Polar circle on the move

(Source: VG, August 16th 2010) Passed this monument lately? Did you think it marked the exact spot of the Polar Circle? Sorry pal - you're wrong!! A clever guy has found that the present Polar circle is located 1 kilometer or 6 miles north of today's Polar Circle Centre.

The Polar Circle Centre at Saltfjellet in Nordland County is a main tourist attraction as it marks the official frontier of the polar circle. The region above it will experience at least one 24 hour period when the sun is continuously above the horizon and at least one 24 hour period when the sun is continuously below the horizon annually, hence the name "Land of the Midnight Sun".

In Norway the polar circle cross the municipalities of Træna, Lurøy, Rødøy og Rana.

Now, however, the astrophysicist Oddgeir Christiansen has found that the circle wanders northwards by 14 meters or 42 feet every year, leaving the monument 1 kilometer south of the Circle it now proudly marks.

This is indeed bad news for those of you that drove up to the centre and then drove back. You were never in the land of the midnight sun after all.

One meager consolation that the northbound trend eventually will turn and the Polar Circle will return to the location of the Centre - in 13000 years!

Stories from the Land of the Midnight Sun on Enjoy Food & Travel

• Norwegian Air Shuttle continues flights Tromsø - London (August 14th 2010)
• AirBaltic launch non-stop flights Tromsø - Riga (February 18th 2010)
  
• Few non-stop flights to Santa Claus (October 31st 2009)
• Shrimp salad from Vesterålen (January 15th 2008)
  
• A journey through the polar night (January 8th 2008)
• Where Hamsun wrote Segelfoss By (May 4th 2007)

View Northern Norway On Enjoy Food & Travel in a larger map

Stuffed mushrooms

A large variety of Agaricus bisporus bought at the supermarket. Photo by Erin Silversmith

If only one could tell true love from false love as one can tell mushrooms from toadstools. 
With mushrooms it is so simple — you salt them well, put them aside and have patience. 
But with love, you have no sooner lighted on anything that bears even the remotest resemblance to it than you are perfectly certain it is not only a genuine specimen, but perhaps the only genuine mushroom ungathered.

Katherine Mansfield 

This is really a great way to prepare a snack or a main dish, if you find a large portobello mushroom like this. I made a starter last weekend, using mushrooms as a cup for tasty filling.

Mushrooms is one of my favourite ingredients, and it is very good for you! It contains plenty of healthy antioxidants and fibres and are low in calories.

I love a rich mushroom sauce to a steak or to a pasta dish.  The other day I prepared filled mushrooms as a delicious starter. You may fill them with different ingredients that you have to hand, and I used cream cheese and homemade pesto. Mushrooms contain much water, so you get a tasty stock as well, to pour over.

To make this you'll need

• 2 portobello mushrooms per person
• Philadelphia cream cheese with grilled peppers(or what else you like)
• Home made pesto
• Grated cheese

Turn the mushroom with the bottom up. Remove stalk and the pores containing the spores, leaving you with a clean white surface.

Place a generous amount of cream cheese on one, and home made pesto on the other - then top with a generous amount of grated cheese. Add seasoning after your own taste.

Place on a baking tray and bake in oven until cheese topping is slightly brown. Place mushrooms on a small plate and pour excess sauce over.  

Latest mushroom stories on Enjoy Food & Travel   

• Truffle risotto (May 31st 2010)
• Guinea fowl with Italian pancetta and shitake mushrooms (April 30th 2009) 
• "Trøffelheltens" appetizer (January 25th 2009)  

See handsome Italian cook Gino D'Acampo cooking stuffed mushrooms with honey and blue cheese on YouTube

UPDATED: Bars and restaurants on Enjoy Food & Travel September 2010

To make it easier for you, I have compiled all the rated restaurants on Enjoy Food & Travel for the year 2010 on this page. Enjoy!!

Rated restaurants 2010

Read about rating system here

1. Statholderens Krostue, Oslo (Reviewed July 30th 2010): BBBBB- (4,69 points)
   Stattholdergaarden is one of four restaurants awarded a Michelin star in Oslo. In the basement, you find Statholderens Krostue, where you may enjoy the same cuisine under 17th century vaults. We did, and dining here may be the best culinary experience in Oslo ever, and I have lived here for 30 years!!
   Read full story here
   
   
2. Basement Restaurant & Bar, Göteborg (Reviewed June 2nd 2010): BBBBB-(4,67 points)
   Last year we enjoyed a great dinner at Fond Restaurant in Göteborg. It had then been awarded one star in the prestigious Michelin guide. In April we explored another Michelin restaurant in the city, and we were most definitely seduced by the culinary witchcraft performed at Basement Restaurant & Bar.
   Read full story here
   
   
3. Armada Sera, Istanbul (Reviewed March 3rd 2010): BBBBB- (4,57 points)
   Armada Sera is located on the top floor of the Armada Hotel in Istanbul. It has a view to die for, and we enjoyed one of the best meals of the year here on the first night of our stay in Turkey.
   Read full story here
   
   
4. Beyti, Istanbul (Reviewed April 29th 2010): BBBBB- (4,47 points)
   It would definitely be in the super class of restaurants if it wasn't for the location. For city guests it is in the middle of nowhere, and do consider what options you have if staying in downtown Istanbul. Except from this, Beyti is an exquisite restaurant. Wonderful, classy interior, great service, excellent food and wine.
   Read full story here
   
   
5. Chez Bahia, Marrakech (Reviewed August 4th 2010): BBBB+ (4,44 points)
   Chez Bahia is a place I will return to when revisiting Marrakech. Authentic, high quality food offered at ridiculous prices. A bargain for low budget and luxury travelers alike.
   Read full story here
   
   
6. Sjöbaren, Göteborg (Reviewed June 10th 2010): BBBB+ (4.43 points)
   A perfect place for lunch or dinner. The rooms are very small and be prepared to share the limited space with many guests, as Sjöbaren seemed to be an extremely popular place.
   Read full story here
   
   
7. Adonin Café & Bar, Istanbul (Reviewed January 6th 2010): BBBB+ (4,42 points)
   One of our many good culinary experiences in Istanbul. Great location and less pushy personell than you can experience when looking for a place to eat in the area.
   Read full story here
   
   
8. Vognmand Nilsen, Oslo (Reviewed March 28th 2010): BBBB+ (4,40 points)
   I had booked a table at 4 PM at Vognmand Nilsen, as I had dined there only two days before. At its best it was one of the best experiences the last 12 months, but I found the whole experience a little uneven.
   Read full story here
   
   
9. COMING: Barker Tavern, Scituate MA: BBBB+ (4,40 points)
   
   
10. Park Lunch, Newburyport MA (Reviewed February 24th 2010): BBBB+ (4,31 points)
    When I was leaving Northern Massachusetts for Boston's south shore last September, I was taken for a light traditional lunch at Park Lunch in Newburyport. I found that the best American grub is often found in family run diners like this.
    Read full story here
    
    
11. Izarra, Sitges (Reviewed July 2nd 2010): BBBB+ (4,28 points)
    Izarra is located in Calle Major, a narrow street in the pittoresque downtown area of Sitges. Easily accessible by foot a short walk away from the seafront area. Visitors will have to take a 15-20 minute walk from the railway station.
    Read full story here
    
    
12. COMING: Restaurant Larsen, Oslo: BBBB+ (4,26 points)
     
13. La Peña, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Reviewed August 24th 2010): BBBB+ (4,24 points)
    Just a stone's throw from the famous Canteras beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria you can order tapas at La Peña. We did, and enjoyed the traditional stuff at ridiculous prices and with a view from our table to die for.
    Read full story here
    
    
14. Latitude Bistro, M/F Pearl of Scandinavia (Reviewed January 13th 2010): BBBB (4,16 points)
    I have dined on the ferries between Oslo and Copenhagen countless times, and have had a wide range of meals. For those crossing the Kattegat, do not expect fine cuisine.
    Read full story here
    
    
15. Restaurant Le Fes, Marrakech (Reviewed April 14th 2010: BBBB (4,10 points)
    Restaurant Le Fes is one out of three restaurants at Eden Andalou Spa & Resort outside Marrakech. It served traditional Moroccan cuisine and was the obvious choice for us when staying at the hotel.
    Read full story here
    
    
16. Les Crustacés, Brussels (Reviewed January 27th 2010): BBBB (4,03 points)
    Place Saint Catherine in Brussels used to be the place to enjoy seafood in the Belgian capital. When looking for a place for lunch, we passed a couple of seafood restaurants before choosing Les Crustacés.
    Read full story here
    
    
17. Cennet Yoresi, Istanbul (Reviewed July 21st 2010): BBBB (3,99 points)
    There are restaurants that are impossible to evaluate. One of these are Cennet Yoresi. In spite of strange food (my choice), uncomfortable seating in cramped conditions, I still recommend those visiting Istanbul a visit there. It is a genuine experience.
    Read full story here
    
    
18. Polcari's Bridgwaye Inn, Scituate MA (Reviewed June 17th 2010): BBBB (3,98 points)
    The Bridgwaye Inn was built before the American Revolution. Originally it was called Ye Surprise Inn, it provided comfortable relaxation for those traveling from Plymouth to Scituate.
    Read full story here
    
    
19. COMING: Restaurant Ola, Playa del Ingles: BBBB (3,90 points)
    
    
20. Restaurant Chez Chegrouni, Marrakech (Reviewed March 20th 2010): BBBB: (3,85 points)
    First day in Marrakech we ended up at Restaurant Chez Chegrouni, by the Djemaa el Fna. It was a recommended choice in our guidebook described as a place with good food at low prices. We agree!
    Read full story here
    
    
21. Bilbao Berria, Barcelona (Reviewed February 10th 2010): BBBB (3,82 points)
    I have visited the popular tapas restaurant Bilbao Berria in Barcelona a number of times these last years, and always decided to revisit, as in June 2009.
    Read full story here
    
    
22. COMING: Café Opera, Bergen: BBBB (3,82 points)
    
    
23. Far East, Oslo: (Reviewed May 26th 2010) BBBB- (3,79 points)
    The Far East meal was a slightly disappointing experience. Good entre, but the main dish was a far cry from the intriguing flavours of the East Asian cuisine.
    Read full story here
    
    
24. Menelas, Brussels (Reviewed March 10th 2009): BBBB- (3,68 points)
    Excellent service, and reasonable priced lunch and dinners. My Moussaka did not provide me with those strong Greek vibes.Read full story here
    
    
25. COMING: Memphis, Oslo: BBBB- (3,66 points)
     
    
26. Windsor Garden, Playa del Ingles (Reviewed January 20th 2010) BBBB- (3,62 points)
    Windsor Garden is a place not to try pizza. It has few big assets, all in all. Decent location, and reasonable prices are a few. The rest is best described as mediochre. Windsor is OK for a snack for those of you with low expectations, except to satisfy primary hunger.
    Read full story here
    
    
27. Great World, Playa del Ingles (Reviewed April 22th 2010): BBBB- (3,52 points)
    Good location, low prices, but the rest of the Great World experience is hardly worth mentioning. Based on the food we were served, this restaurant is definitely not a place to recommend.
    Read full story here
    
    
28. Massimino's Cucina Italiana, Boston MA (Reviewed February 17th 2010): BBB+ (3,39 points)
    Good location, but Massimino's Cucina Italiana is hardly the place for a memorable meal, or an interesting rustic Italian interior.
    Read full story here
    

Other bar and restaurant stories on Enjoy Food & Travel

1. A Touch of class at Café Metropole
   If you want to experience old world charm in Brussels, you'll definitely find it at Café Metropole, located in the hotel with the same name.
   Read full story here
   
   
2. Basement - a Michelin star restaurant in Göteborg
   Last year we enjoyed a great dinner at Fond Restaurant in Göteborg. It had then been awarded one star in the prestigious Michelin guide. This year we would like to explore another Michelin restaurant and managed to get a table for 6.30 PM this Saturday.
   Read full story here
   
   
3. Beyti - dining for the famous, rich and powerful
   Beyti has been visited by many famous guests during its history, some famous others unknown to me. They have a gallery of notorieties on their website, here are a few I know.
   Read full story here
   
   
4. Coffee at Omar
   Walking one of the largest cities of the world make you tired and in need for a cup of strong Turkish coffee. The first place we sat down was at Omar a stone's throw away from Hagia Sophia. A really nice place to rest.Read full story here
   
   
5. Croque at Le Cirio in Brussels
   As we arrived in Brussels, I do as I usually do - I take a late night snack at Le Cirio. This time I traveled with friends and we planned to meet at this charming old Tavern by Brussels Stock Exchange, and I knew what I would order - a Croque Cirio.Read full story here
   
   
6. Culinary institution reopens
   December 22nd 1900 marked the opening day of Theatercafeen, one of Oslo's most legendary restaurants. August 22nd this Viennese-style café reopened after extensive restoration works with the grand old Dame of Norwegian theatre, Wenche Foss (below), as guest of honor.
   See full story here
   
   
7. Fine dining in my new neighbourhood
   Late September I move from downtown Oslo to Høgåsen, in southern part of Oslo. I switch subway for a 15 minute ride with suburban train to Oslo Central Station, apparently far away from any fine dining, or.......?
   See full story here
    
8. Gio Bar, Playa del Ingles
   Gio Bar is a giant leap from Norwegian culture to gay culture.
   See story on bars on Playa del Ingles here
   
   
9. In Cod we trust
   This Sunday, I went back to M4 Mat & Bar for Sunday dinner. They had fried cod with mash, grated carrots and remoulade on the menu. What a dainty dish!See full story here
   
   
10. Les Terrasses de l'Alhambra - a bar with a view
    I always find my favourite hangout in the cities I visit. In Marrakech we always ended up for a coffee at Les Terrasses de l'Alhambra when tired after exploring the city. Coffee or tea, only, as pizzas, pasta and salads should be enjoyed elsewhere.
    Read full story here
    
    
11. Maghreb cuisine in Oslo
    Longing back to sunny North Africa, I and my good friend Per went to Marrakech, the only Moroccan restaurant in Oslo.
    Read full story here
    
    
12. New Years dinner at Le Florimond in Paris
    I got this mail from my good friend John Wroughton. He and his partner, Øystein, had been to Paris over the New Year. Theu had their New Year's dinner ar Le Florimond. Here is his account of their meal.
    Read full story here
    
    
13. No Hooter's in Stavanger
    An overwhelming majority in the city council of Stavanger voted Thursday to deny license to serve alcohol to the first Hooter's restaurant in the city, but the politicians avoided all controversy in their discussion.Read full story here
    
    
14. Paddy's by the sea, Playa del Ingles
    If you are looking for a beach side bar, I will strongly recommend Paddy's by the Sea by the Faro lighthouse at Maspalomas.
    See story on bars on Playa del Ingles here
    
    
15. Queens Pub, 1692 A.D.
    Oslo is a relatively young city in Europe. The settlement goes back a thousand years, and the present city goes back to 1624.Read full story here
    
    
16. Sosialkontoret Bar, Playa del Ingles
    This bar seemed like a kind of a joke. Its name refers to the Norwegian State Social Security bureau.See story on bars on Playa del Ingles here
    
    
17. Top five restaurants on Enjoy Food & Travel 2009
    Enjoy Food & Travel has reviewed 30 restaurants in 2009. We've had great culinary experiences in 7 countries. Here are the five best restaurants visited in 2009.Read full story here
    
    
18. Where to eat in Tropea, Calabria
    I spent two heavenly weeks in the charming Calabrian town of Tropea (situated on the knuckle of the big toe if we stick to the boot analogy). Here are a few of the best restaurants I came across while I visited this pearl by the Tyrrhenian Sea.Read full story here
    
    
19. Will Hooter's conquer Norway in 2010?
    American Hooter's is a chain of restaurant that may seem incompatible with the politically correct culture found in the Scandinavian countries. It is therefore a surprise that it has applied the city council of Stavanger, Norway's oil capital, to open its first restaurant in NorwayRead full story here
    
    
    
20. Yaya's, Oslo
    For those of you that miss that trip to Thailand during the volcanic ash incidence a few weeks ago, a Thai beach club is not far away. Yaya's in Oslo offers terrific food, colourful lighting, East Asian thunderstorms and power outages.
    Read full story here
    
    

Find bars and restaurants on this map


Vis Bars and restaurants on Enjoy Food & Travel 2010 i et større kart

Find other stories on Enjoy Food & Travel - see our new page:

Enjoy Food & Travel - main index 2006-2010

Fine dining in my new neighbourhood

Photo: Fish soup with grilled scallops by cyclonebill

Late September I move from downtown Oslo to Høgåsen, in southern part of Oslo. I switch subway for a 15 minute ride with suburban train to Oslo Central Station, apparently far away from any fine dining, or.......?

I have the last 15 years lived in the middle of a busy downtown neighborhood, close to coffee shops, restaurants and bars. As I grow older, light and fresh air are getting increasingly more important. This was the reason to sell my flat and buy another flat outside of town.

Photo: My old neighbourhood - Tøyen centre by Mahlum

I am pleased to say that I have ended up with a great 2 bedroom apartment with a terrace and my own back garden, overlooking the Oslo fjord and the city in the distance.

What I will miss is to walk to into the street to dine at the Japanese Samurai Sushi, or the Indian restaurant Darbar.

I have concentrating on the distance to Oslo City centre, but was blind to the fact that just over the city limits, and within walking distance is the new Kolbotn suburban area, with shops, restaurants, and bars. Here I discovered, to my joy, the existence of two seemingly exclusive restaurants.

Gamle Tårnhuset Restaurant

This restaurant is found in a stately villa with an impressive tower built in the beginning of the 20th century. They offer a à la carte, as well as a menu of the week where you may choose between 3, 4, or 5 courses with a matching wine menu. Price tag is from NOK 398 to NOK 525.

Photo: Norway Lobsters caught in Scotland and seen in Rothsay by Lucas the Scot.

 Week 32 they offered the following menu:

Scallops and salmon from the Frøya island as carpaccio with nut marinade

Fresh salad with horseradish, apple and parsnip puré
***
Roasted rose fish from Roan in Trøndelag county
Vegetables in tomatoes and sauce with Norway lobsters
***
Entrecôte gourmet veal, medium done
Lentils, carrot and parley roots
Morel and red wine sauce
***
Mature cheeses from Norwegian producers
Eiker farm and Blinde Ku (Blind Cow) dairy, Tingvoll cheese
Served with sweet company and dark bread
***
Crispy tarte with redcurrants from Prinsdalen and pecan nuts
Served with woodland strawberries and fresh raspberries

It really makes my mouth water. Definitely a place to check out - soon!!!

Address:
Gamle tårnhuset restaurant
Kolbotnvn. 31
1410 Kolbotn
tlf: 66 99 30 00
mail: bord@gamletaarnhuset.no
Webside: www.gamletaarnhuset.no

Terrassen Café, Bar & Restaurant

Terrassen Café, Bar & Restaurant serves a lunch, tapas and dinner menu, as well as serving as a bar for the community.

Photo: Calamares a la Romana by Sandstein

The menu is inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine. From 11 AM to 4 PM you may enjoy a lunch menu of salad, pasta, burger and grill dishes, priced from 10 to 15 EUR.

From 11 AM to 10 PM you may order a wide range of traditional and nontraditional very reasonably priced tapas. You may even order a selection for 2-4 people from 45 to 80 EUR.

Dinner is served from 4 PM til 10 PM, and you may order different starters, main courses and desserts from the menu. Starters are priced around 10 EUR, main courses start at 17 EUR and end at around 30 EUR, whereas desserts will cost you around 10 EUR.

Address:
Terrassen restaurant AS
Jan Baalsruds plass 5
1410 Kolbotn, Norge
+47 66 81 03 00
www.terrassenrestaurant.no/


View UPDATED: Oslo on Enjoy Food & Travel September 2010 in a larger map

Lyon on Enjoy Food & Travel from A-Z

View Enjoy Food & Travel in Lyon, May 2008 in a larger map

I visited Lyon, France in May 2008, and have written many stories from this beautiful ancient city in central France. Here is a complete list of stories on Lyon published on Enjoy Food & Travel. Enjoy!!

Food stories:

• Lyon - a culinary capital (June 6th 2008)
  

Hotels

• Grand Hotel des Terreaux - recommended!! (June 16th 2008)
  

Restaurants

• Chinese food in Lyon? Avoid Le Mandarine! (July 16th 2008)
  
• Le Gourmand de Saint Jean - Lyon (June 28th 2008)
• Le Laurencin - a bargain in Lyon (August 26th 2008)
• Le Petit Glouton - rustic, traditional cuisine (October 8th 2008)
  
• Les Rendez Vous des Gastronomes, Lyon (August 7th 2008)
  

Sights

• An ancient Christian centre (July 25th 2008)
  
• Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon (January 24th 2009)
• Église Saint-Nizier - Lyon (October 25th 2009)
  
• Historic Houses in Lyon - Maison Thomassin (June 21st 2008)
  
• Hôtel-Dieu, Lyon (April 13th 2009)
• Le Loge de Change - Lyon (December 31st 2009)
• Lyon - Church of Saint Paul (October 28th 2008)
• Lyon - remains of a tower (April 29th 2009)
• Lyon Sights - Le Manecanterie (September 24th 2008)
  
• Lyon through 2000 years (June 5th 2008)
  
• Lyon's mysterious passage ways (August 30th 2008)
• Notre Dame de Fourvière - the protector of Lyon (September 9th 2009)
  
• Musée des beaux-arts de Lyon - Osiris' Eyes (January 19th 2010)
• Saint Bonaventure's Church Lyon (May 9th 2009)
• St-Martin-d'Ainay - Lyon (June 26th 2009)
  

Travel

• Coming up in May, - Lyon, France!! (May 5th 2008)
• Preparations for my trip to Lyon (May 8th 2008)

New direct flights from Torp Airport, Sandefjord

View International non-stop flights from Torp Airport - status May 2010 in a larger map

"don't come running to me, mate! Because I'll be in Alicante, oiled up, skin sizzling in the midday sun like a burnt sausage!"
Ashes to Ashes, British Television drama

Hungarian Wizz Air has started its fifth non-stop flight to Poland from Torp Airport, and Norwegian Air Shuttle will open its first flights from the airport to Spain this fall. These are the latest flight news from Torp Airport.   

Wizz Air opens its fifth direct flight to Poland

Photo: Wroclaw 14th century city hall by Kolossos

Torp Airport is the main airport for Hungarian Wizz Air in Norway. It has recently opened its fifth direct connection to Wroclaw in Poland.

The city is an important financial and cultural centre in Poland, and is, with its population of 600 000, the country's 4th largest city.

Wizz Air operates four other non-stop services to Poland from Torp Airport. They are:

• Gdansk
  
• Katowice
• Posnan
• Warsaw
  

The air carrier also flies non-stop from Torp Airport to Kiev, Prague and Riga.

Latest relevant news on Wizz Air:

• Wizz Air launch non-stop flight Torp - Riga (December 15th 2009)
• New: 2008, Fly Budapest - Torp (November 27th 2007)
  

Norwegian Air Shuttle starts direct flights to Torp - Alicante
 

Carbonell.jpg Casa Carbonell, Alicante - photo by Zarkos

Norwegian Air Shuttle has been absent from Torp Airport, until now - that is. But the air carrier confirms that they will start direct flights from Torp to Alicante in November 2010. 

This means that Ryanair will get competition from Norway's largest budget airline on flights to Alicante. Ryanair's original plan was not to operate any flights to Alicante this winter. The launch of parallel flights by its arch rival has made the Irish air carrier think again. 

It has changed its plants and decided to fly to Alicante this winter. The competing flights flights will take off within 10 minutes of each other each Saturday. They will fly literally fly wing to wing in order to attract travelers. 

Let us hope that this provides lower  air fare for us seeking relief by traveling south during the harsh Norwegian winters.

First Norwegian Air Shuttle flight from will be November 6th, and the air carrier will use on of its Boeing 737-800 fleet and it will leave Torp during the afternoon, arriving in Alicante around 7PM.   

Latest stories on Norwegian Air Shuttle

• Norwegian Air Shuttle continues flights Tromsø - London (August 14th 2010)
• Norwegian Air Shuttle stops direct flights Bergen - Warsaw, Poland (August 7th 2010) 
• Higher fees for Norwegian Air Shuttle travelers (June 8th 2010) 
• Norwegian Air Shuttle: No long-haul flights in 2010 (February 25th 2010)  
• Norwegian third airline flying Oslo-Helsinki  (February 25th 2010)  

Presentation of Alicante, Spain (YouTube)

Église Saint Nicholas, Brussels

Small houses along church facing Zuidstraat

In Boterstraat / Rue au Beurre, in Brussels you find Église Saint-Nicholas, dedicated to the patron saint of the traders. This is hardly surprising as Grand Place, the city's trade center is located just around the corner. The church asymmetrical shape was created by an irregular and small brook that used to run through Boterstraat.

The entrance dates back to the second half of the 12th century. The choir was completed in 1381 and the side-chapel, devoted to the Holy Virgin, was constructed in 1486. A special feature of this church is the old houses surrounding the church that have been preserved intact up to this day.

The 19th Martyrs of Gorkum - old poster

The church was plundered during the religious uproar in the 16th century and it burnt completely down in 1695 during the bombing of Brussels by the French troops. One of the pillars of the Holy Virgin chapel still holds a canon ball from that tragic event.

In 1714 a Medieval high tower serving as the city belfry collapsed, killing 1 man and 1 pig. In 1929 a plan to demolish the church because it hindered the traffic in the Boterstraat was stopped.

The relics of the so-called "martyrs of Gorkum" were transferred from Holland to the Saint-Nicholas church in 1868 and have, since then, been exposed to the public. These 19 martyrs (image right) were catholic priests that were tortured and executed on the 9th of July 1572 in the Dutch city of Gorinchem (or Gorkum) during conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in the Netherlands.

The church also holds a small painting by Rubens of The Virgin and Child and the Vladimir Icon painted by an artist from Constantinople in 1131.

Latest story from Brussels on Enjoy Food & Travel

• Église Saint-Cathérine, Brussels (July 6th 2010)
• Menelas - a Greek tavern in Brussels (March 10th 2010)
• A touch of class at Café Metropole (March 10th 2010)
  
• Brussels - European quarter (March 2nd 2010)
• Croque at Le Cirio in Brussels (February 5th 2010)

Location of Église Saint Nicholas - see this map of Brussels


View Brussels on Enjoy Food & Travel 2006-2009 in a larger map

UPDATED: Hotel stories on Enjoy Food & Travel August 2010

To make it easier for you, I have compiled all the hotels on Enjoy Food & Travel for the year 2010 on this page. Enjoy!


Rated Hotels on Enjoy Food & Travel 2009

1. Eden Andalou Spa & Resort, Marrakech: BBBBB- (4,68 points)
   Professionally run Resort and Spa Hotel at an unbeatable price. One of my best hotel experiences for years. Several restaurants and bars, pools and beautiful garden - a true garden of Eden.
   Read full review here
   
   
2. Hotel Armada, Istanbul: BBBB+ (4,43 points)
   Terrific location, good service, and a great breakfast buffet was offered at Armada Hotel. Newly decorated and immaculately cleaned and maintained. Armada Hotel is recommended by Enjoy Food & Travel.
   Read full review here
   
   
3. Radisson Blu Hotel Scandinavia, Gøteborg: BBBB+ (4,30 points)
   Still a great hotel in downtown Göteborg. Service in the bar has room for improvement, and I found the beds too hard for my taste. Dust in the room, minor needs maintenance and uncleaned windows led to a lower rating as well.
   Read full review here
   
   
4. Clarion Hotel Tyholmen: BBBB (3,60 points)
   Prime location in the old part of Arendal and just by the water. We had decent sized room with a view over the Arendal city fjord. Few inhouse facilities offered to paying guests. Clarion Tyholmen Hotel is overpriced compared to what is delivered.
   Read full review here
   

Other hotel stories on Enjoy Food & Travel 2009

1. Bergen has the most expensive hotels in Scandinavia
   If you want to visit Norway, and need cheap accommodation, avoid Bergen. The capital city of Western Norway is on top of the list of expensive Scandinavian cities if you need a bed for the night.
   Read full story here
   
   
2. Best deal on hotels in Marrakech
   We (i.e. me and two friends) have serious plans to go to Marrakech this winter. This will be my second visit to this beautiful city. I have already started my research on where to stay. Our brief is - top standard, good location, and a (heated) swimming pool at lowest possible price. Unless we choose to revisit the Eden Andalou Spa & Resort, that is!
   Read full story here
   
   
3. Cheap accommodation at Oslo Airport
   Gardermoen Airport Motell is the place for those looking for budget accommodation. If you are willing to share a room you may get a bed here for NOK 225 (37 EUR). You cannot get cheaper than this!
   Read full story here
   
   
4. Choice group creates historic hotel in Oslo's old central station
   Oslo old central station will reopen as hotel with 160 rooms in 2012. Original window frames and glass will be restored, as well as period furniture and painted commercial posters from the 1880’s.
   Read full story here
   
   
5. COMING UP in June - Clarion Hotel Tyholmen, Arendal, Norway
   It is 30 years since I graduated from college. June 12th I will meet my fellow students to celebrate this anniversary. The banquet will take place at Clarion Hotel Tyholmen in Arendal, my home town. Conveniently I have booked a room there from June 12th to June 13th.
   Read full story here
   
   
6. Doubletree by Hilton, Oslo City Center opens spring 2010
   The Hilton Group may open its first Doubletree hotel in Oslo this spring. Plans of the new luxury hotel in Oslo has been a well kept secret, but the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten revealed detailed information on the new Doubletree by Hilton, Oslo City Center in its travel section March 2nd.
   Read full story here
   
   
7. Eden Andalou Spa & Resort, Marrakech
   After a long complicated evaluation of hotels in Marrakech, we finally chose to book one week at Eden Andalou Spa & Resort. When browsing the hotel website, I cannot wait to get there.
   Read full story here
   
   
8. First Park Inn Hotel to open in Oslo in January
   German Rezidor group is investing heavily in the Norwegian hotel market. They have taken over as main investor in the Radisson Blu Hotel Group after Scandinavian Airlines. Now they are planning a large number of Park Inn hotels in Norway.
   Read full story here
   
   
9. Losby Gods - a manor house hotel
   Losby Gods is a stately home converted into one of the best hotels in Norway. It is located less than an hour away from Oslo city centre and is a wonderful blend of old and new.
   Read full story here
   
   
10. New hotels at Oslo Airport in 2010
    Three new hotels will be opened close to Oslo Airport 2010, making it easier to find affordable accommodation close to Norway's largest airport.
    Read full story here
    
    
11. New review of Radisson Hotel Scandinavia - Göteborg
    In 2009 Radisson Hotel Scandinavia in Göteborg was awarded the best hotel here on Enjoy Food & Travel. Now we are returning for another stay at this first class hotel in the heart of Göteborg. We'll see whether it will be awarded a top rating in 2010.
    Read full story here
    
    
12. Quality Hotel Tønsberg, Norway
    Three years ago I stayed overnight at Quality Hotel Tønsberg. At that point this boat-shaped hotel was brand new. Quality Hotel Tønsberg enjoys an excellent location in downtown Tønsberg with a view of the harbour and within walking distance to the city's restaurants, sights, and shopping area.
    Read full story here
    
    
13. Riad Moulay Siad, Marrakech
    If traveling to Marrakech it is absolutely worth considering to stay in a Riad. These smaller hotels located in the Medina, the old part of the city, has a particular magic. Behind often old, decaying facades you will find beautiful secluded courtyard with rooms on each side.
    Read full story here
    
    
14. Rich Norwegians badly behaved on luxury resorts
    Norwegians have more or less been spared the effects of the ongoing recession. This thanks to riches created by the abundance of oil produced in the North Sea.
    Read full story here
    
    
15. Yasmina and Riad Yacout, Eden Andalou Spa & Resort - Marrakech
    Just outside our room at Eden Andalou Spa & Resort we found two Riads, enclosed open-air spaces.
    Read full story here
    
    
16. The Albergo Chiusarelli Hotel, Siena
    Ten years ago I had my first, and until now only trip to Italy. We started in the Cinque Terre area, then we traveled on to Florence and Siena in Tuscany, and ended up in Bergamo by the Dolomite mountains. After staying in a very spartan room in a 500 year old Florentine Palazzo, we stayed four nights in the cool elegance provided by Albergo Chiusarelli Hotel in Siena.
    Read full story here
    

Find other stories on Enjoy Food & Travel see our new page:

Enjoy Food & Travel - main index 2006-2010

Map with location of hotels


View Hotels on Enjoy Food & Travel 2010 in a larger map

Culinary institution reopens

Photo: Hotel Continental, Oslo, built 1900. Theatercafeen at first floor, by Mahlum 

December 22nd 1900 marked the opening day of Theatercafeen, one of Oslo's most legendary restaurants. August 22nd this Viennese-style café reopened after extensive restoration works with the grand old Dame of Norwegian theatre, Wenche Foss (below), as guest of honor.

Theatercafeen, located in Hotel Continental facing Norway's National Theatre is listed by the NY Times as one of the 10 most famour restaurants in the world.

Its interior is inspired by Café Central in Vienna, that had Peter Altenberg, Theodor Herzl, Alfred Adler, Egon Friedell, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Anton Kuh, Adolf Loos, Leo Perutz, Alfred Polgar and Leon Trotsky as regular guests.

Wenche Foss 2006 by Bogartsmokes

Theatercaféen is an institution, similarly celebrates  its famous guests. A large display of portraits are found on its walls of Norwegian writers, authors, actors, musicians, composers and other prominent figures from Norway's cultural sphere. They have have in common that they are, or have been, regular guests at Theatercaféen.

Be aware that style is reflected in the price. It is definitely one of the pricier places to eat in the Norwegian capital. The food is traditional / continental in style.

Address:
Theatercafeen
Hotel Continental
Stortingsgaten 24/26.
Phone: +47 22 82 40 00

Online booking here
Theatercafeen on Hotel Continentals official website

Latest on Oslo restaurants

• Statholderens Krostue, Oslo (July 30th 2010)
  
• Far East, Oslo; A far cry away from real Thai food (May 26th 2010)
• Yaya's - a Thai beach club in Oslo (May 19th 2010)
• Vognmand Nilsen - Oslo (March 28th 2010)
• Maghreb cuisine in downtown Oslo (February 24th 2010)

View UPDATED: Oslo on Enjoy Food & Travel September 2010 in a larger map

Rich Norwegians badly behaved on luxury resorts

- crash course on how to behave in Norwegian paper

Photo: The Ritz hotel in London by Dickbauch

Norwegians have more or less been spared the effects of the ongoing recession. This thanks to riches created by the abundance of oil produced in the North Sea. Whereas many European travelers must save money, Norwegian travelers increasingly book luxurious holidays, but many behave badly, ignoring important etiquette found on many high-priced hotels and resorts.

If booking a hotel like the London Ritz, the Negresco in Nice or the George V in Paris, it is important to blend in with the rich crowd. The Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten dedicated an article on the do's and dont's of how to behave on exclusive hotels July 12th - a lesson to learn for most of us, if choosing a hotel out of the ordinary on a destination.

A main rule is to look around, and act as the others do. 10 other do's and don'ts are:

1. Do not act as if you own the place, even if you have paid a small fortune to stay there
   Most rich guests know how to behave, and it is considered bad taste to brag.
   
   
2. Avoid laptops and mobile phones in bars or restaurants
   Hammering on a lap top or having a loud telephone call may ruin a romantic meal for the couple beside you in the hotel restaurant.
   
   
3. Respect the dress codes - pack the best part of your wardrobe
   Dress properly when you stay in a high-class hotel, and do bring a suit or a fine dress for dinner, and do not forget a tie!
   
   
4. Let the staff do their job, allow the porter to carry your luggage to your room
   Do not insist on carrying your own luggage, just follow the porter up and remember to follow advise number 9 - see below
   
   
5. Be polite and greet fellow guests
   Looking down, staying silent many be considered rude. Greet staff and fellow guests discreetly and politely.
   
   
6. Enjoy one glass of champagne at the buffet breakfast - only!
   Do not start your party at 10 AM in the morning. One glass for breakfast may be a lifting experience, but four may be considered rude and vulgar
   
   
7. Stay slightly tipsy in the hotel bar - if getting drunk - book another (cheaper) hotel
   You may easily pay 20 EUR or more for a drink or a glass of wine or beer in a high class hotel. Getting drunk is rude, and may be a very costly experience.
   
   
8. Use many plates at the breakfast or lunch buffet - do not pile everything on one!
   Go several times and help yourself to a moderate amount of food on each plate during breakfast and lunch buffets. Rich people do not eat as if each day was the last.
   
   
9. Give a tip for service - a smaller one is better than none!
   The staff may depend on tips to earn a decent living. Leaving a small amount for the staff that clean the room or the porter that order you a taxi is an important sign of appreciation, and they may even give you better service! And do remember - a small tip is better than none.
   
   
10. Enjoy your five star stay!
    Staying a luxury hotel is a grand experience for you as well as your fellow guests. When staying there, pamper yourself to room service or a visit to the spa.
    

Luxury hotels and resorts as featured at Enjoy Food & Travel

• Marrakech: Eden Andalou Spa & Resort (February 12th 2010)
• Grand and impersonal - Conrad Brussels Hotel (November 27th 2009)
• Hotels in New York City: The New York Hilton (April 16th 2007)
  
• Stately living in Brussels: Hotel Metropole (February 14th 2007)
• Discreet luxury in Cambridge MA: Royal Sonesta Hotel (February 9th 2007)

See the luxury offered at the London Ritz on this video

For your information; price for double room from September 10th to September 11th starts at GBP 300. A deluxe suite will cost 900 GBP. And that is "best available rate"