Elegant and trendy – Helsinki wears both well, as this harbourside capital of Finland caters to a smorgasbord of interests. Helsinki Food Guide written for Fine Dining Lovers. The culturally-curious, design and architecture nerds, snow-bunnies who seek cross-country skiing and ice–swimming, and gourmands, are amply provided for. REINDEER, SALMON & BERRIES Liisa Eskelinen, who founded Day With [...]
Waterfront. Perth Food Guide. Perth, in Australia’s southwest, is said to be the most isolated city in the country. It’s calm and laid back with a young but growing food scene. This Perth Food Guide was written for Fine Dining Lovers, 7 June 2017. American English used. Central Bites Moana Coffee - [...]
If there’s a single nation whose food has received worldwide attention (and deserved adoration) of late, it must be that of Korea – South Korea, to be clear. And New York City serves up exemplary Korean food. Written for Fine Dining Lovers. Mokbar Korean Ramen - provided by Mokbar Last year, in the [...]
The expansive inner city districts of Johannesburg, once sidestepped by tourists, are now thriving with a boost from investment and passionate locals. Ishay Govender-Ypma hits the lively streets and spends some time walking Johannesburg. For SAA Sawubona Magazine, May 2015. The Prince of Newtown Just outside the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown – hunkering and [...]
Bree Street has, over the past five years, become the restaurant/bar/fun street in Cape Town. It's tough to pick, but these are five of my favourites. Do you have any must-visit spots on Bree? Read about the transformation on Bree Street for Business Day Chefs Warehouse & Canteen Chefs Warehouse with my friend Linda [...]
GET THE GARDEN ROUTE RIGHT Based on an article for Sunday Times Travel UK Dec/Jan 2015, my guide to Best of the Garden Route The Garden Route is a crowd-pleaser. Want beaches? The road works its way along some of the creamiest swathes in the country. Prefer mountains? You’ll cruise hairpin bends atop dramatic peaks. [...]
Summer in South Africa means platters of crayfish and local oysters, and glasses of local Chenin Blanc enjoyed by the water’s edge. *Olive Magazine asked me for my top ten defining Cape Town bites....not an easy ask. Out in Dec 2015 issue* Prime Position Luke Dale-Robert’s The Pot Luck Club, headed up by rising star Wesley [...]
Queens – Feasting Along the 7 Line. A Mini Guide Known as the International Express, Ishay Govender-Ypma leaves the familiarity of Manhattan and the hip eateries in Brooklyn for dollar-dining and diversity along the 7-subway line in Queens. *This article was written for Business Day Wanted Magazine, October 2015* Finally, it’s our turn at [...]
Portugal’s most famous dessert, the pastéis de nata or egg custard tarts are famous all around the world. But, there’s a secret recipe everyone wants... Written for Fine Dining Lovers. Pastéis de Nata I remember the first time I visited the district of Belém, a mere 10 kilometres outside Lisbon. We joined [...]
Featured in the SAA Sawubona inflight magazine Across an enchanting landscape of mountains, plains, rivers and ancient ruins, Ishay Govender-Ypma feasted on the flavours of the Alentejo, the breadbasket and wine barrel of Portugal. Written for SAA Sawubona inflight magazine, 21 July 2015 Acorns and Pastries “At one time we only fed acorns [...]
Guide to Jardins Paulista, São Paulo - Men in Grey São Paulo’s Emiliano Hotel in the opulent Jardins Paulista neighbourhood offers some clues to the lifestyles of the well-heeled. It’s also the prime position for the business traveller. A man in a fitted pale grey suit speaks into his earpiece, smiles and asks me if [...]
Vila Madalena - Street Art and More Vila Madalena in São Paulo has been drawing visitors like bees to an abundant hive. It’s an old charming neighbourhood that’s embraced the transition into white-hot cool. Ishay Govender-Ypma reports on the buzz. For SAA Sawubona magazine. I’m staring squarely at Batman. He’s skinny with angular features, [...]
Visitor's Guide to Knysna - The Garden Route view of heads Everyone coos over the Garden Route - with good reason too. If you're visiting, here's my visitor's guide to Knysna. Even repeat visitors may find something new to enjoy here. Having its origins in the Khoi language, Knysna is said to mean [...]
