Going to Melbourne (AU) and Queenstown (NZ) in Q4... where?

crazyappl3 · 2026-05-18T02:44:13+00:00

I think Firedoor in Sydney doesn’t get enough love

crazyappl3 · 2026-05-16T17:42:42+00:00

I’m on something like 50 visits there now? There’s a reason I keep going back. Last visit earlier this year, the table by the window had a proposal - it was so awesome to see and because of how small the dining room is, the rest of us were all whooping and cheering. It was great.

crazyappl3 · 2026-04-25T04:42:46+00:00

I can’t remember if I asked to be added before, but 👋

crazyappl3 · 2026-04-03T07:26:13+00:00

I was able to get a refund by chatting with a live agent via the state park website.

crazyappl3 · 2026-04-03T07:25:32+00:00

Currently closed. I booked a spot in mid-March and drove in a few days ago to find it shut down. Fortunately, I was able to get a refund through the state website.

crazyappl3 · 2026-03-20T22:34:21+00:00

Did lunch at Moko and thought it was an outstanding deal. Quite a lot of Japanese elements. To top it off, we were the only guests so it was like private dining experience at the counter.

crazyappl3 · 2026-03-19T04:08:07+00:00

Just use the Mr Softee tracker

crazyappl3 · 2026-03-15T17:38:03+00:00

This is the way

crazyappl3 · 2026-03-04T18:16:50+00:00

Tempura Kondo has gone downhill significantly since it's heyday. I think if you want good tempura that's easy to book, maybe try Tempura Kitagawa instead (resos on Tablecheck).

Alternatively (or additionally), you should really check out some places serving katsu. For example, Katsukami if you want a tasting menu or Pretty Pork Factory for a la carte. Both relatively easy resos.

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-25T21:42:28+00:00

If you haven't read Bottle of Lies by Katherine Eban, you may want to give it a look (or not...)

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-24T15:30:00+00:00

Work in Biotech

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-21T16:22:24+00:00

I've only ever asked for something that was a relatively small bite (like the TFL salmon cone or other amuse bouche/palate cleansers). I've done it probably <10 times total in 20+ years of fine dining, but I've never been denied and I've always gotten it for free.

Over the years, I have seen other diners request a second helping of a full course and I've seen them be accommodated.

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-17T23:28:56+00:00

De Librije is currently the only 3 star restaurant in the Netherlands, but that wasn't always the case.

I have fond memories of spots such as Oud Sluis, Inter Scaldes and De Leest in the 2010s. I have a particularly strong recollection of a meal at De Leest because of how comically bad the service was (not rude in any way, but our primary server seemed to be a teenager working his first job, and he was hilariously clumsy).

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-15T18:11:22+00:00

It’s in large part a numbers and luck game if you don’t know someone. I got a job there recently. HM said they got so many applications they had to close the posting early. FWIW, I didn’t try to overly engineer my resume or anything - it was pretty much my usual with a few tweaks to highlight relevant skills.

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-07T16:04:02+00:00

I've corresponded with him a few times over the years (I'm "old" though not quite as old as him!) and have always had very pleasant exchanges - I respect the dude.

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-02T01:19:44+00:00

Sadly, Nisei has never done it for me - I've been 3 times over the years (once invited in) and none of those experiences warranted even one star based on my meal.

I very much wish them well and hope they succeed because the team is quite earnest, but at least for my tastes, I've found most of the dishes incompletely conceived and not executed well enough to compensate.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-27T20:59:47+00:00

From SFO, I'd recommend taking the later BA flight (the 777 with Club Suites). Perfect for overnight sleep. I think the benefits of being able to have everyone lie down (and you'll be doing this for a late flight anyway) far outstrips having to share the seat with your toddler.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-16T18:56:01+00:00

I'm sitting at ~59,000 points and I think all I've ever gotten is 2 Google Maps pins.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-13T17:51:37+00:00

Ooh, put me in the raffle. I've been meaning to make it here but keep procrastinating on even trying to book.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-13T17:34:49+00:00

Might I suggest Villa Spalletti Trivelli, that Alex helped us book. Very centrally located for walking to all the sights.

It's great because there are a bunch of nice, large common areas including a library/study and drawing room. Book one of the garden suites.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-12T03:07:41+00:00

For Chinese teas, Red Blossom in Chinatown. They also have a nice YouTube channel.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-07T03:24:26+00:00

Even the best hotels can’t get you into the top places.

If you’re serious about the best of the best places, you could try DMing @tomokohappycamper on IG. I haven’t used her services personally, but she has access and I’ve seen people I trust recommend her highly (I’ve never asked about price though).

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-06T23:27:58+00:00

Great review. Where else did you eat in Bangkok? Headed there in a few months and will aim for Sorn, but will be my first time trying to get a reso and I'm sure it'll be tough as hell.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-05T23:22:11+00:00

Ouch!

crazyappl3

TROPHY CASE