TRIED & TESTED: CLOUD SEVEN CAFE PORTLAND

Most striking feature:

The Macbooks. It was like Cloud Seven Cafe was around the corner of an Apple store because everyone in here was working on their Macbook. It’s a good place to come alone, check your mail and get in touch with the local Macbook users (don’t even think of bringing your Windows laptop in here, because I think you will cause a stir). I’ve ordered a chicken salad on a Yam Bum and a coke. We’re in Portland so it’s not the normal Coke, but the green version of it. Without the sugar and produced in an honest way. I loved this place also because of their lamps.

Check out: www.cloudsevencafe.com

TRIED & TESTED: THE DUTCH NEW YORK

Karianne Vermaas is a big fan of Petite Passport. Last week she went to New York with her father and together they discovered the new talk of the town: The Dutch

Most striking feature:

“The sign outside attracted my attention right away. The Dutch…would it be all about dutch treats such as bitterballen and frikadellen? Luckily it was all but that! The Dutch is an American restaurant, bar and oyster room and it is inspired by local cafés and bistros, as well as seaside shacks and roadside joints. Actually it represents the mix of cultural influences that make New York City so wonderful. The Dutch has a very comfortable atmosphere and definitely is hip without trying too hard to be the most happening place in town. Not a big surprise maybe, if you consider the fact that it’s the work of interior designers Roman & Williams (also known for their work at the Standard Hotel en the Ace Hotel). Loved the Skirt Steak Rollatini and my father enjoyed his Pecan Duck with Organic Dirty Rice very much. Breakfast, lunch and brunch are coming soon, they told us.”

Check out: www.thedutchnyc.com

TRIED & TESTED: AZULIK MEXICO

Most striking feature:

This is a true honeymoon resort. You won’t find much on the resort except for a couple of villas. Made out of wood. A simple terrace. An outside tub made of wood. A stunning view over the ocean. And a relaxing loungebed/hammock on the terrace. It’s just you and your lover. And that’s how we like it!

From 180 euro per night. Check out: www.azulik.com

TRIED & TESTED: TO BE A CLOSET BANGKOK

Babs den Haring is  one of the most dedicated Petite Passport travellers. Together with her handsome husband she travelled to Bangkok:

“There are several It’s Happened to be a Closet’s in Bangkok and it’s a small shop where you can also sit outside to eat something. We ordered a piece of cake. The retro interior is fantastic!”

Check out: http://ithappenedtobeacloset.wordpress.com

TRIED & TESTED: ALPENSTUECK BERLIN

Babs den Haring is  one of the most dedicated Petite Passport travellers. Together with her handsome husband she travelled to Berlin:

Most striking feature:

“We didn’t visit the restaurant, but the bakery across the street. It’s a sweet little bakery with white tables and chairs. Behind the beautiful counter you will find all kinds of delicious food. Like bread with several kinds of German cheese. This is the place to be if you want to learn more about traditional German food. And a good place to have breakfast. Oh and don’t forget to take a look at their beautiful pictures on the wall.”

Check out: www.alpenstueck.de

TRIED & TESTED: BOERDERIJLODGES TWENTE

Most striking feature:

I don’t have kids, but if I had them there is only one place to go in the Netherlands for a week of fun (and design of course) in summer: Boerderijlodges in Twente. There are several farms turned into design lodges. Kids can play outside and pretend they run a farm. They can chase chickens or cuddle with a kitten. And meanwhile the mother can relax in the designtub inside. Follow a yoga lesson. Or just read a book. Get some homemade cheese or bread at a nearby farmer and you can start preparing dinner. This sounds like an advert for starting a big and happy family doesn’t? I only want to say: skip Port Zélande and other massive resorts and start relaxing in a cool environment. 

From 99 euro. Check out: www.boerderijlodges.nl

TRIED & TESTED: ROSA & RITA AMSTERDAM

Most striking feature:

Pizza and steak. Their menu is all about those two dishes. I tried the Pizza with mozzarella and basil. Just like my sister who compared it with a pizza we tasted in Italy. So it is as if you’re in Italy and that’s a good sign. I’m not a food connaisseur but if Johannes van Dam (the restaurant reviewer from the Netherlands) gives this place a 9, well: then it’s good. The interior is simple but fantastic. It’s located in an old warehouse and you see still see the old beams when you look up. Because it was sunny yesterday we sat outside their terrace with picknick tables. Oh, and it’s really affordable as well (I tried the most expensive pizza which costs 11 euro).

Check out: www.rosaenrita.nl

TRIED & TESTED: CHIPPS BERLIN

Babs den Haring is  one of the most dedicated Petite Passport travellers. Together with her handsome husband she travelled to Berlin:

Most striking feature:

“They serve an inexpensive lunch menu for 8,50 euro. Everything in here is freshly prepared and produced. You can choose a starter and a main course. I started with the chestnut soup which was followed by a pasta with pumpkin and nuts. I don’t know if all the dishes are made for vegetarians but if not, you won’t be dissappointed if you’re a vegetarian coming here.  Oh, and don’t forget to order their home made lemon lemonade. It’s delicious!”

Check out: www.chipps.eu

TRIED & TESTED: SALA SAMUI KOH SAMUI

Babs den Haring is  one of the most dedicated Petite Passport travellers. Together with her handsome husband she travelled to Koh Samui:

Most striking feature:

“Their outside shower. Isn’t that the best thing on earth? This hotel on Koh Samui is beautiful. The people who work here are very friendly. And there is a fantastic pond at the reception. First you have to cross a small little bridge over that pond to get to the reception. We stayed in a Garden Pool Villa with our own private pool. Definitely a great Honeymoon destination.”

Check out: www.salaresorts.com

(If you like this spot, you will also like Qunci Villas in Lombok)

TRIED & TESTED: RASANANDA KOH PHANGAN

Babs den Haring is  one of the most dedicated Petite Passport travellers. Together with her handsome husband she travelled to Koh Phangan:

Most striking feature:

“The quiet Rasananda Resort is located in the middle of nowhere. You have to reach it with a 4×4 and it’s hard to get away: but that’s exactly what you want when you check in at this beautiful resort for your honeymoon (in our case). The suite was beautiful with our plunge pool, a huge bathroom and extra’s like a bathrobe, slippers and even a bag to take with you to the beach. The deckchairs on their private beach have your room number, so you don’t have to worry about not having a place to relax on the beach. This is the perfect place to relax!”

Check out: www.rasananda.com