Alix Davis

Despite the chilly temperature outdoors, there’s a distinctly tropical vibe from the moment you walk into Lost in Asia. A plethora of plants snake their way across the ceiling and up the jungle green walls while the air is redolent with fragrant spices of South East Asia. And, while it’s not Bangkok-humid, it’s certainly warm enough that you can shed your Tassie tuxedo and get comfortable.

There are few things nicer in life than enjoying a long lunch on the Italian coast. The Italian coastline stretches over about 7500km, so there’s plenty to choose from – the low-lying sandy beaches of Puglia to the clifftops of the Amalfi Coast. The island of Sicily alone has 1400km of coast and, while I can’t get there this week, I can do the next best thing – enjoy lunch at newly opened Novellino, where Sicilian chef Salvatore Albinelli dishes up Italian classics.