The Travel Diaries · Sunday, September 27, 2026
The podcast discusses Ruthie Rogers' highly anticipated visit to The Shimansan, a restaurant in Kyoto designed by architect Tado Ando. Owned by Patrick McKellen, the restaurant is praised for its attention to detail and traveler-centric experience, with many friends of Rogers recommending it for its architecture and food.
“I am dying. And I am really, really want to go to a restaurant called The Shimansan in Kyoto in Japan. It is designed by a great architect, Tado Ando. It's in the most beautiful city. It's owned by a friend of mine, uh, Patrick McKellen, Patty McKellen, and he does his hotels with such detail, such generosity, such attention to what you will want as a traveler to stay in.”
“And I have so many friends who've come back from there saying, Ruthie, you know, it's great architecture which you love. It's great food which you need, and you know the person who created it. Why haven't you been? And I have no answers to that question.”