Zeta the eclectic meeting spot

If you’ve even been to the Grote Markt on a sunny day, then you will know that this is a popular meeting place. Chances are you probably didn’t even notice that there are several different cafes, as they all seem to melt into one big terras. Zeta does not necessarily stand out, but it’s literally next door to the more well known cafe the Zwarte Ruiter.

Whilst each cafe attempts to create it’s own individual style, Zeta is the pearl. Zeta serves good coffee (bonus!) and there is truly a wide range of different people to be found throughout the day. For a cafe to appeal to such an eclectic crowd is quite unique.

The hidden treasure for food lovers is the kitchen at the back of the bar, where scrumptious thai food is cooked with love and served by friendly staff. Even the most fussy eater will be happy here as they are capable to adjust to your individual needs. My tip is to order the Pad Thai, but you have been warned, only order if you are really hungry, this food fills! On my to eat list is the Crème de Brulée with lemongrass, I’ve just never been able to fit in so far.

Grand Cafe Walter Benedict – Denneweg

A couple of weeks ago I was invited for coffee at Grand Cafe Walter Benedict which had just recently opened. I was pleasantly surprised by the ambiance, service and the most important aspect: the cappuccino was really good, bonus! Walter Benedict serves breakfast all day, yes all day, they really captured the French atmosphere without overdoing it. The entire vibe is so laid back that I will definitely be going back again soon to try the food.

Trendy Fushion at Mochi Restaurant

Mochi Restuarant is located just behind the Frederikstraat in the Willemspark area of The Hague. You are guaranteed a great night out with fab food at Mochi and friendly service. I have been to Mochi twice in the last 6 months, it really is a great place to have nice evening out.

While I am not a seafood person the highlight for me was most definitely their signature dish Frikandel speciaal! The chef’s menu is the most popular choice, allowing you to get the full Mochi experience. And for the dessert lovers you will not be disappointed. If you go to Mochi make sure you order the Frikandel and report back, and be sure to say hi to Lissette.

Location: Mallemolen 12-A, 2585 XJ The Hague
Telephone: 070 3635763
Website: mochirestaurant.nl
Transport: Tram 9 tramstop Javastraat; Tram 1 & 10 tramstop Alexanderstraat; bus 20 & 22 busstop Nassauplein

photo credit: charlottemeindersma.com

Sandwich Paradise

The popularity of sandwiches rose dramatically during the Industrial Revolution when the working classes made fast, portable and inexpensive food a staple. Overtime, sandwiches have become one of the most versatile meal anyone can have.  Whether you like yours with brown or white bread, baguette or ciabatta, there are a hundred ways of making it delicious and interesting with your favorite spreads, fillings, salads and anything else you can imagine.

In The Hague, two sandwiches places stand out for their thoughtful, healthy and gourmet approach to preparing an ordinary piece of bread into a delightful lunch or scrumptious dinner on those lazy nights you just don’t feel like cooking.

Bagels & Beans

Bagels & Beans, Plaats, Den Haag centrum

Popular for six varieties of bagels to choose from: 100% organic white, brown and sesame bagels, and, or sun-dried tomato, multi-grain and cinnamon & raisin bagels.  Order it with your favorite cream cheese flavor: natural, walnut & honey, dill or pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. Finish off with one of their healthy fresh fruit juices.

They have three outlets in three favorite locations in The Hague that makes them so appealing. Plaats at The Hague city center or the Aert van der Goesstraat at the intersection of the Frederik Hendriklaan in the  Statenkwartier are ideal choices for casual lunch meetings.

Bagels & Beans, Plaats, Den Haag

And the cafe at the first floor of Selexyz Verwijs bookshop in The Passage at the city center is a favorite destination to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee with a slice of one of their heavenly dessert cakes while reading a book or magazine. The date cake is to die for. Ok, I digress.

Boosty

Thoughtful food.  That says it all.

A quick glance on the menu yields wild turkey filling on a cranberry spread, smashing avocado with goat cheese and a salad mix, spicy chicken with roma tomatoes and baby spinach on aioli dressing among others… need I say more? Oh yes, their salad bowls are refreshingly everything you want to have in your salad but don’t know yet.

 

Boosty at Frederik Hendriklaan

But what makes them also really popular is their broodjetaart (bread cake) which is a large round sandwich bread filled with your choice of toppings and sliced into serving portions of eight or ten or twelve.  Perfect for that lunch birthday treat in the office or to serve with your cocktail parties. You have to order these a day before.

 

Sandwich Filling Counter, Boosty

 

The Fabulous Farmers Market

My name is Kathy Voyles and I am passionate about food – honest, local organic food if I can get it. I grew up in the green grasslands of the Waikato, in New Zealand, in prime dairy farming territory where we had a large veggie garden, seemingly acres of fruit trees and loads of creatures hanging about from peacocks to muscovy ducks, bantams, goats and our arch enemies, the prize rose eating ‘possums’.  Since then I’ve come a long way via various countries to somehow end up in the international city of The Hague. I can tell you I like it better each day, especially on such golden autumn day as this one is. I am also a most avid food forager, seeking the best of what this city has to offer and sharing that knowledge with others.

Since living here I have also become a bit of an urban activist, encouraging kids to look upon their city spaces, green and otherwise, as an environment for all to share and to enjoy.  I also encourage all I meet to grow edible plants and flowers in their garden (should they be lucky enough to have one) or on a balconey or even just a few herbs on a kitchen window. Then I tell everyone I meet, know, email or exchange even a few words with to visit the wonderful farmers market in The Hague. This is my idea of heaven on a Wednesday. I head out early, trundling a hip green shopping trolley already in a foodie flutter of anticipation. There is disappointment if a favourite stand is vacant. I head straight for the far right corner where conference pears are at their autumn best and the flowers are glowing with purple flame. Then I pick up some crusty bread baked by Menno and discuss the merits of spelt flour. After that it’s over to the wise women of the wild mushroom stand. Their knowledge of preparing fungi is legend. We contemplate how best to serve the autumn truffle that nestles on the white rice and I cannot resist the large beige portabellos which are destined to be served with lashings of rosemary basalmico and soft goats cheese that evening.

I purchase my olive oil, red rice, cranberries and nuts from the friendly ladies in the middle, buy my cheese, milk and eggs from the laughing cheese chap and finish with the always calm and kind marketeers at the far left opposite. My trolley brimeth over with a rainbow of fresh herbs, vegetables and gorgeous produce from simply the most friendly, laid-back market in this town. It’s open from 9 until 5ish every Wednesday close by to the entrance of the Binnenhof opposite the Novohotel entrance to the Passsage. I will be the one in the hat, but not in my full Green Witch regalia which is mainly used for story-telling these days. Do come over and say hello. I would be delighted to share my food foraging knowledge with you.

 

HanTing Cuisine top restaurant in The Hague

HanTing Cuisine wins top restaurant in The Hague in the SpecialBite guide 2011. It is no surprise that Chef Han’s newest restaurant has become one of the top 10 restaurants in The Netherlands. We ate there last year when it had just opened it doors and it was a real food lover treat.

Chef Han is so passionate about food and he aims to please each guest that walks in the door. The five course meal we had was out of this world! I ate things I never ate before and loved every single one of them. His love for food and dedication to perfection are the secret to his success. Congratulations to the whole team at HanTing Cuisine!

2009 review on TheHagueOnLine.com: Refined Fusion is Perfection at HanTing in The Hague

Location: Prinsestraat 33, 2513 CA ‘s-Gravenhage
T: 070-3620828
E: info@hantingcuisine.nl
W: www.hantingcuisine.nl

Originally posted on cookfolio.nl

Where to dine in The Hague on Mondays? (2)

Who is this Gentlemen biking through the Hague in deep thought?

He’s parking his bike in front of Smulwereld (i.e. Good Food World). Would he eat there?

No this Gentlemen is here in an official capacity. He is underway to Mandarin Palace

Where Jason Yip (from Hong Kong) and his charming wife May Lye (from Shanghai) anxiously are awaiting his arrival .

To reopen Mandarin Palace officially.

After having operated this very good Chinese Restaurant successfully for over 12 1/2 years Jason and May Lye had decided to give the restaurant a major make over. In the words of the Mayor of The Hague, Jozias van Aartsen: “If you are planning to travel to Shanghai, you have to first come and taste all what the Shanghai kitchen has to offer you here with May Lye and Jason ”

Jason and May Lye are very proud having been featured in the Dutch gourmet glossy “Lekker” for all 12 Years they have been operating Mandarin Palace and yes, and you can eat here on Mondays, because they close on Tuesdays.

Dutch version on Hofstijl

New Meyva

Open for over 20 years the New Meyva serves specialities from Suriname.  Their roti’s are a true treat. Friendly staff make you feel at home and are ready to help you order if you are not familiar with the dishes. Just around the corner from the Paard and across from the cafes on the Grote Markt it is a populair place for a quick bite before hitting the town. There are enough places to sit and you can also take away and call ahead to place your order. Things to order: chicken filet roti speciaal,  lamb roti & white rice and pom.

Location: Boekhorstraat 5

Vapiano, for a quick bite

Vapiano is a self-service Italian restaurant for those looking to not spend that much but still feel like they are dining out. When you walk in you are handed a swipe-card and the first thing to do is find a spot to sit and claim it. Busy nights are usually Thursday, Friday & Saturday so be aware that it might not be easy to find a spot, especially if you are with a group.

The menu is pretty basic with pizzas, pastas, some small side dishes and desserts. Everything has to be ordered at the counter and is added to your card. The atmosphere is pretty laid back, making it an ideal place to go with kids. All cards are scanned before you leave so make sure you don’t lose your swipe-card otherwise you pay a fine (more than a meal & drinks would cost).

Location: Buitenhof 45 -51
Image credit: gertys

The Hague Market, the biggest market in Europe

With over 500 stalls the Hague Market is the biggest market in Europe! Besides being open 4 days a week you can find almost anything on the market. It is handy to know that their goods range from fresh produce to clothing, flowers and many more items.

If you are not a crowd lover then go early to the market, it opens just before 9am and you are sure to avoid the hectic part of the day and maybe more importantly not fall over a pram or somebody’s “granny” shopping trolley.

Handy to know is that fruit/veg/meat/fish/ section starts on the Hoefkade side, all other goods can be found on the other side starting at the Hobbemaplein. I have been told that Wednesday is the best day to buy seafood.  My other tip is to set a budget when you go and stick to it, there are too many specials and great deals, before you know it you come home with more than you needed!

Location: Herman Costerstraat, The Hague
Open: 8.45 tot 17.00 uur on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Public transport: “het Hobbemaplein”, tram 6, 11, 12 & bus 25 or “de Hoefkade” tram 11, 12 en bus 127, 130.
Parking: QPark, De Heemstraat 301, 2525 ET Den Haag