KURTS coffee Riga

We tried KURTS coffee during some outdoor play with the kids in Riga, Latvia. This coffee stand was located by a lovely park called Vērmane Garden or Vērmanes dārzs in Latvian. 

KURTS coffee was established to help support a little boy with a rare genetic disease that means he can't speak, walk or play like other kids. 

All proceeds from the coffee shop go towards the support necessary to have Kurt's needs met. Everything from rehabilitation and medical equipment to his daily life. I can't imagine how challenging it is taking care of a child who has this rare non-curable disease. We were happy to support this cafe!

In 2023, on Kurts' 12th birthday, they were able to open a new cafe location at 

Tērbatas iela 56, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1001, Latvia! 

We have only tried the hot drinks so far, but they also offer cookies and cakes for your coffee break.

The Matcha latte was delicious and the coffee stand was in a perfect location so parents could grab a coffee to-go to enjoy on a park bench while watching their kids play. 

If you're in Riga or visiting the city, be sure to check out one of the KURTS coffee locations for some good coffee and support this great cause! 

Don't forget your snacks!

KURTS coffee

Tērbatas iela 2J, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Check out their Instagram 

Katarina Elevator Slussen

Located on Södermalm across from Slussen metro station in Stockholm, Sweden is the the Katarina Elevator! It was closed for renovation and repairs since 2010. In the Fall of 2023, it re-opened! The walkway connects Katarinavägen at Slussen via two foot bridge with Mosebacke Torg. The current lift was inaugurated in 1936. 

The elevator is free to accesss and there's an amazing view of the city at the top of the elevator! It's a great place to take visitors to the city and even nice to visit for those who live in Stockholm.

Note: The elevator is small and there could be some waiting if it is crowded.

Always be cautious at the top especially during winter with slippery conditions and windy views at the top.

Don't forget your snacks!

Katarina Hissen

Katarinavägen 3, 116 45 Stockholm

Leonardos Kafferosteri Stockholm

Leonardos Kafferosteri & Cafe is a cozy little cafe in Stockholm, Sweden.

Located in the neighborhood of Södermalm, this cafe offers a nice ambience and friendly service making it a great spot for Swedish fika.

Coffee was delicious and there are a few treats to choose from as well. From traditional Swedish buns to a variety of cookies, there is also Semla during Semla season!

The Matcha latte was good and not too sweet like it can be at other cafes!

For those who prefer caffeine-free, there is also caffeine free coffee available for 5kr extra. Free refills for the Brewed coffee ☕️ 

Choose between a comfy sofa, window seat or another cozy table to enjoy your drinks. There are also a few board games you can play at your table.

No kids during our visit but the cafe seems spacious enough to bring kids in. Note: There are stairs to get up to the cafe's entrance so it's not ideal for a stroller. 

Sandwiches and soup are also available for those interested in lunch or a meal instead of just a snack.

If you're in Stockholm or visiting the city and looking for a nice, cozy place for a coffee break, be sure to check our Leonardos Kafferosteri. 

Don't forget your snacks!

Leonardos Kafferosteri 

Folkungagatan 91, 116 30 Stockholm

Check out their website for more information.

Stora Bageriet Stockholm

The Swedish capital, Stockholm, has many different cafes to try and Stora Bageriet is a lovely cafe option in the city.

Located next to the Music and Theatre museum or "Musik- Och Teatermuseet" in Swedish, this cozy, historic bakery cafe is a great place for Swedish fika.

The original name of the bakery was "Kronobageriet" but everyone just referred to it as "Stora Bageriet". That bakery closed in 1958 but has since reopened as Stora Bageriet.

In addition, to the traditional swedish cardamon and cinnamon buns, there is delicious bread and sandwiches to choose from. 

The cafe is open early, even on weekends, which makes it nice stop on a morning walk in the city centre.

There is plenty of indoor seating to enjoy your drink and snacks and we've always had nice, friendly service.

In the Summer months, the outdoor seating is perfect! You can also grab an cold drink like, an ice coffee, to go!

If you're in the city centre, and looking for a nice cafe to stop for Swedish fika, check out Stora Bageriet. We've always found delicious pastries and good coffee!

Don't forget your snacks!

Stora Bageriet 

Sibyllegatan 2, 114 51 Stockholm

Check out their website for more information

Blé Sucré Paris

We found a lovely little cafe called, Blé Sucré, on one of our daily walks exploring the neighbourhoods in Paris.

Located next to Trousseau Square, this bakery cafe has a covered outdoor seating area and it's in a great location.

Everytime we've visited, they've had many delicious pastries, cakes and breads to choose from.

Beautiful cakes and eclairs!

We especially enjoyed the apple and pear pies. They change their offerings, however, so if you had one type of pie one day, it may not be available the next day.

They luckily always have regular croissants and chocolate croissants :) Friendly service at cafe has been nice too.

Grabbing a coffee to go is easy and a nice option when in a hurry. The park and playground is right across from the cafe and there are beaches to sit and enjoy your drink and snack in the park as well.

If you're in Paris or just visiting the city and find yourself in the neighborhood craving a snack or coffee, check out this bakery cafe! It's great to support small neighbourhood cafes.

Don't forget your snacks!

Blé Sucré

7 Rue Antoine Vollon, 75012 Paris, France

Visit their Instagram for more info

Celebrate Carrot Cake Day

Swedes love to celebrate different food holidays. From Cinnamon Bun day to Waffle day, it's something nice to look forward to especially during the winter! February 3rd is Carrot Cake Day or "Morotskakans dag" in Swedish.

Cafes and bakeries around Sweden usually offer Carrot cake on their menu but on Carrot Cake Day, you can find even more available.

Celebrate with a slice of delicious Carrot Cake or even a carrot cupcake 🥕! If you can't have nuts, remember to check if there are nuts in the cake. We have found some good carrot cake made nut-free. 

Whether you're in Sweden or not for this Food Holiday, why not celebrate with some delicious carrot cake dessert. Pair with a nice hot tea or coffee and you've got a lovely Swedish fika!

Don't forget your snacks!

Some places in try Carrot Cake:

Hagabageri 

Torsgatan 75, 113 37 Stockholm

Kafe Rang

Hammarby allé 62A, 120 61 Stockholm

Steinbrenner & Nyberg

Östra Larmgatan 6, 411 07 Göteborg

Grand Hotel Julbord Stockholm

With the Winter season comes the traditional Swedish Julbord or "Christmas Table". This buffet meal is offered at various hotels and restaurants around Sweden from late November to Christmas.

Classic Julbord dishes include Swedish meats and cheeses, pickled herring, different salads and desserts. Drinks are usually extra. 

A Julbord can be popular, so it's a good idea to book ahead if you want to be guaranteed a place.

Kids usually cost less than adults, which makes sense because they don't eat as much 😆

We treated ourselves to a Julbord at Stockholm's beautiful Grand Hotel located right across from the Royal Palace in the city center. It was an enjoyable Julbord experience for the whole family.

The Julbord is served in the Verandan restaurant and you have a beautiful view of the water and Swedish Royal Palace.

The Grand Hotel Julbord didn't disappoint! For starters, there was quite a nice variety of cold fish and meats like smoked salmon and roast beef. A few salad items were included as well. 

For the hot dishes, there were a few meat dishes and if course, traditional Janssons Frestelse or "Janssons Temptation", a delicious potato dish.

The dessert table offered cakes, mousse, donuts or "kleiners" and cookies. There was a lot to choose from and it was all delicious!

Drinks aren't included but you can order sparkling water, wine or festive drinks like glõgg (mulled wine) and julmust.

Kids really enjoyed the hot dishes, especially the ham and baked pork and potatoes. They also liked the bread and a few of the veggie dishes :) 

The Grand Hotel lobby was beautiful and festive with large Christmas tree. Perfect for photos! There is also a sitting area just before you enter the restaurant. It's nice for kids or grandparents to sit and relax there if they're done eating or need a break from the table.

We had a really lovely dining experience at the Grand Hotel! If you're in Stockholm or visiting for the Christmas holidays and looking to treat yourself to a wonderful Julbord experience, why not try the Grand Hotel Stockholm!

Don't forget your snacks!

Grand Hotel Stockholm 

S. Blasieholmshamnen 8, Box 16424, 103 27 Stockholm, Sweden

Check out their website for more info