shak-shuka

Must-Have Eco Travel Guides

I've been dreaming about travel lately, and have been planning a few trips to Copenhagen, London and Paris. Luckily I came across a great new site with tips for green travellers such as myself on Strawberry Earth (a great resource site for all things cool+green): Very-Eco are eco-friendly travel guides, and they have tips for cities like London and Paris, which are just up my alley. I also recently discovered on Strawberry Earth's website that there are a host of Dutch city "green" guides, called Good & Green Guides - they even have one for Rotterdam! How did I miss that?!! Also, if you're travelling in Europe, or even in NYC soon, there are a host of good eating guides (mostly vegetarian, but they tip you off to organic/bio places too) available here. When in NYC, I absolutely lived by my Vegan Guide to NYC which gave me the ins and outs of all the vegan places to eat in all the boroughs. So what are you waiting for? Get to (eco) travelling!

Rotterdam (Eat, Shop, Look) Guide

image courtesy of: inspiringcities.org

Sure, sure - there are a million guides to Amsterdam and it's charming canals, houses, tiny alleyways and coffeeshops. But not many people visit Rotterdam except for the architectural students, which is a shame because this city really does have a lot to offer. Just think of it - tourist-free streets in a major European city! Rotterdam is also a very kid-friendly city, and there is a lot of space to run around, ride your bike, or just wander around, which we think is the best way to get to know a city!

Places to visit:

Erasmus Bridge

Very long extension bridge that connects two parts of the city - quite nice to look at, and surely an architectural/engineering wonder.

Euromast

Supposedly the highest needle-esque building in Europe - we'll take their word for it! It's one of those places that if you live somewhere you never visit yourself until you have guests, then you remember how cool your city is when you see it from that height!

Hotel NY

The point from which many people left for the shores of America, this place holds a special place in many people's hearts. The location is beautiful, although the restaurant rides a bit on the reputation of the place and doesn't really offer much substance.

Cube Houses

Funny - yes. Desirable to live in - not so much. These unsual cube houses are a real treat for kids to visit, and you'll marvel at how they made them, and more so how people actually live in them! Next to the large library it makes a nice day trip with the kids.

Places to Eat:

Picknick

An industrial "un-done" interior setting for simple foods like sandwiches, soups and teas. If you like the mix of sweet and salty (think cheese and fruit purees) then this place is for you. Super busy on the weekends.

UEB

This used to one of my old haunts that I don't get to go to often enough. They make a great soy latte and have just opened a new location in my old'hood in the city: Nieuwe Binnenweg - which has a lot of business, stores and interesting things happening now.

Lof der Zoetheid

Located not too far from where I live, this corner-cafe has a great mix of sandwiches, proper tea time rituals and amazing sweets to tempt you. Old school chairs mixed with menus that have vintage black and white photos add to the allure of this (very rarely open!) spot.

Bagel Bakery

If you're around in Rotterdam on a Sunday, you are more than likely to find me here, having my usual: hummus bagel with mint tea and the (perfectly salted) soup of the day. Always busy, always fresh, always a pleasure to have a taste of "NYC deli" in Rotterdam. Plus they have real shakshuka on the menu!

La Pizza

Hands-down the best place in Rotterdam for pizza. Authentic wood-burning ovens and Italians flipping the dough, this is a gem in the sea of pizza restaurants that haunt the city. Undeniably fun and chic, it's well worth the wait (nearly an hour every time we go!), as long as you're sipping wine or beer to pass the time (and thus forget the long wait...)

Smaak van Afrika

This place holds a special place in my heart as I went into labor soon after eating there! Delicious Ethiopian food on injeera will delight those in search of something a bit different, yet authentic. Never too spicy, I love the combination of the vegetarian set meal, fuul for appetizer, followed by a beer served in a gourd-cup.

Mangiare

Fresh, fresh, fresh is the name of this spot (actually, not true - the name means "to eat" in Italian) but everything tastes like the sun kissed it, which is a rarity in these neck of the woods. Not a menu in sight, but the staff are happy to help and accomodate even strange eating habits (like mine). 

Places to Shop:

BonBon on the Block

Besides being owned by the coolest Dutch duo around, this is also the place to shop if you've got a kiddo to buy for. Kids love all the delights at their height (Lil'Miss loves the cutlery and toys), while the parents have the pick of the litter with uber-cool brands for urban chic kiddos like yours. A must-visit.

Zomers

Even if you have a black thumb like me, have a gander in this gorgeous shop that'll make you feel like it's Valentine's Day 365 days a year. Florist heaven, with some rare gem of knickknacks to catch your eye (and empty your pockets).

Studio Hergebruik

If you love all things recycled, repurposed and refashioned, then this shop is for you. A combination of an atelier and gallery for eco-minded artists, this is a great place to pick up something a bit offbeat for yourself or someone else. I personally love the unusual housewares and bags I didn't even know I needed!

Depot Rotterdam

This is a store that (interior decorating) dreams are made of - everything from the walls to the furniture to the nails in the floor will leave you drooling to re-do your apartment. What's great is the owner is totally down-to-earth and unassuming so no need to feel weird browsing time and time again before you make that big splurge you've been wanting to make for months (or years).

 

These streets are excellent for a bit of wandering, daydreaming, and of course - spending:

Van Oldebarneveldtstraat

Witte de Withstraat

Nieuwe Binnenweg

 

To-Do London List

It's no surprise that I played hooky last week and went away with my little family (sorry, no St Bernard doggy included) to London and Brighton. Even though the weather wasn't any better than it is here in Holland, it was great to have a change of scenery. Better yet - a change of restaurants and shops, because, well, after all is said and done, I am still a reformed shop-a-holic and an unreformed eat-o-holic.

So if you're heading to London, make sure you check out these spots for some good eats and even better shopping. And don't worry, the places where we go to eat are gentle on the wallet so you can hit it hardcore when you go shopping......I learn from experience!

EATING

Wahaca - color us officially obsessed. Found this place thanks to the Babyccino Guide to London, and thought about going there every night we were there. Terrific Mexican setting in a hip atmosphere (but not too hip in case your +.5 child) and loads of options for vegetarians. Best of all, they have these little packets near the door when you leave that look like matches, but they're chili seeds to plant! Expect a long wait at this great eatery.

Wagamama - an old time favorite and classic on the London food scene. I recently discovered that this Asian noodle bar is also great for kids (large seating areas, kids menu, kids chopsticks!). Nothing better on a cold rainy day than a big bowl of udon or ramen.

Indian Veg Bhel Poori House - do you have places that remind you of your youth? This place is it for me. Have been a steady client in the past (how can you pass up an all-you-can-eat buffet for £3.95?!) and still am. Best of all, everything is completely vegetarian, and they now have vegan lassis! Yum! (no website, but address is 92/93 Chapel Mkt. it's next to the market nearby the Angel Tube Station)

Leon's - I've raved about the restaurant before, and even the cookbook. I normally avoid chain restaurants at all costs, but having more Leon's in the world makes it a better place to live (and eat). Not to be missed: Sweet Potato Falafel or ANY soup.

Red Veg - when I was a young and angry teen, this was my favorite punk rock place to eat away my veggie blues. Veggie burger, veggie hot dogs, and the to-die-for dish: fried mushrooms. Although I sadly have to admit the London location is closed for street renovations, but I was lucky enough that we went to Brighton where they are located too.

SHOPPING

Eco-Age - started by Colin Firth and a team of lesser-known lads and lassies, this is the place where all eco things meet: eco designers, interior design teams, eco-friendly products, and consulting. Set in one of the shishiest neighborhoods in London.

Neal's Yard Remedies - I swear as soon as I arrive in London, my body migrates to this organic bath+bodycare paradise. Just the scent of the shop alone has a relaxing effect that can unwind my travel-stressed self. Stock up - and if you missed my favorite shop in Covent Garden's Neals Yard (where it gets it's name) there's one in St Pancras station while you're waiting for your Eurostar train!

Ganesha - fair trade shop that has some great global goods that you can't find anywhere else. In a difficult to find neighborhood, I'm always happy I made the trek for these eco-friendly goodies. Last time I snatched up a funky silk(!) winter hat that is surprisingly warm and comfy.

Whole Foods - yes, like they say, whole foods=whole paycheck, but I can't deny my love of organic health food shops. Used to be called Fresh&Wild, but to attempt official world domination, all the UK branches are called like their sister stores in the US.

Muji - tapping into my inner Japanese school girl, this store brings me back to my days in Japan. Everything's clean, stream-lined, and uber-tiny making me feel like Godzilla with every turn I make. That doesn't stop me though - I always find something great in the clothing section - all natural materials and many recycled.

Office - this is a huge chain all over the UK, but they have a great selection of shoes all under one roof. I was swooning over the new Tom's Shoes from the US, but couldn't do it knowing damn well how much they cost in US$!

Canvas Gone Chic

Since becoming a parent, there are so many things that have changed about me - the way I dress, the people I hang out with, the places that interest me for a getaway. My days of spontaneous adventure are over and are now replaced with dreams of a ready-made vacation (think Club Med which I once dreaded and swore I would never even entertain the idea of it) or a place that is super kid and family friendly. Sigh....

Now - vacations. Since the weather is taking a turn for the warmer, I'm already planning our summer holiday, and thinking about places that are suitable for a bit of relaxation away from the city as well as fun for the wee one. I have long been a fan of this site, Canvas Chic, and love the dreamy idea of staying in a glorified tent-like structure (called a "yurt") that is just enough dose of "roughing it" with a dose of glamour. It's super family-friendly, with big Mediterranean meals around the table, with plenty of discovering to do around the (French) countryside. My only question would be how well we would cope with a joint bathroom facility, but I suppose it's a small price to pay - but hey, we could always bring our biodegradable BecoPotty, right?!