Berlin

Ich liebe New York Berlin 

 

You know those t-shirts that say I love NY? Well, I was one of the many people who felt that way about New York City. Now, (I never thought that I would ever say this) I think Berlin has replaced New York in my heart. How? Beats me. But with the help of some friends, I managed to discover the many things that Berlin has to offer - including its' many historical attractions, its' eclectic music scene, and its' array of culinary delights. I don't even know where to begin in describing all the things that I've seen in this extraordinary city. So I've decided that in the next couple of posts to include a compilation of each of the three most important things in Berlin: sights, shops & eats.  These lists are just to whet your appetite and hopefully will give you a solid starting point for your journey into Berlin. I hope you discover just as much (if not more!) of this amazing city!

Gute Reise und viel Spaß!

Gastro Guide to Den Haag

As promised, here is a list of some of the restaurants and cafes we tried out. I also included some other places that we didn't get a chance to try (because we were already eating 5 meals a day!) but were recommended/looked interesting to try out (so if you ever get a chance to go, let me know how it is!)

Eet Smakelijk!

't Ogenblik 

Tired of the cold and the rain, we stumbled upon this cute cafe. The menu is fairly standard, serving different kinds of sandwiches, pies, and drinks. What is great about this place is the decor and its homey atmosphere. The servers there are also just as warm and welcoming.  

Address: Molenstraat 4c

www.t-ogenblik.nl

Het: Heden 
 If you're looking for a place for High Tea - this is it!
Noordeinde 148 
www.hetheden.nl

Knossos
A great Greek restaurant hidden behind the shops of downtown. Their meat dishes are full of flavour and super juicy. If you're super hungry after a full day of exploring, I recommend ordering the Mixed Grill  
(the plate is packed with different types of Greek style meat).
Kerkplein 1 
www.knossosdenhaag.nl

Tikibar Vavoom 
Ok, we didn't get a chance to try this place, but I was instantly attracted to it after I seeing its' Tiki theme exterior and the sign above :)
(there are also other great restaurants just down the same street!)
Grote Markt 29 
grotemarktdenhaag.nl

Deluca
This restaurant has the best of both worlds: indoors and outdoors. If you're like me and like to people-watch sit outside without getting soaked on a rainy day, this is place to do it.  
Passage 3-7 
www.de-luca.nl

Other recommendations:

Van Prinse & Co
They prepare picnic baskets for you!
Prinse Straat 134 
vanprinseco.nl

Bij HeM
The owners, Eric and Mike, visit their restaurants frequently and enjoy talking to customers (according to a Dutch magazine). Unfortunately, we did not have the pleasure of meeting them.
Molenstraat 21 
bijhem.eu

Sapore 
Homemade Italian food!
Molenstraat 30 
sapore.nl

Juni
Again, we didn't get a chance to try this place, but it comes highly recommended for breakfast and lunch.  We wanted to have lunch here, but they locked the doors (while there were customers inside!). We figured someone was having a private party there... 
Molenstraat 63 
www.junilekkernijen.nl

Den Haag

To finish off my week and a half in Holland, Sandra and I decided to end it in Den Haag (The Hague). Unfortunately, the weather was not so welcoming, but we still managed to visit the Queen and the Prime Minister before the weather got worse. 

 

 The Queen's Coat of Arms 

  

 Her Majesty's Office 

The Prime Minister's Office (left)

Parliament across the moat

 

The other side of Parliament  
(we swam across the moat. kidding)

A little tidbit about Parliament: there are two entrances. 

Now that might seem quite ordinary, but the reason for the second entrance is interesting. Every year the Queen comes to Parliament by carriage, unfortunately her carriage doesn't fit through the original entrance (seen above) and therefore a second entrance needed to be built. One entrance to uphold a long standing tradition.

More Parliament

After visiting her Majesty and the PM, we headed downtown...

But then it started pouring buckets so we sought shelter in restaurants and cafes. So I've compiled a list (which will be my next post) of all the good eats around town for any of you who get the chance to visit Den Haag :) (and hopefully the weather will be more cooperative).