Dormir et Manger

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Europe · Food · France · Loire Valley · ParisTags: · · · ·

I saw Fontevraud L’Hotel featured in an architectural design magazine a couple of years ago and I placed a sticky note on it as a reminder that I should visit it one day. Fast forward and here I am at Fontevraud L’Hotel  which forms part of the Fontevraud Abbaye Royale – and it definitely did not disappoint. The setting is idyllic and in a sense, spiritual. Service was warm, the rooms were simple and modern, and it is the common areas and the grounds that make it extra special.                     I usually stay in the 6th…

Comendo e Dormindo

Categories: Accommodations · Food · Lisbon · Porto · Portugal · SintraTags: · · · ·

  Plenty of good food options in Portugal, particularly for fish and shellfish. Menus in top restaurants are on par with other major European cities, where one will encounter Portuguese cooking mixed with continental classics. Moreover, prices are quite reasonable compared to other major cities. In Porto, the first restaurant I tried, which was simply delicious, was Terreiro. Excellent seafood and friendly service.   Also in Porto, the charming Belle Epoque Majestic Cafe is considered the oldest cafe in the city (circa 1921).  Lots of tourists come to take photos of the place. I would not recommend dining here though, as…

Spis og sov

Categories: Accommodations · Copenhagen · Denmark · Food · TravelTags: · · ·

Danish for “Eat and Sleep“. Copenhagen has a food scene that is among the world’s most distinct and innovative. And true to its reputation – the city has several Michelin-starred restaurants and be forewarned, even those that are considered “good value” gets a little expensive. Many of Copenhagen’s restaurants go for an organic menu. One that I tried out is BOB – Biomio Organic Bistro. Situated in Vesterbro (Meatpacking District), the food is delicious.     For dinner, I tried out one of the 10 restaurants in the city that were awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2017. Marv &…

Vamos a Comer

Categories: Accommodations · Food · Granada · Madrid · Spain · TravelTags: ·

Let’s eat! Here are some food places I tried (and the hotels I stayed at) that were good and worth a visit (except maybe for one)! Arriving in Granada after a trans-Atlantic and a connecting flight, I was famished. Queried the hotel concierge for a restaurant and I was directed towards Pinot Noir. With the name alone, I should have known that this will not be a traditional Spanish restaurant that I would have preferred. Serving pastas and pseudo Japanese fusion food.   After being dropped off from touring the Alhambra, I came across Casa Colon, which served really wonderful tapas….

Au Revoir

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Food · France · Paris · TravelTags: · · 4 Comments

Au Revoir, Paris. Until the next time.                             I promised to try new restaurants and patisseries during this visit to Paris. While walking, I came across a tiny cafe that serves excellent espresso – Terres de Cafe. One restaurant I really enjoyed both the meal and the vibe is Cafe Trama in the Saint Placide area. Traditional french cuisine in a casual but modern style, with a good wine selection.     A couple of blocks away from the hotel I stayed at is  Patisserie Thevenin, where I would…

Auf Wiedersehen

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Berlin · Food · Germany · TravelTags: · · 2 Comments

“Goodbye” to Berlin for now. Till the next time.                       Two notable meals – both Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants. Restaurant Renger-Patzch serves well executed traditional regional German cooking. The other is Restaurant Nussbaumerin – serving traditional Austrian dishes. Both worthy of a try!   For my second visit to Berlin, I stayed at the Sofitel Kurfurstendamm. Location is great, close to both the U and S Bahn stations and a major shopping street. Rooms are generous sized and the amenities and service is good.

Kalimera

Categories: Accommodations · Athens · Food · Greece · Santorini · TravelTags: · · · 1 Comment

Meaning “Good Day” or “Good” morning in Greek.     Good food is aplenty in Greece. From seafood, to feta and saganaki, and a number of delectable wines. In the village of Fira in the island of Santorini, the hotel concierge sent me to Idol. A remarkable recommendation for local food with a view of the caldera.   In the village of Oia, Skala serves solid and delicious traditional Greek food. Add to that, is the amazing view. Red Bicycle is located in a 19th century mansion on the cliff edge and also affords an excellent view. The food is modern and…

Feed Me

Categories: Accommodations · Food · New York · USATags: · · ·

  Needless to say, I always look forward to the good food in New York. I half-jokingly said “How do I gain weight? Let me count the ways.” I went back to a few familiar favourite places and tried out some new ones as well. So let’s start the (calorie) counting… Just opened a few weeks ago is the Nordic-accented Great Northern Food Hall in the majestic Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. Opened by Claus Meyer, a partner in Noma, the food hall offers pastries, smorrebord open rye sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and more.   As I mentioned previously, it seems inevitable…

Tapas, Paella y mas

Categories: Accommodations · Barcelona · Food · Girona · Spain · TravelTags: · · ·

Eating is an extremely important social activity in Spain. Barcelona is known for both its traditional and inventive cuisine — with lunch “rush hour” at 2:00 pm and a chic dining hour at 10 pm. El Fornet is good spot for desayuno (breakfast) as it serves fresh baked goods and bocadillos. There are a number of El Fornet‘s in the city.   Known for its traditional Catalan cuisine is Freixa Tradicio located in the Gracia district. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, this restaurant has established itself as one of the city’s culinary institutions.   When I lived in Barcelona years ago, my…

Blimey!

Categories: Accommodations · England · Food · London · TravelTags: · · ·

British slang for My Goodness!             It goes without saying that London is one of the culinary capitals of the world and I enjoyed my meals tremendously (well, most of them). For a wonderful breakfast/brunch, I would highly recommend Paul Rhodes Bakery. With three Michelin stars under his belt, Paul Rhodes founded a bakery in 2003. One of these shops is located in Notting Hill.   Serving all day food is Caravan King’s Cross, located by Granary Square in King’s Cross. Set in a historical industrial building, they serve what they call “well traveled food”. Caravan is a busy…