FREE CITY MAP // DISCOUNTS & OFFERS // NEWS& EVENTS // ART & CULTURE // CLUBS // TOP 5 // STYLE
IN THIS ISSUE:
3 INSIGHT
7
FEATURED
5
6
TOP 5 - OBSCURE MUSEUMS
9
THE CITY RITES
12
FREE CITY MAP
16
THIS DAM LIFE
14
OPINIONS
18
CLUBS & EVENTS
LOCAL BEAT
22 LOKAL MOKUM
23 THE TASTE
2
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR AN IDEA...
I suppose that’s what most dreams start as. A good friend once told me that ‘’nothing exists without first being an idea’’. Well, I don’t know how literally anyone can take that, but this started as an idea and this is my dream. Thanks to Amsterdam, it might just come true. There is something about this city. I can’t really describe it, but for most of us who are lucky enough to live here and for many of those that have visited, I would bet that you have felt it. Ever since I have lived here, though, I have constantly marveled at the tremendous hole in the English media sphere. I know some great publications have come and gone and that some continue to hang on, but this is Amsterdam - the most multi cultural city on earth! Where is the newspaper for the international community? Never have I lived in a city that doesn’t ever feel like a city. Any Amsterdammer will probably tell you – ‘Amsterdam has everything a big city would ever need but with the feel of a small village’ I can’t walk down the street without bumping into someone I know. Indeed, Amsterdam can be as big or as small as you like and many will say that this city is just like an onion - It has layers upon layers and communities within communities. (Though you could say this about a lot of cities, a map of Amsterdam actually looks like an onion!) The fact is that for most who visit Amsterdam and even for many who live here, it is extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to get past that first couple of layers. So, this is the idea Create a platform for all Amsterdammers to share their ‘Amsterdam’ with everyone. To promote their artwork or business, their event (big or small) to share their stories and photos, to share their experiences - to cut this onion open for all to see. That’s the dream. Whether it comes true or not will depend on you. We need your help if we are going to make this a real community newspaper. It doesn’t matter if you are a local, tourist or expat, if you are reading this, you are part of Amsterdam and this is your paper. You are AmsterDO
editor-in-ChieF
Yuri Cartland chiefeditor@amsterdo.com
AMSTERDO WANTS YOU!
direCtor
Baz Riachi do@amsterdo.com Senior editor
Joe Wegecsanyi
senioreditor@amsterdo.com
‘EVERYTHING AMSTERDAM’
head oF deSign
Ben Neill grafix@amsterdo.com marKeting and buSineSS deVeloPment
Lara Wilkens lara@amsterdo.com
buSineSS deVeloPment and SaleS
Kerry Melia kerry@amsterdo.com
Welcome to Amsterdam's newest community newspaper! We aim to 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. 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! This is our very first edition and only but a taste of things to come. We will continue to learn and grow with time. 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!
ContributorS:
Sanne Van Oosten, David Beckett, Amy Lowthian, Rosie Dunham, Nead Tokidas, David Cenzar, Carlos Temmink.
We want local writers, photographers, artists, organizations and businesses to all be a part of AmsterDO.
Special thanks to everyone involved in making this first edition a reality. Your energy and support has been the driving force behind 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.
THANK YOU, SO VERY, VERY MUCH - THE AMSTERDO TEAM
THE AMSTERDO TEAM - CONTRIBUTE@AMSTERDO.COM
ORANJE IN AMSTERDAM T
he Dutch people are not known to be the most patriotic citizens in Europe but there are a few occasions which really bring the nation together; mainly floods, cheese debates and football!
This year’s European cup is highly anticipated and the Netherlands have high hopes that their boys in orange follow up on their relative success in the 2010 world cup campaign with another good showing on Europe’s main football stage. Traditionally, the Dutch national side has been known for its style and flamboyance. That all changed with the World Cup in 2010 and, according to Ajax manager Frank de Boer, substance will once again come before style as the Dutch attempt to claim the Euro 2012 cup, which begins this month in Poland and Ukraine. At first glance, many of the Euro qualifying groups look tough. The Dutch XI certainly does not have it easy; group B has been labelled ‘the group of death’ and includes Denmark and Portugal. The real one to watch though will be the Netherlands Vs Germany, on the 13th of June. These classic encounters are always memorable, especially with the Dutch tendency to build walls, and the German tendency to tear them down. Whatever happens, loyal Netherlands fans will not waver in showing their support, with the ubiquitously orange decorations adorning the entire country. If you’re in Amsterdam during the Cup, don some orange clothing, get into the spirit of things and prepare for some big-crowd action.
BRACE YOURSELF FOR ONE BIG PARTY! HUP HOLLAND HUP!
MISTER CHI SCOOTERS
36 COLOURS FROM €999Overtoom 423-425 | 020-3892199 | www.misterchi.nl
INSIGHT
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4
AMSTERDAM SUMMER? I
t can be such a beautiful thing. After months of freezing temperatures, where the sun struggles to even reach beyond the horizon, Amsterdam starts to flower at the slightest hint of warmth.
The Dutch have an appreciation for the sun that is seldom seen in many countries and hordes of people take to the parks, canals and terraces like it’s a holiday, absorbing every last bit of vitamin D. For a country that has an average of below 50 hours of sun during the winter months - you can understand why.
"...INDEED, A BIT OF SUN IS CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION IN THIS CITY..." At the end of the day though, this is Holland, and the weather can change at any moment! Summers in Amsterdam can be a mix of delight and disappointment. Memories of last year’s summer are still fresh in the minds of many and we don’t like to talk about it.
"SO IF YOU SEE THE SUN SHINING – MAKE THE MOST OF IT..." AMSTERDO PHOTOS: DAVID CENZER
TOP
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TOP 5: MOST OBSCURE MUSEUMS A
t Amsterdo we’re dedicated to bringing you fresh and alternative views and things to do in Amsterdam. We’re serious about showing you other possibilities of what this city has to offer.
So we went to the sagely council of local elders, and we asked them to come up with a series of TOP 5 lists. Having sat witness to all the ebbs and flows of Amsterdam’s 800 year history, we figured there was no better group of fictional characters that we just made up to decree what the TOP 5 of anything in this city could be. Each month we will bequeath to you, the people, one of these lists as handed to us by the elders.
5. Bible Museum
Location: Herengracht 366-368 www.bijbelsmuseum.nl Admittedly, the first thought that pops into one’s head is of a giant room, empty but for a single book in the centre. Actually, one wonderful thing about this museum is its exterior. Located in twin 17th century patrician homes, the façade is a classic example of Amsterdam’s beautiful architectural heritage. As for the museum itself, well it’s obviously not for everyone – with life sized models of biblical scenes, as well as a focus on how the bible has influenced Dutch history. It’s pretty obscure, and so it makes our list.
4. Museum of Bags and Purses
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museum. To us, it just shows the diversity of Amsterdam. You’ll also find here a café as well as a gift shop…selling handbags.
3. Pianola Museum
Location: Westerstraat 106 www.pianola.nl
Do you know what a Pianola is? We didn’t either, until we went to the Pianola Museum! It’s a self-playing piano, an early 20th century version of the music box. There is some skill involved, however, in playing the Pianola. You not only have to insert the paper scrolls with the inscribed music, but also control the tempo. This museum is surely one of the foremost of its kind in the world, and about as obscure as they come. With 15 original instruments and thousands of scrolls, it’ll be something you can…ah…tell your grandkids about.
2. Pipe Museum
Location: Prinsengracht 488 www.pijpenkabinet.nl Pipes, lots and lots of pipes, thousands of them are displayed beautifully, enhancing the already existent splendor of this 17th century patrician house. The facts stand alone for this museum, which has been recognised as having the best pipe collection in Europe by the Dutch Museum Register, and the best in the Netherlands by the Dutch Ministry of Culture. Are you a pipe enthusiast? Check it out!
1. National Museum of Spectacles Location: Gasthiusmolensteeg 7 www.brilmuseumamsterdam.nl
Are you an avid fan of the humble spectacle ? Then this is the museum for you. Located in one of the famous 9 Streets, this most esoteric and obscure of museums has the most brilliantly displayed collection of spectacles imaginable. They also divulge you with the important facts of spectacled history, you’ll see !
Location: Herengracht 573 www.tassenmuseum.nl
This is the private collection of determined handbag enthusiast, Hendrikje Ivo. The 3000+ handbags on display make this serious business. A heavenly prospect for many, for others it might seem an arduous ordeal to mount on top of the already tedious notion of going to a
NEXT MONTH WILL FEATURE: THE TOP 5 TERRACES
6 THIS DAM LIFE THE EXPAT ENTREPRENEUR
in most cultures. If you do well and they can be a small part of it, then everybody’s happy. It’s a supportive attitude that breeds creativity and daring. Here are just five of the resources that I found along the way to setting up DJB Pubs, and developing ‘Amsterdam… The Essence.’ Check a few of these out and you’ll find all you need to get started on your way to being your own boss and making your dream business a reality
DAVID BECKETT'S TOP 5 RESOURCES FOR EXPAT ENTREPRENEURS: 1. Kamer van Koophandel, (Chamber of Commerce) KVK.nl Your first stop for setting up a company if you want to bootstrap it and not outsource this to a tax adviser. They can give you all the information you need on the administration side of establishing your own company in the Netherlands – very progressive and supportive. 2. Expat Center, Amstelveen (expatcenter.nl): If you want to outsource the setup of your company, or get advice in many forms, this is a good starting point.
L
ike most expats, I arrived in Amsterdam connected to a multinational company: in my case, it was Canon. That gives a lot of security and infrastructure, in terms of human resources support, money and even social life. Work may be hard, but many issues around living in another country are largely taken care of. So what happens if your company has a lay-off and you are caught in the crossfire? It’s almost as if the umbilical cord to your protector is cut and you are out in the world like everybody else, only with less knowledge about how stuff is done. The natural reaction may be to head home and take your chances on the job market. However, if you have any urge to set up your own company or try to turn your passion into a business, now might just be the time to do it.
"...IF YOU HAVE ANY URGE TO SET UP YOUR OWN COMPANY...NOW MIGHT JUST BE THE TIME TO DO IT. " I faced exactly this situation three years ago and decided to try my hand as a writer and publisher. I’d studied English Literature at University, yet stumbled into busy corporate life before I knew it, so my joy in writing had never found its outlet. This seemed to be the best way to combine my passion with the business lessons I’d learned in a 20-year career in sales and marketing.
3. The Hub (amsterdam.the-hub.net) A shared workspace with an emphasis on sustainability. They offer, cost-effective shared workspace and a series of highquality events - and you get connected to a huge network of entrepreneurs immediately on signing up. 4. Meetup groups; Global Business Development Network (Globalbdn.com), and Open Coffee (meetup.com/ocamsterdam). You arrive, someone will start talking to you and within a couple of hours you’ll leave with a bunch of contacts and a whole lot of renewed energy. Both English speaking.
5. Startup Weekend (amsterdam.startupweekend.org) If you want to test out your ideas, this could be the place for you. It’s a hands-on, intensive weekend where you’ll meet with loads of others on the same track as you. ............................................
David Beckett has lived in Amsterdam for 14 years and is the author of ‘Amsterdam… The Essence’: available in print and via the iBooks store for iPad. His new book, ‘Three Minute Presentation’, will be launched in July. He is also creator of the Kitchen of Ideas©.
www.TheEssenceOnline.com
ASK AMY. ANYTHING GOES... H i! My name’s Amy and I once had a huge crush on Amsterdam. I’ve spent the last 7 years walking through, tripping over, biking along, crashing my bike on, drunkenly stumbling upon, making out on, partying in, being entertained by, picking up on, crying on, losing good friends to and almost sleeping directly on these comically cobbled streets which I now know so well. After this 7 years, my crush has become a full on love affair. I came here by chance, having escaped the hustle and turmoil of living in London. A friend had invited me to come and work, and I generally wanted to check out this famous city…
So I did. At first I had a job but nowhere to live... which has proven a continual challenge throughout my entire 7 years here. This might be familiar to any of you that live here as an expat...it ain’t always easy. I began my first night staying in a hotel called “Titus” - the cheapest in town. After that, a lovely, gay Czech guy who I had only met two days before at my new work place offered me a couch in the east. He is still one of my greatest friends in the world. I followed that by spending three months living with another gay man (Spanish this time) and who is also now a life-long friend - you get very close to people in Amsterdam, of that there is no doubt. My first job was in a famous tourist restaurant, where I worked as a host. This was my first taste of the touristy side of Amsterdam and where I made some great friends who remain solid and reliable companions to this day. After a few years I got fired, and someone I knew had the great idea that I should become a tour guide. So I did. This was how I really got to know the real Amsterdam amidst all its dirty, great and amazing history. We grew together, this city and I, and I became a part of it for real. It was at this time that I realised I was totally in love...and I still am today. That's why I’m giving you this – my very own column space where I am putting myself at YOUR service. In this space anyone can ask me any kind of question about this city – whether it’s to do with living here, travelling here, or just dealing with issues and problems...you can ask me anything! THIS IS AMSTERDAM AFTER ALL!! So here I am, ready to share or answer or advise you in whatever issue you have with this city.
What I didn’t know then is that Amsterdam is the perfect place to create something new, with so much practical as well as emotional support to be found. Hardly surprising: Entrepreneurship is in the historical DNA of Amsterdam. People here love it when you try out a new idea with energy and commitment. Language is no issue, as many of the resources and meetup groups are available in English, and Amsterdam’s natural ability to communicate kicks in big-time. Even visiting the Chamber of Commerce is a breeze, thanks to smooth processes and fluent language skills. I also found a special element that the Dutch call the ‘gunfactor’. It’s an intangible feeling that locals here get when they see someone really going for their dream, and the result is that people offer help and contacts when you least expect it. Those in the creative world in Amsterdam are helping each other by taking a less competitive stance than
Whatever it is...you can just ask me...you can just Ask Amy AMY LOWTHIAN askamy@amsterdo.com
FEATURED
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TALK DERBY TO ME... I
f you had asked me a year ago what roller derby was, I would have looked at you with a very puzzled look - now it seems I can’t go five minutes without saying something on the subject. I’ve got derby fever. This sport has taken over my life and I am not the first fortunate victim. Here is the recipe: Take a bunch of everyday women; add quad roller skates, feisty attitudes, a good dose of aggression and top it off with some agility. The result will be one of the most physically and mentally engaging sports I’ve ever played. Roller derby is a full contact sport played on an oval flat track, whereby passing members of the opposing team in a legal manner scores points. Hitting and blocking are encouraged within set target zones on the body and injuries are not uncommon, yet we just can’t get enough it. We may wear skimpy outfits and assign ourselves quirky names, but do not be fooled - we are real athletes.
" I'VE GOT DERBY FEVER, THIS SPORT HAS TAKEN OVER MY LIFE "
league was born in the typical DIY fashion that encompasses similar leagues across the world. Today there are at least 14 other leagues up and running in the Netherlands, proving just how popular the sport is becoming. Community is a large part of the derby world, with every member being part of a committee that helps keep them a well-oiled machine. Skater owned and skater run, the relationships built between team members are incomparable and each person strives to push the league forward using skills from their everyday life.
But first let’s rewind. I imagine you scratching your head in a mixture of confusion and amazement, as you already begin conjuring pictures of girl on girl action. The game first became popular in the 1930s as a form of entertainment based on roller-skate endurance races of the 1920s, played by men and women on a banked track. By the late 1940s the game was being televised and more of the focus was on entertainment, with big fights and storylines between players. Most of the action was scripted and by the 1970s popularity had almost completely faded. It seemed that roller derby was no more than a nostalgic memory for those who remember watching the event on TV. The resurgence began in the early 2000s starting with the Texas Roller Girls who amended the rules and created a governing body ‘WFTDA’ (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) - roller derby became a ‘real’ sport. Since it’s reincarnation, the popularity of roller derby has exceeded even the most ambitious expectations with over one thousand leagues across the globe to date and new ones starting up all the time. This is largely thanks to the introduction of the ‘flat track’ which can easily be marked out on any floor instead of having to purchase, store and build a banked track which is not time or cost efficient.
Each member of the league is encouraged to choose a derby name. Plays on words are popular; some may choose to exaggerate personal qualities and interests or even to be shocking and ironic. It’s this name that allows you to create your character; your alter ego – ‘Vegan Vengeance’, ‘Abs of Steel’ and ‘Dirty Job’ are just a few examples from our team. Creating this on track personality is definitely a large part of the sport, empowering women to be strong and confident – perhaps something that they cannot always be in everyday life.
The Netherlands is definitely no exception to the trend. Founder of the Amsterdam Derby Dames (Limpin’ Lily, as she is affectionately known) initiated the task of starting the first roller derby league in Holland, by holding a meeting in a skate shop in 2009. From there the ADD
Adding to another piece of roller derby history, in February of this year, ADD hosted the first ever home game (a ‘bout’) in The Netherlands with visiting skaters Roller Girls of the Apocalypse from Kaiserslautern, Germany. The event completely sold out and was more successful than
It is not easy to stereotype the women who play roller derby, as our players come from all walks of life. From software consultants to students, mechanics to mums, we’ve got them all. Not to mention skaters from a variety of foreign countries including America, Canada, Germany and England, we are always on the lookout for new members (or ‘fresh meat’ as we know them). Your skill level doesn’t matter; it’s your attitude and willingness to learn that is most important. Only women are allowed to skate, but we are always on the lookout for budding referees and NSOs (Non Skating Officials) who may be male or female. The only specific requirement is that you must be over 18 to participate.
any of us could have anticipated, only complimented by the Amsterdam Derby Dames winning an amazing 105 - 69. ‘This bout was very important, not only for our own team, but for all teams in Holland’, says team captain San Solo. ‘We've proven that we can host a bout here and that a lot of people are interested in watching a game of roller derby. Everyone can expect more awesomeness to come from The Netherlands soon!’
" PLAYERS COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, WE'VE GOT THEM ALL " Continuing its successes off the track, long term league skater ‘Sweet N Sinister’ (Denise Schepers) made the decision to open her own online store in September 2011 – the first roller derby owned and operated store in the Netherlands. Denise explains ‘I opened the store to make life easier on Dutch derby players, helping them find the gear they need. It has been really successful, largely due to the fact that I play myself so can understand exactly what my customers are looking for.’ You can visit the store at: www.triple3skateshop.com With upcoming bouts scheduled at home and abroad, it’s incredible to see just how fast our league is growing. Roller derby is not yet a recognised sport in the Netherlands, meaning we receive no funding or subsidies. To help cover our rising costs we are holding a fundraiser on June 23rd at OCCII, with live bands, auctions and the chance to meet your favourite roller girls! To find out more about our league including information on upcoming events and fresh meat days, visit us at: www.amsterdamderbydames.nl
ROSIE DUNIAM aka HARDCORE BLONDAGE PHOTOS: IAN RWB & KEES RIJKEN (LEFT TO RIGHT)
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TIME TO EDUCATE TOURISTS ON THE RLD? A
new initiative is beginning in Amsterdam this year, run by the organization Not for Sale, an international organisation which endeavours to raise awareness and support for the victims of human trafficking. The project will identify victims and employ them in catering – training them to cook and serve hot meals to other girls working behind the windows. The main aim of this project is to provide these victims a support base to gain skills, and to give them a viable avenue of alternative employment. So it seems that there is becoming an intensified effort to bring support and awareness for the plight of these women, most of who are far away from their home countries and families. So would it be worth using this impetus to further enhance the cause? For each of the 5 million plus tourists that come into Amsterdam every year, there is a plethora of sights, attractions and places to visit. Of course, the main Red Light District (De Wallen, 1 of 3 such districts in the city) remains on the high end of most people’s list. Many tourists feel that it is important to at least walk through the area, if only to check the box. But what do tourists see when walking through the De Wallen? When asking this question of several tourists, responses varied from ‘entertaining’ to ‘seedy’. Surely there is more to this district than can be surmised in such simplistic terms?
“BUT WHAT DO TOURISTS SEE WHEN THEY WALK THROUGH DE WALLEN?”
On the face of it, the district is one which blends the retro-tackiness of the neon-lighted sex-shop industry with the beauty and historical depth of Amsterdam’s oldest area (and oldest church). Amongst all this, there are smiling, halfnaked women behind glass, bidding men come in and be made welcome. Underneath this façade, however, there are hotly debated issues of women’s rights, safety, health and, of course, the inexorable link between prostitution – legalised or not – and human trafficking. This article is not to debate the rights and wrongs of legalised prostitution, but to ask whether there should be a greater effort by the city to raise awareness by actively educating tourists on the Red Light District, since they are going to walk through it anyway. At the moment, the fear is that all they do is walk through blind and ignorant, whereas there is great potential for awareness to be raised for the very important struggle against human trafficking. Whatever your views on the legalisation of prostitution, and whether it does enhance the safety of the women working in
the industry, there is unquestionably a direct link between Amsterdam’s RLD and the trade of humans in Europe. If we are to fight against this abhorrent trade – regardless of the industry’s legalisation - could we be dedicating more energy to informing the masses of tourists who wander through and, to a large extent, provide the clientele on which De Wallen’s sex industry feeds? Whether it is one of the world’s oldest professions or not, prostitution is certainly one of Amsterdam’s earliest. Since sea-trade increased as the main focus of Amsterdam’s industry from the late 13th century onwards, multitudes of sailors have meant that the sex-trade has also always flourished. Today, tourists have just replaced sailors (admittedly some, usually British, are occasionally dressed as sailors). Of course, in history, there have been times of lesser tolerance and stricter state and church-led opposition to ladies working in the industry. The Calvinists used to fervently display women imprisoned in the old Spinhuis, allowing members of the public to throw fruit at them. In 2001, the Netherlands legalised prostitution (it had been illegalised in 1911). Some of the intentions behind this policy were to allow the women greater independence as freelancers, to be registered in the system, to have a greater trust in the protective qualities of police, and to stamp out pimping. One constant factor of the sex trade in Amsterdam, however, which has remained throughout the centuries and which the 2001 law has not changed, has been that women have always been traded and forced into prostitution against their will. Experts believe that human trafficking has increased across Europe over the last ten years, in correlation with a wider availability of cheap transport and an increase in communication technologies. Birgit Thoma, a lawyer for German organization Solwodi (Solidarity for Women in Distress), estimates around 700,000 women are trafficked into Western Europe every year, in a trade worth nearly 19 billion Euros per annum. It is debatable whether the liberal prostitution laws in Germany and the Netherlands make them more appealing as destinations for traffickers, and also whether tougher laws would have much of an effect in prevention against the practice. The Netherlands, in policy, remains one of the most committed states in preventing and prosecuting against human trafficking. The Sneep and Koolvis cases in 2008 and 2009, respectively, saw convictions against groups of felons for their participation in the trafficking of women, for violence against the women as well as other crimes. The Koolvis case, involving the prosecution of mainly Nigerian traffickers, brought to fruition through a multinational and multi-agency effort, is seen as having been a groundbreaking model in coordinated international investigation. There is little doubt that the legalisation of prostitution in any state does incur a responsibility to the women in the industry. That means a responsibility to prevent human trafficking. At the same time, the open-borders and growing ‘unity’ of Europe means that the onus cannot lie with one country alone. Many victims of trafficking originate in Eastern Europe, one of the main reasons why the Netherlands opposed the entry of Romania and Bulgaria into the
Schengen Agreement, which enables these open borders. According to Bulgarian human-trafficking expert, Ogghy Fortounoff, ‘the efforts of the countries of destination and those of origin should be mutual, (and) Western countries should strengthen the mechanisms to prevent and suppress the movement of traffickers and their victims through the EU’. The open borders of Europe have made this serious issue even more difficult to deal with. However, the highly involved criminal element of the industry does detract from the fact that there are women working independently out there, legitimate in their own respect, paying their own taxes and representing themselves. In any system where the industry is illegalised, it falls entirely into the criminal realm. In the Netherlands, it is only partial. Amsterdam’s example could be used for a valid argument in favour of legalisation, in that it seems to lessen the risk. This is one of the few cities in the world that does not try to sweep prostitution under the carpet, but actively endeavours to make it as safe as possible. Police take an active role in knowing the ins and outs of the district, and keeping an observant eye on the well-being of the ladies working within. Legalisation allows for this kind of protective safe-guard. There are, on average, around 2 murders a year in the De Wallen. It would be interesting to compare that number to other such districts around the world, where the sex industry is as concentrated. And so, in a district where both sides of the prostitution debate can find good reasons for their arguments, do we have a responsibility to be better informing the masses of tourists who walk through the streets, and what should we be telling them about this oldest and most famous of Amsterdam’s districts? Surely a case could be put that tourists need be provided with information of the debate that rages, at least. If tourists were informed of the intentions and reasons behind the stalling Project 1012 – the official endeavour to ‘clean up’ the district, as well as the resultant public discussion over it, they would be able to walk through the district with a more informed perspective. Surely, any efforts to raise awareness for victims of human trafficking could only be positive? Another possibility is to ensure that all tour guides and information centre workers in Amsterdam are well educated about the policies regarding human trafficking, on both national and European levels. For many tourists, tour guides become the most influential factor in how Amsterdam can be viewed. For a city which has so many contrasting features, and so many angles from which one can look at it, this influence could immensely help any campaign of awareness for victims of human trafficking. The same could be said of hostel and hotel receptionists. A chance exists to help those campaigns such as Not For Sale by using the popularity of the Red Light District to raise awareness for the plight of human trafficking victims. Regardless of the different sides of the debate surrounding Dutch legalisation of prostitution, surely this, at least, can be agreed upon.
JOE WEGECSANYI - AMSTERDO
ANNE & AMSTERDAM T
THE CITY RITES had intensified. On the morning of Monday, July the 6th, 1942 the family moved into hiding. For two years they lived in cramped conditions, often with little food and in constant fear of being discovered. Anne records many thoughts and feelings in her diary, relevant to the experience of adolescence, to which all of us could relate.
his month we remember Amsterdam’s (arguably) most famous citizen, Anne Frank, who would have been turning 83 this month. Anne’s story has resonated throughout the world for more than 60 years. The diary of Anne Frank has been read by millions and her life in her adopted city of Amsterdam has shaped the city’s image for years to come.
Sadly, on the 4th of August 1944 the Dutch Police raided the secret annex following a tip off from an unidentified informant. All inside were arrested and later deported to concentration camps. Anne and her sister Margot were sent to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp where they are believed to have succumbed to typhus in March of 1945, just weeks before the camp was liberated.
Anne Frank was born into a Jewish family in Frankfurt, Germany on the 12th of June 1929. Her father, Otto, was a businessman who had an acute sense of the impending social threat to Jews in Germany at the time. Fearing for his family’s safety under the National Socialist regime, Otto moved them all to Amsterdam in 1933.
One of the great debates in Dutch historiography revolves around the extent to which the Dutch both assisted and resisted the genocidal policies of the Nazis. Whilst it is clear that Dutch police and the modern bureaucratic system allowed for many of the deportations to take place, many Amsterdammers did put their own lives at severe risk to protect and hide their fellow citizens from persecution.
One thing about Amsterdam that is not always made clear to visitors is its historical role as a safe-haven for socially discriminated groups. Jews, Protestants, Huguenots and other marginalized groups have, over the centuries, sought refuge in Amsterdam. Compared to the rest of Europe, this city has always been a bastion of tolerance for the discriminated. Otto started up a pectin factory here and the Franks integrated quickly into Amsterdam life, along with thousands of similar Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. The Nazis invaded the Netherlands on the 10th of May 1940. While many of Amsterdam’s Jews could not fathom what the Nazis had planned for them, Otto’s acute foreboding compelled him to construct a hidden annex at the top of his office building, which he finished in 1942. By this time, the persecution and deportation of Jews had not only begun, but
The four non-Jewish Amsterdammers who successfully hid the Frank family for two years are just such examples. For two years they risked their own freedom and safety to provide the Franks with shelter, food, water and information, until their presence became known to the German Order Police and they were forcibly and tragically deported. One of these selfless Amsterdammers, Miep Gies, was the person responsible for recovering Anne’s diary, which she had written between the ages of 13 and 15, whilst in hiding. Miep again risked her own safety by recovering the Frank family’s possessions after their deportation and holding them for the duration of the war. This might not be the first time you’ve heard the story of Anne Frank, but have you heard the other stories of Dutch resistance to Nazi persecution of Amsterdam Jews?
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Local resistance focused mainly on hiding and protecting Jewish orphans, rescuing them from captivity and almost certainly saving their lives. The biggest war-time protest of non-Jews against Nazi persecution happened here, in Amsterdam, in February of 1941. The whole city stopped in protest against the gross mistreatment of their Jewish citizens. This did not happen in any other Nazi-occupied city. This is a city like no other, where tolerance and acceptance have endured against periods of hate and discrimination, on more than one occasion. This is why many people choose to live in Amsterdam today. It does not matter who you are, or where you come from. In this city, once you live here, you are an Amsterdammer, and this is your home. So if you find yourself reflecting on the month of June and the story of Anne Frank, remember this; because although it is a tragic story that speaks of hate and violence, it is also a story which tells of the love and willingness of Amsterdammers to stand up and fight for their city’s most treasured principle – tolerance. You are welcome here, and this city will defend your right to be yourself.
“HUMAN GREATNESS DOES NOT LIE IN WEALTH OR POWER, BUT IN CHARACTER AND GOODNESS. PEOPLE ARE JUST PEOPLE, AND ALL PEOPLE HAVE FAULTS AND SHORTCOMINGS, BUT ALL OF US ARE BORN WITH A BASIC GOODNESS.” – ANNE FRANK
Above is a typical scene in Amsterdam during the summer; a line stretching from 267 Prinsengracht around the corner. The Anne Frank Museum remains one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam, captivating over 500,000 visitors from all walks of life each year. Photographs courtesy of Anne Frank Museum.
10
THE STREETS OF OUR CITY A
msterdam is a wonderful city for many reasons. Its history, culture, spirit and beauty all contribute to what makes it so great. Of course, according to that most famous of Dutch sayings, whilst God created the Earth, it was the Dutch that created Amsterdam and the Netherlands. It is the streets which have been built out of a swamp and fashioned together to make this wondrous city. Here at AmsterDO, we feel it’s time to do tribute to some of these streets, which have seen so much throughout the years. So begins this series: The Streets of Our City, in which we will take the time to look, each month, at one of the many different streets in Amsterdam; its history, stories and, in many cases, purpose.
Haarlemmerdijk
For a first-time visitor, there is a certain uniformity to Amsterdam’s appearance which leads one to think that every street, canal and alley-way look exactly the same. The truth is that Amsterdam is incredibly diverse. The old city is an assembly of distinct and different neighbourhoods, each one easily distinguishable by its own culture, vibe and communal identity. In fact, so diverse is Amsterdam that
a linguistic study in the early 20th century identified 19 different dialects of Dutch in the city. The Haarlemmerdijk & straat form one of these truly distinct areas. It has gone from being a protective wall, to a run-down and “no-go” part of town. Fortunately today it is recognised and celebrated for its diversity, uniqueness and sense of community. And yes, there was even a Haarlemmerdijk dialect! The biggest threat to every Dutch citizen has always been that of flooding. In any Dutch city or town, when you see a street name ending in ‘dijk’, it is a reference to a time when flooding threatened the area and the locals had to resort to big engineering projects to protect themselves. Haarlemmerdijk is no exception, and has been called by local historian, Geert Mak, ‘visible remains’ of such a project, from between the years 1000-1300 In the beginning of the 17th century, Amsterdam’s wealthy merchant class began having their own part of town built. This would become the famous Canal-Belt area. When construction of the canals began around 1613, it all started from the Haarlemmerdijk and Haarlemmerstraat, which run from East to West, at the northern most point of the canals. While the wealthy moved into the Canal-Belt, the poorer artists and artisans moved into the space all around them. Haarlemmerdijk & straat became a point where the two worlds met. It remains this way today – the wealthy and the not so wealthy joining to form one community. One of the driving forces of Dutch trade was the West Indies company (WIC), which operated out of the Westindisch Huis – their headquarters , the Westindisch Huis, on the Herenmarkt; a small square between Brouwersgracht and Haarlemmerstraat. This is still standing today and has municipal monument status. Here you’ll also find a statue of Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch DirectorGeneral of the colony New Amsterdam, today’s New York.
Amsterdam, by the mid- 17th century, had gained
a reputation abroad as a place of debauchery and loose morals. Haarlemmerstraat, according to one Englishman, was one of those places where the ladies greeted him ‘as if they were old friends.’ Haarlemmerdijk & straat also tell a story of urban passion and resurgence. By the 1970s, the area was a mess. Local shop-keeper and city-council member Rogier Noyons has been active in these parts for over 30 years. He remembers a street which was dangerous, seedy, abundant in drug use and in which over half the houses were destroyed and empty. Today nothing of this dark past remains. In fact, so big has the transformation been, between then and now, that Haarlemmerdijk & straat have just won the 2011 award for ‘the nicest shopping street in the Netherlands’ – Leukste Winkelstraat 2012. This immense development owes a lot to the love and commitment of people who live in and care for this area.
''...A PLACE WHICH WAS DANGEROUS, SEEDY, ABUNDANT IN DRUG USE AND IN WHICH OVER HALF THE HOUSES WERE DESTROYED AND EMPTY...'' Noyons says that community action towards preservation, from the late 70s onwards, was a “reappreciation of city life”. Post - WWII neglect of the city had led to a big surge of people moving out of the big smoke, and city government policy persistently encouraged this. The local government’s intent was to turn Amsterdam’s inner-city buildings into office space. The Haarlemmerdijk & street area was seen as having not enough economic power to sustain a viable residential area. Locals disagreed. In fact, across the city Amsterdammers had begun to stand up and say “no” to this governmental intent. Some of the riots in the 70s, such as those in the New-Market, became the stuff of local legend, with battles flaring up between the police and the public. In the Haarlemmerdijk & straat, however, the solution was found in an up-surge of communal solidarity; the kind which can only truly flourish in neighbourhoods with a stable sense of local identity. Small investors and housing associations began to work with locals, slowly building up and stimulating a commercial and residential existence which could fuel and sustain the street. Today, as mentioned above, it is considered the country’s premier shopping street, an irony not lost on Noyons as he remembers how the government “had given up” on the commercial viability of the street before the citizens took hold of the situation and turned it around. He calls the transformation “a miracle”. So what does the future hold for this little gem of a street? Well, it has something which many of the big shopping streets don’t – character. Of the big, corporate chain stores, you will find only two. Also, people live here, above their shops, and they shop on the street as well. You don’t find that on the other major shopping streets such as Kalverstraat and the Nieuwendijk. It is a tight-knit little community which provides solidarity and support to itself, for the general interest of everyone.
''IT HAS SOMETHING WHICH MANY OF THE BIG SHOPPING STREETS DON’T – CHARACTER''
This street truly is unique and wonderful, and is an embodiment of the diversity and sense of community which blesses this wonderful city.
AMSTERDO PHOTOS: CARLOS TEMMINK PHOTOGRAPHY
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celebrating in the street H
aarlemmerdijk & straat now also hold the title of ‘Best shopping street in the Netherlands’. The street has come close to winning this annual award before, decided from a survey of 30,000 shoppers. In 2010 it made 2nd spot, but fortunately claimed it this time around. The award, which is handed out for the previous year, is based on criteria which included diversity of stores, image of the street and the general environment. The street celebrated in style on the 19th of May, with a street performance by the Carribbean Brass International band and presentation of a special street sign – ‘Leukste Winkelstraat, 2011.’
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14 OPINION
BREAKING THE TABOO ON ETHNIC REGISTRATION
A recurring public debate in Dutch society concerns ethnic registration. Especially when Geert Wilders, the notorious leader of the Freedom Party (PVV), mentions the subject people react in utter disgust. Even though registering inhabitants by their ethnicity is completely normal in most other countries, it is severely taboo in the Netherlands. Any time a public figure advocates the subject it is followed by a wave of collective outrage. But are the arguments used against it really still valid? I used to agree with the most commonly used argument against it: ethnic registration was heavily abused during the Second World War, and this should never be able to happen again. Jews were registered as such, which made it much easier to systematically categorize, arrest and exterminate people registered as Jewish. To prevent this from ever happening again, therefore, ethnic registration is forbidden. Indeed, creating situations in which practices from the Second World War could be enabled should always be prevented. However, I have now learned that there are
''ETHNIC REGISTRATION WAS HEAVILY ABUSED DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR''
respectable arguments to register for ethnicity anyway. For the last couple of months I have been doing research for an advisory board concerned with the interaction between ethnic groups in a city close to Amsterdam, Haarlem. The research focuses on the social status of five ethnic groups: Turks, Moroccans, Surinamese, Antillians and native Dutch. My tasks consisted of gathering data in Haarlem to compare to national data. My supervisors expected me to be able to gather an abundance of figures from the municipality, focusing on the four ethnic groups. This, however, turned out to be easier said than done. The municipality is forbidden to register information focused on ethnic background, and therefore could not provide an adequate amount of useful information. This rule made the carrying out of my research a lot harder. Therefore, after consulting the research commission, I decided to divert my attention to interviews with key figures. In these interviews many Morroccan respondents brought up the subject of ethnic registration as limiting the emancipation of ethnic groups. To me, this was shocking. How can any member of a stigmatized ethnic group advocate ethnic registration? One respondent said this: “the city promised that by 2011 10% of their personnel would be of immigrant descent, proportional to the percentage of immigrant descendants in the city”. However, right after promising this, all of a sudden they reinstated the prohibition of ethnic registration”. Now it is impossible to measure if their target of 10% has been met. One respondent even said this: “then they use arguments from the Second World War. Bla bla bla. What a load of crap, it’s just a way of masking that they haven’t kept their promise”. Arguments against ethnic registration can be particularly salient when the Second World War is brought up. The Second World War is a highly sensitive subject, especially in the Netherlands. However, ethnic registration also enables targeted vulnerable groups, stimulating a more effective outcome of policies. Being able to measure the circumstances in which ethnic groups live, makes it possible
''HOW CAN ANY MEMBER OF A STIGMATIZED ETHNIC GROUP ADVOCATE ETHNIC REGISTRATION?''
to target certain audiences for emancipatory policies. Maybe a reinstatement of ethnic registration could actually benefit stigmatized ethnic groups of the Netherlands. I dislike agreeing with Geert Wilders, nevertheless, my experiences have shown that there is some merit to ethnic registration.
SANNE VAN OOSTEN FOUNDER OF 'BLOGGERS WITHOUT BORDERS' www.bloggerswithoutborders.com
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? HAVE YOUR SAY. OPINIONS@AMSTERDO.COM
15
NO WEED PASS, NO CANNABIS T
he Netherlands has employed a policy of tolerance (Gedoogbeleid) towards the sale and consumption of Cannabis for over thirty years. Now, it seems, that’s all about to end. Or is it?
Antagonism towards so-called drug tourism, whereby nationals of neighbouring countries come into The Netherlands purely for the sake of buying cannabis, has been the driving force for new, stricter laws towards the sale of cannabis. These laws, to be enforced this year, will require patrons of coffee-shops to possess a coffee-shop membership pass. Such a pass will only be available for Dutch residents, effectively barring tourists from indulging in the happy plant. Of course, the primary issue with this idea is one of discrimination. Article 1 of the Dutch constitution affirms equality before the law and prohibition of discrimination. It does allow for affirmative action which, in layman’s terms, means that if discriminatory policies will serve the greater well-being of the society, then they can be allowed into law. Proponents of the new coffee-shop laws argue that tourists + coffee-shops = trouble. This is a ridiculously ignorant view. Personally, I would argue that anybody + alcohol =usually more trouble.
''...THE PRIMARY ISSUE WITH THIS IDEA IS ONE OF DISCRIMINATION..'' Ivo Opstelten, the Minister for Security and Justice, is the architect of the weed-pass concept of coffee-shop membership. In response to his assertion that foreigners cause trouble, Jan Brouwer, a professor of General Law Studies at the University of Groningen responded that ‘Yes, and don’t Dutch people cause trouble?’ In my role as a tour guide in Amsterdam, I’ve been asked about this by innumerable amounts of tourists. To each of them I’ve posed the question, how much trouble has ever been caused by somebody smoking a plant that has caused them to sit still and giggle for a couple of hours? Anyway, that’s the crux of the debate. The effects of this change in policy direction have already occurred in some border towns in the south of the Netherlands. Notably a more conservative region of the Netherlands, the desired result of new rules is to stop the constant influx of drug tourists, most of which come from Germany and Belgium, with many also from nearby France. As of May 1st this year, only coffee-shop members may purchase marijuana in towns such as Maastricht. It does seem, however, that there is a general political trend towards implementing such policies across the whole state. The aim is for this policy to be in effect on a nation-wide basis, as of January 1st, 2013. Of course, the only city which really concerns us in this regard is the greatest city of them all, Amsterdam. I’ve had many tourists lately either asking me whether they can still patronise coffee-shops, or blatantly telling me with certainty that they cannot. Given that this is an opinions page, I’m going to tell you what I tell them. I will be left baffled, flabbergasted, and a whole other range of adjectives, should it ever occur that Amsterdam’s tourists will be unable to purchase marijuana. First of all, there are a few little things about Amsterdam that make it so different from any other city in the Netherlands. I could go on for an age about the importance of
Amsterdam within the history of modern politics, economics, business, art and trade. I could tell you how today’s global concepts of free-trade and libertarianism where nurtured in this city hundreds of years before any other. Because of these things; because of the beauty of the canals, the old buildings, the churches, the towers, the bridges and the tulips, this city is a magnet for tourism. However, the fact remains that 40% of Amsterdam’s tourists come here purely because of the soft-drugs policy and existence of coffee-shops. That’s right: 40% A shrewd business sense seems to be a hereditary Dutch trait. However, thankfully, so too does humility and modesty. The Dutch have, for years, suffered from what Simon Schama labeled the embarrasment of riches. They will happily make a whole lot of money, but they will never shove it in your face. The coffee-shop industry has made a lot of people a lot of money, but it has never been shoved in anyone’s face. In fact, technically, the purchase of cannabis is still illegal. That’s why they’re called coffee-shops and not cannabis cafés. It’s all about discretion. Although coffee-shops are believed to make 100% profit from the sale of cannabis, the government does still make income from it in the form of exorbitant taxes on the sale of legal items such as drinks and chocolate bars. Furthermore, the Dutch themselves are not big weed smokers. They do not even rank in the top 10 countries in Europe for cannabis consumption. If you take away the tourists from coffee-shops, consumption will definitely decrease, thereby losing the government much income in the form of taxes. It would be throwing away business.
''...THE DUTCH THEMSELVES ARE NOT BIG WEED SMOKERS...''
But of course, surely there are enough expats living in Amsterdam to patronise coffee-shops, keeping the industry afloat and business running as usual? Actually, a
''COFFEESHOPS ARE NOT THE SOURCE OF CANNABIS, BUT MERELY THE VENDOR'' little known tendency about expats in Amsterdam is that many often don’t buy cannabis from coffee-shops. Coffeeshops are not the source of cannabis, but merely the vendor. If you can go to the source (grower or distributor) for cheaper prices, then that’s ultimately what you will do. Cannabis will re-enter the realm of the streets. Furthermore, it is a pretty wide practice for young backpackers to search out cannabis and other drugs in any city they visit. Imagine if they know that cannabis is abundant in Amsterdam, and yet not accessible? Suddenly a gap in the market exists which will (because it always has been) be filled by criminals. As Labour MP Lea Bouwmeester pointed out ‘more repression will lead to more crime.’ Tourists won’t stop trying to purchase cannabis here, they will just have to use different, more illegal avenues to obtain it. Do you think the police, after over thirty years of a successful policy of tolerance, are happily going to enforce new and draconian laws against pot-smoking tourists? If you look at trade as being either white (legitimate) or black (illegitimate), the cannabisindustry in Amsterdam is grey with lighter hues. These moves to disallow tourists will merely push it back into the black. I don’t truly believe it will ever happen, not in this city. Of course, if it does, I’m sure I won’t be the only confused person in town.
JOE WEGECSANYI - AMSTERDO
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? HAVE YOUR SAY. OPINIONS@AMSTERDO.COM
16 LOCAL BEAT
TOURIST SAVE THE WORLD L
ike in any big city, it can be easy for tourists in Amsterdam to fall into the ‘traps’ – to be filtered into seeing the same sights and doing the same things that have been prescribed to them and to the millions of tourists who preceded them. The famous American play-write, Don Delillo, once wrote that ‘to be a tourist is to escape accountability…you’re expected to be stupid…(to) walk around dazed, squinting into fold-out maps.’ Delillo obviously never met Niels Visker and Tjerk Feitsma, and he definitely never heard of their idea - Tourist Save the World. This brand new Amsterdam tour company very well may be the breath of fresh air so desperately needed by tourism in Amsterdam and, indeed, the world. And it is such a simple and brilliant idea, wrapped up in one simple expression: ‘Good-deed tourism’. If you want to experience the true nature of a place, especially one as dynamic as Amsterdam, you’re not going to find it by walking blind through the Red Light District, sitting stoned in a coffee-shop, or freaking out on a bicycle as locals angrily ring their bells at you. You’re going to discover Amsterdam’s nature by becoming involved – with the people, the places and the social interactions that form the heart of
the city. This opportunity is what Visker and Feitsma have created. They believe that tourists can play a much more vital role than simply bringing money into a city, and that in fact anybody can participate in making the city a better place. You can go on a tour, in which you will see the city and learn about the usual necessities – history, culture and more – but you’ll also be able to become involved in various socially-minded projects. In their own words, ‘Amsterdam is an inspiring playground for people to contribute to society’ and you can make this contribution by participating in either a bicycle or walking tour. Each group and tour will be presented with a various range of activities to do, as well as the necessary tools for doing them. You could be sent to Vondel Park to do some ‘Guerrilla Gardening’ - covertly bringing a little extra happiness into peoples’ lives by planting flowers, or laying the foundations for next year’s tulips. You could find yourself giving out mandarins to strangers, just to put a smile on their faces – and yours. Maybe your mission will be to engage with public servants, and tell them what a great job they are doing. At the same time, you will find yourself in places around the town which, quite frankly, you would not find otherwise. The brilliance of the idea lies in its simplicity – to make the world a better place, by contributing to the society that you are visiting. So if you’re tired with the same old tourism tread-mill, and fed up with the feeling of walking around dazed, squinting into a map, Tourist save the world might just be the way to save tourism, and save the world at the same time.
AMSTERDO PHOTOS: TOURISTS SAVE THE WORLD
ITALIAN STYLE IN THE JORDAAN M egazino is a luxury Italian designer store which has been a mainstay in the heart of the Jordaan for over 12 years and has, subsequently, established itself deeply within the community.
This place is massive, spanning 2 floors and 1000 square meters, and any fashion minded person is sure to find something to suit their tastes. All the top Italian designer brands can be found here including Armani, Versace, Prada, Hugo Boss, Stone Island, Gucci and many more. If you are someone that likes to keep up with the latest trends, the first floor is for you - all the newest season attire is being rolled out as you read this. If you don’t mind being a season or two ‘fashionably late’, head downstairs where you will find the biggest savings, up to 70 percent off the original retail value. If you know anything about fashion and high-end labels I’m sure your jaw is gaping wide open about now. 70 percent is a ridiculously huge savings bracket and in many cases is quite unbelievable. ‘’In a time when everyone is counting the cost of living, and shopping around for the best prices, Megazino offers Top Brands and fashion trends at affordable prices’’ says store manager, Filippo Zanirato. In keeping with the tradition of community throughout Amsterdam, Megazino holds social events every month. Check out their fashion party held at the end of every month for a night of high-end labels, drinks, DJs, snacks and extra savings. Ladies, you don’t have to wait till the end of the month for your dose of retail therapy. Every Thursday is ladies night at Megazino, giving you the chance to sip some complimentary champagne while you and your girlfriends take turns admiring each other in this season’s hottest looks.
Visit www.megazino.nl for more information
with 'AMSTERDO' PHOTOS: DAVID CENZER
17
18
ONLY DONE NOCTURNALLY
ODN is an English born artist who fled to Amsterdam in search of new inspiration and ideas. Back in ‘blighty (England), ODN graduated in Graphic Design but became disillusioned with the commercial world of graphic art and advertising. Growing up in England he was no stranger to breaking rules. After being educated about design and marketing, he saw how England was being force fed with what he considered to be useless advertising. ‘’I loved learning, but when I started working it broke my heart to know the worst ideas work best. The psychology behind every day graphics and corporate advertising is purely evil and disruptive to our being’’ This led him to express himself through a different medium - graffiti. Along with his mentors BHC, Mr.TEE and SIRO, he began to decorate the streets! These activities were generally frowned upon by the law, so ODN waited patiently for night to fall, before he struck - hence the name 'Only Done Nocturnally'.
"GETTING TAGS UP IS INTENSE! IT TAKES BALLS AND GIVES A SENSE OF FREEDOM IN AN OTHERWISE DICTATED WORLD’’ On moving to Amsterdam, ODN at first only observed the Dutch graffiti scene, as he was unsure of the rules and etiquette on the streets and trackside. It didn't take long though before he started meeting graffiti writers through work and friends. ODN began spreading his name around Amsterdam like an illegible plague! After spending many late nights and mornings looking for spots to write, he later became aware of a whole other side to graffiti in Amsterdam. Legal walls! He couldn't believe he could paint freely in the sunshine, with no police to bother or arrest him (although they tried a few times) ‘’One time I was painting some wooden boards on the Brouwersgracht with some friends, when the police stopped by to arrest us. We explained that we had permission to paint, but this one cop must've had a boner for graffiti writers! He called for some vans to pick us up and ordered us to pack away our cans, lecturing us, whilst being taunted by the public. Luckily, my friend managed to contact the owner of the building before we got arrested. When the owner arrived the police man pathetically apologized to the owner for wasting his time and said nothing at all to us. At least we got to finish the wall!’’ Now with all the time he needed to practice, ODN turned from criminal to respectable! With his new reputation as an upcoming artist, ODN has been heavily involved with various projects and shows in Amsterdam, including his own art shows and group paintings. These days ODN is now commissioned to paint and his work spans from bars to bedrooms and from coffeeshops to canvas. He gives workshops and even does live painting at parties. You can view ODN's work on yahoo’s flickr, as well as hunting around Amsterdam for still existing walls. If you like his work and would want him to paint for you or to be involved in future projects, he's more than approachable and reasonably priced. To see ODN in action amongst other artists, make
sure you come to DAMBREAKS @ Cafe Batavia 1920, Prinshendrikkade 85, Amsterdam, on Friday the 29th June 2012, from 10pm. Not only will you see live art from ODN and the DAMARTIST'S, but will be also treated to some live funk and hip-hop from ODN's alternative aka - Fredee Brazil the Funky Fresh rapper.
TO VIEW ODN'S WORK, VISIT… WWW.FLICKR.COM/ONLYDONENOCTURNALLY OR FOR COMING PARTIES CHECK...
WWW.DAMBREAKS.COM
ARE YOU A LOCAL
AMSTERDM & WANT TO SHARE YOUR ARTIST? WORK WITH THE CITY? SEND US AN EMAIL ARTISTS@AMSTERDO.COM
the 5 WEEKENDS OF JUNE W
elcome to this month’s low-down on the nocturnal manoeuvres that Amsterdam’s late night community will be making in the coming weeks. Judging by the quality and diversity of DJ’s and live acts happening through June, it’s going to be fun - lots and lots of fun! As an added ingredient, we have the summer festival season getting into full swing so there are a few little problems to iron out. These include: when will we sleep? Do we have a ticket? Is the sun shining and, most importantly, has last week’s dose of techno elbow cleared up sufficiently for 3 hours of Perc? Once these trivial matters have been resolved and the weather Gods have received their summer sacrifice we can focus on getting to the right place at the right time and with the right people. Due to the slightly uneven nature of the Gregorian calendar we have been graced with five weekends in June this year.
THAT’S RIGHT – FIVE WEEKENDS! SO PLEASE, DEAR READER, DO READ ON... We start off this month’s journey with a visit to one of Amsterdam’s oldest party establishments, The Melkweg, for a night hosted by Chew the Fat and featuring a TFA showcase of one of the UK’s forefront dealers in Dubstep. High Rankin also rides into town on a huge wave of success stemming not entirely from, but certainly flamed by his recent exploration into the realms of radio presenting. Not everyone gets to host their own radio show and this did not happen overnight, his sound has developed into a hard and dark interpretation. Expect big bass and Rankin’s personality to shine through and fill the Melkweg’s ample main room. With support from Killsonik, Reso and Document One this will be a true reflection of the current Dubstep sounds emanating from London and its surrounding areas. The mood swings in quite the other direction when night falls on Saturday as we venture into north Amsterdam to Undercurrent where Cobra and Mood invite Cosmin TRG to headline an impressive line-up which includes labelmate Serge. A night-time adventure inside this warehouselike space will provide non-locals with the perfect cover for a boat trip over the Ij Harbour, and a real Amsterdam clubbing experience! Cosmin TRG's sets consist of many sounds coming together with punchy baselines and squelchy acidic riffs, giving timely nods to Detroit techno and Chicago house. The last recommendation for this virgin weekend of June comes in the form of the "Drunken Sailors and Raving Fairies" night presented by the Demokraten Disko Crew who promises to turn the expansive Studio K space into a party place worthy of a genuine big-crowd effort! When Harry Met Sally brings her eclectic mix of techy-electro to the party. By the way, these guys and girls are all for freedom and democracy and your vote will be called upon on the way out, to decide the theme of the event’s next instalment. The second week in June provides you with an ample choice of quality nights to choose from. On Friday the 8th, The Bar 27 Boys take over Studio 80 and bring Shlomi Aber with them to provide the tunes; local techno Queen Sandrien headlines at Loods with Sebastian Flaes supporting for the CTRL+ALT+Delete night. Later on we head to Trouw to satisfy our late night cravings that have been building during the week. We’ll be helped in this by Amsterdam Legend Joost Van Bellen,
CLUBS & EVENTS who hosts his regular Rauw night but with a big focus on Acid house with original inventor and godfather of the genre DJ Pierre. DJ Pierre hails from Chicago and is directly responsible for the term “Acid House” when he used it back in 1987 to describe the sounds produced by the Roland 303 bass machine on Phuture’s seminal release, Acid Trax. Since then a lot has changed but DJ Pierre continues to pack dance floors around the world, recently appearing at Boysnoize’s 7th birthday bash, now it’s Amsterdam’s turn to experience the sounds of a true innovator. If you prefer things a little more intimate we have just the ticket for Saturday when Strike Two invite Nikos Akrivos to join them in The Cue Bar just off Rembrantsplein on the Utrechtsestraat. This cosy venue always delivers a quality party and this night will be no exception, with genre busting sets and dancing DJ’s. Best of all - it’s free! While everyone in the dance Music World flocks to Barcelona for Sonar, Amsterdam keeps the standards high on Friday the 15th with a Perc Trax showcase at Undercurrent. Label boss Perc’s style can be described as dark, deep and minimal, which can suit Undercurrent perfectly. This one looks like it will kick off big-style and, luckily, Perc’s brought a slid back-up team that looks very strong. Joining him from the UK will be Truss, Forward Strategy Group, Smear and arriving from Greece will be Sawf. This is almost certain to sell out so look to get your tickets early. It’s fair to say that this whole weekend’s music is heavy on techno, with Gods Carl Craig, Josh Wink and Derrick May landing from across the pond to perform at Festival 909. Set in one of Amsterdam’s most picturesque venues - Amsterdamse BOS. Although it’s not normally used for such ear bashing events, once the sun starts to shine this beautiful park on the outskirts of Amsterdam turns into a raver’s paradise. Dance all day as the planes arriving at nearby Schipol fly over your head, on their way to land a few hundred meters away. The penultimate weekend of the month throws up the kind of night that was just meant to be - Gatecrasher at Escape. Imagine it to be like meeting an old flame who you flirted with at an underage party back when you were a fresh faced teenager, just finding your feet on the dance floor. By 21 you’d already become long lost friends and at 26 you missed each other by minutes while waiting at some festival toilets and then suddenly 4 years later you meet at an industry shmooze-fest over a glass of Chablis and decide to go for it. That’s the kind of night you’re in for on the 22nd of June! Whether it turns out to be a match made in heaven remains to be seen but with John Dahl’s dreamy melodies and Umek’s tougher sounds we have the makings of a huge night. The following night, we do not have to venture too far for the next leg of our round up. Next door at Studio 80 Guy Gerber will be leading the way for Cocoon's weekend invasion of the city. Studio 80 provides the compact, intense atmosphere that his minimal bleeps and beats deserve. Here’s a night where you will be greeted by one of the city's friendliest hosts and invited to party till dawn. On the Sunday, Gerber’s contemporaries take over the docklands of the north for the latest edition of Cocoon Heroes. Sven Vath’s night took Ibiza by storm last summer and he has since embarked on world tour. His landing on the Ij truly confirms that summer has indeed arrived. Extravelt is joined by local heroes Arjuna Schiks and Oliver Weiter for this day-time party that promises to go on and on and on... So we come to the end of this marathon month and where better to finish off than the world famous Awakenings festival on June 30th? The line up is jaw dropping by anybody’s standard with Chris Liebing, Jeff Mills, John Digweed, Laurent Garnier and Carl Cox among the elite guests arriving in Sparnwoude for the day. With 8 different tents and stages, Awakenings will prove once again to be the leader when it comes to the day-time party scene. A solid reason for why the organisation has been going for the last 15 years. If one hasn't had enough mischief for the day, the
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after party starts at 11 in Paradiso. This truly magnificent venue started out life as a church in the 19th century before being squatted in the late 1960's and then later turned into a creative space used by thousands since. Its tiered balcony's and the DJ booth are set in what one presumes to be the former alter and it all goes towards making this a magical place to party. If you’re new to Amsterdam then check out the Paradiso listings, as it’s almost guaranteed to cater for whatever tastes you crave over the coming weeks.
BRING ON THE MAGICAL MONTH OF JUNE! THE LONE RAVER
HAVE ANY PHOTOS? WANT TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES? SHARE WITH US AT AMSTERDO.COM & FACEBOOK
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PARADISO
WETERINGSCHANS 6, 1017 SG AMSTERDAM www.paradiso.nl
This place has been a church, a squat and a coffee-shop. These days it’s an awesome club venue with great acoustics, a liberal attitude to the consumption of soft drugs and a bar on the dance floor. Did we mention it used to be a church? You will find a wide variety of music and bands and a night to remember.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Saturday 9 June, Club Paradiso presents:
De Afdeling
Line-up: De Cultuurbarbaren, Determinators, F.O.O.L., Kernkraft, Lucky done gone Time: 23:30-05:00
Friday 15 June, Club Paradiso presents:
Mosh!
Nymfo, p0gman, Presk, Subscape Time: 23:55- 05:00
Friday 22 June, Club Paradiso presents:
Boss
Line-up: Aries, Chocomel, Fit, Mr. Speak, Switch Time: 23:30 - 05:00
Saturday 23 June, Club Paradiso presents:
Koekoek
Line-up: Arjuna Schiks, Bitse Sessie, Cobblestone Jazz, Dr. Spaventi, Franklin Reeves, Ici sans Merci, Jama, Olene Kadar, Quentin van Honk, Roger Martinez, Steelo, Vincenzo de Bull, Wub Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Saturday 30 June, Club Paradiso presents:
After Awakefest12
Line-up: Adam Beyer, Cari Lekebusch, Gary Beck, Jeff Rushin, Joel Mull, Joseph Capriati, Nicole Rosie, Pan-Pot, San Proper, Speedy J, Tim Wolff Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Line-up: Gomes, Hizzle Guy, June Miller, Klute, Lephen,
STUDIO 80
REMBRANDTPLEIN 17, 1017 CT AMSTERDAM www.studio80.nl
Amsterdam’s most ‘underground’ club is located on the neon-lit, touristic Rembrandtplein, and its rather basic interior couldn’t be more in contrast to some of its grander neighbors. The 300-capacity club has two areas and is where you will find cutting-edge electronic dance music, experimental techno, or experience one of its regular gay nights with some of Berlins edgiest DJs.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Saturday 9 June, Club Studio 80 presents:
Welcome to the Future
Line-up: 2000 & One, D-Low, Daniel Sanchez, Dispar Vulgo, Dorine Dorado, Harris Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Wednesday 13 June, Club Studio 80 presents:
Black Box
Line-up: Milan Meyberg, RAAF
SUGAR FACTORY
LIJNBAANSGRACHT 238, 1017 PH AMSTERDAM www.sugarfactory.nl
The ‘Nacht Theatre’ (night theatre) is located in Amsterdam’s clubbiest areas – Leidseplein square. Part of Sugar Factories website manifesto describes this club as – Artistic – Cultural – Progressive – Independent. That pretty much sums up what you can expect from a night here. On any given evening you could expect to see DJs, as well as bands, theatre, dance and even spoken word.
Time: 23:00 - 03:30
Thursday 14 June, Club Studio 80 presents:
WKND
Line-up: Dorine Dorado, Ille Bitch Time: 23:00 - 03:30
Friday 15 June, Club Studio 80 presents:
Goldfish Outdoor Afterparty
Line-up: Aki Bergen, Jimpster, Prosper Rek, Sjap Cousteau Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Saturday 23 June, Club Studio 80 presents:
New Babylon
Line-up: Beesmunt Soundsystem, Guy Gerber, Julien Simmons, ONNO, Prunk, Victor Coral Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Friday 29 June, Club Studio 80 presents:
Prisma
Line-up: 10dens, Henry Saiz, La Vondèl, N`to, Some Chemistry Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Friday 15 June, Club Sugar Factory presents:
Veni Vidi Vici
Line-up: Carita la Niña, Jochem Hamerling, Michel Lima, Mitch Crown Time: 24:00 - 05:00
Saturday 16 June, Club Sugar Factory presents:
SSSST! It`s Tech020
Line-up: Karim Soliman, Rauwkost Time: 24:00 - 05:00
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday 22 June, Club Sugar Factory presents:
Wednesday 13 June, Club Sugar Factory presents:
Line-up: Addergebroed, Bratkilla, Kenti, Legion of the Confused, Lifecycle Time: 23:55 - 05:00
The Womb
Line-up: Kid Sublime, Wouda Time: 23:00
Thursday 14 June, Club Sugar Factory presents:
Zonsverduistering Part 2 @ Helix Line-up: Asdef, The Kinetic Movement Time: 24:00 - 04:00
Filth
Saturday 23 June, Club Sugar Factory presents:
Junction
Line-up: Boxed, Correos, Dante & Sep, Kevin Arnemann, OxVille, Souris Time: 24:00 - 05:00
ESCAPE
REMBRANDTPLEIN 11, 1017 CT AMSTERDAM www.escape.nl
Escape is known to use a wide variety of multimedia effects which has led it to be branded the most versatile club in Amsterdam. This place is very trendy and very popular so expect a line and dress nice. Inside you will find a lot of different areas with a variety of music, but on any given night you can expect trance, electronic and house.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Saturday 9 June, Club Escape presents:
Brainwash
Line-up: Choral, Danney, Raymundo, Saxy Mr S Time: 23:00 - 05:00
21 Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Friday 22 June, Club Escape presents:
Gatecrasher Amsterdam
Line-up: Chris Cortez, John Dahlbäck, Umek Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Friday 22 June, Club Escape presents:
FOMB Night
Line-up: Artento Divini, Raneem, Richard Sebastian Time: 23:00 - 04:00
Tuesday 26 June, Club Escape presents:
Het Einde
Line-up: Chaze, Shermanology, Soul Cartel, Yellow Claw Time: 22:00 - 04:00
Friday 29 June, Club Escape presents: Friday 15 June, Club Escape presents:
Ex Porn Star
Line-up: Chicky, Dirtcaps, Feestdjruud, Sherlock, Sofia Valentine, Tony Cha Cha
CLUB AIR
AMSTELSTRAAT 24, 1017 DA AMSTERDAM www.air.nl
Club Air is large but intimate with several different areas in a flexible layout. Air has been custom designed from the ground up by Marcel Wanders and the state of the art sound and lighting system has won international awards. If you add the novelties’ like electronic lockers and a fully automated bar system you have a club experience you won’t forget.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Saturday 9 June, Club AIR presents:
Defected in the House
Line-up: Chocolate Puma, Freddy Spool, Michiel Tettero, Mowgli, Round Table Knights Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Superstars
Line-up: Clark Kent, Funkerman, Juvanice, Mike Scot, Rico Passies, Soul Cartel, Tom Boye Time: 23:00 - 05:00 TIme: 23:30 - 04:00
Friday 15 June, Club AIR presents:
Format
Line-up: Juan Sanchez Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Saturday 16 June, Club AIR presents:
GirlsLoveDJs
Line-up: Dio, Elroy Vanderley, Geza Weisz, Jaziah, Mightyfools, Monte Christo, Mr. Simpson, Mudde, Phalerieau, Sem Vox Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Saturday 23 June, Club AIR presents:
Club MTV
Line-up: Henzel & Disco Nova, Jaziah, Sem Vox, Spacegirls, Yellow Claw Time: 23:00 - 05:00
Saturday 30 June, Club AIR presents: Sunday 10 June, Club AIR presents:
Tik Tak
Line-up: Cherr du Perr & Darling 10, Jaziah, Sem Vox
JIMMY WOO
KORTE LEIDSEDWARSSTRAAT 18, 1017 RC AMSTERDAM www.jimmywoo.nl Jimmy woos is easily the most exclusive club in Amsterdam, they have won almost every clubbing award Europe has to offer. This is the place to see and be seen in Amsterdam and if you can get through the door you will not be disappointed. The style of music varies greatly, depending on the night, but you can find – R&B, Disco, Soul, Funk House and eclectic mixes of Hip-Hop.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Saturday 9 June, Club Jimmy Woo presents:
F*cking Pop Queers
BAWS
Line-up: Abstract, Alain Kuipers, D.J.E.F., Fit, Jiggy Djé Time: 23:00 - 05:00 Time: 23:00 - 04:00
Thursday 14 June, Club Jimmy Woo presents:
Abstract for President
Line-up: Abstract, Godenzonen, The Partysquad, V.I. Time: 23:00 - 03:00
Friday 15 June, Club Jimmy Woo presents:
Birdhouse
Line-up: Flava, Iceman, Jaziah, Jim Aasgier, Kid Q, Mr Vi, Sem Vox, Weslo, Youri Alexander Time: 23:00 - 04:00
Friday 22 June, Club Jimmy Woo presents:
Birdhouse x Meisjesavond
Line-up: Davy V, Digm, Yuki Time: 23:00 - 04:00
Line-up: Abstract, Cherr du Perr & Darling 10, Ekte & Deboy, Iceman Time: 23:00 - 04:00
Sunday 10 June, Club Jimmy Woo presents:
Saturday 30 June, Club Jimmy Woo presents:
Line-up: Carita la Niña, Cherr du Perr & Darling 10, Christal Empire, Lady Bee
Line-up: Vic Crezée Time: 23:00 - 04:00
Fantastic
Vic Crezée is... white boy wasted
22 LOKAL MOKUM TOP 10 LOKAL EVENTS L
okal Mokum is where you can find out about various, small activities and events in the city. This includes workshops, classes, lectures, meet-ups and different social activities. Remember that we are a community newspaper, so if you have a small event, project or work-shop in Amsterdam, tell us about it!
UPCOMING EVENTS: 1St tueSday oF eVery month
Hard Rock Karaoke! PaKhuiS Wilhelmina
Veemdkade 576 Doors Open: 20:00pm Super Trendy Venue
PriCe: 5 eur entry eVery tueSday
Sneak Preview
17th oF June
European Ayahuasca Research Symposium@ UvA uVa, oude manhuiSPoort 4-6, amSterdam. room d0.08
Time : 17 June 2011, 17:00 – 22:00 Multidisciplinary series of lectures focusing on the latest studies into the Ayahuasca plant. Price : Donation
until 17th oF June
World Press Photo Exhibit oudeKerK (old ChurCh)
This yearly attraction is the beginning of a world tour, displaying the winning images from the most prestigious press photography exhibit.
5,247
PhotograPherS
124
nationalitieS
101,254 PiCtureS
4th oF June
Pub Quiz
molly malone’S
Oudezijds Kolk 9 Time: From 19:30pm 8 rounds of Brain Teasing Questions. This twice-a-month event is a great way to meet other expats and locals. Teams must be a minimum of 5 and booked before-hand. Or register at www.laughingpotatoes.com
PriCe: 2.50 eur
Kriterion moVie theatre
Roetersstraat 170 Time: 22:15pm Locally famous Student-run Theatre
PriCe: 5 eur entry eVery monday
Okido Yoga: Training for Health, Strength & Mobility ot301
Overtoom 301 Time: 19:00pm Famous squat which contributes immensely towards community activities. Check out their programme!
PriCe: 12 eur entry eVery Sunday
Improv Comedy Workshop Crea CaFÉ
Nieuwe Achtergracht 170 Time: 15:00pm Cultural student centre for the University of Amsterdam
PriCe: 30 eur For 4 WorK-ShoPS
PRESENT THIS ADVERT & RECEIVE A FREE SHOT WITH YOUR FIRST DRINK PURCHASE
by arrangement
All level Painting Classes with Hans Verwoerd
NIEUWEBRUGSTEEG 32, AMSTERDAM
Phone : 06 55 842 511
Bloemstraat 64 Time: By appointment World renowned artist Hans Verwoerd offers is experience and knowledge to any wanting to learn. Available in Dutch, English and French
oVer 4 dayS
A Range of Writing Workshops the engliSh booKShoP
Lauriergracht 71 Time: Varies Wonderful little bookshop in the Jordaan. Critical member of Amsterdam’s English literary community.
thurSday 14th oF June:
Poetry Critic Group (18:30)
thurSday 21St oF June:
Fiction and Non-Fiction Critic Group (18:30)
Sunday 16th oF June:
Lesson by Poet Kate Folley (11:00)
Sunday 23rd oF June:
Netherlands Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators critique group (13:00)
PriCe: on reQueSt oVer 3 dayS
Open Garden Days amSterdam
Time: 10:00-17:00 A once a year chance to visit some of Amsterdam’s best canal gardens. This year’s theme is ‘Coach houses and garden houses.’
Starting addreSSeS: • • • •
Bijbels Museum, Herengracht 366-368 Amnesty International, Keizersgracht 177 Museum Van Loon, Keizersgracht 672 Museum Willet-Holthuysen, Herengracht 605
www.theendkaraoke.nl
HELDEN RACE – THE HEROES RACE FOR CHARITY H
ave you ever wanted to have an impact on your community, but never been quite sure how to do it? Here’s your chance to get active!
The Hero’s Race is an international charity event held in 5 cities across Europe. You can walk or run the 6 kilometres, alongside hundreds of other heroes! Amsterdam’s race takes place on July 8th – which gives you plenty of time to raise heaps of money for a charity! The best thing about this event is that you can choose which cause you want to participate on behalf of. You also have a challenge to set yourself: raise 300 Euros or more for the charity of your choice, and then become a genuine hero in this amazing event! Head to the web-site www.heldenrace.com for more information, to register for the race and to get involved in something truly wonderful and important.
N
uit Blanche (The White Night) is coming to Amsterdam again on the 16th of June. This celebration of art and culture is an urban expedition that runs from 7pm to 7am, and makes use of various spaces in the centre and the east of the city. Do yourself a favour, and leave yourself enough energy to discover this wonderful event, which was first initiated in Paris before being brought to several cities around the world, including Amsterdam. The city literally becomes a laboratory for creativity, so make sure you take a walk around ‘the lab’.
DO YOU HAVE A LOKAL EVENT IN AMSTERDAM? & WANT TO PROMOTE IT? SEND US AN EMAIL TO EVENTS@AMSTERDO.COM
THE TASTE
REVIEW: RESTAURANT CASTELL
LOCATION:
Lijnbaangracht 252 -254
CUISINE:
Brazilian Grill
OPENING HOURS :
Weekdays 17:00 – 24:00; Weekends 17:00 – 1:00
WEB:
www.castellamsterdam.nl
PRICE RANGE:
Average price for entree, main, & drinks: €60
T
his grill restaurant has been recognized internationally and was named by The Guardian in 2009 as the 15th ‘coolest place to eat’ in the world.
We didn’t know this when we went there, but we do now.
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succulent and delicious. The wine range is extensive and, from what was tasted, complimentary to the quality of food on offer. Upon leaving, one noticed the satisfied looks of contentment on the faces of the diners sitting at the bar, munching their meals right next to the grill chef who’d prepared them.
Castell definitely shows a good understanding of the importance of Gezelligheid. It is warm, cosy and welcoming, and it invokes thoughts of old inns with big fireplaces and exposed wooden rafters, with the idea being that the customers feel ‘at home’ as much as they feel like they are ‘going out’.
" SUPER, SUPER TRENDY, ONE OF THE GOLDEN CHARMS OF AMSTERDAM'S RESTAURANT SCENE " " THE PURSUIT OF TRENDINESS DOES OUR RATING: NOT ESCAPE ONE’S ATTENTION "
Decorated with extremely comfortable lounge sofas, your food is served with a lap-mat, and you eat it as such. It is like the most decorated form of TV dinners available, and fortunately without the TV. Trendy, though. The food is immaculate and combines the best of surf n’ turf possibilities. Entrees range from crab or shrimp cocktails to frogs legs and Burgundian style snails. Super trendy. Amsterdo dined on ribs, and they were amazingly
TASTE & QUALITY
CUSTOMER SERVICE
INTERIOR
VALUE FOR MONEY
FINAL SCORE:
9.5