Celebrate National Dessert Day with Victoria’s Sweetest Spots

Celebrate National Dessert Day with Victoria’s Sweetest Spots

By Hariharan U

Published on October 15, 2025

1. Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery – Bellbrae, Great Ocean Road

Perched along the iconic coastal route, this beloved spot welcomes visitors with handcrafted chocolates, freshly churned ice creams, and a touch of countryside charm. Set within lush gardens, the venue features a café, retail store, and hands-on chocolate-making classes—a true treat for both kids and grown-ups.

2. The Timboon Ice Creamery – Timboon, Great Ocean Road Region

A long-time family favourite, Timboon Ice Creamery is known for its small-batch scoops made with fresh local milk and cream. With 24 flavours to choose from and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, it’s the perfect pit stop on a road trip through Victoria’s hinterland.

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3. Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery – Yarra Glen, Yarra Valley

Nestled among rolling vineyards, this destination blends indulgence with scenic charm. Guests can enjoy complimentary tastings, watch chocolatiers at work, and savour house-made ice creams while taking in the valley views. It’s a sweet escape for families, couples, and anyone craving a little luxury.

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4. Pidapipó Gelateria – Carlton & Melbourne CBD

A Melbourne institution, Pidapipó is all about artisanal gelato made in small batches using seasonal ingredients. With playful flavours and an upbeat vibe, it captures the joy of Italian gelato culture with a distinctly Melbourne twist.

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5. Gelato Messina – Fitzroy, Melbourne

Known for pushing the boundaries of flavour, Gelato Messina is a cult favourite that has become synonymous with inventive gelato. Each creation is made entirely from scratch—from the base to the mix-ins—delivering an authentic and experimental take on Italian dessert craftsmanship.

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6. Agathé Pâtisserie Petite – Royal Arcade, Melbourne CBD

Tucked inside Melbourne’s historic Royal Arcade, Agathé Pâtisserie is a haven for lovers of classic French baking. From buttery croissants to airy éclairs and exquisite fruit tarts, every creation showcases the artistry of Parisian pastry-making right in the city’s heart.

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7. Tipo 00 – Melbourne CBD
For a refined finish to an Italian meal, Tipo 00’s signature “tipomisu” is a must. This sophisticated take on the classic tiramisu layers rich mascarpone with espresso and chocolate, capturing Melbourne’s love for elevated simplicity and indulgent flavour.

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From creamy scoops and rich truffles to flaky pastries and coffee-soaked desserts, Victoria’s dessert scene is pure celebration. This World Dessert Day, indulge in something sweet and discover why Victoria continues to set the bar for culinary creativity and craftsmanship.


Meliá Pattaya Hotel Elevates Dining with a World of Flavours

Meliá Pattaya Hotel Elevates Dining with a World of Flavours

By Hariharan U

Published on October 15, 2025

Meliá Pattaya Hotel is reimagining the city’s dining scene with a global culinary line-up that combines authenticity, creativity, and sustainability. From Cantonese fine dining to Nikkei fusion and Mediterranean-inspired beachfront fare, the resort’s diverse restaurants are redefining what it means to dine at an urban resort on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard.

“Authenticity is at the heart of everything we do,” said Peter Laird, Director of Food & Beverage at Meliá Pattaya. “Each restaurant has its own story, but all share the same values, respect for ingredients, creativity rooted in tradition, and a commitment to genuine hospitality.”

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At the heart of the resort’s offerings is Yitong, a modern Chinese restaurant and sky bar where Cantonese finesse meets Sichuan spice. Its menu celebrates the art of shared dining, featuring traditional wood-smoked Peking Duck, hand-crafted Dim Sum, and Sichuan hot and sour seafood soup. The focus on local produce, from Royal Project vegetables to freshly caught seafood reflects a wellness-inspired approach to cuisine. Signature cocktails like Kuaile De (gin, goji berry, honey, cava) and refreshing mocktails such as Year of the Snake (kiwi, lemongrass, pear) complement the experience, all enjoyed against panoramic views of Pattaya Bay.

Bringing a cosmopolitan twist to the resort’s culinary story, DEN introduces Pattaya to the vibrant world of Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine, one of the most exciting global dining trends. The menu combines Japanese precision with Latin flair, offering dishes like tiradito with yuzu and aji amarillo, miso-marinated cod with quinoa salad, and matcha tres leches. With its playful yet precise approach, DEN captures the essence of modern fusion done right.

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For those craving local flavours, Sanehh Sarae celebrates Thailand’s coastal and countryside tastes. Drawing inspiration from Bang Saray’s fishing villages and the spice gardens of the East, the restaurant features classics such as green curry with river prawns, crispy soft-shell crab with chili jam, and tom yum seafood made from the morning’s fresh catch.

Down by the beach, Lay Beach Club brings the relaxed rhythm of the Mediterranean to Pattaya’s shores. Guests can enjoy seafood paella, burrata with heirloom tomatoes, and hand-shucked oysters with shallot mignonette, paired with cocktails like the Blue Tides (vodka, coconut, pandan syrup, blue coconut foam) and The Wave Rider (gin, rose syrup, aloe, lime). The setting, combined with its seasonal, ingredient-led menu, offers an indulgent yet laid-back coastal dining experience.

Meliá Pattaya’s commitment to sustainability shines through every aspect of its culinary program. The resort emphasises local sourcing, waste reduction, and composting initiatives while partnering with regional farmers and fishers to ensure responsible operations.

We’re constantly expanding our plant-based offerings and sourcing as locally as possible,” added Laird. “It’s not just about taste, it’s about ensuring that every meal we serve supports our community and reflects a more mindful approach to modern hospitality.”

With each restaurant offering its own story, from the skyline views at Yitong and the global flair of DEN to the Mediterranean charm of Lay Beach Club, Meliá Pattaya has positioned itself as one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations, bringing the world’s flavours together under one roof.


Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hosts Two-Michelin-Star Kyoto Dining Experience

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hosts Two-Michelin-Star Kyoto Dining Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 15, 2025

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s acclaimed ‘Rendez-vous’ dining series returns this month with an exclusive two-night collaboration between two culinary masters. Chef Takagi Kazuo of the 2-Michelin-starred Kyoto Cuisine TAKAGI in Japan will join forces with Le Beaulieu’s Chef de Cuisine Charles Degrendele to present a refined four-hands dinner that blends Kyoto artistry with classic French haute cuisine.

Renowned for his mastery of Kyo-ryori, the traditional cuisine of Kyoto, Chef Takagi has held two Michelin stars for 15 consecutive years. His signature style focuses on balance, purity, and seasonal expression, offering an experience that is as elegant as it is thoughtful. The special menu at Le Beaulieu will highlight this refined approach, paired seamlessly with French techniques and ingredients selected by Chef Charles.

Guests can look forward to exquisite creations such as Sushi bonbon (tuna, salmon, dill), Crabe (Vietnamese crab, Hokkaido scallop, dashi jelly, kikuna), Poulet Jaune (French yellow chicken “Albufeira,” smoked potatoes, quenelles, roasted jus), Boeuf (Wagyu beef tenderloin, bamboo shoot, dashi, Japanese pepper sauce), and Îles flottante (vanilla custard, baked egg whites, salted caramel).

The exclusive dinners will take place on October 31 and November 1, from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM at Le Beaulieu. Accor+ Explorer members can enjoy 10% off the dinner menu and 15% off wine pairings. As seating is limited, advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Le Beaulieu, the hotel’s flagship restaurant with a 124-year legacy, is celebrated for its contemporary French fine dining rooted in tradition and quality. Its ‘Rendez-vous’ series, launched in May last year, showcases Michelin-star guest chefs collaborating with Chef Degrendele to craft memorable culinary experiences, making it one of Hanoi’s most sought-after dining events.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi also continues to earn international recognition. The MICHELIN Guide recently named it one of only 13 hotels in Vietnam to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction, noting its timeless heritage and world-class dining.

As the Rendez-vous series returns, this collaboration between Kyoto and Parisian culinary finesse reaffirms Metropole Hanoi’s standing as a destination where gastronomy, art, and culture harmoniously meet.


Iniala Harbour House Makes History as Malta’s First Hotel to Earn Two Michelin Keys

Iniala Harbour House Makes History as Malta’s First Hotel to Earn Two Michelin Keys

By Hariharan U

Published on October 14, 2025

Iniala Harbour House and Residences in Valletta has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first hotel in Malta to receive two Michelin Keys. The award, announced during the debut of the Michelin Key selection for Malta, recognises the property’s outstanding design, service, and hospitality, a testament to its global reputation for excellence.

The Michelin Key represents the highest level of distinction for hotels worldwide, honouring those that deliver truly exceptional stays. Similar to Michelin Stars for restaurants, the Keys are awarded after detailed evaluations across five criteria: design and architecture, quality and consistency of service, individuality, value for money, and contribution to the guest experience.

Iniala Harbour House’s two-Key recognition celebrates its refined style and attention to detail. Spread across beautifully restored Maltese townhouses and palazzos dating back to the 1600s, the property blends history with contemporary luxury. Overlooking the Grand Harbour, the hotel offers elegant accommodations and bespoke experiences that have redefined luxury travel in Malta.

At its rooftop, guests can discover ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that champions local, seasonal produce through a creative farm-to-table approach. The restaurant’s success mirrors the hotel’s philosophy of excellence and innovation, positioning Iniala Harbour House as Malta’s top destination for world-class dining and hospitality.

Founder of Iniala Group, Mark Weingard, expressed pride in the achievement, saying, “I want to congratulate my team, as well as my architects and designers, for helping us create a truly world-class hotel that has today been recognised with two Michelin Keys, a level that few hotels globally reach.” He added that upcoming plans include 19 new suites, two new dining concepts, and the Iniala Club, featuring an open-air pool, longevity centre, and fitness studio, all designed to elevate the guest experience even further.

David Weingard, General Manager of Iniala Harbour House, added, “Receiving two Michelin Keys in the very first year of the Keys being announced in Malta is an immense honour. It acknowledges the successful fusion of our visionary design, world-class service, and deep commitment to the Maltese Islands.”

This milestone also highlights Iniala’s dedication to setting new standards for luxury travel. The hotel now holds the distinction of being Malta’s only property with two Michelin Keys, the only Forbes Five-Star hotel in the country, and the home of Malta’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant.

The celebration extends beyond Malta. Iniala Beach House, the group’s sister property in Thailand, has retained its Michelin Key for the second consecutive year. Nestled on the serene Natai Beach, the intimate boutique hotel combines traditional Thai design with modern sophistication, offering guests a peaceful retreat by the Andaman Sea.

Iniala Beach House is also a culinary hotspot, housing Aulis Phuket, a 15-seat chef’s table by Simon Rogan, which earned its Michelin Star just a year after opening. The property also features Anaalā Thailand, a new dining concept by celebrity chef Ian Kittichai, bringing elevated Thai cuisine to life.

Together, the two hotels represent Iniala Group’s growing global influence, with a total of three Michelin Keys and multiple Michelin Stars across its properties. Their success reinforces Iniala’s vision — to craft extraordinary destinations defined by design, passion, and genuine hospitality.

For more details, visit inialamalta.com and inialathailand.com.

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