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
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
South of Johnston
One of Melbourne’s best kept secrets for a place to meet for breakfast or lunch is South of Johnston. It has great food, superb service and an intriguing design with an edgy location in the Collingwood warehouse district. South of Johnston however has one thing that sets them apart from the others. They have an […]
Northern Git
If you don’t live in Thornbury you should. Bars, cafes and restaurants are all popping up at an amazing speed. What is more remarkable than the speed is the quality of these new venues. Case in point Northern Git. It makes living in Thornbury that much better. Northern Git is the invention of Michael Slade […]
