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‘t Ogenblik

We were in seach of a quick lunch and this casual brasserie tucked down a side street fit the bill. The comprehensive menu serves breakfast to high tea and consists of pastries, eggs, soups, salads, sandwiches and large plates. We arrived a little before noon (what can I say? We were starving!) and were seated…

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Haags Historisch Museum

In a city full of striking museums, this one was the least compelling. The ground floor gives an overview of the city’s history through paintings and a projected time-lapse drawing, which was interesting, but the upstairs is markedly less intriguing, with a collection of portraits and historical household odds and ends. The museum is in…

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It Rains Fishes

This restaurant’s name first got our attention, then its French-oriented seafood menu caught our eye. The menu features mainstream choices like lobster bisque, mussels and sole à la meunière and more interesting ones like fishes curry and tempura scallops. After changing our minds a few times, we each opted for the market menu, which consisted…

Binnenhof, Den Haag

Binnenhof, Den Haag

This is where it all began. Back in the 13th century, William II, Count of Holland, built his fortress here. Through the years, buildings were constructed around it to eventually form this configuration. Since the 15th century, the Binnehof housed the Dutch parliament. The house of representatives has since relocated to a modern structure neighboring…

Dutch Touches

From what I’ve seen, life is pretty good in the Netherlands. Dutch culture seems to be laid-back and liberal, everyone is tall and relatively happy looking and the flat topography near the coast (the coast, right, that’s another positive point) can’t be beat. As we were walking around, I couldn’t help but noticing some things…

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Mauritshuis, Den Haag

If I were a dead Dutch artist, I would want my masterpiece displayed in Mauritshuis. The small galleries with tall windows, high ceilings and thoughtfully painted walls is an ideal environment in which to spend some time. Mauritshuis is an intimate yet comprehensive museum located in a 17th century mansion on Hofvijver, the city’s main…

Den Haag/The Hague

Den Haag/The Hague

The Netherlands is quickly becoming one of my favorite countries (sorry, France!). It’s a tiny country and a collection of provinces (Holland comprises two of the twelve provinces, Noord-Holland around Amsterdam and Zuid-Holland around Den Haag), with many picturesque and culturally rich cities. This weekend, we set out for The Hague and Rotterdam. Both are…