I have eaten my way through every conceivable thing in the last month - and I can assure it was not salads and fruit. Pastries, breads, pasta...equally quaffed the wine and did 'some' walking. But when the walks are interspersed with carbs and alcohol every three to four hours - the benefits of the walking are somewhat negated. I did make it to the gym once or twice, but as much as I enjoy exercising - that too deserves its break.
Had some great and sometimes not-so-great meals while here and should you ever find yourself in these parts of the world...here's a list of my favourites:
France - Paris:
Bound - is at the same address the famous Bar Fly used to be...and they seem to have retained the same exclusivity concept; roped entrance and intimidating-looking hosts...don't be put off by this; very hip crowd, good food and please,please order the cheesecake at the end of your meal...it is well worth it. 49/51 Avenue George V, 8th Arr. - 01 53 67 84 60.
Hippopotamus (Hippo) - this is similar to the Spur Steak Ranch food chain in South Africa - it is a steakhouse that is targeted towards people with kids...I put it down on this list because after four days of brasseries that served seemingly suspect food (from my childrens' point-of-view) this was a welcome change. They got their mandatory colouring paper and pencils, had their burgers and chips and left with full tummies and the balloons at the end of their meal. After baguettes with fromage at jambon and dubious pasta dishes; it was reviewed by them as the "best place in Paris". Amend that to the "best child -friendly restaurant in Paris"...but then so is the Spur. I do not have a number for this one but they are as ubiquitous as the Spur and in practically every arrondissement.
Nice:
O Bar A Thym which was just up the road from our rented apartment; more than a few meals were enjoyed here - and the owner was accommodating enough to bring our childrens' food first and allow us to enjoy our aperitifs - which when supper-time is at 9pm is very important.
20 rue Meyerbeer, 06000 Nice - 04 93 87 44 82.
11e Art on 11 rue Meyerbeer - 04 93 87 57 15 was great! We had dinner there a few nights after we arrived - they have a great tasting menu and presentation is everything here. Very good food and reasonably inexpensive (by Nice standards).
Italy - Ventimiglia:
We ventured to this small town to take in the Friday market and ended up enjoying some great food by the coast eating the best gnocchi (amongst other things) I have ever tasted.
Ristorante Stella Marina is right along the beach between a myriad of other restaurants, and while we polished off a bottle of perfectly chilled rose and tucked into our food, the waves crashed along the shoreline and the world felt right! Have no contact details but it is very easy to find.
The Netherlands - Amsterdam:
Haesje Claes Veritable Dutch cuisine which was carb and meat heavy - but given that it was a particularly rainy day, most welcomed. This was recommended by the hotel as one of the best reataurants in Amsterdam - not sure how much commisssion they get for recommending it to hotel guests but it was quite worth the recommendation. 273-275 Spuistraat - 020 624 9998.
Cau (Carne Argentina Unica) (pronounced "Cow" but has nothing to do with the bovine they serve) another gem that was recommended by the hotel and we enjoyed this one so much we dined there twice. The steak was incredible; and being South African and with a palate for a good steak - this is no lame claim. It was Argentinian beef in a warehouse-type structure that had austere black decor. With latin sounds coming over the sound system and us enjoying (yet another bottle) of red wine, it was well worth it. 5 Damstraat - 020 623 9632
Sahid Jaya - Indonesian food which was spicy, tasty and very well-prepared on 26 Reguliersdwarsstraat - 020 626 3727. We did also try an Italian restaurant on this same strip, with its varied choices in restaurants and coffee shops (!) alike.
Au Revoir, Arriverderci and Tot ziens!
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