Tasty hotspot Archives

02 Sep 2019

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam Guide, Tasty Hotspots With No Comments Permalink

Jacobsz, the restaurant in Amsterdam that sticks around

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On September 2, 2019 With No Comments

As you know, Amsterdam has countless so called “hotspots” that are poppin’ up like mushrooms. Some are trendy for a bit and disappear quite quickly. But some restaurants are here to stay. Jacobsz belongs to the ones that stick around, and we’re going to tell you why.

Jacobsz is located right on the corner of the Middenweg/Ringdijk in Amsterdam’s Eastside. The restaurant is situated inside a monumental building and thanks its name to the architect that designed the building many years ago.

Legend says that Napoleon received the key to the gates of old Amsterdam right here, 200 years ago.

Ever changing menu

There is no easy way to describe the menu at Jacobsz because they change it about every 7 weeks, but we can best describe it as good, honest seasonal food, accompanied by the best wines. Ordering is pretty simple. You can go for a 3, 4, or 5-course menu that includes carefully chosen wines from different regions. If you are up for it, you can also opt for the 6-course menu, which is only ordered per table. If you know me, you know I went for the last option. Wow. Even the amuse with mushroom and cream made me talk about Jacobsz for the next 2 weeks.

One of the current dishes at Jacobsz

I have to admit, I didn’t understand every ingredient that our waiter explained, but I didn’t care. It suited perfectly with the wines they served with each separate dish. Because I am a vegetarian I was a bit worried that I would get less better version of what my man had, but no. You couldn’t even compare the dishes he had.

Every bottle is suits a different dish

It might have something to do with the fact that most ingredients at Jacobsz are seasonal and local.

The Ambiance at Jacobsz

When I visit a restaurant, the ambience is just as important to me as the food. Needless to say that the interior at Jacobsz is simple but warm. Filled with people from all walks of life. Young professionals, couples, business partners or grandparents with their children. They all come back here to taste their ever changing menu. For those sunny days you have Bolder, their private terrace that you can book for gatherings and parties.

Simple, but stylish

In conclusion, Jacobsz is here to stay and has officially been crowned one of the best restaurants by us and the people of Amsterdam.

Let us know when you are planning to go!

Love,

Elke

Jacobsz
Ringdijk 1, Amsterdam
Website

04 Jul 2019

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IJver Amsterdam

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

There is a new restaurant in Amsterdam North we want you to know about! Located in the former Scheepsbouwloods at the NDSM wharf, you will find IJver.

Location & Interior

Where the IJhallen flea market is held every month, an eight-meter high restaurant with a large terrace is being build. Entrepreneurs Reinout Ezinga, Sikko de Jong, Tim Jongens, Herman Klukkert and Arne Kleijn, together with their designers, combined the authentic and industrial elements of the robust building with bright colours, plants, comfortable furniture and special objects. For a rugged look, the walls are covered with cold-rolled steel that has been manually worked with a gas burner. The restaurant space has a flexible layout so that costumers can have meetings, presentations and host parties from 5 to 500 people. Good news; there will be an outside terrace too!

Interior IJver Amsterdam

Quirky dishes

The menu at IJver is a fresh mix of Dutch and French cuisine, compiled by chef and culinary adviser Herman Klukkert. Herman uses ingredients from Dutch soil, with a nod to the quirky of Amsterdam. Beer is an important ingredient, in the bar and in the kitchen. Think of a Weizenbier stew in, a fresh hoppy IPA dressing with young veggies and a slush puppy made from cherry beer.

Food at IJver

In addition to cooking on the charcoal grill, IJver distinguishes itself with special snacks: from authentic curry sausage to jerk chicken, from home-made piccalilly with old cheese to Dutch-made charcuterie. In addition, IJver has a selection of pickled, preserved and preserved fruit and vegetables. Not only to uphold the Amsterdam tradition of investing, but also to make optimum use of what the season has to offer.

Beer & Wine

IJver has 34 taps(!), serves beer cocktails and has around a hundred different bottled beers. Wine lovers will also find what they are looking for with a wonderful range of wines from a local wine supplier.

IJver
Scheepsbouwkade 72, Amsterdam
Website

Love,

Elke

28 Apr 2019

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam Guide, LUST, Tasty Hotspots Permalink

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.

19 Feb 2019

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam Guide, Tasty Hotspots With No Comments Permalink

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

05 Feb 2019

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in France, LUST, Tasty Hotspots With No Comments Permalink

Le Potager de Charlotte opens their second Vegan restaurant!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On February 5, 2019 With No Comments

You’ve probably heard me rave about Le Potager de Charlotte in my previous article on Top 10 Vegan Restaurants in Paris, but I am about to tell you everything you need to know about their new restaurant in the fancy 17th arrondissement.

I was so happy to be back at Le Potager de Charlotte but at a completely new location, opened only two days ago. The first restaurant in the 9th district is modest and bright, but this one is definitely the more elegant and stylish of the two.

Their goal is to restore the image of plant-based cuisine

Brand new Vegan menu
While preserving their most popular dishes from the first restaurant, diners can enjoy several exclusive new dishes, including a new dish for each course. I have never seen or tasted a more appealing Romane lettuce before this. The paring of the wild rice and red kuri squash cream is unparalleled, the tougher texture of the wild rice is balanced out by the smoothness of the sauce. For this season, they have created the most refreshing mango dessert, paired with cashew vanilla cream and speculos, which I’d highly recommend.

The right produce at the right time with the right taste and price

Humans of the restaurant
Did you know that the owner of Le Potager de Charlotte, David Valentin, is also a chef at the restaurant? You are sure to be amazed by his magic of turning even the most common Romane lettuce into a deliciously beautiful starter. The two brothers, David and Adrien, are also super attentive, making sure that their customers are having the best dining experience. To take the pressure of having to choose from all the amazing food on the menu, feel free to ask them or any of the waiters for recommendations. In my experience, they’ve been pretty spot on.

Décor and sustainability
This brand-new restaurant is the definition of interior design goals. Since it is a vegan gourmet restaurant, it is only appropriate to have the entire place covered in green – wall, seats and cushions; and the rest, with minimalistic wooden details. The entire place is transformed into an oasis, completing the whole dining experience. Finally, I want to applause the restaurant for serving their delicious cocktails with glass straws, committing to their ethos of promoting sustainable lifestyle.

At Le Potager de Charlotte, the menu is changed and updated every three months, depending on what is in season. We have always received the warmest welcome visiting the restaurant, so be sure to drop by regularly for their newest and most exciting creations!

Le Potager de Charlotte
12 rue de la Tour d’Auvergne
21 rue Rennequin 75017
Website /Instagram

Love,

Chantelle

19 Mar 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam Guide, LUST, Tasty Hotspots Permalink

Spingaren, the restaurant where opposites attract

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On March 19, 2018

If you cycle around in Amsterdam, you almost forget how many hidden spots there are. Behind the walls of the many canal houses of Amsterdam, you’ll find restaurants, hotels and businesses. The other day, I had dinner at Spingaren, a restaurant that I could have easily missed when walking by. Time to tell you what’s behind those walls.

Arriving at Spingaren, you need to walk up a small staircase to find a glass door that brings you to the restaurant. The bar and brick walls welcome you for a drink and you wonder where the tables are. The restaurant area is situated in the back and goes on for ever. The best spot to sit at, is without doubt the area where I enjoyed my dinner, I call it the green spot. Plants are hanging from the ceiling and one of the walls is covered in moss.

The Menu
Spingaren is able to accommodate anyone at anytime. There is a menu available for vegans, vegetarians, carnivores, pregnant women and if you can’t bare gluten, you’re also good here. I enjoyed a veggie platter for 2 and it was delish!

One of the shared platters at Spingaren (this one includes fish)

Share your plate and discover your neighbours dish

For mains, I was pleasantly surprised with my sticky cauliflower dish, and noticed the carnivores across the table looked with envy as they tried to steal the food of my plate. But hey, sharing is caring and I was more than happy to give them a little taster. This is what Spingaren is all about. Share your plate, discover your neighbours dish and order something else next time around! I ended my meal with roasted pineapple (which was a little too sweet for my liking), espresso creme brûlée and ice-cream. You can find the full menu here.

Sticky Cauliflower with black quinoa

The location is surprisingly large and even fits a large group of people up to 200 people! But there is more.. Spingaren developed their own charcuterie and creates homemade pastrami, vegetarian chorizo and kimchi. The wine and cocktails aren’t bad either so Spingaren is a great contender for a dinner with friends, where you can discover new flavours that you may not have ordered first hand.

Spingaren
Herengracht 88, Amsterdam
Website

Love,

Elke

More tasty hotspots here:

17 Jan 2018

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam Guide, Tasty Hotspots Permalink

Arriba Arriba, the new Mexican hotspot in Amsterdam!

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On January 17, 2018

Are you ready for a new South American hotspot in Amsterdam? Arriba Arriba will open its doors on the Rozengracht on the 1st of February.

Arriba Arriba is a Mexican street food hang-out with South American influences. You can go here from noon for quick taco’s or to dine extensively, 7 days a week. All dishes on the menu are created for sharing. Perfect for two or with a large group of friends. Arriba Arriba is a concept created by the IQ Creative team, that also brought you Happyhappyjoyjoy. For the concept and interior, they have joined forces with architects Concrete and JPS.

the word streetfood or ‘antojitos‘ literally means cravings

A quick bite or a long meal
In a country where 50% of the population buys their food on the street, the word streetfood or ‘antojitos‘ literally means cravings. At Arriba Arriba you will have the option to go for a quick mean taco or lunch. All tacos are created with authentic Mexican tortillas from Taiyari and baked according to the method of the old Aztecs. The toppings vary, from crispy pescado with crispy cabbage and lime, to rib-eye with chimichurri and avocado, or pulpo ‘octopus’ with sweet potato and pickled onion. You will also find healthy salads, and other bites such as oysters on the menu.
Starters and main courses do not exist here, just pick and choose want you want to try. Good to know that all tortillas and tostada’s are gluten-free! The menu also offers plenty of choice for vegetarians.

Mexican street food? Yes please!

A typical Mexican restaurant with a modern twist

Modern and Mexican interior
We haven’t seen it yet but word is that it’s going to look and feel like a typical Mexican restaurant with a modern twist. The inspiration for the interior comes from the Mexican architect Luis Barragán, who works a lot with color, light and shadow, without losing any subtlety. The elongated space on the Rozengracht will becomes an atmospheric and cheerful place with areas of color. The decoration will consist of modern objects and will be filled with natural materials such as cactus and rattan. It’s also going to be quite spacious as the restaurant easily seats 150 people and is also perfect for people that just want to drink a Mexican beer or Margarita.

We can’t wait to visit this Mexican hotspot!

Arriba Arriba
Rozengracht 114 , Amsterdam
Website

Love,

Elke

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