Meet Shanea
From dives to fine dining, street art to private art exhibitions, boutique hotels to grand dames, farmer's markets to gastronomic food halls, join me on my adventures in finding the hottest to the hautest. As a Canadian, I focus mainly on my hometown of Toronto and my second home in Miami, also journeying frequently to New York and Italy, but nothing is off-limits for me. My love for food has led me here, to share all things I savour – and I will continue to search out the best and most impresssive, highlight culinary excellence, with dishes that inspire me and regional specialties, feature art, hotels, and current trends, and offer my experience on where to roam, where to stay and where to dine all over the world.Shanea
September 21, 2021
L'Aria Restaurant at The Mandarin Oriental in Lake Como, Italy boasts a sophisticated ambiance, quality service, and a delightful menu. Chef Max Blasone is an innovator of excellent cuisine and had upped the ante when it comes to dining in Como.
September 16, 2021
Every year Toronto opens the next "IT" restaurant and this year Vela is trying to establish itself as the latest contender. It's striking and sophisticated looking, without being kitsch. Cool without trying to be cool.
August 24, 2021
Newly opened Atai Bistro in Toronto is a chic, stylish spot serving a contemporary Moroccan menu created with French cooking techniques.
August 17, 2021
Torino Italy's Berton Al Lago one-star Michelin restaurant is located in the modern il Sereno hotel on Lago de Como. I was disappointed and found the food here to be mediocre at best.
August 10, 2021
Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi is located in the heart Naples, Italy. It's been run by the Oliva family for over sixty years and is now in its fourth generation. We were enamored with our delicious meal and impressed with this historic, yet ambitious and energetic restaurant.
August 3, 2021
Agriturismo Sapori di Campagna was a roadside haven serving not only the best meal I had in Abruzzo but possibly my favourite meal in Italy. The purity of ingredients and the seasonality of the dishes made me swoon. Highly recommended, if you are ever in this neck of the woods.
July 27, 2021
Antica Taverna Navelli is a great restaurant to sample the typical local cuisine of Navelli, Italy. They use only the freshest locally grown ingredients and traditional Abruzzo recipes, with a modern twist.
July 20, 2021
The Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in Abruzzo, Italy has accommodations that are dispersed among several stone houses of the ancient village. The hotel has tried to retain its original look and feel. They have incorporated traditional handicrafts and tried to preserve the integrity of the original structure. All modern technology is hidden, and the original stone and foundations and walls are brought back to their authentic features.
June 22, 2021
Portosole Restaurant in Coral Gables serves luxury, charm, attention to detail, and inspiring, authentic Italian food.
June 15, 2021
One of Miami's best-kept secrets is an "underground speakeasy" style Omakase restaurant called Nossa Omakase, hidden in the unlikely location, the back of a poke restaurant in South Beach. If Michelin ever makes it to Miami, this may be one spot they want to check out.
June 8, 2021
Every once in a while I discover a hidden gem, a restaurant that sets itself apart from others and makes for a delightful experience. Motek Café in Miami is one such place. Opened in June 2020, during the height of the pandemic, this is a perfect example of the Little Engine that could.
June 3, 2021
Miami's Okami is a Nikkei restaurant using Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavours. The menu is not large but well-curated, and I was impressed with the attractive presentations and contrasting flavours.
May 19, 2021
Wayku Restaurant in Miami offers a Latin fusion menu rooted in the Andean culture that is small but well-chosen and artistically prepared. It's worth checking out.
May 7, 2021
The dishes are quite hearty at the newly opened Casa Isola Osteria in Miami by chefs Jose Mendin and Santo Agnello. They're serving a Brooklyn Italian menu that grandma would serve you at home.
April 27, 2021
A new Mexican eatery called Mayami Mexicantina has opened in Miami's Wynwood district. It has the Tulum party vibe, with nods to Mayan culture and architecture and a modern twist on Mexican traditional food.
April 13, 2021
Miami's most anticipated restaurant, Carbone, recently opened its doors. If you are lucky enough to score a reservation, make sure to come hungry to enjoy the robust and vibrant food.
April 6, 2021
Uchi Restaurant in Wynwood, Miami serves elevated food with a modern twist. We were pleasantly surprised and pleased with our entire meal.
March 23, 2021
Miami's Osteria Morini, in the Kimpton Palomar South Beach is a cut above the competition. An NYC transplant by the Altamarea Group, it's my favourite restaurant in Miami this year!
March 16, 2021
If you are looking for a charming, cozy restaurant with good home-cooked food, or prepared foods to go, then look no further than Tania's Table in Miami.
March 9, 2021
La Wagyeria is one of Miami's most unique, creative, easy to digest, and memorable dining experiences. If you are able to snag a reservation on their Instagram, you will be in for a treat.
March 2, 2021
Cote Restaurant in Miami has imported NYC's high-spirited and interactive vibe along with Miami's diverse and vibrant population. It is an elevated experience, with an attractive, fun, and seductive atmosphere, excellent engaging service, and succulent steaks that make for a memorable experience.
February 24, 2021
Ke-uh Restaurant in Sunny Isles will no doubt become a hot spot in North Miami. The menu is diverse and eclectic, with many shareable plates and fish flown in from Japan and the Mediterranean.
February 17, 2021
Miami's Leku Restaurant showcases some exceptional regional specialties, unlike anything else in Miami. This restaurant is a destination in itself. We did not experience one undesirable dish, all were exquisite, artfully plated, and delicious.
February 12, 2021
It is not often you can find a decent restaurant at a mall. Kudos to Micheal Mina for opening a crowd-pleasing option with Ornos Estiatorio in Miami. I am sure people in the area are thrilled about this new alternative.
February 2, 2021
Dinner at Chef Niven Patel's new restaurant Mamey in Coral Gables Florida was vibrant, bursting with flavour, and had my taste buds dancing. His food is always top-notch.
