Carolien's travel blog!

Exploring the world one bite at a time

Year: 2017 (Page 4 of 8)

A Pilori Taverne: “Mediocre at best”

19th September 2017 / / 0 Comments

We ended up having lunch on the terrace of A Pilori during a class excursion. The terrace is nice, but to be honest, the food is mediocre at best. But what can you expect from 15 euro for a main course, including a glass of wine? The white wine we ordered was served warm, a mistake not easy to forgive on a warm summer day.

The staff was not very good at their job and seemed to be uninterested in providing for their customers. (I have to say though, some staff members were clearly still in training). After having to drink warm wine, the tagliatelle with salmon wasn’t served hot enough and the creamy sauce seemed very un-Italian. They also somehow forgot to bring the bread, which arrived when everybody’s dishes were almost finished.

Clearly this restaurant’s staff is badly organized and the food is really not very good. A pity, because the location actually is very nice.

Information
Brasserie taverne A Pilori
Place du Marche
4000 Liège
Belgium
+32 4 250 03 01
info@pilori-liege.be
http://www.pilori-liege.be/
https://www.facebook.com/lecomptoirliege

Visited July 2017. You can find my review about A Pilori Taverne also on TripAdvisor. My scores: value 4/5, service 2/5, food 3/5.

Davaar Island Cave Painting of the Crucifixion: “Great walk”

17th September 2017 / / 0 Comments

Davaar is a beautiful rocky island that you can only visit when the tide is low. So make sure to check first at the tourist information center when it is safe to walk there. The island isn’t very big, but the loose rocks make the walk kind of challenging.

When we visited Davaar Island it was really cold and a strong wind almost blew us away. Nonetheless is was an unforgettable experience. Make sure to visit the cave with the wallpainting of Jesus Christ.

Information
Davaar Island
55.42°N 5.54°W
Campbeltown PA28 6RE
Scotland
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davaar_Island

Visited April 2017. You can find my review about Davaar Island Cave Painting of the Crucifixion also on TripAdvisor.

Humphrey: “Food sharing”

15th September 2017 / / 0 Comments

Had a lovely lunch on the cozy terrace of Humprey in Brussels, not far away from the historical heart of Brussels. The start of our lunch was a bit chaotic and we had to wait a while before our drinks arrived and we could order, but the waiter explained his colleague was sick, so he had to serve the guests all alone. He was very nice though, explaining the menu in Dutch although his mother tongue was French.

We were very charmed by the food Humphrey served us. The Humphrey’s concept is all about food sharing, which I absolutely adore. We ordered five different dishes: spicy ahi poke, Filipino beef tartare, cauliflower chimichurri, grilled zucchini bellpepper and accras with yuzu (fish cakes), which was enough for four persons. The food was inspired by the Filipino cuisine and downright delicious. Every dish was presented on a different plate (with the meat served on a dried ham being the most spectacular). When fusion is done right it is an absolute delight.

Lovely place I will definitely visit again.

Information
Restaurant Humphrey
St-Laurensstraat 36-38
1000 Brussels
Belgium
info@humphreyrestaurant.com
http://www.humphreyrestaurant.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Humphrey-177005805983919/
http://instagram.com/humphreybrussels

Visited July 2017. You can find my review about Humphrey also on TripAdvisor. My scores: value 5/5, service 3/5, food 5/5.

Best sushi in Leuven – Top 3

14th September 2017 / / 0 Comments

So, as you have guessed by now, I am a big fan of Japan and Japanese food. When I’ve had a hard day, there are a few dishes that will surely cheer me up. Naturally sushi almost always does the trick. Since most of my friends know how much I like sushi, I often get asked which is my favorite sushi restaurant in Leuven. The answer to this question is not straight forward. It depends. If you want your sushi delivered at home, I would recommend Saki Sushi or New Sushi Palace, but if you’re looking for a nice sushi meal with friends or the love of your life, I have a totally different top 3 for you.

Number 1: Wabi Sabi Sushi Bar
Perhaps not the best sushi in Leuven, but close enough. I like this restaurant, because the interior is very beautiful and stylish. The building which now hosts Wabi Sabi, belonged to an antiquarian before and it shows. Moreover Wabi Sabi is the biggest sushi restaurant in town: you’ll almost always guaranteed to find an empty table due to its sheer number of seating places. Even on a Saturday evening it is possible to find a table for two. In summer you can enjoy your sushi outside on the terrace in the Muntstraat and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Service at times can be a little slow, but the sushi makes up for it.

Info
http://www.wabisabisushi.be/
Muntstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
+32 16 74 77 54

Number 2: Inari
Inari sushi was the first sushi restaurant that opened its doors in Leuven and it remains one of the best (but sadly also one of the most expensive). After all these years it still exists, which in itself proves that Inari has a loyal audience that loves coming back for more. The sushi is really great, although due to its popularity, the restaurant can get rather busy and loud. Tables are put a little too close to each other to my taste, so make sure not to share a big secret over your sushi boat. (Yes, I know, no Japanese sushi chef in his right mind will even serve sushi on a boat.)

Info
http://inarisushibar.be/
Parijsstraat 18, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
+32 16 43 38 43

Number 3: Sakura
Sakura is a more spartan restaurant: simple tables in a mostly white, rather narrow restaurant. It is possible to sit outside on the terrace in the Muntstraat, but there are only a few tables available. The sushi is very good though, although waiting times can vary. Due to the simplicity of this restaurant and the fact that upon entering the first thing you’ll see are the sushi chefs at the counter working their magic, this restaurant has the most authentic Japanese vibe to me.

Info
http://www.resto-sakura.be/
Muntstraat 21, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
+32 16 22 26 28

The three restaurants mentioned all offer take-away. Sadly none of them has a delivery service. Be warned though: in Leuven you won’t find any sushi restaurant run by Japanese people. If you prefer your sushi prepared by a Japanese chef, you’ll have to travel to Brussels or Antwerp.

If you have other recommendations, please let me know in the comments.

Kaboom Hotel: “Disappointing”

6th September 2017 / / 0 Comments

Well, to be honest, the stay in this hotel was a slight disappointment. The staff was welcoming enough, but I found this hotel to be overpriced (more than 160 euro for one night without breakfast). What put me off the most was the terrible stench in the hallway. Seems like Kaboom Hotel has a problem with there drainage system. Not pleasant at all. Luckily the stench wasn’t noticeable in the rooms themselves or I would have to had switched hotels.

The way the rooms were decorated didn’t appeal to me that much. Kitsch is the word I would use to describe it. But that is personal preference of course. I have to say that the beds were really good and the bathroom was impeccable. The shower was very clean and very comfortable. Only minor issue: the shower door couldn’t be fully closed, so the floor of the bathroom got wet when taking a shower.

I actually don’t think I will stay here again.

Information
Kaboom Hotel
Stationsplein 1
6221 BT Maastricht
Netherlands
+31 43 325 3340
info@kaboomhotel.nl
https://www.kaboomhotel.nl/
https://facebook.com/kaboomhotel

Stayed July 2017. You can find my review about Kaboom Hotel also on TripAdvisor. My scores: value 3/5, location 5/5, service 4/5.

Travelling to Japan: Where to start?

17th August 2017 / / 1 Comment

In recent years I have visited Japan twice. The first time I went to Japan with my boyfriend, my brother and his girlfriend. We took a fairly standard trip around Japan. The second time my boyfriend and I attended a wedding in Tokyo and afterwards we went on a bike tour in Hokkaido. Something totally different, but a truly unforgettable experience. Never have so many people stared at me in my life. 😉

Since Japan is a country where tourism is on the rise, I frequently get asked about my experiences there by people who would like to explore the country by themselves. So that’s why I decide to combine some of my tips for traveling to Japan.

In general:

  1. Look into buying a Japan Rail Pas. It is not always the cheapest way to get around Japan, but you can’t travel to Japan and not experience the marvel that is the shinkansen (Japanes bullet train).
  2. Book at least one stay in a ryokan. An authentic Japanese experience you simply can’t miss out on: sleeping on tatami mats, enjoying bathing in an onsen (women and men strictly separated).
  3. If you’re lost or don’t know how to do something, ask help. Japanese people are very friendly, they will always try to help you the best they can. Don’t know how to buy a ticket to your destination. Give your wallet to a Japanese bystander and they will do the purchase for you and even accompany you tot the right train track.
  4. Visit a traditional Japanse onsen. But make sure to clean yourself thoroughly before entering the hot pool. Japanese people don’t want any filthy people in their baths.
  5. Don’t forget to take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Drinking tea isn’t as straight forward as you thought!
  6. Go for food in a traditional Izakaya and ask for recommendations. Be adventurous about your food. I have hardly ever had a bad meal in Japan. Don’t worry about food hygiene, Japanese cooks know what that are doing. Remember: Japanese food is so much more than sushi. Tip if you like sushi, but don’t want to pay too much: kaiten sushi.

When to visit?
Most websites will say: in spring, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms (sakura) or in autumn so you can enjoy the beautiful red and yellow colors of the leaves. But if you asked me, each season has its own charm. I would love to return to Hokkaido in winter, to participate in a snow festival. Be warned though, summers on Honshu can be very hot and humid.

Useful websites:

Transport:

  • Japan Rail Pass. If you’re not sure if it’s worth buying a rail pass, use the Japan Rail Pass Calculator.
  • IC cards are rechargeable cards that can be used to to pay public transportation fares and to make payments at vending machines, shops and restaurants. Examples are Pasmo and Suica.
  • Domestic flights: domestic flight are rather cheap in Japan.
  • Busses
  • Or you can always rent a car. Don’t forget your international driver’s licence! And be warned: in rural areas signs won’t be translated in English. Oh and one more thing: in Japan they drive on the left side of the road.

Where to stay?

What to eat (besides sushi, of course):

  • Okonomiyaki: a kind a savory pancake
  • Sukiyaki: a hot pot dish
  • Japanese Noodles: ramen is of course the most known dish in Europe and the United States, but don’t forget to try the soba or udon noodles.
  • Gyoza: those dumplings are one of my favorite dishes
  • Teriyaki: who doesn’t love the sweet taste of teriyaki?
  • Kushiyaki: skewered and grilled meat, seafood or vegetables. Also known as yakitori (although this term is mostly reserved for chicken skewers).
  • Wagyu beef: if you can afford it
  • Mochi: a Japanese rice cake. Traditionally eaten at New Year, but available year round. You can also have mochi ice cream, which is very good.
  • Do try some Japanese fruit: so much tastier than the fruit we are used to!

Please let me know in the comments if you have any further questions.

Port Charlotte Hotel Restaurant: “Good food”

4th August 2017 / / 0 Comments

I called Port Charlotte Hotel Restaurant in advance to make sure there was a table for four available. The friendly lady at the phone said there would be a table available at about 8.15 pm. This turned out to be a little too optimistic: when we arrived at about 8.05 pm the restaurant was fully booked and the lady who welcomed us, said our table wasn’t ready yet. While we waited, they offered us seating in the bar, which was also quite crowded. Since we knew finding another restaurant at this hour wouldn’t be that easy, we decided to wait it out while studying the menu and enjoying a glass of white wine.

We all ordered some fish dishes. Finally our table was ready at about 9 pm. A bit later then we had hoped, but by that time we were so hungry that any meal would have been great. I had ordered the Chef’s Hot Seafood Platter, which was a bit on the expensive side, but really value for money. The fish was great and I loved it very much. Service was also really friendly.

In the future I guess, I wouldn’t make any last minute reservations at ort Charlotte Hotel Restaurant and try to go for an early dinner.

Information
Port Charlotte Hotel Restaurant
Main Street
Port Charlotte PA48 7TU
Isle of Islay
Argyll
Scotland
+441496 850360
info@portcharlottehotel.co.uk
http://www.portcharlottehotel.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/The-Port-Charlotte-Hotel-108624752587131/

Visited April 2017. You can find my review about Port Charlotte Hotel Restaurant also on TripAdvisor. My scores: value 4/5, service 3/5, food 4/5.

Chez Oki: “Great Japanese food”

10th July 2017 / / 0 Comments

Marvelous Japanese restaurant.

I had dinner at Chez Oki with friends and we had an absolutely lovely evening. The French speaking waiter was very friendly and gave us the opportunity to choose the table at the window. He also recommended some nice wines with our food. The restaurant is very beautiful and stylish with a small pebble garden on the inside. Toilets were also very clean.

But enough about the decor, let’s talk about the food! Superlatives need to be used here. We all went for the four courses surprise menu and we were very impressed. Every course was very refined and beautifully presented. The taste reminded me of some of the best food I enjoyed in Japan. The chef really is an artist.

Highly recommended.

Information
Restaurant Chez Oki
Rue Lesbroussart 62
1050 Brussels
Belgium
+32 2 644 45 76
info@chez-oki.com
http://www.chez-oki.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chez-Oki/143547759047782

Visited July 2017. You can find my review about Chez Oki also on TripAdvisor. My scores: value 4/5, service 4/5, food 5/5.

Beluga loves you: “Unforgettable experience”

10th July 2017 / / 0 Comments

Beluga loves you is everything you expect form a two star restaurant. The beautifully presented dishes are absolutely delicious. Every course is prepared with great attention to detail and each course comes accompanied with great wines.

The restaurant is very spacious and beautifully decorated. We started our evening in the bar, moved to the dining room for our main courses and finished the evening off with some coffee or tea in the bar again.

What made our visit really stand out, besides the food and the lovely wines, was the staff. Such pleasant people! We had great fun talking and laughing with them and it was clear they really enjoyed what they were doing.

Beluga truly loves you. A food experience to not be missed.

Information
Beluga loves you
Plein 1992-12
6221 JP Maastricht
Netherlands
+31433213364
info@belugalovesyou.com
https://www.belugalovesyou.com/
https://www.facebook.com/belugalovesyou

Visited July 2017. You can find my review about Beluga loves you also on TripAdvisor. My scores: value 4/5, service 5/5, food 5/5.

Hotel de Poshoorn: “Disappointing”

10th July 2017 / / 0 Comments

When looking for breakfast we ended up in De Poshoorn, mostly because they served eggs benedict, which is my favorite breakfast in the world.

The interior is very beautiful and references the name of the place with old mailboxes on the wall. I also loved the beautiful bar with lots of beers on tap. We sat at an old workers bench, while skulls of dead game were looking down up us, really special.

So far so good. What followed must have been the biggest disappointment of my life. When my eggs benedict arrived, I immediately saw those were not the real deal. I don’t know what sauce was served beside my eggs, but surely that was no sauce hollandaise. It mostly resembled mayonnaise and tasted dreadfully. The poached eggs were a true disgrace. The yolk of the egg wasn’t even fluid! Since I was hungry I ate it all, but I really cannot understand which cook would dare to serve this dish and call it eggs benedict.

My companions had ordered the full option breakfast and were equally disappointed. The granola wasn’t home made, the scrambled egg portion was way to small, no value for money whatsoever.

Very disappointed. Just don’t have breakfast here, period. I think you are better off just having a beer or something.

Information
De Poshoorn
Stationsstraat 47
6221 BN Maastricht
Netherlands
+3143 321 7334
info@poshoorn.nl
https://www.poshoorn.nl/
https://www.facebook.com/Stadsherberg-de-Poshoorn-151812138188435/

Stayed July 2017. You can find my review about Hotel de Poshoorn also on TripAdvisor. My scores: service 2/5.

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