Amsterdam Magazine no 18 - February 2012 by Amsterdam Magazine

February 2012 - Issue 18

YOUR FREE COPY

THE LOVE ISSUE Mixed Feelings, Love for Sale, 10 Best Things to Do for Valentine’s Day

+ DE PIJP EXPLORED, SELECTED RESTAURANTS & BARS, HIDDEN STORIES, AGENDA AND MORE...

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR With 50,000 copies distributed each month, Amsterdam Magazine is the largest free English-language magazine in the Netherlands. Amsterdam Magazine is distributed from hundreds of locations in Amsterdam including many hotels, popular tourist attractions, restaurants, bars and shops.

Amsterdam Magazine is published monthly by Wereldwijt Publishing BV www.wereldwijt.com Amsterdam Magazine BV Herengracht 423 - sous 1017 BR Amsterdam The Netherlands +31 (0)20 8461690 info@amsterdam-magazine.com www.amsterdam-magazine.com twitter: amsterdammag facebook: amsterdammagazine Publishers: Linda Korver Wouter Wijtenburg Cees van der Steenstraten Editor in Chief: Bieneke van der Does bieneke@amsterdam-magazine.com

OH L’AMOUR! With Valentine’s Day upon us once again, we decided to honour the occasion with an issue of Amsterdam Magazine devoted entirely to love. After all, love is a beautiful yet strange thing. It can drive you mad and it can give you wings. Even after seven years and sufficient arguments with my loved one, I still end our phone calls with kisses and I-LoveYou’s. The couples in our photo essay Mixed Feelings - by Marie-Charlotte Pezé, who also shot our cover – have had to endure much more for their relationship. Now that the chilly weather has arrived, it can’t hurt to cuddle up even closer to your partner, or to surprise the light of your

Art Director: Linda Korver linda@amsterdam-magazine.com Proofreader: Billy Nolan info@billy-nolan.com Advertising Sales: Kris Soehawan kris@amsterdam-magazine.com +31 (0)6 30554599 Editorial Staff: Sarah Moore sarah@amsterdam-magazine.com Tim Hilhorst tim@amsterdam-magazine.com Design: Nicky Falkenberg nicky@amsterdam-magazine.com Finance Manager: Gerard Koelmans finance@amsterdam-magazine.com Photographers: De Fotomeisjes, Marie-Charlotte Pezé, Thomas Schlijper

need to do, dear reader, is check out this new and improved

Contributors Nicola Bozzi, Allison Guy, Brandon Hartley, Mike Peek, Marie-Charlotte Pezé, Arun Sood, Marieke Verhoeven, Nicolaas Veul

issue of Amsterdam Magazine. We’ve shaken things up, added

Cover: Marie-Charlotte Pezé

life with a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner or trip. All you

new features and revised the overall design. We think it looks much, much better now and we’re sure it will guide you more easily through our beloved city.

Advertise with us! To find out on how you can get your message across to 100,000 international tourists each month, reach us by email at: sales@amsterdam-magazine.com or call our office on: +31 (0)20 8461690 Want to become a distributor? Amsterdam Magazine is published monthly (50,000 free copies). To discuss becoming one of our exclusive distribution locations, please contact us at info@ amsterdam-magazine.com Printed by: Grafius BV Distributed for free in the Netherlands

Editor in Chief

--------------------------------------------------------© Amsterdam Magazine B.V. 2012 Amsterdam Magazine is a registered trade name and publication. Neither the trade name nor the format may be used and/or reproduced, in any form by third parties.

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Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily re�lect those of Amsterdam Magazine or its publishers. Amsterdam Magazine accepts no responsibility, legal or otherwise, for the accuracy of its content. ---------------------------------------------------------

CONTENTS

FEATURED LOVE FOR SALE: A peek behind the windows INTERVIEW

14 24 34

UNLOCKING THE CITY: The inside scoop STREET STYLE: This is how Amsterdam dresses MIXED FEELINGS: Sometimes love knows no bounds

REPORTAGE 38 21

NEIGHBOURHOODS: The Oude Pijp explored KNOCK KNOCK: This is how a love docter lives...

SELECTED 52 54 56 58 60 62

COLUMN 16

FRAMED: By Thomas Schlijper

THE REGULAR 4 8 10

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Q&A BITS & PIECES

MORE... 18 48 64 72

THE TEN: Best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day HIDDEN STORIES: Het Begijnhof AGENDA: Events that mustn’t be missed CAPTURED: What you missed last month

RESTAURANT: George Deli BAR: Bubbles & Wines RESTAURANT: De Italiaan BAR: Vyne SHOP: Puccini Bomboni TO DO: Tune-Yards

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Q&A ASK THE TEAM

Sarah Moore

Arun Sood

‘I express my love through the sense of taste. I love eating as much as I love humans, so if I cook for you, I love you.’

‘I speak with a funny accent. I have the touch of an over-excited chimpanzee. And I look a bit funny. So quite frankly... words!’

Nicola Bozzi

Marieke Verhoeven

Mike Peek

‘The way I best express my love is through looks, words, and little presents that have something special about them.’

‘By cooking! As the Dutch say, the way to the heart is through the stomach. So a good meal (preferably something spicy) will always do the trick.’

‘My love is best expressed in writing since words are as thoughtful and patient as I am.’

Tim Hilhorst

Marie-Charlotte Pezé

Nicolaas Veul

‘There’s none when I’m moody, there’s little when I’m nervous. There’s lot’s if I like you and even more when I’m in love. It can be loud, languishing and occasionally lovely, but my writing always comes from the heart.’

‘Taste is how we show love in my family. I inherited my Italian grandmother’s compulsive need to (over)feed the people I love, and you can actually gauge the level of my affection by how much cream and butter I use.’

‘Screw love letters, sissy songs and lap dances; the best way of expressing your deepest love is to have heart-felt conversations. Even if you’re not feeling like it. Corny 4EVER.’

editor

journalist

We asked our contributors what sense/ language best expresses their love (words, images, speech, touch, sound, or some other way...).

journalist

editor

Amsterdam

photographer/ journalist

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journalist

BITS & PIECES

By: Tim Hilhorst

BODYWORLDS H UNTIL 22 APRIL H EXPO ZUIDAS / NEXT TO STATION AMSTERDAM ZUID WTC

DRIVE TOOGETHR There are eight million cars in Holland, 85% of rides don’t carry a passenger and 75% of people use social media: deductive reasoning led the guys at Toogethr to a gap in the market. Toogethr is a carpooling app that’s linked to social media. A driver can advertise a journey (and save on fuel costs) and passengers can look for cheap rides. As an added bonus you’ll be saving the environment Toogethr. The initiative started in Eindhoven but the user base is growing around Amsterdam.

Exposed Bodies

Want to see Amsterdam like these people do? Hop on down to Herengracht 298 and get yourself some analogue soul at the Lomography Gallery Store.

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February is the month of love and love, as we all know, comes from the heart. At Expo Zuidas you can now get some insight into this heart - literally. Thanks to Gunther von Hagens’s plastination method, which replaces fluid in the body with a polymer solution, we can observe the insides of preserved human bodies.

Bodyworlds features full human bodies, individual organs and organ structures, but focuses mostly on the heart as the centre of emotions. In this way it is linked to a historical and cultural history of the human body. This exposition based on donor parts has already touched 34 million others around the world.

AMSTERDAM APPLE STORE Last month, during a storm in the city, the secretive cover of the upcoming Apple Store at Leidseplein was blown away. Apple fan boys were able to snap some shots of the computer giant’s iconic glass staircase in progress. The first official Apple store in the Netherlands is rumoured to have the largest Genius bar in the world and will open on Leidseplein on 18 February.

Amsterdammer of the Year

At risk to his own life Mohamed Taha El Idrissi jumped into freezing cold water in Amsterdam Osdorp to rescue two drowning strangers – that’s what it takes to become the most valued citizen of this city. While others watched, Mohamed saved the drowning man and woman, both of whom were in critical danger. Unbelievably, he never heard from the two again. To make matters worse Mohamed was left with a €270 bill that he could not pay because he himself needed treatment and was

2theloo For men who prefer not to risk the newly increased fine of €100 for public urination and women who prefer a pretty and pristine porcelain god, 2theloo – a name that needs no explanation – set

not insured. Luckily, a spontaneous Internet collection gathered the money for the hero quite quickly and one Parool reader even gave Mohamed the sum in its entirety. Mohamed received 18% of the votes and beat a world champion baseball player, the director of Paradiso, and a butcher who gathered 1000 kg of meat for the less fortunate.

IN THE LAST THREE YEARS 51 PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN THE CANALS OF AMSTERDAM.

up shop in Amsterdam’s busy Kalverstraat. For a toll of €1 guests can enjoy a potty party in luxury. The bathrooms are continuously cleaned and you’ll find any and all toilet accessories in the ‘giftshop’.

Flagship: Kalverstraat 126

A COFFEE AND SOME LIGHT THERAPY Feeling the dread of winter clinging all around you? Head down to Bagels & Beans anywhere in Amsterdam and try out their new light therapy goggles for free. The alien-looking spectacles will supposedly enhance your mood by making up for the lack of sun we experience during the winter months. The offer started on Blue Monday and runs until the start of March.

HA HA HA If you listened quietly enough outside Paradiso on 15 January you could hear it. The sound of 422 people laughing in unison to hold ‘the largest laugh meditation session in the word.’ Beating the previous record holders by seven, this cacophonously joyful group, led by Doctors of the World, was raising awareness for children with deformities in developing countries.

BITS & PIECES

By: Tim Hilhorst

WORD OF THE YEAR Dutch word of 2011 is ‘tuigdorp’, meaning a remote location turned into a residential area for repeat offenders. Literally translates most closely as ‘thug village’.

HBO COMES TO AMSTERDAM Premium cable television network HBO is coming to Amsterdam. In February Ziggo subscribers will be able to enjoy three new channels for free for a limited period. After the trial period the broadcaster will charge €15 for a subscription that includes shows like Game of Thrones, The Wire and True Blood. New episodes will usually air only one day after the American broadcast date.

DRIVING TOWARDS ELECTRICITY

BUSINESS TIME International companies have created over 1,200 extra jobs in the Amsterdam metropolitan area in the past year. Nearly a quarter of these jobs are in ICT, and most of the rest are in the creative sector.

VLIEGER & VAN DAM While most people concealing guns, knives and handcuffs would prefer for them to stay that way, bags in Vlieger & Vandam’s aptly named ‘Guardian Angel’ collection deliberately appear to do just that. The new collection boasts the same tough-girl strength through a series of architecturally and graphically inspired clutches and totes.

Amsterdam is the ﬁrst city in Europe where 300 car2go electric smarts are used.

Amsterdam has a long way to go to meet the EU’s 2020 targets for emission. That’s why city government has opened its purse strings for electric drivers. Amsterdam is putting aside €8.6 million in order to encourage people to buy an electric vehicle, especially enticing businesses with lucrative subsidies and tax breaks. E-drivers will receive: €5,000 for a personal car €10,000 for an electric delivery car €40,000 for an electric truck

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€10,000 for an electric taxi

UNLOCKING THE CITY

Text: Allison Guy H Photos: Sarah Moore

STREET DANDY STYLE

ONTFRONT

ALLOW OUR CLUED-UP DAM DWELLERS TO HELP YOU UNLOCK THIS CITY! IN THIS ISSUE, TOMAS OVERTOOM AND LIZA KOIFMAN, THE FOUNDERS AND CREATIVE TEAM OF ONTFRONT.

How would you characterise your style? ‘We put together this concept with hip-hop in our minds. When we started five and a half years ago, the things you could buy in stores were T-shirts and jeans or business suits. We decided to launch items for men that are exactly in between casual streetwear and more tailored, quality garments.’ In terms of fashion, what stores or brands really stand out? ‘Of course Patta shoes are what Amsterdam is famous for. Filling Pieces, which we have in our store,

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is an Amsterdam shoe brand that does really well. Tenue de Nîmes on Elandsgracht has Japanese denim and denim-inspired looks. They’re young and really good at what they do. In the south, there’s 1, which takes the purity and practicality of the heritage style and makes it fresh. They have classic English hunting jackets, which are bought by kids who listen to hip-hop.’ Where can you go to hear new music? ‘Normally we go to Sugar Factory, Bitterzoet, Studio 80, Club Up, and places like that. Chicago Social Club is a new club night held in Boom Chicago. In terms of music, it’s similar

FOAM

BOOM CHICAGO SOCIAL CLUB

to Bitterzoet. It has everything from new soul to experimental, so the feel of it really depends on the line-up. For hip-hop, Cafe Struik on Rozengracht also has nice music playing. It’s a small café that kind of resembles café De Duivel [ed: now closed], which was more hardcore, but this is more soft and easy-going.’ Where do you go to grab a good drink? ‘Door 74 is an intimate a cocktail bar. It has a living-room atmosphere with private tables. The girls who work there are amazing mixologists. Vesper is another bar that’s really good with cocktails. It can get quite crowded on

TOMAS & LIZA

Fridays and Saturdays. Go when it’s not too busy, because they don’t have many places to sit.’ Any places for fashionable people-watching in Amsterdam? ‘The thing about Amsterdam is that it’s small, so every subculture mixes together here. You’ve got Toko MC at the MC Theatre. It’s a restaurant but they also do some club nights. Their food is fusion Surinamese that’s much more refined than anything you can get from a take-away place. The theatre does a lot of multicultural exhibitions and performances with artists from Suriname or Aruba.

On Monday mornings you can go to Noordermarkt. You can have coffee on the square and watch the people. It’s a vintage market, so everyone that comes there is usually well-dressed or creative.’ Where do you go to find artistic inspiration in Amsterdam? ‘Usually we go to openings, not to big galleries or museums. There’s a really cool shop called Precinct Five, run by a DJ called Mr. Wix. It’s in an old police station across from the flower market. We also go to Foam a lot for photography.’ ONTFRONT.COM

FRAMED By: Thomas Schlijper

Every day Thomas Schlijper takes a picture. Check out his blog at schlijper.nl and see what the beating heart of Amsterdam looks like.

VOC-Kade,

6 January 2012, 18:13

Around New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve an abandoned factory was turned into a temporary swing club, which was also popular with adults. The swings were attached to the high ceiling so you could make nice long arcs. Atmospheric lighting made the swinging extra special. 16

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THE TEN

By: Brandon Hartley ★ Illustration: Sarah Moore

ROMANTIC GETAWAYS

BEST WAYS TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY Perhaps more than any other holiday, Valentine’s Day divides us. For some, it’s one of the highlights of their year, inspiring them to celebrate their love in any number of ways. For others, it conjures up the sort of loathing typically reserved for hornets, salted licorice drops and that crazy hooligan who tried to jump kick Esteban Alvarado back in December. If you fall into this latter camp, well, you’ll probably want to skip this article. For the rest of you, here are ten of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Venice of the North.

Cruise the canals Taking a boat cruise through Amsterdam is one of those ‘gotta do it at least once’ things. Rederij Lovers offers a variety of evening boat trips, among them a four-course dinner cruise or a one-hour trek with commentary in over 15 languages. Although your cutie pie might prefer the more romantic and candlelit Red Light Cruise, which includes an array of wines and Dutch cheeses.

LOVERS.NL

To serve and protect If your holiday plans involve adventures in some of the wilder corners of the Red Light District, you’ll need some ‘armour’. Located in the heart of De Wallen, Condomerie, the first shop of its kind in the world, has provided plenty of warriors with sheaths for their, er, swords since they opened their doors in 1987. They’ve got everything from the practical to the exotic. Whether you’re looking for a traditional pack of Trojan condoms or the glow-in-the-dark variety, you can find them all here. CONDOMERIE.COM

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Through the stomach

Hit the kitchen, beast

Take a carriage ride

A bicycle built for two

It’s a cliché as old as Valentine’s Day itself but fetching a box of chocolates for your snookums is always a safe bet. A short walk from Amsterdam Central Station, Jordino offers an array of delectable treats including ‘Chocolate Pumps’ that come in several varieties. Give the Cinderella (or Cinder*fella*) in your life an edible slipper instead of a boring, glass one.

If Disney films have taught us anything, it’s that everybody appreciates a home-cooked dinner. Treat the beauty in your life to a dinner prepared with ingredients from Marqt. This all-organic supermarket near Vondelpark can provide you with all the stuff you’ll need for the perfect meal, with the exception of a small army of singing and dancing silverware.

A wise man once said, ‘chicks dig horses’. Whether you consider this sage wisdom or an outdated bit of sexism, there are worse ways to spend the holiday than cuddled-up next to your heart’s desire in a carriage. Whether you’re looking to tour the city or arrive at a restaurant in style, Karos Citytours has you covered. They take reservations up to a week in advance. More spontaneous trips can also be arranged at their stand on the Dam.

This being Amsterdam, we’re obliged to include something on this list involving bicycles, right? While you could pedal the light of your life around the city in a bakfiets, a tandem bike might be easier on both your back (and your relationship). Damstraat Rent-a-Bike, located mere footsteps from the National Monument, has both tandems and an assortment of rides ranging from ‘granny bikes’ to hybrids and Gazelles.

JORDINO.NL

MARQT.NL

KAROS.NL

RENTABIKE.NL

Best seat in the house

Sk8er boi

Spend a night in a swanky hotel

Turn off the lights and indulge

Is your main-squeeze a film buff ? Then they’ll love the box seats in the gorgeous, art-deco main hall of the Tuschinski. These private, two person booths are reservable online or tickets can also be purchased (first come, first served) at the box office. Throughout February, the theatre is hosting special screenings of both classic movies and operas from The Met in New York City. Or if your paramour prefers ‘pratfalls’ over ‘curtain calls’, The Muppets opens on 8 February.

Once upon a time, couples in Amsterdam could spend a cold winter’s day skating through the city on its frozen canals. Global warming has made that impossible in recent years. But you and your sweet babboo can still hit the ice at Jaap Eden. Named after the famous Dutch speed skater, this ice rink in Watergraafsmeer contains an outdoor 400-m lane and an ice hockey rink. Just check their agenda ahead of time to make sure that no competitions are scheduled.

If you live on the outskirts of Amsterdam, getting home can be a real drag at the end of a night out on the town. So why not book a room for you and your snuggle bunny at one of the city’s finest hotels instead? There’s always the American Hotel, but this year the Dylan is offering a ‘From Amsterdam With Love Valentine’s Day’ package. It includes a luxury double room, ‘romantic’ turndown service, a sevencourse dinner at Vinkeles and more.

While there are plenty of ‘extracurricular activities’ that you and your babycake might enjoy in the dark this Valentine’s Day, a trip to CTaste is one of the more unconventional. Or at least one that you can talk about in polite company. This unique restaurant invites patrons to enjoy a meal in their pitch-black dining room, enabling them to rely on senses other than sight. A culinary phenomenon already popular in London and Paris, an evening here is unforgettable. Just be sure to set aside some cash for dry cleaning.

PATHE.NL/BIOSCOOP/TUSCHINSKI

JAAP-EDEN.NL

DYLANAMSTERDAM.COM

CTASTE.NL

Text: Marieke Verhoeven ★ Photos: Sarah Moore

REPORTAGE LOOK INSIDE

KNOCK KNOCK

Not many people like to discuss their love and sex life with strangers. Unless it’s with ‘love therapist’ Vera Steenhart. Amsterdam Magazine takes a look inside her home practice in the north of Amsterdam. Her last name might suggest otherwise (it literally translates as ‘stone heart’), but Vera Steenhart is all about fixing broken love. As a relationship and sex therapist, she’s been helping couples get through hard times for over 30 years. Once you step into her home practice, you immediately understand why people open up so easily here. The whole basement floor of her cute village-like house in the north part of Amsterdam breathes comfort. From the Buddha statues on top of the fireplace to Vera’s two cats jumping on your lap: it feels homey and warm, without being overwhelm-

This cute village-like house breathes comfort ing. ‘I think details are very important,’ Vera explains. ‘Besides the fact that I love every item in this room, it shows clients I have an eye for detail. This subliminally tells them I will notice the details in their stories as well.’ Asian art, like the large wooden

REPORTAGE LOOK INSIDE

Buddha head on the table, is Vera’s favourite. ‘Therapy for love and sex issues has existed in Asia for ages. The Chinese already wrote about men’s and women’s needs in 4000 BC.’ The first thing Vera does when a new couple comes in, is ask them if they want any coffee. Not an unusual question, but for Vera the response is a first indication of someone’s personality. ‘Some people are like: “I don’t know, whatever you’re having”. Then you know they might be insecure and obedient. Others look at each other, to see how the other one responds.’ To have couples open up about the most intimate details of their relationship, Vera does not have any special tricks. ‘It’s all about making people feel comfortable. The colours of the floor, walls and ceiling, which are yellow and orange, are very soothing. Orange is the colour of the sacral chakra, which is below the navel and related to feelings and sexuality. Whether you believe in chakra’s or not, it does seem to work.’ The Moorish features, like the star-shaped lamps and big pillars, stem from Vera’s love for southern Spain. ‘I spend half my time in a little town in Andalusia. I receive clients there for multi-day sessions and work on my book.’ One item in the house that has a strong symbolic meaning is the broken orange Carmelite stone on the table. ‘I like that the two halves are different but still belong together - just like lovers. And even though the outside looks pretty rough, if you look at the inside it is actually really beautiful.’

INVITE AMSTERDAM MAGAZINE OVER! Are you as proud of your Amsterdam dwelling as Vera is? Then send a few snaps of your interior to info@amsterdam-magazine.com and perhaps we’ll be knock-knocking on your door soon!

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STREET STYLE

Text: Tim Hilhorst ★ Photo: Sarah Moore

CULTURED COOL

T E E R ST LE STY

en’t ch ar t u D of t, the face i heir sense tion Let’s t excep us for famo . Here’s an n fashio ule. r to the

Danyael Olivier (24)

GLOVES: Old vintage socks I turned into gloves SHOES: London at Primark TROUSERS: Italia SWEATER: Grandma made it JACKET: Vintage from France BAG: 1 euro at a store in Drachten, Friesland SCARF: H&M GLASSES: Gift from my girlfriend BERET: Market in France

What should your outfit be telling us? ‘I’m non-verbally addressing that everyone should wear what they want, the way they want to. Just be creative, play with your wardrobe, and don’t think about it too much. Just represent.’ Where did you pick up these wise words? ‘My roots lie in Cuba. My mom is Cuban/Spanish and my dad Italian/German. My parents got divorced and I moved from Cuba to Spain. From Spain I went to Italy, then Germany, and finally I came here to Holland. I arrived when I was about 11 or 12. I’ve been living in Amsterdam for a little over a week, but I lived in Groningen before that.’ Like it here? ‘I love it, it’s great. It’s a real fashion city, lot’s of great people and there’s always something to do. There’s so much to see and great shopping.’ Any favorite places? ‘Laura Dols is really nice. Vintage, I like that. American Vintage is good too, they have good style: very casual and cool.’ Do you think your style represents your diverse heritage? ‘I hadn’t thought about it like that. It’s quite possible that I took something from every country I’ve lived in, in terms of style. And I do look at the styles of my roots and try to do creative things with that.’ Amsterdam versus Groningen? ‘In terms of style I think Groningen has a long way to go, but I can tell it’s on its way. I lived there for about eight years and you can tell there is more and more innovative/crazy things happening there as the years progress. People think twice before they head outside - I like that.’

FEATURED

LOVE FOR $AL€

FEATURED

Text: Mike Peek

LOVE FOR SALE

Love is free, except when it isn’t. Take a peek behind the windows and discover how De Wallen became the world’s most famous red-light district. The oldest police records mentioning prostitution in Amsterdam date back to the early 15th century. Like most cities in medieval Europe, Amsterdam allowed prostitutes to work as long as they stayed out of trouble. And out of church. Unmarried women who were caught with a man in the Lord’s House risked getting their ears chopped off. Which is not only extremely painful but also very bad for business.

handled the issue throughout the centuries. Even during eras when prostitution was officially forbidden (as recently as the year 2000), the authorities often turned a blind eye. Birth of De Wallen De Wallen has always been a popular prostitution district because of its proximity to the harbour. Before the central train station was built in the 1880s, ships moored directly down28

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Thinking about splurging on some love a la carte? There are a couple of things you need to know. If you visit a window prostitute in De Wallen, you can easily approach a girl (or guy) you fancy. She or he will open the door and explain the terms and conditions. The usual flat rate is about €50 for 15 minutes, but always agree on a price before you commit! You have to pay up front.

PHOTO: TOM FLEMMING-ELOWSSON (FROM DENMARK)

Religious leaders thought of hookers as a ‘necessary evil’

How to pay for love

PHOTO: DAVE WINER

Religious leaders back then mostly thought of hookers as a ‘necessary evil’. Or in the words of theologian Thomas van Aquino: ‘Prostitution is like the dunghill next to a palace. Without a dunghill, the whole palace would smell.’ That attitude is characteristic for the way Amsterdam has

Sex clubs Sex clubs are often located outside De Wallen and offer the total package of a bar, music, jacuzzi (yay!) and a choice of girls. Jan Bik (Buitenwieringenstraat 3-5) is the cheapest of the bunch. You can get private with a girl for €50 (half an hour) or €75 (full hour). Watch out for steep bar bills, especially in more upscale establishments like Club LV (Middenweg 144, outside the city centre). An hour of fun there will set you back around €300, but the atmosphere is supposed to be top notch. Beware that some clubs charge an entrance fee.

CLUB LV

FEATURED

Text: Mike Peek

LOVE FOR SALE

town, close to the Zeedijk. Unmarried dockers and sailors returning from a long sea trip were practically delivered to the doorstep of girls who knew exactly what those men craved. Don’t think the ladies were always tucked away in seedy dungeons. Brothels like Maison Weinthal and Madame Fatma were decidedly upscale establishments charging as much as five guilders for basic services - a small fortune in those days. After nearly a century of legal prostitution the city council outlawed brothels in 1897 on the allegation that

There is no such thing as eliminating prostitution it was a breeding ground for trafficking and adultery. But the authorities soon found out that there is no such thing as eliminating prostitution. The brothels just popped up in disguise elsewhere. Ladies started working from ‘beauty salons’ or ‘cigar stores’ in De Pijp and got their clients primarily from mouth-to-mouth advertising. Soon the ban started to slip and in the 1920s and ’30s De Wallen was on the rise again. Those decades saw the birth of a new type of hustling: window prostitution. Officers still didn’t allow women to actively acquire customers, but looked the other way when they left a tiny crack between their curtains. Prostitutes would quietly knock on the window whenever a man walked by, hoping to get his attention. No one yet knew that this game of se30

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Sex shops There are many sex shops in De Wallen, offering a wide variety of clothing, toys and massage oils. You don´t have to seek refuge in seedy, vulgar outlets either. Christine le Duc (Oude Doelenstraat 10) for example is a very modern and clean store where you can find gorgeous lingerie, erotic board games and high-end vibrators that are as beautiful as they are stimulating. Female Partners (Spuistraat 100, outside De Wallen) is also recommended. Smart Zone (SintAnnenstraat 19) is a good place to start if you’re looking for some inspiration from mother nature. They sell natural stimulants and energisers to spice up your bedroom.

duction, and the red lights indicating a girl was working, were going to make De Wallen world famous. The Glory Days Whores, gamblers, alcoholics, drug dealers, crooks, murderers and fighters: the characters populating De Wallen from the early 1950s to the early 1970s were not exactly saints. Still, many people look back at those ‘glory days’ with a strong sense of nostalgia. That crack between the curtains became a wide gap after the sexual revo-

LUXURIA JOYCE by Simon van der Weerd 90 x 70 cm, 2009 $2,220 Acrylic on linen

Sexy Art Totally in tune with the rich history of De Wallen is Sexy Art Gallery (Oudezijds Achterburgwal 54). The name speaks for itself. This gallery exhibits and sells provocative art in a wide range of genres and techniques like fine art, surrealism and kitsch.

FEATURED

Text: Mike Peek

PHOTO: AND BEYOND

LOVE FOR SALE

AND BEYOND - RED LIGHT FASHION

lution kicked in. At first police officers insisted that prostitutes buttoned up, but by the late ’60s all bets (and a lot of clothes) were off. Window prostitution also got company from sex theatres like Casa Rosso, erotic shops and peep shows. De Wallen essentially became an adult theme park. Some prostitutes like Blond Mien, Blond Greet, Chinese Annie and Parisian Leen became famous around the city. Their alpha male husbands acted tough in bars, but in a lot of cases, those women wore the pants at home.

Pleasure and danger are two sides of the same coin After all, they brought in the money. It was also the era of ‘Madames’: former prostitutes who started a small brothel with a few girls who often knew their regulars by name. In fact, everyone seemed to know everyone back then. It wasn’t all sunshine of course. The pull of the Red Light District has always been its seedy nature. In an increasingly regulated society, De Wallen was the Wild West of the 20th century. The murder of several prostitutes in the late ’50s and ’60s didn’t scare people off but just added to the 32

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More than prostitution Most people only know De Wallen as a red-light district, but there is much more to do these days apart from visiting a prostitute or watching a striptease. If you dress to impress, be sure to drop

by Red Light Fashion (Oudezijds Achterburgwal 121) where you can admire and buy the work of young Dutch designers like Bas Kosters and Roswitha van Rijn. If you’re hip and you know it you really can’t skip Latei (Zeedijk

legend of anarchy. Walking through De Wallen was supposedly like walking through a real-life crime novel with men looking for casual love and small-time crooks trying to outsmart the police. Current Situation Globalisation hasn’t skipped the Red Light District. Back in 1970, almost all prostitutes working in De Wallen were Dutch. Nowadays, about 70% of the girls are from Eastern Europe. They are the latest in a long line of exotic ladies who have travelled to Amsterdam on the promise of money. The Surinamese came first, followed by Brazilians, Colombians and Thai, among others. De Wallen is no longer

143), probably the most remarkable shop in Amsterdam. Owner David serves fine biological coffee with a mean piece of apple pie, but he also sells wallpaper, olive oil and well, his entire interior. See a chair you like? Make him an offer he can’t refuse!

the exclusive playground of heterosexual males though. Women and gay men are also catered for. Another notable change is that most pimps, prostitutes and coffee-shop owners don’t actually live in De Wallen any more. Social control in the district has all but vanished. Hard drugs, organised (international) crime and especially forced prostitution have become big issues: some girls are brought to the Netherlands thinking they will lead a better life only to end up behind a window. The legalisation of prostitution in 2000 was supposed to help eliminate that problem, but all it did was enable call girls to get a mortgage.

Some fear that De Wallen is going to be shut down entirely

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Amsterdam has come down hard on prostitution in the last five years. The famous sex club Yab Yum was closed on the suspicion it was tied to the criminal world. A considerable number of windows were also closed to give the authorities a clearer view of what goes on behind the remaining ones and to diversify the economy of De Wallen. Some windows were offered as studios to young artists and couturiers. Some say those measures are necessary; others fear that all the fun is being squeezed out of the city and De Wallen is eventually going to be shut down entirely. If history is anything to go by though, prostitution is here to stay as long as people are willing to pay for love. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, the notion of a totally risk-free red-light district seems naive. Pleasure and danger are and will always be two sides of the same coin. =

PHOTO ESSAY

By: Marie-Charlotte PezĂŠ

MIXED FEELINGS

Alexandra Daniela [25, Romanian]

& Alexander Whitener [27, French]

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MIXED FEELINGS To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Amsterdam Magazine spoke to three couples about the challenges of their intercultural relationships. Their stories prove that, in spite of differences in beliefs and origins, even in a climate of rising intolerance, sometimes love knows no bounds and recognises no boundaries.

‘He was hesitant when we first met, because there is so much prejudice in Europe against the Roma people, and the propaganda gets to everybody. People don’t know that most gypsies don’t even come from Romania. I used to tease him, ‘Be careful, I can read minds and tell the future. I will cast a spell on you!’ And see, my magic worked ... His family has been very warm and welcoming, and the only doubt that mine has expressed is about religion. We have a strong orthodox tradition, so my aunt said we were doomed to fail because we’d never connect spiritually. A traditional orthodox wedding is also very important to my father, and, to an extent, to me as well, so Alexander may have to get baptised. But when you meet the right person, none of this matters. Colour, nationality, religion. None of this is going to break us up.’ 35

PHOTO ESSAY

By: Marie-Charlotte Pezé

MIXED FEELINGS

Shinta Lempers [26, ½ Dutch, ½ Indonesian]

& Kenneth Nelson [??, ½ Dutch, ½ African American]

Alexandra Daniela [25, Romanian]

& Alexander Whitener [27, French]

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‘When you are of mixed origins, you feel like you’re sitting between two chairs. You can either decide to feel uncomfortable, or you can be grateful to actually have more room. I don’t identify as either black or white, but because of the colour of my skin and the negative stereotypes against the Surinamese and people from the Caribbean, I felt pressure to prove I wasn’t ‘like the others’ to my girlfriends’ families. However, I immediately felt comfortable with Shinta. Not only because she’s also mixed, but because her parents really appreciate other cultures. Her father spent his life travelling the globe – he’s visited more than 140 countries. His vision of the world has given her and her siblings a very broad cultural horizon. So while our origins are very diﬀerent, our cultures easily bleed into each other. As far as we’re concerned, it’s all added value.’

‘I first met Yolanda ten years ago, in California, and I went through a lot of pain to seduce her – but not as much pain as it caused to get her here. When she gave birth to Kai, we lived in Australia, and I was baﬄed to find out from the embassy that I should have recognised him before birth to give him the Dutch nationality. From then on, it was just an immigration nightmare, and our family was torn apart without any easy legal solution. They had to return to Mongolia, where there is no Dutch consulate, so Yolanda had to make regular trips to China to take care of paperwork. It was very hard on our relationship, but even more on Kai who only saw his father during short visits. She was allowed to move to Amsterdam just two months ago, so it took eight years for our family to finally be reunited. It was an incredible ordeal, and something should be done about the unfairness and inhumanity of immigration laws. But we’re happy that in the end, love prevailed.’

Yolanda François [30, ½ Mongolian, ½ Beninese]

& Jeroen van der Schaar

Kai [8] & Timo [9 months]

[46, Dutch]

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Text: Mike Peek

DE OUDE PIJP

DE OUDE PIJP Neighbourhood explored

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Text: Mike Peek DE OUDE PIJP

n b m e

c o k

a j

A. Albert Cuyp Market B. De Taart van mijn tante C. Bar Restaurant Barça D. Café de Groene Vlinder E. Kingfisher Café

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dg lf

NEIGHBOURHOOD

i h

F. Petit Grand Café Granny G. Café Flamingo H. Sarphatipark I. Uncle Wong J. Burgermeester

K. Bazar L. Chocolate Bar M. Zen N. Heineken Experience O. De Badcuyp

Nicknamed the Quartier Latin, De Oude Pijp is the most Parisian of all Amsterdam districts. Once a preferred habitat for poor students and artists, now a potpourri of cultures, food and sights. So why would you name a new neighbourhood De Pijp (‘The Pipe’)? Nobody knows for sure, but it might have something to do with a ditch that once cut through the district. ‘Pijp’ has several meanings in Dutch, one of the older ones being a long, narrow stretch of water. That ditch was drained in 1891 and replaced by the Albert Cuypstraat, home to the most famous marketplace in the Netherlands. The Albert Cuypmarkt a started as a Saturday market in 1905, but soon became a daily affair (9.00-18.00, except Sundays). With over 260 stalls offering fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing, toys and much more you’ll certainly find something to your liking. What’s

De Oude Pijp is the most Parisian of all Amsterdam districts cool is that the Albert Cuypmarkt directly reflects its multicultural surroundings: almost 150 nationalities live in De Oude Pijp and they all bring their own cuisine. Exotic food is available at the Albert Cuyp long before it goes mainstream in supermarkets. If that ever happens. Quartier Latin Let’s go back a little. In the second half of the 19th century, the number of

MARKET TRADER AT THE ALBERT CUYP MARKET

Puck Jansen, 56, owner of the Vlaardingse Haring Handel, born and raised in De Pijp. How long have you been at Albert Cuypmarkt? ‘This stall has been around for over 100 years and I’ve been here for 44 years. I first started selling fruit and vegetables when I was 12 years old and then later switched to haring and have been here ever since.’ What kind of people come here? ‘Everyone! I’ve seen it become more diverse over the years; people from every ethnicity and culture come here now.

Tourists used to come in the summers only but now they come all year long.’ What’s the best day of the week to visit the market? ‘Saturday is the busiest day at the market but that’s also when every single

stand is occupied.’ Do you have any favourite stalls? ‘Bart Kaas Cheese Shop and the Art flower shop right across from me is great.’

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Text: Mike Peek

DE OUDE PIJP

residents in Amsterdam exploded and De Pijp was conceived as the centre of a new, prestigious district wrapped all the way around the existing town. Georges-Eugène Haussmann had just spiced up Paris with his famous boulevards, and Amsterdam wanted in on the action. Beautiful houses and wide roads would transform the city into a modern metropolis with a gorgeous central train station at the heart of it all. Sounds nice, huh? Too bad it never happened. Logistical and financial issues forced the city council to cancel the plans and come up with something far more modest. No boulevards, no

Contractors started building without much regard for aesthetics villas and no train station, but long, narrow roads full of cheap and often inferior housing. Numerous contractors started building without much regard for aesthetics or any overall design of the district. Slumlords often rented out their property by the room to poor students, prostitutes or artists who couldn’t afford a whole house. No, De Pijp wasn’t exactly picturesque compared to the canal district, but that was made up for by its lively and eccentric population. Academics mingled with the working class in countless cafés where debates went on until early morning. The flourishing nightlife later drew people from all over the city to this ‘Quartier Latin’ of Amsterdam. 42

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TAART VAN MIJN TANTE

b Welcome to Alice in Wonderland in cake form. This wonderful fantasy tearoom is perfect for kids and lovers of kitsch. Cakes range from your ubiquitous apple pie to the sassy ‘Chocolate Bitch Pie’ with Belgian chocolate, berries and a wild chocolate ganache coating. This cake has its own motto: ‘Eat her before she eats you!’ The interior is as eccentric as the cakes themselves with all colours of the rainbow incorporated in the mish-matched crockery and furniture. Come here for the full sensory camp experience, not for a hung-over cup of joe. Open daily from 10.00 to 18.00 Ferdinand Bolstraat 10 +31 (0)20 7764600

Bars worth visiting in De Oude Pijp:

1 Bar Restaurant Barça c Marie Heinkenplein 30-31 +31 (0)20 470 41 44 bar-ca.nl

2 Café de Groene Vlinder d Albert Cuypstraat 130 +31 (0)20 470 25 00 cafedegroenevlinder.nl

Kingfisher Café e Ferdinand Bolstraat 24 +31 (0)20 671 23 95 kingfishercafe.nl

Petit Grand Café Granny f 1e van der Helststraat 45 +31 (0)20 679 44 65

Café Flamingo g 1e van der Helststraat 37 +31 (0)20-670 90 07

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Text: Mike Peek

DE OUDE PIJP

Sarphatipark De Pijp consists of two parts: De Oude Pijp discussed in this article and De Nieuwe Pijp, which was built to a higher standard a couple of decades later. The parts are separated by Ceintuurbaan and Sarphatipark. While the stripped-down design of De Oude Pijp originally didn’t include any green spaces, the park was eventually added on a vacant piece of land once assigned to the train station. The Sarphatipark h is a posh, peaceful oasis in a bustling neighbourhood. Like Vondelpark it was designed in the English garden style. With smart vistas and slight height differences the park appears much bigger than it really is. The centrepiece consists of a gorgeous fountain dedicated to Samuel Sarphati, a 19th-century physician who was very concerned with embellishing Amsterdam. Heineken Brewery De Oude Pijp is inextricably connected to the rich history of perhaps our most famous export product: Heineken beer. Their first brewery opened here in 1863, years before De

De Pijp was conceived as the centre of a new, prestigious district Pijp became a part of Amsterdam. It expanded several times, most notably with a sober expressionist building constructed in the early 1930s, which still stands today. Some residents of De Oude Pijp spent their entire working lives at Heineken. 44

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NICE-TO-KNOW ABOUT SAMUEL SARPHATI ‘And shmuel died and all of Israel mourned him,’ it reads on Samuel Sarphati’s tombstone just outside of Amsterdam. Sarphati was a man of action who is remembered not just by street signs, a monument and a park, but lives on as one of Amsterdam’s most persevering pioneers. Born shortly before Napoleon’s demise in a time of poverty and

filth Sarphati grew up in a city of fading glory. Refuse and excrement littered the streets and the subsequent epidemics were widespread. After studying medicine the Orthodox Jew became a physician and initiated revolutionary plans to help the most downtrodden in society. From innovative plans for waste management and hygiene, to agricultural

advancement and city planning, Sarphati’s influence was widespread. After commissioning the Amstel Hotel and completing the Paleis voor Volksvlijt (Palace of Industry; now the location of de Nederlandsche Bank) Sarphati was knighted. His efforts are often compared to Haussmann’s renovation of Paris in the 19th century.

Restaurants worth visiting in De Oude Pijp:

1 Uncle Wong i Albert Cuypstraat 66 +31 (0)20 679 06 06 unclewong.nl

2 Burgermeester j Albert Cuypstraat 48 +31 (0)20 670 93 39 burgermeester.eu

3 Bazar k Albert Cuypstraat 182 +31-(0)20-675 05 44 bazaramsterdam.nl

Chocolate Bar l 1e van der Helststraat 62a +31 (0)20 675 76 72 chocolate-bar.nl

Zen m Frans Halsstraat 38 +31 (0)20 627 06 07

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Text: Mike Peek

DE OUDE PIJP

The brewery closed in 1988 and was largely demolished. The remaining building now houses The Heineken Experience N , an interactive museum dedicated to all things barley pop. Discover how they achieved that specific Heineken taste, marvel at 140 years of beer advertising, or get ‘brewed’ yourself in a 4D movie. And yes, you can have a cold one afterwards. Hip and happening The population of De Oude Pijp has diversified considerably since the 1960s. Students are still ingrained on its streetscape, but yuppies and immigrants have discovered the district as well. De Oude Pijp is hip and happening. Nowhere else in Amsterdam will you find a larger concentration of restaurants, cafés and bars catering to just about every class and taste. That diversity also makes for a great atmosphere and cultural scene. There

De Badcuyp was originally a public bathhouse are numerous galleries and shops and a cute little music hall called ‘De Badcuyp’ O , which is perhaps the best example of the district’s transformation. De Badcuyp was originally a public bathhouse, since many residents didn’t have a shower at home. Now it’s a stage for musicians from all over the world. De Oude Pijp has come a long way.

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HEINEKEN & THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY Seldom has a story dominated the Dutch headlines and gripped the public imagination for so long as the kidnapping of Freddy Heineken, the president of Heineken International. Freddy, who took Heineken from a brand primarily known within Dutch borders to one famous worldwide, was taken with his driver on 9 November 1983. The kidnapping took twenty

days and resulted in the payment of 35 million guilders (approx. 15.8 million euros) to five kidnappers: Cor van Hout, Willem Holleeder, Frans Meijer, Jan Boellaard and Martin Erkamps. The media attention that followed created a crimenovel obsession of epic proportions. Two culprits were immediately caught and two fled to France. After lengthy extradition

processes and court trials the five ended up in Dutch jails. Meijer escaped to Paraguay, but was found by crime reporter Peter R. de Vries in 1994 and subsequently imprisoned. All culprits have since been released from jail, but the 2011 film De Heineken Ontvoering, starring Rutger Hauer, recently reignited debate in the media.

HIDDEN STORIES

Text: Tim Hilhorst

GUTTER GHOST Look out for the name Cornelia Arens. While residing at the Begijnhof her parents converted to Protestantism, a sin she wished to redeem upon her death. She requested a burial in the courtyard gutter, but this was denied. Legend holds that her coffin mysteriously made its way to the ditch four mornings in a row. The clergy took it as a sign and buried her there. (Try to find the commemorative stone!)

}

RIES O T S N E {HIDD HET BEGIJNHOF The heart of Amsterdam is bustling with tourism and sometimes it’s hard not to get lost in the hustle. Between canal cruises and a host of tourist traps Amsterdam can be a predictable place if you’re not sure where to look. Follow our editor Tim Hilhorst as he helps you uncover Amsterdam’s Hidden Stories. Pssst…you looking for women? Single ladies? I know, I know… in Amsterdam that might seem like an effortless exercise, but I’m talking about a host of classy lasses that aren’t bathing in red light, don’t get paid for sex and live in the kind of primo real-estate that would make even turtles a little jealous. You’re welcome to test your luck with any one of the 105 misses; just don’t be surprised if the Begijntjes don’t ask you to stay over. Behind Spui Plein is a ‘secret’ door that, even for people who know where to look, is easy to miss. The door opens into a short, sloping BEGIJNHOF 30

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tunnel down into one of Amsterdam’s oldest and only medieval inner courts. At a stone’s throw from Amsterdam’s busiest street, the Kalverstraat, the Begijnhof is surprisingly quiet and unexpectedly tranquil. The 14th-century beguinage was built as a collection of buildings that house religious women seeking to serve god without taking monastic vows. These pre-feminists of sorts would abstain while living in the Begijnhof, but they could depart for marriage at any time. The courtyard, sunk a metre below the rest of the city at medieval street level, is immaculately kept, as are the doormat-sized gardens in front of the 47 houses. Aside from the beautiful Amsterdam façades and relative seclusion that give the courtyard a luxurious feel, the sanctuary also contains a church, a hidden church and one of Amsterdam’s oldest (1528) and only remaining wooden domiciles.

After the Alteration the Begijntjes were forced to give up their Catholic chapel to the Presbyterians, who renamed it the English Church. Two houses across from the main church were secretly converted into a ‘clandestine chapel’ in 1671. The meticulously preserved ‘Houten Huys’ (wooden house) at no. 34 is one of only two remaining houses in Amsterdam with a wooden façade (the other is at Zeedijk 1). Nowadays the Begijnhof is full of professional single ladies. And even though the last real Beguines died in the 1970s, the tradition of abstinence lives on – sort of. The secular residents are completely free, but men and children are prohibited – which is not to say there isn’t the occasional man sneaking off at six in the morning. The peaceful oasis is now a piece of prime real estate that has a waiting list of seven to eight years.

SELECTED Skip those tourist traps and make the most out of your visit! Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our selection:

GEORGE DELI

BUBBLES & WINES

DE ITALIAAN

VYNE

PUCCINI BOMBONI

TUNE YARDS

Mouth-watering delights

Class, no sass

A little slice of heaven

A bar where wine firmly takes centre stage

Sweet indulgence

Aggressively quirky music

SELECTED

By: Nicolaas Veul

FOOD MOUTH-WATERING DELIGHTS

GEORGE DELI Eggs Benedict, ‘some more wine sir’, and humming publishers: George Deli offers fancy up-town lunching and lots of opportunities to get your first novel published. Café George and George WPA, the older brothers of George Deli, are famous hot spots where local celebrities and their posh friends like to eat a striped-down steak and sip their Martini Proseccos. The other guests like to watch these celebs eating and sipping while twittering about it. George Deli is somewhat different to the other George restaurants. It offers breakfast and an extensive lunch menu and it’s home to a slightly more sophisticated

crowd. Not without reason: it is located on the well-heeled Herengracht, between media production houses and, especially, publishing houses. More than often you can overhear frowning publishers eloquently discuss the threats of twitter to the future of literature while wining and dining.

Don’t forget to print your manuscript You should come to ‘the Deli’, to vent the manuscript of your first novel or for the egg selection, if you’re a foodie. The Deli offers a wide range of poached eggs on mushy brioches, with

UTRECHTSESTRAAT 17 H +31(0)20 3300171 H CAFEGEORGE.NL

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different toppings. If you’re for any reason not into eggs, you can eat salads, soups, pastas, and of course sandwiches. Noteworthy is the Reuben’s sandwich, a trendy New York-inspired sandwich with corned beef, sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese. This mouth-watering delight doesn’t come cheap though: a Reuben’s sandwich is a whopping €9. The interior is also striking; it has an industrial feel to it that is rarely seen in Amsterdam. Pay it a visit, start your day with poached egg or with a glass of wine if you’re feeling very ‘Ab Fab’ that day. Just don’t forget to print your manuscript.

ADVERTORIAL

B&B LUNCHROOM

CASA DI DAVID

HERENGRACHT

B&B Lunchroom is the perfect destination for a deliciously fresh breakfast, brunch or lunch. They provide freshly baked bread, croissants and muffins in all sizes and flavours.

For over 35 years Casa di David has been a staple of authentic Italian cuisine in Amsterdam. Homemade pasta, bread and pizzas baked in wood-fired ovens are complemented by a view across one of Amsterdam’s most scenic canals that’s sure to whet your appetite.

This trendy restaurant is conveniently located on the Herengracht by Koningsplein. They combine impeccable wines with an even smoother atmosphere. An after dinner drink or cocktail at the bar is especially enjoyable on Fridays when the resident DJ is playing.

MAX EUWEPLEIN 60 LEIDSESTRAAT 44 ROKIN 100 +31(0)20 6381542 ONZECATERING.NL

SINGEL 426 +31(0)20 6245093 CASADIDAVID.COM

HERENGRACHT 435 +31(0)20 6162482 DEHERENGRACHT.NL

THE PANCAKE BAKERY

BRIDGES RESTAURANT

KANTJIL & DE TIJGER

The recipe is simple, the result divine. Good old Dutch pancakes come with their traditional trappings such as cinnamon sugar, or cheese and bacon, but also in a more exotic dress. Think Mexican and Italian, paprika and pepperoni. No wonder they call ‘em the best pancakes in town!

At Bridges it’s all about fish. Always the best fish and only when in season. Bridges offers you a wide variety of fresh seafood, both in the restaurant and in the Raw Bar. Oysters, lobster sandwiches, delicate fish tartar and ocean fresh fish. You can eat in the restaurant as well as dine in the exclusive Private Dining.

Kantjil & de Tijger, situated in the heart of Amsterdam, is renowned for its Indonesian cuisine. The lunch menu is inspired by several Asian kitchens, and the evening menu entails dishes ranging from rijsttafels to Nasi Rames (combination menu for one) and satays. Swing by and taste our finger food, blooming tea and homemade cocktails. Are you in a hurry? No need to worry, just visit Kantjil To Go.

PRINSENGRACHT 191 +31(0)20 6251333 PANCAKE.NL

OUDEZIJDS VOORBURGWAL 197 +31(0)20 5553560 BRIDGESRESTAURANT.NL

SPUISTRAAT 291-293 +31(0)20 6200994 KANTJIL.NL

SELECTED

Text: Brandon Hartley H Image: Sarah Moore

BAR A REFUGE FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE DAM

BUBBLES & WINES Bubbles & Wines, selected as the best wine bar in Amsterdam by the 2011 Grootspraak Guide, is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the Dam. The name is a bit goofy but the staff here are serious about wine. Their selection is definitely impressive, with everything from old-world vintages to more modern labels. Bubbles & Wines offers 55 wines available by the glass and the bottles on hand number well over a hundred. The prices range from ‘reasonable’ to ‘completely outlandish’. For those eager to impress, there’s an €1,800 bottle of Bollinger Vielles Vignes Françaises Blanc de Noirs Champagne. Got cash to burn but not a fan of ‘the bubbly’? Give the Antinori Solaia Tuscana

Double Magnum a go. It’ll set you back a cool €1,150. If you’re feeling more indecisive and can’t quite justify a four-digit price tag, the staff utilise an Enomatic System, still a rarity among similar establishments in Holland. Located behind the bar, this sleek machine helps preserve the contents of 32 bottles, enabling the staff to offer customers ‘flights’. These tasters, which consist of three halfglasses, are the perfect choice for wine connoisseurs or those who just can’t make up their mind. The food menu is limited and focuses on appetiser-sized dishes but the quality is outstanding. You won’t find any pretzels. Instead, you can choose from

NES 37 H +31(0)20 4223318 H BUBBLESANDWINES.COM

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not one, not two, but *five* different caviar options. Other gourmet items include smoked-salmon mousse, exotic cheeses, truffles, charcuterie and goose liver. A nagging sweet tooth can be sated with either the French apple tart or chocolate bombe with 74% cacao.

You won’t find any pretzels here While the stylish interior and mellow vibes pouring out of the bar’s soundsystem set the perfect mood for a date night, Bubbles & Wines is also a spot favoured by office crowds. Give it a shot after work or at the end of an evening out on the town.

ADVERTORIAL

CLUB NL

CAFÉ LUXEMBOURG

SOPRANOS PIANO BAR

Club NL is a sexy, stylish house club in the centre of Amsterdam, which focuses on a sophisticated and complete nightclub experience. Great intimate atmosphere, superb national and international DJ’s and – of course – great quality music! Open 7 days a week. See clubnl.nl for our upcoming events.

Café Luxembourg was reopened in 2010. The interior has been restored and the products (organic when possible) come from local suppliers. So for breakfast, coffee at the reading table, tea on the terrace, lunch, drinks or dinner, Café Luxembourg invites you to come over for a renewed acquaintance!

The Sopranos PianoBar is more than just a piano bar. Its location forms a true lifestyle experience in Amsterdam nightlife. It is geared towards an international and pampered public. Here the world’s best piano entertainers provide the perfect atmosphere, 7 days a week.

NIEUWEZIJDS VOORBURGWAL 169 +31(0)20 6227510 CLUBNL.NL INFO@CLUBNL.NL

SPUI 22 +31(0)20 6206264 CAFE@LUXEMBOURG.NL

PAARDENSTRAAT 11 +31 (0)20 4288211 SOPRANOSPIANOBAR.NL

TWENTY THIRD BAR

FLYING DUTCHMAN BAR

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

Twenty Third Bar owes its name to its location, which offers unparalleled views of Amsterdam. In this stylish bar a wide range of cocktails are served. The drinks menu includes an extensive selection of wines as well as 17 different champagnes. Thanks to the combination of special drinks, exclusive snacks and its modern design, the Twenty Third Bar is unique in Amsterdam.

Modelled on a traditional Dutch ‘brown café’ or English pub, this bar is the perfect place to have a refreshing drink after a busy day. Enjoy a nice conversation with the bartender who serves a selection of ice-cold draught beers, or one of the many rare whiskies. Open Monday to Friday from 16.00 – 00.00.

Hard Rock Café is located in the heart of Amsterdam. The café has a beautiful waterside bar and terrace. We offer over 50 specialty cocktails and great American style food with delicious appetizers, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. Our friendly staff, great atmosphere and music memorabilia will round up your visit and make it an experience that rocks.

FERDINAND BOLSTRAAT 333 +31(0)20 4288211 OKURA.NL

OUDEZIJDS VOORBURGWAL 197 +31(0)20 5553283 SOFITEL-LEGEND-THEGRAND.COM

MAX EUWEPLEIN 57-61 +31(0)20 5237623 HARDROCK.COM/AMSTERDAM

SELECTED

By: Marie-Charlotte Pezé

FOOD A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN

DE ITALIAAN Between the slew of exquisite pizza toppings and the friendliness of the wait staff, De Italiaan clearly doesn’t know what stingy means. De Italiaan’s secret is easy to figure out: their fresh, authentic, topquality ingredients. Their wood-oven pies are generously garnished with the most flavourful mozzarella, pecorino or mascarpone, adorned with perfectly roasted vegetables, and paper-thin slices of cold cuts imported from Italy. Even the Sette Follié (the ‘seven madnesses’), which is covered in everything meat from prosciutto crudo to salsiccia picante, is a masterpiece delicacy. The quality and abundance of toppings definitely warrant the €9-18.50 price range.

For those in search of more refined fare than pizza, the main dishes and daily specials, which rarely exceed €20, are star-worthy. The chef enjoys creating surprising and delicious marriages of tongue-tingling tastes, such as blanketing his veal scaloppina with rich gorgonzola and a copious amount of port sauce. But the revels don’t start with the main

The parade of antipasti will make you weak at the knees dish; the lovely, attentive wait staff bring an amuse-bouche of fruity organic olive oil that will have you fantasising about bathing in it, and

BOSBOOM TOUSSAINTSTRAAT 29 H +31(0)20 6836854 H DEITALIAAN.COM

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the parade of antipasti bruschettas slathered in creamy toppings will make you weak at the knees. They also have a great selection of wines, but the prosecco-limoncello cocktail induces the perfect lightheaded giddiness for this intimate setting. The restaurant is not ostentatious, but the dozen small, candle-lit tables, surrounded by red walls and bathed in subdued lighting, make De Italiaan the ideal romantic rendezvous. In previous years, they’ve honoured Valentine’s Day with heartshaped pizzas and molten-heart chocolate cake. Still, goad me all you want, it will be difficult to keep me away from their heavenly pillow of homemade pannacotta.

ADVERTORIAL

SUCRE

CASTELL

VAN HARTE

The Sitting Room at Sucre is a comfortable lounge area with a wide selection of exclusive wines, teas and cocktails. The restaurant offers a light menu of luxurious sandwiches, salads and soups, a full restaurant dinner in a more relaxed setting or afternoon tea - with or without champagne. They’re open from noon until just past midnight, so stop by whenever you want.

A barbecue restaurant that won international recognition for its excellent atmosphere. It is this atmosphere with (famous) guests enjoying a glass of good wine or a carefully prepared cocktail which gives you the feeling of being ‘out’ but ‘at home’ too. The scent of charcoal and spices will perhaps persuade you to select a fine steak or an appetizing lobster tail from the menu. We give you a warm welcome.

Classy restaurant with a timeless feel. Van Harte serves delicious coffee, lunch, dinner and drinks within the cosy atmosphere of the ‘Negen Straatjes’. The three-course dinner menu serves exciting dishes for only €25. For lunch you can choose from different sandwiches, salads, pasta, pancakes and soup. Experience a sense of exclusivity by the wide selection, service, atmosphere, casual-chic décor and quality food.

HOBBEMASTRAAT 2 +31(0)20 4701910 SUCRERESTAURANT.NL

LIJNBAANSGRACHT 253 +31(0)20 6228606 CASTELLAMSTERDAM.NL

HARTENSTRAAT 24 +31(0)20 6258500 VANHARTE.COM

BAR ITALIA

BISTROT NEUF

RESTAURANT ANNA

Bar Italia is the culinary tricolor of an espresso bar, café and restaurant. It is the perfect place for a true Italian espresso, good, authentic Italian food or a social drink. The monumental building with an entrance on both Nes (restaurant) and Rokin (café) is a modern interpretation of traditional bars and restaurants in major Italian cities. The interior is industrial and no-nonsense but feels warm and authentic.

A `bistrot` is a simple eatery, halfway between restaurant and pub. ‘Aux Crieurs de Vins’: A funny intersection between pub, cave and bistro. The concept of Bistrot Neuf is fair and good food, cosy, uncomplicated with wine as the basis. The wines come from the neighbour, Chabrol Wines, and are mostly organic. French cuisine with local dishes and the seasons are the inspiration for the menu.

Restaurant ANNA is located in the oldest and most beautiful part of Amsterdam in two spectacularly renewed monumental buildings. These buildings start at the Warmoestraat to finish all the way at the Oudekerksplein, which provides a great view on the medieval church square. At restaurant ANNA you can dine at a very high level for an extremely reasonable price in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

ROKIN 81-83 +31(0)20 6202442 BAR-ITALIA.NL

HAARLEMMERSTRAAT 9 +31(0)20 4003210 BISTROTNEUF.NL

WARMOESSTRAAT 111 +31(0)20 4281111 RESTAURANTANNA.NL

SELECTED

Text: Arun Sood H Image: Sarah Moore

BAR A BAR WHERE WINE FIRMLY TAKES CENTRE STAGE

VYNE Situated on Prinsengracht, this elegant wine bar is almost as luxurious as the canal side on which it resides. Opened as a sister bar to the hip delicatessen Envy (the relation is obvious from the anagrammatic name), Vyne offers a diverse selection of reds, whites and rosés that meet the demands of seasoned connoisseurs and average punters alike.

imaginable - but beginners are also most welcome at the establishment. All of the waiting staff are trained specialists, and can tell you everything about the wines, from the grapes they are made with to the year they were made.

While Envy is renowned for pairing gourmet food with wine, owner Bert van der Leden wanted to open a bar where wine firmly takes centre stage. Oenophiles will delight in the worldly selection of wines - hailing from just about every grape-crushing country

Trying a ‘flight’ of wine comes highly recommended

You can sample each offering by the glass or bottle, but trying a ‘flight’ of

wine comes highly recommended. Similar to a mini-tasting of sorts, a

PRINSENGRACHT 411 H +31(0)20 3446408 H VYNE.NL

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flight consists of three half-glasses of any wine on offer. You can choose flights by country, grape type, or, of course, just allow one of the waiting staff to choose some of the in-house favourites. With oak floorboards, brown leather sofas and long narrow tables, the interior of the bar is at once stylish and intimate, making for a cosy and romantic atmosphere for you to sample your tipple of choice. While the extensive selection might seem a little overwhelming for a start, you’ll soon find yourself happily working through them after a couple of glasses of the fine stuff.

ADVERTORIAL

BIERFABRIEK

EVE

BRASSERIE SCHILLER

Bierfabriek is a place right in the centre of Amsterdam, where you can casually drink and tap our own home made beers. Our specialty is farmer chicken of 500g, which is grilled on our charcoal-fired barbecue. Visit us and have the time of your life with our home brewed beers and tasteful farmer chicken.

Situated next to the flower market and 100 m from Rembrandtplein you will find the famous cocktail lounge EVE. Here you can enjoy one of the twentyeight cocktails at the huge fireplace. EVE opens at 18.00 for cocktails and finger food and transforms slowly into a nightclub where the best DJ’s spin the decks. Every Wednesday it is cocktail-eve; all cocktails for only €5. Kitchen open till midnight!

Where Dutch art meets French gastronomy… Brasserie Schiller is located in the heart of Amsterdam. The ArtDeco decorated building has a rich history thanks to the paintings by Frits Schiller, which hang in the brasserie. This year Brasserie Schiller celebrates its centenary!

ROKIN 75 +31(0)20 5289910 BIERFABRIEK.COM

REGULIERSDWARSSTRAAT 44 +31 (0)20 2217070 EVE-AMSTERDAM.COM

REMBRANDTPLEIN 26 +31 (0)20 5540723 BRASSERIESCHILLER.NL

SKY LOUNGE

BAR LEMPICKA

SOREL’S

The Sky Lounge with sky terrace is definitely one of the most unique places in Amsterdam. From the 11th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station you will have a breathtaking 360-degree view of the skyline of the city. In a relaxed atmosphere we serve a wide selection of wines, fine, classic and modern cocktails. The best location to have a drink in Amsterdam!

With its unique location next to the Amstel hotel and only a stone’s throw from theatre Carré and the Hermitage, stylish brasserie and cocktail bar Lempicka is the ideal base for your cultural outing. Classical Art-Deco elements combined with a modern interior create a warm, authentic atmosphere. Enjoy the magnificent view from the terrace, or try our delicious cocktails while listening to a live jazz performance at the impressive bar.

Discover a hotspot in the city centre that embodies the splendour of a quintessential cosmopolitan lifestyle. Enclosed in the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel, Sorel’s Midtown Bar and Lounge features an interior and menu inspired by the city’s rich diamond history. Delight your senses with a light lunch or indulge in one of the world class cocktails. Add a little sparkle to your day!

OOSTERDOKSTRAAT 4 +31(0)20 5300800 DOUBLETREE.COM

SARPHATISTRAAT 23 +31(0)20 6220209 BARLEMPICKA.COM

STADHOUDERSKADE 12 +31(0)20 6075555 AMSTERDAMMARRIOTT.COM

SELECTED

Text: Arun Sood H Image: Sarah Moore

SHOP SWEET INDULGENCE

PUCCINI BOMBONI Throughout its long and delicious history, chocolate has always been associated with love, fertility and, perhaps most famously, sex. It’s even reputed that Casanova regularly used cacao as an aphrodisiac prior to his many conquests. So when it comes to finding the perfect Valentine’s gift for your loved one, a trip to Puccini surely won’t disappoint.

choices include lemongrass bonbons, rhubarb truffles and gin-tinged chocolates. Of course, they also offer caramel and vanilla flavoured bonbons for the more traditionally minded.

they taste. In fact, some of the bonbons are so aesthetically pleasing that it almost feels wrong to eat them up. Although that feeling doesn’t last long once you get a whiff of fresh cacao.

All of the chocolates are handcrafted in the shop and made completely without artificial ingredients, making for some zestful flavours. The sheer at-

Rather than sticking to reliable favourites such as hazelnut pralines and Belgian truffles, this luxury chocolate shop offers more exotic treats containing an array of fresh fruits, liquors and spices. Some of the more innovative

It almost feels wrong to eat the chocolates

While their original shop on Singel is reserved solely for take-away chocolates, the store on Staalstraat also contains an Italian espresso bar where you can wile away the afternoon by sampling cakes, bonbons and other pastry offerings. Who knows, if Casanova is anything to go by, perhaps all the sweet indulgence might even lead to more excitement.

tention to detail of each chocolate also means that they often look as good as

SINGEL 184 | STAALSTRAAT 17 H +31(0)20 4278341 H PUCCINIBOMBONI.COM

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ADVERTORIAL

MENDO

FEEL GOOD FASHION STORE THINKING OF HOLLAND

MENDO is specialized in creative books. These are books on interior, architecture, fashion, photography and graphic design. The walls are not made of bricks, but of thousands of black MENDO books. With its wellbalanced selection of creative books and its exclusive interior by Concrete Architectural Associates, MENDO definitely is one of the most inspiring stores in the Netherlands.

The Flemish duo Britt Van Marsenille and Catherine Talpe only design clothes they would like to see in their own or their daughter’s wardrobe. This results in original, practical and wearable designs. Check out their collections at Feel Good Fashion Store.

Thinking of Holland is the shop for surprising contemporary Dutch design. They give new meaning to the word souvenir with a unique range of products by Dutch designers. Note: With the ‘I Amsterdam card’ you get a 25% discount on their best selling design: The Senz storm umbrella! Absolutely worth your while. Located next to the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ.

BERENSTRAAT 11 +31(0)20 6121216 MENDO.NL

REESTRAAT 18 +31(0)20 4204804 WHOSTHATGIRL.EU

PIET HEINKADE 23 +31(0)20 4191229 THINKINGOFHOLLAND.COM

PROPERTY OF…STORE

DENHAM

GEM KINGDOM

Known for creating well-designed bags, wallets and other small goods, Property Of… launched their first flagship store two years ago. The store has a very cosy and inviting atmosphere in an old café/bistro setting. In addition to the brand’s well-crafted line of waxed coated cotton bags and accessories, the store provides an array of like-minded magazines while serving great cappuccinos.

The store of premium denim brand DENHAM unfolds through a sequence of ‘zones’ with denim itself forming the central heart of the concept. As each zone gives way to the next, new stories and subtle changes in atmosphere can be detected. In each area of the shop a reverence for the best of tradition is mixed with fresh contemporary energy.

Jewellery in a rich and original style, handmade in Amsterdam. Each design embodies contrasts such as primal yet sophisticated, ethnic yet ultra modern and combines history and future, resulting in jewellery with a personal touch and feel. Sterling silver, gemstones, mother of pearl, engraved crystals, porcelain, and rare and odd materials are blended in designs that breathe individuality.

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PRINSENGRACHT 495 +31(0)20 3449133 DENHAMTHEJEANMAKER.COM

HUIDENSTRAAT 13 +31(0)20 6202193 GEMKINGDOM.COM

SELECTED

Text: Allison Guy H Image: Anna Campbell

TO DO AGGRESSIVELY QUIRKY MUSIC

TUNE-YARDS At the end of February, Tune-Yards will bring a bright, neon-coloured spot to Amsterdam. The mostly onewoman project of Merrill Garbus, Tune-Yards has a magpie’s eye for collecting genres, from afrobeat to freak-folk. A renaissance woman who is undoubtedly a product of the present, Garbus sings, writes, and plays the ukulele. Her voice, by turns yelping, mocking, shouting, and sweet, is immediately arresting, and has helped to Tune-Yards to earn a devoted fan base. W h o k i l l, Garbus’s second album, showed up on many critic’s year-end

lists. Garbus has a talent for taking uneasy topics, most of them autobiographical, and manhandling them into weird and wonderful territory. In ‘Esso’, body dysmorphia gets a bouncy funk backing. Even though the lyrics in ‘Bizness’ suggest an exchange between a mugger and his mark, Garbus’s gutsy vocals make it one of most life-affirming songs on the album. Melkweg, one of the bigger concert venues in Amsterdam, is located just a block off the tourist-magnet of Leidseplein. Tune-Yards will play in the Max, the venue’s underground (literally) and slightly more grungy hall. Expect Amsterdam’s young hipster militia to

MELKWEG H 23 FEBRUARY H €17 + MEMBERSHIP H MELKWEG.NL

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show up in force. Though this city is not known for its demonstrative au-

Expect Amsterdam’s young hipster militia to show up in force. diences, Garbus’s signature call-andresponse opener might jolt everyone out of their ironic stupor. Do you want to live? Certainly in the Tune-Yards version of the world. Her aggressively quirky music might be enough keep the crowd dancing through the rest of the winter.

ADVERTORIAL

AMSTERDAM TATTOO MUSEUM

BIMHUIS

ARTIS ROYAL ZOO

Founded by famous Dutch tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher, the Amsterdam Tattoo Museum is dedicated to the art, history and preservation of tattoo culture. Occupying 2000 m2 this immense collection documents the history of tattooing, from the prehistoric era to the present day. The museum also houses a library, publishing house, café, bookstore and a tattoo shop with world famous guest artists.

Bimhuis annually provides a perspective on Dutch and international music in over 300 concerts, in which a variety of jazz and improvised music can be enjoyed. The focus is on new developments, but Bimhuis also offers a significant selection of more mainstream music. The Bimhuis café and restaurant offer a great view over the Amsterdam waterfront.

Welcome to Artis Royal Zoo: the first zoo established in the Netherlands and located right in the centre of Amsterdam. It is a place where nature and cultural heritage come together; a place where stories exist since 1838 and where new stories are created daily. The Zoo’s greater story is a story about us.

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AMSTERDAM ARENA

AJAX EXPERIENCE

SPA ZUIVER

The Amsterdam Arena offers several walk-in tours on a daily basis and no reservations are needed. During this one-hour tour enthusiastic guides will tell you all the ins & outs about the stadium and the football legend that is Ajax.

Experience what it takes to become a giant at the Ajax Experience on Rembrandtplein. Find out everything about the famous youth academy, test your skills, learn everything about the strategy and feel the tension of the Ajax dressing room.

From 10 to 14 February you can enjoy the Zuiver Valentine Days at Zuiver. These days are entirely devoted to love and health. It is the ideal time to set your partner, friend or your mom in the limelight. At Spa Zuiver you can have a day of relaxation and work on your health simultaneously! Would you like to honour love with a visit to Zuiver? Then book one of the romantic packages now!

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AGENDA

By: Nicola Bozzi

WHAT NOT TO MISS

february

AGENDA SONIC ACTS XIV: TRAVELLING TIME see page 67

GIG

WEDNESDAY 1 GIG

Feral Trio Weekly session of Latin jazz. q CC Muziekcafé 20:00, €3

Thursday Tunes Jam Weekly event with pop, rock, blues and funk. q CC Muziekcafé 20:00, free

CLUBBING

DJ Hanneman q Pacific Parc 22:30, free

FRIDAY 3

GIG

Exile Parade + Horses On Fire Live rock. q Winston Kingdom 21:00, €8

Bodi Bill Live electro folk indie pop. q Winston Kingdom

21:00, €8 pre-sale, €10 door

CLUBBING

One Night Stand Dance night with DJ Jasper Weeda. q Winston Kingdom

see website for screening times, €9

24:00, €3

Bang! Bang! Reloaded! Alternative dance night with DJ’s Pat & Raven. q Winston Kingdom 23:00, €6

CLUBBING GIG

Soul Sisters Soul and disco. q Royal Theatre Carré 20:00, €18 - €39

FILM

Jack and Jill Première comedy. Directed by Dennis Dugan, US 2011, 91 min. q Pathé theatres

CLUBBING

DJ Guzz q Pacific Parc 22:30, free SATURDAY 4

GIG

POI and Monkfish Decadophonic (POI) and covers (Monkfish). q CC Muziekcafé

GIG

20:00, €5

Soul Sisters Soul and disco. q Royal Theatre Carré 20:00, €18-€39

FILM

THURSDAY 2 GIG

Lamb Electronic. Support from The Ramona Flowers. q Melkweg 20:00, €20 + membership GIG

Soul Sisters Soul and disco. q Royal Theatre Carré

CLUBBING

Cookie Club Invites… Miguel Campbell, Tettero, Rubix and others. q AIR

Tri Angle Night (hosted by Subbacultcha!) Indie. Balam Acab, Holy Other, oOoOO. q Trouw 21.00, €13 pre-sale, €15 door GIG

Demented Are Go! + Mad Saints Live psychobilly punk. q Winston Kingdom 20:30, €12

CLUBBING

Amsterdam Speedclub + Live: Magnetix + The Anomalys Rawk & Roll dance night with live bands. q Winston Kingdom

GIG

Westhell 5 Mod-jazz. q Pacific Parc

23:00, €10

22:30, free

Amsterdam

see website for screening times, €9

23:30, €9, €6 for students

20:00, €18 - €39

War Horse Première drama. Directed by Steven Spielberg, US 2011, 140 min. q Pathé theatres

magazine

CLUBBING

Midnight Freaks Invites… Reboot, Melon, Ferro, UNDERS & Camiel Daamen and others. q AIR 23:00, €14

SambOrange Samba, pagode & forró. q CC Muziekcafé 20:00, €3 GIG

De Aanslag Live music. q Pacific Parc 22:30, free CLUBBING

HIFI Benoit & Sergio, Nuno dos Santos & Patrice Bäumel. q Trouw 23.00, €15 pre-sale, €17 door

PALAZZO CLUBBING

Dr. Lektroluv Support from NT89, Mightyfools, Brutuzz, Full Crate. q AIR 23:00, €17.50

CLUBBING

Cheeky Monday Drum ’n bass dance night with DJ’s Insom, Edit, Loco and international acts. q Winston Kingdom 21:00, €7

CLUBBING

Overboord! Alternative dance night with DJ Jasper Weeda and Baltic Bastian. q Winston Kingdom 23:30, €5

CLUBBING

DJ’s Ted & 13 Pacific Parc 22:30, free

SUNDAY 5 GIG

Sexteto Mayor Tango. q Royal Theatre Carré

TUESDAY 7 FILM

Sneak Preview Weekly screening of soon-to-be released films. q Kriterion 22:15, €5 GIG

Live On The Low Open mic hip-hop night with MC Complex and Swoop, and DJ’s illskills, Calvin John & guests. q Winston Kingdom 22:00, € 7,50

15:00, €19-€50

WEDNESDAY 8

GIG

20:00, €16

20:30, €17 + membership

Rich Robinson Southern rock. q Bitterzoet CLUBBING

Wicked Jazz Sounds Club Night Weekly event. q Sugar Factory

The Maccabees Indie rock. q Paradiso

UNTIL 26 FEBRUARY One of Amsterdam’s favourite winter extravaganzas is back for its seventh edition. Housed in original Belgian fin de siècle style, Palazzo relies on the culinary chops of Dutch top chef Robert Kranenborg and the endless talent of a diverse range of comedians, acrobats and musicians for a truly multisensory experience. In addition to a four-course meal (with meat or vegetarian) prepared by Kranenborg, you can laugh at the antics of British comedian John Fealey, one of Eddie Izzard’s inspirations, marvel at the balancing feats of acrobat duo Maintenant, or swoon as Austrian ring master Christine Gruber flies – we mean that literally – above your tables. Hold on to your drinks! Salon Victoria, ArenA Park, ArenA Boulevard 591 Admission: varies palazzo.nl q

ST. VINCENT

– Feral Trio Weekly session of Latin jazz. q CC Muziekcafé GIG

20:00, €3

23:00, €9.50

FILM CLUBBING

Swagga Dance night dubstep with DJ’s Spud, Insom, Gibbo + guests. q Winston Kingdom

The Muppets Première comedy. Directed by James Bobin, US 2011, 103 min. q Pathé theatres see website for screening times, €9

22:00, €5

DANCE

MONDAY 6 GIG

Shinedown Alt. metal. Support from Halestorm and Liberty Lies. q Paradiso 18:45, €18 + membership FILM

Cinemanita Weekly screening with eclectic programme ranging from old classics to slasher flicks. q De Nieuwe Anita 20.30, €3

Logobi 01 Street dance from the Ivory Coast by Berlin-based duo Monika Gintersdorfer (director) and Knut Klaßen (artist). q Theatre Frascati 19:00, €16 CLUBBING

One Night Stand Dance night with DJ Jasper Weeda. q Winston Kingdom 24:00, €3

29 FEBRUARY The stage moniker of Annie Erin Clark, aka multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter St. Vincent, refers to the hospital in which Welsh poet Dylan Thomas passed away, which explains her knack for poetry and lyrics like ‘Wish I had a gentle mind and a spine made up of iron’. Having already paid her indie dues as a member of the eclectic Polyphonic Spree, St. Vincent, now at her third solo album, is going for the big time. She recently collaborated with Bon Iver on a song for The Twilight Saga soundtrack and joined forces with rapper Kid Cudi for a cut on his second LP. Melkweg (The Max), Lijnbaansgracht 234a Admission: €15 + membership melkweg.nl q

AGENDA

By: Nicola Bozzi

WHAT NOT TO MISS

GIG

Tommy Tornado q Pacific Parc

THURSDAY 9

22:30, free

GIG

Faber Live rock. q Pacific Parc

CLUBBING

22:30, free GIG

Thursday Tunes Jam Event with pop, rock, blues and funk. q CC Muziekcafé 20:00, free GIG

Dead To Me + Support Live punk rock ’n roll. q Winston Kingdom 20:30, €9

Les Enfants Terribles Ryan Elliott, Norman Nodge, Jean Pierre Enfant. q Trouw 23.00, €15 pre-sale, €17 door CLUBBING

FORMAT Michel de Hey, Olene Kadar, Juan Sanchez, and others. q AIR 23:00, €13 CLUBBING

FILM

Shame Première drama. Directed by Steve McQueen, UK 2011, 99 min. q The Movies, Pathé and Kriterion

see websites for screening times, €9 THEATRE

The Holycoaster S(hit) Circus Socially committed theatre from German/Swiss group Peng! Palast. q Theatre Frascati 19:30, €16

Fiesta Macumba Alternative latino dance night with DJ’s Rodrigo and Poto Peludo. q Winston Kingdom 23:00, €6

CLUBBING

DJ Mappe q Pacific Parc 22:30, free

SATURDAY 11 GIG

The Cubical + Support Live garagebluesrock. q Winston Kingdom

CLUBBING

DJ Pjotr q Pacific Parc 22:30, free

21:00, €7 GIG

FRIDAY 10 GIG

Nada Surf Alt. rock. Support from Waters. q Melkweg 20:00, €16 + membership GIG

Jedi Mind Tricks / Dilated Peoples /Outerspace Hip-hop. Monsters of Rap tour. q Melkweg 20:30, €25 + membership GIG

I Break Horses Shoegaze and electronica. q Paradiso

De Band Rolf Live music. qPacific Parc 22:30, free CLUBBING

Girls Love DJs Funkin Matt, Rubix, Jeff Solo, Kid Klever & Addik and others. qAIR 23:00, €16 pre-sale, €18 door CLUBBING

Burlesque FreakOut ‘Where Rock & Roll meets Glamour’ Lilly Mae Lovett, Tapville Dancers, Charley Rhythm and Priscilla Dieb. q Club-8 22:00 – 04:00, €12,50

21:30, €10 + membership

CLUBBING GIG

Howler Garage rock. q Paradiso

20:00, €10 + membership

Amsterdam

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Overboord! Alternative dance night with DJ Jasper Weeda and Baltic Bastian. q Winston Kingdom 23:30, €5

CLUBBING

DJ Ventilator q Pacific Parc 22:30, free

SUNDAY 12 GIG

Cloud Control Alt. rock. q Bitterzoet 20:00, €12.50

VINCENT AND THEO

GIG

Live On The Low Open mic hip-hop night with MC Complex and Swoop, DJ’s illskills, MIC, Calvin John & guests. q Winston Kingdom 22:00, €7,50 FILM

Sneak Preview Weekly screening of soon-to-be released films. q Kriterion

UNTIL 1-4 FEBRUARY

22:15, €5 CLUBBING

23:00, €9.50 CLUBBING

Swagga Dubstep dance night with DJ’s Spud, Insom, Gibbo + guests. q Winston Kingdom 22:00, €5

CLUBBING

DJ Guppie q Pacific Parc 15:00, free

MONDAY 13

You’ve probably included a visit to the world-famous Van Gogh Museum in your Amsterdam itinerary, but this play gives you the chance to discover the tormented soul behind the post-Impressionist masterpieces. Based on correspondence between Vincent and his brother Theo, the play shows Van Gogh treading the border between genius and madness while also struggling to navigate a complicated relationship with his brother. If your Dutch language skills aren’t up to par, you’ll be happy to hear the show features English subtitles, which are quickly becoming a staple of the Amsterdam theatre experience.

WEDNESDAY 15 GIG

The War on Drugs Indie rock. q Melkweg

20:30, €14 + membership GIG

Feral Trio Weekly session of Latin jazz. q CC Muziekcafé 20:00, €3

CLUBBING

PHOTO: BEN VAN DUIN

Wicked Jazz Sounds Club night weekly event. q Sugar Factory

DeLaMar Theatre, Marnixstraat 402 Admission: €26.50-€34.50 delamar.nl q

SONIC ACTS XIV: TRAVELLING TIME

One Night Stand Dance night with DJ Jasper Weeda. q Winston Kingdom 24:00, €3

GIG

Lindi Ortega & Band Country folk. q Paradiso

21.00, €12 + membership FILM

Cinemanita Weekly screening with eclectic programme ranging from old classics to slasher flicks. q De Nieuwe Anita 20.30, €3

CLUBBING

Cheeky Monday Drum ’n bass dance night with DJ’s Insom, Edit, Loco and international acts. q Winston Kingdom 21:00, €7

THURSDAY 16 GIG

Thursday Tunes Jam Weekly event with pop, rock, blues and funk. q CC Muziekcafé 20:00, free GIG

The Dublicators Live music. q Pacific Parc

23 -26 FEBRUARY Through a diverse programme that spans several venues across the city, from pop music temple Paradiso and next-door cultural platform De Balie to innovative art hub SMART Project Space and new media art pioneers NIMk, the 14th edition of the Sonic Acts festival explores what time means in an age when the relation between ‘machine time’ and ‘human time’ becomes more complex by the day. Expect thrilling live performances at Paradiso and SMART Project Space, a thoughtprovoking conference at De Balie, and a cutting-edge exhibition at the Netherlands Media Art Institute. Don’t miss the exclusive concert of legendary American composer Pauline Oliveros, the inventor of Deep Listening.

22:30, free GIG

Dudettes + Support Tba Live Rock. q Winston Kingdom 21:00, €5

GIG

The Secret Love Parade Indie pop. q Paradiso 20:00, €8 + membership

FILM

In the Land of Blood and Honey Première drama. Directed by Angelina Jolie, US 2011, 127 min. q Pathé theatres

See website for screening times, €9

PHOTO: FLORIAN SCHULTE

TUESDAY 14

Melkweg (The Max), Lijnbaansgracht 234a Admission: €15 + membership melkweg.nl q

AGENDA

By: Nicola Bozzi

WHAT NOT TO MISS

FILM

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Première action. Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, US 2011, 95 min. q Pathé theatres See website for screening times, €9 FILM

Hugo Première adventure. Directed by Martin Scorsese, US 2011, 126 min. q Pathé theatres See website for screening times, €9 CLUBBING

DJ Memme q Pacific Parc

Insom, Edit, Loco and international acts. q Winston Kingdom 23:00, €5 pre-sale, €7,50 door

23:00, €9.50

DJ Bone q Pacific Parc

CLUBBING

SATURDAY 18

22:00, €5

22:30, free

GIG

Circus Hoppa Gipsy cabaret punk. q Paradiso

22:30, free

GIG

Dropout Hip-hop, ghetto bass, dubstep dance night with DJ’s Mickster en Cruize. q Winston Kingdom 23:00, €6

We Are Fm + Velvvet Live Dutch cult rock. q Winston Kingdom 21:00, €5

Swagga Dubstep dance night with DJ’s Spud, Insom, Gibbo + guests. q Winston Kingdom

MONDAY 20 GIG

Dawes Americana. Support from Robert Ellis. q Paradiso 21:30, €10 + membership FILM

Oops Live music. q Pacific Parc

Cinemanita Weekly screening with eclectic programme ranging from old classics to slasher flicks. q De Nieuwe Anita

CLUBBING

GIG

FRIDAY 17

Wicked Jazz Sounds Club Night Weekly event. q Sugar Factory

CLUBBING

23:30, €15

CLUBBING

22:30, free

20.30, €3

GIG

Gregory Porter Jazz. q Bitterzoet 20:00, €5 GIG

Deafheaven + Hierophant + Fire Walk With Us Live metal. q Winston Kingdom 19:30, €10 GIG

Crank Live music. q Pacific Parc

Supertoys Mason ‘live’, Johanna Maria, Jeff Solo, Wannabe a Star, Ted Langenbach, The G-Team. q Air

23:00-05:00, €13 pre-sale, €16 door CLUBBING

Antals vs. Serge Rush Hour and Clone go head to head. q Trouw 23.00, €13 pre-sale, €15 door CLUBBING

Cheeky Friday Drum ’n bass dance night with DJ’s

Amsterdam

CLUBBING

PAF William Kouam Djoko, Tom Ruijg, Makam, Tettero, Job Jobse. q Trouw CLUBBING

CLUBBING

magazine

Cheeky Monday Drum ’n bass dance night with DJ’s Insom, Edit, Loco and international acts. q Winston Kingdom 21:00, €7

23:00, €15

23.00, €11 pre-sale, €13 door

22:30, free

Club MTV The Flexican ft. MC Sef, When Harry meet Sally & TessisMore, Meester Moeilijk & Sjonnie Disco and others. q AIR

Overboord! Alternative dance night with DJ Jasper Weeda and Baltic Bastian. q Winston Kingdom 23:30, €5

CLUBBING

DJ Slovenly q Pacific Parc 22:30, free

SUNDAY 19 GIG

Gavin Friday Alternative rock. q Paradiso

20:30, €25 + membership

Dance night with DJ Jasper Weeda. q Winston Kingdom 24:00, €3

THURSDAY 23 GIG

Melissa Etheridge Rock. q Heineken Music Hall 20:30, €44-€53,90 GIG

Tune Yards Wonky pop. Support from Caterpillarmen. q Melkweg 20:30, €17 + membership GIG

Thursday Tunes Jam Weekly event with pop, rock, blues and funk. q CC Muziekcafé 20:00, free GIG

Contradiction Band night Live band night with hardcore/ metal bands. q Winston Kingdom 21:00, €5 GIG

Fata el Moustache Live music. q Pacific Parc 22:30, free

TUESDAY 21 GIG

Live On The Low Open mic hip-hop night with MC Complex and Swoop, and more. q Winston Kingdom 22:00, €7,50

CLUBBING

DJ Fluks q Pacific Parc 22:30, free

FRIDAY 24 CLUBBING

FILM

Sneak Preview Weekly screening of soon-to-be released films. q Kriterion 22:15, €5

Pitch Black Agoria, The Man with No Shadow, ONNO. q Trouw 23.00, €15 pre-sale, €17 door CLUBBING

WEDNESDAY 22 GIG

Feral Trio Weekly session of Latin jazz. q CC Muziekcafé 20:00, €3

CLUBBING

One Night Stand

Fridays Off! Dance Night with DJ’s Floor, Dirk en Ik and Nino de Vries. q Winston Kingdom 23:00, €5

CLUBBING

DJ Potlood q Pacific Parc 22:30, free

AGENDA

By: Nicola Bozzi

WHAT NOT TO MISS

SATURDAY 25

MONDAY 27

CLUBBING

DANCE

Imprint Sandrien. q Trouw 23.00, €13 pre-sale, €15 door CLUBBING

Overboord Alternative dance night with DJ Jasper Weeda and Baltic Bastian. Winston Kingdom 23:30, €5

Shaman Dance Theatre (Turkey) Traditional and modern dance. q Royal Theatre Carré 20:00, €20-€40 FILM

Cinemanita Weekly screening with eclectic programme ranging from old classics to slasher flicks. q De Nieuwe Anita 20.30, €3

CLUBBING

Uw Danspartners in Tijden van Nood q Pacific Parc 22:30, free

Cheeky Monday Drum ‘n bass dance. q Winston Kingdom 21:00, €7

SUNDAY 26

TUESDAY 28

FESTIVAL

Amsterdam Reggae Festival I Octane, Elephant Man, Anthony B, Bounty Killer and others. q Heineken Music Hall

GIG

15:00, €45

Tribes Indie rock. q Bitterzoet

Shelby Lynne Country. q People’s Place

GIG

Seether Post-grunge. q Melkweg 20:30, €17.50 + membership CLUBBING

Trouw on Sunday Josh Wink, Steve Bug, Patrice Bäumel. q Trouw 18.00, €13 pre-sale, €15 door

The Boom Chicago troupe has been around for 18 years, establishing itself as the place to go for English comedy in Amsterdam. These funny people are not afraid to tackle any subject or comedy style as they switch effortlessly from laugh-out-loud improv based on audience suggestions to carefully prepared shows on somewhat controversial topics, such as the Dutch Santa, Sinterklaas, and his helpers, the Zwarte Pieten. After recently mocking our online addictions in the aptly titled Social Media Circus, Boom Chicago jumps aboard the time machine for this new show as they bring back their favourite scenes from past performances and mix them up with their improv chops.

20:30, €17.50

Live On The Low Open mic hip-hop night with MC Complex and Swoop, DJ’s MIC, Calvin John & guests. q Winston Kingdom

20:00, €10

UNTIL 25 FEBRUARY

CLUBBING

22:00, €7,50

Boom Chicago, Leidseplein 12 Admission: €22-€26 boomchicago.nl q

TWILIGHT OF THE GODS

FILM

Sneak Preview Weekly screening of soon-to-be released films. q Kriterion 22:15, €5

WEDNESDAY 29 11 FEBRUARY

GIG

Wicked Jazz Sounds Club night weekly event. q Sugar Factory

Buraka Som Sistema @ Shuffle. Play Progressive kuduro. q Melkweg

CLUBBING

GIG

22:00, €5

20:00, €3

CLUBBING

23:00, €9.50

Swagga Dubstep dance night. q Winston Kingdom

21:00, €16 + membership

Feral Trio Weekly session of Latin jazz. q CC Muziekcafé

CLUBBING

DJ Guppie q Pacific Parc

One Night Stand Dance Night with DJ Jasper Weeda. q Winston Kingdom

15:00, free

24:00, €3

Amsterdam

magazine

Cinema Pathé Tuschinski, a superb example of Art Deco, is once again broadcasting the New York Metropolitan Opera’s show-stopping productions. If you’re an opera lover on a budget, you can follow the Met season through Tuschinski’s ‘Live in High Definition’ programme. This evening, watch the Met’s re-interpretation of the final chapter in Richard Wagner’s Ring cycle. Expect a classic with a visionary twist as director Robert Lepage adds cutting-edge technology to the mix. Don’t worry, though: Lepage might be tinkering with new tools, but the storyline will remain intact in all its catastrophic glory. Pathé Tuschinski, Reguliersbreestraat 26-34 Admission: €32.50 pathe.nl q

CAPTURED

By: De Fotomeisjes

WHAT YOU MISSED OUT ON

CookieClub AIR CookieClub is a weekly Thursday club night in AIR, a beautiful club near Rembrandtplein. This night is all about house music played by residents Tettero, Rubix and Quinten 909, with a special guest every last event of the month.

De Fotomeisjes, nightlife photographers extraordinaire. They go out, blend in and capture moments, emotions and atmosphere. Here they share the most interesting and colourful imagery with you. Check defotomeisjes.com for more dazzling pictures.

Amsterdam

magazine

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