartment-style accommodations across Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with 27 properties on their roster.

The Experience
When booking a hotel room, one would not just pick four walls, but a heart and soul that embodies the brand. Aimed at two distinct groups of travellers, MIMARU offers a variety of apartment layouts—from studio-type units to one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments—comfortably accommodating groups of four or more. Thus, the first group are travellers that require a base for a prolonged period of time. Once settled in, MIMARU anchors guests nicely, as will be explained in a moment. The other type of travellers are families or groups of friends that would prefer to have an apartment-style hotel, accommodating up to 10 persons, rather than splitting up into separate rooms.

With staff from all over the world, speaking some 40 languages, there is surely an immediate connection one can make upon check-in. Many hotels claim to be a home away from home. However, very seldom does the level of familiarity reach the state where one will claim to be going home when referring to the hotel. MIMARU is different.

MIMARU is truly different in many ways as travellers will experience when making use of the facilities. While the property described here is their Tokyo Nihimbashi property, one is to expect the same when opting for any of their other apartments.

The Lobby that Ain’t
No matter where, checking into a hotel almost always means that the lobby is the first intense point of contact with the hotel of choice. In the MIMARU the lobby is not just a lobby. It is a gathering space, a social area and a second living space. Minimalist, functional and thoughtful decorated, the space around the check-in counter serves as a nook where one can retreat to read a book. It is also a café. With the idea of it being a social place in mind, MIMARU has rented out the space to an independent F&B operator.

It is here where the guests come together in activities that the hotel staff are curating. A nightly Sake-tasting not only educates but also bonds with others that may have the same passion for the Japanese rice wine. Kids are being entertained with activities that are both educational and fun: mask painting and crafting Halloween decoration were the theme during this stay.

The absolute stand-out during this visit was the tableware, crockery and tools on “display”. As this display is not just a display, it could well be the most though-through aspect of staying in any apartment hotel! Not only are these items samples from another nearby shop, but they are available for guests to be used in their apartments. When cooking in the kitchenette, these items become Instagrammers delights as well as allowing the chef to spruce up the dishes with varying plates, cups and accessories. Combining it, one can take the Sake from the sampling to the room, complete with a set of sake cups.

Room to Unwind
The MIMARU properties are designed to allow guests to unwind, to have a home away from home. Thus, there is no workstation in the apartment. Guests are meant to leave the work behind in the office. One will immediately appreciate the minimalist, functional style of the rooms though. A living room with kitchenette are part of all the MIMARU apartments. Serving as a hub, from there the other rooms can be accessed.

Plenty of storage space, closets and shelving supports the idea of either serving for long-term stays or groups of people settling in. With a full set of kitchen utensils (that can be supplemented from the aforementioned displays in the lobby), the comfort is immediate.

Stemming from the Onsen culture, bathtubs can be found in many hotels in Japan. MIMARU does not make an exception and dipping into the hot water after a long day on the road will be welcome before heading to the sofa or bed. Bedrooms may either feature en suite bathrooms in addition to common, shared ones. MIMARU has taken the art of minimalism to a different level, a reflection of Japanese culture in many ways: there is nothing unnecessary in the rooms, yet everything one needs is on hands. The zen this achieves extends into the bedrooms, which are havens of calm and unclutteredness. 

With the focus on families travelling, MIMARU has also in place an ingenious service that may be unique to them (at least the author has never heard of it being offered anywhere): parents may enjoy time to themselves with the kids being looked after in an in-house play pen, supervised by babysitters. Enjoying an evening out, watching a show or meeting friends in another city without having to look after filia or filius has never been made easier. 

Fully Immersed

The neighborhoods in which MIMARU properties are located in are carefully chosen to support the very idea of the hotels being a home. Within walking distance, there will be all of what is needed for extended stays. From local (and very yummy) ramen shops to supermarkets, Daiso and banks. On the weekend, it is not uncommon for roads to be closed for local activities, which MIMARU guests are naturally also invite to partake in.

It is a hallmark of the brand to find interesting buildings, such as office towers that MIMARU refurbishes to suit their needs. Connectivity is playing an important role in the selection of the locale with train stations always in easy reach of any MIMARU property. The MIMARU Tokyo Nihimbashi can be reached within a few moments walking from the Ningyocho station. Ningyocho station is one station along the Toei Asakusa Line, which allows direct access to both, Narita and Haneda, airports.

Dolls, Kabuki and Merchandise
The MIMARU mentioned here is located in an area that is known as Ningyocho, meaning "Doll Town," originated in the early Edo period as a major entertainment district in Tokyo, home to numerous kabuki theatres and puppet shows. It developed around these theatres and the artisans who made and repaired puppets, which is how it got its name. Despite later fires and the relocation of its theatres, the district preserved its traditional atmosphere through events like the move of Suitengu Shrine and the survival of WWII bombings, retaining elements of old Tokyo's charm.

On display in the MIMARU are several dolls that are on loan from a nearby shop that has been making and selling artisanal dolls for decades. Acting as a display case, the MIMARU features a number of them as talking points or suggestions for souvenirs. In particular the samurai helmet turned pen holder on the check in counter caught our attention. 

Legends of the Grill

Another photo taken after getting the grill started at 4:30am. This time, it was a 12-hour cook of pork.

Once the temperature has settled, the monitoring morphed into some...shall we say, resting?

And then we add some other stuff on a separate grill at around 4:30 pm: with 1.3kg, this being the largest Tomahawk we have grilled to date. 

Denim Red! At the Hyatt Centric KL's 1st Anniversary

Now home to a lifestyle hotel, the former KFC building in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, is yet again ready to be the tapestry for stunning events. Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur Celebrates Its First Anniversary with “Centric Turns 1 – Book, Scratch & Win” and a line-up of Festive Offerings. With the PETRONAS Twin Towers turned into giant representations of Christmas trees, it will be difficult to find a better backdrop for a month-long celebration. 

We had the privilege to be invited to their pre-launch tasting, which happened on the 25th November. The theme "Denim Red" at first sounded like a code word, but turned out to be the request to wear jeans of sorts with red clothing. Or accessories. Matched the Twin Towers lighting later that night. And the wine that was served.

As if one reason to celebrate is not enough: Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur rings in its first anniversary this December with a double celebration. For extra excitement, the launch of its exciting “Centric Turns 1 – Book, Scratch & Win” campaign highlights the culinary delights for this festive season. In a series of festive dining experiences at IL Forno, the hotel’s signature Italian restaurant, the food is supported by a month-long Festive Happy Hour at @21 Rooftop Bar. City-dwellers and holiday makers are invited to sample limited-edition holiday cocktails served against sweeping views of the city skyline in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Curious travellers and savvy locals can look forward to festive cheer, elevated flavours, and rewarding surprises!

In celebration of an incredible year in Kuala Lumpur, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur invites guests to participate in its first-ever “Book, Scratch & Win” campaign. Until 18 December 2025, guests who book and check in between 1 December and 18 December 2025 will enjoy the opportunity to scratch and win exclusive rewards upon check-in.

“Celebrating our first year is incredibly meaningful — and this campaign is our way of thanking our guests for supporting our journey in Kuala Lumpur,” says Sebastian Krack, General Manager, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur. “Every stay comes with a chance to win, making the festive season even more exciting and rewarding.”

In conjunction with the 1-year anniversary celebration, the hotel’s signature Italian restaurant, IL Forno, presents a culinary festive line-up inspired by the warmth of la tavola italiana. Guests can look forward to specially curated Christmas Eve Dinner, Christmas Day Lunch, New Year’s Eve Dinner, and New Year’s Day Lunch menus crafted by Executive Chef Carbone Vincenzo and Chef de Cuisine Christian.

The menus feature handcrafted pastas, rustic roasts, festive Italian dishes, and signature desserts — blending Italian tradition with Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant flavours.

“Food brings people together, especially during the holidays,” said Executive Chef Carbone Vincenzo.

“Our festive menus are crafted to feel comforting, joyful, and perfect for sharing,” added Chef de Cuisine Christian.

Guests dining at IL Forno during the festive season will also enjoy exclusive perks and the option to extend their celebrations at @21 Rooftop Bar, featuring skyline views, creative cocktails, and countdown excitement.

I don't always drink Grappa, but when I do, I see to it that an Italian chef is joining me. 

Worthy Deals:

Special menus are available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Early bookings are encouraged as World of Hyatt members enjoy 10% off, and guests who book by 22 December can take advantage of an Early Bird 15% discount on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day feast. The team around Chef Enzo stands ready to take your orders.

Asia Harley Days 2025

It has been a long time since Crossy made me sign up to become a member of the Sydney Motorcycle club. It was in 1999 that we rode together. To the Robertson Pie Shop it was. Since then, I have moved around the region. Without any powered two-wheeler though. On the invitation of Harley Davidson Asia, I was able to join their festival in Khoa Yai, Thailand, 21^st and 22^nd November 2025.

Khao Yai, which is located a good 2.5 hours north-east of Bangkok by Harley. The National Park covers more than 2,000 square kilometers of forest and grassland in central Thailand. More than 50 km of hiking and biking trails wind through the long-standing nature preserve, and its many waterfalls include 150m-tall Haew Narok and 20m-tall Haew Suwat, immortalized in the Danny Boyle film 'The Beach.' The park also shelters diverse wildlife such as bears, gibbons, elephants and hornbills.

The festival is the fourth instalment of the annual event. Roving, it was hosted in Midwinter, Khao Yai this year. Bikers from 20 countries joined the festival with many taking the opportunity to tour Thailand for a few days before parking at the event to celebrate a shared interest. Patches from all over the world could be seen. Proud groups of biker clubs were invited onto the stage to receive numerous awards. Somehow, it seemed that Malaysian clubs won a lot of awards.

The motto ”United we Ride” was brought to live in the many activities that the organisers put together. Reflecting this motto, sponsors also contributed to good causes: Helmet Heros is a organisation that raises funds to sponsor helmets for children. Poorer families may already struggle with the cost of school uniforms and may not have the funds for even the cheapest helmets while a powered two-wheeler may be the only way for the parents to get their kids to school and back home. 

I was riding my famous "Ghoster" custom bike to the event. Did not win anything in the awards show. Maybe people didn't see the same beauty in it as I do. 

Improved Chances

Should you wish to propose, maybe the mall opposite this Marriott in Beijing is THE place to do so?

Said shopping mall rather interesting: lots of local products to be had for VERY little money. Great shopping experience despite the usual Chicken talk to Duck situation with neither of the shop keepers nor me speaking a shared language. 

Would have grabbed more, but luggage limited. Toys, shoes and hot pot restaurants the highlights in this place. 

Pride and Prejudice

This is at the morning wet market. Now, I KNOW that this is the market. And I know that it is not a cleanroom. However, it irks me to no end that the food vendors cannot present themselves with clean utensils. This bucket is for customers to wash their hands after fingering about the produce. Ok, good service. But what does this grimy bucket signal? Typically, the other plastic items are equally ghastly and unkempt. 

Is it a case of customers don't caring what sort of containers their food items are being stored and handled in? If yes, then I wonder what their homes look like! Or is it a case of them vendors having no pride in what they are doing? Let me have your comments as I really like to know why the tools these vendors use are always dirty, torn, broken, and yucky. 
 

Bargain Hunting in Beijing

 

Although I found some real bargains in this mall, it was a bizarre experience. Massive that construct, and nobody in there. Convenience stores offered a nice range of snacks, weirdly wonderful drinks and beers. Plenty of shoe shops in the Leduogang Outlet Shopping Mall as well, which satisfied my craving. And again, one realises how cheap things can be outside of Malaysia. 

Maybe it was the time of the year or day, but I couldn't help feel bad for the people running businesses in here as there was hardly any traffic. 

Meanwhile, the award for most helpful people goes to McDonalds in this centre. Duck and Chicken kind of language situation afforded some creative thinking. Since one cannot change back coins to other currency, I wanted to spend the pocket-full of metal. Plonked it onto the counter with a note that I would want to spend this on Google Translate. 

And finally! A smart use of the self-order kiosk: the manager simply scrolled to the item that I was able to buy with my coinery. She printed the ticket, prepped the food and send me snacking, feeling much lighter. 

Backstreets of Shinagawa

On our recent trip to Japan, we stayed a few nights in Shinagawa. Opposite the hotel, beyond the train station is a maze of tiny streets which house a lot of awesome, tiny restaurants. We randomly picked one, ended up having a mountain of meat. Thanks to some very helpful locals, who in broken English, helped us to sign up for happy hour, we had free flow of drinks too. 

View from the hotel is also stunning, with the Tokyo Tower visible in the back. Walking distance kinda. The location is rather compelling with a lot of shopping around the hotel and great food. Plus the connectivity is very good. 

The 82 Ale House in Shinagawa has some educational bits put up in their restrooms. . . Fun fact: I was sat in that very same pub in 2013, when Isuzu organised a media trip and I came up from Osaka on the Shinkansen, having done some work on a project for Nagano Science....

Panda Says Hi!

While Japan may have Sushi on their conveyor belts, Beijing's airport welcomes you with a Panda. Beijing airport is big. Lots of walking, lining-up, trains etc to navigate. The process of getting through it takes a while longer than in most airports I am going through. Seeing Panda here puts a smile on ya face. Nice touch and let's you forget the stress of rushing along for a while. 

Left!

I did not even pick the unit to rent when I moved into this apartment in 2015. Having lived there for 10 years, there is a lot of good memories created. The tiny place got us through the pandemic, it was a Oasis to come home to after short or long trips abroad, alone or as a couple. 

Now settled into "The House", the unit will be re-taken by the landlord, who has been phantastic in dealing with him. Never any issues, nothing was ever a problem. I might be missing the view onto the park landscape a bit though. 

Now converting our new home into a resort-style living situation. 

This Tanked

First it was ship models. Little plastic things. Graduated to a 60 cm Bismarck at one point, which COULD have been fitted with remote control and all. Never gotten around to it. My favorite model was the German WWII U-Boat. 

Later on I would fly remote controlled gliders and little Cessnas with 1.87cm3 two-stroke engines. We used to go to "the hill" to fly them. Sometimes I would cycle to our airstrip. 

On a recent trip to Bangkok I grabbed a tank model. It was one of those for kids aged 8 - 10. Still a lot of fun as this did not require any glue or paint. All clipped together and stickers for the paint job. A very satisfying 90 minutes assembling this while having a glass of wine. 

Auf der Wiesn

Oktoberfest in Johor Baru, courtesy of Gemilang Coachwork. They had the appropriate attire and glasses on hand to make this a rather exciting night!

Managed to teach them "ZickeZackZickeZacke Hoi Hoi Hoi!"

Hey Seksi!

I wouldn't want to get arrested by these fellas.... 

Busworld Europe clearly had some surprises for the visitors from near and far. Must be a Belgium thing, I guess. 

An Icon - Still not Visited

The Busworld Europe Exhibition takes place right opposite the Atomium in Brussels. I have seen pictures of this structure in a book I was reading when I was 10 years old. So close, yet so far, I have not managed to get into the Atomium to get to the top and enjoy the view. Maybe next time I am here?

Would have liked to have a bit of a guided tour of the city as it was my first time here. Found some awesome sandwich, had some nice beer and VERY good Italian food. Surely, I would have missed out. Given the short stay, I was not able to really explore the place, get some research going on what to do and see. After all, this was a business trip with a clear mission. 

These Shoes Are Made For Walking

Saw this outside the train station in Brussels. Makes you wonder what would have happened here for these 2 pairs of shoes to be left here. Makes you also wonder if the beer cans are related or if there are separate stories here. Somehow, this feels like straight out of a Bourne sequel. 

Only in KLIA 2

So, these unattended suitcases stood around for a good ten minutes. I went through the trouble to notify a gate staff, who told me "not my responsibility" KLIA2 always makes you feel safe, don't it. In any other airport this stuff would have been removed and / or people trying to get to it tackled to the ground after such a long time....
 

These Pictures Are Real

Some of the photos I post here seem to be too outrageous to be real. Trust me: I walk around and often stumble upon the most ridiculous stuff. Always a quick draw, the camera captures it.

So, no matter how outrageous, the photo is real!
 

The Cafe Wheel of Fortune

 Seen in a Cafe in Thailand while on "Rescue Dawn" to assist a relative in hospital. Doesn't anyone think "Uh, that gonna be some ridicule online somehwere..."?

Me, I would like to buy a "L". 

Others... I don't know how dirty your mind is. Sorry, no competition here. You MAY leave your thoughts in the comments, but there won't be any Toy Yoda. 

Still the Same after 45 Years

Haven't posted what I toasted in a while. I guess you guessed: Still the same every morning. And even in a hotel I would still stick with the same 2 Toast and a coffee routine. 

Funnily enough, these toast pics used to be the most commented on in Facebook. Now I want to know how much variety other people put into their breakfast. 

Prevent Wardrobe Malfunctions with

 

Intoxication or Not, THAT is One Question

Stumbled across this sign. And although legal in Thailand and in Holland, I never had the urge to try Cannabis. Somehow, the idea of having to roll it into a cigarette type delivery device that then needs to be smoked is somewhat off-putting to me. I stick with Beer and Whiskey. 

Meanwhile, Thailand is re-thinking the whole Cannabis business. Will be interesting to see how that pans out as a lot of people have heavily invested in this (Good on them. They seized the opportunities given at the time. I admire that). 

The alcohol ban in Thailand is also something puzzling. You can NOT buy alcohol during certain hours. You can consume it, but not purchase. As I understand it, there has been a lot of ongoing debate about this and one will see where that ends. 
 

A pointer

 Can't take myself too serious at times. 

Could be the Driving?

Snapped in the back of a Tuk Tuk in Thailand. Maybe don't drive like a madman and people will keep their meals to themselves?

Sibu Seafood, Swans and Sponsorship

Sibu. East Malaysia. By the river. An interesting little town with a lot of history, great food and hm. Oddities? Like suddenly, there is a swan. This is at one end of a promenade, which curves from the Kingwood hotel to the local market. The market by itself is interesting as it is one of the biggest in the country. Add to that the fact that many of the wares offered are not commonly available in Peninsular Malaysia, this place is a trip!

There is a very remarkable change in atmosphere as you meander along the river. Can't explain it, but there is a certain Blade Runner to it, mixed with the first half of "The Beach". 

And then you head for an event where the sponsor is a fish monger. Complete with a big freezer, selling frozen fish. Yes. Frozen fish. Which you buy during a gala dinner and then bring home like a trophy. 

So Long, and Thanks for the Frozen Fish

Went to Sibu to attend a function. Not unusual to have sponsors to add a layer of excitement to events hosted by players in the road transport industry. At https://whiskyplus.my/ sponsors could be coffee roasters, cigar lounges and caviar brands. 

However, the frozen fish at the gathering in Sibu was far out. Frozen. Fish. About 10Kg and 200 EURO. Now, if you lived in town, you could take it home, sure. Grab driver may look at you funnily, but I guess someone bringing produce from the market is nothing new.

This being an industry event for all of Sarawak, people would have come from other cities, some up to 6 hours by car away. Or like me, flying in from across the water. 

I just pictured myself with a Styrofoam box at the check in.

So, now this takes the top spot for the most memorable sponsorship. 

The most famous fish in Sibu is the Empurau, also known as the "King of the River" or wang bu liao ("unforgettable" in Mandarin). This is a rare, expensive freshwater fish from the Rajang River, prized for its sweet, creamy, and tender flesh, which comes from its diet of fruits like the engkabang fruit. 

Kuching Food Festival

 This was the third time we have been to the Kuching Food Festival. Always an experience. This time again, we met with Nick and the rest is history of course. We settled into the 1602 booth for a few drinks to catch up. 

Interesting to hear about the difficulties running a small business in East Malaysia. The legal framework is rather different in East Malaysia and there are different pitfalls. 

Appropriate Glasses

Finally managed to buy proper glasses for Cognac. These are proper "Schwenker", you can slosh the liquid around in them like you simulate a tide coming in. Fantastic quality and one can feel why these are so expensive. Happens that the nose on the Cognac is a different experience with these Vinum Brandy Glasses from Riedel. 
 

Welcome Home ?

We fly to Manila, for an exhibition. And where do we go for coffee? Sure: a Malaysian brand. 

Zus is an interesting one as it is positioned a little below Starbucks price-wise, but with better tasting coffee. Not much of a fan of the ambience though as I think it could be cozier. Guess I have to decide if I want to study for an exam or have a good cuppa. 

The CAM CO-STAR Sarawak Tour

Following our #SuperNiceTour2022, it took almost three years to get a follow-up tour going. Planned meticulously, we toured Sarawak, one of the states in East Malaysia. A week on the road and many memories created, we returned with the ambition to head to Sabah next. 

Read all about our adventures on www.asianbuses-roadtour.com 

 

A Morning Walk

Could not resist: the sunrise over at Cove 55 in Kuching is just too exciting to be missing it sleeping. Nipped out, dipped into the pool for a while while waiting for breakfast to be prepared. 

I only wish they would serve the breakfast down at the pool at this hour. Maybe with an option for sparkling wine or Champagne even. Gorgeous!

Later back to the Sarawak Cultural Village, which in my books is the best attraction in Malaysia. 

Origin Story: Il Forno Represents Italy

Hyatt Centric’s unique proposition is that each property will be a reflection and exploration of culture. In the Kuala Lumpur edition, the brand is making its presence felt with a smorgasbord of visual stimuli. Entering through the spacious lobby, riding the elevator up is akin to a walk on the apian way: it is the most important passage in the hotel as it leads to what could easily be the visual and culinary highlight of the hotel. Emphasising the visual experience, many of the walls throughout the property are adorned with murals, painted by local Malaysian graffiti artist, Jefr. His art mixes modern graffiti with traditional Malaysian influences, reflecting  Kuala Lumpur’s tagline and atmosphere of being a "City of Contrast and Diversity".

As all roads lead to Rome, one cannot skip past Il Forno, at the top of the hotel. The space on the 19^th floor opens up into several sections, one of which is the Italian Restaurant, Il Forno. Passing the hotel’s custom crockery on display, the care for the food is almost palpable. The centre piece is indeed the oven, which is a nod to the name Il Forno, The Oven. Said oven is imported from the birthplace of pizza, Naples, Italy, where it was hand-crafted from volcanic stones. With a stunning backdrop of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, both the al fresco and inside dining spaces are gorgeous settings for date nights, family gatherings or just a celebration of a reinterpretation of Italian food.

Akin to a visit to Europe, where one is best advised to linger in one place to fully explore it rather than rushing though as many destinations as possible, the menu is a best of. The carefully chosen dishes featured include pizza, but true to Italian family tradition, the other dishes which would normally preclude the pizza on the way towards the main may well be the highlights. A lot of the food fare has undergone special treatments by the Chef, Vincenzo. Pizza dough rises for 36 hours. The baking process happens at 430 degrees for only 90 seconds. Meanwhile, the flour used in the pasta is a very specific one, imported directly from Italy. Just as no river is ever the same, a visit to Il Forno promises to be a unique experience every time as the menu is being revised regularly.

The culinary journey diners experience is best modelled after a traditional Italian dinner. Typically consisting of several courses: an antipasto (appetizer), a primo (pasta or risotto), a secondo (main course of meat or fish), a contorno (side dish of vegetables), and a dolce (dessert). Additionally, there may be a fruitta (fresh fruit) as a light dessert. One should not be shy to ask the Chef to explain the dishes or to throw him a challenge by asking for further refinement of his creations to meet one’s palate. With the open kitchen concept, one might even find oneself in an interactive mini lecture about the food, right next to the oven. One is best advised to bring ample time as Il Forno is a happening that is best not to be rushed.

Hailing from the vibrant and picturesque city of Naples, Chef Vincenzo brings with him over three decades of culinary experience, taking him across the globe—from his home in Italy to South Korea, China, and New Zealand. Having worked in renowned establishments, he now infuses the authentic essence of “Made in Italy” into every dish at Il Forno. Accessibility is a theme that weaves through the premises, beckoning to engage with the Chef and his team to get educated on traditional Italian foods. It is the motto-come-to live, Ede, bibe, gaude" which translates to "eat, drink, and rejoice", that transcends the room.

Taking in the sights of the skyline, with the food as the main means of transportation for the experience, there ought to be liquid libations too. Il Forno's tiramisu stands out for its classic preparation: layers of creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. It's a classic Italian dessert done right, with rich flavours melding beautifully. The tiramisu is served by the dollop from a copper pan, a unique presentation Supplementing the dishes is a comprehensive selection of wines. A refreshing red may be the main character in this Circus Maximus, however a Grappa is the drink to have before heading home. Alternatively, one may linger a little longer in the adjacent roof top bar, @21.