Field Notes - February 2026
What’s on my radar, what I’m obsessing over, and what’s inspiring me right now
Welcome to the February edition of Field Notes, what’s on my radar, what I’m obsessing over, and what’s inspiring me right now. Below is a preview, paid subscribers can unlock the whole post, plus access my destination guides, pinned Google maps and ask for personal recommendations in my chat!
After a very rainy start to the year (who else felt like January was 5 years long!?) It seems like the weather has finally improved here on the French Riviera. The weather really seems to have an impact on people’s moods here. You’d better hope you don’t need something if it’s rained more than 2 days in a row, because everyone will be too grumpy to help (as if French customer service wasn’t already the greatest test of a person’s patience). But with a sunnier February, moods seem to be improving. Carnival has also kicked off in Nice, and while it’s not exactly my thing, it is great to have something to liven up the city during the Winter.
There also seems to be quite a few new restaurants opening up lately. Here are the ones on my radar.
Pain et Pinot - I was so excited to see a Georgian restaurant opening in Nice! We tried it last weekend, the place was cozy, the food was delicious, and I loved their wines!
Saint Bar - While they opened a few months ago, I just made it here and absolutely loved it. As you know, I’m almost exclusively a wine drinker, but I do appreciate a good cocktail once in a while. This place has some really inventive cocktails, and it’s run by two English-speaking guys, so I didn’t have to stumble around in French trying to order properly (I’m learning, I promise).
ZENIRO, Nice - I haven’t been yet, but this one I’m really excited about! I personally think Nice is in desperate need of more diverse restaurants, and ZENIRO sounds very promising. They’re combining some Provencal ingredients with Japanese techniques for a menu that has me pretty excited. Plus, they have a rooftop cocktail bar that looks like it’s going to be beautiful.
