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.

TIME OUT: Me, myself and HT hubbie in Singapore (2011)

There is a saying, it's better late than never...HT couple wanted to greet everyone...

a Happy Happy Easter!!! :) A friend of mine handpainted this herself (thanks renza!)

Here in the Netherlands, we have the so-called Easter Monday or Tweede Paasdagen(2nd day of Easter).  Yes, you guess it right, it's our holiday for the whole holy week.

And the weather also gave us a very nice Easter warmth.  :) (Trivia:  This year was the hottest easter in the Netherlands since 1901)  How lucky can I be? :)

And blame it to the nice weather, I can't resist of being out in the sun so blogging at home became a second priority.  (You'll understand how sun is important when you live at this side of the world :D)

And with everything nice, I can't help but think about what I've enjoyed during my short trip in Singapore 2 months ago.  My 4-day trip became like 2 1/2 days as I was not feeling well due to the virus i got...thanks Phily. :)  Thinking about it might take a year before I get back to SG ...hmm..I just have to do these...

get up, close and personal with chili crabs ( i know you guys miss me too!)

klang style bak kut teh and pig's trotter - since this is situated near to our ex-home in SG, we paid the surrounding a visit and all the good memories came back...

since we're missing the restaurant week in NL, our friends (who's used to the virus in Phily), reserved this dinner @ Brasserie Wolf (HT couple's first time to try a restaurant week menu).  Thanks Majel!

of course, i wouldn't forget my favorite hokkien mee...(dream, drool, dream, drool, drool, drool)  If only there is an eat-all-you-can hokkien mee...I would be a good customer.

And HT hubbie made sure he gets a few pics with his love (after me, of course)...

this one showed his side of gluttony.  Having chicken rice and bak kut teh meal in one seating.

HT hubbie thinking: " Come to me baby" (showing off as well his chopsticks skills)

And even with the sore throat, I just can't leave this country without this...

suddenly i felt better.

We will surely be back my beloved Singapore!  And next time, i'll make sure i get a good dose of Vitamin C...or a huge bucket of Tom's palette salted caramel ice cream.

And this ends our asian vacation for 2011!  Now time to explore again NL and Europe food scene again...'till the next post!

Philippines - Antonio's Tagaytay - a one-of-a-kind

Have you ever heard of a place that you're so eager to go but you told yourself that one day you'll be there with your "THE ONE"?

And this 2011, my dream for almost a decade has finally came true.

it all started passing by at this sign.

This mansion look-a-like from the front gate makes you already feel at home.  And aside from the staff, this happy elephant  greeted us at the front door.

Before we were lead to the dining area, we passed by at this section, where lots of memorabilia of the owner are displayed.  I am in love, it's so homey.

Antonio's setting is just like home.  You can eat outside and be closer to nature or you can sit inside with big chandeliers and still be in contact with nature.  Big windows are open  and Tagaytay, where this restaurant is situated, has this fresh air and coolness that we Manilenos love going to when we want an escape from the pollution and busy-ness of Manila.

We were given this bread...while still deciding for our orders.

freshly made bread with well-balanced squid ink infusion...just lovely!

For drinks:

freshly squeezed pineapple juice (refillable or drink all you can) - $7 sgd or 3.5 euro

when you order this fresh mango juice, you get the same mango ice cubes to complement with it :)  good idea, isn't it? - an order is about 2 glasses - $7 sgd or 3.5 euro

We were given only the main course menu, and each main course comes with...

raspberry vinagrette salad with blue cheese - greens were fresh just like all their ingredients

soup of the day

*They also offer other starters and salads but this is what is served in their standard menu (i'm sure upgrades are welcomed)

For our entrees...

this was my order and every single bite was so tasty.  Even though it's a bit burnt outside, it gave the tenderness of the meat that crunchy bits.  I picked pumpkin sage risoni as my side dish and it was heaven!

boasted that this organic free poultry came from Antonio's farm...the bourbon tomato complemented well to the chicken, giving its wonderful taste. 

And they catered this sampler for those who can't decide what to order in their seafood specialties(just like my sister LOL).  from left to right: Pan-seared scallops on truffle cream sauce, prawn thermidor and the chilean seabass baked with tomato, olive, parsley, pine nuts on mashed potato.  Looking at this in the menu may not be enticing, but trying it out says otherwise.  A light entreé but exquisitely heavy in taste.

I chose this for dad and i'm so glad i made the right choice for him.  I think this was the 5-star plate of the day.  From left to right, grilled beef fillet gratinated w/ wild mushrooms on mashed potato, honey glazed lamb loin gratinated with goat cheese (HT wife's choice!) and beef fillet on plancha with black pepper sauce.  Each piece was nicely cooked and the taste is just inexplicable.  It really deserves having Antonio's name (period).

A wonderful meal wouldn't be complete without...

desserts!!! I'll be honest that the desserts were just ok, or i guess i made high expectations after tasting all their entrees wherein negativity was out of my vocabulary.  I love the chocolate terrine among these sweets.

After everything, the Tarragon Tea still impressed me...

What i like about Antonio's is not only the food but the whole dining experience.  We didn't even notice we were there for almost 4 hours!  We were just enjoying every moment of our stay.

And the best part of the story is:  It was worth a decade waiting to experience Antonio's being with my..

"THE ONE".  :)

  Happy weekend! - from your always hungry-trotting couple!

Price Summary:

*depends on your main course

on average 2200-2500 pesos (80 sgd or 40 eur)

Antonio's Tagaytay

Purok 138 Brgy. Neogan

Tagaytay City, Cavite

Philippines

*for dinner, reservation of at least a month before is a must!