Laurent says

“Simply put: Pierre Hermé makes the best Macarons in Paris. Ladurée has fallen victim of the hype and commercial success.”

Laurent says

“The quintessential Bahianese fishing village. Trancoso is very commercial by comparison. A couple of hours on a dirt road to get there. Friendly welcoming … ” more

Laurent says

“This is a picture perfect tropical ocean beach. It helps that it can only be reached by a dirt road about 45 mins from Trancoso. There are a few pousadas … ” more

Laurent says

“Simply put ... the best Thai meal I have had outside of Thailand and one of the best meals I have had this year. A bit of background: I used to go to Thailand … ” more

Laurent says

“This is the highest plateau in Europe, reminiscent of the Altiplano in the Andes only much smaller - but well worth a ride or a drive. Desolate and rugged … ” more

Laurent says

“For first timers, Paris is a gigantic tourist trap. Because I came from there (nearly 20 years ago!), I am always excited to be able to report on places like … ” more

Laurent says

“Possibly the best coffee in Rome ... or Italy - according to a Milanese friend of mine. Try "il Gran Caffe". My personal favorite is the "moretto" … ” more

Laurent says

“The Best Baguette in NYC ... and the best Eclair au Chocolat. Every weekend, I take my kids on a pilgrimage to connect with their French heritage - nothing … ” more

Laurent says

“The Modern is within the MoMA complex, but is a creation of Danny Meyer, the restaurant entrepreneur who has a near perfect track record with other places … ” more

Laurent says

“One of the best values in NYC. Inspired food - which got it a Michelin Star - in an elegant yet understated setting, with a friendly Brooklyn attitude. The … ” more

Laurent says

“My roots are in Rouergue. For those who do not have an obsession with Charcuterie, this is the gorgeous but forgotten part of France where the best charcuterie … ” more

Laurent says

“A family retaurant vibe. A favorite with the locals. Just plain good food - simple and spotless. Even the people who run the luxury hotels on that coast … ” more

Laurent says

“Very small and creative. Make sure you go for the wine pairing. When a restaurant is that good, a meal is a journey. It's that good to me.”

Laurent says

“This is my favorite gelato store in Rome. It is not fancy. I of course welcome other suggestions for top spot, because I am basically addicted to ice creams. … ” more

Laurent says

“I know that Spanish cuisine has come a long way - beyond Paella and Tapas. I cannot say that I am an avid amateur of the rocket science that has triggered … ” more

Laurent says

“Perfect views of one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, and a warm elegant atmosphere. The food is good too - not just the drinks.”

Laurent says

“Esalen dates back from the 60's -which means they were pioneers when western mentalities "awakened" to eastern spirituality and traditions. Many … ” more

Laurent says

“Two floors bursting with over 200,000 books on architecture assembled by a true collector - shelves up to the ceiling on every wall, high piles, prepare for … ” more

Laurent says

“A good way to get going with an ample supply of potential dancing partners to follow the class.”

Laurent says

“No non-sense and practical rooms. Location is very good. The top floor breakfast/club room is appealing and well stocked.”

Laurent says

“OK, there are more impressive cowboy boot emporiums in Texas. But if you are traveling to Austin, it may mean that you are not going for the full Texas experience. … ” more

Laurent says

“The name rings of tourist trap ... the fancy classic looking "hotel particulier" on one of Moscow Boulevards is actually new ... so why recommend … ” more

Laurent says

“Cool places also have their classics. In Williamsburg hipster world, Diner has become an anchor. It is located one block away from the Williamsburg Bridge, … ” more

Laurent says

“This is the place if you like your cookies to look like handmade miniature art. No crumbling piles of dough there. The also have ice-cream from il laboratorio … ” more

Laurent says

“If you are in Stockholm on a sunny day and you have abit of time, take a ferry all the way to Fjaderholmarnas Island from the main ferry spot (just ask your … ” more

Laurent says

“Yes, when in Sevilla, you can and you should attend a Flamenco show. But then, if you cannot get a ticket to that hot show of the moment, or don't want to … ” more

Laurent says

“A classic Beer Hall kind of place with communal tables. Very convivial, packed with tourists and locals. Every type of Swiss sausage ever created. A happy … ” more

Laurent says

“A great place to nimble on various types of food - rather than commit to a restaurant. The setting is on the ground floor of a cool department store. Each … ” more

Laurent says

“This place has inspired serious loyalty. Quite a performance for a place where cocktails are not the drink of choice. Lots of regulars there. Old-fashioned … ” more

Laurent says

“When you step in there, you'll see many non-Japanese faces, and you may feel like you are being trapped. This is surely not a "best kept secret" … ” more

Laurent says

“... and it's good. Even the chocolate croissants!”

Laurent says

“Intimate setting and very attentive service in a restaurant that makes you feel special. Very good food which is sometimes a challenge in Portugal. I would … ” more

Laurent says

“Whether you want to eat (late) or sip a cocktail, this has been the fashionable establishment of reference in Palermo for the past 3 years. The huge polished-brass … ” more

Laurent says

“Elegant and reasonably priced food in a contemporary setting. A welcome escape from the myriads of opportunistic restaurants in this convention town”

Laurent says

“This has become a bit of an institution in the ever growing and posher modern version of Puerto Madero. Wide variety of meats and Argentinean wines. Reliable … ” more

Laurent says

“Great Cachaca in a sophisticated spot - one of the best locations and views on the strip.”

Laurent says

“This used to be the office of Geoffrey Bawa ... wonderful indoor/outdoor space. Sri Lankan food available.”

Laurent says

“The first time I went to L'Ami Jean, my plane had been cancelled and I had just checked back into a hotel a few blocks away that evening. I did not bother … ” more

Laurent says

“I buy clothes once a year at most and I guess it must be the average frequency for males. So perhaps it should not be surprising that there are only a few … ” more

Laurent says

“This is one of the Muslim architectural wonders of the world - incredible heights of grace and refinement. The eponymous Christian King who built the Charles … ” more

Laurent says

“Groundbreaking in many ways and truly contemporary. Opened until midnight with a cool terrace bar/restaurant complete with DJs in the summer.”

Laurent says

“Softer, more delicate, layered and flavorful than Laduree ... by 10 miles.”

Laurent says

“Excellent. The tapas bar next door is from the same owner/chef. Useful tip since it is very difficult to get a reservation: they take walk-ins from 21:30 … ” more

Laurent says

“Very Good Couscous - my 2nd favorite in Paris. In particular, the mechoui and merguez are solid!”

Laurent says

“Judging by how difficult it was to sit at the bar before 10 pm, I am late on this one. Delicious Italian and relaxed experience.”

Laurent says

“Food in London is finally happening. Refreshing and understated ... substance without the pretense. The London restaurant scene had been all about pretense … ” more

Laurent says

“My favorite restaurant in London. OK I am French, but this place would hold its own anywhere in France. I used to believe that the best food in London was … ” more

Laurent says

“Take a stroll there. A window on the multicultural aspect of Beirut - overlooking the Med. It's like Central Park without the park but with the sea.”

Laurent says

“One of the original clubs of the Beirut revival. Don't go before 1 am. The club is located under a parking lot in a "bomb shelter" type of venue … ” more

Laurent says

“The local living legend with a spectacular location above the Mediterranean coastline. A glittering mix of local celebs, TV stars and Western tourists descend … ” more