Magical Mallorca

Mallorca is truly magical! It's such a beautiful island. Unfortunately some parts have been ruined by mass tourism, but there are still many unspoilt little bays and areas. It was the first time I went back after many, many years. What I loved the most, was the countryside, where time has stood still. Olive groves, fruit orchards, rough terrain, beautiful flowers and stunning old country houses.... 

I also really liked the marina in Cala d'or, which is not only filled with (expensive) yachts, but also with an abundance of restaurants. Some of my favorites: Porto Cari (for the view), Steakhouse Old West (good meat and veggies), 17 Bar & restaurant (best service, hands down), La Scala (italian).

In the centre of Cala d'or there are over one hundred restaurants... but the best -in my opinion- is Restaurante Fernando Café. The garden setting is very pretty and romantic. Also great for pre-dinner drinks!

Another place I can really recommend is Restaurant Sa Font de n'Alis on Cala Mondragó (beach). Take a table "upstairs" for a nice view and more private setting. They serve delicious salads, tapas and paella.

Cala Mondragó and neighbouring beach S’Amarador are definitely worth a visit! The water is incredibly clear and blue, the surroundings are lush and green and part of a Natural Park. Would love to go back some day!

I Looove... the Little White Dress

Finally... summer is here! And what better way to celebrate than by wearing a Little White Dress (LWD)? The LWD is of course the equivalent of the Little Black Dress that is mostly worn in winter. I have to admit I love both. And I actually own several LWDs and LBDs. You can dress it up or down, wear it with sneakers or high heels.

Last summer I bougth two new Little White Dresses, but because of the lockdown, I had little opportunity to wear them.
Now summer is back and so am I!

Want to see my love for LBDs? Please continue here:
I Looove... the LBD

Restaurant Candé Cocina 100% Cartagenera

Restaurant Candé Cocina 100% Cartagenera in Cartagena de Indias is one of the prettiest restaurants I have ever been to. Serving traditional cuisine from the Caribbean coast of Colombia, it is a restaurant that can't be missed when you are in Cartagena! 

On the menu you will find lots of seafood, such as grilled lobster and red snapper, ceviche and shrimp cocktail, various sancochos (local soup), beef, chicken and rabbit, arepas (corn patties), empanadas and salads. For vegetarians there is 'ensalada de coteros', eggplant au gratin and a main course with lentils.

The desserts are to die for. First I declined, but when the manager offered me one of their signature dishes, I couldn't refuse. The coconut pie with corozo (local berry) ice cream is just mindblowing!

But what really took my breath away.... is the interior design. Restaurante Candé is situated in an old mansion in the San Diego neighbourhood, right next door to the relatively new Serrezuela mall. First Candé was located in the city centre, so when I heard they were moving, I was a little bit sceptical. Why move, when you are right in the middle of the action? But when I visited the new location, I fell in love right away.

Every room in the villa is decorated differently. The entrance is lavender blue, the bar is black and white with a dash of yellow, one of the big dining rooms is pink (my favourite one), but you can also sit in the patio, or upstairs, outdoors. It's just amazing how they mixed traditional Spanish colonial architecture with vibrant colours, tropical fabrics and local accessories!

The cherry on the cake is the live music and the mapalé dancers. Mapalé is an Afro-Colombian dance style that was brought to Colombia by the black slaves from Africa. It simulates the movements of the mapalé fish when it's out of the water. You'll find mapalé dancers throughout Cartagena, on Plaza de Bolivar and Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemaní, but to be able to enjoy a private performance is something else.

Whether you come to Candé for the delicious food, the cocktails, the live music and dance, the sultry atmosphere or the stunning interior design... you won't be disappointed! 

Restaurante Candé
Carrera 10, Calle de la Serrezuela #No 39-02,
San Diego (neighbourhood)
Cartagena de Indias
Colombia
http://www.restaurantecande.com/menu/

Reloading...

Finally the time has come that society and businesses are reopening...! The moment we have all been waiting for so long. Going shopping again, having a cocktail at one of my favourite bars, hunting for treasures at the antique market in The Hague... it makes me so happy. Hopefully restaurants will be able to open soon (indoors) as well, just like museums, gyms, theatres, etc. 

Photos taken at:
Scheveningen beach
Garden centre De Bosrand Wassenaar
Antique market Lange voorhout
Restaurant Tapisco