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
October 26, 2021
The food at Little Mad in New York has a flavourful mix of cultures, with influences of Italian, French, American, and Korean all intertwining into interesting and wonderful creations. This is definitely on my must-return list.
October 12, 2021
Chef Niko Romito is something of a legend in Italy. He has been awarded three Michelin stars for his restaurant Reale in Abruzzo in a former 16th-century monastery.
October 8, 2021
One of New York's best-rated Italian restaurants is Rezdôra at 27 East 20th Street. It got three stars in the New York Times and received a Michelin star. It is authentic, and the chef cooks his pasta to perfection, with inventive variations, so for that reason, I am recommending it.
October 5, 2021
New York's Tacos Güey is the first Mexican restaurant that I want to try again, and soon. It is a casual, modern Mexican eatery that is creating some ambitious and delicious dishes made with quality and multidimensional flavours.
October 1, 2021
La Colombetta in Como, Italy serves wholesome, pleasant, and fresh dishes in a rustic and cozy atmosphere.
September 28, 2021
Restaurant 20 Victoria :: Toronto They are serving up something many other establishments lack, and that is genuine hospitality.
Welcome back to the team behind Restaurant 20 Victoria in Toronto/ Everything was tasty, but even more, they are serving up something many other establishments lack, and that is genuine hospitality.
September 24, 2021
Newly opened 63 Clinton in New York was truly a memorable dining experience with the dishes pure joy. It was fine dining without the snob appeal.
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.
