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

NEW SPOT: THE CONCIERGE DURBAN

3 reasons to go there:

1. If you love colour blocking: the designer of the hotel worked around that concept
2. If you want to stay in an urban bungalow
3. If you want a great cafe next to your hotel

From 98 euro per night, check out: www.the-concierge.co.za

NEW SPOT: BAR BAARSCH AMSTERDAM

3 reasons to go there:

1. If you’re in the area called de Baarsjes.
2. For lunch or dinner – inside or on their terrace.
3. To bring your kids.

Check out: www.barbaarsch.nl

(Images made by Gino van Meenen)

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

NEW SPOT: TICKETS BARCELONA

3 reasons to go there:

1. Because you can’t miss this when in Barcelona
2. If you’re a fan of Ferran Adrià from El Bulli
3. If you like to taste tapas the Adrià way

Check out: www.ticketsbar.es

NEW SPOT: LA COORNICHE PYLA-SUR-MER

3 reasons to go there:

1. When roadtripping through France – it’s nearby Cap Ferret and Bordeaux.
2. If you love the work of Philippe Starck.
3. To eat in their fabulous restaurant (you can sleep here as well).

From 190 euro per night, check out: www.lacoorniche-pyla.com

NEW SPOT: GARAGISTES HOBART

3 reasons to go there:

1. First spot on Petite Passport in Tasmania
2. To try the Tasmanian kitchen
3. If you love old warehouses turn into slick restaurants

Check out: www.garagistes.com.au

(Images via Habitus Living – a design blog worth following)

NEW SPOT: DE LINDENHOF SOEST

3 reasons to go there:

1. If you like Villa Augustus I think you’ll like this atmosphere as well.
2. For lunch or dinner.
3. To try this dessert: chocolatecake (warm) with gorgonzola and pear

Check out: www.grandcafedelindenhof.nl

NEW SPOT: THE CUBE BRUSSELS

3 reasons to go there:

1. If you’re in Brussels before July 3rd, then the Cube will move to Stockholm.
2. If you like to have a one of a kind dine experience.
3. If you’re not afraid of heights.

Check out: www.electrolux.be/cube

 

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