Europe Archives - Wander-Lust

19 Jul 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam, L U S T, Tasty Hotspots With No Comments Permalink

The Birdhouse Amsterdam

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On July 19, 2018 With No Comments

Hip hip hooray summer is in the city: the sun is shining (and luckily isn’t going to stop with it), lots of smiling faces in urban parks, and a variety of birds which bring a colourful joy to Amsterdam. Our beautiful capital city in optima forma, thanks good-humoured Mother Nature! Not to mention all the new food kids in town, the hospitality industry don’t know a so called ‘cucumber season’. This time I visited The Birdhouse, almost my neighbours, or in WK football terms ‘a home match’. Definitely one of my new favourite spots in town, let’s have a look!

The urban design jungle
Sometimes my expectations aren’t sky high before I drop by a new restaurant. Mostly it’s because of what was settled there before. I had that with The Birdhouse, situated in the Lancaster hotel. It always didn’t look very vibrant, it didn’t invite me to drop by. But since a couple of months my interest has been aroused with the arrival of this picture-perfect restaurant. Expect a really stylish restaurant with a lot of different kind of cosy corners, and detail-oriented. Overall, they’ve used natural materials to highlight the hotspot background: The Birdhouse is inspired by the bird gardens of Artis, their neighbours across the street. The outdoors has been brought inside, thumbs up!

The Birdhouse for all plumage
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, this restaurant will become in no time one of your new faves, mark my words. Breakfast bowls, savory toasts, birdhouse cocktails, every day all day long. I’ve been here for brunch / lunch on a Sunday morning, and it was one of my best hospitality experiences of 2018. I hear you think: Why? It’s the total package of genuine, welcoming staff (especially Luc, he’s born to do this), a stunning atmosphere and finger lickin’ good (looking) food. Yassss jackpot! I guess the pictures speak for themselves, no explanation needed.

Simple, green and tasty!

Juicy

I can tell you so much more ins and outs about The Birdhouse, but this one deserves your visit. And this is cool: they’ve gift cards, so you can surprise every hangry boy or girl with this really original, appetizing present. So go go go for it, you smart bird!

Love,

Sharmaine

The Birdhouse
Plantage Middenlaan 46. Amsterdam
The Birdhouse Facebook
The Birdhouse Website
Opening hours: Every day 07:00 till 22:00

*Sharmaine is one of our guest bloggers from the Netherlands with a sweet tooth. The sweeter, the better! She no kitchen princess so she’s always in search for the best hotspots in Amsterdam! You can expect an article from her once a month! Check her out on Instagram!

10 Jul 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam With 5 Comments Permalink

Win Tickets to Straf_Werk Festival 2018!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On July 10, 2018 With 5 Comments

The festival season is in full effect, and the next couple of months we have another couple of good ones to follow. One of the festivals we are looking forward to is Strafwerk Festival. Read on, because we are giving away 2 tickets!

Straf_Werk
Before you get all exited, we better give you a little more info, shall we? Straf_Werk was founded back in 2011 as a house music concept that organizes parties and festivals around the Netherlands. After many years of partying, house music eventually blended in with techno sounds, and now offers a stage to some of the biggest names in the Techno/House scene, as well as newcomers.

The Festival
Like last year, Straf_Werk Festival will be held at Blijburg beach in Amsterdam. The location is perfect and easy accessible by tram, car or bicycle. The line-up is quite impressive even though the festival is still young. Solomon, Kölsch, Joris Voorn, Maceo Plex and Henrik Schwartz are some of the names that will take the stage on the 18th of August. There will be 5 stages in total, which includes the futuristic dome from last year. There is plenty of space to rest your head in the hammocks or chill area.

Will you dance at the dome this year?

WIN WIN WIN
You’ve probably scrolled down to this bit haven’t you? Well, it’s pretty simple. Just tell us why you deserve 2 tickets to Straf_Werk Festival and who you want to bring! Winner will be announced in a couple of weeks!

Straf_Werk Festival
18th of August 12 – 11pm
Blijburg aan Zee
Website/Tickets

Love,

Wander-Lust

*This article was written in collaboration with Straf_Werk Festival

08 Jul 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam, L U S T With No Comments Permalink

Back to nature with Moer Amsterdam

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On July 8, 2018 With No Comments

Last week I was invited to a special ‘Back to Nature’ event. Organised by restaurant MOER, I was about to find out where the food on my plate was actually coming from.

MOER is a restaurant in Amsterdam where vegetables take the centre stage. Is it vegan? No, but they do believe in smaller portions of meat and fish, and eat more vegetables instead. With the focus on sustainability, they avoid the big suppliers and strictly work with local farmers where they get their vegetables from. I was exited to meet some of the farmers, and see where their vegetables grow.

Restaurant MOER

Green Vingers
We started the tour at restaurant MOER where taxi’s brought us to Amsterdam West where we drove into the meadows.. and on one meadow you’ll find Groenhartig. A lavish and pretty vegetable garden. Upon arrival, we walked into the garden where we could find a party tent with a large decorated table. After a welcome snack, which was vegetable ceviche, we enjoyed a matching wine. I could get used to this on a Tuesday! After a quick tour in the garden, we could pick our own vegetables which would later be prepared into wonderful delicious dishes. It’s so nice to eat food when you know where it’s coming from! After three courses we went back to the restaurant where we enjoyed our dessert.

Pretty reds

Seasonal vegetables, prepared by the chefs of restaurant MOER

Picking veggies at Groenhartig

It was such a great day, it felt like I left the big city for a moment and got to experience a full dinner experience! Groenhartig always opens up their garden, so take a peek if you will! If you do want to try the whole Back to Nature experience like I did, MOER is hosting this event again, and has space for 25 hungry people! You can apply through their Facebook when the event comes online. Come hungry because they will be serving 5 courses! So apply and go back in nature for a day, because in a city like Amsterdam, you just sometimes need time for yourself and each other.

Love,

Michelle

*Michelle is one of our guest editors who lives in Amsterdam. She is a senior student on her way of becoming a media specialist. She’s got a big interest for design, writing and traveling. After exploring Amsterdam she wanted to discover more of the world. She’s not your typical typical tourist though, which is why she is always searching for the best local bars and restaurants! You can follow her on @michelle.debruin

*All pictures by Kirsten Van Santen unless stated otherwise

25 Jun 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in City Trips, T R E A S U R E S With No Comments Permalink

How to see Rome in 2 days

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On June 25, 2018 With No Comments

This city has been on my European bucketlist forever. Somehow I never got the chance to visit Rome but when I planned my Greek Island hopping tour a few months back, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to fly via Rome. With only 2 days to discover this Italian capital, I needed to plan a little ahead to make the most of it. After all, 2 days may seem too short for a city with so many things to see but it can be done! How?

Here’s my guide on how to make the most of your visit to Rome in 2 days:

1. Book yourself an Airbnb and stay in an area just outside the centre.
You’ll proberly stay in an authentic italian house with a local host. This way you get real inside tips and information.
I stayed at Mario’s Place which was located at Trastevere. Great walking distance to most must see attractions and next to the tram 8 which takes you to the centre in just a few minutes. Breakfast contains of fresh cakes and pastry’s and is including within the price. (Just make sure you get the directions right as Mario will send you a full and clear description at the time of your booking. I booked a few months ahead so I already forgot about them and ended up calling him a few times as I couldn’t find his front door.)

My flowery Airbnb accommodation in Rome

2. Bring comfy shoes.
Rome is very accessible on foot and every area is near to eachother. But Rome wasn’t build in a day so expect to walk a few extra miles! I didn’t use the tram a lot so I walked an average of 7km(!) a day and in this case you might end up with blisters if you bring those: they-only-look-good-shoes.

Caught in an exhausted “moment”

3. Pre-Buy your tickets
Especially for the main attractions like the Colosseum.This way you can skip the que. During summertime it can be craaaazy busy!

Both impressive: The Colosseum and the 2000 year old Pantheon.

4. Eat where the locals eat.
This is my biggest tip for all destinations. Don’t eat near the tourist attractions as the food will be overpriced and you won’t taste real authentic food. I had my first pizza at Mirrors pizzaria. Pizza’s cost 6 euro’s and were crunchy and delicious! I had a lovely dinner at Baylon Café where they serve homemade pasta with a twist. I was the only “tourist” in the restaurant (i see myself more as a traveller) and I enjoyed watching the beautiful people of Rome eating and drinking wine. Perfect night.

Enjoying the Italian cuisine at Baylon Cafe in Trastevere.

5. Save cash by using the free tab water.
Rome is hot, and in summer it’s boiling. Thank god for the free and very drinkable tap water that you will find throughout the city in little fountains. I filled about 4 bottles a day and I saved money at the same time!

One of the many life savers in Rome!

6. Keep it real Italian
Go to a little bakery/delicatesse shop like Giselda Forno and taste the fine italian cuisine and even better, take it with you while you wander round. Sit in the shade and enjoy!

Help, too many to choose from at Giselda Forno!

7. Check the Rome events calendar for special celebrations or nights.
When I was there, I enjoyed a special art cinema night by the river with music and films.
I found this great website here you can easily see what’s on and when.

8. Walk alongside the Tiber river at night
Have a cocktail at one of many cute bars alongside the water. Make deals with the temperamental market sales men and listen to the occasional karaoke.

One of the many outdoor bars you will find on one side of the riverbanks

9. Visit one of Rome’s many markets.
From vegetables, herbs and fresh fruit to wine, kitchenware and art.
The most famous markets are Piazza Testaccio and Il Traittore. The less crowded but also great are San Teodoro – Circo Massimo and Ponte Milvio.

Colorful vegetables and pasta’s at the Piazza Testaccio market.

10. Last but not least; if you can, do not visit Rome during summer.
Why not? Well, because it’s just so bloody hot! 30 degrees is a high temperature if you have to walk around in Rome. It was a sticky experience sometimes and it’s not the dry heat you will find in Greece for example. Lucky for me, I like the heat (perhaps it’s because I have Indonesian blood?). If you must go during this period, then you should be aware of this and dress accordingly.

They still exist!

I hope you can use these tips for your next visit to Rome!

Ciao Ciao wanderlusties!

Love,

Elke

15 Jun 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam With No Comments Permalink

Sissy-Boy is hosting a Summer Night Market in Amsterdam!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On June 15, 2018 With No Comments

We love the Sissy-Boy Christmas and Spring Market, so when we heard the news that one of our favorite concept stores is hosting a night market, we just had to tell you about it!

It’s going to be the ultimate Sissy-Boy evening because the location of the market will be at the Sissy-Boy headquaters in Amsterdan North.The summer Night Market will be located beside the Amsterdam waters, Het IJ. Summer Night Market is aan het zonnige IJ, waar de Sissy-Boy Daily en Hangar zorgen voor drinks en bites.

So What to Expect?
Well, discounts! And many! From fashion to furniture, it’s all there. The velvet schel or egg chair in your home for only a small price? Yep, on this night it’s possible. You can also find many fashion and home accessories and items to pimp your bedroom with. Drinks and bites will be served by the Sissy-Boy Daily and Hangar.

Entrance is completely free but you need to order your tickets in order to gain access. The Sissy-Boy Summer Night Market works in different time shifts so items can be re-stocked.

See you there?

Sissy-Boy Night Market
Aambeeldstraat 34, Amsterdam North
When? 28th of June 2018
Time: 17.00 – 22.00
Free Tickets

12 Jun 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam, E S S E N T I A L S, Spots With No Comments Permalink

14 x Vintage Stores in Amsterdam you must check out

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On June 12, 2018 With No Comments

Vintage is hot and we love it! First of all, it’s sustainable, and such a great excuse to wear something that was also cool a few seasons ago. Let’s check out the 14 best vintage stores in Amsterdam at the moment.

The Thriftshop
Albert Cuypstraat 187
The new kid on the blog! The Thriftshop is run by PR lady Tedje Fliers and her companion Dina El Basri. Did you know that women only use about 10% of their closets? Crazy right? Well, the main thing we love about this store, is that you can bring your clothes that are just hanging there, so you can make someone else happy with it. Whatever is sold, you get 30% from the profits! (yes, I also brought my old Levi’s!) They only opened yesterday, so all the good items are still there (but hurry). Facebook / Instagram

Source: The Thriftshop

We Are Vintage
Kinkerstraat 193 & Eerste v Swindenstraat 43
We love this store because it’s such a nice layout! You can easily spend more than an hour in this store without realising. Denim dungarees, floral dresses, cowboy boots, hats, men & women, it’s all here! Instagram

Jutka & Riska
Here they sell vintage combined with a new collection. Clever! At Jutka & Riska you will find bold and funky colours, the latest styles, and many cute accessories. They also have an online shop, which is great for the lazy shopper. There are 2 stores in Amsterdam, one in Haarlem and one in Antwerp. www.jutkaenriska.com

Episode
4 locations in Amsterdam
This vintage store has been around for a while and has several locations in Europe from Amsterdam to Copenhagen. It’s the one vintage store in Amsterdam that everybody knows. It’s amazing to find army jackets, vintage Levi’s, tropical shirts from the eighties, and many many accessories. Find one of the 4 locations in Amsterdam on their website. www.episode.eu

Zipper
They sell some of the best trousers in our opinion! Baggy comfortable trousers you wear on a Sunday…or every day for that matter. (guilty!) Also check out their jewelry, watches, sunglasses and hats! www.zipperstore.nl

Source: Zipper

Marbles Vintage
3 locations in Amsterdam
This store scores well with vintage lovers throughout Amsterdam. Why? Because there are real treasures to be found! Both men and women can shop here, and they have a great selection of leather handbags and shoes. They have a total of 3 locations in Amsterdam so get yourself to it! Facebook

I love Vintage
Prinsengracht 201
This retro style vintage shop is perfect for those Bettie Page summer dresses and if your looking to wear something for a special occasion. They sell all the way back from the twenties up until the eighties. Check out the online shop where you can also check if they have your favorite item in stock. Easy peasy Vintage! www.ilovevintage.com

Kilo Shop
Waterloopplein 189
Instead of buying your items at a set price, you add your items on the scale and pay per weight! This can be super affordable if you choose your items the right way. Prices are ranged in different color and style categories. The Kilo Shop imports their clothes from all over the world and sells brands from London, Paris, and Tokyo. www.kiloshop.nl

Bij Ons Vintage
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 150 / Reestraat 13
If you want to go festival shopping, this store is your spot! Men can go crazy on tropical shirts, while the women can go for jumpsuits or cool summer dresses. New arrivals everyday! www.bijons-vintage.nl

Photo by Kirsten van Santen

Klein Berlijn
Middenweg 36
I used to work with the lovely owner of this cute store. She had the idea years ago, and even used her home to host a few vintage sales back then. Her cool style never seemed to fade because she’s been running Klein Berlijn ever since. Okok, the clothes are not real vintage and old, but they have a cool vintage look, and that’s why Klein Berlijn belongs in our list. www.kleinberlijn.com

For Kids
Kids grow fast AF. I know, because I’m a mother of a baby boy and don’t want to buy brand new clothes each time around. I never knew that vintage shopping for your child could be such a bargain! Sometimes I buy 4 items for just 12 euro! (and this includes jeans, jumpers, shoes and high end brands). Secondly, it’s super sustainable! Here are some of my faves;

Old West
De Clercqstraat
By far my favorite vintage clothing store for kids! The concept is great; I bring my son’s old clothes to them, they check, and you get a code. Each time when I return, they can check how much I’ve sold and use that money to buy new items in the store! They only take on clothing that is in tiptop condition and they prefer good brands like Impf & Elfs and Le Petit Batau. All the clothing is divided into size and colours, and moms and dads all over Amsterdam bring in new stuff on a daily basis. Friends Floortje and Sofie run this fantastic store that also sells some new items for a great price. www.oldwestamsterdam.nl

JunJun
De Clercqstraat 97
Situated in the same street as Old West, you can find another great vintage store for kids with the same concept. You can find clothes, toys, baby stuff, strolers, baby seats and more. www.junjun.nl

Wollepop
Bosboom Toussaintstraat 49
Another great kids store with high quality clothing, toys and children accessories. Sustainability is key here and besides the concept, they also provide led lighting and better isolation. www.wollepop.nl

Kids & Queens
Rietwijkerstraat 32
If you are looking for high end kids brands such as Vingino, DNKY, Burberry, Tumble & Dry, you should definitely visit Kids & Queens. Their sizes go from 50cm until 140cm. Prices are (understandably) a bit higher than the above mentioned kids vintage stores in Amsterdam, but nevertheless, it’s nice to spoil you’re kid now and then! www.kidsandqueens.nl

Enjoy your shopping peeps!

Love,

Elke

07 Jun 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam, L U S T, Tasty Hotspots With No Comments Permalink

The Pressroom Amsterdam, Upgraded!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On June 7, 2018 With No Comments

INK Hotel Amsterdam just launched their new edition of their very own restaurant, PRESSROOM. It’s not an extreme make-over but definitely an upgrade! Here’s what changed:

Interior upgrades
The interior only got a few upgrades but just enough to change the atmosphere. It now breaths more “full grown restaurant” instead of only the dining lobby of a restaurant. The decoration is modern but not too hipster. It’s the place to go to for a late night chat, a serious work discussion or a good meal (and not only for your Instagram feed).

Open kitchen at Pressroom

Fun fact: Did you know that INK hotel is located in the building which used to belong to the former printer press of the newspaper ‘De Tijd’? You can find some nice details in the hotel that honor this history. So talking about late night chats; if you’re out of subjects to talk about of your date is getting awkward, try finding all those details.

The menu
Good food without difficulties: you see what you eat and you taste what you see. The chef finds inspiration around the globe but uses local ingredients, which I very much encourage. There are not many good restaurants around Dam square where you can have a good meal with fresh products, without being designated to high society (read: expensive) hotspots. At PRESSROOM you will find a good price to quality ratio, accessible for all types or company.

Too pretty to eat?

Cheers!

Tip: unfortunately I didn’t have the chance to go, yet. But this one is definitely on my wish list: The Bottemless Brunch at INK hotel. For only €29,- p.p. you can drown yourself in bubbles, pancakes and savory dishes. And all that on a Sunday! In the end the best weeks starts with a hangover.

See you at Pressroom?

Pressroom
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 67, Amsterdam
Website

Love,

Eva

*Eva is one of our guest bloggers from Amsterdam. She’s a city girl who only leaves her heels at home when wearing a backpack. Living by the urge to be where she’s not, to explore, experience, fall and get up. You can follow her on Instagram.

LUST Spots

31 May 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam With No Comments Permalink

Amsterdam Event Calendar for June 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On May 31, 2018 With No Comments

The Taste Of Amsterdam
When? 1st – 3rd of June, Amstelpark
What? Restaurants, chefs and foodie brands showcase the best of the best
Another food festival? Yes, but this one is a bit different. A bunch of amazing restaurants and chef’s introduce their best flavors to the public. You can think of it this way; going out for dinner or lunch, but at several places at on the same day! Besides eating there are workshops and many many great drinks from coffee to G&T’s! www.tasteofamsterdam.com

Amsterdam Bodypaint Art Event
When? 3rd of June, NDSM in Amsterdam North
What? Live Bodyart
About 100 body painters and live canvases are on display at this rather special event. Good thing it’s going to be warm outsite! Entrance is free!

Live At Amsterdamse Bos
When? All summer, Amsterdamse Bos
What? Theater and music performances in the open air theater in the forest. Check the programma and ticket info here

Festivals, markets, drinks, theater and more..

Summer Nights in Artis (Zomeravonden)
When? June – July – Aug, Artis Zoo
What? Saturday evenings in the Zoo until the sun goes down.
Artis Zoo let’s people enjoy Saturday evening until the sun goes down by opening up their doors to the public. There will be performances, music, storytellers and you can learn about the animals and their nightly activities. Check the website for more info

The Kloffie Market
When? 2nd of June, De Hallen Passage
What? Vintage Sale & local goods
Find something pretty even if you were not looking for it, or discover a new label! Locals are selling it all this weekend! Info

Red Light Jazz Festival
When? 1st – 3rd of June, Various locations at the Red Light District
What? Jazzy sounds in and around the red light district
Red Light jazz is an annual jazz festival in and around Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. Started in 2014, initiated by local entrepreneurs, Red Light Jazz highlights the rich tradition Amsterdam has as a true jazz city. For tickets and more info about all the locations and artists, check www.redlightjazz.com

Vondel Festival
When? 2nd of June, Vondelpark
What? Discover the Vondelpark, for young and old!
One day before the festival starts, you receive an email with the meet-up location. From there you will walk around and discover 3 secret locations in and around the Vondelpark. Once found, you can enjoy performances of 30 minutes that vary between theater and music. Meanwhile you may see other surprises along the way.. For more info check www.vondelfestival.nl

Fried Bao Ice0Cream Pop-Up Bar
When? 9th – 10th of June, Shanghai Bistro
What? Crispy Golden Fried Sweet Bao Buns filled with Various Ice Creams and Toppings.
No need for an Ice Cream Cone here. Shanghai Bistro will also have an Asian Street Food Menu and Specially created Cocktails for the event. Info

Q2; Het Freelance Bedrijfsuitje
When: 7th of June at Noorderschip
What? The place to be for freelancers
This is the place to be if you are a creative freelancer that would like to connect with fellow creators or businesses. It’s held in Amsterdam’s newest club, The Noorderschip. Expect inspiring speakers, bingo, a mini workworkwork workshop, cool prizes to win, drinks, bites and tunes! Tickets are only €13,- and available to buy via the Facebook Event Page.

Komm Schön Alter
When? 9th of June
Where? Tuinen van West, Amsterdam
This festival is one of Elke’s favorites. It’s small, intimate festival and welcomes a crowd from 24 years old and over, only. By doing so, the festival has a wonderful family feel to it, with no (too) drunken teenagers running around. This year, the line-up includes Budakid, Eagles & Butterflies, Lövestad LIVE, Michael Mayer, Olivier Weiter, Miss Melera and more. www.kommschonalter.de

Veggie Festival
When? 15th – 17th of June, NDSM
What? The first Veggie Festival in Amsterdam North
Veggie everything at this new food festival. The usual tasty veggie food plus cocktails, speciality beers, good tunes and perfect for kids too! (and even the meat eaters will love it) www.veggiefestival.nl

Mystic Garden Festival
When? 16th of June, Sloterpark
What? A mysterious music festival in the woods
Last year we had a look at Mystic Garden Festival and it blew us away. The setting is in Sloterpark and stages are hidden in between the trees. Smoke machines and dreamcathers hanging from the trees, made the experience feel like a fairy-tail. The line up includes Gaiser, Egbert, Mees Dierdorp, Monika Kruse, Noir, Oliver Weiter and many more. There are a few tickets left! www.mysticgardenfestival.nl

ITS Festival
When? 19th – 24th of June, Brakke Grond
What? Young theater makers showcase their pieces
The ITS Festival 2018 is a six-day-long vibrant place where a new generation theatre makers, professionals and their audience meet. The festival is hosted at the Brakke Grond in Amsterdam, which is a place for art, food & drinks. Graduating artists from theatre and dance schools in The Netherlands and Belgium will present themselves on the stage, definitely worth checking out! www.itsfestival.com

Roef Festival
When? 22nd of June, various rooftops in Amsterdam
What? An intimate festival celebrating the best rooftops in Amsterdam
Rooftops participating are QO, Bureau, The Student Hotel, Volkshotel, ADAM Tower, NEMO, W Hotel, Zoku , and more. On the 8th of June there is an exclusive dinner called the Drie Draken Diner, where you have dinner on the rooftop for €60,-. For more info visit their website

AMCAT Festval
When? 30th of June – 1st of July, Westergas
What? Culture & Talent
This is the first time the fashion, music & lifestyle festival is held. Experience the latest in youth culture while being a part of history and creating future. AMCAT will educate both brands and the youth by bringing together forward thinking leaders in fashion, art, sports and music. We are exited to see what it will bring. www.amcatfestival.com

Where will we see you this month?

Love,

Wander-Lust

For all the best festivals, check our new Festival Guide!

29 May 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam, L U S T, Tasty Hotspots With No Comments Permalink

Venster33 » Not a new spot, but definitely a hotspot!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On May 29, 2018 With No Comments

Normally when it comes to brand new hotspots, I’m like a fish that sees the bait. As soon as they pop up, I want to drop by. But this time I shine some light on an established one: Restaurant Venster33. I hear you think ‘why not a new spot’? It’s the older family member of Miss Moneypenny, and because my boyfriend and I were so enthusiastic about their shareable food, ambiance, and hospitality, they invited us immediately for a dinner at Venster33. We said yes! (obviously)

The story behind restaurant Venster33 Amsterdam
Two years ago I moved to the increasingly popular Eastern part of Amsterdam, hello hello lovely Javastraat. Since that moment I’m not a frequent cyclist to De Pijp. But sometimes it’s great to go back to my old neighbourhood, brings back good memories. Enough, let’s talk about restaurant Venster33. They’re up and running since 2015. This month they celebrate their third anniversary on the 26th whoop whoop! Good job Cas Jansen and your two companions / childhood friends. All three are Amsterdammers in heart and soul. The city love was an aspect they really wanted to highlight in their laid-back restaurant. That’s why all what they do has something to do with Amsterdam. Think about the famous Holtkamp bitterballen (by far my faves), tasteful wines of the colourful wine brand Grapedistrict, and daily fresh fish from the Albert Cuyp market.

Venster33 has enough space to sit outside Source

All day long up and running
The three food Musketeers had the idea to create a relaxed place for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Recently they switched their whole menu. They’ve extended their assortment of small dishes to mix and match. And besides that, they’ve ’put some new more diet-friendly main dishes on the menu. More and more often they got the question for vegetarian, gluten- and lactose-free options. So voilà, they’ve taken it into account in their new menu.

I saw a lot of pretty cocktails leaving the bar

From a quick bite, till an extensive dinner
After my visit at Miss Moneypenny, my expectations were high with a capital ‘H’ for Venster33. The two have a totally different style, but the same welcoming vibe. Unfortunately, both of us were in a ‘no alcohol period’, so ginger beer it was! I did see a lot of pretty cocktails leaving the bar, so definitely don’t hesitate to go for the Grab Some Grape GT, the Apes and Apples or The Young Cuban cocktail.

Pretty tasty drinks at Venster33

Steak tartar

We started with some shareable food. Especially the steak tartare was very tasteful. For round #2 we decided to choose individually a main dish. I’ll never be the biggest meat lover, but my juicy leg of lamb was as it has to be. Tha boyfriend also appreciated his manly Picanha steak Brazilian BBQ style. Love to spice up your food? The last one is your match made in heaven. And surprise, surprise: we shared the choco lava cake and one of my favourite cheesecakes in town. Well hello food baby!

Yes, This golden oldie is worth visiting, no doubt. Thumbs up for the concept: mix and match or go for whole dishes, it’s totally up to you. Special likes goes to the sincere staff, bizarre how it can make or break your whole experience. So one more must-try for your food bucket list, no thanks!

Venster33
Eerste van der Helststraat 42, Amsterdam
020-3626423
Facebook /Instagram

Sunday till Thursday 10:30 till 01:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00 til 03:00

Love,

Sharmaine

*Sharmaine is one of our guest bloggers from the Netherlands with a sweet tooth. The sweeter, the better! She no kitchen princess so she’s always in search for the best hotspots in Amsterdam! You can expect an article from her once a month! Check her out on Instagram!

27 May 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam With No Comments Permalink

12 x (outside) Water Fun in Amsterdam

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On May 27, 2018 With No Comments

When temperature rises in Amsterdam, everybody is looking for a place to cool off. And even though you are in the middle of an urban jungle, the city offers a wide variety of places to enjoy some water fun in Amsterdam.

Sloterpark Beach
I live here so I know this area very well. The water is around 35 meters deep and the East and West side of the Sloterplas are available for swimming from the grass, where you will find actual swimming-pool-like-stairs going in the water. The newly refurbished man-made beach is better than ever with newcomer Hotel Buiten, that serves a tasty lunch, but also sells ice-cream and drink to take to the beach area.

Source

Sloterpark bad
Staying in the Sloterpark area for a second, because Amsterdam New West has one of the swimming pools in Amsterdam. There is a huge grass area for kids to play or people to sunbath. For the little ones there is a wading pool with shallow water. www.optisport.nl/sloterparkbad

Blijburg
If you live in Amsterdam, you have probably been here. Blijburg at sea had a makeover last year so the restaurant looks amazing right now. The beach is cleaner than ever and there are more parking spaces. Unfortunately, it’s the last summer to enjoy Blijburg. It’s closing after 15 years because of a new housing project. They close on the 1st of October, so enjoy it until you can! www.blijburg.nl

Oeverlanden / Nieuwe Meer
There are 3 main swimming spots here and lot’s of tiny little places to lay down and jump in the water. You find yourself in the middle of nature and you won’t even realize you’re in freaking Amsterdam. If you have a boat, it’s a great place to stop relax. The best way to get here is by bicycle but there is also a bit parking lot. Swimming here is at your own risk because there is no supervision.

There is even a nudist beach area so.. if you want to swim in your birthday suit, you can do it here!

‘T Twiske
There are several man-made beaches with many natural swim spots. There are many relaxing activities such as playing golf, fishing, hiking, cycling or you can enjoy a BBQ. There is even a nudist beach area so eh..if you want to swim in your birthday suit, you can do it here! Parking cost €3,50 for the first 3 hours. www.twiske-waterland.nl

Flevoparkbad
It almost disappeared, but because of a few loyal customers, the Flevoparkbad is here to stay, for a while longer at least. It’s a great place to cool off and even has a small waterslide that the kids love. www.flevoparkbad.com

Flevoparkbad

Sportplaza Mercator
In Amsterdam New West, you can find Sportplaza Mercator. Besides the indoor swimming pool, there is also an outdoor pool available for when the weather conditions are warm and sunny. Mind you, the swimming pool is not suitable for young children, and is mainly used for fitness swimming. www.sportplazamercator.nl

Noorderparkbad
Located in the Northern part of Amsterdam, this swimming pool is fully sustainable, because the rainwater is collected and then filtered and used in the swimming pool. Once voted as one of the most beautiful swimming pools in the world, Noorderparkbad is definitely one to check out. The outside swimming pools are open until the 2nd of September. www.amsterdam.nl/noorderparkbad

Perfect for some water fun in Amsterdam. Source

Mirandabad
The outside pool area at Mirandabad in Amsterdam East, is open until the 1st of September and has one large pool of 50 meters for adults, and 2 pools that are suitable for children. www.amsterdam.nl/demirandabad

For Small Kids:

Children’s Pool Vondelpark
You can find the children’s pool in the middel of the Vondelpark, which is always a lot of fun.

Children’s pont Westerpark
This long stretched water front is being filtered and is very popular with many parents that have small children.

Aldo van Eyk Oosterpark
A great round wading pool for kids that has been newly refurbished. Around the pool is a grass area where parents can relax while their kids play.

I hope you have a lot of water fun in Amsterdam!

Elke

For the best natural swimming spots in Amsterdam, check here: