Fauchon - Paris / France

Fauchon Paris
26-30 Place de la Madelaine
75008 Paris - France

18 - 03 - 2008,

What can one say ... this is food raised to art ... All what a foodie needs they have, as well prepares as to prepare, you can get it all. There packaging is amazing, out of this world sometimes. And yes the contents is great as well. Not the cheapest in this world, but I think one of the best ... see the website alone ... enjoy, pay them a visit when you can, they're not only in Paris ...

Geneva 14-03-2008

This weekend we went for a trip to see the new cars that are coming out / are on the market. But that's not all, after a tight and very hard program made by Marie and Peter we faced some severe climbs up the mountain, had some magnificent views (at the Mont Blanc for instance), saw what can be done with cheese (cheese fondue and raclette (the real way!), drank some Swiss wine, ate chocolate, did a mountain climb by car, visited the local pub, went down to the local brewery, went out eating twice, that all in 2 days ...

It took al place in the area of Sainte Croix.

You can see above the map drawn and below the same map but from satellite. We stayed in Les Rasses, that's about 1200 meters above sea level.


Day I

Cheese fondue we ate in the mountains. After a steep climb of over 250 meters *(thx for the correction Peter ;-) ) we arrived at this cabin. The place is called La Casba and especially open for us at this occasion ... :-) Started of with some kirsh what came back during the cheese fondue. Dip the bread in the alcohol, dip it in the cheese and that's it ... very mighty, very good. Finished with a homemade kind of vanilla flan, no small pieces, just divided the whole thing in 4 pieces ... :-)

This was after the visit to the local wine reseller and the beer brewer. A small local brewer that showed his workplace and let us taste all of his beers. So within 45 minutes we were already 5 beers further ...


Day II

The car show ... what can I say, the pictures speak for themselves (1 blog above!)

Ended with diner, raclette, not on the Dutch way but the real Swiss way. It's as cosy as gourmet, it has a perfect taste (they have up to 20 different kinds of cheese). So you can talk, eat and listen to music in the same time ... there might be an import of cheese and 'Raclette Machines' pretty soon ...
Let the cheese melt under the 'raclette machine' than scrape the melted part on your plate, do it again and again ... :-)


Day III

After breakfast home sweet home ...


Thanks for a lovely weekend (especially the hosts Marie & Peter), it was a full program and loved every minute of it ... waiting on permission to publish a photo of Marie ... :-)

Maastricht - X-Mas shopping

Maastricht, December 23th 2007,

Like every year there's a X-mas shopping night and of course the whole weekend every shop's open. Went with Joyce to Maastricht to find some last minute presents and see the 'madness' around X-mas. It was busy in Maastricht but had a lovely day in Maastricht.

Went for a small lunch to De Comedie, almost in the heart of Maastricht (Onze Lieve Vrouwenplein 30B) a trendy place (not from the outside) but visit their website ... very well done, uninterrupted lounge music while looking at the site.


Quick and good service, also for a drink, while almost all other restaurants only serve meals and therefore only a drink is out of the question. Not really something you expect from Maastricht. We went for the Foccacia and the all time favorite of mine shrimp croquettes ... something typical Belgium, and since we're almost in Belgium it's worth a try ... :-)

The menu card looked good and they give a lot of parties, also after diner time ...

C'est la Vie, Amorsplein 2 is also a nice address to go to for a drink, the also serve food but they also allow you to only have a drink and not throwing you out only because of that drink ...

Cork - Journey before the last ...

The Isaacs Hotel in Cork - Ireland

The last time before opening. To tie up all loose ends, make the final paperwork, talk to the suppliers and hope we didn't forget about a thing. We'll see. So for all you people who want to call as of tomorrow, it's one hour earlier so especially in the early mornings ... The Isaacs is a lovely hotel with very friendly staff and a real good restaurant. I'll be gone the entire week,

Cork - Journey xx

Within a month it should be open and actually we're on scedule, May 10th the new Airport should open it's doors ...

During a site visit .... Erik and myself



The Airport terminal from the parking / the "iron" for the Foodcourt (landside)




The entrance of the spotsbar (airside) / the entrance of the Red Bar (landside)

It's progressing, less than a month to go, I'll get back to work now ...

Cork - Journey xx

Cork Airport, work in progress. Another weekend and week looking after suppliers, searching for possibilities and ... beer, cakes from Amandine, Salmon from Frank Hederman, Bread from the new factory of Arbutus, Clonakilty pudding, Sandwiches from the English Market, Crisps from Tayto and not to forget real bacon ...

Have a nice week too Slainte !

Milan - Journey II / part III

The next day - Sunday 29th January - 2006;

I had a good night rest, a bit short but better than nothing. Out to the train station. Gare du North stays impressive what a building.



Also the service of getting tickets and info is a lot better structured than in Milano. The ticket is (in comperence) a lot more expansive, it's more expansive for half the number of kilometres ... Strange. Only 2 more trains to Amsterdam available today. So it will be around 16 that. I'll leave. That gives me a few hours. Leaving luggage is also another business. Through the metal detector. Start the laptop, log in, oke no explosion than it's allowed to leave it. Not a bad way to do it. Perfect service and gives a save feeling. Breakfast in France is only good for me with a real nice Croissant buerre (naturellement). A nice orange juice with it and my breakfast is complete.

Took the Metro (what an superb invention) to the Champs Elysee to look at the Culture Biere, a new store from Heineken - see log Culture Biere. Bought some specials for Mum, yes Mum I've got it. Of course went to my favourite store on the Champs Elysee - Aphora. It's a kind of Mega Mega Superb Douglas / ICI Paris store. So many fragrances you don't have in Holland. And I bought that sent that you can't find outside these doors ... I'm offended though. Unpacking my things I discovered a creme for wrinkles with man ... What's that for ... I'm not that old. Pitty, no bonuspoints this time, I'll be back though. Quick back to Gare du North and buy a sandwich (avec Boulangerie Paul) and some drinks to start the journey back. And what a weather, full blue skies, a bit chilly but in the sun it's wonderfull. Till my TGV journey begins, bon appetit! My french colleque made it although heavy snow in the South of France.

TGV The numbers on the ticket correspond with the train itself. That was not the case in Milano. There are also no people who argue about there place. Much better, resulting in a departure on time 15.55 on the minute. Very impressive. As well with every door an attendant who will check if you're in the right train, nice. I feel better already. Amsterdam we're coming. The train is completely full. Also you can understand and hear in all kind of languages the intercom. The fun part is that the Thalys rides along the highway I always drive going to France, the train is a little quicker though. Lille is there within 50 minutes! Bruxelles Midi (zuid) - 17.20, very quick. Antwerpen - Berchem - 18.00 Roosendaal - 18.35 Rotterdam - 19.10 Den Haag - 19.25 Schiphol - 19.50 Home,

Home, Sweet home ... my own bed, I love it.

Milan - Journey II / part II

Thursday - January 26th - 2006.

Finally it will happen, dining in Ristorante Bagutta. Last time I was in Milano it was closed. This restaurant has been recommended by a friend (italian) so it should be good. Arriving in Milan (thursday morning) and it starts to snow a bit ... During lunch there's already enough snow for traffic to be in problems. Than at diner time we missed the restaurant due to ... Snow. The bus takes 2 hours for 500 meters. The evening program has been cancelled. We ate in the hotel. Not bad actualy

Costoletta di Vitelo Milanese / nice big and very tastefull, so sitting in the restaurant with a greek, frenchman, spanjard, italian and dutch guy. So nice to hear all the dialects of the different countries. Of course accompanied by a nice italian red wine (Cabernet Franc - 2002). But ... I missed Bagutta.

Next day - Friday January 27th - 2006 - off to the airport, after saying goodbye to all my collegues. Everybody is waiting for taxi's, busses and nothing moves. The people who are waiting from 07 AM are still there, nice we had a later flight. No snow in Amsterdam. And while everybody is waiting for the bus / taxi / transport our bus (56 passangers big) arrives everybody jalous en we enter the bus - 2 persons - with the bus and metro - a stop at the coffeeshop for an espresso and a croissant : € 1,60, nice prices and a real espresso as it should be done, mjammie, we made it well on time although the snow, and it was still snowing,. Airport ... Closed !!!

Try to check in and ... It will not happen. "Can you come back tomorrow?" Next steps ... Arranging an hotel and off with the Malpenso Express (train) to Milan. Of course delayed as well, from 2 trains an hour to 1 every 1,5 hours... Found a hotel, very expansive, incredible, the Hotel Amstel is cheaper. But I ran into my french collegue, the greeks are here as well after going and trying different things we all end up together in the same hotel ... how's that for coincidence?

I don't complain much about service but this hotel I left the ' moment of truth' (questionaire) filled in. The safe was out of order, the TV was snowy - every channel - the sink was broken, the shower was poor and the list continous, I can expext that with an hotel in the lower range but not 5 star plus!!! And I wonder the most if they reply to me ... The Grand Hotel Duomo (http://www.grandhotelduomo.com) nothing about the location though ...
Arranging the TGV for tomorrow to Paris and than from Paris to Amsterdam. We'll see ... Sema thanks for the booking of the hotel in Paris. And special thanks to my PA (everybody should have one) for weather updates, information, TGV information, hotel info, bookings, sms updates of the airport and not to forget the mental support - kiss for you, thx 'draakje' PA>.

The next day, Saturday January 28th ...After shopping for some clean clothes I ended up in the sale, such a pitty I only carry such a small bag this time not even place for a jacket. But from underwear till a nice and WARM sweater I have it all. Also a small lunch with the Greek and the Dutch and of to the TGV. The metro was quick, easy good indicated and I arrived at Milano Centrali. A little bit early but better early than late. The main boards with travel information showed the 16.13 to Paris but not which track. So I just went looking and found the TGV - I wonder if people missed this train - than your seat number ...found it, was taken though, next wagon, also taken, I just went through the train till I had an empty 87, because wagon 6 is nowhere indicated. Travelling is fun. While waiting for this train I had the opportunity to look at all the people and I think that at least 60% is running. So funny to look at people trying to find their way. I know we Dutch want to regulate everything and that's far from good but sometimes just some small notes where trains are leaving from could be helpfull. Probably the - sorry - italian way. The TGV is on it's way. T(rain) G(rande) V(itesse) ?

Journey 1 Milano is a big city, the TGV took a long time to leave Milano. And although the snow is melting hard a little outside Milano their's plenty snow, the TGV is also not using it's highest 'gears'. 6 hours to go ... I'm happy that I'm not the only fool.

Torino (next stop) and people are confused if they are on the right seat. So 50% changes seats again ... Torino 17.50 - 5 hours to go. Oulx (18.30) I thought I was in a fast train ... never heard of the place. And the snow is back, roads are white, trucks are cleaning the road. I hope we will be able to reach Paris, it seems the south part of France is also experiencing some snowy wheater. Almost time for the bar I think. The journey continous. Bardonnechia ... where time stood still, very small place, very much snow and looks like a small pitoresq village. It's now 18.50 up to the next stop. Modane, la douche France (19.20) well at least we made it to France. I Wonder how fast we'll go from now on, I feel the need for speed. When all people found there spaces I'll head for the bar. Again people wonder where to sit. The lady just coming in may sit opposite of me . Oh they are twins, finally some nice company Chambery - Challes les eaux. My russian is not so good, luckily they speak english too we arrived in this place (snow free) at 20.45. Time is flying. So far so good and no snow missery, we should make 23.00 at Paris. A lot of people are getting of, up to the last part of journey 1 of the TGV. Bourgoin Jallieu, at 21.50 the before last stop, there will be an extra stop before Paris. The ladies are ready for a birthday - surprise - party in Paris. Always handy a TGV with all facilities on board. People are getting tired and more quiet, even the italians Lyon par dieu. Is this the town Lyon ... Yes it is, so that means that we need at least 1.50 hours to get to Paris ... Wasn't it for the stop of 50 minutes because of electricity problems. 22.25 we entered this station and we left at 23.15. A tiring last sprint to Paris. 01.20 we arrived. Metro closed ... Let's take a cab, there were some more to think that and only 3 cabs to see. But there were free courtesy busses due to the late arrival. That's nice, I needed to go to Gare du Nord and that was not that far away I thought. Well think again Paul.

We left at 1.45 and I saw everything of Paris. Montmartre, Sacre Coeur, Montparnasse, La Tour Eiffel, The New Moulin Rouge, La Seine - cinq fois, je le veux tous! What means hotel, 03.10 and let's say it this way it has a bed and a shower but that's all there is to say about. I wanted to save some cost but not this much . Good night for today hope it will be quicker tomorrow. to be continued ...

Milan - Journey II / part I

Milan, capital of the fashion industry


And I'm for espresso with Mr. Benetton, see you all later,

Maastricht

I'm in Maastricht this weekend, something to do with dining ...

Cork - Journey III - Part II

Statio Bene Fide Carinis - A safe Harbour for ships is the motto on the coat of arms of our friendly and vibrant port city. Since the City was founded by St Finbarr over 1,000 years ago it has grown from a trading merchant city to a cosmopolitan vibrant 21st century city of today. The city, situated on the banks of the river Lee, is home to 123,000 people. It is located on the South West coast of Ireland and is the 2nd largest city in the Republic of Ireland. The area of the city is 3,731 hectares. Again to Cork. The 10.10 flight of Amsterdam Schiphol direct to Cork. In these days that means 1.5 hours before the flight be there. And alreay at 08.30 there were cues before check in ... The check in through those "e-machines" is great. One advise from me don't have all your numbers ((e-ticket) just use your passport that's much quicker. That went very smooth actually but then ... Indeed security check. And first of all how do you get there ... It's amazing that an airport like ours that carries about 43 million passangers a year is not able to put that in order. Please people look at the routing, see that it's not workin and instead of hiring all these people to lead everything in order spend that budget on some re-construction! And last but not least, my company is severely affected by the fact that people don't have much time to sit back and get something to drink or eat in stead of running to the gate! And still it's a beautiful airport but sometimes ... But I made the gate in time we're about to board the plane. (09.45 AM).

Guess what ... A little bit of sunshine in Cork, definitely better weather than in Amsterdam! Luggage came out quick as usuall here and cabs enough. Again a nice cabdriver and one I good easily understand they all seem to be happy that we're coming (later more about that) little early since I'm 1 hour behind so room not ready. Little chaos in the hotel but staff is very friendly. And of course the first thing to do is to "score" a Vanilla Caramela of Gloria Jean's. (http://www.gloriajeans.com) Price is a bit high but the perfect start of the afternoon. You'll find them in 84 Patricks street. After walking along the Marks & Spencers department - Food section (yes yes I hear somebody say again food ... love you too ). Drinking this latte adventure enjoying the perfect muffin with my face towards the sun!

Hmmmm although work starts it's a wonderfull life! Irish people tend to wear t-shirts in this weather, we're talking about less than 4- Celsius. Incredible and I thought that I could resist the cold! As well people still on terrasses, just put the heaters on. And in the main shopping street there is now a podium, so Live music tonight! That's it for now, go back te do some work and prepare for a Corkish diner and probably some music as well, from a nice, bit cold Cork, The hotel has WIFI ...

Cork - Journey III - Part I

Cork - Ireland,

Again Cork on the program, as of tomorrow morning I'll be away for an entire week of Cork. Going to people who adore beer, speak english with such a nice accent, friendly people, proud people as well. Will not have the time to make some pictures but who knows ...


Well what can we say, this will be my hotel for the next 6 days, The Isaacs hotel almost in the heart of the city. They also have a small market, with very nice products nfortunately closed on Sunday. And of course a typical pub. They have such nice pubs in that country ... I'll try a few and let you all know where to go to the next time ...


Of course they have shops as well, they have a lot of coffeeshops and not the ones we do have in Amsterdam ... and the Cappuccino's en Lattes are upcoming in Cork, they adore chocolates as well. And the first picture is at the beginning of the biggest shopping street in Cork. And of course the coloured houses ... this is across the corner of the hotel ! So no web-logging for me for a week probably, I'll try and do my best but it will be an awfull busy week with too many appointments, log soon, enjoy your weekends !

Milan - Journey I / part II

I'm not much in Italy but now that I am I need to try, really need to ... So I took a real espresso, no chairs in this "bar", paying with the cashier (she was behind a special counter) than to the bar and wait for your turn, drink it hot and done. That's the Italian way of drinking coffee. Quality is perfect like we never drink in Amsterdam and the price, € 0,90 ... 3 people waiting you for only 1 espresso ...

What do we Dutch don't understand? And all the small espresso bars operate the same, so nice to see that we are into the milk thing (latte and cappuccino) and they just go for caffe (= espresso) and all real espresso machine no full automatic misery like we're used to in Holland. (Mostly anyway).

Than it's still Sunday in this country what means that a lot of shops are closed. So Ralph Lauren was open but Valentino was closed, that's strange... The typical touristic shops are open the other ones are closed, that's a pity!!! But in this town you can spend you're money pretty easy, even on a Sunday. So many nice things with also a variety of prices. Watching people abroad is always a pleasure to do, the italians smoke a lot outside. Like everybody smokes, ladies with Cigars is not an exception here! And they are always busy with their cell phones, like they have invented it! It also looks normal to phone during diner, all the phones are on the table and they just seem to call as well. Also eating outside (the weather wasn't that great) just some heaters on and the terrace is full... And next to coffee so much pastry ... Mjammie! This city has also old buildings more than enough. Huge and tall buildings with high ceilings and in a Roma style kind of way, I love it. And the McDonalds isn't allowed to put the redd and yellow sign outside, just have to blend it in like the rest, well done Milan! It was a short business trip but I'll hope to be back some time. If you want to extend your wardrobe you need to visit this place, they have their own Rodeo Drive but this one is much more lively although the weather in LA is better. Much more atmosphere and a lot of people that are shopping look very sharp, saw a MacLaren Mercedes yesterday and for the none car lovers, I don't think there is another Mercedes more expensive ... Cabfares are oke, startup prices are high, during the night even up to 8 euro's but the trip in total is well below Amsterdam. The picture below doesn't only show you the model but as well the actual dress that's for sale in the shop ... And about the designers, there are much more designers than we know, I'll name a few to you ; Alviero Martini (nice colors and very stylish and you can spend your money for the kids too), Alessandra Zanaria (classical), Chevignon (fashion ????), FWS (Fiona Winter Studio, you need the perfect body ...), Gigli (simple but perfect fabrics), Oppiofashion (Classic as well but oh so nice), VDP (for the woman who's different), Selene (with a touch of fur - rabbits only), Taglia42 (love the models ...), later more,

I can go on and on .. it just doesn't stop in this town !!! Milano ... A place for the best "dressed" espresso around.


I Love this picture. Is it the face of the woman, all this hundreds of candles ... in the Duomo, I don't know just love it's simplicity ...

Cork - Journey I - Part II

Just a short note from Ireland.

The city Cork is a windy city as far as I can see it for now. Maybe just for today I don't know but the wind is doing it's best. The temperature is very nice and the weather is fine. Had a small rainshower for 2 minutes that's all. Most of the time the sun is winning it from the clouds.

It's a colourfull city, the houses are painted in the most brilliant colours and if it's yellow it's bird yellow (Hello Tweety). And preferrable different colours next to each other. Made a few pictures so will put them on the internet later. Although this is a very cheap and good Internet Cafe, no coffee though, but all facilities are there, burning cd/dvd you name it you can do it.

I said earlier a city needs water, Cork got plenty water too. Of course close to the sea and hugh rivers across the heart of the city. Cabs are not that expansive and I'm in a lovely old hotel, looks very glamerous from the outside, nice and old from the inside but with all facilities and even WIFI available, will test that later. Been walking through town for at least half a day and they have a lot of pubs, more than anything else I think ... but that's the good part of course. They have some nice coffee places as well. Also a lot of old buildings and narrow streets what makes the city lively and cosy. The city is situated much lower than the land surrounded by it and has some nice hills within the city limits. That creates some nice views and perfect for the river.

Irish must love beer, I haven't seen any industry between the cities bounderies except for the brewery of Beamish, Guiness and Heineken. (Murphy's) and they seem pretty big to me. The airport is close by but the traffic in town is a bit of a nightmare, a lot of traffic lights and an awfull lot of cars on narrow streets and that means waiting times. Like Amsterdam people walk when they can with a traffic light and don't wait for the green light ... Ladies in Stockholm tend to wear the high boots in Cork they like to use a lot of make up, and if I say a lot I mean a lot ... a lot of shops where you can do a make over with dito girls in it as well.

The city has a lot of different shops, from CD, electronic stores, pubs, clothes but not so many "grand cafe" kind of food & beverage outlets. The small coffeeshops are coming here as well. I just went to Gloria Jean's Coffee place and the lattes are coming up, I saw them the last three weeks in Amerika, Sweden and now here and back in Amsterdam they are there as well. Different kind of flavours are well presented and so are the prices but he ... it's nice. That's it for now, I'll post some photo's when I'll be back. Later, Paul.

P.s. An adapter here in the shop for electronic devices is about 500% cheaper than at the airport where I forgot to buy it ... and I need it for all the electronics ... camera, laptop, phone, BB ... and I'm one hour behind Amsterdam time.

That means that 08.00 is 07.00 for those who will SMS ...

Cork - Journey I - Part I

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 ....