EatEat: La Piola, Brussels, Belgium

LaPiola

I have finally taken the time to tell you something about one of my favourite restaurants in Brussels, a small Italian place called La Piola.

They only seat about 30 people (in summer a bit more when the small terrace and patio are open) in a very cosy environment with simple wooden chairs, beautiful tiles, original and often changing art on the wall and an open kitchen.

The menu is very simple and short and written on the red board: a few pasta’s, meat and mozzarella dishes and deserts. All are generous portions of delicious quality. It is also known as a whine bar where people just stop to have a drink with some free ‘aperitivi’ from the bar. A northern Italian tradition that I warmly welcome.

It is recommended to make reservations, only on Wednesday’s this isn’t possible since then the place becomes very crowded and fun with people going out after the Chatelain market.

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EatEat: Small World, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

SmallWorld

I came across this small sandwich shop just after it opened at the end of last century. One of my best friends lived in the same street, and as she grew up in Australia, she quickly made contact with Sean, from the same part of the world. He is one of the happiest persons you’ll meet in Amsterdam, even speaking Dutch with a lovely accent and always keeping his head cool when it is crowded.

His sandwiches are delicious, there is a large choice of all kinds of healthy toppings, salads, cakes, greens, pasta’s and shakes. And they also do great coffee and take away meals.

There are some seats inside, but if you’re lucky and the sun is shining, you can sit outside on of the benches and feel just as happy as I did end of September in the last rays of sunshine.

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Dots

SleepSleep: Hotel Lloyd, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Lloyd hotel

When looking for a hotel in Amsterdam you do not often think of the Eastern docklands as a location for your stay. This might change if you get to know this area and this hotel, opened in 2004. We have now stayed here three times; last time was a surprise weekend for my birthday.

The Lloyd is build in a monumental building dating from 1921 by architect Evert Breman. All 117 rooms are different, decorated by famous Dutch designers and range from 1- 5 stars. At first sight the rooms might come across a little strange, last time our bathroom was kind of hidden behind a large wall separator, or the shower is just hanging in the middle of the room. But if you like things to be a bit different and surprising you will quickly feel at home here.

The breakfast is delicious, served in the large restaurant on the ground floor, high ceilings, gorgeous flowers, free newspapers and wifi.

This part of Amsterdam is great to explore by foot, visiting the very interesting modern architecture, walking along the banks of the river Ij, shopping and stopping in the many restaurants and bars.
Within no time you can also reach other parts of the city by tram or bike.

And last but not least, the beds and duvets are super comfortable! When we wanted a new bed at home, we even bought the same brand, pretending we sleep at the Lloyd every night.

Lloyd hotel

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EatEat: Pudding Rock, Brussels, Belgium

Puddink Rock

Again a post about a place not far from where I live. Since this is a lunch restaurant, only open on weekdays, the occasions to visit this have been rare.

The name of this small restaurant is written in flashy pink on the on the silver grey façade. Inside you are in for a real treat, especially if you (pre-)order the tasting menu. These are around 10 different small dishes served in glasses or bowls on a black slate. It is so beautifully served that it looks like a small painting that you don’t dare to touch. But if you do, you are rewarded with exquisite tastes that are truly mouth watering.

Pudding Rock collage

The last time I was there with two of my best friends from Amsterdam (who surprised me for lunch on my birthday), we also took the desert tasting menu. It was hard to resist not licking our plates.

Phone: + 32 (0) 25341719

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SleepSleep: Les Chambres de Franz, Brussels, Belgium

Les Chambres de Franz

Since we do not have a guestroom anymore I’m always in search of nice hotels in my neighbourhood. I tried out a few and earlier this year I found flyers of this B&B place, very close to where I live and go out.

In July a couple of friends with their two children tried it out and stayed in the room called “Le Studio” and last week my father spent two nights in “Le Grenier” . They were both very enthusiastic.

The house of Florence and Miguel has got three, modern designed rooms. All are different in size and all very tasteful, spacious, quiet and affordable.

You have a small boutique hotel feeling with privacy and it is not like (what I dislike of some B&B’s) you are entering someone’s private home.

The B&B is at an excellent location, both close to my house and a wonderful, eating, drinking and shopping area, so this will be my favourite hotel for any friends or family coming by.

Next time I hope they will stay at the “La Terrasse”  room so I can also see this third room myself.

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EatEat: Ca’s Patró March, Cala Deià, Spain

Ca's Patro March

After visiting the town of Deià we continued along the coast and took a little street downwards towards the seaside, Cala Deià. When you are almost there, you have to park your car and continue walking for the last 10 minutes. And suddenly behind the corner you are surprised by a small and beautiful bay with waves coming in. People are bathing or having a drink/lunch at one of the two restaurants.

Above restaurant lies astonishing half above the sea and when you are up there, you are rewarded with great views. We were just lucky that someone cancelled his reservation and a table came free.

Ca's Patro March

If you want to be sure to enjoy this very specially located place, be sure to call upfront. Phone: +34 971 639 137

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