Coqui Coqui

Coqui Coqui, Tulum, Mexico



I had read about Coqui Coqui in Vogue España last time I was in Barcelona. Mexico is one of my favorite countries to perform in, as the people are passionate and fun-loving, and I find Mexican culture magical. So it's no wonder that I would end up on holiday here.

The Coqui Coqui hotel/parfumerie is owned by Nicholas Malleville, whose face you may recognise from Burberry and Gucci campaigns. His obsession with landscape architecture, botanical chemistry, and interior design come together in this beautiful beach escape.




My stay here was delightful, comprising of seven days of absolute bliss. Most days would begin with being served with infusion teas and the most amazing huevos rancheros. The sun-loungers on the beach made for quiet, sun-soaked afternoons, with on-call fruit smoothies. In the event of a quick tropical rain, I would lie reading in the hammock in the lobby whilst taking in the scents of Orange Blossom and Coco from the in-house parfumerie.


My favorite restaurant in Tulum (and perhaps the world) is Hartwood, which just happens to be over the road from Coqui Coqui. The atmosphere is unique, from the small details of the function-over-form service area (large decorative honey pots, the fresh produce on display in crates as a nod to French culinary school, lavender in tin pails) to the meticulously-programmed playlist (Dylan, Cohen, Marley, Young), and the warm buzz from the fruity and creative mezcal cocktails.

A wood fire is at the centre of operations at Hartwood. The Cosillas (Slow-cooked pork rib) and Whole roasted snapper with radishes were delightful. Everything is fresh and simple yet sophisticated. I was so impressed with the food that dined here four of the seven days that I was in Tulum.




Whilst in Tulum, I highly recommend taking a couple hours and making a trek to the Mayan ruins. Wear good shoes, bring a swimsuit, and may I suggest hiring a personal guide, which will cost about 500 MXP.



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Das Restaurant in Olten, Switzerland

Das Restaurant... Next door to Terminus Club in Olten, Switzerland.

Entrecôte Robespierre was red meat perfection....


And Toblerone Mousse?! YES!!





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Location:Olten, Switzerland

Bogota: Andrés Carne de Res and Bogota Bike Tours

Bogota, Colombia! What a lovely city if you can manage to stay away from the you-know-what! A cheeky little escapade from Bogota center to Andrés Carne de Res ( http://www.andrescarnederes.com/ ) was hands-down the most unique dining experience I've had the pleasure of tucking into . This culinary fairy-tale kingdom is a 40-minute cab ride outside of Bogota (at about $80 roundtrip, organized through my hotel, check with yours), but well worth the shlep. I would spend a bit of time on the website to familiarize yourself with the concept to avoid shock and bewilderment. I would also strongly recommend arriving about one hour before you plan to dine, to soak up the festive, pulsating atmosphere, and to get a little tipsy on mojitos before laying into a massive chunk of Bife de Chorizo.

The menu itself is a colourful fairy tale fantasy, and quite extensive. I asked the server for a blind recommendation, and I was pleased to have been presented with the most perfect steak fillet I've ever had. Yes! Even better than the NYC steak houses! That post is on its way as well! The cuisine is Colombian comfort food. Portions are huuuuuge. The atmosphere is fantastic. Cavernous and junkyard-chic, each and every inch of this place is covered in bric-a-brac , some parts of the restaurant even have street names. Strange and spontaneous performances and flashes of ridiculousness run rife here (Mariachi, anyone? Conga line to the loo?). I did get seranaded by a live band of glitter-encrusted elves, complete with prosthetic pointy ears and uklelales, at my table at one point. Brilliant. Stay for drunken-salsa-dancing afterwards as well, this place pulls a very, very attractive crowd. Rarrrr.

Singapore: Prive and Zouk

So....I thought I'd give this food blogging thing a go! Welcome to my first post. I've compiled a plethora of posts so I'll be publishing them sporadically over the next week or so......I'll try to keep it short and sweet.

I've decided to begin with SINGAPORE.

I had the pleasure of dining at Prive ( http://www.prive.com.sg/ ) on my last trip to Singapore when I was DJing at Stereolab in the Pan Pacific Hotel, special thanks to my host Michel Lu. French Cuisine, beautiful location, elegant ambiance, killer cocktails. The balmy terrace is lovely for a pre-dinner mojito whilst coveting yachts in the marina. I was immediately impressed with the abundant selection of California wines, which I believe are severely neglected on the international fine dining scene. Nothing hits the spot like a bottle of Shafer Relentless to accompany one's Braised Wagyu Short Rib (whichbrings me to my apology for the lack of photos...I was distracted by a lovely and familiar taste of home). The flavours are vivid and sophisticated, yet comforting. Also try the seared Hokkaido scallops and Red Snapper Carpaccio, and if you have any remaining space afterwards, a cheeky Sticky Date Pudding! I highly recommend Prive with 5 Starlett Stars, and anticipate a return visit on my next trip to Singapore.

Prive: Relentless

Now, on to the polar opposite end of the food spectrum, just for kicks...

England, be warned. The most bangin' bangers and mash is not located in the UK. It can be found in this little hot dog trolley outside of Zouk Club (http://www.zoukclub.com/) in Singapore at 4am. I had two back to back they were so good. Shame! Be sure to check out the original Keith Haring and Andy Warhol pieces hung around the dancefloor in the red room.
Zouk: Bangin'

Welcome to Starlett's Planet

Hi My name is Starlett and I'm a Rock Star who travels loads and loves to eat. Welcome to my culture blog.