hotspot Archives - Wander-Lust

22 Aug 2019

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NEW HOTSPOT | BENJI’S TOKO AMSTERDAM WEST

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On August 22, 2019 With No Comments

Meet your new best buddy in town: Benji’s Toko. The culinary Indonesian side of Benji’s. Not to mention that this new addition will take you right to the tropics with a jungle vibe in the middle of Amsterdam West. Located next to a waterfront with a handsome, sun-kissed terrace.

Time to expand

Proud. Flattered. The owners are grateful they got the change to open a second spot. A toko driven by their roots, Indonesian food heritage and a cosmopolitan twist. Almost three years ago – oh baby, time flies – I wrote an article about Benji’s. Such an addition for Amsterdam Eastside. And where the norm seems to be to open a spot in West firstly, followed by a second spot in the upcoming, vibrant Eastern part of Amsterdam, they have done it exactly the other way around.

Needless to say, that I was very-very curious about the newest creation. A concept inspired by the tropical spheres of Bali. With a two month workcation on the schedule this winter on this island, this absolutely was already the best preparation. Hello gorgeous! Benji’s Toko is a place where you can escape from the high-paced city life and find yourself in a peaceful, green oasis. Lots of plants, steel, rattan, other natural materials…and more plants.

All Day Indonesian Food

Once you set foot in this green-overloaded place your guts tell you that there’s Indonesian blood flowing through the toko. They life to eat. They adore the food moments. Sounds familiar? Maybe there’s a little Indo in you as well, who knows! Because of this food-is-the-Indo’s-number-one-spirit, Benji’s had to come up with an all-day food concept. So, Benji’s is the one with the all-day breakfast, Benji’s Toko with the all-day brunch menu and in the evenings shareable street food.

What.A.Menu!

It contains an abundance of tastebud-tempting dishes. Normally I have to cherry-pick between at most two alternatives. But at Benji’s Toko my belly was in for almost 90% of their pampering menu. Even the salads caught my attention. And to think that I sort of have a love-hate relationship with those green basterds. Thumbs up for you little Benjamin!

Expect some happiness on your plate

Bali Inspired

As a matter of fact, the menu at Benji’s Toko would not be out of place at Bali. Easy-going. Photogenic. Bursting with passion. Açaí bowl, raw rainbow noodle salad, rendang fries, rainbow buns, satay, gado gado rolls, lava cake. And, of course, colourful cocktails and delicious coffee on the side. One by one tropical treats. Another reason to stop by is the crew. Equally important, they offer genuinely hospitable service. Let’s call it ‘joyful enthusiasm.’ With flair and a tiny pinch of craziness, but without fuss and fakeness. Love it!

Instead of taking a 15 hour flight, you can get the same vibe just around the corner at Benji’s Toko. Who’s in for a breakfast, lunch or dinner date at this mouthwatering newbie?

Selemat Makan,

Sharmaine

Benji’s Toko
Baarsjesweg 188, Amsterdam
Website / Instagram

Opening hours: Tuesdays till Sundays 10:00 – 24:00
Mondays closed

*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!

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08 Jul 2019

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The Legendary Supperclub Amsterdam is back with a new concept!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On July 8, 2019 With No Comments

If you know your way around the nightlife in Amsterdam, you must have heard of the infamous dining club. With extravagant acts, overwhelming visuals and a grand 5-course menu, Supperclub has been able to surprise its guests since 1993. But from the 1st of July, they have updated concept with a changing theme every 3 months. We booked a dinner on one of their signature white beds.

The Concept

To begin with, Supperclub offers a unique dining experience that in our opinion you must experience at least once. Famous for their white interior and shared beds, you can enjoy an extravagant show curated by creative manager Marc van Loon. This results in a night full of surprises and because you are on a bed next to people you don’t know, it’s a great conversation starter!

Dinner in bed

You start off with a cocktail in the bar downstairs and you will be called over when your bed is ready. To begin with you will need to take your shoes off and get comfortable on the all white bedding. Your Supperclub host will be there if you want to order cocktails or if you have any questions. You don’t have to wait long for your first course because you can open the surprise box located at your table that includes pieces of sushi, bread & butter, crayfish and cheese. Obviously, the menu keeps changing, so you never know what you will get. Tip: If you have special dietary requirements, tell them when you make your reservation and upon arrival.

In between the courses the resident DJ plays the best funky tech-house tunes and you will get to enjoy a total of 4 performances during the evening. What the show exactly consists off will be a little secret, but we can tell you it’s worth your while. (we especially loved the last part!)

Cost & Verdict:

Dinner is €69,- for 5-courses of exotic eats with culinary arts. Drinks are settled with you on the evening itself. Be sure to order one of their in-house cocktails! At Supperclub you don’t just come for the food. You come here for the whole experience. In short, we think Supperclub Amsterdam is the perfect place to bring your date. And with the new changing theme, you will never get bored! Are you ready to dream with your eyes wide open?

Love,

Wander-lust

Supperclub Amsterdam
Singel 460, Amsterdam
Website / Instagram

Read all about new hotspots in the Dutch Capital!

04 Jul 2019

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The Avocado Show Downtown | Open Soon!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On July 4, 2019 With No Comments

After the first Avocado Show opened in De Pijp and their second extension The Avocado Show To Go on the Willemsparkweg in Amsterdam, The Avocado Show completes its formula when the new Avocado Show Downtown opens from 11th of July.

Last night, the first lucky few could taste the menu of the brand new Avocado Show Downtown

It’s pretty healthy food

As with all other locations of The Avocado Show, every dish at Downtown is made with love from sustainable avocados – with a focus on taste, presentation and originality. Healthy dishes that also look nice on the plate. They call it pretty healthy food, and let’s be honest, it is! This results in classic dishes with an avocado twist like the bun burgers are also on the menu. But also innovative dishes such as avocado fries and vegan peanut butter avo ice cream. Every dish is carefully styled for color in order to make breakfast, lunch or dinner not only healthy but also pretty. Both at the table and at delivery or takeaway.

On an iconic location, The Avocado Show Downtown serves a new dinner experience alongside the well-known breakfast and lunch dishes, including spectacular poké bowls, salads, burgers, avocado fries, tacos and truffle guacamole.

From waiting in line to reservations

While you still have to stand in line at the Pijp location, the Avocado Show Downtown location on Keizersgracht makes it easier than ever to score a spot. The sunny terrace and the restaurant with the signature interior, offers more than 100 seats for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As always, walk-ins are welcome, but at this location it is also possible to make a reservation via the website.

Pretty food at the Avocado Show Downtown

The avocado style

In addition to a menu of pretty healthy food, juices and cocktails, guests at The Avocado Show Downtown also find the entire lifestyle collection of merchandise, cookbooks and own food items. Thanks to a flexible event space, developed in collaboration with MADE.COM, it will soon also be possible to attend avocado cooking workshops and celebrate special moments.

The Avocado Show Downtown
Keizersgracht 449, Amsterdam
Wesbite / Instagram

29 Apr 2019

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Bakers Dough is serving Dough ice-cream and we want it!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On April 29, 2019 With No Comments

Time to indulge yourself to the max because cookie dough bar Bakers Dough just got better.

After the successful opening in Rotterdam, the insta-famous Bakers Dough came to our capital city almost 2 years ago. Never heard of this sweet food trend before? Well, it’s pretty simple; remember the dough you used to secretly eat when your mum baked a cake? It’s just like that only this is the kind that doesn’t make your tummy hurt at the end. The cookie dough is topped with all sorts of things like chocolate, sprinkles, m&m’s or fresh fruits. They even have a gluten free and vegan option!

Bakers Dough has visitors from over the whole world and this summer its getting even better because they just announced their Bakers Dough Ice-Cream cones! It’s not your typical ICE-cream, but dough balls in a cone, topped with anything you may like. WANT!

Check out their Facebook Page for more info.

Love,

Elke

*All the images in this articles are courtesy of Bakers Dough

28 Apr 2019

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Nomads Amsterdam » The Restaurant Inspired by Travel

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On April 28, 2019

Last year, Restaurant Nomads opened its doors in Amsterdam. A one of a kind restaurant with a direct link to travel. Every couple of months they travel across the globe to be inspired by a different cuisine which then results in a brand new menu. After Peru and Jordan it was time for a new influence. Are you curious where Nomads will take you for the next coming months?

The Peruvian Menu at restaurant Nomads a year back

A trip to Portugal

Why is Nomads unique? The restaurant offers a new menu every few months where a different country is highlighted. This way, foodies can enjoy a trip around the world and taste different cultures. For the next few months ahead you will be able to enjoy the Portuguese kitchen! Nomads Owners joined headchef on a 2 week trip in and around Lisbon where they discovered the best Portuguese flavours. This resulted in a wonderful menu with fish, squid croquettes, vegetables

Nomads will take you to Portugal for the next 6 months

Portuguese Mackerel Escabeche

Good to know

Eating at Nomads is not very expensive! For just €25,- per person you can enjoy a Chef Experience lunch which includes different dishes so you can taste all the flavours of Portugal. For dinner the Chef Experience will cost €37,-. There are always vegetarian options available. Also worth mentioning; they have a large outside terrace next to the water. Winning!

In short, no need to book your ticket to Portugal if you feel like traditional Pastel de Nata.

Nomads
Oranje Vrijstaatkade 55, Amsterdam
Website / Instagram

Love,

Elke

08 Apr 2019

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Eat My Trip is the Instagram foodie dream of Barcelona

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On April 8, 2019 With No Comments

Welcome in the wonder world of cotton candy clouds, unicorn smoothie bowls and pink lattes in skull cups. Eat My Trip is the place sweet dreams are made and after reading this article you surely won’t disagree. If somebody knows how a good dream should look, taste and feel like, it’s Genia Sukhacheva, the founder of Eat My Trip. She dreamed big and worked hard to make her dream reality: in the summer of 2018 she opened the doors to this second dimension restaurant in Eixample, Barcelona.

The new unicorn on the block
Eat My Trip literally takes you on a trip to another dimension, but the name has more to it. The menu is inspired by Genia’s trip around the world before she started the restaurant. You can find your favourite classics on the menu levelled-up with an exotic twist. For example, eggs benedict with curry sauce inspired by Thailand, French toast with a cloud of passion fruit infused cotton candy and pancakes Mexican style with guacamole, black beans and corn. Big plus: they only use organic and ecological ingredients and have many vegan options on their menu.

Eat My Trip is a great place for breakfast and brunch

So how does it taste?
The menu offers options for every type of hunger and healthiness level. I love what Genia did with the savoury dishes, offering the classics but with a travel inspired touch. The combinations are great (curry sauce + eggs benefict = winning), unfortunately the exotic touch was fairly modest in the dishes we tried. Because it’s such a great idea, it could be exploited a bit more in my opinion.
On the sweet side of life, Eat My Trip is writing history. Genia managed to create one-of-a-kind sugar rush dishes that are as good for the eye as for the mouth. The presentation forces people passing by to stop and stare and will make you feel bad for even wanting to eat it. Honestly. I had to be stopped taking photo’s of my plate because it was already turning cold.

Everything on the menu is beautifully presented, but for the absolute wow-effect you should at least order the Tostada Francesa (vg). A soft brioche soaked in cream of passion fruit, house made marshmallows and a cloud of peach infused cotton candy. Top it off with a blue Matcha or Barbie latte and a “wow-face” is guaranteed. If you’re not convinced yet, take a look at their Instagram account and start the drooling in 3,2,1…

Feeling the pressure from bikini season around the corner? No worries, Eat My trip offers healthy dishes as well, for example smoothie bowls and veggie dishes. But I have to put out a warning; you probably get seduced by the mouth-watering cakes at the counter anyways.

Who doesn’t want to drink out of a skull cup and eat French toast with a freaking sugar cloud on it?

The atmosphere
The restaurant looks as creative as the dishes, which isn’t a surprise when you realise that Genia also build the whole interior herself (Girl, what can’t you do?!). The restaurant has a homey feeling; blue walls, floral mural prints and surf-hut-like wooden chairs and floor. The chalkboard above the counter exposes all the food goodness and the restaurant is full with “Alice in Wonderland style” accessories to keep you busy while waiting for your order. Although the decorations of the dishes are complex and extraordinary, the overall vibe in the restaurant is super easy going.
We visited on a Saturday and it wasn’t hard to find a table, which is quite unique in Barcelona. However, I have the feeling this is going the change soon once Barcelona’s tourists guides pick up on this little piece of sugar heaven.

My verdict: Definitely a must visit if you either live in Barcelona or just on a city trip. The food is a guaranty for a fun afternoon; taste-wise and because of colour explosions and original combinations. I very much respect what Genia has created and creativity like this should be rewarded (by a visit from you).

P.S.: The blue tables outside are great for soaking up the midday sun and Instagram worthy food pictures (just saying).

Eat My Trip
Carrer del Consell de Cent,378
Website / Instagram

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.

06 Apr 2019

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Full Moon Garden brings their Dim Sum to Amsterdam

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On April 6, 2019 With No Comments

If you have Asian roots like me, you know that “Asian” brunch is a thing. Eating with family & friends is very important and the Chinese understand this more than anyone. It’s no surprise that they invented Dim Sum, small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on a small plate, that is served with a hot pot of jasmine tea. You can imagine how happy I was to hear that the traditional dim sum restaurant Full Moon Garden opened in Amsterdam this week.

Full Moon Garden
It all started in Hong Kong back in the 90’s. Mr Kwok opened his first restaurant in the city that is considered to be the birthplace of dim sum. After a few years he and his family decided to start a new life in The Netherlands and in 2011 they opened their first Full Moon Garden restaurant in the city of Den Haag, where Full Moon Garden has become somewhat of a household name. With the success they manage to open 2 more Full Moon Garden restaurants in Den Haag, but it is the first time that they open one in Amsterdam.

Full Moon Garden is located on the Leidsestraat

The Menu
Do you have a couple of hours? There are two menu’s; one dim sum menu, and one dinner menu. On both menu’s you will be able to find all the traditional dishes, as well as some modern style Chinese cuisine. Some of Full Moon’s signature dishes are the Peking Duck, streetfood style Scallion Pancakes, silken tofu, crispy noodles and of course the steamed dumplings.

For desert you must try the Mango Pudding that is served in a koi fish shape, symbolising wealth, harmony and happiness.

The dumplings taste exactly like they are suppose to, and if you like veggies, try the Chinese broccoli or eggplant with peppers. Yum!

The new restaurant is located in the middle of the Leidsestraat, next to the MacDonalds. A long staircase takes you upstairs where there are seats for about 180 people. The view isn’t bad either, if you like some people watching.

I will definitely come back for some Sunday dim sum with my friends!

Love,

Elke

Full Moon Garden Amsterdam
Leidsestraat 94, Amsterdam
Website / Instagram

16 Mar 2019

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Spiritland London | Where music and food comes togehter

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On March 16, 2019 With No Comments

Described on their website as “an early morning to late night celebration of food, drink and music”, there is little else to add that better describes Spiritland, a new venue in London’s Southbank district. Part owned by the team that brought London the popular contemporary British dining hall Canteen, Spiritland is not to be missed. It’s a unique experience that is intimate, inspiring and ideal for any time of the day.

Food
A breakfast brunch menu, lunch menu and dinner menu all promise sumptuous tastes that are unapologetic twists on classic dishes and for full disclosure this review is based on brunch. If you’re after a spin on the British breakfast staple of porridge try the Brown Rice which is cooked with soy, banana, miso and yuzu caramel. It’s brilliant, achieving the perfect balance of sweet and savoury at the same time. And if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, the Kale Saag Aloo Hash with poached eggs also hits the spot quite nicely. Topped off with cappuccino or Kombucha respectively, it’s little wonder that with combinations like this brunch is the most important meal of the day.

Be sure to come back for lunch, pre-theatre cocktails and a late-night dinner if the opportunities arise – DJs play until 2am.

Brunchtime!

Drink
Let’s leave it at: they have a 110 bottle of wine selection and quite the tempting cocktail menu which makes it rather difficult to leave this plush venue, regardless of the time of day.

Interiors and Experience
In case it hadn’t been obvious by now, music is as equally at the heart of this restaurant as the food. Their debut space in Kings Cross is renowned for their world-class sound system and, given that this new location in the Southbank – underneath the world famous Royal Festival Hall (the performing arts venue) – this is no exception, the speakers are bespoke from Living Voice. A DJ booth plays focal point within the 180-cover restaurant and each bathroom booth even boasts its own sound-system.

Spiritland is the kind of place that invites you to soak up the atmosphere, its casual dining at its finest.

Part Wes Anderson inspired (think 1970s chic executed in a contemporary and inviting way) and designed to embody a recording studio as well as a restaurant (which further emphasises their fascination with music) it’s fitting to think of Spiritland as a homage to music fused with food. You can watch the chefs at work while you browse the menus which offer adventurous, modern tastes from chef Moondo. Maximizing guests acoustic experience, there are subtle nods to recording studios with ceiling pads and sound-proof décor too. And, to further flatter their Royal Festival Hall location, there’s additional nods captured within the interior such as the theatrical velvet curtains. Album playback sessions, artist talks, and guest DJs are all a part of the schedule of events and I’d recommend that you look them up in advanced as they’re not to be missed.

In the wildly-impossible possibility that you’re still hungry and fancy a breath of fresh air, a food market is on the door step, offering every-imagining of food and drink and dessert too.

Spiritland
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London
Underground Station: Waterloo, Northern Line
Brunch can cost from £25 for one course and a coffee for two people.
Website / Instagram

04 Mar 2019

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The Meets Amsterdam has opened their second location!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On March 4, 2019 With No Comments

Three years after they started their journey in De Pijp, they proudly popped up a second one in Amsterdam Eastside. A place for both vega(n) aficionados and meat eaters. How great if you can mix the tasty with the healthy? The Meets in Amsterdam has proven that added sugars and additives are somewhat of the past.

The Meets’ 80/20 rule
Meet the new little brother of The Meets De Pijp in a side street by the lively Javastraat. As their neighbour behind I can tell you this is exactly what we Eastsiders needed. Something totally different. The Meets likes to follow their 80/20 rule: 80% plant-based, 20% fish, meat, diary, and above all 100% finger lickin’ good. A perfect way to pamper the vegans, fish ánd meat fans, genius. Treating yourself doesn’t mean lots of needless E numbers, greasy dishes and very few nutrients. For the latter it’s maybe even a great culinary escapade to switch to the plant-based treats, and discover whole new taste variations. It’s worth the try!

Homemade and free from bullshit
Back to their concept: all their dishes are homemade from locally sourced, honest and, if possible, organic ingredients and free from refined sugars and other nasties. So, no I-can-dream-the-menu with eggs Benedict’s, grilled sandwiches and bombastic burgers. The Meets has put together lots of mouthwatering, out-of-the-box green creations, like the Pad Thai, Mexican veggie burger and the avocado sweet potato wrap. Culinary masterpieces both for your eyes and taste buds. And If you’ve got some room left, you definitely have to say ‘YES’ to one of their desserts. All your sweet craves will be saturated by the creamy cheesecake, fluffy carrot cake or vegan twix.

Vegan sushi

On weekdays they’re also open for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Their lunch menu offers a bunch of showstoppers. From Kim-Cheezie toasti till an açai blueberry bowl and an Instagrammable stack of spirulina buckweat pancakes. All the wholesome way. Go for a blue latte, funky tea or the veggie bomb ‘Apple on the Edge’ – my fave – and you’ll claim your comfy spot for the rest of the day. This is immediately a nice bridge to the interior (wink)

A good reason to drop by at The Meets captured in two shots: the spirulina pancakes and blue latte

Good humoured interior
At entrance mood will be good in a sec by seeing their lush colourful, (inspired by the retro 80’s) interior with loads of super comfy chairs and couches. No hustle or bustle, just relaxed vibes and a very warm place. The creative concept is set by Studio Noun – known from the styling for, for example, Restaurant C and Baut – in collaboration with top illustrator Piet Paris. Thumbs up.

In case you’d like to end your chaotic workday or start your lazy weekend with a healthy boost, The Meets is your new favourite kid in town. More of this please!

Love,

Sharmaine

The Meets Eatery
Sumatrastraat 28 – 30, Amsterdam
Opening hours: Mondays till Fridays 17:30 – 23:00
Saturdays and Sundays: 9:30 – 23:00
Facebook / Instagram

*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!

19 Feb 2019

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Bam Boa will open at Girassol’s old location!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On February 19, 2019 With No Comments

For the last week or so, we have seen some pretty photo’s and “coming soon” messages passing by our Instagram feed. We can now tell you that there is a new hotspot coming by the name of Bam Boa!

The closing of Girassol
A few months ago the owners of Girassol decided to close their modern Portuguese restaurant after 35 years. A great shame because it was such a wonderful place that was visited by many locals. Girassol was located next to the waters of Amsterdam, bringing sunshine to the neighbourhood with boats stopping to grab dinner during sunset. So we are happy to announce that the same location is getting a new name and vibe!

Bam Boa
They just announced their name so we are here to tell you it first. Together with influencer and entrepreneur Kae Sutherland, the 2 brothers who took over Girassol from their parents, are behind it all. They thought it was time for something new, and if we have to believe the photo’s, the restaurant will have a boho look & feel.

The outside terrace will get a makeover and it will have beachy elements. They will be open for healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We can’t wait for this one to open!

Bam Boa
Weesperzijde 135, Amsterdam
Instagram / Facebook