As of Saturday I'll be in Cork for 5 days. Thursday morning first flight back to Amsterdam. See what this city is like. I'm curious .... 
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Monday, September 26, 2005
Sturehof - Stockholm / Sweden
Stockholm - Stur Hof Stureplan 2,
114 46 Stockholm, Sweden,
+46 (0) 8 440 5730
If you're in Sweden and a person from Stockholm advises you to go to this restaurant you just go. It's an old place, it's there for years and years. A little old fashioned in the service, although a good service. The restaurant was packed and had some tables served more than ones.
We started with a assiettes assorties with cheese. They eat cheese with their starter, that was new for me cheese together with a starter. The cheese they eat is like an old cheese that breaks easily and taste like old cheese - so with a lot of flavour.
We had cured salmon, I think one of the best salmon's I ever ate ... what a taste, of course with the mustard dill sauce. Accompanied with a venison terrine, thinly sliced reindeer with creamy horse radish, skagen toast - that's very nice to go with these dishes - and smoked herring. We left nothing so this was already a very good start indeed.
Ended with Lobster a la minute with browned butter and that was subliem as well. Especially with the butter next to it.
Accompanied with a Meursault wine ... yes we enjoyed it very much ... These weeks have been very good for tasting I can say, see what it brings next week
So again, yes if you're in Stockholm go to this restaurant, make a reservation in advance though. It's very central with all the night clubs in the neighbourhood. The menu is daily changing as well.
Website : http://www.sturehof.com
114 46 Stockholm, Sweden,
+46 (0) 8 440 5730
If you're in Sweden and a person from Stockholm advises you to go to this restaurant you just go. It's an old place, it's there for years and years. A little old fashioned in the service, although a good service. The restaurant was packed and had some tables served more than ones.
We started with a assiettes assorties with cheese. They eat cheese with their starter, that was new for me cheese together with a starter. The cheese they eat is like an old cheese that breaks easily and taste like old cheese - so with a lot of flavour.
We had cured salmon, I think one of the best salmon's I ever ate ... what a taste, of course with the mustard dill sauce. Accompanied with a venison terrine, thinly sliced reindeer with creamy horse radish, skagen toast - that's very nice to go with these dishes - and smoked herring. We left nothing so this was already a very good start indeed.
Ended with Lobster a la minute with browned butter and that was subliem as well. Especially with the butter next to it.
Accompanied with a Meursault wine ... yes we enjoyed it very much ... These weeks have been very good for tasting I can say, see what it brings next week
So again, yes if you're in Stockholm go to this restaurant, make a reservation in advance though. It's very central with all the night clubs in the neighbourhood. The menu is daily changing as well.
Website : http://www.sturehof.com
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Stockholm - Sweden / Part II
Stockholm - Sweden
What makes a city a world city.
I'm actually very lucky with the weather, it's not that beautiful today but not cold at all but yesterday it was sunny. Can be windy and I think they can have some snow as well ... So if you never tried Stockholm, try it you will not regret it,
my promise to you.
What makes a city a world city.
- You need more than some rights from ancient history these days. First of all it needs water, preferrable a huge river and (not or) sea. Stockholm has a lot, an awfull lot of water.
- Than it needs history, old buildings, narrow streets, atmosphere, things from the past. Stockholm has a lot of buildings, in fact everywhere you look an old building apears. The one more beautiful than the other.
- Sophisticated people (? :-) ), people having fun, dressed up when going out, in Stockholm a lot of people look neat and a lot are very trendy. For the ladies, the boots just below the knee is in, every woman is wearing it and of course without the "bear" print
The parfume used in this city is mainly sweet, very sweet, little minus point there. - Transportation enough over here, busses, metro, taxi, train and of course plain, even by water so yes a lot of boats too.
I'm actually very lucky with the weather, it's not that beautiful today but not cold at all but yesterday it was sunny. Can be windy and I think they can have some snow as well ... So if you never tried Stockholm, try it you will not regret it,my promise to you.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Stockholm - Sweden
And not yet back and of I go to Sweden - Stockholm, business but with some pleasure time as well, will be gone as of this weekend and most of next week ...
Los Angeles / USA
Los Angeles
We're not yet gone or there is a huge power outage in LA. By that time we were in the sky already. Where to begin ... I guess with the end, LA is a terrific city has a lot to offer and it's a huge city, from downtown to the coast takes the same amount of time as from Amsterdam to Utrecht ...
The weather is terrific, beach houses to love, Bel Air = Bel Air like you have houses and you have castles, Hollywood is a bit overrated and the stars are only "engraved" on a stone in the pavement, the Hollywood hills with Mulholland gives a nice view over the city. Sunset is cosy, Rodeo drive is for the rich and obviously lonely - knowbody to be seen ... , Santa Monica is where you want to live, or more north towards Malibu with the "surfer dudes", muscle beach for the "show offs" or the lovely Venice ... there is a lot to see, a lot to do, a lot to eat. Prices are oke, cheaper than Amsterdam, especially dining and everything around a car - purchase price, insurance and petrol ... a LOT cheaper ... To leave an impression see some combined pictures below,
Definitely a city where I will get back to...
We're not yet gone or there is a huge power outage in LA. By that time we were in the sky already. Where to begin ... I guess with the end, LA is a terrific city has a lot to offer and it's a huge city, from downtown to the coast takes the same amount of time as from Amsterdam to Utrecht ...
The weather is terrific, beach houses to love, Bel Air = Bel Air like you have houses and you have castles, Hollywood is a bit overrated and the stars are only "engraved" on a stone in the pavement, the Hollywood hills with Mulholland gives a nice view over the city. Sunset is cosy, Rodeo drive is for the rich and obviously lonely - knowbody to be seen ... , Santa Monica is where you want to live, or more north towards Malibu with the "surfer dudes", muscle beach for the "show offs" or the lovely Venice ... there is a lot to see, a lot to do, a lot to eat. Prices are oke, cheaper than Amsterdam, especially dining and everything around a car - purchase price, insurance and petrol ... a LOT cheaper ... To leave an impression see some combined pictures below,
Definitely a city where I will get back to...
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Millie's - Los Angeles / USA
3524 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026-2106
Phone: (323) 664-0404
In our 'quest' for the better breakfast places in Los Angeles we found Millie's. Home of the good food (stated on their invoices). First opened in 1926 and seems to be settled into a virtual landmark. We're definitely not the only ones there for breakfast, locals love the place. Try their specialty breakfast options. In a lot of city guides they prefer the Eleanor R (for Roosevelt) we had the Devil's mess and it's a lot what you get ... Prices are low for the plates served. Quick and good service and situated near the street a lovely place to wake up and smell another day ...
Los Angeles, CA 90026-2106
Phone: (323) 664-0404
In our 'quest' for the better breakfast places in Los Angeles we found Millie's. Home of the good food (stated on their invoices). First opened in 1926 and seems to be settled into a virtual landmark. We're definitely not the only ones there for breakfast, locals love the place. Try their specialty breakfast options. In a lot of city guides they prefer the Eleanor R (for Roosevelt) we had the Devil's mess and it's a lot what you get ... Prices are low for the plates served. Quick and good service and situated near the street a lovely place to wake up and smell another day ...
Photo taken from the back window of our carIf you will look for Millie's look at the West (sunset boulevard) just around the corner, some GPS systems might have a small problem finding it. It's worth the search though ...
Friday, September 09, 2005
Chaya Brasserie - Los Angeles / USA
Chaya Brasserie
8741 Alden drive,
Los Angeles,
CA 90048,
Tel : +1 (310) 8598833
This restaurant, brasserie, is a very nice place, great atmosphere. The lady waitress was really interested and gave a terrific service. We left her with a great tip. It was a pretty trendy place, with high service and a lot of people who wants to be seen and want to look around. A lot of tables for two but also some long tables. Americans eat much faster than we do, we "survived" three couples next to us, in other words we ate in the same time as the three couples next to us did ...
We started with cocktails, Gin Tonic and a Mojito.
We took two starters as our entire meal,
we ate (again) The Calamari (Arare Crispy Calamari with Chili Miso Vinaigrette)
& the medley (Chef's Medley for Two or More (Assortment of Seasonal Appetizers)) and it was delicious.
As dessert we finished with Banana Banana Banana and that was really much but oh so good ...
Great taste a little too much but it was a great diner. food is such a nice thing ...
8741 Alden drive,
Los Angeles,
CA 90048,
Tel : +1 (310) 8598833
This restaurant, brasserie, is a very nice place, great atmosphere. The lady waitress was really interested and gave a terrific service. We left her with a great tip. It was a pretty trendy place, with high service and a lot of people who wants to be seen and want to look around. A lot of tables for two but also some long tables. Americans eat much faster than we do, we "survived" three couples next to us, in other words we ate in the same time as the three couples next to us did ...
We started with cocktails, Gin Tonic and a Mojito.
We took two starters as our entire meal,
we ate (again) The Calamari (Arare Crispy Calamari with Chili Miso Vinaigrette)
& the medley (Chef's Medley for Two or More (Assortment of Seasonal Appetizers)) and it was delicious.
As dessert we finished with Banana Banana Banana and that was really much but oh so good ...
Great taste a little too much but it was a great diner. food is such a nice thing ...
Great place, in the neighborhood this is also a good place to crash, we drove by remembered the address and went back later, it was a good choice afterwards.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
The Lobster - Los Angeles / USA
The Lobster
1602 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica (begin of the pier)
Los Angeles, CA 90401
+1 (310) 458 9294
This restaurants is situated on the beginning of the Santa Monica pier, follow Santa Monica towards the beach and until you can't drive no further to the left and there it is on the right side. A lot of parking facilities in the neighborhood or again valet parking but the parking lot need to be empty and that's not often the occasion.
It was busy but with to start with a cocktail at the outside bar overlooking Ocean Avenue, the Santa Monica pier and the beach ... who's complaining ... I can wait for a while ...
Especially with this weather around. But within 30 minutes we were at the table,
Started with a Gin Tonic and a Kirr ... life is great.
Starter : Crispy Lemon Calamari
Main Course : Steamed Maine Lobster w/ asparagus, roasted potatoes & drawn butter (per pound)
It's a busy restaurant, with a lot of tables overlooking the pier and the beach. Tables are well placed and there is a kind of cosy rumor over the restaurant what places you in the middle and what you expect of a restaurant. A bit trendy and seen and to be seen goes for this restaurant.
You'll get the apron with a drawing of a lobster, bit tacky for such a restaurant, but it has something to it. The first taste of the Lobster will let you forget that, very good taste, superb!!! If you're in the neighborhood go there. Make sure you have a reservation though.
1602 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica (begin of the pier)
Los Angeles, CA 90401
+1 (310) 458 9294
This restaurants is situated on the beginning of the Santa Monica pier, follow Santa Monica towards the beach and until you can't drive no further to the left and there it is on the right side. A lot of parking facilities in the neighborhood or again valet parking but the parking lot need to be empty and that's not often the occasion.
It was busy but with to start with a cocktail at the outside bar overlooking Ocean Avenue, the Santa Monica pier and the beach ... who's complaining ... I can wait for a while ...
Especially with this weather around. But within 30 minutes we were at the table,
Started with a Gin Tonic and a Kirr ... life is great.
Starter : Crispy Lemon Calamari
Main Course : Steamed Maine Lobster w/ asparagus, roasted potatoes & drawn butter (per pound)
It's a busy restaurant, with a lot of tables overlooking the pier and the beach. Tables are well placed and there is a kind of cosy rumor over the restaurant what places you in the middle and what you expect of a restaurant. A bit trendy and seen and to be seen goes for this restaurant.
You'll get the apron with a drawing of a lobster, bit tacky for such a restaurant, but it has something to it. The first taste of the Lobster will let you forget that, very good taste, superb!!! If you're in the neighborhood go there. Make sure you have a reservation though.
Le Pain Quotidien - Los Angeles / USA
316 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
Tel : 310-393.6800
Looking for a daily breakfast spot we walked towards the beach (near the Santa Monica Pier) and there was a Pain Quotidien, well known in Belgium and like I said before, a brand expanded far from Europe and probably successful since they have more than 1 ... (actually situated in over 10 countries world wide). Started with a highly regarded chef (Alain Coumont) that had the opinion (over in the end of the 80's) that he couldn't source the quality bread he wanted for his guests ...
It's one of my favorite places for breakfast. They are certainly not cheap but a heck of way to start your day. And this one so close to the beach so before entering the beach a good breakfast is perfect. The setting is like all others, big table and a good variety of bread with all items you might require. We sat outside, since this city has a lot of sun to offer it's wise to use it, isn't it?
Breakfast needed, positive advise for Le Pain Quotidien (Daily bread). Leaving Le Pain Quotidien from Santa Monica Boulevard right on Ocean Drive towards the surfer dudes up at Malibu...
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
Tel : 310-393.6800
Looking for a daily breakfast spot we walked towards the beach (near the Santa Monica Pier) and there was a Pain Quotidien, well known in Belgium and like I said before, a brand expanded far from Europe and probably successful since they have more than 1 ... (actually situated in over 10 countries world wide). Started with a highly regarded chef (Alain Coumont) that had the opinion (over in the end of the 80's) that he couldn't source the quality bread he wanted for his guests ...
It's one of my favorite places for breakfast. They are certainly not cheap but a heck of way to start your day. And this one so close to the beach so before entering the beach a good breakfast is perfect. The setting is like all others, big table and a good variety of bread with all items you might require. We sat outside, since this city has a lot of sun to offer it's wise to use it, isn't it?
Breakfast needed, positive advise for Le Pain Quotidien (Daily bread). Leaving Le Pain Quotidien from Santa Monica Boulevard right on Ocean Drive towards the surfer dudes up at Malibu...
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Grand Lux Cafe - Los Angeles / USA
Los Angeles - Grand Lux Cafe Beverly Center
121 North La Cienega Boulevard,
Los Angeles, CA 90048,
tel (310) 855-1122,
Located at the Beverly Center at the corner of La Cienega Blvd and 3th street. This restaurant where the windows are so high you can't look to the inside or look from inside out. It's - inspite of the neon - a little strange to discover the front and the entrance. Once inside it looks very Victorian, lot of marble, high ceilings, big and very nice to dine. You'll hear the kitchen in the back ground and there is a lot of life in this restaurant.
Started with two glasses of Mondavi Twin Oaks wine
Starter : A nice Dim Sum Platter for starters
Main course : A shrimp Scampi
Still can't believe the speed in restaurants compared to the restaurants in the Netherlands, order and within 5 minutes it's before you .. how do they do that ...
The meal was good, de Dim Sum starter platter was great and the Scampi's after were very nice. Looking for a restaurant with a good atmosphere this is a place to go.
Parking around the corner in the garage (with Valet if needed) and also 15 minutes parking free for to go.
website : http://www.grandluxcafe.com
121 North La Cienega Boulevard,
Los Angeles, CA 90048,
tel (310) 855-1122,
Located at the Beverly Center at the corner of La Cienega Blvd and 3th street. This restaurant where the windows are so high you can't look to the inside or look from inside out. It's - inspite of the neon - a little strange to discover the front and the entrance. Once inside it looks very Victorian, lot of marble, high ceilings, big and very nice to dine. You'll hear the kitchen in the back ground and there is a lot of life in this restaurant.
Started with two glasses of Mondavi Twin Oaks wine
Starter : A nice Dim Sum Platter for starters
Main course : A shrimp Scampi
Still can't believe the speed in restaurants compared to the restaurants in the Netherlands, order and within 5 minutes it's before you .. how do they do that ...
The meal was good, de Dim Sum starter platter was great and the Scampi's after were very nice. Looking for a restaurant with a good atmosphere this is a place to go.
Parking around the corner in the garage (with Valet if needed) and also 15 minutes parking free for to go.
website : http://www.grandluxcafe.com
Champagne French Bakery Cafe - Los Angeles / USA
Champagne French Bakery Café
200 S Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills - Los Angeles
Try the hotel breakfast and all other day's see what this town has to offer. Every day a different breakfast. Today we ended up at a corner somewhere in Beverly Hills. Thinking we've found a small nice place for breakfast ... appears to be an entire chain ...
The Champagne French Bakery Café's combine the traditional French bakery with the cuisine and atmosphere of a lively café. Founded in 1987, Champagne French Bakery Café is the vision of two co-founding French immigrants, a Master Pastry Chef and a businessman, who sought to bring the quality of food found in France to California. With a casual atmosphere not found in many French restaurants, and an authenticity unseen in most modern fast casual concepts, Champagne's uniqueness has established for itself a loyal following of patrons and it continues to grow in popularity at it celebrates its 20th anniversary this year (2007).
And looking at prices the only thing that's expansive is the freshly squeezed orange juice. You pay more for coffee in downtown Amsterdam !!! You'll have a huge breakfast (food) already for less than $ 8. And it's a very nice café. Nice atmosphere, good food and great location.
So wondering in LA need a place for breakfast, this is one of them, they actually have a few more in LA (look at the website). In our quest to find breakfast places, we found another one :-)
website : http://champagnebakery.com/about.asp
200 S Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills - Los Angeles
Try the hotel breakfast and all other day's see what this town has to offer. Every day a different breakfast. Today we ended up at a corner somewhere in Beverly Hills. Thinking we've found a small nice place for breakfast ... appears to be an entire chain ...
The Champagne French Bakery Café's combine the traditional French bakery with the cuisine and atmosphere of a lively café. Founded in 1987, Champagne French Bakery Café is the vision of two co-founding French immigrants, a Master Pastry Chef and a businessman, who sought to bring the quality of food found in France to California. With a casual atmosphere not found in many French restaurants, and an authenticity unseen in most modern fast casual concepts, Champagne's uniqueness has established for itself a loyal following of patrons and it continues to grow in popularity at it celebrates its 20th anniversary this year (2007).
And looking at prices the only thing that's expansive is the freshly squeezed orange juice. You pay more for coffee in downtown Amsterdam !!! You'll have a huge breakfast (food) already for less than $ 8. And it's a very nice café. Nice atmosphere, good food and great location.
So wondering in LA need a place for breakfast, this is one of them, they actually have a few more in LA (look at the website). In our quest to find breakfast places, we found another one :-)
website : http://champagnebakery.com/about.asp
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Los Angeles
If you might miss me , I'm somewhere in the above and below pictures. One week of Hollywood madness, 90210 culture, walk of fame, Venice Beach ... so remember, when you call I might be sleeping! Be back over a week. Enjoy.
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