Amsterdo January edition by Amsterdo

ART & ENTERTAINMENT // FOOD & DRINK // EVENTS // FASHION // FILM // MAP // OFFERS COMPLEMENTARY

JANUARY

LET IT SNOW

AMSTERDAM FASHION WEEKEND ROUND-UP

IN THIS ISSUE:

TUTANKHAMUN AMSTERDAM EXPO...

A PALETTE OF FLAVOR...

TOP 5 COFFEE SPOTS IN...

CATARINA NEVES RICCI

3 OF THE BEST COCKTAIL...

BISTRO-CUISINE & CANAL-SIDE

CATARINA NEVES RICCI...

BEST CUPCAKES IN...

DE GRIEKSE TAVERN

CC MUZIEKCAFÉ: LIVE...

the Amsterdo teAm SeaSon’S GreetinGS amSterdoerS! What a year 2013 promises to be for our Amsterdam, with important historical milestones and anniversaries galore to celebrate. On the weekend of 12 January 2013 the first proud milestone for the city to celebrate is the 400th anniversary of Amsterdam’s Canal Ring, that is now rightly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage, and the rest of the year there will be the reopening of the Rijksmuseum; the Van Gogh Museum celebrates its 40 year; the world-famous Concertgebouw and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra both celebrate their 125 years; Felix Meritis marks its 225 years; 175 years of Artis Royal Zoo; and the Frans Hals Museum clocks up 100 years. As well as art exhibitions of contemporary work and classical work from the Golden Age, concerts from rock to classical music, played in concert halls and city parks, and also the Hotel Night, 24H Amsterdam and the Chambres de Canaux. So 2013 will be fun and full of things to do so lets welcome it with this January edition.

INTERACT WITH THE WORLD AROUND YOU! Layar is a mobile app for discovering information about the world around you. Using Augmented Reality (AR) technology, Layar displays digital information, unsurprisingly called “layers” into your smartphone’s field of vision. We at AmsterDO like to embrace innovation, as well as support our local start-ups, we are very excited by our augmented edition, and would love to hear your views. Look out for the Layar Logo throughout the newspaper for more interactive media content. After installing Layar scan this page with the app to see a welcome message from the AmsterDo Team.

You are AmsterDO

PubliSher and Chief editor

Baz Riachi

1. Go to get.layar.com to install the app on your smart phone.

chiefeditor@amsterdo.com

2. Look for pages and content with the Layar Logo

3. Open the app and press the ‘Tap to view’ button...

4. ...and discover an amazing extra layer of content.

amSterdo wantS you!

Senior editor

Thisbe Casellini

Welcome to Amsterdam’s community newspaper! We provide a reliable source of news, opinion and insight into the depth and diversity of Amsterdam, whilst simultaneously providing visitors with a unique guide to the various levels of the city.

seditor@amsterdo.com

Senior editor

Alain Piro

senioreditor@amsterdo.com

art direCtor

Chief teChnoloGy offiCer

grafix@amsterdo.com

info@amsterdo.com

Lou Buche

Allesandro Sansottero

buSineSS develoPment and SaleS

PhotoGraPher

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pics@amsterdo.com

Michael Raciti

David Cenzar

SPeCial thankS to :

Lina Issa, Nieuw Dakota Gallery, De Slang, UADC-BMD, our Facebook followers

The team at AmsterDO come from all over the world and have a very mixed background, but one thing we all have in common is that we all love Amsterdam! We at AmsterDO don’t pretend to know it all. We don’t want this paper to voice the thoughts and opinions of a select group of people. We want this paper to be the voice of a city! We want local writers, photographers, artists, organizations and businesses to all be a part of AmsterDO. Each month we will be holding parties and competitions for everyone who wants to get involved. If you have an event, a story, some artwork, a good cause, a mission or a dream.... Please get into contact with us and we will share it with the city.

The AmsterDO Team - contribute@amsterdo.com

TUTANKHAMUN AMSTERDAM EXPO, HIS TOMB AND HIS TREASURES N

inety years after its discovery in the Valley of the Kings, the tomb of Tutankhamun is reopened--this time, in Amsterdam. Ninety years ago, in November 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the untouched tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. The tomb in the Valley of the Kings was about 3300 years old. The exhibition Tutankhamun, his tomb and his treasures puts you in the shoes of Howard Carter, and you will experience one of the biggest sensations in the history of archeology. Tutankhamun fascinates. His golden mask is one of the most famous images of the planet. His mysterious death at a young age, his legendary treasures and the always cited “curse of the pharaohs’ inspire our imagination. “... Is the exhibition beautiful? Yes. You get an impressive view of the treasures of Tutankhamun and the ingenuity of the Egyptians ... “

A GROUNDBREAKING EXHIBITION

his exhibition of Tutankhamun is groundbreaking in its presentation of cultural history in general and Ancient Egypt in particular. The exhibition is a unique reproduction of the rooms of the tomb. The beautiful treasures are exhibited in the form of high-quality replicas. With more than 1,000 scientifically approved objects, and nearly 3000 square meters, Tutankhamun, his tomb and his treasures is more complete than any previous exhibition of original objects whatsoever. “... An ode to a real-life Indiana Jones and the stunning Egyptian craftsmen of the past and present ...” (The News, 2011)

POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE

he exhibition includes jewelery, amulets, suitcases, chairs, weapons, a sensational chariot of gold, large golden shrines and of course the famous death mask. There are also multimedia presentations using the latest technologies. You will be acquainted with the cultural and religious world of that time: funeral rites, mythology, dynasties and the hieroglyphic script. It is a stunning exhibition of treasures: you are entering the tomb as an explorer and before your eyes looms the incredible splendor.The original historical artifacts, exhibited in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, are often too fragile to travel. With the exhibition of replicas, the precious world is guaranteed to remain intact for future generations. This unique and educational exhibition is not designed to replace the display of the original artifacts, but instead to add an extra dimension by offering visitors the unique experience to encounter the tomb and the indescribable treasures of Tutankhamen, exactly as they were found. In this exhibit, you can relive the magical moment of discovery as if you were a witness of the original opening of the tomb.

TUTANKHAMUN EXHIBITION 3

TOP 5 COFFEE SPOTS IN AMSTERDAM

oing for a coffee’ is an integral part of modern culture. Whether it is to catch up with friends or get an energy boost, there is nothing more satisfying than a caffeine fix in a relaxing environment. Out in the city centre or looking for a escape? Here are 5 places you can choose from for your desired coffee experience.

LATEI ZEEDIjk 143

Latei is the very definition of Kitch, and we love it for it! Swedish wallpaper, plastic lamps, funky sunglasses and framed oddities, everything with a price tag can be bought, including the chair you sit on as you sip on your delicious cappuccino They also have healthy lunches and outstanding vegetarian Indian dinners on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Located in the busy Chinatown, it is the ideal spot to grab a coffee and catch up with friends, as the vintage atmosphere will take you back to the the era of well dressed housewives. And their apple pie is to die for.

GREENwOODS SINGEL 103

The first English Tea room in Amsterdam is mainly known for its real English tea, freshly brewed and always served in a tea pot. But their coffee is equally as impressive, quality, large lattes

or creamy espressos. The effortlessly classy interior decorated with wooden details may hide its true colours: their speciality is their all day English breakfast, prepared in the open plan kitchen in the back of the cafe. Amongst their breakfast ingredients you will find organic eggs, homemade sodabread and locally sourced ham, so not your usual builder’s cafe for sure. Get rid of your hangover by ordering a big breakfast and sipping on a life giving cup of coffee in their small tearoom or in the terrace, overlooking the Singel.

‘T NIEw DIEP DISTILLERy FLEvOPARk 13

Not your usual choice for a coffee but a real treat for those looking to escape the city centre. Initially a pumping station in the Flevopark, the building recently became a distillery where you can not only purchase their own biological fruit gins ( Genever) but also hot drinks. Ideal for this time of year, you can grab a coffee and a dainty dose of gin, wrap up warm and sit outside overlooking a small lake and the ducks on the partly frozen water. This is a truly local spot, as you can see in the relationships between the friendly staff and the regular customers. This is the closest you will come to popping to the countryside for a coffee.

CAFEZINhO

Tweede Laurierdwarsstraat, 50 HS Tucked into one of the

top 5

small streets in the Joordan is this cosy, stylish but simple Brazilian lunchcafe. And South Americans know a thing or two about good quality, straight forward, strong coffee. The coffee is 100% Arabica yellow Bourbon, shipped straight from a farm near Sao Paulo. Enjoy a cafezinho ( little coffee in Portuguese) accompanied by some traditional pao de queijo ( cheese dough balls) and enjoy the toned down environment, miles away from the stereotypical Brazilian establishment. With free Wifi and Bossa Nova in the background this is an ideal place to bring your laptop and finish off those painful office tasks with the aid of our favourite stimulant.

ThE COFFEE GALLERy CAFFETERIA jODENbREESTRAAT, 94

Forget Starbucks, this tiny traditional Italian take on the takeaway coffee culture is the best value for money you will find in Amsterdam. Backed by the Italian International Cultural Foundation, this establishment is part of an initiative to support small and medium scale Italian entrepreneurs who wish to export to the northern markets. Somehow they found an extremely unpretentious way of making good quality traditional Italian coffee affordable, without all the glitz that usually comes with such a label. In their small interior they also support local photographers by providing a space to exhibit their work.

6 FASHION

AMSTERDAM FASHION BEYOND THE SMOKE: WEEKEND ROUND-UP LOCAL HEMP CLOTHING DEALER DESIGNS FOR A DIFFERENCE

Lev explained why buying hemp products is important: “The main problem is that with big corporations, fashion becomes cheaper and cheaper because its using cheap labor and cheap materials. It’s simply bad for the environment and the people.

clothes that you throw away once they go out of style, which is also bad for the environment.” She goes on, “What we do is offer a good quality product that you don’t have to replace every year. You spend a little bit more money on it but you know you have it forever and you also get to give back to society and the earth. We still try to be fashionable and accessible but we have an ideology behind it and most companies don’t.”

msterdam might be famous for its weed-selling coffee shops, but one establishment has carved out yet another niche for this versatile product. Maybe you can’t throw a stone without hitting a weed-themed souvenir shop around here, but HempWorks (Nieuwendijk 13) is another story altogether.

HEMPWORKS

started as a seed company in 1993 and, like their seeds, grew into a healthy dry goods store that supplies clothes, bags, and hemp accessories that should be on the Christmas list of every environmental consumer. Nine years ago they developed the Hoodlamb brand and the Classic jacket, a must-have for sporty people.

WHAT HEMP IS In case you hadn’t noticed, there was a dramatic increase in fashionistas strutting around in Amsterdam over the weekend, taking part in the very first Amsterdam Fashion Weekend. It was cold, some might even say arctic, so it was hard not to feel sorry for the models taking part in the `Models on Ice’ catwalk in a wind chill that felt like it was -15.

omplete with ice skaters and a catwalk in the centre, these models were showcasing clothing lines from the spring/summer collection presented by Amsterdam Fashion Week and the Model Lodge. Standout trends included iridescent dresses, while white was also a popular theme. There were sheer fabrics, flower prints and orient themes thrown in and to conclude the show `Voice of Holland’ finalist Leonie Meijer performed the hit single `Euphoria’ while presenting her new line of jeans. There was an abundance of pastel and sweet colours and the models were showing off their moves on the catwalk. Meanwhile, for all of the eco-fashion lovers out there, fashion met food and an edible wedding dress was showcased in the hotel window at Hotel JL No. 76. Made by Marjolein Wintjes and Eric Meursing out of flowers of rhubarb and milk, this wedding dress was not your average dress! Firstly, it was pink (although you can get it in different colours or flavours including strawberry and spinach), and secondly it raised the question of the temporariness of fashion and its impact on the eco-system. Elsewhere, the Inglot shop window was a hub of activity as their make-up artists were busy doing make-up for passers-by, and Simcha was busy giving people up-do’s and bringing their hair back to life. My hair was put up into a plait with masses of volume at the top. I had smoky eyes, and a gorgeous gloss and I certainly attracted some attention while I was around town. The O.my.bag & Kiss and Tell fashion show `popped up’ in the Stedelijk museum restaurant where a makeshift catwalk was created. With bag names such as `Little Frankie’, `Sleazy Jane’ and `Miss Money Penny’, they are easy to fall in love with. They were also giving out free black tote bags with the text `Not your ordinary bag’ scrawled on them in white writing, which was a little extra bonus. French Connection hosted a fashion high tea, where you could eat gorgeous cupcakes, have a free session with a stylist, or do a workshop with a top fashion stylist. The Anya Flare Floral Dress (florals being a major style for this season) was available at a discounted rate for fashion week ticket holders.

You’ve heard of hemp, hemp oil, hemp rope, but do you really know what hemp is, where it comes from, or what it’s used for? Recently, I sat down with Adi Lev of HempWorks to learn more. Lev, who is originally from Israel, has worked for the company for about ten years. Lev defends her product, “We believe in hemp production. We know how good it is for the environment, for the people, for everyone, so why not?” The owner of the company, Douglas Mignola, an American from San Diego, is about as passionate about hemp as anyone can be. There happen to be three different species of the cannabis plant: Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis. The first two are broadly known for their psychoactive properties. Their flowers or “buds” amount to the sticky stuff we put in our pipes, papers, and bongs. The third, however, makes for a pretty amazing fabric. Hemp is an all-purpose “miracle plant,” says Lev, because it’s one of the most versatile plants known to man. To grow, just add water! (Literally, no pesticides, no fertilizers).

DOUGLAS MIGNOLA

Mignola visits the production factories in China at least three times a year. According to Lev, “He knows the people that work for us. He makes sure that the working conditions are good. It’s pretty much 99% fair trade – as much as it can be.” The hemp is grown in a small village in China, right next door to the factory where HempWork’s Hoodlamb line is produced.

THE HOODLAMB JACKET

Whether you ski or surf, the classic Hoodlamb jacket is versatile enough to take on just about any journey. “The idea of the jacket is to keep you warm but also be versatile enough to allow you to do sports.” Mignola is a surfer and when the company was just starting, says Lev, “He had the idea for a jacket that would keep him warm when he goes out of the water, but would also be flexible enough for him to run or carry things.” The jacket is perfect for an active lifestyle. Mignola’s team clearly designed it with utility and purpose in mind: It contains a secret pocket that fits a passport, a special dispenser for rolling papers, a special container for your headphones, a front pocket with a built in sunglass-cleaning material, and two more secret pockets on the wrists of the sleeves that fit your phone (so you can take it out like a superspy!). The front pockets close magnetically. The hood is detachable. The lining is a software acrylic-hemp blend, which makes it very breathable and very warm. Every year they increase the percentage of hemp within the acrylic blend, so every year the product gets more and more ecological. Nine years ago, they sold the Classic jacket, which remains a best seller, but have since expanded into accessories such as earmuffs, gloves, bags, and leg warmers in addition to sleeveless jackets and fur hoodies. Every year they add to and change the line, offering new colors and cuts. In addition to the Hoodlamb line, HempWorks also carries other hemp brands such as HempAge, Madness, and Braintree. In the store you’ll find garments, shoes, and other products containing organic hemp-blends, organic cotton, and organic bamboo. In accordance with the environmentalist’s creed, HempWorks also keeps it local by doing the open-air market at Westerpark every first Sunday of the month, but you can purchase your new winter coat or any of their other fine hemp products from their online store if you don’t happen to be in Amsterdam.

SEA SHEPHERD

Mignola and his team might be credited with starting a trend. The crew on Dutch TV show Sea Shepherd (which flies under the Dutch flag) wears Hoodlamb products exclusively. Twenty percent of the proceeds from Sea Shepherd sales go straight back into the anti-whaling organization. The environmentalist crew is in good company. On the walls behind the counter of the store are signed photos of celebrities such as Woody Harrelson and Snoop Dogg wearing their very own Hoodlamb jackets.

This monTh’s The besT of AmsTerdAm in A dAy One day might seem as a short glimpse, but it could turn into a thousand unforgettable flashes in Amsterdam! Vital, inspiring and joyful, each time Amsterdam holds surprises both for tourists and locals, unfolding with the secret green gardens, gourmet food and astonishing panoramic views.

aterlooplein is a great start for exploring Amsterdam. It approaches youwith colourful Dutch boats and rippling channels confluenting into the glorious Amstel river. Next to the Opera building, various gatherings and street performances take place. On the left, just when you pass the famous Spinoza statue, you get straight into a flea market. A

CLoGsA brief hisTory

THIS DAM LIFE

local will find here various heart touching treasures and trifles, old dusty books and classical CD’s, while a tourist can grab a pretty cheap souvenir. Upon leaving the market and entering the old town through one of the bridges, don’t forget to picture the magnificent Zuiderkerk (South Church), Amsterdam’s first Protestant church. Discover secret gardens. These are usually closed to the public, except June 15, 16 and 17 of every year. I truly suggest you not to miss a chance to spend an afternoon searching for the beauteous spots of Amsterdam. I am sure, it will surprise you: green and peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, with a wide palette of flowers and flavourful herbs. Designed by the architects, these gardens are the precious mosaic of culture and nature along the Prinsegracht street and deeper into the Jordaan neighbourhood. If you’re visiting the city some other day, yet some places are accessible: the botanical garden of University of Amsterdam, the historical garden at the Biblical Museum (the Hortus Coclusus) and the luxurious garden of

hough one might not spot many people wearing and making use of clogs, one dare not forget that it was and still is a vital part of Dutch Culture and culture, my friend, is what you show to represent who you are and where you’re from! The language Dutch itself has numerous colloquial expressions coupled with wooden shoes in particular. When talking about clogs, they can be most spotted amongst people working in agriculture and it still remains popular with them as they seem to be perfect for walking on muddy ground and can easily be detached. Dutch clogs are prepared from different types of wood – poplar and willow being favorites – and are often painted. Clogs have long been used and worn by workers as protective clothing while working in the muddy agricultural fields. They are of so much use as they have also been recognized and certified by the European Union as safety shoes as they can withstand sharp and heavy objects and concentrated acids. Hence as these shoes come from a long period back in time,

Museum van Loon where you can have a relaxing moment with a cup of tea and apple cake. Don’t forget to sniff out the places behind the building facades – you never know what greenery you’re going to find! & check amsterdo.com for secret hidden art around Amsterdam. Buy organic food at Nieuwmarkt. What a lively place in the heart of Amsterdam! I usually come here for a daily market on the square. It is famous for a wide assortment of organic food, including Dutch cheese and the best quality mushrooms (don’t mix with hallucinogenic ones J). The buildings around the market house plenty of bars and dining places, offering world cuisine and traditional Dutch food. Have a beer or a cocktail on the terrace of Café Cuba and decide where to satisfy your taste buds! Try delicious duck at Nam Kee. Itis a perfect dinner choice for those who admire authentic Asian food. Located in the neighbourhood of China town, the restaurant offers you probably the best roasted duck in the city. Although the place is usually crowded and you need to wait in a queue for a table, it is worth your while. Geniusly prepared Peking Duck, seasoned with ginger and pineapples, will just melt in your mouth. Climb up to the roof of Nemo. An extraordinary shiplike design of the NemoScience Center building attracts panorama seekers to take in a great view to the old harbour and city. A visual map on the roof will help you to get know the historic churches from above. Enjoy fruitful Rioja wine at the DoubleTree skylounge by Hilton Hotel. Located next to the central station and Nemo, the skylounge terrace offers you another breathtaking view of Amsterdam. Inside the bar with floor-to-ceiling glass windows make yourself comfortable on a sofa and savour the pleasures of the city after dark. by Teodora Gaidyte

they are produced by skilled artisans and are especially made them by hand which shows us how important they are in terms of Dutch culture as well as use. Having to deal with wood, one can by far estimate how difficult it would be to carve the two pairs as the same. It’s a difficult task for historians to correctly date when these clogs came about but what we do know is that these shoes were another source of fuel to the fireplaces of those who used them until they were worn-out and unable to be used. Nonetheless, they approximate that the first clogs were seen at least 850 years ago and the oldest wooden shoe ever known to man was found in the Nieuwendijk in Amsterdam. This clog dates from around the year 1230. Being made from alder wood, the shoes were made in a number of shapes as well as sizes which depended on who would use them. Some had circular frames while few had sharp toes to assist fishermen lend a hand while they netted in.

8 ART & ENTERTAINMENT THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

oneelgroep Amsterdam theatre company launches its contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew on Thursday, 31 January. This resident company at the Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam, on Leidseplein, is a leading theatre company. So that its performances in Dutch will be understood by international audiences, the company cleverly uses English subtitles, or more strictly surtitles, as the words are projected as close as practicable to the actors as they speak their lines on stage. This contemporary version of the comedy is directed by Ivo van Hove. In the timeless play, the rich Paduan merchant Baptista forces his beautiful young daughter Bianca to remain unwed until her older sister Katharina, the shrew that needs taming, is married first. Meanwhile Petruchio, a fortune-hunter, conveniently turns up in Padua from Verona in search of a wealthy wife. As Hortensio wants to marry Bianca, he is keen to point Petruchio to Katharina. But Katharina’s fierce temper and cutting tongue are real obstacles. As she is a valuable prize, Petruchio is resolved to find ways to tame this firebrand and to win her love. As the largest Dutch theatre group, Toneelgroep Amsterdam also travels internationally, playing at the Holland Festival, Festival d’Avignon, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Schaubühne Berlin, and Barbican London. “The overall scope of this wonderful project was impressive because of the acting quality of Toneelgroep Amsterdam. It made you want to go straight on to Amsterdam and catch the rest of their repertoire,” says a recent Barbican review.

BEAUTY AND WELLNESS A

msterdam is an ideal city when it comes to catering to oneself. Whether you want to work out, receive calming treatments for a day or spend numerous days of isolated relaxation, Amsterdam offers it all through its huge range of wellness and beauty centers. With such a variety one is certain to leave the city glowing and refreshed! Many of Amsterdam’s finest hotels have awe worthy spa centers with a variety of beauty treatments available, with most of them being accessible to the public. However, as this is Amsterdam there are also unique places one can go to for unimaginable relaxation. Amsterdam possesses a number of saunas, however, the luxurious Sauna Deco surpasses all by being styled with pieces of art deco. In order to obtain excellent massages Jacuzzi’s, rain showers and relaxation zones why not hit one of Amsterdam’s excellent spas? The Sento Spa offers an excellent panoramic view of the historic center through its roof terrace. Whereas the Spa Zuiver supersedes all spas when it comes to having the most ideal location since it is surrounded by the cities forest, Amsterdamse Bos. For those who are interested in submerging themselves in salt water baths visiting the Koan Boat, located in the cities center is a wonderful idea. If you would rather swim then head to De Mirandabad, its palm trees and wave machine are sure to make your experience a memorable one. The art deco inspired Zuiderbad swimming pool is made for those who’d like to go out for a calm paddle. Only 25 minutes out of Amsterdam is Riderrode which guarantee’s relaxation through its thermal baths or if you prefer getting a hydro massages then visit the Spaarnwoude Resort. To try something new and exciting head on over to Amsterdam’s

Dr. Fish to receive relaxing treatment through fish. These special fish peck on your hands and feet and although it may seem strange at first it will soon turn out to be highly relaxing and will leave you with soft, clean limbs. For the icing on the cake you are served with a refreshing glass of alcohol in the lounge after receiving treatment. The resort also offers facials, body massages and manicures. These experiences aren’t just limited to women, men can also have their fair share by heading to the S.Y.U Grooming Center where they can go for a haircut and shave. They can also

pamper themselves by getting a facial or a new hair style. If they are interested in art then why not get a haircut while seeing what new pieces does the art world have to offer? The Galerie de Salon is both an art gallery and hair salon. Talk about a two in one! Amsterdam spas and salons have no apparent dress code. Most of them are of mixed gender and have a no-clothes policy. However it’s nothing to worry about. If you feel uncomfortable with these arrangements do not hesitate to ask about a ‘bathing suit’ day or ‘ladies only’ timings.

A PALETTE OF FLAVOR AT BIHPONE OF AMSTERDAM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

THE TASTE 9

f you don’t know what you’re looking for, BIHP might be difficult to find. Housed in a narrow, canal-side home among the charming Nine Streets of the Jordaan District, this elegant, threecourse restaurant is frequented more by locals then by tourists. The delicate and rich atmosphere fuses fine art, honest food, and (containing only 16 tables) an impressive selection of drinks for such a small restaurant. The space exudes stylishness and it’s no surprise that BIHP was started back in 2006 as a joint venture by an interior designer and present owner/operator, Bilal Chahal, who is a professional abstract painter. With splendid furniture and thoughtful lighting, it’s certainly a far cry from a touristy Amsterdam restaurant. Preferring to work among his art, Bilal’s artwork dons the walls of the second floor dining area and adjoining gallery. Bilal says that when they first thought about the restaurant, they wanted a place that combined the things that they loved: good food, good drink, and of course, art. He says, “We are not trying to make an exhibition of the food, we are trying to give you an honest meal.” In accordance with this philosophy, the cuisine does not confine itself to any particular tradition. The chefs hail from Greece, the Netherlands, and Columbia. Bilal himself is originally from Lebanon. Dishes are created using a cornucopia of spices from around the globe in an effort to make complicated tastes that both challenge and delight the palate. Although it doesn’t sell itself as a biological restaurant, most ingredients are purchased from local farmers and the fish is purchased from green fisheries. The menu works off of a very simple, affordable yet extremely can choose one of three delicious appetizers, one of three entrees, and one of three desserts. Weekly specials are also available. For pairing, BIHP offers a huge selection of wines. Bilal tells us, “I love wine very much and I think that people should have a lot of varieties to choose from. Both red and white, it’s really a large selection for

through Saturday. The space is also available for celebrations of birthdays and private parties. BIHP attempts to abandon the stuffy pretenses of a slick galleryturned-restaurant. Bilal says their aim is honesty and good service, “I just want to be honest to the customer.” Despite its meager size, Bilal says they are planning no expansion, “It’s small but we are happy with the size. When you are here, it’s like you are in my house.”

resturant information: LOCATION:

WEB:

CUISINE:

PHONE:

International

http://www.bihp.nl

our rating taste & QuaLitY

Customer serViCe

interior

VaLue for moneY

FINAL SCORE:

3 OF THE BEST COCKTAIL BARS

CoCktail Bars 11

fter a momentous day in the office or an energy-sapping meeting in the boardroom, nothing beats an icecold cocktail at your favorite bar. Amsterdam has its fair share of exciting cocktail bars. Many have come up in the recent past and are now the rave in town. Some of the more popular ones are reviewed hereunder.

VESPAR

The Vespar is located in the Jordaan area. This cocktail bar gets quite crowded over the weekends. The place is ideal for small parties and cocktail events. The menu itself is quite inspiring. It has the most exotic names. Drinks such as Red lipss and Porn Star Martini bring out the liberal spirit within you, allowing you to relax and enjoy the cool ambience prevailing in the bar. The bar tenders are courteous and very helpful. They provide excellent customer service. You are at liberty to choose from the extensive menu. However, for those who are new to the cocktail scene the bar tenders shake an exquisite cocktail from your favorite flavors. One such drink is the ‘Leap of Faith’. To cater for a varied customer base they provide both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. The bar tenders also develop seasonal menus to suit the times of the year. For instance, they develop cocktails for the summer, which are invariably different from the spring collection. Vespar have gone the extra mile by offering to tutor those who desire to know how to shake and stir their own drinks. You have the option of dropping by at Vinkenstraat 57, Amsterdam or making a reservation by calling 020 846 4458

DOOR 74

Door 74 does not conspicuously advertise its location. In fact, its entry way is a plain black door. However, inside reveals a paradise of sorts with remarkable customer service, exquisite interior design and soft background music playing as you converse with your friends. Door 74 has a small menu comprising of a number of whiskeys, champagnes and cocktails. The bar is quite popular over the weekends and easily gets overcrowded. Consequently, it makes more sense to visit on a weekday after work. At least then, you can appreciate the great service and the relaxing atmosphere that makes this bar so popular. The staffs are very friendly. They meet you at the door and have your jacket all the while directing you to your seat. They also provide water and snacks as you consider what to order. You can make your order from the menu or trust the bar tender to make you a mind-blowing cocktail based on your preferred flavors. How about that for excellent service! It is always advisable to call for reservations and only same day reservations are accepted. You can catch them on telephone number 06 340 45122. ... We are also not allowed to publish their location!

THE LION NOIR

The Lion Noir is one of the most popular restaurants in Amsterdam. It has an exquisite interior design geared to create an ambience of joy and peace to the patrons. The bar has dim lighting, ideal for a romantic outing. In addition, fascinating paintworks and plants accentuate the bar’s serene atmosphere. While there, take a seat on the sofa and relax as you sip your favorite cocktail. Should you feel hungry, go upstairs and order from their rich lunch or dinner menu. The Lion Noir has a broad range of cocktails on offer. You will definitely find something to delight you. Their ‘Negroni’ for instance is an exquisite drink, a potent concoction comprising Larois Gin, Martini Russo and the world famous Campari. Alternatively, have the Cosmopolitan for E9.5.The Lion Noir has a reputation for being a bit pricey. However, it is all worth it considering the excellent service and the range of drinks on offer. It is generally a good idea to call and reserve your favorite spot in the bar. Their number is 020 627 6603. Alternatively, just drop by at Reguliersdwarsstraat 28, Amsterdam.

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BEST CUPCAKES IN THE WORLD - VAN NESS CUPCAKE AMSTERDAM W

hile browsing the streets of Amsterdam I thought I suddenly ended up in heaven. I know, there is more than one place in Amsterdam that could cause that feeling but this one is really special. A cupcakery! The very first in Amsterdam! Just looking at the window you already drool. Van Ness Cupcake is a wonderful shop where they sell handcrafted cupcakes (soft and moist) with a delicious topping. They are baked fresh every single day on-site with the finest ingredients. Vanessa Vos is the owner of the shop and she started out baking pies together with her mum on Curacao, where she lived. Her aunt was also in the cupcake business. She’s always been a big fan of cupcakes: those nice, fluffy American cupcakes. Since she couldn’t find them in the Netherlands, she decided to start her own place. Vanessa put twelve flavors on the menu. Ten of the flavors, ranging from Coconut to Bastogne Cookies are available at all times. Chocolate Espresso, Chocolate Baileys and Chocolate Lava (there can never be too much chocolate) have their own special days. Mandarin is available until the end of December. The store doesn’t look like any other sugarcoated cupcake store but stands out by a clean and modern design. I was lucky enough to bump into this lovely looking store, with nice purple accents on a beautiful Saturday. That’s

why I could try the Chocolate Baileys cupcake. Oh my god! Imagine a moist light chocolate cake that’s infused with Baileys and topped with a Baileys frosting that’s so absolutely delicious you will want to eat more. It’s like heaven on a plate! I can hear you asking: “What makes these cupcakes so unique?” Well, the cupcakes taste very moist and fluffy (no dry cake at all) and the topping is sweet but not too sweet. It’s soft and light and airy. You can taste that the finest ingredients are being

used like real butter and Belgian chocolate, fresh fruits and real vanilla essence. you have ever had. Make sure to take your debit or credit card because there is a ‘no-cash’-policy. If you make plans to visit Amsterdam you need to plan it in the weekend. Van Ness

happen, so be quick!

American, British & Australian Sweets Delivered to your Door

Order at SWEET-SPOT.NL

CATARINA NEVES RICCI: THE FILMMAKER BEHIND OF AMSTERDAM T

he independent documentary OF AMSTERDAM is a poetic rendition of the issues affecting artists in the capital in the midst of the government cuts. Talking to international artists based in Amsterdam in December 2010, Catarina Neves Ricci explores through a range of mediums (interviews, music and dance) the changing sphere of the arts and what it means to those who have built a base here. The topic of immigration in OF AMSTERDAM works as a tool to help us look into questions from a different perspective according to the background of the artist. Thus, through the tricky relationship between art, money and immigration, Catarina beautifully engages with the opportunities and disadvantages artists are having to face in the current economic climate. Here, the Portuguese 28 year old filmmaker discusses artistic independence, documentary making and her perspective on the government arts cuts.

maybe others don’t. I think it’s a film for people interested and concerned about those particular subjects (art/ Amsterdam/ culture/ immigration); I never wanted and I was never worried (!) about making a film which everybody would go mad for. I wanted to do this film for myself and then give it to Amsterdam and its artists. A real time document! Documentaries often have ‘writers’.

DO yOu FIND THAT HONESTy IS HARDER TO ACHIEVE WHEN MONEy RuLES?

If you are supported by a producer and he/she has all the money for the production of “your” film that film is no longer yours... He/she will decide on your script, the material you will use to shoot it, the casting, days of shooting, in the end all your schedule, all your choices, your life! I absolutely don’t want that, at least for this film- OF AMSTERDAM- I couldn’t do it at all. I am not saying that money is not needed, or that big budgets are a terrible thing, it’s not that of course, but in my experience honesty is easiest to achieve if you work independently, without thinking on how to make money out of it. Since that is the function of a producer, I have chosen to be the producer of my own film. ‘Because you don’t make art to make money, you make art because you have to make it’ ( a quote by Jeanette Jansen from OF AMSTERDAM)... Exactly! That is what OF AMSTERDAM is about.

IS OF AMSTERDAM ART OR ENTERTAINMENT?

I think in some moments the film can feel like entertainment but I wouldn’t call it entertainment because the subjects that are discussed are too serious and my aim behind OF AMSTERDAM, what drove me to it was something so personal and serious that I am not sure if calling it entertainment is possible. But I definitely wanted to do a beautiful thing, beautiful in terms of aesthetics and photography so indeed in some moments you may be entertained, there are certainly performances to watch throughout the film. However I mainly wanted to document a subject. So it’s a real time document! I think that is why some people love it and understand it and feel touched by it, and

discussions and they make you reconsider your reality and stereotypes.

DO yOu THINK THAT THE DISCuSSIONS AROuND THE CuTS HAVE KICK STARTED DISCuSSIONS ABOuT ART AND ITS pLACE IN SOCIETy, SO HOW DO yOu WRITE A FILM WHICH IS, IN MANy IRONICALLy THE CuTS HAVE gIVEN EVEN MORE FuEL TO ARTISTS TO WORK INDEpENDENTLy WAyS, gOINg TO CHOOSE ITS OWN pATH? There are usually two ways to make a documentary; two AND FIND CREATIVE WAyS TO CARRy ON BEINg kinds of directors: those who want to control as much as ARTISTS? possible the production and those possible paths (because of budget usually, but also to organize as much as possible their own ideas for their work and schedule), and those who cannot write a script because you never know what’s going to happen in the meantime, after all it is a documentary you are making. That is what I am like! I have a “kind of” script, you always have to have something similar to it, in my opinion. So I have a line, I have subjects I want to stress, I have questions to make. I also have some shots that are very clear to me and I am like that as a director, at least in something as a documentary. I am very sure about the essence of it and what I want it to look like, so I choose very early in the process some direction lines as in shots, art direction, photography. For this film I wrote a story but not a script. I had between 10 to 15 pages of a proposal with an introduction, subjects, some of the shots I wanted for each one of the artists, etc.

‘ABOuT ART, ABOuT pOLITICS, ABOuT IMMIgRATION, ABOuT EDuCATION’. WAS THIS A COLLECTION OF THEMES yOu WERE INTERESTED IN BEFORE DECIDINg TO MAKE A FILM ABOuT WHy DID yOu CHOOSE TO WORK IN THIS DOCuMEN- AMSTERDAM OR DID THE pROCESS OF MAKINg TARy INDEpENDENTLy? THIS FILM RESuLTED IN THESE BEINg THE OVERALL Because I want to follow my own rules, I want to be faithful to myself and think independently, these are the main reasons. THEMES? I want to have the power to choose and to be conscious and proud of my work. If I have a producer telling me what to choose, how and when to do it, it becomes really hard. I work with art, and my creativity is impossible to command. As everybody’s creativity, right? Cinema for me, the things I write and my aesthetics are of course very personal as well as the subjects I choose to discuss so I want to be sure that I do it in the most honest way.

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STAGE AND SCREEN 15

Yes, those themes took me to OF AMSTERDAM. Those were the subjects I wanted to touch upon. Of course during the shooting and because nothing was “closed” some subjects became more important than others. That is natural. And that’s actually one of the things I’ve heard the most from the audience about OF AMSTERDAM and why they liked it, they say it’s very realistic, those guys are “real”. I didn’t force anybody to say anything! I interviewed like 20 something artists and I chose those 6 because of that: with them I could have each one of those subjects naturally; for example with Hugo (one of the artists) I would naturally stress more the education, with Hércules the politics, with Mariangela the situation of art in Amsterdam/ the Netherlands. I let themselves be themselves. I wanted my film to be about art, politics, etc., through REAL people, REAL artists.

AND yOu FOuND THAT IN THE NETHERLANDS OVER ALL THE OTHER pLACES yOu HAVE LIVED ( pORTugAL, BRAzIL, ARgENTINA, SpAIN)? DO yOu THINK AMSTERDAM INSpIRES ART?

I wasn’t even living in Amsterdam at that time. What made me shoot OF AMSTERDAM was actually what was happening in the city in those days. For the first time in the recent history of Holland a real huge cut on the subsidies for art and culture was being implemented. This happened in September 2010, and from then on there were demonstrations all over the city, people were discussing the subject every day and outside. Artists and art supporters were making themselves heard, it was on the news. What the government was planning to do in the end was actually shutting down some museums, theatres, art institutes, and cutting funds that were the only way for independent artists to continue. So people were really concerned about this, going out and discussing this. And I wanted to have a document about it all! I thought: someone has to document this period of time where people are trying to make others (and the politicians) understand the importance of art and artists. Can you imagine a city without its artists? It would be depressing! They make things alive, they inspire

Yes indeed! That is also what I wanted to achieve with this film: I support this fight more than anything but I don’t look at these cuts as the end of the world. After all I chose to do this film independently. This will always be a very controversial question. I come from a background, a country that rarely supported its artists. I mean right now there’s no longer a ministry of culture in Portugal! But artists we have always had. So how do this people survive? They have to find ways, they have to be creative! My point is I never known those glorious days like there were in the Netherlands, that’s why for me this was an amazing topic. I understand these artists and I respect them a lot and I joined them in this discussion, look at my film! I understand that financial support is something that is really important because it allows artists to work without having to think about money matters all day and that is actually how it should be, of course! But I also know how is to do it without. In the countries I have lived, I’ve never seen anything - not even similar- to this amount of subsidies and funds. I have lived in Portugal, Spain, Brazil and Argentina. In these countries you have always made art with very little! I wanted to shoot OF AMSTERDAM to show how things were changing and to try to make some people responsible to think about the consequences of those attitudes and those attitudes are absolutely bad. However at the same time trying to also pass on a positive message to artists out there: please don’t give up, fight for it! If in the end the government goes ahead with these cuts we will have to get together, join each other and find other ways!

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BISTRO-CUISINE & CANAL-SIDE DINING – VAN PUFFELEN

aurenze Walet is the manager of the restaurant and she shaped this charming Prinsenracht eatery into the chic dining experience that you can enjoy today. After college, she was promoted to manager and for the past nine years has helped shaped this charming Prinsengracht Restaurant Café Van Puffelen eatery into the chic dining experience that you can enjoy today. Van Puffelen is actually comprised of two separate buildings along the canal. One side is dominated by a café area, the other a formal restaurant. In the 1980’s, the owner recognized a need for expansion and bought the space next door, combining two spaces that could meet the demands of both a café and a restaurant.

BISTRO CUISINE:

Laurenze describes the cuisine at Van Puffelen as “bistro cuisine” that combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with both a local and international flair. Typical dishes on the menu might come from Italian, French, or Dutch traditions but will change according to the season and availability of ingredients. Laurenze and her chef change the menu roughly every 3-4 months. She admits that while she’s not a big eater herself, her absolute favorite dish on the menu is the Carpaccio appetizer. We, however, can recommend from experience that the salmon entrée is particularly delicious this season! Van Puffelen went through a bit of a transformation about six years ago when they redecorated. Laurenze likes to keep the décor fresh but wishes to maintain the unique and recognizable style that distinguishes Van Puffelen from other Amsterdam bistros. As a result, Amsterdammers recognize Van Puffelen by name.

BEAUTIFUL LOCATION:

Situated alongside the charming Prince’s Canal (Prinsengracht 375-7), Van Puffelen offers an affordable evening out for just

about everyone. “All guests are welcome here,” Laurenze says. In the private room, which caters to groups from 10 to 150 people and is available for rent upon reservation, “Sometimes we host the birthday of an 80-year-old person, sometimes we’ll host a marriage celebration, and sometimes we’ll host a group of students. A lot of companies rent it out, retirement groups, graduation parties, anyone who wants a private feeling in which to celebrate with friends and family.” Tourists and expats fear not! The establishment doesn’t just cater to locals. At Van Puffelen, it’s all about making you feel welcome and, in that sense, it’s really all about service. Van Puffelen strives to accommodate the international crowd, each with their own unique dining customs. As a matter of fact, the wait staff is excellent at anticipating how customers wish to be served. So whether you prefer a quiet, undisturbed evening with your friends or a more hands-on, proactive approach to customer service, the wait staff does everything in their power to meet your needs. Laurenze, herself, isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Walk in on a typical Friday night and you’re likely to see her helping out the wait staff. “My staff works harder for me when I work with them as well,” she says. “Then I can see what’s happening on

the floor and I also get to meet the customers. And then I know what the customers like.” Simply put, Laurenze, her wait staff, and the chefs are proud of what they do, “When you come in, you can expect you’ll have a wonderful evening and everyone will make the drinks you like, the food you like, and the service you like. The only thing I want people to remember when they leave here is that they had a very nice evening and that they plan to come back next time.” Take it from the manager, “Everybody should feel at home here. Good food, good service. That’s about it.” Eet smakelijk, everyone!

RESTURANT INFORMATION: LOCATION:

WEB:

CUISINE:

PHONE:

Prinsengracht 375-377

International

www.restaurantvanpuffelen. com 020-624 62 70

OUR RATING TASTE & QUALITY

CUSTOMER SERVICE

INTERIOR

VALUE FOR MONEY

FINAL SCORE:

9.0

CC MUZIEKCAFÉ: LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PIJP

LIVE MUSIC

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CC Muziekcafé’s probably one of the more internationally known bars in Amsterdam. Lonely Planet has designated it as one of the coolest bars in the city but really, you should experience the café for yourself.

wner and operator, Rene Barends, has a background in financial advising. About two years ago, after being laid off at his company, Rene decided to take his life into his own hands and invest in a private business that would complement his outgoing personality. According to Rene, “The best way to predict your future is to make it yourself.” So, in 2010, he purchased the 6-month-old CC Muziekcafé. The idea of running a café came to Barends’ after long talks with his fiancé, who helped him make the big decision. “After asking me a lot of questions,” he recalls, “she sort of unlocked something inside my brain.” Rene had previously gained years of experience working as a bartender on Leidseplein, but as he got older, he grew tired of the nightlife and all the trappings that come with working at a bar for young people. “I was a very good bartender but I thought I was getting too old to be working at a bar on Leidseplein. You know that area is kind of for young people,” laments Barends. “New people come to the bar, so the audience stays the same age, but the people who work at the bar get older. I just wasn’t enjoying my relationship with the kids anymore.” Rene enthusiastically recalls his heydays, “I very much

liked my job as a bartender because I was good at it!” In 2008, Barends was asked to join a Dutch band that played Brazilian music and rediscovered his passion for singing. “I already knew I loved music and singing, but I really loved singing in a band.” Rene wanted the establishment to reflect his ultimate passions in life: sports (i.e. American football), music, dance, and nightlife. “I was torn between starting a sports bar or a music café but in the end I saw CC Muziekcafé was available and I bought it.” He admits, “It was kind of like an impulse buy.” The first thing Rene did to the bar to make it his own was redecorate. He made it into a place where you would feel comfortable to sit, chat, and listen to music. Barends, claims, “When people come here,

they say, ‘I don’t know why, but I feel at home!’” He added pillows to the chairs and candles to the tables. Barends attributes most of the cozy atmosphere to the candles. “I love candles,” he says, “Candles give it life!” At the café, you’ll find over 35 candles laid about the place. Then there’s the personal touch at the bar. Rene wants his staff to introduce themselves to the public. It’s a place where you can be on a first name basis with the bartender. He believes that remembering customers is an important aspect of providing good service and helps build relationships with local patrons. He’ll even run a tab without a fuss. “I’d rather run the risk of having somebody run out without paying then skimp on trust. People appreciate that.” Rene muses, “In this cynical world, people are treated as numbers, but I want to go back to a time when we treated each other with respect.” The final and perhaps most important thing you can expect from CC Muziekcafe is the music itself. Rene invites bands from all over the world. While the café does not support any one specific kind of music, you are guaranteed to see something surprising, innovative, and entertaining each and every night. On any given night, you might catch an Indian singer/ songwriter, a soul/jazz band, a pop rock jam session, Brazilian samba, a funk band, or Greek traditional music. If you’re feeling talented (and interactive), they even offer live karaoke and pub quizzes. “It’s really a kaleidoscope of styles, people, and music,” concludes Rene, “I welcome all kinds of bands as long as its quality music and it’s made with passion and heart.”

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paradiso

Weteringschans 6 | www.paradiso.nl UPCOMING EVENTS: 18 januari

aandachtstrekker XXL 19 januari

Winter Wooferland:alice in Wooferland

studio 80

sugarfactory

Rembrandplein 17 | www.studio-80.nl

Lijnbaansgracht 238 | www.sugarfactory.nl

18 january

Hey!

19 januari

Boris Wipwap Werner show

26 january

terry toner invites tomorrow is Now, Kid! 27 january

Wicked Jazz sounds club Night

26 januari

Vunzige deuntjes XL

25 januari

Kreativ - 2 years anniversary

28 january

1 february

2 februari 2013

26 januari

31 january

2 februari 2013

1 february

sappig! invites roog & Erick E House dance forever Boss: dance till you drop 3 februari 2013

Juste debout

Bla Bla soweso W/ Kink Live

yolo - soul, r&b en Hip Hop on Monday secret rendezvous Ep release party 1 february

genau genau - Early spring Edition

2 february

cartel

8 february

flashy

8 february

We are E W 9 february

secretsundaze

9 february

White rabbit invites off recordings

escape

panama

club nl

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Rembrandtplein 11 | www.escape.nl

Oostelijke Handelskade 4 | www.panama.nl

Nieuwezijds Vooburgwal 169 | www.clubnl.nl

Reveal

epic ladies night

club nl Invites

24 january

Line-up: Marc Benjamin, Tom Ven, Vj Joury, The Fabulous

25 january

House Rockers

Line-up: Leroy Styles, Michael Mendoza, Delivio Reavon & Aaron Gill, Glenn S, Jay Are, Mc D-Jay

26 january

brainwash

Line-up: PLASTIK FUNK, Raymundo, Mc Choral, Urban Eclectic @ Delux, Danney Canova, lj/vj Jouri Time: 23:00-05:00

27 january

sappig

Line-up: Kimberlee Ramirez, Brian S, Mike Scot, Frederik Abas, Mc

31 january

Reveal 3years Yellow claw

Line-up: Yellow Claw, Marc Benjamin, All Reveal Residents, The Fabulous Reveal Angels, Vj Joury Gijzen | Time: 23:00-04:00

1 march

Golden

Time: 23:00-05:00

1 march

singleborrel amsterdam!

19 januari

Line-up: Lady Bee, Steviie Wonder, Gijs Scheeringa, Rico Suave, Massive Mc, Kimberlee Ramirez, Dwight Neville, Le

23 january

24 january

19 january

This is True House legends

Line-up: Rufus Riley, Stevez, Mr. Ox, Dubdula | Genre: House, dance,

25 january

Line-up: Reuben Alexander and guests | Genre: SUB-house

Doorgedraaid, Het nieuwe Jaar In epic ladies night

Line-up: Irwan. Steviie Wonder, Gijs Scheeringa, G-Man Int, Rico Suave, Massive Mc, Pascal Moreno & Tyrone Kemble, Le

Line-up: Paul Sparkes (UK) | Genre: House

sub

26 january

Floorplay

Line-up: Paul Sparkes (UK), Jerry van Schie (Groove

26 january

We all love 80s 90s 00s Time: 22.00-04.00

2 february

Funkadelic “First of “

Line-up: Benny Rodrigues, Gregor Salto, Michael Mendoza, Genairo Nvilla, Delivio Reavon & Aaron Gill, Nene Dasile, Roul and Doors, Brian Chundro & Santos, Bootsman2bootsman, Pascal Moreno & Tyron Kemble, Jennifer Cooke & Rahm (live)

9 february

Flirtation love potion Time: 22.00-04.00

27 january

2012 “neon Funk lights”

Line-up: Samuel Goldberg, Victor Badoux | Genre: House,

28 january

Goosebumped

Line-up: Fady Ferraye (Lebanon) | Genre: Progressive-house Time: 23.00-03.00 | Price: Free

30 january

De Woensdag sessie 31 january

shake ‘n bake

Line-up: Brian S., Hero de Janeiro, Roelove74 | Genre: House

3 february 8 february

adore

Line-up: Brian Chundro & Santos | Time: 23:00-05:00

c-Jay presents: The sessions

Line-up: C-Jay , Jaydee | Genre: Progressive, Tech-House, Techno

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ONE OF THE BEST HOTELROOMS IN AMSTERDAM – CONSERVATORIUM HOTEL, MODERN LUXURY LUXURY

When you think of the word “luxury” you think about things that are above usual experiences, something that is more than you can afford, imagine or expect. Objects you would like to touch, buy or at least see. Places you would like to go if you only had enough money or time. All range of goods which are from “the upper shelf”. While hotel business in Amsterdam is growing very fast and gives us a lot of opportunities to sleep in the city for a really reasonable price, there are some hotels which offer high quality service whit excellent rooms for an amount of money that suits only few people around. One of them is for sure The Conservatorium Hotel, definition of modern luxury.

HISTORICAL BACkgROUND

The history of the building situated at Van Baerlestraat goes back to 19th century, when it has been established as Rijkspostspaárbank. However in 1978 the office has been moved and the property has been abandoned for 5 years. After that period it has been arranged into a Sweelinck Conservatorium consisting of 3 music institutes. It did not last long because of the speed with which the Conservatorium was growing, so again, in 2008 the building was available to purchase on the markt. That is when The Set Hotels group decided to invest in it and bring it its old glory. Originally designed by Dutch architect Daniel Knuttel, now it has been given into hands of an Italian designer Piero Lissoni. That explains the modern design combined with efficiency.

INTERIORS

Seeing the lobby has been already more than enough. With majestic reception desks, lounge bar next to them and conference rooms hanging over your head. Even though I am not planning to rent a room here, and it is quite obvious by the way that I look and amount of luggage that I carry (which is none), receptionist welcomes me with a warm smile. We talk a little bit about rooms and suites, however it is hard to concentrate because of a big Christmas tree that is standing in the hallway and catches my eye everytime I look away from the host. The hotel itself does not try to bring attention with gold on the ceiling, Old-Amsterdam paintings or flashing lights with brights colours on the walls. What makes the hotel special is its simplicity. Everything is made with big attention to details so there is no need for glitter and shiny decorations. Let me tell you a little bit about the prices. They vary a lot, between 350euros for a “simple”room, all the way up

to 5,000euros for a penthouse. And that is what I want to focus on now. What is so special about it? Why are people willing to spend that amount of money just for one night? Unfortunately, at the moment the suite is occupied, however I’ve seen more than enough pictures to meld down in my chair and make a wish to be able to spend at least one night in that penthouse. Average size of a regular room is 30m2, while this stunning suite has 170m2. What is interesting, it has a 80 inch screen inside which is ment to be used as your private cinema. Besides that, the windows go up from the floor all the way to the ceiling, and they overview the historical facade of the Conservatorium. Everything looks very elegant but not old fashioned. Designer Piero Lissoni had a perfect sense of what this place needs. Especially the penthouse. Makes you feel that it is actually worth these 5,000euros per night. I will try to explain that feeling. You are aware of the price, but when you see the pictures of the suite, you get the feeling that if you would stay there for a night, you would have reach some kind of a social level. You want to wake up in the morning and walk through the hallway to the glass

wall and enjou the view. That is the life you dream about, that is exactly the touch of luxury which is mentioned on the website of the hotel so many times.

A pLACE TO HIDE

This experience is so unusual for Amsterdam. It is such a fast, touristic city, where everyone wants everything fast and cheap, and where quality is not so important. Here, in The Conservatorium Hotel, in its penthouse, you lose the feeling of being in busy, filled in to the maximum with tourists Amsterdam. Also access to the Akasha Wellbeing Center makes you feel more relaxed. Opportunity to go there after a long day is a nice vision for everyone who know how hard work feels like. You can also dine at a very modern restaurant called ``Tunes`` with a bar alongside. If you are seeking for something outstanding and want to have special treatment (for example from your private host), I can only say that The Conservatorium Hotel with its Penthouse is something to invest in. Let it amaze you, let the luxury touch you in every way that you wish.

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DE GRIEKSE TAVERN A

sign with the quote hangs over the window leading into the kitchen at De Griekse Tavern, possibly the ultimate Greek experience in Amsterdam. Petros Ioannidis and Eleni Koutsou, a Greek couple from Athens opened De Griekse Tavern over twelve years ago and never looked back. Petros’ always wanted to open a restaurant and in a bid to fulfill a dream and combine this with nostalgia De Griekse Tavern was born.

ThE houSE SpEcIAlTy IS uNquESTIoNAbly ThE MEzzE.

Petros and Eleni were the first to introduce a rather ingenious mode of ordering, which apparently dates back to ancient Athens. On a super sized tray the waiter (most of the time a job taken on by Petros himself!) brings 18 small platters displaying the Mezze menu options. From infamous dips such as taramasalata to Greek style whitebait, the customers get to scan over the food prior to ordering, allowing a bit of mouth watering before making the difficult choice. The beauty of the Greek tapas is their social purpose, which unlike the usual 3 course meal, are really a complimentary side to a few beers or doses of Ouzo, the backdrop to a social gathering where laughter and conversation are an essential part of the experience. Where sharing is an obligation as well as a pleasure. Until the summer comes and we book our holidays to Greece’s warmer climate, De Griekse Tavern and its Mezze offer us an alternative way to suck in a bit of the Greek way of living. In addition, how Greek can you get when you are served directly by the attentive owner of the establishment? This is what Petros and Eleni are all about, presence and participation. It is always reassuring and certainly very Mediterranean to be welcomed and served by the owner.

ouzo AND FETA chEESE

Expect to find everyone’s all time favourites; stuffed vine leaves, a selection of dips accompanied by freshly baked bread and the classic Greek Salad, refreshing and adorned with the best feta cheese in Amsterdam. The key to quality throughout the menu is the fresh Greek flavours, a simple but effective mixture of lemon, oregano, garlic and of course quality olive oil. The latter being the pride and joy of any Greek restaurant of note; here they use extra virgin olive oil from the Kalamata region in southern Greece. Good enough to drink! If you are feeling meaty do not miss out on the Mixed Grill, appropriately accompanied by grease-free homemade chips. The organic lamb they import from New Zealand is so tender all you need is a butter knife to tuck into it, a sign of excellent quality. The couple’s own invention Prawns in Tomato Sauce, Ouzo and Feta Cheese is another strong choice, which according to Petros came about after a failed attempt to cook beef in the famous spirit. A successful trial and error story shows that tradition as well as experimentation are the signature of De Griekse Tavern kitchen. Their large selection of Greek wines is the stuff to put a smile on Bacchus’ face and a little dose of Metaxa or Ouzo could not be more appropriate for the deserved appreciation of their creamy Moussaka. In the dessert menu there is the Tavern Specialty, a proud invention of the couple that proved another experimentation success; Greek yoghurt, walnut cake and homemade compote.

All To ThE SouND oF GREEK FolK MuSIc -lIVE GREEK MuSIc

The decor in De Griekse Tavern could not be more adequate. No oversized marble or gold ornaments here, the ambience is pleasantly modest and unpretentious. It is like it has been transported by Zeus straight from Greece to the cold Dutch lands. The sort of understated and honest establishment you dine at day in and day out whilst on a summer holiday. Where the focus is on the food and comfort is found in the homeliness of the surroundings. All to the sound of Greek folk music. Live Greek music that is, if you are lucky and happen to book your table for one of their live music nights. ‘ We began the live music nights as an act of nostalgia, something

for us to enjoy, but soon understood that our customers were equally enthusiastic about the multitude and energy of Greek sounds’ says Petros. During these ‘wild musical nights’ (in Petros’ own words) expect dancing on tables and clapping, transforming a delicious Meditteranean dinner into a night to be remembered. The couple is quick to tell anecdotes of broken lampshades and heel holes on the bar, but they are relieved to add no injuries have ever been recorded. Ray, an American customer turned close friend proudly shows a photo book he compiled over the years in appreciation of the Griekse Tavern, which he describes as ‘relaxing and easy going’. Previously a neighbour, Ray is a regular customer, who even after moving away from Amsterdam still stops by for a bite and a drink with the owners. He shows me photos of the yearly thanksgiving celebrations held by the couple in the restaurant and is not ashamed to say that Petros’ Thanksgiving dinner is better than anything that he could find back at home. The photos are a proof of it. Tables joined up, smiling customers posing as one big family. That is really the feel of the Griekse Tavern, besides the fresh, straight forward, quality food, the atmosphere is something not many restaurants can really cook up. It is the ‘Gezellig’ feeling the Dutch talk about, Greek style.

THE DAM REGULARS

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THE CHINESE NEW YEAR

new Chinese New Year. This does not mean that they would not observed the

If you are looking for an event a little off the beaten track – Look no further. Check out the ‘Dam Regulars’ for some real local events and a chance to mingle with some like minded people.

EVERY SUNDAY

‘ Easylaughs’ Comedy Workshop @ CREA

Even though, winter may make it cold and quiet outside the homes, celebration would make it exciting with lots of activities from the inside to the outside. This is a historical celebration that would be celebrated in a great way. and Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood which is historical is where the

Café Cultural student centre for the University of Amsterdam

HAPPY NEW YEAR!- GONG XI FA CAI!

4 work-shops

EVERY MONDAY

Okido Yoga: Training for health, strength and mobility @ OT301

Famous squat which contributes immensely community activities. Check out their program!

The Chinese New Year is called the Lunar New Year. In the calendar of the Chinese, this is one of the most important dates that is observed

and kept sacred. And for those who are not in China during the celebration, they equally celebrate this New Year wherever they are. And this is celebrated with offerings at temples, family gatherings and food rituals and the colour for the occasion is red. And at the Eve of Chinese New year’s Eve, a lot of superstitious would be seen with the eating of the raw fish salad that is called (yu sheng) which is believed to be good luck and then for prospertity fai-hai

A GREAT TASTE OF CHINA is a great retreat for those who need a romantic setting during this programme. And there are other special events here. Or you can visit the Europe’s first floating Chinese restaurant or Sea Palace and other restaurants along the streets of Stormsteeg and Geldersekade

towards

EVERY MONDAY

Drag Bingo @ The Queen’s Head Pub

A night which everybody should experience at least once, if not regularly!

Friday

January 2013

EVERY MONDAY

Sneak Preview @ Kriterion Movie Theatre Locally famous student-run theatreregularly!

EVERY MONDAY

Cheeky Mondays @ Winstons Kingdom EVERY TUESDAY

Open Mic Night @ Jet Lounge

Great venue, great vibe and totally acoustic.

EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY

Noche Latina @ Candela

Grab a partner for a bit of Salsa dancing

Bakermat Wife Beaters (Elevator Passion) Alex Thomson (Elevator Passion) Jose Ibanez (Elevator Passion) Dassive (Enlightenment) Djessy Hutzezon (Enlightenment)

Spread it Like Butter (Genau Genau) No Reset (Genau Genau) Frank Maris

EVERY SATURDAY

Organic Farmers Market

Visual Entertainment by ShiTv, Body Painting by Arts in parts

Organic Local Produce Time: 9:00-16:00 | Location: Noordermarkt, De Jordaan

House! Tech-house! Deep House!

EVERY SUNDAY

Nude Swimming @ Zuiderbad

Wagenstraat 3-7 Amsterdam

Not for everyone, but if you’re into it, well here it is, strip of a

23:00–05:00 Presale 10Euro | Door 12.50Euro For presale visit

Have you got a small local event or activity and want to let people know? Send us an email @ events@amsterdo.com

Dassive Entertainment

w w w . e le va t o r p a s s io n . c o m kokreate

HIS TOMB AND HIS TREASURES

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