About me

I am Joan, a French software engineer and web developer based in Rotterdam. By day, I write code; and sometimes by night (and on weekends), I apply the same kind of passion to exploring local restaurants, and food cultures.

Growing up in Tahiti, French Polynesia, my early relationship with food was framed by a unique blend of cultures: fresh Polynesian seafood, French cuisine, and local Chinese dishes. Despite being surrounded by incredible traditions, I was a light eater and mostly kept to simple, home-cooked meals. I never quite understood the grand passion surrounding food in movies or books.

Back then, I took that simplicity for granted without realizing how profound a thoughtful meal could be.

Everything changed in September 2019 when I moved to Montpellier, France, to study IT. I came for a degree, but I walked away with an entirely transformed perspective on food culture. Moving to Europe opened my eyes to the sheer diversity of ingredients, regional techniques, and flavor combinations. Step by step, I trained my palate: discovering what I love, identifying what I prefer to avoid (like heavy spice, which was entirely new to me coming from Tahiti), and learning to approach new menus with an analytical, open mind. Subsequent travels through Asia deepened that fascination even further.

Being an "outsider" who grew up far from the traditional European dining scene gives me a unique advantage. I don't carry rigid regional biases; instead, I look at every meal with fresh eyes, evaluating food according to my metrics.

I created this blog because I know what it feels like to be on the outside of food culture looking in. Perhaps you, too, are still figuring out what you like and dislike, or maybe you are just starting to realize how much more the world has to offer beyond your immediate surroundings.

Through my travels across the Netherlands, France, Italy, and back home to Tahiti, I invite you to join me as I slowly discover hidden culinary gems and share honest, thoughtful reviews along the way.

What will you find here?

1. How do I chose the restaurants I write about?

If a restaurant has a dedicated review on this blog, it means my visit left a strong impression: either good (doesn't really have to be excellent... just good) or very bad. You will see it directly in the score. Ultimately, I write about places that offer something I wish I had known before visiting, whether that is a unique experience, a spot worth a detour, a genuinely great place to eat, or a warning for a restaurant I know I will never return to.

2. How do I write my reviews?

I am not a professional food critic. This is a personal blog, and every write-up reflects how I personally understand, taste, and feel a meal. Predicting whether you will agree with my taste is as precise as forecasting the stock market. I share my background, likes, and dislikes so you can gauge how closely your palate aligns with mine and decide if my recommendations will work for you.

3. What do I write in my reviews?

My reviews go far beyond just what is on the plate. I look at the whole experience, incorporating atmospheric comfort, service, physical pacing, and overall value into every evaluation.

What will you NOT find here?

1. Sponsors

I do not accept sponsorships. Everything reviewed here is paid for out of my own pocket with zero outside influence.

2. Fine-dining Gastronomy

You will not find ultra-expensive, fine-dining gastronomy posts here. I prefer satisfying, well-executed meals... there is simply not enough: food on those tiny plates for me; money in my wallet.

3. Technical jargon

I aim for clear, descriptive, and honest language, so I don't use much in terms of technical culinary buzzwords. At the end of the day, I am not a trained chef or even someone who works in the hospitality industry; I am just a person who truly loves good food.