Utrecht and Amsterdam Part II

Just a few more photos from the end of our stay in Holland. Two things you need to try in Amsterdam - 1) "Bitterballen", a meat-based snack, covered in batter and fried with curry and vegetables. It may sound kinda weird, but it's great dipped in mustard (how can anything battered and fried NOT be  great, seriously). 2) Pancakes! We went to a fairly popular chain called Pancakes Amsterdam. Be prepared to wait a while at any time in the day (you'd be surprised how popular pancakes are for dinner..), but it's definitely worth it.

a mishmash of noms

bitterballen

croque monsieur (Got really used to these in Europe)

dutch version of a "patio"

I need my own cheese wheelbarrow

banana peanut butter pancake (mine)

ham and cheese pancake

apples and cinnamon pancake

Happy Monday!

A.C

Utrecht and Amsterdam Part I

The Netherlands in general was likely my favourite spot on our Eurotrip  - and no, not for the reasons you would think. We went into Amsterdam most days and a few nights, but we actually stayed in Utrecht, a small town about 20 minutes outside of the city. Not gonna lie, at first I was slightly disappointed that we weren't staying right in the middle of Amsterdam with all the action - my sister's friend was on exchange in Utrecht, so we decided to hotel there instead. But after 4 days here, I couldn't have been happier! Not only is it the most beautiful, quaint little town but there were TONS of shops/stores/restaurants/bars lining the streets. And although Amsterdam was a lot cleaner/nicer than I anticipated, Utrecht didn't give off that major tourist vibe and wasn't so rammed with people. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Karel V, right across from the train station that takes you into Amsterdam and it was gorgeous. While we did eat out a bunch, our hotel had an amazing breakfast buffet and restaurant on-site, The Louisa Brasserie, which was actually an old military kitchen used during the war. The Netherlands aren't really known for their food, but it's hard not to enjoy a meal when you're sipping an ice-cold pint on a patio overlooking the canal. 

Patio at the Grand Hotel Karel V

Individually packaged granola and muesli for breakfast..!!!!

..Although sometimes I just stuck with the basics.

Fish dish at Louisa Brasserie

Sliced beef with potatoes and asparagus in a beef broth

Couscous with goat cheese, green beans, in a tangy tomato sauce

Dessert - daily sorbets of strawberry chocolate chip, lemon, and banana

Patios line the canal to prepare for Queen's Day

Advertising food everywhere in Utrecht

If you're planning a trip to Amsterdam, I would recommend taking a stop in Utrecht. And if you're a student- go on exchange here!

Happy Friday! Go outside and enjoy a healthy dose of Vitamin D.

A.C

Belgium - sugar overload

You'd think a city called "Brussels" would be all about the greens, sprouts, and salads. Noooope, not the case. Instead, welcome chocolate fountains, candy shops, waffle houses, and buttered fish. And beer. Awesome beer in Brussels! (Note: Go on a diet before you come to Brussels). 

If you're looking for a real, traditional waffle house go here, The Dandoy Tea Room on Rue Charles de Buls. Dandoy has been around since 1829, and if you step inside you'll see why. The front has a whole section for take-away treats and goodies, and there's always someone making waffles right behind the counter to take upstairs to the antique tea room. If you check out their website you can see a really cool timeline of their history, and other shops they've since opened throughout Brussels.

And if you're looking for some amazing fresh caught seafood, head to the Rugbyman No.2, right on the water. Super casual, super delicious. Careful though, there are two Rugyman restaurants right beside each other, No. 1, and No. 2. Apparently they used to be business partners, split up, and decided to keep the same name. You want No. 2.

Some foodie photos from the rest of my time in Brussels:

One of the MANY chocolatiers in Brussels

I don't like chocolate and this looks appetizing

Dandoy Tea Shop - Go here

"Brussels" waffle with ice cream, icing sugar and raspberries

Nom nom nom

Home made chocolate syrup? Why not.

Some interesting looking baked goods

Rows of chocolate

Seafood chowder

The best fish I have ever ordered at a restaurant...

...likely because of the creamy butter sauce.

Belgian pilsner - Maes

Belgian style omelette

Croque monsieur

That's all for Brussels.

Happy Hump Day! (Wednesday, for those less humorous than I....because you're past the mid-week hump....?)

A.C

London - Harrod's

Well after about a month long hiatus I have decided to (briefly) come out of my study hole and continue with my European update. I figure it's about that time of year where people usually venture across the pond so maybe these posts will be useful to someone. If not, at least the photos are pretty.

Here are some photos from our trip to Harrod's, in London. Harrods is the department store of all department stores. The "elitist" of department stores. If department stores were socialites, Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton wouldn't even be make the guest list to Harrod's party. Not that Harrod's is overly pretentious, but it just has EVERYTHING. Obviously my main focus was on the incredible food displays, but for the fashion lovers - there are four HUGE floors dedicated just for you. And I must say it was pretty nice to sift through an entire floor of designer jewellery....

4.5 acres, and 4 floors of Harrod's

Tea Room (literally)

Tea wall

Tea Display

Produce

Sandwich bar

One of many bar-style eateries inside Harrod's

UK desserts!

School and work have been insanely busy as of late, but pictures of food and travelling never cease to make my day better.

Happy Tuesday!

A.C