Everything you loved about Longrain and then some. Scott Pickett’s magic has transformed this Melbourne favourite into an even better experience! It’s fantastic! Modern Thai has never been better and the variety of choice on the menu coupled with just the right amount of spice makes Longrain your perfect destination for a gourmet dinner out. […]
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
Butchers Diner
Have a hankering for an American style diner? Have I got the spot for you! The Butchers Diner is an awesome place for a quick burger, steak sandwich, Coney Island chili dog, Creole Salmon Cutlet or even some Japanese fried chicken. The diner is open to 2am and best of all they do an all […]
Gimlet at Cavendish House
After a long covid-hiatus I am back and so is the super elegant Gimlet at Cavendish House by Andrew McConnell. This is Andrew’s newest restaurant and bar on Flinders Lane at Russell Street. Much like my return to the concierge world, Gimlet is a buzz with excitement. The restaurant’s staff are clearly doing what they […]
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 […]
Ryne
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 […]
Donovans
Gail and Kevin Donovan met while working at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne back in the 1980’s and a match made in restaurant heaven was born. Years later Gail and Kevin harnessed their passion for food, wine and hospitality and to the benefit of all Melburnians Donovans was born. Donovans has been at the top of […]
Epocha
Epocha is the newest jewel in Melbourne’s culinary crown. Housed in an elegant terraced Victorian home on Rathdowne Street, Carlton Epocha quintessentially defines Melbourne’s unique restaurant style. The restaurant and bar perfectly capture the spirit of Melbourne hospitality and will impress locals and visitors alike. Epocha is owned by one of my all time favourite […]
400 Gradi Pizza
400 Gradi has the best pizza in Melbourne. Ok, so you would like a little more background on my claim? A great Italian foodie friend of mine told me about 400 Gradi and so I had to give it a try. The pizza quality all comes down to the passion and dedication of one […]
Vue de monde
One of the joys in life is discovering something extraordinary. As a concierge nothing is better than meeting someone who is passionate about their chosen field. Shannon Bennett is such a person. He has taken his passion for the culinary arts and created one of Australia’s most celebrated restaurants. Vue de monde comprises […]
Cecconi’s
For me Cecconi’s has long been one of the mainstays of fine dining in Melbourne. My first recollection of someone I trusted raving about a fine dining establishment was a restaurant manager friend of mine who said Cecconi’s Cantina (back when it was located the Crown Casino Complex) was the finest Italian restaurant in Melbourne. Cecconi’s made […]
James Ridenour
