Sunday, September 30, 2018

Noordwijk aan Zee, Netherlands - my insights! food and hotel guide !

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Travel Netherlands? My insights for your stay at the beach, Noordwijk on the beach!



melainesinsights enjoying the beach on a sunny day in Noordwijk, Netherlands


Lets go to the beach! Noordwijk aan Zee, my guide about food and where to stay! 



what I loved about Netherlands is that you have so many options to go to the beach. As we were staying in Amsterdam before I did some research on the internet and found a great city called Noordwijk aan Zee. It is about 30 minutes distance to drive from Amsterdam.

After our stay in the city it was just relaxing so spend some days in this wonderful region. 

Where to stay in Noordwijk aan Zee?

I prefer staying most of the time in small hotels. So after my search I found just the perfect hotel to stay in Noordwijk aan Zee - called "Villa de Duinen". The Villa was built in 1902 and has been modern renovated. The design ist minimal and modern. The Villa de Duinen, as the naming is already telling, is only 5 minutes walk distance from the beach.


photo of the villa de duinen with tulips in the front captured in Noordwijk aan de zee


The hotel offers only 11 rooms in 3 different categories. They all offer super comfy luxury beds, which gives you the perfect sleep for your day activities. Also they have luxury bath rooms with care products of my favorite brand called "Rituales". 

If you have a rainy day dont worry, included in the pricing of the room you get entrance to the "Azzuro" Wellness & Spa. Just across the street we spend a wonderful Relaxing day of fitness and wellness. 


photo of the pool and fitness center of Azzuro Wellness and Spa in Noordwijk, Netherlands


The hotel is located around 2 minutes walking distance  from the city centre, where you can find many nice shops and restaurants. 

The Villa is also well known for its own restaurant. Its one of the best restaurants I have been so far. Make sure to reserve a table for dinner as it is well known in this region.


photo of the restaurant from Villa de Duinen in Noordwijk, Netherlands

photo of the appetizer from the restaurant Villa de Duinen in Noordwijk, Netherlands

photo of my salad at the Villa de Duinen Restaurant in Noordwijk, Netherlands

photo of my dessert as an apple with choclate inside at the Villa de Duinen restaurant in Noordwijk, Netherlands


As I just also loving being at the beach, I just loved about Noordwijk aan Zee that you also have so many various options of beach clubs.  

The beach clubs in Noordwijk aan Zee, my food guide for you, here are my recommendations: 

Branding Beach Club


photo of my gin drink at the Branding Beach Club in Noordwijk aan Zee, Netherlands

photo of my pizza at the Branding Beach Club in Noordwijk aan Zee, Netherlands

photo of the inside of the Branding Beach Club in Noordwijk aan Zee, Netherlands


Breakers Beach House


photo of the Breakers Beach Club and me looking to it and the beach in Noordwijk, Netherlands

photo of my salad at the Breakers Beach House restaurant in Noordwijk, Netherlands


Strandclub Witsand


photo of my sitting at the outside terrace of the strandclub Witsand in Noordwijk, Netherlands

photo of my avocado and egg bread at the Witsand Strandclub in Noordwijk, Netherlands

photo of me sitting inside the restaurant of Strandclub Witsand and looking at the beach behind me in Noordwijk, Netherlands



Enjoy your stay // lunch // dinner // snack!


I linked you all the places, just click on them and you will be forwarded to the locations.


In case you missed my two postings about where to stay in Amsterdam and my Amsterdam food guide, check it out: Part 1 - where to stay in Amsterdam.

Cheers,
Melaines-Insights


Sunday, August 26, 2018

Amsterdam, Netherlands, my insights! Part 2 - food guide!

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Travel Amsterdam, Netherlands? My food guide Amsterdam for you!


Me standing in front of Amsterdam canal

Part 2 - where to eat in Amsterdam City?


Hey guys,


as promised my second part from my Amsterdam guide - the food guide - posting is finally coming to you. Sorry for being a bit late with it, but due to some work I didnt have much time to write on my blog lately.

If you travel Amsterdam, you need to make sure to check also these restaurants/bars/hotels while being in this great city.

I was doing my research based on locals recommendations and Instagram. Which I normally always do that way to get the best food experience while traveling.

Out of all the restaurants and bars tested and tasted here are my top recommendations for you, when traveling the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands:

First one is a casual one. Veggie, Vegetarian and Vegan food sounds not good to you? I bet you will change your mind after heading to the famous and really Instagram place called "Vegan Junk Food Bar". I had the best sweet potatoe fries and veggie burger of my lifetime. The restaurant itself is easy and modern designed, so I would say its easy chic. I loved the pink design by the way :-)


photo of the interior Vegetarian Junk Food Bar in Amsterdam, Netherlands

photo of my veggie burger at the Vegan Junk Food Bar in Amsterdam, Netherlands

photo of my sweet potatoes fries at the Vegan Junk Food Bar in Amsterdam


If your into sea food I highly recommend you to visit the "Seafood Bar". It serves fresh sea food and you can choose between all your favorite fishes directly in front of you. The interior is really clean and modern. This one is great for dinner or lunch. 

photo of the interior at the Seafood Bar in Amsterdam, Netherlands

photo of the fresh fish at the Seafood Bar in Amsterdam, Netherlands

photo of the bar and interior at the Seafood bar in Amsterdam, Netherlands



For all Asian infused kitchen fans - more correct its Japanese kitchen - the "Wagamama". I had a great soup and they offer great starters ! Amsterdam has some "Wagamama" Restaurants in different parts of the city. Make sure to place a reservation as it is especially crowded at the evenings. 


photo of my veggie soup at the Wagama Amsterdam, Netherlands

photo of the Wagama interior at Amsterdam, Netherlands

photo of the Gyoza starter at the Wagama restaurant in Amsterdam, Netherlands


Last but not least the best roof top terrace bar in Amsterdam. Its located on top of the W Hotel, which is in a historical building but the inside is really modern and stylish. We only had drinks there, but you can also reserve a table at the restaurant. I enjoyed a signature W Hotel mint iced tea, it came along with popcorn and nuts. It has also a pool outdoor and check the event calendar as they also host some DJ nights there. 


photo of the interior from the W Hotel roof top terrace in Amsterdam, Netherlands

photo of our drinks at the W Hotel roof top bar in Amsterdam, Netherlands

photo of the interior at the W Hotel in Amsterdam, Netherlands


Enjoy your lunch // dinner // snack!

I linked you all the restaurants and bars, just click on them and you will be forwarded to the locations.

In case you missed my first posting about where to stay in Amsterdam, check it out: Part 1 - where to stay in Amsterdam.


Cheers,

Melaines-Insights









Sunday, May 27, 2018

Amsterdam, Netherlands, my insights!! Part 1 - where to stay?

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Travel Amsterdam, Netherlands? My insights for you about where to stay?


me  looking out of the window from our room at the NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen, direct view canal side to the Amsterdam City and the Amstel

Part 1 - where to stay in Amsterdam City? 


Hey guys,


I just love roadtrips! In Europe you can pretty much drive around within an hour and you are in another country. 

This time we decided to head more North, as we usually go more South because actually we enjoy much more being in the mediterranean clima. 

If you would like to travel Amsterdam for a few days its always good to stay really central in the city. I really enjoy to stay at the NH Collection Hotels, when I travel foreign European cities. I started my research and found this great 5 star located hotel in the heart of Amsterdam City: its called The NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen.



photo of the NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen Hotel from the outside.


Its one of the Amsterdam’s oldest and finest five-star hotels, dating from the Golden Age. But no worries, it is completly renovated and has really nice modern designed rooms.The 81 freshly-refurbished rooms are decorated in classical tones, mixing cream, red and gold accents. From standard rooms to palatial suites, each one combines sleek design with luxurious indulgence.


photo of our hotel room at the NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen our bed.

view from the bed facing the tv and the window from our room at the NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen Hotel

photo of the bathroom from our room at the NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen Hotel


Over three centuries, it has hosted royal and legendary guests including Empress Elisabeth of Austria and the Beatles. Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ was painted to display within its walls.


photo of the interior lounge from the NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen Hotel.


You have free access W-Lan and free access to the Fitness center. You can also bring your dog along the way, as the hotel is dog friendly. You got also a breakfast option to book and a 24h room service. 

The hotel has also a nice bar and restaurant the "Bamboo kitchen" which offers modern Asian infused food. 

I would suggest you to book a room with "canal view" - the so called "Grachten" view. It was just amazing to have a view towards facing the floating boats on the river called "Amstel".I love being near water so that was really something special.



photo of me enjoying the view out of our room window canal-side at the NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen Hotel


As city trips are always about location location location, you can do everything by feet or by bike. Be aware of the bikers anyway, as they seem to have the city forthemselves. If you are a biker you can take full advantage of this "bisycle" city. You get everywhere real quick. I would not suggest to come by car in the city, if you can mind it, because the pricing of parking is really expensive. We paid 55 Euro a day for the velet parking option, the hotel offers. From a dutch friend I had the information that next time I should park the car around central station up North, there should be some park & ride options.



photo of me and a bisycle viewing the so called "Grachten" in Amsterdam City.


The guest relation team from the hotel offers - besides the great service while being in the hotel - a great online personal travel guide. You will get an questionare some days before you travel to Amsterdam, if you decide to use it you will have to answer some questions and afterwards the travel guide will be send threw by e-mail. I really thought this was innovativ and really useful for our trip, it even offers you some recommendations besides the typical sight seeing spots as restaurants and where locals go to.


photo of me looking at the streets of Amsterdam


So what are you waiting for ! Make sure to check out the amazing city of Amsterdam, next blog will be a food guide Amsterdam City, about where to eat out and have drinks in Amsterdam! 


Cheers,
Melaines-Insights
www.melaines-insights.com





Tuesday, April 17, 2018

IZAKAYA - Munich - my insights for you !

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Searching for a "culinary hotspot" in Munich?

My insights of a visit to the "IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar Munich"




photo of the restaurant "IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar Munich"




Hey guys,


sorry for posting the past few weeks nothing new, but you know life can be pretty busy sometimes. I will make up for this, for now Im back with great news on the Asian hot spot to be restaurant everybody talks about in Munich right now.

The restaurant opened up in 2017 with a huge VIP guest list, it is located in the upcoming "Westend" from Munich which is about 5 min from the central station of Munich. It is located in the "roomers hotel" an amazing 5-star-hotel with 281 luxury and modern rooms, which I can recommend you to stay in for sure.

The concept of the "IZAKAYA" is from the Amsterdam Gastro-company called the "Entourage Group". You can find the "IZAKAYA" in three other European cities as well: Amsterdam, Hamburg and Ibiza.

The wonderful restaurant was created by the well known Amsterdam interior office "Concrete". You can feel the Japanese tribute of the interior, without being too much traditional in the details. It has a really cool modern vibe. 

For the perfect entree I can recommend you a glass of bubbly, which tasted really good and is a perfect starter for your evening. 


photo of our table at the restaurant IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar in Munich with glass of Rose Champagner


Speaking about vibes they have also a great DJ set with great taste of music. What I also loved about that place is the open show kitchen, which allows you to see what the kitchen is preparing. The traditional Robata grill is at the heart of the restaurant, giving centre stage to the chefs creating dishes like Temari Sushi, Kombujime, Corn Tempura, slow cooked Short Ribes and some Rabata specialities. Of course you can also choose Sushi or Sashimi seasoned with exotic Peruvian spices. 


photo of me and the table at the IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar Munich, in the back the show kitchen with the chefs preparing the food.


The food is the best when you share it, thats also the concept behind the restaurant. Sharing is caring! 


a photo of our appetizer "crispy rice with spicy peruvian tuna & light soy" at the IZAKAYA in Munich.

Crispy Rice with spicy peruvian Tuna & light soy 

photo of our cirspy prawns with creamy curry sauce dish at IZAKAYA Munich

Crispy Prawns with creamy curry sauce 

photo of our beef burger at IZAKAYA Munich

Beef Burger

photo of our corn tempura at IZAKAYA Munich

Corn Tempura



The food itself is heaven, it is mix of authentic Japanese food with a twist of Peruian flavores. Dont miss out the great and special cocktails they offer you.


photo of my business card and my cocktail at the IZAKAYA Munich


If you would like to only go for drinks on the bar, for sure this is also a way to enjoy the IZAKAYA in Munich. IZAKAYA translated as "Japanese pub". The word "pub" wouldnt describe this incredible designed bar that good, it is a high-end gastronomic experience. The 360 black stained bar with the onyx marble top offers a spot to sip selcected wines, first class cocktails as well as rare types of Sake. 


photo taken from the restaurant with view of the bar at the IZAKAYA restaurant in Munich


One last thing, I can highly recommend you to check also out the dessert IZAKAYA is offering you! Dont miss out on the Bamboo hot choclate pot with green tea ice-cream.

photo of our dessert the Bamboo hot choclate pot with green tea ice-cream sesame nougatine at the IZAKAYA restaurant Munich

Bamboo hot choclate pot with green tea ice-cream sesame nougatine


So what are you waiting for ? Place a reservation for your next party, dinner or night out in Munich and experience the revolutionising high-end hospitality from IZAKAYA.


Cheers,
Melaines-Insights
www.melaines-insights.com





Sunday, February 25, 2018

Pasta with only 3 ingredients? recipe! 15 min ready, my insights for you!

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Pasta recipe with only 3 ingredients. Easy to make and ready to serve in 15 min!

Check out my new quick and super easy to make, yummy recipe ! 


photo of creamy pasta with gorgonzola, cooked ham and creme fraiche.


Hey guys,


even if you are not the best one in the kitchen - this one is a cooking recipe even beginners can easy learn and can impress their loved ones. I takes only 15 minutes of your precious time and you dont need to buy a lot of stuff for this wonderful dish.


This recipe is from my lovely mother-in-law and when my husband cooked it for me the first time I was really amazed how only 3 ingredients can taste that good.


One Thing, it is not for somebody who is on a diet. This one is especially during the winter months a great dish and for sure nothing that you will loose weight from. For your guilty conscience you can do a extra mile tomorrow for it. The taste is worth the extra calories. I swear.

Ingredients (2 Persons):


250 grams Linguine (my favorite for this dish are Linguine from the Italian brand "De Cecco")



photo of De Cecco Linguine which I use for my pasta recipe.


200 grams of creme fraiche



photo of creme fraiche, which I use for my pasta recipe.


200 grams of (make sure you buy "dolce", which means sweet one!) Gorgonzola 



photo of squared Gorgonzola dolce, which I use for cooking my pasta recipe.


100 grams of cooked ham 



photo of squared cooked ham, ingredients for my pasta recipe.


Directions:


1. Cook linguine. 

2. During that time cut the ham into small cubes.
3. Cut the Gorgonzola (remember it hast to be a "sweet" in Italy called "dolce" one) into small cubes.
4. Melt creme fraiche in a large skillet, reduce heat to low, stir in the cheese and keep on stirring constantly till the creme fraiche and the Gorgonzola will build a creamy Sauce. The less you heat the cheese, the better. 
5. When you reached the creamy consistence add the squared ham into the Sauce and stir it again for some minutes. 
6. When ready drain the Linguine and put the Linguine to the skillet and mix it with the Sauce.
7. Remove from heat and toss with pepper to taste.


photo of my dish fresh pasta with creamy gorgonzola cooked ham sauce (with creme fraiche).


As the Italians say: Boun Appetito! Enjoy your Pasta guys ! 


Cheers,
Melaines-Insights
www.melaines-insights.com