Tag: food

The Middle of the City

© 2020 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ecuador.

The city of Quito received the prestigious honor in 1978.

Notorious for it equatorial crossing, Quito is known as the Middle of the World. It’s famous Old Town, which helped to earn its UNESCO World Heritage status, can be found in the middle of the city.

Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, the capital of Ecuador is one of the best preserved and least altered historic centers in Latin America. The city’s chief attraction is its Old Town, el Centro Historico, and its ample array of churches, monasteries and convents which date back to the beginnings of the colony. The Old Town spans a relatively small area, so it is quite easy to cover the distance in a day. Trying to decide what to see within that area is the most difficult part.

The best way to begin the exploration of Quito is in the Plaza de la Independencia, the city’s main square. Since the Basilica had taken up our entire morning, we would officially begin our tour the Old Town here.

Also known to the locals as Plaza Grande, the square is a part of the city’s rich history and a place where they go to chat, relax, play, eat and sometimes, get their shoes polished! It is surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings in the city, including the Governor’s Palace (Palacio de Gobierno), the home and office of the Ecuadorian president, the Metropolitan Cathedral (Cathedral Metropolitana) and a centralized fountain surrounded by well manicured gardens.

Deciding to have a bite to eat before beginning our explorations we wandered into the Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop’s Palace), a beautiful manor located along the north side of the plaza, which is the official residence of the Archbishop of Quito. In its three cobblestone courtyards, there is a multitude of shops and eateries. In this mall, we found Cafe del Fraile situated on the second floor, extending onto the ornate wooden balconies.

The food and service were equally as good as the scenery, both inside the restaurant and out. Seated on the balcony, we had an excellent view of the courtyard below and of some of the beautiful religious artwork that decorated it. So mesmerized by the theological pieces, I had to take a walk throughout all of the rooms, to make sure I didn’t miss anything!

After our meal was complete, we proceeded into the plaza. We found that the police had completely surrounded the square with tall wire fencing and would only let us out onto Venezuela Street. Not sure what was happening, our question was answered a short time later when a band of protesters came marching down the street, carrying signs and bullhorns. Deciding to cross over to the other side of the square on another street, we headed to the Church of La Compañía de Jesus (The Church of the Society of Jesus).

After paying our admission, I inquired as to whether photos were allowed. Not surprisingly, I was told no, as is the norm in many of the churches in Ecuador. Of course, after beginning our tour of the church, I was so enthralled with the sheer artistry of the interior, that I had to try and capture as much as I could without being seen.

Built over a span of 160 years, this church is known as the most beautiful church in the city and possibly all of Ecuador. Its gold leaf interior, elaborate design and traditional architecture are some of the most captivating I have ever witnessed.

Moving on, we headed to the El Museo Camilo Egas…well, not really headed. As we were walking by, we were invited in by the security guard. Not sure of what we were going in to see, we just decided to go with it.

This museum is dedicated to one of the great modern Ecuadorian artists of the twentieth century, Camilo Egas. This exhibition showed the different stages of his work during his lifetime (1898-1962) and is housed in a beautifully restored 17th century mansion.

As we walked along in the city, we enjoyed the handsome architecture…some buildings in better condition than others. The thing we enjoyed the most, however, was the people, most going about their daily activities and those practicing their traditional trades…the hatters, shoemakers and food vendors.

It was pretty easy to navigate the city using Google Maps on my Iphone, however, people often relate that making their way around the Old Town can be quite confusing. Noticing different types of signs, we learned that many streets have two different names…the official name on green plaques and the historical name painted on ceramic tiles. Most streets in the immediate Old Town area, however, have been laid in a grid-like fashion, from north to south, so getting around the center is fairly easy.

Heading in the direction of Panecillo Hill, we had decided to make our way to Calle La Ronda, the local nightlife area, when we were stopped by the police. Apparently we stuck out like the tourists that we were and they wanted to make sure that we were cautious if we were heading toward Calle La Ronda, an area sometimes known for pickpockets and thieves. A lively area in the evenings, we had thought to check it out during the day in the event that we decided to head there for dinner later that evening.

Though the walk was uneventful, heading down off of the overpass to access Calle de la Ronda, seemed a little sketchy. Once we were on the street, however, we found it to be quiet and lined with many historic buildings. It was interesting to find out that in the past, men would serenade the women on the balconies. If they sung well, they were invited to come in and meet the family and the woman. For those that could not carry a tune? They were only met with a bucket of water to their head!

Music still plays a big part on the mile-long stretch of the pedestrian street. During the evenings, especially on Friday and Saturday, the music is cranked up and you can find many restaurants cooking up Ecuadorian specialties and vendors selling handicrafts. We did head there later that evening, but found the loud music to be quite overwhelming and chose a quieter restaurant at the far end of the street.

Swinging by the Plaza Santo Domingo, I had hoped to be able to enter the church, however we found it to be closed. Inquiring with some of the vendors, I was told it would be open later in the day. Knowing our afternoon was coming to a close, I admired the uncrowded plaza which lent to some beautiful photos and we moved on. Later that evening, when we departed Calle La Ronda, we were able to observe the Church of Santo Domingo lit up beautifully and how crowded the square had become. If street performers is your thing, this is the place to go!

Continuing on our walk through Old Town, we decided to visit the Museo del Carmen Alto which is situated on the location where Saint Mariana of Jesus (Quito’s patron saint) lived and died. (Read more about it in a future post)

Nearing Plaza Independencia, we found that the police had removed the barricades and the square was back to its normal everyday routine. Though my husband was growing tired of visiting churches and desperately wanted to grab a seat and have a beer, I persuaded him to make one last push.

The Metropolitan Cathedral situated on the southern side of the plaza was a place that I had really wanted to visit and it did not disappoint. Though it is not as extravagant from the exterior, the interior has some amazing treasures. (You can read more about in in a future post)

So that was it! SO much to do in Quito’s old town and we had only made a dent. We were spending the next day traveling out to Otavalo and its sprawling market, so seeing the rest of Quito’s treasures would have to wait until a future visit.

When spending time in Quito, there is so much more to see…the Museo Alberto Mena Caamaño and its waxworks, the Casa de María Augusta Urrutia or the Casa de Sucre, to get a glimpse inside the best preserved Old Town houses and the Governor’s Palace (tours leave every 20 minutes starting at 0900). And for the church lovers like me, there are countless sanctuaries throughout the city, many within Old Town, including Plaza de San Francisco and its baroque church, Basilica of our Lady of the Merced, The Church of El Sagrario, Carmen Bajo, Church of San Agustin, Santa Catalina de Sienna Church and Convent, Church of San Blas, El Belén, The Guápulo Church and Convent.

I really must go back!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

El Museo Camilo Egas

  • Address: Venezuela 1302, Quito, Pichincha
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 0900-1700, Saturday-Sunday, 1000-1600
  • Admission: $1.00

Cafe Del Fraile

  • http://cafedelfraile.com/
  • Address: Chile Oe 4-22, Venezuela, Palacio, Arzobispal Mall, Quito, Pinchincha 170150
  • Hours: Monday-Saturday, 0900-1100, Sunday, 1000-0900

Plaza de la Independencia

  • Address: Garcia Moreno St. and Chile St., Venezuela, Quito, 170401, Ecuador
  • Hours: 24 hours, daily
  • Admission: free

Church of the Jesuits

Museo del Carmen Alto

  • http://www.museocarmenalto.gob.ec/
  • Address: Garcia Moreno y Rocafuerte, Junto al Arco de la Reina, Quito, Pinchincha 17015
  • Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 0930-1730, daily
  • Admission: Adults, $3.00, Children, $1.00

Museo Catedral Primada de Quito

  • http://www.catedraldequito.org/
  • Address: Venezuela y Espejo 715, Quito 
  • Hours: Monday-Saturday, 0930-1700
  • Admission: National Tourists, Adults, $2.00, Children, Students, Seniors, People with Disabilities, $1.00. Visit to Domes (Church+Museum+Domes) $4.00. Foreign Tourists, Adults, $3.00, Children, Students, Seniors, People with Disabilities, $2.00. Visit to Domes (Church+Museum+Domes) $6.00.

Saigon Street Food

© 2016 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Having just arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, I was quite hungry and knew that it would be a long afternoon touring the Cu Chi tunnels.

With the front desk’s instructions, I walked out of my hotel, turned left and a convenient block and a half later was at the Ben Thanh Street Food Market.  Not sure where I was being sent, I was surprised to see a modern, covered area with a large selection of food and drink stalls and seating areas both in the front and the back.

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Not having much time to browse the different venues, I chose a Thai place in the front, vowing to come back at another time.

The food was made to order, very tasty and did the trick to alleviate my gnawing hunger.

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Noticing a stage in the front of the premises, I assumed correctly that live music is performed here on occasion.  Later that night, passing by while returning from dinner, I stopped in for a minute to enjoy a performance.  If you are seeking a drink while enjoying the music, they also sell beer!

On my last day, another traveler that I met in the hotel, recommended a stall in the back of the establishment, run by a mother and daughter, which served Vietnamese crepes.  That evening, before preparing to leave Ho Chi Minh City, I stopped in for dinner and was not disappointed.

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Although, it did not quite fit the description of real street food, I loved the conveniece and selection that it offered.  If you are looking for something quick, different, don’t have time to sit in a restaurant and refuse to eat McDonald’s, try the Street Food Market!

For more pictures of my travels in Vietnam, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Ben Thanh Street Food Market

Last Hurrah in Hoi An

© 2016 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

So much to do, so little time.

After arriving back in Hoi An and my harrowing motorbike ride from My Son, I needed a little refreshing.   A quick dip in the beautiful infinity edge pool at the Ha An Hotel dip the trick!

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imageNot quite sure what I wanted to do for the rest of the day, I grabbed a bike from the hotel and started to head back into town.  As I approached the market, instead of heading straight, I quickly made a left and crossed the bridge to Cam Nam Island.  Having no plan, I rode around the small island, enjoying the views of the river and the warm, sunny day.  There are many hotels and homestays on the island and if you want to get away from the main drag, this is a peaceful alternative.

Back on the main street of Hoi An, I rode along the waterfront and finally parked my bicycle near the Japanese Bridge.  Purchasing another ticket for Old Town, I decided to visit some of the other attractions that I had not seen on my first day.

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Walking back and forth on Nguyen Tan Hoc Street, it took me a few minutes to locate the Old House of Tan Ky as it blends into the architecture of the adjacent shops and restaurants.

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Constructed almost two centuries ago as the home of a Vietnamese merchant, the home sits between Nguyen Tan Hoc and Bach Dang Streets and combines three different types of architecture, Chinese (curved roof beams), Japanese (peaked roof) and Vietnamese (crosshatch).

imageThe interior has been preserved with the original design and furniture and contains many relics of the prospering trade and cultural exchanges between the Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese during the late 17th century.  The four rooms in the Old House of Tan Ky are rather small and were designed for different purposes;  welcoming the merchants, living, courtyard and sleeping.  All rooms can be visited except the bedroom.

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22451672869_a2d4c51f3d_bAfter leaving Tan Ky, I noticed a restaurant with a familiar name across the street, Morning Glory.  How convenient!  This was one of the restaurants that was recommended to me by a friend and one that I had planned on dining at while in Hoi An.  Speaking with the hostess, I made reservations for that evening.

Moving on, I made my way up Chau Thuong Van Street to one of the most historical buildings in Hoi An, Hoi Quan Quang Dong, the Cantonese Assembly Hall.

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Greeted by its colorful stone, three-entrance gate and four rows of stone pillars, four Chinese characters, meaning “Quant Trieu Assembly Hall” are embossed on the upper part of the gate.  The gate is decorated with images of dragons, small lions and lemon flowers.

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Built in 1885 by the Chinese, it was originally dedicated to Thien Hau Holy Mother, then to Quan Cong (Chinese general) and then to the sages who came from Guangdong.  Used by Chinese fishermen and traders as a place to rest temporarily and exchange goods, the building was constructed by Chinese Cantonese merchants with parts of the building made separately in China and transported to Vietnam.

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The Assembly Hall, very popular with tourists, displays an amazing dragon fountain made from pottery and many Cantonese statues throughout the complex.  Well kept, but small, the walls are adorned with colorful paintings of sages and deities.  Walking through the complex, make sure to not miss the rear portion, where a larger dragon fountain, garden and mural of Chinese mythology are located.

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My next stop was another old structure, built in 1850.  The Duc An House was a successful bookshop famous for selling Vietnamese and Chinese texts and works of foreign political thinkers like Rousseau and Voltaire.  The house then became a Chinese medicine dispensary in the twentieth century.  Later still, it became the center of anti-French activity.  One of the previous residents, Cao Hong Hanh was decorated by the Communist government and there are many images displayed from his revolutionary past and visits from Communist Party dignitaries.

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Though small, Duc An House, still retains its historic feel with its many antiques.  An additional bonus is that the owner, Phan Ngoc Tram, a direct descendant of the founding family, does not allow souvenirs to be sold within the structure, a common practice in some of the other historical houses in Hoi An.

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Relinquishing another of my Old Town tickets to cross the Japanese bridge, since I did not feel like walking the long way around, I made my way to the other side to the Phung Hung Old House.

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1-phung-hung-old-house-hoi-anGreeted in the front room by one of the guides, I was escorted to the next room where I was seated in the two story room and given a history of the building. Built over 100 years ago, during Hoi An’s prosperous times, the dark structure is one of the most beautiful forms of architecture in Hoi An.  Named by the first owner, a Vietnamese businessman, a seller of cinnamon, pepper, salt, silk, ceramics and glass, it stands for the saying “Business expectation is always thriving”.

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 The house combines three architecture styles, Vietnamese (grillage systems, crossbeams, spars, facade roof and backside), Chinese (balcony and door system) and Japanese (nave roof).  It has a high wooden attic and wide corridors.

At the rear of the bottom floor, the guide showed me many samples of embroidery produced here.  You can purchase brightly colored tablecloths and napkins before ascending the stairs to the top floor.  The upper floor contains many antiques and relics.  Take a moment to step out onto the balcony for a unique view of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and the adjacent Japanese Bridge.

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As my day was drawing to a close, I made my way back to the Ha An Hotel.  After preparing for dinner, I then retraced my steps to Old Town, sitting for a while at one of the many establishments facing the river to enjoy a cold Larue beer and the passing scenery.

Arriving at Morning Glory for my reservation, I was seated quickly.  The restaurant was filled with patrons, the staff quite busy running from table to table and the chefs at work in the open kitchen in the middle of the restaurant.

The menu was mind boggling as everything sounded quite delicious and the smells coming from all around me were divine.  Asking for advice from my server, I finally decided on Roll-It Barbecued Pork with Rice Paper as an appetizer and the My Quang Noodles with Seafood.  The food was fabulous and not very expensive..about ten dollars, including my drink.

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Making my way onto the lantern-lit street, I took a look around me at the beauty of Hoi An.  Never did I expect to love a place so much as this.  It encompassed everything that I find fascinating;  architecture, history, culture, the beach, photographic opportunities.  Why had I never heard of this magnificent place before?  Now I had the secret.  I would be departing in the morning for Hue, another historical city, but leaving my heart here.

Hoi An…I will be back.

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

 

Old House of Tan Ky

Hoi Quan Quang Dong (Cantonese Assembly Hall)

Duc An House

Phung Hung House

  • Address:  4 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Cẩm Phô, tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
  • Hours:  0830-1700
  • Admission:  included with the Old Town ticket

Morning Glory

 

See Food!

© 2016 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

If you are in Barcelona, near the Sagrada Familia and looking for a quiet, peaceful dining experience…stop reading…STOP READING…this is not the place for you!

A good friend of mine started a great Facebook page, Restaurants and Hotels Around The Globe…helpful to those of us who travel and are looking for fabulous places to eat and stay.  The day before I was to be in Barcelona, she was there on a layover and posted about La Paradeta, a seafood restaurant near Sagreda Familia that she had dined in that evening.  Since I had planned to visit Sagrada Familia on this particular trip, I decided that I would book my ticket in the latter part of the afternoon.  The dinner hour starts very late in Barcelona with many restaurants not opening until 8:00 pm…it would put me in that location at the right time.

Locating Passage Simó on my map, I headed that way around 7:45 pm, thinking that I would be a bit early but would be first in line. This way, I would be able to finish dinner a bit early.  After being up all night, I was quite tired and wanted to get back to my hotel to get some rest!  Hmmm…everyone must have had the same idea!

When I approached the restaurant’s location, I noticed that a line had already formed.  As I took my place at the end (I was number 15), I realized that this place must be quite popular!  A very good sign indeed!

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imageAs the door was unlocked and raised at 8:00 pm, we entered and was confronted with a large, iced counter containing many different types of fresh seafood…lobsters, razor clams, squid, tuna, oysters, cuttlefish, crabs, scallops, crayfish… and each type was priced by the piece, pack or kilo.  It was wonderful to be able to see everything that was offered and to be able to select the exact pieces and amounts that you would like.

After giving my order to the attendant, I was given a number and proceeded to the register where I gave my numbered slip and drink order.  While I paid for my order (€30 for 4 raw oysters, 10 razor clams, tuna steak, salad and a large beer), I was instructed to take a seat and to listen for my number to be called from the adjacent window.

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imageEnjoying my raw oysters while listening for my number, I decided that if you were dining with others and trying to carry on a conversation, it would be quite difficult.  The woman at the window was yelling out table numbers in both Spanish and English, continually, in addition to the loud chatter of the other diners.

“MESA NUMERO SIETE!  Table number seven”.  Oh, good, I could quit concentrating on her heavily accented announcements…my food was ready!

Walking up to the counter, I discovered that only my salad was ready at this time.  She check off the salad from my ticket, gave it back to me along with a huge plate, loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and olives…definitely enough for two people.

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Relishing my salad and beer, I tried to relax, all the while, training my ear for numero siete.   Finally, my number was called and I returned to my table with a plate filled with razor clams and tuna.  I have to admit, I have never had razor clams, but they were extremely tasty.  The tuna was cooked a bit more than I like but was juicy, tender and delicious.

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Finally, sensing that my table would soon be needed, I carried my tray and plates to the other window as I was instructed to earlier.  Filled and happy, I headed back to my hotel for a much needed night of rest.

If you are looking for a place to relax and have a nice dinner with great conversation, you should look to another of the many fabulous places in Barcelona.  But…if you are looking for freshly prepared and delicious seafood in a busy, raucous environment, this is the place for you!  Affordable and easy to order and pay, the system’s method does help when in a group as everyone can pay for their own bill.  There are six other locations throughout the city…Meridiana, Passeig de Gracia, Paral-lel, Born, Sants and Sitges for your convenience with the Sagrada Familia location being the largest.

Definitely enjoying my meal enough to return on another occasion, my only question left unanswered was, “With so many people constantly in line and at the register, how do you get another beer???”

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe or Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

La Paradeta Sagrada Familia

  • http://www.laparadeta.com/en/
  • Address:  Passatge Simó 18, 08025 Barcelona
  • Hours:  Monday, closed. Tuesday-Sunday, 1300-1600, Tuesday-Thursday, 2000-2230, Friday-Sunday, 2000-0000
  • How To Get There:  Metro, L2 or L5 lines, Sagrada Familia station

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Czech-ing Out the Sights

© 2016 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Walking through the city of Prague, it is easy to be dumbfounded by its beauty.  I have always been almost breathless looking out over the red rooftops and the amazing architecture at every corner, not knowing quite where to point my camera first.

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There are many things to see and do while touring the city.  During my visit with my son, I was anxious to show him some of the quaint attractions that I have grown to love in the city.

Exiting the Prague Castle’s main entrance, we walked through the Castle District (Hradcany) down to the west side of the Charles Bridge.  The first thing on our agenda was the John Lennon Wall.

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Once a regular wall, young Czechs decided to make it their slate for recording grievances during the communist regime of Gustáv Husák.  Eventually, this led to a clash between hundreds of students and police on the nearby Charles Bridge.  The movement these students followed was described ironically as “Lennonism”.

imageJohn Lennon, a hero to the youth, produced songs that praised freedom that did not exist in the communistic country.  Western pop songs were banned by Communist authorities and some musicians were jailed for playing them.  When Lennon was murdered in 1980, his picture was painted on the wall with graffiti defying the authorities.  The threat of prison didn’t stop people from sneaking to the location during the dark of night to inscribe graffiti in the form of Beatles lyrics and odes to Lennon.  Eventually, they returned to write their own feelings and dreams on the wall.

The original portrait of Lennon remains, but buried under many layers of new paint.  At one time, the wall was repainted by authorities, but after a day passed, it was full of poems and flowers.  On November 17, 2014, on the 25th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, the wall was painted over completely with white paint by a group of art students, leaving only the text, “wall is over” a play on Lennon’s song, “War is Over”.  Today, the wall, owned by the Knights of Malta, changes constantly.  On the day that we were there, people were selling paint and paintbrushes.  Many young tourists were busy decorating portions of the wall between the dozens of other tourists posing for pictures.

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After a couple of quick pics, we moved on.  Our next quick stop was at the Kampa waterwheel near the Lennon Wall.  Always a favorite of mine, I love to stop here and watch the wheel turn in the Certovka river across from a small restaurant, Velkoprevorsky Mlyn.  The restaurant has always been a source of fascination for me with its romantic small balcony hanging out over the river and two small tables.  On impulse, I ran into the restaurant and made a reservation for the following night for my son and I, something I have always desired to do.

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imageWe were now getting a bit hungry…it was time for a snack…Trdelník.  The sweet pastry, made from rolled dough, wrapped around a stick and grilled, then topped with sugar and walnut mix, is something anyone visiting Prague should have…at least once!  There is a great little place on the end of the right side of the Charles Bridge in the Lesser Town.  You can watch the skilled craftsmen roll the dough, wrap it around the round metal forms and bake it on the rotating rollers.

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imageWhile devouring our Trdelnik, we ducked under the bridge and inspected the many “locks of love” that hang from the gates that line the canal.  These locks are padlocks which couples secure to a public object, most often a bridge, to symbolize their love.  Once the lock is fastened, the key is thrown away into the body of water to symbolize their unbreakable love.  Though not as plentiful as what can be found on the Pont des Arts Bridge in Paris, there are many here and it has become quite a problem, as in other cities, as it damages the structure to which it is fastened.

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As we continued our journey through the city, we stopped every so often to admire the many street performers that secure prime spots on street corners and in the Old Town Square.  While everyone loves a good musician, there were some interesting acts that were quite mesmerizing.  I have to admit, it took me a while to understand the floating man!

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Later that evening, we headed toward one of my favorite spots to have a drink…the rooftop terrace at the U Prince hotel.  When you enter the U Prince hotel, inform the hostess that you would like to go up to the terrace and she will direct you to the elevator.  After exiting the elevator, a few more steps will lead you to another hostess who will seat you at the Terasa U Prince.  Expect higher prices than other eateries or bars, but it is most definitely a trade off for the beautiful view of Old Town!

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Finally, to cap off the evening, we grabbed some gelato right outside of the U Prince and decided to watch the Astronomical Clock put on its hourly show one more time!  A great way to end a busy but wonderful day!

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For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

 

Lennon Wall

  • Address:  Velkopřevorské náměstí, 100 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic
  • Admission:  Free
  • Hours:  Open continually
  • How to Get There:  From metro station Malostranska (green line A) take trams no. 12, 20, 22, 23. The nearest tram stops to Velkoprevorske namesti are either Malostranske namesti or Hellichova.

Velkoprevorsky Mlyn Restaurant

Terasa U Prince

  • https://www.terasauprince.com/terrace
  • Address:  Terasa U Prince, Staroměstské náměstí 29, Praha 1, 110 00, Czech Republic
  • Hours:  1100-2330, daily
  • How To Get There:  Old Town, walking from center of square, past the Astrological Clock (on right) towards the river, the Hotel U Prince is on the left.

Astronomical Clock

  • http://www.staromestskaradnicepraha.cz/en/astronomical-clock/
  • Address:  Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic
  • Hours:  Visit the Tower, Monday, 1100-2200, Tuesday-Sunday, 0900-2200
  • Admission:  Tower, Adults, 130 CZK, Children, ages 6-15, Students under 26, Senior over 65, 80 CZK, Children, ages 4-6, 30 CZK, Family admission (2 adults, 4 children, up to age 15), 280 CZK
  • How To Get There:  Old Town center

 

 

Super Schnitzel

© 2016  Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Recently, I sang the praises of the chicken schnitzel at the Eetcafe Mosveld in Amsterdam Noord.  My exact quote was, “It is truly divine and probably the best that I have had outside of Germany”.  Well, if you were curious to know about the best schnitzel inside of Germany…this is a place that serves it!

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The Brauhaus Sur Zonne is a family owned establishment located in Mainz, about a half hour’s journey from the Frankfurt International Airport.    Located on a side street just near the department store, Kaufhof, it’s somewhat unassuming facade hides a fabulous restaurant with a small traditional beer-hall feel.

Many locals and visitors fill the tables and booths nightly to experience the warm and inviting multi-lingual staff and the reasonably priced and delectable (if not extensive) menu.

Every item offered is delicious, especially the Pepper Schnitzel and Mushroom Schnitzel.  Homemade potato wedges and a fresh salad round out the meals and even if you are not a fan of cabbage…like me…ORDER the red cabbage!  Amazing! But…come hungry or order a half portion.  The servings are huge and enough to take some home for your next day’s lunch.

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After your meal, is complete, a lovely complimentary applekorn aperitif is offered.  A fabulous finale to a fantastic feast!

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Brauhaus zur Sonne

  • http://www.brauhauszursonne.de/
  • Address:  Sonnengäßchen 2, 55116 Mainz
  • Hours:  Monday thru Saturday, 11:00 – 23:00, Sundays and Holidays, 17:00-22:00

Noord Nourishment

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When in Amsterdam, everyone seems to gravitate towards Thai food…maybe because there is a Thai restaurant near our hotel, but also because there are a lot of Thai options in Amsterdam.  Occasionally, I like to indulge my Thai taste buds, but more often than not, I like to try other things.

Remembering the first time I went to the Eetcafe Mosveld  (not to be confused with Eetcafe Number One, also in this area), I was officially hooked.  Chicken schnitzel is what they are known for and with extremely good reason.  It is truly divine and probably the best that I have had outside of Germany.  The accompanying sauces  are outstanding and the home-churned seasoned butter placed on the table with the freshly baked bread has caused me to break my diet more than once.  Other dishes are offered as well, as nightly specials, such as fresh grilled fish and occasionally stuffed potatoes as an option other than French fries.
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 And then, there is the fabulous service!  The owner is aware that many crew members frequent his establishment and we are treated very well, though I have always seen his hospitality extended towards all patrons.  At the end of our meal, we are always treated to an after-dinner drink.  The thing that has most made an impact on me, though, is that I have only eaten here about six or seven times over the last three or four years, but the owner remembers what I like and what sauce I usually order.
Another thing that we adore about this place, is that as a group, sometimes it becomes a little difficult trying to remember “who had what” and trying to split the bill, especially after a few beers are involved.  No heavy duty math skills are involved, as we each go up to the bar and the owner charges us individually for what we owe.  Come prepared with cash, however, no credit cards are accepted.
Last year, when my family spent spring break in Amsterdam, with all of the options available to us in the city center, we made the trek across the river, to Amsterdam Noord, just to eat here at my recommendation.  Yes, I heard many gripes about why we had to go so far when there were so many other places to dine, but after our meal was complete,  not one complaint was heard from my picky eaters.  In fact, my family still talks about this restaurant today and the owner still asks about my family!  Now, that’s the kind of place I like to give my business to!

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Night view…you’ll know it by the twinkling lights on the ceiling inside!

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Eetcafe Mosveld

  • Mosveld 47, 1031 AC Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Hours:  10:00-01:00 Sat, 15:00-1200 Sun, 10:00-1200 Wed, 03:00-12:00 Thu, 11:00-0100 Fri, Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • Phone:  +31 20 632 7348