Irish thrill-seekers flock to unlikely holiday hotspot despite government warnings
An unexpected player has emerged on the travel scene, defying the usual trend of Irish vacationers heading to the sunny climes of Spain, Greece, or Turkey. Instead, a new wave of 'danger tourism' is captivating thrill-seekers, with some daring explorers disregarding official cautions in pursuit of viral fame on TikTok by venturing into high-risk areas,
coming amid US government warnings of travel to two countries.
While most holidaymakers are enjoying their sangria under the Spanish sun - where the Ir
ish government has reminded travelers about a six month rule for their passports
- or relaxing on the beaches of Greece, a group of intrepid social media enthusiasts are turning their attention to countries like Iran and Syria. They're documenting these so-called misunderstood 'hidden gems,' aiming to shift the negative perceptions that have long plagued these nations, with this genre of tourism -
also popular in Ireland with famine-related tourism
- becoming more prominent in recent years.
In spite of stern warnings from organizations such as the UN, many tourists are singing praises about the unexpected safety they find in these typically volatile regions. In a surprising twist, Libya has joined the ranks of this trend, attracting around 90,000 visitors annually with its North African charm.
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"We felt safe the whole time there," say Hudson and Emily, a couple gripped by the thrill of exploration, who are on an ambitious journey to visit every country in the world. After their trip to Libya in 2024, they now stand just two countries away from completing their monumental goal of 198 nations.
A general view shows Libya's Ashaafean park, the first Libyan site to be categorised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, in the Nafusa mountain range on October 25, 2021
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
"Our bodyguard was very serious about his job; he would even follow us to the bathroom," they revealed.
The pair were full of admiration for the ancient ruins and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Leptis Magna, the "beautiful" city of Tripoli, and the "super friendly people" they encountered, according to the Mirror.
"I honestly never would have imagined we'd get to see some of these countries and I just feel so grateful," Lucy admitted.
However, the Department of Foreign Affairs "strongly advises against travel to Libya at this time."
In its most recent update in February, the DFA stated: "Due to the ongoing fighting and the risk of kidnapping or terrorist attacks throughout the country, the situation in Libya remains extremely dangerous. There are reports of increased military activity in the areas surrounding Tripoli and in the city itself and all Irish citizens are advised to avoid the region.
Tripoli Tower is a tower and skyscraper in Tripoli, Libya. It is located in city centre of Tripoli, The building was opened in 2003
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
"As Ireland has no resident Embassy in Libya, and in light of the deteriorating security situation, it is extremely unlikely that we will be able to provide any consular assistance to Irish citizens who travel to or decide to remain in Libya at this time."
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The guidance issued warns: "Irish citizens who decide to travel to or remain in Libya are doing so at their own risk and against the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs. If citizens remain in Libya, exercise caution, avoid large gatherings, and ensure that appropriate personal security measures are in place, including access to money and supplies of food, water, medicine, fuel, and other essentials.
"Should citizens choose to travel against the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs, it is essential to ensure that your passport and those of your immediate family are valid and up to date. Citizens should also ensure that they have all relevant travel/exit documents that may be required for departure from Libya."
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Tatler Asia
23-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
The best restaurants in Asia for the wine-obsessed
$ $ $ $ | Central Photo 1 of 4 Andō, Hong Kong, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Photo 2 of 4 Andō, Hong Kong, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Photo 3 of 4 Andō, Hong Kong, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Photo 4 of 4 Andō, Hong Kong, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants 2024 Michelin 1 Star 2024 Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Must Try Sin Lola Seafood starter Argentinian beef Andō's cuisine is a masterclass in storytelling, where chef-owner Agustin Balbi seamlessly blends his Spanish-Argentine roots with the precision he honed during his years in Japan. The menu reflects this rich culinary journey, drawing on seasonal and sustainable ingredients to craft standout dishes like Sin Lola, a caldoso rice that pays heartfelt tribute to his late grandmother. The minimalist design and warm, attentive service create an inviting backdrop for this exploration, where every detail is meticulously considered. Expertly curated wine pairings enhance the experience. One of Hong Kong's most innovative restaurants. Andō transcends the ordinary, offering an immersive journey through taste, memory and culture—an experience that resonates long after the meal ends. Tatler Tip: The menu changes seasonally, as does the Sin Lola caldoso rice dish. Make sure to ask for the latest rendition. Ando Address: 1/F Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong Map Book Hours Web FB IG European | Bali Photo 1 of 4 Apéritif, Indonesia, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Photo 2 of 4 Apéritif, Indonesia, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Photo 3 of 4 Apéritif, Indonesia, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Photo 4 of 4 Apéritif, Indonesia, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try Beef Carpaccio Tataki Opu fish Venison Wellington Embark on a borderless culinary journey at Apéritif, where fine dining meets artistry amid Ubud's lush rice fields and colonial grandeur. The restaurant redefines fine dining with its unique blend of old-world charm and modern culinary innovation. Helmed by Belgian executive chef Nic Vanderbeeken, it offers a dining experience that draws on both local Indonesian ingredients and international flavours. The elegant colonial setting, complete with chandeliers, black-and-white tiles and antiques, sets the stage—so dress to impress. Each dish tells a story of culinary exploration, paired with an impressive wine selection by sommelier Jean-Benoit Isselé. Tatler Tip: Request the artisanal butter trolley, an Apéritif signature that enhances the culinary journey from start to finish. $ $ $ $ | Central Photo 1 of 2 Caprice, Hong Kong, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Photo 2 of 2 Caprice, Hong Kong, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants 2024 Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 Michelin 3 Stars Must Try Alaskan king crab crustacean jelly and Osciètre Prestige caviar Racan pigeon from Maison Bellorr Australian Wagyu beef, Tarbouriech oyster, Kristal caviar Caprice, within the Four Seasons Hotel, is the epitome of French culinary excellence in Hong Kong. Led by chef Guillaume Galliot, the restaurant artfully blends the sophistication of French gastronomy with subtle Asian influences. Each dish is a masterclass in culinary precision, with highlights such as the seasonal tomato creations, made with produce handpicked from Galliot's mother's garden in France—a personal touch that infuses each bite with a sense of home and heritage. The dining room, resplendent with crystal chandeliers and framed by breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour, provides a setting as luxurious as the cuisine itself, with an extensive wine list and impeccable cheese selection that further elevate the experience. Caprice Address: 6/F, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong Map Call Book Hours Web FB IG $ $ $ $ | Taman Tun Dr. Ismail Photo 1 of 2 DC restaurant, Malaysia, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Photo 2 of 2 DC restaurant, Malaysia, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Awards 2025 Tatler Best 20 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try Echo of the sea Abalone with miso cured egg yolk sauce, smoked shiitake and harissa Basque stlye grilled whole turbot with a 'choo chee' curry sauce DC Restaurant impresses year after year for its phenomenal attention to detail and consistency. Over the past 11 years, the cuisine served at the restaurant has evolved—currently, the menu takes a global approach, using French cooking techniques while still keeping in mind its Malaysian heritage. The restaurant is led by Darren Chin, who brings with him classical French training and a belief in presenting nature's bounty in its purest form, combining cuisine from around the globe to create a new sensory experience. Dishes change seasonally, with courses like the Songkhla wild river prawn with yellow curry bisque and Langit wild black rice salad taking centre stage. DC Restaurant Address: 44 Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur Map Call Book Web Korean | Seoul Photo 1 of 2 Eatanic Garden, Korea, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Photo 2 of 2 Eatanic Garden, Korea, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try Autumn mushroom japchae Pine nut sauce chamwe naengchae Mother of pearl box with traditional sweets Eatanic Garden, located within the luxurious Josun Palace hotel and enjoying stunning views of Seoul, showcases chef Son Jong-won's creative interpretation of Korean cuisine using seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farms. The restaurant is celebrated for its elegant interior, impeccable service and expertly curated wine pairings from an exceptional sommelier team led by Nathan Kim. It offers a modern dining experience that remains true to the essence of Korean flavours, in dishes such as autumn mushroom japchae, and pine nut sauce chamwe naengchae. Tatler Tip: The restaurant boasts an extensive wine list and an exceptional sommelier team, led by the head sommelier Nathan Kim, so be sure to pick their brains about wine pairings for your meal. French | Tokyo Photo 1 of 2 Esquisse, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine-lovers Photo 2 of 2 Esquisse, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Corsican chef Lionel Beccat's delicate approach to cooking is reflected in his dishes at Esquisse. It's even reflected in the restaurant's earthy decor—which is dominated by soft tones of ivory and beige, with beamed ceilings and sections defined by soaring curtains. The provenance of produce takes centre stage, as Beccat's menu is defined by his travels throughout Japan to visit farmers and deepen his understanding of and connection with the country's culinary culture. As such, the menu changes daily, with the only consistency being Beccat's reverence for ingredients and flawless techniques. Wine is taken very seriously at Esquisse, where a team of sommeliers is led by the restaurant's general director Eiji Wakabayashi, who once served as the chef sommelier at Tokyo's revered Taillevent Robuchon. Tatler Tip: General director Eiji Wakabayashi, formerly the chef-sommelier at Taillevent Robuchon, is an award-winning sommelier who leads the team at Esquisse. This only means that the restaurant offers an exquisite wine menu and stellar service that make for memorable experiences. Indian | New Delhi Photo 1 of 2 Indian Accent, India, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 2 Indian Accent, India, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try Blue cheese naan Meetha Aachar Spare Ribs Puchkas with Calcutta Jhal Potato & Five Waters You might be hard pressed to get a reservation at the restaurant that first dared to put blue cheese inside naan. Located within chic hotel The Lodhi, Indian Accent has slowly but steadily moved the needle on the definition of Indian dining with its inventive approach to traditional cuisine, winning over sceptics with its blending of traditional flavours with global techniques. The sleek, modern decor, contemporary ambience, creative plating and impeccable service help to make it a must-visit for anyone seeking something both familiar and refreshingly new. Request a table overlooking the courtyard for a more intimate dining experience. The wine pairings are thoughtfully curated. Tatler Tip: Request a table overlooking the courtyard for a more intimate dining experience. Don't skip the wine pairing—it's thoughtfully curated to complement the menu. $ $ $ $ | City Hall/ Bras Basah Photo 1 of 2 Jaan by Kirk Westaway, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 2 Jaan by Kirk Westaway, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try Fish and chips Cheddar pancake Charred leek and potato soup The evolution of Jaan by Kirk Westaway's cuisine from French to modern British is reflective of the growth of the eponymous executive chef. Since taking the reins in the kitchen, Westaway has proudly put his British heritage in the limelight—first, with a revamped space decked in original artworks and floor-to-ceiling installations that pay homage to his home region of Devon in England's southwest. This extends to ever-evolving menus of modernised dishes inspired by his childhood favourites. They include modern takes on the classic fish and chips; cheddar pancake, featuring cheese from a farm near the chef's home; and burnt leek and potato soup. Moreover, the restaurant features an impressive wine list. Tatler Tip: Say yes to the restaurant's cheese platter—the selection includes a range of soft, hard and blue cheeses, with the blue goat's cheese being a unique and punchy option. Jaan by Kirk Westaway Address: 2 Stamford Road, Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, S(178882) Map Call Hours Web French | Seoul Photo 1 of 3 Kang Minchul Restaurant, Korea, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 3 Kang Minchul Restaurant, Korea, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 3 of 3 Kang Minchul Restaurant, Korea, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try Caviar and truffle bibimbap Dohwa shrimp with caviar and bisque sauce Kelp-marinated sea bream with seaweed Kang Minchul Restaurant offers a unique, intimate dining experience. With only three tables, a high level of service and exclusivity is guaranteed. Chef Kang Min-chul specialises in French cuisine, skilfully blending traditional French sauces with premium Korean ingredients to create visually stunning, sophisticated dishes, including the likes of caviar and truffle bibimbap, Dohwa shrimp with caviar and bisque sauce, and kelp-marinated sea bream with seaweed. The ever-evolving menu is complemented by expertly curated wine pairings. Tatler Tip: After your meal, enjoy a diverse selection of Cognac, whiskey, dessert wines, and digestifs with expert sommelier recommendations to boot. French | $ $ $ $ | Orchard Photo 1 of 2 Les Amis, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 2 Les Amis, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try Egg mollet Langoustine ravioli Blue lobster royale Singapore's first independent fine-dining restaurant might have been open for three decades, but it has never lost its shine thanks to a capable culinary team led by executive chef Sebastien Lepinoy. With classic interiors to match, a meal here lets diners relive the French fine-dining experience through a seasonal menu. Each course—whether it is Parisian-style egg mimosa with caviar and savoury coulis or Normandy blue lobster with beurre blanc—is skilfully prepared in lavish ways using the finest ingredients, procured in France. The restaurant also boasts one of the most extensive wine lists on the island, with more than 1,800 bottles to choose from. Tatler Tip: Book the Chef's table which offers a private view of the kitchens or one of the four private rooms located on the 2nd floor. Les Amis Address: 1 Scotts Road #01-16 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208 Call Hours Web $ $ $ $ | Taipei Photo 1 of 2 Logy, Taiwan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers | Kevin Lu, winner of Tatler Best Asia's Best Sommelier 2024 award Photo 2 of 2 Logy, Taiwan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers At Logy in Taiwan you will be met with not only an outstanding meal, but also with Kevin Lu's profound knowledge of wine and the world of fine dining. In fact, his expertise earned him Tatler Best Asia's Best Sommelier award for 2024. With over two and a half years at the helm of the wine programme at the acclaimed Logy, Lu has honed the art of perfectly balancing food and wine. His refined approach ensures that each pairing elevates both elements, creating experiences that are unforgettable for their depth and harmony. Throughout his career, Lu has consistently pushed the boundaries of wine pairing, and there is no doubt he will continue to go from strength to strength at Logy. Logy Address: 1/F, No 6, Lane 109, Section 1, Anhe Road, Daan District, Taipei, Taiwan Map Book Hours Web FB IG Bangkok Photo 1 of 3 Maison Dunand, Thailand, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 3 Maison Dunand, Thailand, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 3 of 3 Maison Dunand, Thailand, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2025 Tatler Best Thailand Restaurant 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Maison Dunand in Bangkok, led by Chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier, offers a refined French dining experience inspired by the chef's Alpine roots. The restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients, exquisite craftsmanship and contemporary techniques. With an intimate, elegant setting, Maison Dunand presents beautifully curated tasting menus that highlight the richness of French cuisine with a modern twist. $ $ $ $ | Robertson Quay/ River Valley Photo 1 of 2 Meta, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 2 Meta, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try Abalone from Jeju island cooked twice (steam and grilled) and garnished with grilled chicken heart and lily bulb Marinated Wagyu cooked on the binchotan grill and served with burnt onion puree, mushroom ragu and celtuce kimchi Bibimmyeon The reopening of Meta in 2023 is testament to how far Sun Kim has come as a chef and restaurateur. After training in the kitchen of legendary chef Tetsuya Wakuda and cooking Japanese food with European accents, he has decided to champion the cuisine of his birthplace, South Korea, in bold tasting menus that are updated according to the seasons. He presents classic and comforting Korean dishes like gimbap and Jeju abalone porridge in new, imaginative ways, which diners are able to enjoy with curated wine options hand-picked by the resident sommelier. Further reflecting Kim's love for his homeland, the new space is injected with subtle Korean influences like the counter inspired by onggi, the traditional Korean vessels where sauces are fermented. Tatler Tip: The best seats (or tables) in the house are the ones that are located closest to the open kitchen. Put in a request for it when making a booking to snag front row seats to all action that unfolds behind the counter. Meta Address: 9 Mohamed Sultan Road, S(238959) Map Call Email Hours Web Japanese | Tokyo Photo 1 of 2 Narisawa, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 2 Narisawa, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try Satoyama Scenery Rich Harvest Bread of the Forest 2010 Narisawa's interior was renovated in 2023 to mark the restaurant's 20th anniversary. Its huge, breathtaking wooden counter is made from Japanese zelkova, aged under volcanic ash for 2,500 years. The restaurant's innovative Satoyama cuisine is based on wisdom that has been handed down over generations in villages in the nearby mountains. Distinctive dishes include an interpretation of narezushi, the original version of sushi and a dessert based on camellia combined with koji, used in the making of sake. Bread is made with natural yeast from a forest in a World Heritage site, which is fermented and then baked in front of you. The English-speaking staff are happy to delve into the stories behind dishes. The restaurant also offers a selection of premium Japanese wine and sake. Tatler Tip: The interpretation of traditional Japanese sushi, known as 'nare-zushi,' along with the dessert inspired by the sake-making process, is truly distinctive. The staff speaks fluent English, so feel free to inquire about the background stories behind these creations. $ $ $ $ | Marina District Photo 1 of 4 Odette, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 4 Odette, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 3 of 4 Odette, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 4 of 4 Odette, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Since Odette burst onto Singapore's dining scene in 2015, it has been one of the island's most awarded French restaurants, with accolades that include being named Tatler Singapore's Restaurant of the Year 2024. Chef-owner Julien Royer attributes this success to the restaurant's DNA, which is firmly rooted in classic French cuisine but infused with a sense of place by taking inspiration from Asian flavours and ingredients. The seven-course meal here is always a delicious surprise, and is complemented by a well-curated wine list and friendly service. Situated within the National Gallery Singapore, Odette's light, bright colour palette complements the delicate, refined food, while the glass-encased kitchen ensures that diners have front-row seats. Tatler Tip: Imbibers, look out for the apéritif trolley brimming with champagnes, as well as the digéstif trolley at the end, including Armagnacs and a magnum of green chartreuse. Odette Address: 01-04, National Gallery, 1 St Andrew's Road, 178957, Singapore Map Call Hours Web Bamboo Hills Photo 1 of 3 Potager, Malaysia, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 3 Potager, Malaysia, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 3 of 3 Potager, Malaysia, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2025 Tatler Best Malaysia: Best Sommelier, Best Pastry Chef 2025 Tatler Best 20 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try Executive chef Masashi Horiuchi applies French techniques to ingredients from the very best purveyors, creating a multi-course tasting menu that combines sensory experience and French finesse, inviting customers to bask in the present and savour the things that make the meal come to life. Attention to detail, from the ambience and plating to hospitality, is unbeatable. Potager also features a wine lounge, a test kitchen and a selection of intimate private dining rooms. Potager Address: P11, Bamboo Hills, Taman Bamboo, Segambut, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Map Call Hours Web IG French | Tokyo Photo 1 of 2 Quintessence, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 2 Quintessence, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants At the long-treasured Quintessence, esteemed chef Shuzo Kishida has built a name for himself for dishing out some of the best modern French cuisine in the city, using skills honed at such institutions as L'Astrance in Paris under his mentor, Pascal Barbot. His 13-course tasting menus are constantly evolving, but lily bulb, foie gras and bavarois make regular appearances, as well as stellar meat dishes prepared with a shokunin—extreme mastery—level of precision. Wine lovers will delight in the restaurant's cellar, which boasts more than 600 varieties of (mainly French) wine. Reservations are hard to come by, so we recommend booking at least two months in advance. Photography is strictly forbidden inside the main dining room, commanding guests to be present in the moment. Tatler Tip: Photography of the dishes is permitted only in the private dining room, which accommodates 5 to 6 guests. If you'd like to capture your dining experience, we recommend reserving this space. French | $ $ $ $ | Macau Photo 1 of 2 Robuchon au Dôme, Macau, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 2 Robuchon au Dôme, Macau, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants 2024 Michelin 3 Stars 2024 Tatler Dining 20 Macau Must Try Crispy fried egg with caviar and smoked salmon Fresh crabmeat and tomato mille-feuille Kagoshima Wagyu beef Crowning the Grand Lisboa, Robuchon au Dôme epitomises the height of luxurious dining. Under the expert direction of Julien Tongourian, who also leads L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Hong Kong, the restaurant continues to deliver the opulent French gastronomy that discerning diners seek. Each dish is a showcase of precision and indulgence, served in an environment where every detail is designed to captivate. Tatler Tip: Save your appetite for offerings from the season-driven dessert menu, as well as up to two choices from the marvellous selection from the sweets trolley, including the ethereal mille-feuille. Robuchon au Dôme Address: 43/F, Grand Lisboa, Avenida de Lisboa, Macau Map Call Hours Web Chinese | Tokyo Photo 1 of 3 Sazenka, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 3 Sazenka, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 3 of 3 Sazenka, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try Pheasant Soup Steamed Sliced Pork and Eggplants Simmered Dried Abalone Japanese cuisine is based on liquid, in the form of dashi, and Chinese cuisine is based on intense heat and oil. At Sazenka, chef Tomoya Kawada harmonises the two. Dishes showcase both the purity of flavour of the ingredients often seen in Japanese cuisine, alongside the complex flavours of Chinese cuisine. As well as fine wine and sake pairings, the restaurant also offers an unparalleled tea pairing experience, featuring teas brewed at different temperatures, served in beautiful hand-painted cups. Tatler Tip: The Sazenka team presents an exquisite tea pairing using house-made blends that are meticulously brewed using various temperatures and methods to enhance the flavour profiles. Each tea is served in beautifully hand-painted cups, adding to the overall experience. French | Tokyo Photo 1 of 3 Sézanne, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 3 Sézanne, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 3 of 3 Sézanne, Japan, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Sézanne is named after the French village in the Champagne region where chef Daniel Calvert's grandparents used to have a summer house. The soothing, elegant interiors are by Hong Kong designer André Fu, and serve to set you at absolute ease before you even pick up the menu. The chef, who previously worked in New York, Paris and Hong Kong, and moved to Japan in 2021, bases his cuisine on French techniques, but with Asian twists, such as a Peking duck with ultra-crispy skin. And while you are unlikely to have room for anything after your last course, pre-order a tin of chocolate cookies to take away—they contain two types of Valrhona chocolate. Tatler Tip: If you love chocolate, be sure to pre-order Calvert's favourite housemade chocolate cookies, packaged in a tin for takeaway. Featuring a perfect balance of two types of Valrhona chocolate, these cookies offer a delightful contrast in texture and taste. $ $ $ $ | Sheung Wan Photo 1 of 4 Wing, Hong Kong, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 4 Wing, Hong Kong, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 3 of 4 Wing, Hong Kong, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 4 of 4 Wing, Hong Kong, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia: Restaurant of the Year 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants 2024 World's 50 Best Restaurants Must Try Chopped chilli fish maw rice Signature crispy chicken Alaskan king crab, crab roe, cheung fun At Wing (Tatler Best Asia's Restaurant of the Year 2024), chef Vicky Cheng proves that he is a modern master. This is no ordinary reinterpretation of tradition; rather, it's a thoughtful, measured evolution of a centuries-old cuisine, imbued with Cheng's own sense of discovery and ambition. From the moment you step through Wing's doors, you sense a departure from the expected. The cuisine revels in the simplicity of superb ingredients, often local ones, treated with reverence. On Wing's tasting menu, each course captures the essence of the seasons, a fundamental tenet of Chinese cuisine. But here, the familiar is made new, not through unnecessary adornment but by a deft understanding of texture, temperature and flavour. Every dish feels like a conversation between the past and the future. The flavours are distinctly Cantonese but the way they are presented—thoughtfully layered, elegantly composed—suggests a chef who is constantly questioning, refining and perfecting. Here, your experience is complemented further by head sommelier Kin Wai Williams Fu and Wing's impressive wine program. The service at the restaurant is equally outstanding, with a team that anticipates needs with an almost imperceptible grace. Wing Address: 29/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Map Call Book Hours Web IG $ $ $ $ | Duxton Photo 1 of 4 Zen, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 2 of 4 Zen, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 3 of 4 Zen, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Photo 4 of 4 Zen, Singapore, one of the best restaurants in Asia for wine lovers Awards 2024 Tatler Best Asia 100 Restaurants Must Try French toast Foie gras parfait Seared scallops with finger lime and Swedish pine shoots Under the watchful eyes of executive chef Toraik 'TC' Chua and Martin Öfner, Zén orchestrates a seamless dining experience segmented into three parts across three floors. The experience begins on the first floor with a showcase of seasonal ingredients, mostly sourced from Japan and displayed in the open kitchen. Diners are then led to the second floor of the restaurant, where they savour a tasting menu grounded in neo-Nordic cuisine laced with Japanese accents; then to the top floor for dessert and digestifs. Complementing the experience is a strong wine list and a selection of nonalcoholic beverages curated by operations and beverage director Aaron Jacobson. Tatler Tip: The dinner course lasts for four hours. If ending your meal at midnight isn't desirable, consider lunch instead—the restaurant offers the same menu for lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is wholly different as the space is illuminated by ample natural light during the day. Restaurant Zén Address: 41 Bukit Pasoh Rd, S(089855) Map Call Hours Web
Times
29-04-2025
- Times
Only in death are we sure where we belong
In life, the Irish author Edna O'Brien was unlucky in property. When she found herself of slender means she sold her London townhouse for £375,000; five years later it was worth £5 million. It wasn't only about money, though. There was something restless in her character, an itinerant mind and body, running away from Ireland and washing up in Putney then Chelsea before she died in 2024. Only in death was she sure of where she wanted to settle. Some years previously, O'Brien had bought a plot on Holy Island, a freckle of sacred land on Lough Derg in the west of Ireland. Her mother's people were buried there, she said, in the shadow of ancient churches and graveyards of saints. No one lives on
Times
29-04-2025
- Times
Spain-Portugal power outage live: race to find cause of disruption
Ruben Coiran, 24, was returning home to Barcelona and had spent 11 hours stuck in Atocha rail station after the blackout waiting for news. 'It's tough — putting up with the cold, bearing the hunger, hanging on … We're having a pretty rough time,' he told AFP. 'There were elderly people, children who haven't been able to eat for six, seven hours. They don't have toilets,' added Coiran, who works in IT. 'For the elderly (and) people with babies, it was more difficult for them.' Emergency services workers carried out 286 rescue operations on Monday to free people trapped inside elevators in the Madrid region during a nationwide blackout, the head of the regional government said. 'What we are now dealing with more frequently are cases of people trapped in lifts. We have received 286 requests' for help, the head of the regional government of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, told television station Antena 3. One man posted a video on social media saying the blackout trapped him in a lift without coverage for about 40 minutes. 'By hitting the door and shouting a neighbour heard me and informed the municipal police' who came half an hour later to free him, he said. A multi-purpose sports centre in the city of Guadalajara, in Castilla-La Mancha, became an improvised overnight shelter for those who had their journey cut short by the interruption of the railway service. A Red Cross spokesman said that 466 people from two trains had been given shelter and provided with blankets, food, water and a hygiene kit to make the hours of waiting 'as bearable as possible'. There were major problems at airports in Portugal yesterday. Overall 185 flights departing Portuguese airports were cancelled and 187 arrivals cancelled. At Lisbon 45 per cent of departures were cancelled. Some 25 flights between the UK and Portugal were cancelled — and many return flights. Passengers said they were unable to secure hotels near the airport as they were all fully booked. Operations are also expected to be disrupted today. In Spain, 205 flights departing the country's airports were cancelled and 208 arrivals cancelled. The worst affected airports were Seville and Almeria. Some experts suggested that the Portuguese grid operator company — which cited 'anomalous oscillations' in high voltage lines and 'induced atmospheric vibration' — may have been referring to rapid changes in temperature causing pressure waves to travel through the atmosphere. These could potentially cause high power lines to vibrate, causing damage. The experts added that 'induced atmospheric vibration' wasn't a standard term for this. The waves that travel through the air are more usually called gravity waves, thermal oscillations or acoustic-gravity waves. With the cause of the blackout uncertain, experts have been interpreting comments by Portugal's grid operator about the power cut. Professor Chenghong Gu of the University of Bath, said the reference by the operator to 'anomalous oscillations' in high voltage lines and 'induced atmospheric vibration' could refer to a phenomenon where high temperature, high humidity and other factors lead electric charges in the ambient atmosphere to interact with electric fields caused by the conductors used to transmit power. 'Under certain conditions, this can cause the vibrations of conductors. Then, the vibrations can cause the changes of the physical characteristics of conductors, reflecting in their key parameters, such as their impedance, reactance,' Gu said. 'The stability of power systems is very sensitive to these parameters, and if they keep changing, currents in transmission lines, voltages in different locations, and system frequency would change. In the worst case, system frequency could drop too low, and customers must be cut off to re-balance the supply and demand.' If your flight to or from the UK has been delayed for three hours or more, whether it's due to strike action, air traffic control issues or bad weather, you could be eligible for free meals, refreshments, accommodation and even compensation for delayed flights in certain cases. What determines how much you will get depends on how far you're travelling as well as how long the delay is. There are also similar laws that govern flight cancellations, which include your rights to a refund or an alternative flight. • Read in full: Compensation for cancelled and delayed flights: everything you need to know Passengers in Spain and Portugal spent a night sleeping on the floors of stations and airport terminals after the power cut severed services. Madrid's Atocha main station was badly hit with large numbers of people forced to camp out overnight — although services are slowly resuming. The Madrid metro has also reopened. Spain's transport minister said number of train lines remain closed, mainly commuter routes in places like Bilbao, Cadiz, Seville, Zaragoza, Vigo and San Sebastian. Commuter services in Madrid and Valencia are returning to normal but with 'reduced services'. Long-distance trains from Madrid to Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Santander, Granada and the Basque Country are 'progressively returning to normal'. Major airports in Spain, including Madrid, are operating, but there is a huge backlog after yesterday's flight cancellations. Unlike Heathrow airport — which was forced to close for almost a day last month after an electricity substation fire — the big Spanish airports have back-up generators. But many travellers were unable to make it to airports yesterday following the power outages as all transport networks were down. Some of those who made it were forced to sleep at the airport. It is not just Spain, Portugal and parts of southern France which were affected by the blackouts. The Greenland telecom company Tussass said overnight that it had lost connection to satellite equipment based in Spain that provides vital telephone, internet, TV and radio services for remote communities in the vast Arctic island. 'Right now there is no contact with our equipment in Maspalomas in Spain, which we are deeply dependent on to be able to supply customers in the satellite area,' Tussass said. It was not immediately clear how many people were affected. The comparison was as apt as it was obvious. Though two Iberian neighbours had been brought low and plunged back into the Stone Ages for an April afternoon, when it came to understanding the cause of the mass power cut, there was an information blackout. 'It was Putin,' said a mother rushing to collect her child early from school in Madrid. It almost certainly wasn't, but the lack of information fuelled the kind of speculation that Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister, said he could live without. He might also have done without the Portuguese, who were the first to identify what happened — or at least what they thought had happened. • What caused the power outage in Spain and Portugal? Spanish electricity grid operator Red Electrica said it was able to supply 99.16 per cent of the country's electricity demand early on Tuesday as the system gradually recovers from a nationwide blackout on Monday. All the country's substations were operating on Tuesday morning, Red Electrica said in a post on X. 'We keep working on restoring (power),' it added. A huge power outage hit most of the Iberian Peninsula on Monday morning, bringing both Spain and Portugal to a standstill — grounding planes, halting public transportation and forcing hospitals to restrict routine proceedings. Power has been restored to Spain and most of Portugal after Monday's widespread outages, but significant disruptions on the Iberian peninsula's transport networks remain. While commuter services in Madrid and Valencia have returned — albeit with reduced capacity — a number of lines in other cities, including Bilbao, Cadiz, Seville, Zaragoza, Vigo and San Sebastian, remain cancelled until further notice. Long-distance lines, including services from Madrid to Barcelona, are progressively returning to normal. But there remains a major backlog at airports with more than 500 flights cancelled across Spain and Portugal. Schools also remain closed across the two countries.
