This month we’re...
Here’s our essential guide to drinking, eating, staying, flying across the planet in September. By James Wilkinson
DRINKING AT… SEVEN GRAND, LOS ANGELES
Downtown LA is being gentrified through the roof and the leader of the bar charge has been Seven Grand, where there’s 300 whiskeys, snooker tables and southern rock. Leave your cocktail choice in the hands of barman Pedro Shanahan. 515 W 7th St #2, Los Angeles, CA. +1 213 614 0737. sevengrandbars.com.
EATING AT… BOULCOTT STREET BISTRO, WELLINGTON
With unofficial Wellington food mayor and national culinary treasure Rex Morgan at the helm, Boulcott Street Bistro has been dishing out brilliant French-New Zealand fare for over 20 years. Order the coq au vin, the slow-braised beef short rib with smoky escargot butter or Rex’s signature lamb shanks. 99 Boulcott St, Wellington. +64 4499 4199. www.boulcottstreetbistro.co.nz.
STAYING AT… HOTEL REALM CANBERRA
A short hop from Parliament House, the National Gallery and the National Library, this design-driven five-star hotel stands out for its Malin+Goetz amenities, Nespresso coffee machines in the rooms, and lobby eatery and bar Ostani, where a glass of local rosé from Joshua’s Fault is absolutely in order. 18 National Circuit, Canberra 2600. 02 6163 1888. hotelrealm.com.au.
FLYING… TIGERAIR AUSTRALIA
Ever since Virgin Australia bought Tigerair, the ultra low-cost carrier has been winning over travellers by the Airbus load. They have a terrific on-time record now, super-friendly staff, web check-in and an on-board pay-as-you-go menu that includes all-day breakfast, Nissin chicken noodles and boxes of Tim Tams. www.tigerair.com.