Euromast, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

When planning our full day in Rotterdam, The Netherlands during our April 2016 visit we included the Euromast in our itinerary.

We love architecture and have visited viewing platforms previously, so the Euromast was a must for us. We bought tickets online to avoid queues.

After our lunch at FG Restaurant (Please see review).

we walked to the Euromast. The structure reminded us about the KL Tower. They are around the same age.

The Euromast was opened in 1960 for the Floriade.

The last time it was renovated was in 2004 and two rooms were added, so now you can also sleep there in two dedicated suites. Something similar is offered at the Atomium in Brussels, but it's more geared towards school classes there.

At the ticket counter our entrance confirmation was exchanged against tickets, which had to be scanned at the barrier to gain entry.

We had to wait a little bit for the elevator to arrive. Some of the other visitors and we were whisked up to the viewing platform, which is at a height of 112 m. It mightn't be the highest, but it gives a very good bird's eye view over Rotterdam, the Hague and the surroundings.

There was also a staircase to the next level. I wouldn't recommend it for vertigo sufferers. If you don't have any issues with heights, I would say it's a good idea to climb up, since you can see the gardens in the park below and other landmarks somewhat clearer.

At the height of 100 m was the Brasserie and on the ground floor the Deli.

Another option available for thrill seekers was abseiling.

We spent around 45 minutes at the Euromast. We enjoyed our visit and would return again next time when in Rotterdam.

 

©2016 

 

Sanguine Brasserie @ The Oslo Opera House, Norway

After having completed our guided tour of the Oslo Opera House (See also review.) We went to Sanguine Brasserie at the Opera House, where we had reserved a table.

The design of the restaurant was understated with stunning views over floating artwork "She lies" and the Oslo Fjord.

Materials used were steel and glass.

The color scheme was white, while the orange flowers on each table added a nice contrast in red vases.

The Maître d' greeted us warmly and brought us to our table directly at the largest glass curtain in Scandinavia.

The cuisine served is modern, experimental and Norwegian. It changes with the seasons.

Checking with our waitress we found out the house Champagne is Taittinger. We took two glasses. Beside Champagne we ordered two small bottles of Acqua Panna, two Cappuccinos and two three course meals.

There are also a la carte and up to five course meal options available.

Our starters were Arctic Char with yellow cherry tomatoes and avocado mousse.

The char was very tender and the plate colorful.

Our next courses were different. He had the beef brisket with beetroot and Jerusalem Artichoke, while I had the baked hake with dill butter, potato mash and cabbage.

The beef brisket was melt in the mouth and was a perfect match with the beetroot and artichoke.

The fish was moist. I liked the combination of the soft mash and crunchy cabbage.

Our dessert was strawberry soup with cardamom ice cream, goats milk pudding and jelly.

It hit the right spot between tangy, spicy and sweet.

Everything was delicious, high quality and the correct portion size.

Special mention goes to the coffee cups. They have a groove on top of the handle and the coffee floods in. We thought it might not work, but the grip was extremely comfortable and we didn't burn ourselves.

All the staff was attentive and friendly.

The bill came in at 1438 NOK (ca. 170.32 Euro or ca. 190 USD).

When we are back in Oslo we would love to make a stop at the Sanguine Brasserie again.


©2015