Get your walking shoes on for the day and party clothes ready for nights.  It’s Milan design week, the biggest annual event in the city which kicks off on Tuesday 4th April until 9th April.   Tickets to some events sold out weeks ago, so it pays off to plan early and make any reservations now!

What started out as the world’s largest trade fair for furniture and interiors has evolved into a week-long celebration of design, food, drink, music and fashion as Milan welcomes over 300,000 visitors – and joins in for the party.

Alongside hundreds of design exhibitions and art installations that dominate three main design districts (Via Tortona, Brera and Lambrate)  there’s also street markets, food festivals, parties and special events galore.

All that walking between design exhibits will make you very hungry – and even more thirsty! But there’s always time to go shopping isn’t there?  So here’s where our local Buzzhoppers will be heading next week and they’ve also picked out their top spots and hangouts so you get to enjoy Milan’s design districts – just as locals do.   Anyone heading to Milan for Design Week, please share!

IMPORTANT  –  GETTING AROUND

Take public transport as much as possible.  Uber X is banned in Italy – you can only use the Uber black car option which can be expensive and expect surge rates during Design Week. Do NOT rely on taxis during Design Week. You’ll have more luck seeing flying pigs than flagging down an empty taxi during Design Week. Keep in mind that many visitors (including Buzzhopper founder and Milan resident Melinda) who fly out during the last days of Design Week often miss their flights! Don’t be surprised if taxi companies don’t bother answering their phone lines during busy times, or will tell you not to call back for another hour. So, avoid the panic and stress and take public transport around the city – even to and from the airport. Booking your ride to the airport in advance is not only recommended, it’s downright essential.

NEIGHBOURHOODS

#Brera Design District

Where to go to eat, drink, chill and party on.. from breakfast to late night drinks, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a sneak peak of two spots, see our full collection here.

Di Viole Di Liquerizia – Milan | Buzzhopper

Dry – Milano | Buzzhopper

A place that makes an exquisite old fashioned and the perfect pizza, I’ve found a new (and very trendy) home

#Via Tortona Design District

Where to go to eat, drink, chill and party on.. from breakfast to late night drinks, we’ve got you covered. Again here’s a preview of two places. See the full collection here.

The Doping Club – Milano | Buzzhopper

God Save The Food – Milan | Buzzhopper

 From upmarket and modern Chinese to cheap and cheerful and take away, our Asian food addicts Lena Grivakes and Melinda Chan Butts reveal their favourite places.

One of Melinda’s top discoveries last year. Her bar for dim sum is high, Phoenix Palace previously held poll position but has been overtaken by Pearl Liang. Top quality authentic dim sum. All the old favourites from har gow (prawn dumpling) to sticky rice are cooked to perfection.
Pearl Liang – | Buzzhopper

THE place for go for spicy Szechuan in Soho.  Book ahead – popular for groups, dates and business appropriate. If you can’t get in, try their sister restaurant Bar Shan across the road. Can be pricey, but worth it.
Bar Shu – London, Chinatown | Buzzhopper

You know the dumplings are really fresh when you walk past them being made in the window at the entrance. Extensive menu. Good for Chinatown dates as well as groups.
Leong’s Legend – London | Buzzhopper

How often had you ordered Peking duck that comes with a paintbrush? A modern twist on traditional dishes. Expect exquisite tastes with stunning presentation.
A Wong (chinese) – London | Buzzhopper

The name simply says it all. Good choice for both vegetarians and meat eaters alike. This place also specialises in soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) watch them be freshly prepared.
Dumpling’s Legend – London | Buzzhopper 

The  best dim sum in London is found in Marylebone away from touristic Chinatown. Book the private room to host private  business dinners.
Phoenix Palace – London | Buzzhopper

Take home and cook!  Buy fresh egg noodles and specialities such as lor bak goh (turnip cake).
Lo’s Noodles – London | Buzzhopper

Get ready for our favourite Christmas fairs in London! No one does Christmas like the Scandinavians – and here’s your chance Londoners. Buzzhopper and Finland fanatic Anthony O Neill gives us his expert lowdown on everything you need to know. See you there!

There are two types of Christmas market in London. The first is the one that consists of identikit wooden huts all selling the same stuff you see in Camden Market every weekend, but at a higher price and with a reindeer glued on. The other is the Nordic markets – a wonderful chance to buy food and goodies that you seldom see South of the 55^th parallel,  and a healthy dose of alcohol on the side.

So what, where, when? Let Buzzhopper be your guide. One thing to note: get there early. These events are very popular with the local communities and queues tend to form quickly.

This Weekend (From Nov 18th)

So if you’re planning your weekend, hit the Finnish market in SE16  on Saturday – but make sure you get there before 11am!  And continue your Nordic festivities on Sunday and pop by the Swedish market in W1.

Finnish Xmas Market

Where? The Finnish Church in London, 33 Albion Street, SE16 7JG

Nearest tube: Rotherhithe

• Saturday 19th November (10.00 to 20.00)
• Sunday 20th November (10.00 to 17.00)

This is one part of a substantial market, that also includes outdoor stalls from the nearby Norwegian and Estonian churches. Previous years have included reindeer and husky rides for the kids. The best time to come is before 11am on Saturday.

What to eat

There’s a café serving Finnish coffee and korvapuusti, delicious cinnamon and cardamom pastries. Downstairs you can by Karelian Pies – rye-based savouries topped with rice, egg, or butter. Out the back is the grill, serving reindeer stew and makkara, Finland’s awesomely huge sausages.

What to drink

The coffee really is very good, but you may find yourself drawn to the bar. Karhu and Lapin Kulta beers will be available, along with lonkero, a gin and grapefruit ‘long drink’ that doesn’t seem to take very long to drink. And this being Finland, there will be shots of salmiakkikossu – salt liquorice vodka.

What to buy

Fazer is Finland’s national chocolate, and there will be many varieties on sale. There will also be local delicacies such as leipäjuusto, ‘squeaky cheese’ that’s eaten with cloudberry jam, mustards, vodka, and the obligatory selection of Moomin goodies.

Don’t miss…

Getting a hug from Moomintroll, Finland’s well-loved star of stage, screen and novel.

Swedish Xmas Market

Where – The Swedish Church in London, 6 Harcourt Street, London W1H 4AG

Nearest tubes: Baker Street and Edgeware Road

• Saturday 19th November (11.00 to 19.00)
• Sunday 20th November (12.00 to 17.00)

This is held in the Church hall, but there will be a few stalls outside selling soup and drinks. The best times to go are early on the Thursday evening – before 5pm – or no later than noon on the Saturday.

What to eat

Expect to see hotdogs and meatballs – the real deal, served with lingonberry jam. Elsewhere, salmon and Swedish cheeses will feature.

What to drink

Swedish beers and ciders are very much in vogue, with the likes of Pistonhead and Koppaberg becoming available everywhere. But the standout here is glögg, Sweden’s answer to mulled wine. Even if you never touch the stuff normally, this gets a hefty kick from the addition of a secret brandy-based spirit, making it a tad on the lethal side.

What to buy

It should hardly be a surprise that the country that gave us Ikea also came up with kits to build your own gingerbread house. There will be chocolate galore: Marabou is Sweden’s response to Cadbury’s and is addictive, and available in a huge variety of flavours. Cheeses, meats, salmon and other gifts will all be available.

Don’t miss…

The tombola – your chance to win anything from a lollipop to a DVD of the Swedish Elvis.

And the festivities continue next weekend as well – the Danish Xmas Market kicks off in NW3 on Saturday 26^th November..stayed tuned!

Next Weekend (From Nov 26th)

Danish Xmas Market

The least-publicised of all the Scandanavian Christmas fairs, this one is still a gem. Held in a hall with a large kitchen out the back, it’s worth checking this one out!

Where?

Danish YWCA, 43 Maresfield Gardens, NW3 5TF

Nearest tube: Finchley Road / Belsize Park / Finchley Road & Frognal

When?

• Saturday 26th November (11.00 to 17.00)
• Sunday 27th November (11.00 to 16.00)

What to eat

The tent at the back will be selling Danish meatballs – these are larger than their Swedish counterpart and served with potato salad. Denmark is huge on hotdogs too, so try a pølser – a red dog served without a bun – or a Fransk Hapsdog, a large sausage drilled into the bun with tasty sauce.

What to drink

Beer, beer and more beer. There’s also mulled wine and coffee, but Danish beer is your friend here.

What to buy

It’s Christmas, so sweets galore. Matilda chocolate milk is a surefire winner, and there will be gingerbread, decorations and an assortment of secondhand books.

Don’t miss…

…anything. Don’t miss this one. It captures the spirit of Denmark more than any amount of ‘hygge’, which is is a load of fyckinge wynk.

This weekend sees thousands of runners taking to the streets of London for one of the most famous Marathons in the world. Runners, joggers, walkers, spectators and supporters – we salute you! And with the excitement and post-race exhilaration (for some), here are a few places to go and celebrate.

If you’re visiting from out town, you might be surprised to know that London has some of the best Indian food in the world. Here’re our top two options at both ends of the budget.

Veeraswamy – London | Buzzhopper

Sitara Indian Jazz Restaurant – London | Buzzhopper

Potli – London | Buzzhopper

And this gem (Roti Chai) is recommended by Indians in London –

Roti Chai – London | Buzzhopper

Sushi or ramen? Who doesn’t love Japanese food – here’s a couple of authentic places that won’t break the budget. Sake, please!

Tokyo Diner – London, Covent Garden | Buzzhopper

Shackfuyu – London | Buzzhopper

We wish this cheap and cheerful had branches all over the world, and not
just London. With branches in Soho, Hammersmith, Notting Hill, Covent Garden, Golders Green and Holburn.

EAT TOKYO – London | Buzzhopper

Whatever you’re doing this weekend, enjoy and we wish all runners the best in their quests for Personal Bests!

We’re heading east to Tokyo this weekend to catch the final days of Cherry Blossom season. Many of us head to Tokyo for both business and leisure ­ and because we’re smart travellers, here’s where we go to mix both!

The Peak Bar – A twilight happy hour with a view. A veritable bargain – all you can drink with snacks between 5-9pm for 5000Y (USD43)

The Peak Bar – Tokyo | Buzzhopper

Sushizanmai – 24hr local sushi restaurants owned by Japan’s Tuna King. Head to the branch at the Tokyo fish market ­- perfect if you’re jet-lagged and up early. Sushi for breakfast ­ even at 4am. Don’t mind the odd salaryman passed out at the sushi counter and catching a few winks.

Sushizanmai – Tokyo | Buzzhopper

The Joker Bar – A magic show in a bar in Ginza. The tricks will amaze you. After a long day of business meetings, this is a fantastic way to unwind and socialize with your Japanese colleagues. Magic tricks break down a lot of barriers! Book ahead.

The Joker bar – Ginza, Tokyo | Buzzhopper

Tokyo Tower – Short on time but want to get some touristy stuff in? Visit Tokyo Tower and send postcards of it directly from the tower gift shop. Genius.

Tokyo Tower – Tokyo | Buzzhopper

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall – Few minutes (well, at least an hour) to spare to admire some awesome modern architecture ? Wander around Tokyo’s Opera City Concert Hall.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall – Tokyo | Buzzhopper

The Aldgate British Pub – If you’re travelling alone and looking for a fun drink in an English speaking pub to meet some new friends ­ this is the place to go. It¹s full of character… and characters!

The Aldgate British Pub – Tokyo | Buzzhopper

Golden Gai – And who’s after a more local drinking experience? Wander down these three alleys and you¹ll find literally hundreds of niche bars. Bar crawl heaven..but many have a cover charge so be careful.

Golden Gai – Tokyo | Buzzhopper

Cafe Kitsune – Coffee + Japanese influence + fashion. Could there be a more perfect combination?

Cafe Kitsune – Tokyo | Buzzhopper

Whatever you get up to in Tokyo, make sure you make the most of your time there. Kanpai!

Easter in Amalfi – is the best time of the year to be here according to our local Buzzhopper, Dominique Everard – an Australian who’s lived here for twenty years.   The weather, the famous Easter procession– (not to be mistaken for a  Ku Klux Klan gathering) and you must try the traditional Easter cake!   So if you’re head to Amalfi and want to avoid the (many) tourist traps  – all you need to know for eating and drinking is here!

Dominique Everard

“When Buzzhopper asked me for my favourite places in Amalfi sounded relatively straight forward, but in reality, proved  to be a rather difficult task.  The Amalfi Coast restaurants on the whole cater for tourists not locals, which can mean sloppy pasta, frozen fish, terrible local wine and a clichéd menu unless you are prepared to folk out.  We tend to eat at home, on the terrace  rather than wrestle tourists for a table, so (sorry readers)  it’s taken me quite a while to come up with my top Buzzhopper Amalfi tips…but they’re worth the wait!”

Start your day at Pansa – My local bar and pasticceria,  Pansa, has been serving up coffee and cakes since 1830. It is found snuggled into the side of Cathedral and I admit it to be has to be my most beloved spot.   I confessed to not being pazza for the local restaurants, but this bar can conjure up the most tender feelings in me.  Why?  Firstly because they have lovely white, crisp table clothes on the little tables, there are always fresh flowers and the service is impeccable! Time stands still as the world passes by.  No-one minds me wasting  hours occupying a table reading both the English and Italian newspapers while sipping away at a frothy cappuccinos and nibbling on their delicious biscuits.  Worth trying also are the pasticciottos.  A little pie-like cake filled with custard and wild cherries.  Often in the evening I am back again, usually with a group of family or friends for the  “aperitivo”.   A chilled  glass of prosecco, served with delicious olives, taralli biscuits and toasted almonds.  Just heaven on a warm summer’s evening!

Pasticceria Pansa – Amalfi | Buzzhopper

For a special occasions, we’ll  head to Marina Grande, which is right on the beach in Amalfi.  During the day it is a very smart beach club.  The owners Gianpaolo and Enzo Esposito have created a restaurant which offers creative modern Italian cuisine.  The menu is very seasonal and uses the best local produce. Needless to say also there are the best wines of the region.  It sophisticated, elegant  but with a laid back atmosphere  and  for a super romantic evening listening to the sea lap at shore during your diner you won’t be disappointed.  Of course all this  comes at a price.

Ristorante Marina Grande – Amalfi | Buzzhopper

Another favourite, close to home is the Le Arcate in Atrani.  It is a very casual trattoria on the waterfront.  Bring a light pullover as there is always a cool breeze which comes down through the valley  from Ravello.  The pizza is good and the linguine con scampi is excellent.  They serve a variety of grilled fresh fish with salad.  They also do a nice pasticcotto  for pud.    Not far from your table you will see the local fishermen and hungry cats prowl waiting for the catch. It is reasonably priced and very relaxing.

Le Arcate – Atrani, Amalfi coast | Buzzhopper

For us locals,  a restaurant has to be more than good if it requires getting the car out!  La Carcara, located in the village of Pogerola, which is up the mountain behind Amalfi  offers incredibly delicious local dishes.  Lucia’s  frittura mista, fried fish, squid, prawns and calamari is the best I have ever eaten!  The restaurant offers great food, but if the décor is important, maybe you should give it a miss.  I love the place and I just adore the fact that Lucia is so passionate about food.  The portions are enormous and if you don’t leave a clean plate, Lucia will look so disappointed and ask you if you didn’t like it!  La Carcara is also where the chef of Marina Grande likes to eat out,  so that says it all.

Ristorante La Carcara Di Baldino Rodolfo – | Buzzhopper

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Australian born Dominique has lived in Amalfi for the past 20 years and has taught English in  Italian Schools, organizing tours of London.  Now that her children are grownup she will be offering tours of Naples and the Amalfi Coast combining culture, history and gastronomy. Stayed tuned for more on Buzzhopper_

South Boston welcomes a huge St. Patrick’s Day parade this weekend.  It nearly didn’t happen the way it has always been as The City Of Boston tried to shorten the route.  However, they lost the right to do this after a court battle!  More info here.

Anyways, with over 600,000 people descending on the most Irish part of the United States, we thought it only right to give you the Buzzhopper guide of where to dine – with morning, afternoon and evening suggestions!

Morning Eats:

For a great morning bite, there is only one place to go.

L Street Diner – Boston | Buzzhopper

Lunch And Brunch:

Southie is well stacked for great eating spots and if you’re in the mood for a little brunch, you can’t go wrong with these spots this weekend.

Loco – South Boston, MA | Buzzhopper

Sullivan’s beach shack – Castle Island, South Boston | Buzzhopper

Dinner:

For an evening meal, check out some of the best that Southie has to offer.

Moonshine 152 – Boston | Buzzhopper

Local – South Boston, MA | Buzzhopper

Wherever you eat, we hope you enjoy St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Southie!

South Boston is pretty much party central for St Patrick’s Day and to honour that fact, we thought it was only fair to bring you some top facts about ‘Southie’.

Boston has the highest percentage of the population of Irish ancestry in USA ­ and you can¹t get more Irish than South Boston (Southie). Over 600,00 people cram into Southie every year to watch the mother of all St Patricks parades.

According to Urbandictionary.com ­ Southie is well known for its bars and Irishmen that live in them.

Once a Irish- Catholic working class stronghold, its’ proximity to the city and the beaches has transformed the neighbourhood into one of the USA’s most rapidly gentrifying areas in the last few years.  Today, the city’s best dive bars are still holding out here, but Southie’s demographics is changing to accommodate urban young professionals and empty nesters.

East Broadway in South Boston topped the Boston Globe’s top streets to live in Boston in 2015.

Southie is the place were Boston’s top young chefs are choosing to open their first solo ventures.

South Boston erected the first Vietnam Veterans memorial in USA.

Finally, if you’ve seen the movie BlackMass, you’ll know South Boston was the home and stomping ground of notorious crime boss Whitey Bulger during the 70’s and 80’s.  If you’ve seen the movie or read the book, you can check out some of his old haunts in Southie here:   http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2015/09/17/whitey-bulger-haun ts-and-hangouts/fsN1kRva0TroBwEgJgaCgP/story.html

Whether you’re heading to Southie or celebrating St Patrick’s Day elsewhere, we hope you have a great time!

In honour of World Book Day, Globetrotting writer / journalist / professor Bob Templer takes us on a tour of his top ten bookshops around the world.

Bob Templer is the author of Shadows and Wind, one of the best accounts of modern Vietnam.  It was written while he was working at AFP in Hanoi during the early 90s.  Bob now splits his time between NYC and Budapest.

He lived in and around two dozen countries and has visited more than 100 countries for work and/or play.  He seeks out bookshops wherever he travels and finds it hard to pass one without walking in.  Books are the only kind of shopping he likes!

His perfect present would involve any book on architecture – plus a whole set of first editions of James Bond and John Le Carre and to be set up a beach house somewhere to enjoy them! His favourite holiday destination is Tiger Tops in Nepal where he comes dangerously close to donating his entire life savings to baby elephants every time he visits. Here are some of his favourite places to shop:

Elliot Bay book company – Seattle, downtown | Buzzhopper

Browse over 150,000 titles in this lovely, multi-storey bookshop with a fab cafe.

Kinokuniya Books (South Shinjuku branch) – Tokyo | Buzzhopper

Librairie Delamain SA bookshop – Paris, palais royale | Buzzhopper

Arthur Probsthain bookshop – London | Buzzhopper

ArchitekturZentrum (The Architecture Museum) bookstore – | Buzzhopper

Buchhandlung Walther König (Bookstore) – Berlin. Burgstrasse | Buzzhopper

Strand Bookstore – NYC | Buzzhopper

Queens Park Bookstore – London, Queens Park | Buzzhopper

William Stout Architectural Bookstore – San Francisco | Buzzhopper