hotspot Archives - Wander-Lust

08 Apr 2019

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Eat My Trip is the Instagram foodie dream of Barcelona

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On April 8, 2019 With No Comments

Welcome in the wonder world of cotton candy clouds, unicorn smoothie bowls and pink lattes in skull cups. Eat My Trip is the place sweet dreams are made and after reading this article you surely won’t disagree. If somebody knows how a good dream should look, taste and feel like, it’s Genia Sukhacheva, the founder of Eat My Trip. She dreamed big and worked hard to make her dream reality: in the summer of 2018 she opened the doors to this second dimension restaurant in Eixample, Barcelona.

The new unicorn on the block
Eat My Trip literally takes you on a trip to another dimension, but the name has more to it. The menu is inspired by Genia’s trip around the world before she started the restaurant. You can find your favourite classics on the menu levelled-up with an exotic twist. For example, eggs benedict with curry sauce inspired by Thailand, French toast with a cloud of passion fruit infused cotton candy and pancakes Mexican style with guacamole, black beans and corn. Big plus: they only use organic and ecological ingredients and have many vegan options on their menu.

Eat My Trip is a great place for breakfast and brunch

So how does it taste?
The menu offers options for every type of hunger and healthiness level. I love what Genia did with the savoury dishes, offering the classics but with a travel inspired touch. The combinations are great (curry sauce + eggs benefict = winning), unfortunately the exotic touch was fairly modest in the dishes we tried. Because it’s such a great idea, it could be exploited a bit more in my opinion.
On the sweet side of life, Eat My Trip is writing history. Genia managed to create one-of-a-kind sugar rush dishes that are as good for the eye as for the mouth. The presentation forces people passing by to stop and stare and will make you feel bad for even wanting to eat it. Honestly. I had to be stopped taking photo’s of my plate because it was already turning cold.

Everything on the menu is beautifully presented, but for the absolute wow-effect you should at least order the Tostada Francesa (vg). A soft brioche soaked in cream of passion fruit, house made marshmallows and a cloud of peach infused cotton candy. Top it off with a blue Matcha or Barbie latte and a “wow-face” is guaranteed. If you’re not convinced yet, take a look at their Instagram account and start the drooling in 3,2,1…

Feeling the pressure from bikini season around the corner? No worries, Eat My trip offers healthy dishes as well, for example smoothie bowls and veggie dishes. But I have to put out a warning; you probably get seduced by the mouth-watering cakes at the counter anyways.

Who doesn’t want to drink out of a skull cup and eat French toast with a freaking sugar cloud on it?

The atmosphere
The restaurant looks as creative as the dishes, which isn’t a surprise when you realise that Genia also build the whole interior herself (Girl, what can’t you do?!). The restaurant has a homey feeling; blue walls, floral mural prints and surf-hut-like wooden chairs and floor. The chalkboard above the counter exposes all the food goodness and the restaurant is full with “Alice in Wonderland style” accessories to keep you busy while waiting for your order. Although the decorations of the dishes are complex and extraordinary, the overall vibe in the restaurant is super easy going.
We visited on a Saturday and it wasn’t hard to find a table, which is quite unique in Barcelona. However, I have the feeling this is going the change soon once Barcelona’s tourists guides pick up on this little piece of sugar heaven.

My verdict: Definitely a must visit if you either live in Barcelona or just on a city trip. The food is a guaranty for a fun afternoon; taste-wise and because of colour explosions and original combinations. I very much respect what Genia has created and creativity like this should be rewarded (by a visit from you).

P.S.: The blue tables outside are great for soaking up the midday sun and Instagram worthy food pictures (just saying).

Eat My Trip
Carrer del Consell de Cent,378
Website / Instagram

Love,

Eva

*Eva is one of our guest bloggers from Amsterdam. She’s a city girl who only leaves her heels at home when wearing a backpack. Living by the urge to be where she’s not, to explore, experience, fall and get up. You can follow her on Instagram.

06 Apr 2019

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Full Moon Garden brings their Dim Sum to Amsterdam

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On April 6, 2019 With No Comments

If you have Asian roots like me, you know that “Asian” brunch is a thing. Eating with family & friends is very important and the Chinese understand this more than anyone. It’s no surprise that they invented Dim Sum, small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on a small plate, that is served with a hot pot of jasmine tea. You can imagine how happy I was to hear that the traditional dim sum restaurant Full Moon Garden opened in Amsterdam this week.

Full Moon Garden
It all started in Hong Kong back in the 90’s. Mr Kwok opened his first restaurant in the city that is considered to be the birthplace of dim sum. After a few years he and his family decided to start a new life in The Netherlands and in 2011 they opened their first Full Moon Garden restaurant in the city of Den Haag, where Full Moon Garden has become somewhat of a household name. With the success they manage to open 2 more Full Moon Garden restaurants in Den Haag, but it is the first time that they open one in Amsterdam.

Full Moon Garden is located on the Leidsestraat

The Menu
Do you have a couple of hours? There are two menu’s; one dim sum menu, and one dinner menu. On both menu’s you will be able to find all the traditional dishes, as well as some modern style Chinese cuisine. Some of Full Moon’s signature dishes are the Peking Duck, streetfood style Scallion Pancakes, silken tofu, crispy noodles and of course the steamed dumplings.

For desert you must try the Mango Pudding that is served in a koi fish shape, symbolising wealth, harmony and happiness.

The dumplings taste exactly like they are suppose to, and if you like veggies, try the Chinese broccoli or eggplant with peppers. Yum!

The new restaurant is located in the middle of the Leidsestraat, next to the MacDonalds. A long staircase takes you upstairs where there are seats for about 180 people. The view isn’t bad either, if you like some people watching.

I will definitely come back for some Sunday dim sum with my friends!

Love,

Elke

Full Moon Garden Amsterdam
Leidsestraat 94, Amsterdam
Website / Instagram

16 Mar 2019

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Spiritland London | Where music and food comes togehter

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On March 16, 2019 With No Comments

Described on their website as “an early morning to late night celebration of food, drink and music”, there is little else to add that better describes Spiritland, a new venue in London’s Southbank district. Part owned by the team that brought London the popular contemporary British dining hall Canteen, Spiritland is not to be missed. It’s a unique experience that is intimate, inspiring and ideal for any time of the day.

Food
A breakfast brunch menu, lunch menu and dinner menu all promise sumptuous tastes that are unapologetic twists on classic dishes and for full disclosure this review is based on brunch. If you’re after a spin on the British breakfast staple of porridge try the Brown Rice which is cooked with soy, banana, miso and yuzu caramel. It’s brilliant, achieving the perfect balance of sweet and savoury at the same time. And if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, the Kale Saag Aloo Hash with poached eggs also hits the spot quite nicely. Topped off with cappuccino or Kombucha respectively, it’s little wonder that with combinations like this brunch is the most important meal of the day.

Be sure to come back for lunch, pre-theatre cocktails and a late-night dinner if the opportunities arise – DJs play until 2am.

Brunchtime!

Drink
Let’s leave it at: they have a 110 bottle of wine selection and quite the tempting cocktail menu which makes it rather difficult to leave this plush venue, regardless of the time of day.

Interiors and Experience
In case it hadn’t been obvious by now, music is as equally at the heart of this restaurant as the food. Their debut space in Kings Cross is renowned for their world-class sound system and, given that this new location in the Southbank – underneath the world famous Royal Festival Hall (the performing arts venue) – this is no exception, the speakers are bespoke from Living Voice. A DJ booth plays focal point within the 180-cover restaurant and each bathroom booth even boasts its own sound-system.

Spiritland is the kind of place that invites you to soak up the atmosphere, its casual dining at its finest.

Part Wes Anderson inspired (think 1970s chic executed in a contemporary and inviting way) and designed to embody a recording studio as well as a restaurant (which further emphasises their fascination with music) it’s fitting to think of Spiritland as a homage to music fused with food. You can watch the chefs at work while you browse the menus which offer adventurous, modern tastes from chef Moondo. Maximizing guests acoustic experience, there are subtle nods to recording studios with ceiling pads and sound-proof décor too. And, to further flatter their Royal Festival Hall location, there’s additional nods captured within the interior such as the theatrical velvet curtains. Album playback sessions, artist talks, and guest DJs are all a part of the schedule of events and I’d recommend that you look them up in advanced as they’re not to be missed.

In the wildly-impossible possibility that you’re still hungry and fancy a breath of fresh air, a food market is on the door step, offering every-imagining of food and drink and dessert too.

Spiritland
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London
Underground Station: Waterloo, Northern Line
Brunch can cost from £25 for one course and a coffee for two people.
Website / Instagram

04 Mar 2019

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The Meets Amsterdam has opened their second location!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On March 4, 2019 With No Comments

Three years after they started their journey in De Pijp, they proudly popped up a second one in Amsterdam Eastside. A place for both vega(n) aficionados and meat eaters. How great if you can mix the tasty with the healthy? The Meets in Amsterdam has proven that added sugars and additives are somewhat of the past.

The Meets’ 80/20 rule
Meet the new little brother of The Meets De Pijp in a side street by the lively Javastraat. As their neighbour behind I can tell you this is exactly what we Eastsiders needed. Something totally different. The Meets likes to follow their 80/20 rule: 80% plant-based, 20% fish, meat, diary, and above all 100% finger lickin’ good. A perfect way to pamper the vegans, fish ánd meat fans, genius. Treating yourself doesn’t mean lots of needless E numbers, greasy dishes and very few nutrients. For the latter it’s maybe even a great culinary escapade to switch to the plant-based treats, and discover whole new taste variations. It’s worth the try!

Homemade and free from bullshit
Back to their concept: all their dishes are homemade from locally sourced, honest and, if possible, organic ingredients and free from refined sugars and other nasties. So, no I-can-dream-the-menu with eggs Benedict’s, grilled sandwiches and bombastic burgers. The Meets has put together lots of mouthwatering, out-of-the-box green creations, like the Pad Thai, Mexican veggie burger and the avocado sweet potato wrap. Culinary masterpieces both for your eyes and taste buds. And If you’ve got some room left, you definitely have to say ‘YES’ to one of their desserts. All your sweet craves will be saturated by the creamy cheesecake, fluffy carrot cake or vegan twix.

Vegan sushi

On weekdays they’re also open for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Their lunch menu offers a bunch of showstoppers. From Kim-Cheezie toasti till an açai blueberry bowl and an Instagrammable stack of spirulina buckweat pancakes. All the wholesome way. Go for a blue latte, funky tea or the veggie bomb ‘Apple on the Edge’ – my fave – and you’ll claim your comfy spot for the rest of the day. This is immediately a nice bridge to the interior (wink)

A good reason to drop by at The Meets captured in two shots: the spirulina pancakes and blue latte

Good humoured interior
At entrance mood will be good in a sec by seeing their lush colourful, (inspired by the retro 80’s) interior with loads of super comfy chairs and couches. No hustle or bustle, just relaxed vibes and a very warm place. The creative concept is set by Studio Noun – known from the styling for, for example, Restaurant C and Baut – in collaboration with top illustrator Piet Paris. Thumbs up.

In case you’d like to end your chaotic workday or start your lazy weekend with a healthy boost, The Meets is your new favourite kid in town. More of this please!

Love,

Sharmaine

The Meets Eatery
Sumatrastraat 28 – 30, Amsterdam
Opening hours: Mondays till Fridays 17:30 – 23:00
Saturdays and Sundays: 9:30 – 23:00
Facebook / Instagram

*Sharmaine is one of our guest bloggers from the Netherlands with a sweet tooth. The sweeter, the better! She no kitchen princess so she’s always in search for the best hotspots in Amsterdam! You can expect an article from her once a month! Check her out on Instagram!

19 Feb 2019

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Bam Boa will open at Girassol’s old location!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On February 19, 2019 With No Comments

For the last week or so, we have seen some pretty photo’s and “coming soon” messages passing by our Instagram feed. We can now tell you that there is a new hotspot coming by the name of Bam Boa!

The closing of Girassol
A few months ago the owners of Girassol decided to close their modern Portuguese restaurant after 35 years. A great shame because it was such a wonderful place that was visited by many locals. Girassol was located next to the waters of Amsterdam, bringing sunshine to the neighbourhood with boats stopping to grab dinner during sunset. So we are happy to announce that the same location is getting a new name and vibe!

Bam Boa
They just announced their name so we are here to tell you it first. Together with influencer and entrepreneur Kae Sutherland, the 2 brothers who took over Girassol from their parents, are behind it all. They thought it was time for something new, and if we have to believe the photo’s, the restaurant will have a boho look & feel.

The outside terrace will get a makeover and it will have beachy elements. They will be open for healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We can’t wait for this one to open!

Bam Boa
Weesperzijde 135, Amsterdam
Instagram / Facebook

12 Feb 2019

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Brickwood Coffee & Bread in London » Brunch at it’s best

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On February 12, 2019 With No Comments

As any brunch aficionado knows, there’s no place not worth going to if it doesn’t have at least a ten-minute queue outside. And one such place is Brickwood Coffee & Bread.

Weekend culture in London is accepting that you’ll need to queue for your brunch – but see it as a positive that you’re building up an appetite. But as you wait outside, the red tin-sheeting exterior is a bright beacon on a gloomy day for those in need of a pick me up. Situated on a bustling, pedestrianised street in the heart of Balham in south London, Brickwood’s popularity attracts a Saturday and Sunday morning crowd. Mostly made up of twenty-somethings including a mix of hipsters (although, not the devastatingly cool kind that resound in East London); yoga and gym bunnies and buffs (who are looking to stockpile on pre- or post- workout protein); and occasionally (if you’re lucky) there’ll be the local resident who brings their dog for you to ogle at, too.

A Coffee Lovers Idyll
Brickwood was founded by Australians and prides itself of bringing a taste of Australia to its four locations in the capital (aside from Balham, there are also spots in Clapham, Tooting and Streatham) so you can expect Tim-Tams on the shelves but what keeps punters coming back is the coffee. While not exclusively from the land down under, their Brickwood Blend expresso fuses beans from Tanzania, Rwanda and Brazil for a sweet aftertaste.

Famed as much for their brunch as their coffee, the menu offers a run-down of everything you’d want to kickstart your day with. My go-to is the Kamara: sourdough toast, topped with kale pesto, pumpkin seeds and diced sweet-potato – feta cheese and a poached egg come as standard on top too if you have dietary requirements. The Breakfast Burrito is also favourable with its pulled pork, scrambled eggs, potato hash, avocado, and sour cream tightly wrapped up in foil. Grilled sourdough toasties also sit on the counter as you walk in and hit the spot if you’re feeling fragile.

Banana Bread 2.0
If there’s room left, Brickwood’s instagrammable showstopper is their Banana Bread 2.0. Their original Freshly baked banana bread was a must-have in its own right: grilled and served with a creamy expresso butter, but some genius rethought the concept and added a fresh-berry compote as well as mascarpone to create the updated version.

Source

The décor has a low-key charm made up of wooden clad walls and coffee sack ceilings which makes for a relaxed setting. Tables are either high-level with wooden tops and metal bar stools. If there’s a group of you, you may be able to bag yourself a booth in their extension which opened last year. And the end result? As fairly priced as you’d expect for zone three within the capital, a brunch for two will hover around the £25 mark.
The area boasts a handful of eateries serving similar menus including rival brunch mecca Milk, Brother Marcus and Gails.

Brickwood Coffee & Bread
11 Hildrith Street, London
Website / Instagram

Love,

Stephanie

*Stephanie is our guest editor from London. She works for a large fashion brand and loves to explore new eateries and pretty corners whenever she has the chance. Follow her on Instagram!

06 Feb 2019

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Vegan Deli Vegabond West is open!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On February 6, 2019 With 1 Comment

On the first of March, Vegabond will be opening its second location in the beautiful Amsterdam Oud-West. It will be their first Deli with the new concept.

The first Vegan Deli
The first Vegabond location at Leliegracht is known as a magnet for vegan and non-vegan tourists. When they first opened their lunchroom and grocery store back in 2014, they were the first vegan deli in the Netherlands! Things has changed over the years and veganism has really taken a leap forward, especially in Amsterdam.The Vegabond team wanted to create a concept that doesn’t just multiply what is there already but one that adds to the brand. The new Vegabond location will focus more on residential needs with a deli counter and a wide array of stunning plant-based dishes to eat in, take away or order from home.

Guilty free breakfast

Vegabond hired Dominique from Cropbox to develop a food concept that is unseen in vegan Amsterdam and captures the essence of many of Vegabond’s favorite cuisines. Having worked in all sorts of global kitchens, Dominique spent the bulk of her career harnessing her passion and energy into making plant-based food desirable for everyone through showcasing the rainbow of ingredients that exist outside of animal products.

Say vegan cheese!

What to expect at the new location
Guest can fill their plate or take-away box with their selected “small” dishes and ingredients. The menu will keep changing throughout the year but some examples of what to expect are; Korean BBQ-burgers, ‘cole-slaw’ with roasted pineapple, pumpkin with Thai herbs and tahini-drizzled sweet potatoes. Do you want something sweet? You can feast on home-made vegan brownies, cinnamon rolls, vegan cheesecakes, freshly baked cookies and their famous ‘raw cakes’ and vegan cheese selection.

Tahini-drizzled sweet potatoes

The new menu at Vegabond looks incredible

Guilty Free Shopping
The whole store contains products that are 100% plant based. Customers that are conscious about animal welfare or sustainability can therefore shop efficient at Vegabond. The Vegabond kitchen has done everything to create beautiful and nutritious dishes, suitable for everyone. Many of these dishes has been tried & tested at the Leliegracht location, with success!

We’re exited and can’t wait to taste!

Vegabond (West)
De Clerqstraat 48, AmsterdamOpening
Monday – Saturday: 8am – 8pm Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Website

Love,

Elke

01 Feb 2019

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NENI Amsterdam, the highly anticipated newcomer

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On February 1, 2019 With No Comments

Over the past year the Citroën garage next to the Olympic Stadium has been completely renovated, with the purpose of bringing back this iconic building at the Stadionplein in its full glory. Now it’s home to a brand new restaurant by the name of NENI.

It’s a Family Affaire
NENI are the initials of Nuriel, Elior, Nadiv & Ilan, the four sons of Haya Molcho, known for her delicious cookbooks. NENI has restaurants in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Vienna and with success! The family has Israeli, Romanian and Spanish roots, and you’ll find these flavours back at the restaurant.

The motto of NENI: Life is beautiful. Be part of it

More than a restaurant
At NENI you are able to score the best humus, roasted octopus in miso harissa, and their famous NENI Shakshuka. But there is more. There will be a NENI Deli where you can get healthy bites, salads, juices and sandwiches. Next to that, you can have drinks upstairs at Lemonman, a yellow themed room with a vibrant bar that is also available for hire.

Dessert 3.0 in the making at the opening night

The bread at NENI is freshly baked in their own bakery

The Verdict
The food is colourful, tasty and fairly priced. The restaurants look and feel is warm, stylish and feels easy going. Yes, the olympic stadium has a new player that we’ll welcome with open arms and empty belly’s.

NENI Amsterdam
Stadionplein 8, Amsterdam
Website / Instagram

Love,

Elke

31 Jan 2019

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Carstens Brasserie is bringing the farm back to the city

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On January 31, 2019 With No Comments

Opening on the 6th of February 2019, is the brand new Brasserie Carstens, located in central Amsterdam. The concept of the Carstens is an idea created by Maik Kuijpers, former head chef Michelin star restaurant De Librije. (Yes, that is promising!) We had a first look.

The Concept
Brasserie Carstens is a collaboration with the Park Plaza Victoria Hotel which is a stone’s throw away from Amsterdam Central Station. It is a brassiere revolving around fair-trade and qualitative products, mostly from Dutch soil. The menu offers surprising flavours from the Veluwe to the North Sea to show what the Dutch soil and water has to offer. The wines come from winemakers with a Dutch connection and local beers come from traditional breweries.

Local Dutch glory with a twist

The Food
The Brassiere works with a menu that changes with the four seasons; they serve more fresh dishes in summer and more often meat dishes in winter.
On the menu you will find recognizable dishes with a creative twist. I went to the brassiere to try out lunch and it felt like a surprise party. They served calf tongue with langoustine (not for the faint hearted), beef goat quark, a Caesar salad with kale instead of lettuce, a carpaccio of puffed yellow beet, and a badass stump with the sprouts still on it.

Bringing the farm back to the city

Decor
The restaurant is colourful and cozy furnished. It feels very homely but with a modern twist. The space is quite big and natural light comes from the big windows which are decorated with ornate curtains, and the many plants and flowers make it a green and pleasant environment to be in.

So.. Looking for a place to have a tasty lunch or dinner in a beautiful, atmospheric restaurant? Head to Brasserie Carstens! The front door is located at the Hasselaerssteeg, which is between the Damrak and the Martelaarsgracht.

Being a Dutchie, I’ll definitely return!

Carstens Brasserie
Hasselaerssteeg 1, Amsterdam
Monday – Friday 12:00 – 22:00
Saturday & Sunday 12:30 – 22:00
Website / Instagram

Love,

Iris

*Iris is one of our guest editors from The Netherlands. She’s got a big interest for fashion, poetry and traveling. She was only 3 months old when she was on the plane for the first time, and she has been to every continent in the meantime. She’s a dreamer and would prefer to be on the beach every day. You can follow Iris on Instagram.

29 Jan 2019

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Eat & Dance at MILK Café Amsterdam

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On January 29, 2019 With No Comments

Music venue The Melkweg has been around for ages, but did you know they recently opened up a café/restaurant on the Marnixstraat? We checked out MILK Café.

We had to look for the way in, but MILK Café is located across from the DeLaMar Theater and joins the entrance with Melkweg Expo, which MILK café customers can visit for free. The interior has been inspired by the American diner look, but with black & white colour schemes. It’s a relatively big space filled with natural light and has several seating spots by the window which makes it great for people watching. (oh how we love that!) The art on the wall and flowers on the tables, make the café a pleasant place to walk into.

The Menu
The lunch menu isn’t very extensive, but there is something for everyone. From a stack of pancakes (these are very good by the way), to eggs benedict or spicy chicken on bread. Yes, there are also vegan options. For dinner they serve Ramen, Risotto, the Galaxy Burger, Fish and a weekly special. The menu will change per season, is prepared with (mostly) organic ingredients, and has some Asian influences. For a 3-course menu you pay a set price of €30,-.

Eat & Dance
The extra good thing about MILK Café is, that you can combine your dinner with a dance at the Melkweg. The toilets are literally connected in the same space. The Melkweg has live performanes as well as many DJ’s and Techno Tuesday for those who like to dance until the early hours. Check the complete agenda to see what’s on.

MILK Café
Marnixstraat 409, Amsterdam
Open from 11am till 1am / Weekend till 3am
Website

Love,

Elke