Ryne is Donovan Cooke’s wonderful new restaurant in Fitzroy North. It is so worth the trip out of the city. The restaurant is perfectly designed in an old warehouse which has been renovated to perfection. Everything oozes spectacular design from the fit out to the cutlery, crockery and glass ware. Simplistic elegance and fabulous […]
About James Ridenour
Your man in Melbourne - Local Expert - Worldwide Contacts - Chef Concierge Clefs d'Or at the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto - Assistant General Secretary Les Clefs d'Or InternationalAuthor Archive | James Ridenour
Ezard
Ezard has been a long standing favourite of mine. The restaurant has been a mainstay of the Melbourne dining scene for almost 20 years. I think it is the consistency of the experience that has me as such a big fan. Ezard defines the Melbourne palate with continental cuisine blended perfectly with a fusion of Asian […]
Minamishima
I have always admired Japanese style. I appreciate Japanese minimalism in design and attention to detail along with the Japanese zen approach to life and their incredibly warm and generous hospitality. With this in mind and armed with a bucket full of recommendations from those I trust, I anticipated a very special experience at Minamishima. […]
Top 10 Restaurants in Melbourne
Here are my top 10 favourite restaurants in Melbourne Minamashima Vue de monde Cutler & Co Ezard Saxe Ryne Ike Jime Donovans Epocha Lupino Enjoyed my post? Want to keep up with great things to do around Melbourne, Australia and the world? Please feel free to subscribe to my blog by placing your email […]
Tim Ho Wan
What do you get when you combine one Michelin Star, Yum Cha and reasonable prices? A line down the block. Don’t let this discourage you. To Ho Wan is worth the wait and if you plan correctly you can just walk right in! Tim Ho Wan is Melbourne’s newest Chinese Yum Cha restaurant located in […]
Tipo 00
Want in on a secret? This is my go to restaurant when my guests want amazing food without the over the top price tag. Located on Lt Bourke Street near Hardware Lane this Italian pasta bar does pasta and risotto like no other. Named after one of the finest quality Italian flours, the name foreshadows […]
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a bold experiment in the culinary arts. As you would expect the dining room is slick and modern, the fit out luxurious, the ambience refined. What you may not expect is the culinary art of camouflage that is about to be revealed. The theme of Heston’s restaurant is the history […]
Australian Open
One of the events that defines Melbourne as the most livable city in the world and the #bestcityintheworld (bias noted) is The Australian Open the Grand Slam tennis tournament of Asia Pacific. One of only four grand slam tournaments in the world (Wimbledon, the US Open and the French Open are the other three) this […]
Il Solito Posto
You know that little place that’s down that laneway that has been there forever? You know the one that everyone talks about but you haven’t been. There’s a reason its been there forever, because it’s amazing! Il Solito Posto is just that. It is Melbourne, full stop. Italian – laneway – consistent – delicious – […]
MONDOPIERO
One of the best things about living in the world’s most livable city and being a Concierge Clefs d’Or is discovering amazing new things that I can share with my guests and readers. I am a passionate supporter of our how amazing and beautiful our city is. I love occasions when I meet a kindred […]
