It turns out there are no pirates here, but the stripe-shirted staff are reminiscent of Where is Waldo (the original hipster) or Ou est Charlie as he is known in France.

After a short wander I’m gracefully allowed into Jacqueline…wait…never mind. At the bar I am greeted by a painting of Bill Murray in character as Steve Zissou, and an array of decent, but unpretentious whiskies. The room smells like a more delicious version of the ocean.

Located in a “should have been forgotten” low-rise area east of JR Shinjuku station in the Kabukicho neighbourdhood, the Golden Gai is a cluster of tiny watering holes intertwined by narrow passageways and alleys.

The cashier slinks away in the background. I see a slip appear and a sheepish shrug. The next moves by the cashier are actually a masterclass in customer service, but in reality is how this situation should always be handled.

I had the good fortune to know Harry McWatters in what would be the last years of his life, but he carried those years with a youthful spirit. Like everyone that knew him I have many stories from along the way — seemingly small encounters in my day-to-day that will continue to have a big impact.

Ramen geeks rejoice — Venice Ramen is actually really awesome! Ramen in the hot California sun might seem a bit counterintuitive, but sometimes it helps to get a good noodle sweat going in the heat.

The Bento chain of fast food sushi restaurants has an outpost in the YYZ Pearson Toronto Airport, and one cold winter day I thought I would give it a go.

After a week of eating myself into a new pant size, a light tofu lunch was a welcome change. Kurashiki Bikan is the historical quarter of Kurashiki City, and a somewhat delightfully touristy enclave of creativity.

Not fancy, not terrible, and extremely practical — The Good Hotel melds budget with style in a package that you can’t resist.

A bright airy space in a former industrial building home to a brewery paying homage to 80’s video game classics and country western legends.