Prague, Czech Republic : HT Couple hits Praha!

Netherlands has a little over 5 days of public holidays and whitmonday is one of them. 

HT wife: "hey, whitmonday is a holiday in NL"

HT hubbie: "yeah, so?"

HT wife: "Time for a short holiday!"

HT hubbie: "Ok..."

TICK, TOCK, TICK, TOCK...

HT wife: "booked"

Yes...we try to travel hard while we can still walk long distances and when age is not yet a concern.  And this time, we decided to go East in Europe and we didn't think twice but to explore the beautiful Prague. 

Prague has maintained its charm despite of wars and floods.  And if you love Paris, think of Prague as a cleaner Paris (volgens mij - according to me).  And Prague is a place that wherever you stumble and whatever time of the day, you can see something interesting and beautiful. 

Tyn Church at night

Municipal House

Prague Castle

St. Martin Rotunda in Vysehrad

even Vysehrad cemetery made sure they're truly Prague

Being a walkable city, comfy shoes is a must and few stops here and there are necessary.  And Prague made sure that in every few steps, you have a place to hang around.

We arrived pretty late in the beautiful city, and the first thing we did after dropping our bags was...

to gulp glasses of beer (I had the Kozel, which is dark but light in taste which was favorable for me).  I don't really like beers, but hey, i'm in Prague...I will drink beer :).  For touristy area, you can get -0.5l Pilsnr for about 60-80czk~3.80 euro.  If you're adventurous enough and wanted to save a few kroners, check those small streets which serves the same beer and size for 35-40czk ~1.68 euro.  Drop by during happy hours...it does exist in Prague!

And you can never go hungry...

you can get ham in old town square and watch how it's being smoked

or this foot long inside the Prague Castle when your tummy starts growling...for food while walking around the area - it's better to have your tummy full before you started exploring the place if you mind being ripped off.  This foot long costs 120 czk~ 5.80 euro

HT couple, as tourists, ate like tourist so we made sure that we visit this raved cafe...

old cafe louvre building

with their famous hot chocolate

one thing i noticed in Prague, almost all menu, have measurements of what you order...the no. of grams, the no. of liters...i guess, right expectations are quite important here.

aside from beers, start your day right with MEAATTT...and that's what i did though i skipped the beer...(a good variation of Moravian ham, salami, chorizo and ham with pickles) 100+czk~5-7 euro

the bread is served to everyone with cover charge of 12 CZK whether you order it or not.  And expect additional few czk if you want milk with your coffee.

Czech cuisine is not very famous to locals.  But when you're a tourist, you should try it at least once.  But the gauge is more of, which place serves good or unique beers or cheap beers then you eat it with a Czech plate instead of the other way around. :)

and this is what made Pivovarsky Dum famous in Prague (beer sampler- consisting of 8 - 0.1L and uniquely served in this restaurant/brewery in one...do follow the arrow to savor each beers correctly) - 130czk~6 euro.  My favorite was the banana beer and HT hubbie settled with their wheat beer.

color wise, i love this green beer (made of nettle)!

Czech cuisine is similar to Germany or Austria.  HT hubbie indulged in this beef goulash with all types of dumplings(meat but starchy, bread and potatoes) 200czk~10 euro deluxe .  Nothing special other than the dish was pretty salty.  Gulp down a big glass of beer to wash out the salt from your body.

and i hate those advertisements or banners...it made me ordered pork knuckle (200czk~10euro/kg) that is almost half a piglet.  Good thing there's no side dishes other than horseradish and mustard sauce.  The meat was bit dry but i guess that's usual for roasted pig and it's bland without anything with it.  So if you don't fancy the pickled veggies and mustard sauce, i wouldn't recommend this plate.  (trivia: I finished it...whew!)

What's funny is that this restaurant stood just across the boutique hotel we stayed in so drinking too much and crawling home was possible.

We also tried the locals favorite hang out places..

Kozicka meaning little goat is an unpredictable place.  Peaking inside, you would only see wine cellars and bottles unless you really know the place, you wouldn't bother going in.  The actual dining area is at the basement and it's not just a wine and cheese place but serves real food!  Thanks again to Dahlia Inn's owner for his suggestion.

HT hubbie sticked to his principle that he's in Czech, he would eat only Czech food.  Kozicka, only has 3 different type of Czech cuisine and only the beef goulash sounded enticing.  And HT hubbie got it right this time, the beef was so tender that it melts in your mouth and the sauce was so tasty and well-balanced.  To top it off, this interesting potato pancakes were lovely and not oily.

and without much czechy choice, i settled to this rump steak (200g) but kozel style.  Topped with baked blue cheese with almond and chili sauce, i was scared that the chili sauce might overshadow the steak itself but it didn't!  I was surprised how it blended well with the saltiness of blue cheese and the aroma of almonds.  It was a perfect steak and a must-have!  (side dishes are ordered separately).  I got the goat potatoes, in onion and garlic cream.

even though they forgot to ask me how do i want it to be cooked, they still know what medium rare is.

Check out the blue cheese and almonds with oozing chili sauce? :) Unique, isn't it? :)  It was so delicious that I can't sleep that night despite of complementing it with a bottle of Moravian wine (Czech wine).

And after 2 days of eating meat and more meat...on our last lunch in Prague, we decided to go green.

tucked in a small street Borsova in old town, which is not visible to tourists' eyes.  (Thanks again Dahlia Inn owner!)

once you enter the place, it has a different ambiance from outside.  We got this small table on one side as most tables were reserved.  We were pretty early there so we were able to have photo sessions but after an hour, the locals started coming in.  (Lunch is very important in Prague)

Soup of the day - spinach soup with champignons, quinoa (a type of grain) and cream.   

Pinto salad was HT hubbie's choice - healthy but tasty salad with sour cream, eggplant and tomato puree with nachos.  It was refreshing andlight...it was nice to have something different yet tasteful after being TOO carnivorous.

 I took the oriental fry as i've been craving for something Asian.  We were supposed to try Malai Buddha near the Strahov Monastery but it's closed on Mondays...bummer.  But this plate was pretty good and tasty despite the lack of meat.  It was a bit spicy and was a good partner of rice.

They have daily menu - soup and main course for only 108czk (5 euro).  And the drinks were all refreshing (55 czk - 2.50 euro).  I got a fresh glass of aloe vera.  It's still a restaurant in czech, so beers are available!

We left Prague with full tummy.  We went to more places but I let you guys discover it yourself.  One thing is for sure, you can never go hungry nor thirsty there...even if it's beyond midnight!

And the place we stayed was worth mentioning.  It was situated just a few blocks from the main square - Wenceslas Square and run by the owner himself.  He's very hands on and treated us, and the other guests with trust.  He gave suggestions that are not easy to find via internet and let you check out places where locals usually hang out.  The rooms are what you see in their website (unlike other hotels where the pictures all over internet was so pretty and clean but staying there says otherwise).  If ever, i'll be back in Prague, I would definitely stay in Dahlia Inn again.  And for 50-60 euro, with decent beds, clean rooms and a good guide...this was really cheap and worth it.

http://www.dahliainn.com/

Just like Rome and Madrid, Prague will be a place where i can visit over and over again...and will never get tired of appreciating its beauty.

ADDENDUM:

I forgot to post this traiditional Czech bread which i also love.  You can choose between almonds or cinnamon. 

i chose the one with almonds

the fun part is watching how it's being made

Utrecht, Netherlands: LE:EN

HT Couple is still looking out for unique restaurants in Utrecht.  If you have read our post about BADHUIS, then you can see the similarities of this place but focusing on different cuisine.  And I came to know later on, that Badhuis and LE:EN, are sisters. :)

How did we stumble into LE:EN?  They said couples get along if they enjoy simple leisure TOGETHER.  And if we're not underwater or outside the Netherlands, we love cycling or walking around Utrecht over and over again.  Even with the same routes, Utrecht never failed to amaze me with hidden eating places that as soon as I get the sight of it, I know that I would be back there soon...sometimes too soon.

This was the scene that we stumbled just cycling around.  They have a small terrace in front where you can enjoy their unique cocktails and drinks. 

the place has the same unique character as badhuis.  But this place is more laid back and has that oriental feel.

And they stick to being oriental/asiatic by serving plum wine and lychee wine which HT couple didn't think twice of ordering. :)   The lychee wine was nice but we preferred the plum wine.

The menu kaart, same as badhuis, you're given enough choices where you can tick off and order what you fancy.  In Asia, this way of ordering is famous in HK food places.  I love the concept.  It saves time for the waiter and saves energy for the diners of saying 'no, i'm not ready to order yet'.  Neat, he?

And...what have we ticked off in the list?

The only item in the breads and dips.  This is a combination of Indian naan, which was a disappointment as naan but good as bread, Surinamese papadum and cassava chips but to me the latter tasted like prawn crackers which went well with th Pakistan bengan raita dip and Indian coriander chutney, which HT hubbie is addicted to.  (He's a coriander monster!  Shh...)

Ever since i've decided that I would be in Europe for good, I always fancy for peking duck.  and I don't think I've eaten much duck back in Asia as much as i've eaten here.  I guess, it's true that absence made your heart grow fonder...and mine is for the duck.  This peking duck roll was pretty good with hoisin sauce on the side.  The minced duck filling was tasteful enough but i guess i am missing the duck skin and the oozing oil running through my mouth.  For a little over 5 euro, i'm not complaining.

We ordered this Japanese Takaki Sashimi, when it made me mouth-watered when I saw it on another table.  I haven't eaten beef this raw before but the dip played an important factor in this dish that gave the beef slices it's ooh...la...la!

we loved this fish roe dip!  We enjoyed popping the roe in our mouth.

For something warm, we had Japanese Kare Udon - Curry with sake, calf meat, veggies and maybe 5 pieces of udon streaks!  (yes, I counted it!  but it's under soup section, so it's understandable)

We also didn't want to miss anything on the sticks, so we got ourselves this Indian vindaloo which was a delight as well.

This was the last dish that came but it was worth the wait.  This goat rendang was tender and smackingly delicious.  We were not planning to eat much carbs, but with this dish, we forgot about that plan.

And this place ddidn't burn our pockets as most items were priced around 3-7 euros. 

After a nice dinner here, HT couple went back home and continue with their other simple leisure together...watching TV while they're cuddled up on the couch.

Have a great week allemaal! 

LE:EN

Westerkade 37

Utrecht

http://www.leen-restaurant.nl/

(check out their website as they're moving soon!)

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Satellite Sports Cafe (eat-all-you-can spare ribs)

If you've been to Amsterdam, i'm sure you did notice the abundant signs of eat-all-you-can spare ribs around.  Did you find it very inviting?  Were you one of those innocent tourists who after a long day of walking around and sightseeing, all you wanted to do is to stop somewhere rest those legs and feet and fill up your stomach with food up to your neck?  Though Europe is not the best place to commit gluttony without damaging your pockets, but there are exceptions. Amsterdam, which still amaze me until now, offers you a good deal for your every euros.  (It might sound a very good advertisement...thank you...but this is not an advertorial or sponsored post *wink*)

It's not that spare ribs is the national dish of the Netherlands but there's something with these ribs that draw big crowds.  And i've tried a few of these "eat-till-you-drop" spare ribs, and some were disappointing but one did stood out...

This was introduced by a friend of mine, who shares the same passion for food! (Thanks Rei!)

A small bucket of fries (or baked potato), and the well-seasoned RIIIIIIIIBBBBSSS!  They do give huge portion (check out another half slab underneath!)  And you can choose between garlic or bbq sauce on the side (both were very good) :) You can change sauces if you manage to have several rounds (You'll be very disappointed in me, so far, i haven't ordered my 2nd plate..ever).  A friend of mine did but i wouldn't mentioned her name (you know who you are :D)...but take note that you only get half slab for every succeeding rounds.

What made these ribs stood out?  They were full of taste!  You don't even need the sauce for it so you can use somewhere else maybe as your fries dip or salad dressing.  I've been here several times and I never failed not to lick my fingers and the bones, of course!

And the best thing is, it's less than 10 euros!  Fabulous, huh?

To those Filipinos and maybe Singaporeans who had been to Europe would share the same sentiments as me when it comes to drinks.  Coming from the other side of the world that's used to refillable iced tea or bottomless coke or huge size of drinks, i was shocked when i got a glass and super EXTRA small bottle of coke for 3 euros during my visit here in Europe.  Yes, the itsy-bitsy bottles that got extinct in the Philippines when my favorite drink was still milk and I don't think i've seen it in Singapore as well.  Anyways, this place begs to differ.  It might not be bottomless but you get this HUGE glass (yes, they do exists!) for less than 5 euros.  And it can last until your next round of meat-chugging.

Since it's a sports cafe, don't expect a serene environment.  Whether it's soccer or ice hockey, expect the place to be full!  We were a few minutes early before the game started...so we were lucky to secure a seat.

Try it out when you're around the area!  It's in one corner of Leidseplein in Amsterdam.  A big banner of eat all you can spare ribs is displayed in front of the restaurant and it's difficult to miss.

Ok, HT wife needs to shed off those calories i've accumulated these past few weeks.  Stay tune for another Utrecht eating scene and soon...Prague!  Ta ta! 

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Pancakes Upstairs

Before crepe even existed in the world, there is the so-called Dutch Pancakes and it still exists in this side of the world.

And being one of the national food of the land of clogs and tulips, you can find this famous pancakes in every corner of Amsterdam.  But if you want your journey to pancakes be more exciting, then look for this...

Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs

and here's the journey going up...

it ain't your ordinary dining place...it's fuss-free and homey (i blurred the faces of my friend and her sister as I didn't ask their permission:D)

teapots everywhere (i'm sure they wouldn't notice if you try to steal one) and a portrait of the dutch royalties...gezellig, huh?

The indonesian staff was very nice to us.  We even exchanged our experiences learning the dutch language and he's taking his state exam for dutch proficiency this week so good luck to him. :)

What is nice about dutch pancakes is its thin crust (crepe in texture) as it let you savor the toppings and the fillings at its best.  And, i love its versatility.  So i went hawaiian with bacon, cheese, tomato and of course, pineapple slices.

My friend chose apples on top of her bacon and tomato pancakes.  She was sure that apples are always a perfect companion with anything savory.

Her sister got the same as mine but with an exotic topping (caramaelized gember - ginger)

Even though these were savory pancakes, the syrup-stroop still blended well with it (check out that Van Gilse bottle).  We love the stroop on our pancakes!

The serving was pretty huge and it was difficult to finish.  At some point, my friend and I poked all the bacon strips in the pancakes. haha

Did you notice we all ordered pancakes with bacon?  Because, you can never go wrong with bacon in any dish or having it alone.  It is super! (dutch expression).

Try it out when you had the chance to visit Amsterdam whether you're a local or not.

Pancakes are priced around 8-9+ euro.  If you're not a big eater, I would suggest to share it with your travel mate or your partner in crime.

Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs

Grimburgwal 2

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Blue Cheese Burger with Portobello Mushroom

HT wife had a craving...she needed it ASAP.  HT hubbie was in a panic...he's thinking where to get HT wife's request...he can get it from a fast-food-chain-which-must-not-be-named in HT couple's dictionary but nah...until "ting...!"

What beats a good burger that is made with love? :D Cheezy...

He got a quarter pounder in the grocery, melted gorgonzola pieces on top...

Just the way i like it.

The yummy portobello mushroom shouldn't be left out.  This can serve as the burger patty if you're the vegetarian...but HT couple take their being carnivores seriously. 

soaked in a mixture of garlic, balsamic vinegar, basil, oregano, soy sauce and olive oil..

leave it for an hour or so to let the mushy's absorb the marinade and sear it in a pan.

sautee'd veggies on the side (zucchini and bell peppers).  HT hubbie melted gran padano when the veggies were almost soft.

Voila!  Tasteful burger, nicely glazed mushrooms with healthy veggies...

and a satisfied HT wife.  Lucky her...isn't she? :D

Brussels, Belgium - Seoul Korean Grill

Once you see these...

flat chopsticks

healthy knick knacks on the table

clear, spicy soup

gyoza with chili oil (though in the menu, it's called ravioli :D)

raw marinated meat

and being cooked in front of you..

until it's chow time!

We really had a nice korean treat! 

And of course, we didn't end the night without dessert.

It's always nice to be in an asian restaurant serving authentic cuisine at this side of the world.

Price Summary (in euro)

This set menu cost 31 euro

Seoul

1050 Ixelles Brussels



Belgium, Brussels - a guide for the sweet tooth

HT couple visited a friend who will be living in Brussels for 18 months for work!  Imagine being surrounded by life's greatest...chocolates here, beers there and more chocolates on that side and beers this side!  It's almost a few steps away to heaven. :)  Though she's not fond of chocolates (bummer), but beers are to her liking (belgium is not bad for her after all :D)

HT couple loves chocolates.  It's not our routine to have desserts everyday but a piece of chocolate everyday is a must!  There were a few times that we just can't sleep as we didn't had our chocolate dosage.  And for a couple having the same passion for chocola (dutch), that can mean war.  Luckily, we have our own preferences, HT hubbie is into milk chocolates and i'm into the dark ones.  So, all is fair in love and chocolates. :D

Brussels isn't my favorite place (as what my friends said, i should go there on days when I seem not to appreciate The Netherlands :D ) except for the chocolate shops every corner.  I have my favorites, of course...

Pierre Marcolini 

4 years ago, i first landed in this shop in Sablon area at the center of Brussels (so expect that it is a tourist trap).  Acclaimed to be the world's best chocolate, it wouldn't hurt to try once.  I got their sampler box (i think about 30 pcs for 'effin 20 euros) which my wallet didn't like the price tag but tastebuds came knocking on the door not to bother about the numbers.  I can still remember, that their pralines were nice but what i can't  forget are the grand cru's thus, this 2011, PM chocolates and I got reunited.  But this time ( i settled down with Saveurs du Monde- 16 pcs for 12 euros).  I just prefer my chocolates, simple with that good cocoa kick and no flavors added.  Equateur is my favorite.

I'll be honest that I forgot to consider HT hubbie's milk chocolate preference (oopsie), thus i have to get this superman's kryptonite-looking chocolate which name has "tiramisu" in it out of guilt for being a selfish chocolate addict.

It was difficult to resist....

It's made of cream ganache covered with nougatine and mild dark chocolate.  Harmoniously done, each ingredients went well together but for 3 euro for this small piece, it's a bit overpriced.  But still, it's nice to try their new creation once in a while.

I did notice that the chocolate sizes were smaller.  I guess, with the economic crisis, putting up the prices (higher than 20 euros), for a box of chocolates, is not a good idea thus, de-sizing is the only option.  Also, i've read somewhere that Nestle has bought more shares to sustain this infamous PM.  And with it's availability in Japan, expect more expansion in Asia and who knows it might just be across your doorstep.  Then make sure to try it!

Next favorite is Wittamer, which is a few blocks away from PM.  A small fact: Pierre Marcolini worked in Wittamer and was trained here :).

We didn't buy chocolates there anymore as we also got a few at Leonida's (where truffles are nice for 6 euro a box i.e.250 g - 1/4 of the price of what is being sold in Wittamer).

this can be finished by HT hubbie in one seating...so HT wife supervision is much needed :D

We decided to stay indoors where we got the peace and quietness as outside seating was fully occupied by residents and tourists (as the sun has been visiting us for days now).  We just wanted to relax a bit before we go for a walk again.
And with the warm weather...nothing else came into my mind but a good glass of ice cream and a good dosage of caffeine so I can walk the next stretch.

Cafe Liegois (10.50 euro)- glace (ice cream) with cafe Costa Rica and chantilly.  It was perfect!  The sweetness of the ice cream was a good complement of the bitterness of the coffee.  It was refreshing!

My friend, Cinderella ordered Dame Blanche ou Noire (10.50 euro).

Cinderella poured the thick chocolate over her ice cream even if she's not fond of it to give it a try.  She thought it was ok.  I don't know if that circular meringue beside the ice cream went well with all the fancy ingredients. 

They don't have an English menu so either you wanted to be surprised or to be sure, bring out your iphone for translation :D.  Also, everything is quite expensive, even though it is good, i don't think it was worthy from what you get..

See that big smile?   Somebody was successful with her chocolate shopping :D.