Mamacita, Luxembourg city: good Friday night spot

February 8, 2016August 19, 2016 ~ Corie Bratter ~ 6 Comments

I visited Mamacita in Luxembourg city as soon as it opened its doors, some years ago. I clearly remember I was not impressed: cocktails were less than average and pricey and food was nothing special. The service, on my first visit, has been really bad and I left particularly annoyed by the waiters’ attitude – they totally ignored us in favor of a kind of “VIP” table next. After this negative experience, I came back there only for some drinks during summer.

But as said several times, I tend to give all the places a second chance after some times, so last week I decided to come back to Mamacita for a Friday night dinner with a colleague who was visiting.

I booked throught their Facebook page – replies were fast and very kind. One improvement point already!

We got there at 8 pm after couple of warm-up drinks next door at White House – good combo on Friday night, even if White House is basically empty at that time, you have the best service and the best tables for you.

We were accompanied to the floor and we got to choose our table between two which were still empty. The room quickly became very busy, with couple of groups celebrating birthday parties.

We started with some frozen margaritas and chilli beers, which we accompanied with a mixed platter of starters for two to share – we were four – and some tequila shots – we were in good mood 🙂

After that, we went for single dishes – I had spicy shrimps while hubby had chilli con carne, similarly my colleague opted for chilli and his wife for a ceviche – and a bottle of Nebbiolo from California. We concluded with some more shots.

Here you have some pictures of our dinner. After that, my impressions about this second try at Mamacita.

Thins I loved about Mamacita:

We had great service, indeed. We felt never forgotten by the waiters, notwithstanding the busy evening, and all of them were kind, smiling and in good mood. They granted us a very funny night, thanks.
Food was good – not amazing, but still very good. The mixed starter platter was enough to share for 4 people, in particular the quesadillas were very tasty. My main was nice: well presented and fair quantity. I have seen amazing burgers passing in front of me for other tables.
Drink selections – my colleague noted it – was very good: between tequilas, beers, wine and cocktails for sure you won’t leave thirsty.
The atmosphere is warm and you feel very welcome. Everything is pretty fine priced (we spent 237 Euros in total for 4 persons – 3 cocktails, 3 beers, mixed starter, bottle of wine for 47 euro, 2 platters of shots, 4 main courses).

Things I liked a bit less about Mamacita:

I confirm my first time impression on cocktails, unfortunately: frozen margarita was not good at all (lots of ice and syrup) – but as said, you have other things in the list of the drinks you can enjoy more.
At a certain point, the room was very very noisy. This might not be definitely a bad point for some, but I would not suggest it for a romantic date or if you want to chat with your mates.

I recommend Mamacita: For amazing and very kind service, nice food at a fair price and great atmosphere. Perfect for a night out in town, parties and celebrations, even for small groups. I will definitely come back soon – during the week – to try the burgers!

What to do in Luxembourg for Saint Valentine

February 1, 2016August 19, 2016 ~ Corie Bratter ~ 9 Comments

That time of the year is here again! Single or in a relationship, Luxembourg offers you several option to enjoy the all Saint Valentine week-end.

Here you have those selected by Barefoot in Luxembourg.

A candlelight Valentine
Where: Truffle Bistro – Centre – Luxembourg City
What: A gastronomic and sophisticated dinner in the cozy location of the Truffle Bistro with a very reasonable price (50 euro per person, including an aperitif).
For: romantic couples who want to try this new fascinating location.
More information: here

A breathtaking Valentine with view
Where: Beim Siggy – Clausen – Luxembourg city
What: A lovely combination with a warm atmosphere, one of the best view in the city and revisited classic dishes. 58 Euro without drinks or 80 with wine paring
For: Luxembourg lovers or if your date is not living in the city
More information: here

A delicate and refined Valentine
Where: Bick Stuff – Clausen – Luxembourg city
What: Bick Stuff proposes a romantic dinner in a very intimate and cozy location. The menu starts from crispy shrimps with mango tartare, passing through scallops with foie gras ravioli, beef filet with wasabi or sole with lobster crème, concluding with a delicate pineapple and ginger dessert. Price for the menu is 57 Euro.
For: Old-fashioned couples who love peaceful and charming service
More information: here

A Fashion Valentine
Where: Brasserie Mansfeld – Clausen – Luxembourg City
What: Chic is once again the safe word at Mansfeld, which is exceptionally open also on Sunday 14th for Valentine. The food proposal for the special day is as usual never boring with French dishes and a fusion point of view. Price for the menu is 70 euro.
For: Couples who don’t want to give up on style even on Valentine day.
More information: here

An opulent Valentine
Where: Le Sud – Clausen – Luxembourg City
What: a white gloves dinner with Le Sud old favorites and new menu proposals. Start with a drink on the last floor bar and being then taken away by the fairy-tales and baroque atmosphere of the main dining room. 125 Euro menu only, 180 with wine pairing.
For: Couples who want to splurge
More information: here

Gin – Music – Brunch
Where: Vagabond Barrr – Dudelange
What: A full week-end of events, starting with a gin tasting (reservation only!) and concluding with a colorful Sunday brunch.
For: couples and friends who get easily bored by routine
More information: here

Saint Valentine at the movies
Where: Utopolis in Belval and Kirchberg and Utopia in Limpesberg
What: Two Avant-premiere at 6 Euro per movie
For: If you don’t want to talk during your date
More information: here

Pirate Party
Where: Kjub Bar – Hollerich – Luxembourg City
What: Safe word: find your treasure. A very hot theme party for single and couples who wants to have fun also on Valentine day. Tapas, Latin Music & Cocktails.
For: LGBT singles & couples
More information: here

Single only night
Where: Theatre Le 10 – Neudorf – Luxembourg City
What: 80s music and the possibility to find your soul mate or having just fun. Ticket 10 Euro including one drink
For: funny singles
More information: here

Dinner & Games
Where: Limbo RestoClub – Centre – Luxembourg City
What: You can choose between a romantic Dinner or a drink game party with lots of free shots.
For: whenever you are single or in couple, but you want to enjoy this day
More information: here

Love Party
Where: Sobogusto – Hollerich – Luxembourg City
What: Free bubbles for ladies and food until 6 am
For: a single girls night out
More information: here

Private music session
Where: Vins Fins – Grund – Luxembourg City
What: A combination between a concert and a theatre performance. Mandatory reservation, 20 Euro entrance
For: alternative spirits
More information: here

Jazz & Food
Where: Vertige des Saveurs – Martelange
What: Delicate French food (52 Euro for the menu) and Classic Jazz repertoire
For: Jazz aficionados
More information: here

Other girls night at:
Updown Bar – Grund – Luxembourg: here

Other candlelight dinners at:
Lagano – Differdange: here

Other very single nights at:
Casino 2000, Mondorf: here
Hitch, Limpesberg, Luxembourg City: here
The Tube, Centre, Luxembourg City: here

cute-valentines-day-2016-background

here

Truffle Bistrot: a romantic delight in Luxembourg city centre

January 28, 2016January 28, 2016 ~ Corie Bratter ~ 5 Comments

As part of the week-long celebration for hubby’s birthday, on Tuesday night we had a tête-à-tête at the new Truffle Bistrot – Relais San Maurizio 1619, that opened at the beginning of December near Hamilius.

You might remember from a previous post, I have already tried once to have dinner there. Unfortunately, in that case, I had booked very much in advance and during the Christmas break, the restaurant changed it opening times. I was kindly contacted by the restaurant manager – who was very happy to explain me the background of the place.

Said that, we arrived at the Truffle Bistrot about 8 pm. The location has been totally renovated compared to the previous Italian bar that used to be there. At the ground floor, you have a lounge and bar area where you can have a drink whatever time – without the need of having dinner afterwards. There is also a shop corner with authentic products from Relais San Maurizio – you might find more information related to the original place on their website.

On the first floor, the restaurant room. Lovely settings, open kitchen with wide windows on the main room, so you can look inside but the smells stay there. As the place was quite empty, we went for the table just next to the windows.

We went for a bottle of Barbaresco 2006 from Relais San Maurizio, we were offered an amuse-bouche with squids and burrata, I went then for home made pasta (tajerin) with truffle followed by wasabi tuna fish, while hubby had a pumpkins soup with poached egg and truffle followed by beef filet with its juice and vegetables. As we were very full, we skipped the dessert. I opted for a coffee – that was accompanied by delicious dried fruits – while hubby had a cheese platter.

As usual, be captivated by the pictures of our dinner and find after them my comments about Truffle Bistrot.

Things I loved about the Truffle Bistrot:

Incredible atmosphere: when they started to work on the old Italian bar, I could have never imagined the new place would have been so impressive. The upstair room is warm, sophisticated, luminous but not too bright. Perfect light for a cozy dinner, whenever romantic or with friends.
Good menu selection: truffle, mainly, but not only. You have several fish and vegetarian choices and authentic products.
High quality dishes and sophisticated presentation: the best dish for me was the wasabi tuna fish and I also liked the pumpkins soup hubby had. Cheese selection was inventive and the dried fruit selection was mouth-wathering.
Fair quality – price: you can imagine you are not in a cheap place, but the prices are in line with same style restaurants in the city (about 16 euro for starters and 25 for main, plus extra for truffle if you want some). Moreover, compared to comments I heard before about this place, I have to say portions are definitely not small – after one starter and one main I was very full and you know I am not a skinny bitch. If you want to splurge, the tasting menu is for 70 euro.

Things I liked a bit less about the Truffle Bistrot:

Lucky enough, this was another place I visited recently I liked as a whole. If I have to find something, some dishes have probably a very delicate taste compared to those we are used to in Luxembourg – I think about the squid amuse-bouche and my pasta starter. Don’t expect the usual butter Luxembourgish cuisine – at least for some of the choices.

I recommend the Truffle Bistrot: If you want to impress someone you love. For a romantic date (ask the table on the window!). For a girls night out if you like delicate and sophisticated food. For a family gathering to celebrate something special. If you don’t want to splurge and you want have couple of glasses at the bar floor with Italian aperitif and great wines – a different place from the usual local bars.

La Maison Lefèvre, Esch-sur-Alzette: great expectations, fine result

November 8, 2015November 9, 2015 ~ Corie Bratter ~ 3 Comments

On Sunday, inspired by the good weather and by a quiet – and sick – Saturday night, we travelled to Esch-sur-Alzette for a date lunch at La Maison Lefèvre.

I had great expectations toward La Maison Lefèvre, which made it recently on the Gault&Millau 2016 guide and I wanted to try it since long.

We had a side table facing the street and, after a cremant aperitif accompanied by some focaccia canapé, we received a Saint Jacques amouse-bouche. I went for a poached egg with potatoes pancake and truffle while hubby had foie gras and then we continued with rack of doe for two. We had half bottle of red wine and two coffees for a total bill of 127 euro (2 cremant, half bottle of wine, two starters, two mains, two espresso, half water)..

How was our lunch at La Maison Lefèvre? Discover it after the pictures.

Things I liked about La Maison Lefèvre :

– Food was nice and not plain: both my dishes had unusual combinations of tastes for usual recipes and I really like the effort in creating unique propositions and not having the common, boring brasserie meal. This was for me the very good point in favor of this restaurant – everything on the menu was new and appealing – and the main reason for coming back.

– Fair quality – price: we had a lot of food in a nice environment for a reasonable price. They have also a tasting menu for 55 euro that looks very convenient. The wine list is various with several good choices for small prices – and great bottles with honest recharges.

– Amazing bread, wide vegetarian selection and private parking under “other good things”.

Things I liked a bit less about La Maison Lefèvre:

– They should have had a great photographer for the website as the place in reality it is a bit less suggestive. It might be because it was daylight, but I was not impressed by the settings as I was online.

– Attention to details very lacking: our table was just attached to a cupboard that was full of dust (see picture). The cheese trolley was in the middle of the restaurant, in a very busy place, without any coverage. My main course presentation was a disaster (joking I said hubby “my doe should have been killed by a car”). From a place like this and for its potential, I would expected something different.

– I booked the table one week in advance but apparently I was not on the reservation list. The waitress who welcomed us kept us for a quite long time at the counter asking me if I was sure I booked, who I talked with, when did I do my reservation.. My husband saw I was a bit disappointed and he smiled back to don’t worry. And then the waitress herself looked and me and stated “yes – be calm please” in a very impolite manner. I don’t think it is the right attitude at all. You have a table for us, ok. You don’t have, we leave. Not really fancy keeping me in the middle of the room interviewing me to understand if I just pretend to have a reservation – I have a schedule of the places to visit that covers the next two weeks and I am not at Zuma, so no, I am not pretending.
Then, as hubby and I speak both decent French and fluent English, I don’t see the reason why she had to speak her bad Italian with us and treat us as kids, with very informal attitude, even later at the table. We might be not as old as the average of the restaurant, but I am not your sister. Just to say, other waiters were pretty fine and professional as it is supposed to be.

To sum up: maybe because I had seriously big expectation about La Maison Lefèvre, I was a bit deluded. Food combinations are great and prices very fair, but I think they should put a bit more effort in the care of details and on the service. Indeed, it think it is a lovely place for a family celebration.

Saturday night drinks and snack at Kritzel Bar, Luxembourg

November 3, 2015 ~ Corie Bratter ~ 6 Comments

After the Fashion Days Luxembourg, back in town, Anna and myself decided to have a quiet drink in town and we opted for Kritzel Bar, the temporary new bar of Hotel Le Royal.
The bar is located in the basement of the hotel and has some pop and bright features.
We went for a bottle of Alice Hartmann Riesling and a cheese platter, that was of the only thing we could get, as the kitchen was already closed.

After the pictures of our evening, you will find my general impressions about Kritzel Bar.

Things I liked about Kritzel Bar:

– Lovely settings and nice atmosphere: definitely you don’t feel to be in a hotel bar and is the perfect place if you want to chat and relax, in the city center, but not in the chaos.
– Nice service: the waiter who served us was very available, he asked the kitchen for our cheese platter even if the dinner time was over and served the wine when our glasses were over.
– Reasonable wine prices: compared to other posh hotel bars in Luxembourg (no name…), you can stay at Kritzel Bar couple of hours without going bankrupt and recharges on the wine list are more than fair.

Things I liked a bit less:
– While the wine list is reasonably priced, the cocktail bar is going more on the “VIP” direction, with an average of 16-18 euros for a drink.
– No windows in the all bar and no smoking area – you should go back to the main entrance of the hotel to smoke outside, not very comfortable.

At the moment, the bar is anyway temporary and we understood that the new location will be refurbished after the works that are taking place at Le Royal.
I hope the good things about Kritzel Bar will be kept, as we have pleasant time and I would not mind to come back for some wine for a quiet evening.

An easy going sushi: WOK Asian Restaurant, Luxembourg city

October 31, 2015November 10, 2015 ~ Corie Bratter ~ 2 Comments

One of the problem I have, when I want to dine in town during the week-end, is the need to reserve well in advance – and to spend sometimes a freaking amount of money for plain dinners.

Since I discovered WOK Asian Restaurant, I know I can easily have an (almost) inexpensive sushi at last minute. For sure, this is not a posh one, not even for a romantic date, not to have a refined dinner. WOK Asian Restaurant is anyway a nice place when you decide to go out at the very last, mainly with your friends and with no needs to dress up.

I have been to WOK Asian Restaurant last Friday with some friends. We did not reserve but at 8 pm the main room was still mostly empty.
Matteo and I went for a portion of mixed dumplings to share (8 pieces), I had a miso soup while my other friend had two portions of fried rolls. Then I continued with a California sushi plat (15 pieces), while the others decided both for sautéed rice with chicken.
We had couple of Japanese beers each, espresso and cold sake’ at the end. The total bill read 40 Euro each (3 people: 1 big dumplings starter, one soup, two rolls starters – two main courses, one sushi platter of 15 pieces, six beers, two bottle of water, three espresso and 1 cold sake bottle). Definitely fair enough.

Discover what pro and cons of WOK Asian Restaurant after the pictures of the dinner.

Things I liked about WOK Asian Restaurant:

– Easy going environment: no formality, no need to reserve in advance, great atmosphere
– Various menu: they have a very wide list of Asian dishes, from Japanese to Chines to Thai, definitely good for all the tastes.
– The California platter is one of my favorite in town: fresh fish, good composition and nice presentation.
– Very fair prices: I am not sure there are several other places in the city center where you can spend 40 euro – with drinks – for such big dinner.
– Kind service: the waitress was really glad to explain us couple of dishes content and to prepare a special dish for one of my friend who has allergies.

Things I liked a bit less about WOK Asian Restaurant:

– Service might be slow when it starts to be crowded. We waited pretty long between the starters and the main courses.
– While I really like the “upstairs” room, if you ended up in the basement one it might be not so fancy.
– I tend to eat only starters and sushi – I am not a big fan of other dishes, at least I don’t find them good as the sushi.

To sum up: WOK Asian Restaurantis a really nice place on budget in the city center. Most of the time you don’t need a reservation, they have a very kind service – even if a bit slow – and it is perfect if you are not in a hurry and you are out for a informal dinner. Recommended for a relaxed supper with friends.

Best pizza in town: Pizzeria La Torre, Luxembourg

August 28, 2015 ~ Corie Bratter ~ 7 Comments

For an Italian, pizza is not an easy matter, I know.
I suppose it is like going to the hairdresser for girls. The one you find A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, was the shittiest experience ever for your friend (#truestory) and the one you would never enter again, it is your pal’s bf. Definitely like that: it is a question of taste. So for example, hubby loves really tiny pizza – the one in Italy we call “alla romana” – while I can have it just as a slide for snack and, on my side, I prefer the really thick one – “napoletana“.

This short preface was requested, as I know my favorite pizza place, in Luxembourg, could not meet your expectations. I love “La Torre“ in Limpesberg – just next to the water tower, short pleasant walk from Glacis – as they are doing a thick pizza and they have my favorite version – white focaccia with mozzarella cheese, tomato and Parma ham.
They have several “really Italian” pizza tastes, I mean, nothing with kebab or fajita chicken spread over – another favorite of mine is the one with porcini mushroom and sausages – and if you are not up for a pizza, they are also thick on the menu side, so you can go wild – I have never had anything different from pizza, so I couldn’t help with suggestions.

Be aware – pizza could be expensive here – for example, my favorite Parma ham is over 20 euro sigh. I don’t come here too often*, so I still find it acceptable and a good quality value.
The atmosphere is Italian and informal. Service is very friendly.

*It could seem strange I declare my unconditioned love for a place and then state I am not visiting it often.. You know what, there I had my last date with that boy and after years (five?), I still cannot look out of those windows without feeling uncomfortable. Illegitimate, but honest.

White Dinner 2015 – Some hints

July 9, 2015July 9, 2015 ~ Corie Bratter ~ 28 Comments

Did you ever heard about the White Dinner?

This is a truly amazing event organized in several European cities during summer (check some pictures of the one in Paris here).

The rules are more or less always the same: the dinner is taking place in a public place that is kept secret till the very last, everybody should be dressed in total white and you must provide for everything for your group (table, chairs, food, etc.).

It is actually less complicated than it looks and having been to four White Dinners in Luxembourg already, I can ensure it is definitely worth the effort – and each and every year you want to improve!

It is just important you try to plan a bit in advance the event and to share the tasks with your group of friends. Keep the group limited, above all if you are inexperienced. A table of 4 or 6 is easier to manage and you won’t feel overwhelmed.

Previous White Dinners in Luxembourg took place among all at the Roses Garden in front of Arcelor Mittal building, in Rue Philippe II, on the Corniche.

Some suggestions:

– Normally you receive indications regarding the “meeting point” ahead the White Dinner day. The “meeting point” is at a walking distance from the place where the White Dinner will actually take place. Therefore, start to wonder where the dinner could be and above all try to find the closest parking place/bus stop. You can share the easy things to transport with your friends (have backpacks, boxes and cooler bags ready and filled). Have just one friend with the car that could move heavy stuff and tables when the place is announced. Use foldable tables and chairs for garden that are light and easy to clean.

– If you are afraid of taking china with you, check at shop like Hema or Ava, in Luxembourg city. They have wonderful catering items at small price and some nice decoration solutions.

– Coordinate the food and the drinks, to avoid ending up with ten red wines bottles and nothing else. Take in consideration that, from the announcement of the “place”, it takes some time to arrange the tables and collect people, so be ready with an icy cold champagne bottle or a nice aperitif for your friends, while you are setting your table.

– Go cold (pasta salad, raw fish, cheese and charcuterie) and simple (what about a bento box for your friends?). If you are afraid is going to be too complicated, you might consider to take something take away (Sushi shop box, for example).

– Don’t forget ashtray if you have smoking friends, big bin bags to clean everything at the end and eventually some rags/cleaning paper as disaster recovery option (open Aperol bottle overturned on the table anyone?)

– If it is your first year, don’t bother too much about the appearance. Try to be clean, have a nice organized table and above all to enjoy. You might see crazy stuff that night, like people having their own butler carrying them stuff around, but White Dinner is not about the best table. It is about having a different special night, about a secret place, about being thrilled of organizing something with your friends and enjoy this special and lovely moment.

Have fun!

Pictures of my previous editions are following:

Dinner with view: Beim Siggy, Luxembourg

July 6, 2015July 6, 2015 ~ Corie Bratter ~ 5 Comments

Often during this season, friends are asking me for a place for dining in town with a nice terrace. Honestly I cannot lie – even if, you know, I would sometimes prefer to keep my best places secret to avoid them becoming overcrowded. Then I usually suggest them at first “Beim Siggy”, a traditional brasserie located halfway between city center and Clausen, that has a wonderful terrace and one of the most amazing views in Luxembourg.

I have been there more than once last year during sunny evenings and I visited it recently with friends. The menu, as said, is very conservative, but portions are great, prices extremely fair and the quality is above the average.

I love the tartare – I had the salmon one and the beef one last time – but also Luxembourgish dishes are pretty yummy – hubby is a fan. List of wines – mainly French and Luxembourgish – is proportionate and has some great names at legitimate prices.

Find some pictures of the night – definitely a place highly recommended for me, above all if you have someone visiting to impress or if you want to arrange a romantic dinner without splurging:

L’Assiette Champenoise, Reims. An unforgettable experience.

June 26, 2015 ~ Corie Bratter ~ 4 Comments

During our Duke’s break in the Champagne region (detailed post to follow), we decided to spoil ourselves and finally visiting a 3-stars Michelin restaurant. I was also able to convince hubby to join, as he is definitely not a fan of the gastronomic cuisine, but he will be after that.

L’Assiette Champenoise is located just outside Reims, in a wonderful park, in the same complex of the hotel. We had a drink in the patio before starting the dinner and the modernity of the details was there perfectly combined with the style of the villa. I loved the lamps in the garden and the chairs were so comfortable you don’t want to leave.

Everything was perfect. We started with a glass of champagne accompanied by some cheese cakes and moving inside for dinner, in a lovely table in the middle of the room with the garden behind us, we went for the surprise tasting menu with champagne accord.

Nothing really to describe: it is impossible to explain the taste of certain dishes if you haven’t tried them. The combination of tastes was awesome, a plat could look like “simple” but then exploding in your mouth in a rainbow of aromas. Amazing. I loved the lobster, the celery mousse with caviar, the tempura artichoke.

Service was outstanding as well. Glasses were never empty, menu explained in details in English (for me) and French (for hubby), we had the time to enjoy this special moment till the very end, while having a cognac in the garden with a cover for the fresh breeze.

The chef came to our table to welcome us and at the end to check that everything was fine. We left with our printed personalized menu and a bag of fresh bread. Nothing more you could really be asked to a restaurant experience. I hope we could have dinner like this one more often, really.

Some pictures of our dinner follow.