Almanak Magazine, PO Box 146, Bonnie Doon (2025)

26/11/2025

EAT > Punk Royale, Stockholm (18/20)

AMBIENCE >
On the scruffier stretch of Folkungagatan in Södermalm, Punk Royale hides behind an unassuming frontage that gives little away about the mayhem inside. Step through the door and you are in a low-lit, smoke-hazed bunker where music pounds, staff orbit the room with a conspiratorial glint, and the line between kitchen and dining room blurs into a single, hyperactive stage.

Phones are swiftly confiscated, menus never appear, and the night runs on house rules: surrender control, keep an open mind, and expect to be played with. Water might arrive from a plastic watering can into cartoon tumblers, vodka is just as likely to be poured from a petrol can as a bottle, and pristine linens become the backdrop for candle wax, caviar bumps, and the occasional rogue garnish.

Despite the provocation, there is warmth underneath the chaos: a tight, international team that reads the room instinctively and calibrates the experience to each table’s appetite for mischief. The result is a strangely intimate kind of theatre—raucous, rule-breaking, but always anchored in the sense that you are being well looked after, even as the night careers gleefully off script.

EAT >
With no à la carte and no printed list, Punk Royale runs on a long-form tasting menu that can easily climb towards twenty courses, delivered at a pace that keeps you permanently half a step behind. The cooking leans lavish —Norwegian lobster, foie gras, truffle, caviar—yet the plating and delivery channel pure punk: a spoonful of something silky and decadent is shoved towards your mouth before an explanation, or a bite arrives in your hand with an instruction and a grin.

Follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au to read the full review�

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21/11/2025

CAFE > Dame, Melbourne (17/20)

Dame Café charms with understated elegance and confident calm—a high-ceilinged haven in the beating heart of Collins Street, just a morning stroll from Melbourne’s historic Treasury precinct. Whether sliding into a sunlit window seat or settling in at the marble countertop, there’s a sense that Dame is all about quiet, well-considered hospitality—never rushed, always intent on delighting its local and well-heeled weekday regulars.

Tucked beneath the façade at 35 Collins Street (a building I worked in for 7 years), Dame blends Euro café charm and Melbourne’s design-forward sensibility. An airy space welcomes with timber accents, sculptural lighting, and vibrant greenery. Soft jazz floats above the bustle, giving the café a rhythm that’s energetic but never overwhelming. It’s the kind of spot you find yourself lingering over coffee, even if you came for a quick breakfast.

Breakfast and lunch here are a tribute to simplicity done right. Dame’s kitchen has an assured hand—think picture-perfect eggs, tangy pickles, and pillowy, just-baked pastries that seem to appear at the precise moment your flat white is poured. Coffee service is fastidious, with a concise menu showcasing local roaster beans and silky, well-pulled shots. Savoury plates are bright, contemporary, and seasonal: smoked trout toast, za’atar eggs, and inventive salads for those seeking a lighter city midday break.

Follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au or almnak.com to read the full review�.

Every ALMANAK review is independent we publish articles and stories selected by our writers and editors where we believe the story or article will match the interests of our readers.

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20/11/2025

STAY > QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise (16/20)

QT Gold Coast is only steps away from the golden sands and world-class surf that define the region. For those familiar with the QT Hotels will note that there is always a sense of style and whimsy specific to the brand. Hard to put your finger on but immediately recognisable.

Poolside, the bar flips seamlessly from daytime spritzes to sunset espresso martinis, reinforcing the hotel’s effortless blend of play and sophistication. The pool itself is not huge and recliners can be at a premium, like many of the GC hotels there is not a specific separate pool for kids so if you are looking for more an adult experience perhaps avoid school holidays!

They have bikes they can lend you to ride the boardwalk (not a bad idea if you are cruising down to Broadbeach for lunch) but this is Surfers so go get out there in the waves.

QT Gold Coast is a fun weekend away destination: playful, bold, and always ready to surprise. From the lobby’s unforgettable first impression to the thoughtful room touches and the lively restaurants and bars, it sets a benchmark for modern Gold Coast hospitality. Whether you’re here for the surf, the nightlife, or simply the pleasure of sun-drenched luxury, QT delivers a stay that’s unapologetically fun yet always refined.

Follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au or almnak.com to read the full review�

Every ALMANAK review is independent we publish articles and stories selected by our writers and editors where we believe the story or article will match the interests of our readers.

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19/11/2025

EAT > Social Eating House & Bar, Broadbeach, Queensland (16/20)

Back in 2017 a planned trip to ski at Mount Buller and the cheap option of staying in Mansfield saw us searching for breakfast. Merchant (next door to the Delatite Hotel was already bustling at just after 7am. The fire was roaring, the coffee was grinding and the porridge was memorable.

In 2021 we purchased a property in the area and since that time Merchant has been our local cafe and the supplier of fine roasted coffee beans for home. But we have never reviewed it (strange), so time to rectify that today after a regular Saturday coffee stop.
Established in 2014, Merchant Café in Mansfield stands as a the local favourite — it is a place where country hospitality, vibrant energy, and cosmopolitan sensibilities converge in the heart of Victoria’s High Country.

There’s an undeniable pulse to Merchant Café. Set on Mansfield’s bustling main street, this warm, light-filled address brings together a crowd of skiers, road trippers, locals and weekend regulars, with a coffee blend that’s as eclectic as the menu.

Follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au or almnak.com to read the full review�
Every ALMANAK review is independent we publish articles and stories selected by our writers and editors where we believe the story or article will match the interests of our readers.

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14/11/2025

EAT > Social Eating House & Bar, Broadbeach, Queensland (16/20)
BY CRISPY

Nestled on the Oracle Boulevard and just steps from the Gold Coast’s rolling surf, Social Eating House has always felt ahead of the curve: unfussy yet urbane, a step apart from cookie-cutter tourist haunts without tipping into fine-dining stiffness. There’s a humming openness to the interior—high ceilings, artful lighting, terrazzo floors, and plush banquettes—paired with an always-packed communal table, all encouraging one more plate, one more glass, one more hour among friends. That infectious warmth is matched by the pitch-perfect, professional floor team: sharp enough to handle the heaving weekend crowds, casual enough to sprinkle in a joke or a story when the hours slow.

AMBIENCE >
Peak summer sees the restaurant throbbing with Gold Coast energy—families, friends, date-nighters, even the odd hotel chef off shift. Sound levels can rocket, but the hum feels distinctly celebratory, never forced, and there’s always a breeze sweeping in from the ocean to cool the afternoon. Tables turn briskly but never rushed, and late arrivals cluster at the bar, drawn by the promise of another shared plate.

Ultimately Social is un-fussed, the presentation is fine but it is not fine dining. The tables lack tablecloths, the staff are lovely but not formal. The food is tasty but not memorable. There is no doubt that when you visit Social it will probably be your favourite restaurant on the GC and that is because it is what it is rather than being a cloned pretender.

Follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au or almnak.com to read the full review�

Every ALMANAK review is independent we publish articles and stories selected by our writers and editors where we believe the story or article will match the interests of our readers.

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13/11/2025

STAY > The Twenty One Hotel, Athens (17/20)

BY CRISPY

Step away from the classical chaos and into the contemporary embrace of Twenty One Hotel — a clever, design-forward refuge at the leafy heart of Kifisia, Athens’ most quietly confident district. Here, you will find a bold façade of charcoal and glass frames, in a cocoon of Nordic-minimal calm, all just a metro ride from the Pantheon’s stone drama.

AMBIENCE >
A world apart from the city centre’s marble-and-myth, Twenty One sets its own code: crisp lines, curated art, and a lobby gallery of sunlight and restraint. There’s a sense of hush, but not coldness — velvet chairs greet you beneath pendant lights, and quick smiles at the front desk reveal an authentic Athenian warmth. The hotel’s compact footprint punches above its weight, smartly soundproofed and quietly luxurious.

THE EXPERIENCE >
Mornings open in the bright café with thick yoghurt, honeycomb, and the sort of country pies that set you up for both meetings and meandering. There’s no spa drama — the pool is all about casual relaxation, reading a book in the garden, a quick dip, a cocktail. Here it’s about soft service, genuine insight, and service that is attentive in the Greek way: they’ll remember your name, your coffee, and recommend that hidden bakery two streets over.

Follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au or almnak.com to read the full review�

Every ALMANAK review is independent we publish articles and stories selected by our writers and editors where we believe the story or article will match the interests of our readers.

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13/11/2025

EAT > Moo Moo, Broadbeach (14/20)
BY ANGIE

In the heart of Broadbeach’s glittering dining belt, Moo Moo stakes its claim as one of the precinct’s elder statesmen—a steakhouse with swagger, but not without its own scars. Where others offer newness, Moo Moo leans heavily into tradition, its dim lighting and polished black surfaces promising old-school drama, while the clatter of glassware and thunder of conversation announce the room’s relentless energy.

AMBIENCE >
There’s a palpable buzz here, but it comes at a cost. The large open space reverberates with every laugh, chair scrape, and shout from a busy Friday crowd—making table talk an Olympic event in its own right.
Slipping into a seat, the patina of age is evident: banquettes sag in places, worn leather chairs bear the battle wounds of countless dinners, and daylight just serves to highlight the faded glory. Staff move confidently, but there’s little chance you’ll escape the hurricane of sound and bustle for a quiet moment.

SERVICE >
Attention is sharp, if fleeting — competing with the decibels is part of the game. There’s a bravado in the upsell, a well-rehearsed ballet of meat cuts and vintage pours, but warmth risks dilution in a room this frantic. Moo Moo’s legacy as a Broadbeach fixture is secured by its kitchen prowess; atmosphere, however, is less forgiving to nostalgia >>

Follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au or almnak.com to read the full review�

Every ALMANAK review is independent we publish articles and stories selected by our writers and editors where we believe the story or article will match the interests of our readers.

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12/11/2025

STAY > Welcome Hotel, Paris (16/20)�by Paula
Welcome Hotel is old and modern at the same time. The building dates to the late 19th century, and maintains this charm even as its 30 rooms have been updated for modern conveniences and comfort.

The lounge area was welcoming, with newspapers and magazines. A breakfast area is adjacent. We arrived mid-morning from Lyon, with the staff happy to mind our bags until our room was ready.

Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, there are cafes, restaurants and shopping close by. Jardin du Luxembourg and the Louvre are each a 10 minute walk away, and Notre Dame Cathedral is 15 minutes away

Follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au or almnak.com to read the full review�
Every ALMANAK review is independent we publish articles and stories selected by our writers and editors where we believe the story or article will match the interests of our readers.

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04/11/2025

EAT > Little Truffle, Mermaid Beach (17/20)

After a refurbishment and a full re-style in 2023, Chef-owner Daniel Ridgeway’s smart modern Euro-classic dining room continues to be a beacon in what is largely casual hospitality across southern Gold Coast culinary landscape.

Step inside and the hush of the outside world melts away: The windows are blacked out, plush carpets, rich velvet seating, moody lighting, and a convivial clink from the open kitchen invite you to settle in. Little Truffle manages a subtle, genuine elegance — a series of slightly evocative paintings line the walls. Seating is spaced thoughtfully, promising both intimacy and a sense of occasion whether you’re tucked into a corner with Champagne for two or out for a family celebration.

The style is not a modern architectural beauty or classic fine lines, rather it is comfortable and friendly (though perhaps a little stuck in a timewarp of restaurant styling from the 1980s).
�Little Truffle remains a serenely polished spot along Mermaid Beach’s dining strip—where thoughtful plates, exceptional wine service, and the unstuffy grace of a passionate team make every visit feel like a gentle celebration. Sure the flavours and style are reminiscent of the late 1980s but this is Gold Coast dining at its most quietly confident (white loafers and gold chains are entirely optional!).

Follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au or almnak.com to read the full review�
Every ALMANAK review is independent we publish articles and stories selected by our writers and editors where we believe the story or article will match the interests of our readers.

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31/10/2025

SKI > One & Only Moonlight Basin, Big Sky Montana USA

The arrival experience is secluded, private, and cinematic: a scenic drive winds upward, delivering you to spacious suites with fireplaces, soaking tubs, and seamless ski-in/ski-out access to the world’s most celebrated terrain.

THE MOUNTAIN >
Moonlight Basin is part of the massive Big Sky terrain, boasting direct gondola-linked access from the Sky Lodge. Skiers and boarders can carve through 1,900 acres of Moonlight-exclusive runs (summit elevation: 11,166 ft; base: 7,000 ft) and, with the interlink to Big Sky Resort, discover a mind-bending 5,800 total skiable acres, 300 trails and glades, and nearly 400 inches of annual snowfall. Lifts are lightning fast, lines are short, and the longest run stretches an exhilarating 2.8 miles. The vertical drop hits 4,350 feet—the sort of stats that usually belong to Alpine Europe, not Montana’s wild north. Off-piste, find snowshoe trails, Nordic grooming, and easy shuttle links to Yellowstone’s iconic powder meadows.

READ > the full story https://almanak.com.au/ski-oneonly-moonlight-basin-big-sky-montana-usa/ or follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au or almnak.com to read the full review�.

Every ALMANAK review is independent we publish articles and stories selected by our writers and editors where we believe the story or article will match the interests of our readers.

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28/10/2025

EAT > L’Hôtel Gitan (17/20)

Step off bustling Commercial Road and into the warm embrace of l’hôtel gitan—a South Yarra institution by Jacques Reymond, where the Parisian spirit mingles with Melbourne’s urban edge.
Housed in the bones of an old pub and radiating the unforced style and glamour that’s become Reymond’s signature, its polished floorboards, frosted glass, and curved banquettes at once stylish and utterly inviting. No pretension, just energy — a neighbourhood dining room pulsing with regulars, occasional celebrities, and the aroma of slow-cooked French perfection drifting out from the open kitchen.

The menu is an ode to bistronomy, balancing the richness of Reymond’s French roots with the vibrancy of local produce. The rotisserie is centre stage here: golden chicken with tarragon jus, wood-fired pork shoulder, and, on lucky nights, roasted duck lavished in its own fat.
Starters flirt with tradition — think calamari with a lick of romesco, Burgundian gougeres (something like a delicious cheese scone but fluffy and light as a feather), chicken liver parfait and pickled vegetables, or a classic steak tartare, hand-chopped and ruby-edged.

Pasta is made daily and arrives delicate: crab spaghettini, wild mushroom risotto. Sides are simple and joyful: green beans slicked with anchovy butter, crispy potatoes, salad with a sharp mustard dressing. Southern Rangers steak béarnaise with crisp and crunchy frites is the classic, as good if not better than found in any Parisien bistro perfectly executed and so very hard to pass by.

READ > the full story https://almanak.com.au/eat-lhotel-gitan-17-20/ or follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au or almnak.com to read the full review�
Every ALMANAK review is independent we publish articles and stories selected by our writers and editors where we believe the story or article will match the interests of our readers.

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28/10/2025

EAT > Olympus Dining, Sydney (18/20)

The Wunderlich Lane precinct includes the Eve Hotel, restaurants, bars, supermarkets and apartments. It’s stunning, and a vast improvement from the former shopping centre (or murder mall, IYKYK) on the border of Redfern and Surry Hills. The four year, $500 million redevelopment offers something for residents, locals and visitors.

Olympus Dining has a key position in the precinct, and the glass roof, modern Greek interior and bougainvillea tree define the space creating an impressive dining room. The roof is retractable, and much of the seating is on banquettes.

Our Sunday lunch visit saw families, friends and couples eating and drinking, with tables turning over throughout the afternoon. While I was initially disappointed with our bar seating, we had a view of the entire room, along with dedicated service.

READ > the full story https://almanak.com.au/stay-forest-inn-sangoro-zao-onsen-japan-14-20/�or follow the link in the bio or go to almanak.com.au or almnak.com to read the full review�
Every ALMANAK review is independent we publish articles and stories selected by our writers and editors where we believe the story or article will match the interests of our readers.

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