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 

 

FG Restaurant Rotterdam, The Netherlands

During our stay in Rotterdam in April 2016 my fiancé celebrated his birthday and to have a memorable day, we decided to have lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant.

We chose FG Restaurant, because we thought it was the most fitting for our needs as we wanted to try something new.

The Mainport Hotel by Inntel Hotels (Please see review.) was just three stops by tram from the restaurant.

At the time FG Restaurant (2 Michelin stars) was still at their former location at Lloyd Straat, but they have now moved to a new location as of August 2016.

The harbor location was a bit remote, near the nautical college, but very easily accessible and we enjoyed the architecture of the area. Some buildings seemed to have been old warehouses.

Arriving a bit earlier than our reserved time we explored the area. We made photos of FG, when the Maître d' approached us. Learning that we had a reservation he invited us in, even so there were still around ten minutes left. We were glad about it, since the weather was good, but the wind was a bit biting by the water.

The building was understated, while the interior was colorful and contemporary. We both liked the art work and the mushroom shaped light features. We have seen similar features a few years ago during our stay at the Rey Juan Carlos I in Barcelona.

The premises at the new address seem to be less lavish, yet thoroughly modern, based on the photographs online.

At the restaurant we were warmly welcomed, our jackets taken and brought to our table. We passed the open kitchen.

Soon afterwards our waiter brought warm napkins.

We were given different menus including the three course surprise lunch. We chose the latter, because the others contained too many ingredients my better half can't eat mostly due to allergies.

Our waiter offered to start with a glass of Champagne or cocktails with and without alcohol. My fiancé chose the alcoholic version, while I had the alcohol free signature house cocktail.

We ordered a bottle of still water, which was delivered first and was BRU from Belgium.

Like the meal the cocktails were a surprise too. Both arrived smoking - it was an illusion, since they were cold. A sure sign Francois Geurds, the chef and owner of FG, had worked under Heston Blumenthal at the Fat Duck.

My fiancé’s cocktail contained cranberry juice, Pimm's, ginger and orange pieces, while mine was made with vanilla and citrus fruits. We both loved them.

Soon afterwards the Amuse Bouches arrived. They were Piccalilli sorbet and star anise in a tomato cone, Tom Kai with brill, onions and herbs and a typical pastry from Bordeaux filled for him with goose liver pate and for me with quince.

The greetings from the kitchen were a delight and showed already the high caliber cuisine we could expect from such a beautiful restaurant with a top chef.

The most surprising dish was the Piccalilli sorbet in a tomato cone. It was like popping candy and went off in our mouths like fireworks.

We encountered the Bordeaux pastry again at VAU in Berlin (1 Michelin Star, review to follow.) and at Harrods in London. There are different varieties, either unfilled or with different flavors, both savory and sweet.

The brill reminded us promptly about our travels to Thailand. It was well balanced and subtle flavored.

Next came bread rolls with olive oil from Spain and handmade butter and sea salt from the Normandy.

Our starter was cod with lobster mousse, micro herbs, paprika and broth. It was delightful. Again the balance of the textures and flavors was there.

The main course was another fish dish. This time around it was sea bass with orange oil broth, white and green asparagus, peas and Japanese seaweed. The broth was added at the table. The sweet and savory combination and difference between tender and less tender ingredients was working well and the diverse textures shined through every single bite.

Dessert was dark chocolate, coconut disc, pastry, pineapple mousse and pieces, coconut sorbet and a chocolate disc.

The top and bottom were soft, while the discs were hard, so this was an interesting dish too.

Instead of tea or coffee, we opted for hot chocolate, which was served in a wine glass and made with Valrhona chocolate.

Of course the positive surprises were not finished just yet. There was a playful candy floss cloud nest, served with FG branded hard boiled candy and mousse with candid caramel apple. The fig and lychee sorbet drink was served in little bottles with straws and used as a palate cleanser, which rounded up our meal perfectly as we remember fondly these beautiful culinary memories.

Service was very attentive, due to us being the only diners for lunch, which surprised us. Effectively our lunch was a private memorable affair in a beautiful 2 Michelin star setting. We were impressed the whole kitchen brigade was just there for us.

Of course the staff used the time as well to prep for dinner and some paper work so that they could get ready for later in the evening which was interesting to see.

Our lunch cost 139.50 Euro (ca. 155 USD). Good value overall. The bill came in a sea shell, another unusual touch.

Should we return to Rotterdam we will definitely have lunch at FG Restaurant again due to our very positive experience and overall beautiful impression and tastes we enjoyed together.

 

©2016 

 

Mainport by Inntel Hotels Rotterdam, The Netherlands

The Mainport Hotel in Rotterdam by Inntel Hotels is the only 5 Star luxury design hotel in the city. Since it was my better half's birthday we wanted something special again in April 2016 and after long consideration booked the Mainport Hotel, our second Design Hotel Member after Das Stue in Berlin in which we stayed in April 2015.

We were in contact with the hotel before our stay to organize some treats for my fiancé’s celebration and to tell them our preferences.

We also received a special offer for breakfast via email, which we took up. The original cost would have been 28 Euro (ca. 31.15 USD) per person, but it was reduced to 20 Euro (ca. 22.25 USD) per person.

At first we weren't sure if we would like the location entirely since it wasn't in the city centre per se, but in the Inner Harbour of Rotterdam. It proved to be ideal for us to explore the city by tram and underground.

The hotel is located by the water and "hugs" it.

Our journey started in Dublin. The flight to Amsterdam Schiphol was pleasant and eventless with Aer Lingus. We then took the train to Rotterdam Main Train Station, which is a magnificent building, and bought there a three day OP Card to have unlimited access to the public transport system in Rotterdam. It cost 16.50 Euro / ca. 18.35 USD per person. The Metro Station Leuvehaven is directly across the road from the hotel.

The Mainport Hotel is easy to identify. It has a chakra as its logo. It was specifically created for the hotel. Feran Thomassen was responsible for the interior, MAS Architects for the exterior.

The ground floor has a large open space with high floor to ceiling windows and dark floors, maps of sea routes and the world and stylish seating areas. The reception and the concierge were based there too. Guests could browse the oversized Design Hotel Catalogue in the lobby as well for even more travel inspirations ahead.

Another nice touch were the show cases for spa products, watches, Mainport branded articles and jams made locally by underprivileged persons to allow them a better life, for sale at the hotel.

Check in was done quickly and my fiancé’s birthday the next day was also mentioned.

Our preference for a higher floor was definitely considered. We were given a room on the highest floor, which was inspired by the Far East. It was just right for us, since we love to travel to this region. Each floor is dedicated to a different continent/region of our beautiful planet.

The Spa Heaven was on the same floor.

Our room and the floor were decorated with tapestry in red, black, yellow and orange. The prints depicted dragons, Chinese doors, Indonesian puppets, pots and kois.

The carpet included the chakra.

Our Superior Room with Harbor View was large with a small hallway and wooden floors. The toilet was in its own room just by the entrance to the left.  The only minor gripe would be that the toilet room didn't have a sink or disinfectant, so you had to walk with your unclean hands to the main bathroom around the corner.

The bespoke Doux Luxury and Comfort Bed was large and as the name implied comfortable. It allowed for a good night's rest due to the support the mattress provided.

The floor to ceiling windows offered stunning views over the harbor and the city which felt awesome and made the room look bigger and brigther with a stunning outdoor backdrop on offer.

The svivable flat screen TV offered regional and international channels and stood  on a credenza straight after the bed. It could be easily enjoyed from there or the modern seating area with coffee table, where the design continued. The chair might look uncomfortable, but it was the whole opposite and we enjoyed sitting there.

There were also a notebook, where guests could leave impressions for other guests behind, and a city map.

The minibar contained some interesting items like Healthy Juice (4.50 Euro / ca. 5 USD), a ladies kit (3.95 Euro / ca. 4.40 USD), the love kit (3.50 Euro / ca. 3.90 USD) or the 50 Shades of Grey kit (29.95 Euro / ca. 33.20 USD).

An Illy Coffee Machine and capsules were provided. Surprisingly only the first two capsules were free, otherwise 2.50 Euro (ca. 2.80 USD) were charged.

24 hour in room dining was available. We used it once during our two nights stay. We ordered a large bottle of Acqua Panna, Dutch Bitterballen (bitterballs) with mustard, Yakitori with Wakame salad and soy sauce, 2 Tuna Salad Sandwiches with gherkin, paprika and red onion and a New York cheesecake. The portions were very generous.

It was our first time we had bitterballen, which we liked and would eat again.

The meal was delicious and of memorable/good quality.

It cost 45 Euro (ca. 50 USD) which we judeged to be good value.

The writing desk was beautifully decorated with nautical and Indonesian/Japanese maps with Tokyo also mentioned and a lamp shade, shaped like a lighthouse lantern. We found it inspirational and had already liked the map inlay at the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London in which we stayed earlier in February 2016.

There was also a Spa Heaven brochure. Treatments start from 45 Euro (Hamam, ca. 50 USD); massages and facials from
65 Euro (ca. 72.25 USD).

On my fiancé’s birthday the treats arrived as requested, including cupcakes, chocolates, jellies, strawberries, Turkish nougat and blueberries. The personalized birthday card was a nice touch.

The bathroom was located near the writing desk, giving the actual living space an interesting shape.

It was fully decked out in marble/stone and had a separate jacuzzi bathtub with nozzles and shower, sink and Malin and Goetz amenities, which we love, plus there was a good sized in-mirror TV with a remote and international channels.

The shower was large and had no door. It reminded us of some of the showers we had in other hotel rooms in Asia, it was superbly designed and no water splashed out of the shower either. The water pressure was strong and accurate.

On Level -1 were the Cocktail Bar On The Rocks and Restaurant Down Under, where breakfast was served. The dining room was cosy, but there was always a space available for us during breakfast. It overlooked the harbor and the ships docking in front of the hotel.

There was an extra room for the buffet and people flow was managed well.

Breakfast offered a wide selection of tea or coffee as self-service. At first we had some difficulty figuring out how to get hot water. We asked one of the waitresses, who seemed to have heard the question not for the first time. Actually it was very simple. There is a button in front of the tap you have to press...good to know and thinking about it today which lets us smile.

There was an egg station, where all fresh egg dishes, pancakes, waffles and French Toast were made to order.

Other selections included cold cuts, smoked fish, pasta, rice, sausages, bacon, cheese, cereals, fresh fruits, yogurt and much more, all of high quality as one would expect at such a beautiful hotel.

The omelette and French Toast come highly recommended.

After our two nights/ three days it was already time to check out for our flight to Hamburg, Germany where the Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten was waiting for us for our next two nights/ three days ahead.

We loved how different the hotel looked like compared to others, that it is travel inspired and that it had the same high standard as Das Stue in terms of service, design and location. Staff was attentive, efficient and friendly. For all those reasons we would stay again at this memorable hotel in our future, when in Rotterdam.

©2016