February 6th, 2006
Does anybody have any favorite restaurants/haunts in Amsterdam?
We’re wearing Depends we’re so excited. o
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February 6th, 2006 at 2:51 pm
There are so many great restaurants and bars here, I hardly know where to start! So how about a nice orderly list:
Best for view: 11 (beside Centraal Station)
Best for Indonesian food: Kantjil & De Tijger (Spuistraat)
Best for Dutch, if you must: De Vijff Vlieghen (Spuistraat)
Best cosy four-hour meal place: Vooges (Utrechtsestraat)
Best for ridiculously expensive but amazing sushi (the view is good too): Yamazato @ the Okura Hotel
Best for bitterballen & kaasstengels (essential Dutch bar snacks): any bar in town actually (except possibly on the Leidseplein)
Best vlaamse frites booth in the city: on Heiligeweg (off Kalverstraat)… just look for the queue
Best Dutch beer bar: ‘t Arendsnest (Herengracht near Dam Square)
Best Belgian beer bar: Gollem (off Spuistraat) or In De Wildeman (Nieuwezijds Kolk)
Best all-round local where you can play cards with the Italian barman until 3am, choose your own music and drink cheap beer: Legendz (Nicholas Berchemstraat)… I’ll be the redhead propping up the bar and cursing the cards, the barman or my boss, depending on the day I’ve had
Have a fantastic stay here - it’s one hell of a place.
February 6th, 2006 at 2:59 pm
Not to be missed is a dish called reistaffel (Rice Table) which comes from the Dutch involvement in Indonesia. You get 30 or more little bowls of meats, spices, sauces, etc. to eat with rice. You can get this dish at most good restaurants. The Dutch also have little roast beef sandwiches called something like “brodchies” which are great.
February 6th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
I recommend a place where they don’t serve any combination of “hashish” and “brownie.” This probably limits you to the local Kip’s Big Boy, but I could be wrong.
February 6th, 2006 at 3:11 pm
Amsterdam - the city of sore feet. I always end up walking about 8 hour days, it always seeems just a little way to go (damn circular canal/roads). I must admit though that the last time I was there (well lets face it the last 5 times I was there) I was very fond of a coffeehouse that you may/may not be frequenting, therefore anything denoted with a * may be a direct result of spending time in the coffeehouse:
Anne Frank House - fab - get there really really early - spend as long as you can - all the books and items in the library are facinating.
Vondel Park - nice to ride around on bikes (actually all of amsterdam is nice to ride around on bikes) not fun when bitterly cold ( I can send you a photo that shows the misery!)
Markets - the main ones (on saturdays) lovely to hang out in
Food - Amsterdam (and the dutch) are not known for their food, and you can have heaps of fun eating from the vending machines**(hot potatoe croquette things - fun!), and there is a fabulous frites place on Leiseplain (sp?) - that does frites** with this amazing mayonainse sauce in conical paper things (vague I know) but it was a big favourite.
We also found a nice Dutch restaurant (this could be a bit of a stretch - I think it was on the canal that AnneFrank House was on - great big cavernous place inside - looks small from the outside. They have heaps of good Indonesian places (was dutch once) including a good one just off the Leiseplain (sorry bit hazy on directions).
There is always the sex/hash museums for the ‘what the ?” value - but people watching, and house watching is great.
Sorry for being so vague, Amsterdam is one of my favourite places on earth and I always feel instantly at home - any more advice just email.
February 6th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
Hi!
I don’t have any hotspots in particular, but whatever you do, don’t pass up pancakes or fries while you’re in Holland. Dutch pancakes (pannekoeken) are the best thing ever, and you can get them with anything you want, syrup (stroop) and sugar, jam, ham and cheese, spinach, whatever you want! Fries (patat) in Holland are also really really good. They eat them with a really creamy mayonnaise that seems disgusting, but it totally isnt. In homes they serve them with apple sauce, but you don’t get that much in stalls and whatnot. You won’t have trouble finding either of the two in Holland.
Have fun!
February 6th, 2006 at 3:42 pm
Last summer, I had an excellent meal at Tante Agaath in the Jordaan — best tuna I’ve had in my life. Wonderfully romantic atmosphere.
http://www.tante-agaath.nu/
February 6th, 2006 at 3:44 pm
I lived there for 2 years and I may need to write again after I revisit the city in my dream tonight. So jealous!
You must try an Indonesian Rijstafel (Rice Table) at Sama Sebo. Hang out at a Cafe Smalle or de Tuin in the Jordaan - they are called Brown Cafes - they are all over the city and are the Dutch equivolent to a pub. These are real cafes, not to be mistaken with a coffeeshop. If you are going to imbibe at said coffeeshop, 3 non touristy recommendations are
Dutch Flowers, Kandisky, and de Rokerij (not the Grasshopper/Bulldog).
The Supper Club is totally avante guard - if you want an out there night - get a reservation and see dinner theater in a “this isn’t your parents dinner theater” kind of way. Take your shoes off, lay down in a loft bed and eat communal off the silver platters.
AVOID FEBO and pizza.
Rent a bike.
Chill in the Vondelpark.
See a show at the Paradiso.
Heather is going to look like a native.
February 6th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
Well there’s that little Dutch bakery run and owned by those dreadlock wearing Rastafarians from Jamaica.
Stay away from the Brownies.
February 6th, 2006 at 3:50 pm
Seriously though:
Roseís Cantina Amsterdam
Reguliersdwarsstraat 38-40, 1017, BM, Amsterdam
020 625 9797
Daily 5-11pm (kitchen), bar till 2am
http://www.rosescantina.com
It’s in the heart of the gay district. Great food. Wonderful people. Great wines!!
February 6th, 2006 at 4:07 pm
I just want to say I am excited for you guys! Is Leta going too?
February 6th, 2006 at 4:18 pm
We like the In De Wildeman, a nice brown cafe. (http://www.indewildeman.nl/indexe.html)
I can’t remember the restaurant we ate at that was so absolutely amazing, but look for Indonesian food, especially a ristaffel (big table full of amazing food).
If you get out of Amesterdam, the countryside gets very clean and sweet and polite, and nobody speaks English at all but they smile at you.
February 6th, 2006 at 4:31 pm
There is a falafel stand outside the train station that is STELLAR.
Also, anything around the red light district is good times ;-). Seriously. If you’re in the area around the red light district, everything you do will be fun. Check out Lord Mikes and the Van Gogh museum.
Embrace the brownies!
February 6th, 2006 at 4:37 pm
Leta is not going. Hence the Extra-Absorbent Depends.
February 6th, 2006 at 4:42 pm
I can get the exact locations if you are interested but when I went in September to stay with a friend, we visited a very relaxed and fun bar/cafe named Cafe Zool (Oude Leliestraat 9) a couple times — mostly because my friend was loving theowner. The owner is named Bas, and he may share his dinner with you, and then give you some absinthe. Friendly folks those Dutch.
Zool is next door to one of the best chocolate shops I have ever been too. There is also a pretty decent Italian place across the street.
Next to the Anne Frank Museum is a bar called Werck. Go directly to the top, grab an outside bed (yes, a bed) and a cocktail (not necessarily in that order). The view is of the Westertoren where Anne Frank describes the bells. It’s a very wild experience.
It was all about the cocktails for me while I was there, but definitely stay out of the coffeehouses. They are more for tourists anyway.
Be sure to check out the menu’s at the older restaurants by the way, some of them have penis’s on them. Illustrations that is, not actual ones.
Amsterdam was one of my most favorite cities when I visited Europe — you guys will have a BLAST!
February 6th, 2006 at 4:53 pm
We loved the Kobe house Japanese Teppan Yaki & Sushi Bar. I know you can get food like this in the states, but what made this meal so incredible (although the food is incredible) was the people we met.
At our table was a mom and daugther from a small town in England. They own the only bar in their town, and it’s been in the family for over 400 years. We also sat with people from Spain, Ukraine, and Denmark. We all sat and talked for hours about politics, music, sex, etc… An absolutely amazing experience.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 77
1012 RE Amsterdam
February 6th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
I haven’t been to Amsterdam since I was a little kid, so no advice for you. I just wanted to point out how nice and helpful these comments have been. It makes me feel good about the Internet again. See, people? THIS IS HOW IT’S DONE.
February 6th, 2006 at 6:54 pm
WE’re wearing Depends?
Must be extra-special excited, given Heather’s bowel habits, for HER to be pooping her pants! Way to go, Girl!!
Jon - you may need to take her out of the country more often!
February 6th, 2006 at 7:08 pm
Don’t know a thing about Amsterdam but just had to comment on how much I LOVE the Chuck masthead…. rock!
February 6th, 2006 at 8:33 pm
I went to Amsterdam when I was about 13, so I don’t really remember too many restaurants specifically. I do remember all of the candy stores they have there, though! There’s this one candy store chain…. I don’t recall the name, I think it begins with a “j”….. it’s basically wall-to-wall with strange little Dutch treats.
Also– even though this isn’t really restaurant related either, you should definitely check out the local supermarkets, too. The Dutch have some pretty bizarre breakfast foods (like chocolate sprinkles for your toast).
February 6th, 2006 at 8:44 pm
I’ve heard the Smart Shop is quite good…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jakob/78634749/
February 6th, 2006 at 8:58 pm
i wasn’t in amsterdam much - i was in Rotterdam for a long while. however, street food is great - the patat (pomme frites, fries - whatever you want to call them) ROCK. the secret to the uber-crunchy texture? they are double fried. and do enjoy the mayo. you can also get flavored catchups. my fave is the garlic catchup.
like most europeans, they are not big breakfast people - caffe is great, but be wary that people will put chocolate sprinkles on crusty bread with butter. its bizarre to behold. the pancakes totally make up for this weirdness, however.
lots of asian/indo-pacific food, and its usually very good. and there is a lot of late-night eating post-discotheque. the beer is fantastic. and the locals will often have a shot of gin or schnapps with their ale. WITH. not in or adjacent to.
and enough of those will surely lead you to a banana show in the red-light. enjoy!
February 6th, 2006 at 9:09 pm
I have absolutely no idea where you could dine, but I spit on my computer with Depends comment. Thanks. Happy Pooping!!
February 6th, 2006 at 9:09 pm
Oooh, try the licorice! Extra extra salty and so delicious. When I lived there, we had a little shop where you took a basket in and chose all manner of candy and put it in this little wicker basket — no idea what it was called (we just called it The Basket Shop) or where it was, but possibly the concept still exists. The licorice, if I remember correctly, is in the shape of small cows. Try it! If you don’t like it, send it to me!
February 6th, 2006 at 11:29 pm
I was just there last November, and can recommend a few places. A MUST visit is Cafe Belgique, very close to Dam Square, off the beaten path. Many Belgian ales, small and intimate. While not a “Hip” place to go, the “Bulldog” chain of bars/smoke-up joints is sure to not disappoint. You can’t walk more than a few blocks without running into one. Last but not least, I met an artist that runs a little stand selling her goods in a little park (Not Vondelpark, but that is awesome as well) right on Leidseplein. She is an American Ex-pat, and has been there for years. Her url is debrahill.nl That is a must see!
February 7th, 2006 at 3:16 am
I just went to Amsterdam on the weekend and ate at a place called Sherpa that serves Nepalese and Tibetan food. It was excellent. The address is Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 58.
February 7th, 2006 at 7:47 am
i loved amsterdam - it is sooo beautiful. the canals and bridges and oh, i miss it.
i don’t remember where i ate though…sorry.
it’s been said, but Anne Frank House is not to be missed, especially if you grew up devouring the diary like i did. but even if you didn’t, go for the history and the experience alone. you really get a sense of how little space these people had and what it must have been like for them to live like that.
and also, it’s holland, so you can get yourself a lovely pair of authentic wooden clogs if you so desire!
February 7th, 2006 at 7:57 am
I sent a email to Heather as well, but the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh museum are must sees. I was more intrested in the cultural sites when I was there last, but I did a canal tour and they had some great food on that, but it’s the sights that make that worthwhile.
If you have the time, I would also strongly recommend going to see Madurodam, which is a huge 1:25 model city that has components of all the major sites of Holland. It’s over by the Hague, and it’s amazing the amount of detail in that bad boy. http://www.madurodam.nl/index2.php
And it’s true, pomme frites are the next step to heaven.
February 7th, 2006 at 8:35 am
I don’t have any dining ideas - however, I would say - be careful in the markets. It was my first time out of the country and I was 18 and naive. My friend sat her backpack down next to me in a shoe store and within seconds it was gone, so was her plane ticket (we were flying home the next day), camera, and passport. Just watch your stuff all the time!
Other than that - I remember it being so beautiful and I really loved the Anne Frank house and the Van Gogh museum. Have a great time!
February 7th, 2006 at 8:55 am
hey! european travel gets me pretty excited too. can’t believe no one’s mentioned it yet so i have to pipe up and tell you to be sure to go to the american hotel while you’re there for drinks or dinner. have such a good time!
http://www.edenhotelgroup.com/content/default.asp?hotel=15
February 7th, 2006 at 11:06 am
One of my friends went abroad for a semester there. She said she never used public transportation. She just rented a bike and was on her way. So did everyone else, apparently. High or not.
She was always the former
February 7th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
Have a safe trip!!
Ann
February 7th, 2006 at 12:30 pm
Not sure about the food, but you have to go to the Palace, and Vondelpark.. Also PC Hoofdstraat for some EXPENSIVE shopping, and maybe spotting some Dutch
VIPS. The Red light district (Walletjes) is also recomended. Also, try a canal trip if you have time.. It tells you all about the city. Museums are a must. VAn Gogh and Rijksmuseum.
Traveling from the airport is a breaze too.. Take the train, takes about 20 mins and costs 6 euros 20 cents.
I live in the netherlands, and if you need some help, just drop me an email.. More than willing to help.
February 7th, 2006 at 12:49 pm
I was gonna give you guys some tips…but looks like everyone has it covered….
Have a great trip!!
I can’t wait for the pictures!!
February 7th, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Amsterdamn is a great city.
For breakfast…Barney’s Breakfast Bar is the greatest (Haarlemmerstraat 102). Years later and I still dream of the irish breakfast made with imported Irish bacon. It is a coffee shop as well.
The indonesian restaurant in Dam Square with the big window was excellent as well.
Amen on the Pannekoken.
Have fun!
February 7th, 2006 at 2:09 pm
Check out the sex museum…it’s really fun! Especially the cartoon porn section. Heineken Brewery is worth the 10 euro because they give you beer along the way. Vondelpark is amazing…I was only there in the summer but it’ll be just as beautiful. It’s great people watching in all the piazza type areas…I really liked the one by the Hard Rock Cafe where old men played music and played life size games of chess. Just enjoy it. It’s great!
February 7th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
I know nothing of Amsterdam. But have a fantastic time Armstrongs! YAY!
February 7th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
I’ve never been outside the airport in Amsterdam, but it was pretty cool. Lots of good places to eat, and even a decent art museum.
I’m not saying you should spend your whole trip in the airport, I’m just saying Schiphol has more to see than many American cities. (and here I’m thinking Rochester)
February 7th, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Hope you both have a wonderful time in Amsterdam. A friend of mine has moved there and I hope to visit soon - beautiful country, and I look forward to all your fab photos!!
February 7th, 2006 at 3:51 pm
Long time reader of both your blogs. Will be in Amsterdam 10th-19th on business. Look me up if want to get a drink with fellow jack mormon.
February 7th, 2006 at 4:01 pm
My last trip to Amsterdam:
http://tinyurl.com/c3ncl
February 7th, 2006 at 4:05 pm
I have to second the recommendation of the Supper Club. Trippy is the best word I can come up with to describe it, but it’s so much more than that. If you see a little coffeeshop called Route 66, say Hi for me!
And let Heather know there’s Internet cafe’s everywhere. If you can’t find a hotel you like, We stayed in a little apartment above one of the Bulldog’s and it was freakin’ great.
http://www.bulldoghotel.com/htmlen/apartamentos.htm
February 7th, 2006 at 4:58 pm
Have a safe and wonderful trip!
February 7th, 2006 at 8:56 pm
Any place where there are crepes (pancakes), eat them. They are heavenly.
February 7th, 2006 at 9:48 pm
Just sent a list of restaurants and assorted things to do to Heather. But as a recap, don’t leave the country without trying Indonesian rijstaffel, vlaamse frites w/mayonnaise or curry, pannekoeken, fondue made with dutch cheese, white beer, and matje herring.
You cannot get a bad meal in Amsterdam, so have fun exploring.
Eet smakelijk!
February 9th, 2006 at 4:46 am
A lot of really good comments up there. Rose’s Cantina is excellent Mexican food. Vondelpark is lovely. I’m sure you’ve found a place to stay, but if not, the best way is to go to the tourist office. It’s on the road facing the water with Centraal Station on the other side. We couldn’t find anything on our own but they got us into the Hilton (the Lennon-Ono Hilton) for Ä50 a night. Bargain!
If you decide to get out of Amsterdam, Keukenhof is lovely. We went a bit later in the year so the tulip fields where out, but it’s meant to be gorgeous at any time of the year. http://www.keukenhof.nl/
February 9th, 2006 at 5:54 am
Oops, sorry if this was sent before! Sent a longer email to Heather, but in short, don’t leave the country without trying Indonesian rijsstaffel (our friends took us to Tempo Doeloe and Indrapura, but lots of inexpensive places too), vlaamse frites with mayonnaise or curry (best on Voetboogstraat near the Bloemenmarkt), dutch cheese fondue, and matje herring. Bring home chocolate and cheese.
You can’t get a bad meal in this city…Eet smakelijk!
February 15th, 2006 at 2:09 pm
Welcome home! What you shared with us so far has been fantastic. Looking forward to the rest.
February 15th, 2006 at 3:48 pm
Whattis word (in either English or Dutch) that conveys simultaneous happiness for and jealousness of another individual? Or in this case, an unbearably adorable/globetrottin’ couple?
February 15th, 2006 at 4:15 pm
So glad to hear the blurbodoocery made it home safely. You’ll both be happy to hear I am going to FORCE my husband to go, now. Your posts from the trip (and the pictures!) sealed our fate. Thank you for sharing.
BTW, when I saw the “All your base are belong to us” pic I showed it to my husband, and we both DIED laughing. Thank you for that.
February 16th, 2006 at 10:39 am
So glad that the Armstrongs are back in the states.
I have been a long time lurker, but I had to comment today because of the post on dooce. I can totally understand the flood of emotions that Heather felt after receiving the call about Chuck. I have 4 dogs(still have one puppy for sale…any takers)and I wouldn’t know what I would do without the 3 “permanant” residents in our home. They aren’t just pets…they are part of my family. I am actually even struggling with letting go of the puppy cause I have gotten so attached.
Anyway…I just wanted to say that I am thrilled that the nice young boy took good care of your Chuckster and you have him back safe and sound.
Let Heather know a couple things…I am sure Chuck loves her just as much as she loves him, whether he shows it or not, dogs have funny ways about them and that I would have had the same thoughts of jumping the next flight home had he not been located.
Welcome Home Armstrongs….enjoy Leta, Chuck and the dreaded laundry!
February 16th, 2006 at 12:07 pm
Very relieved to hear Chuck is back home safely. Also being a dog owner, I can imagine every emotion you all were going through until you knew he was ok.
Happy homecoming to ALL the Armstrongs!
February 16th, 2006 at 12:22 pm
“But I would have taken the first flight back if that was what was needed to salvage my heart, and I cannot see the difference.”
you guys, you’re good people.
February 16th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
I never cry when reading blog postings, but reading about Chuck’s disappearance did it for me. I had to skip ahead to learn that he was okay…
I am *so* totally with you on spending whatever it would take to get back home, if it would mean the difference in getting the Senator back.
(she says, with a largish poodle in her lap while typing this…)
Perhaps it’s time to order that calendar with the dear dog’s pics…
February 16th, 2006 at 6:36 pm
I just wanted to echo the one about packing half the clothes you think you’ll need. I’m studying abroad in Spain for 6 months and just about died when the program directors told us to bring a week’s worth of clothes. Turns out that wasn’t a bad idea at all. I’m not sure about the rest of Europe, but in Spain people tend to wear the same clothes for two days before putting it in the dirty laundry. So suddenly one week of clothes is now two weeks of clothes. Plus, depending on for how long you’re travelling you’ll probably pick up a shirt here, a shirt there. Also, they’re not as fashion-conscious as the US–if they don’t have 20 different outfits, it’s okay. The family I’m staying with and all of my teachers seem fine with about 10 changes of outfits. Wearing the same thing you wore last Monday just isn’t a big deal. And as far as pants go, I think we all know that jeans can last more than two days without a wash.
(PS, So glad Chuck is safe at home!)
February 16th, 2006 at 8:15 pm
Excellent tips! Here’s a money tip - when I lived in France, I used my US-bank debit card to get local currency out of ATM’s instead of setting up a local account or dealing with traveler’s cheques. If you set up a daily limit with your bank before you leave, you can feel secure that even if your card is lost or stolen it won’t ruin your life. This worked for me for two years, plus the conversion rate was better. On a side note, I’ll never forget the word for band-aids in Dutch — “Pleisterstrips”. After developing a blister and hobbling about in a small fishing village somewhere outside Amsterdam, we almost missed our boat as I frantically pantomined “ow my foot hurts and I need a band-aid” to a store clerk!