Hello Amsterdam 19 - Sep/Okt 2017

This charming village is a shopping Valhalla for fashion lovers and is now bigger than ever with 150 beautiful stores. Travel in style with the daily Shopping Shuttle departing at 10am in front of the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam. We are happy to welcome you.

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OPEN EVERY DAY

INDEX

Contents

Get your free copy of Hello Amsterdam City Guide

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017 #19

30. Focus

Made in Amsterdam 12. Spotlight

A lil’ taste of Mokum

Home to world famous museums

34. Focus

Art in Amsterdam 14. City Update

Hot Dates & Hot Spots

Happenings around town

20. City Update

Canal Cruises

Explore Amsterdam

The Workshop Dutch Creatives and their workspaces

39. Discover

Amsterdam Beer Guide Craft Brewing – Join the Revolution!

24. City Update

Excursions & Tours

44. Art District

Must sees & must do’s

Spiegelkwartier

26. People in the street

Amsterdammers

Quality Galleries Galore

Do as the locals do

60. What's on

64. What's on

Dutch Masters

Unseen Photo Fair

NL’s best photo event is back in town

Paintings from the Golden Age

66. What's on

Fashion & Accessoires From dresses to evening bags

68. Local Heroes

74. Interview

Owner So Art Gallery

Talking food with Chef Cláudio Cardoso

Cornelis Spruyt Vaes 70. Local Heroes

SushiSamba Amsterdam

Ernst Wilmering

90. Wining & Dining

Manager cigar house Hajenius

Amsterdam Oost

72. Local Heroes

Restaurants & Bars in East

Henri Willig

Owner Henri Willig Cheese & More

78. Best of AMS

Oriental Restaurants Craving for asian food?

82. Best of AMS

Steak Restaurants

Find gorgeously grilled meats

86. Luxury Shopping

E THE GUIDES TO

L AC THE BESTRPINK • SHOP EAT • D XPLORE &E 8 7/12 PAGES 10

102. Interview

Amsterdam Vintage Watches Talking watches with Jasper Lijfering

The Iconic Bijenkorf

130. My Amsterdam

100. Must Haves

Shares his favorite places

A Heritage of excellence

Rolex Watch Collection

Chef Ron Blaauw

Selected by Gassan Diamonds

9

INDEX

HELLO AMSTE IN 27.446RHDOAM IS AVAILABLE AT 221 HOTETELLSROOMS AMSTERDAMIN

Contents SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017 #19

14. City Update

Staff publisher & editor-in-chief Martijn Meyer martijn@helloamsterdam.nl sales director Wouter van der Heijden wouter@helloamsterdam.nl

60. Dutch Masters

86. De Bijenkorf

account managers Inez Stertefeld Ashwan Koendan designer & photographer Niels Stavorinus contributors Floris Müller Karin Engelbrecht Benedicte Gruys Maria Kamphuis Jolene den Boer Paola Westbeek

Clarissa van Deventer Pascal Bier Jeroen Snijders Daniëlle Tertaas Racky Westrik Lars van den Brink (cover)

82. Steak Restaurants

printer Moderna Printing Subscribe to Hello Amsterdam Get 6 issues for €18,- at helloams.nl/subscribe Hello Amsterdam B.V. Vijzelstraat 68 1017 HL Amsterdam +31 20 331 66 26 info@helloamsterdam.nl

74. SushiSamba Amsterdam

#19

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL, INCLUDING PHOTOCOPY, RECORDING OR ANY INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, WITHOUT PRIOR IN WRITING FROM HELLO AMSTERDAM B.V.

helloamsterdam.com 10

102. Amsterdam Vintage Watches

MAP OF AMSTERDAM South

11

SPOTLIGHT

A

msterdam is home to a variety of world-famous museums. No trip to the city is complete without stopping by the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum or Stedelijk Museum, but the city also has a multitude of treasures outside of the Museum District. From museums about cats to an amazing collection of handbags, plus photography, archaeology and more, Amsterdam has museums and galleries for every interest.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a veteran of the city's cultural scene, there's no escaping the international attraction of Amsterdam's major museums. Within them you'll find artefacts and exhibitions to suit all tastes, from family fun and science through to the Dutch Masters and modern art. Don't forget to search the ongoing and upcoming exhibitions in Amsterdam, or to explore some of the city's smaller and quirkier – but no less enchanting – museum treasures.

Museum District Explore Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter and uncover a neighbourhood that’s home to some of the world’s most important artistic and historical treasures, chic dining experiences, many of the Netherlands’ fanciest shops and also one of the best-sounding orchestral concert venues on the planet.

Spiegelkwartier Amsterdam’s Spiegelkwartier is an absolute must for lovers of art, antiques and curiosities: the area has been at the heart of the Dutch art and antiques trade for over 80 years. More than 70 specialised dealers offer a wide variety of treasures, ranging from archaeological finds to Art Nouveau and from 17th-century furniture to Delftware pottery.

Exploring the historic Spiegelkwartier is easy to combine with a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum – all three are within easy walking distance.

Helloamsterdam.com Our website Helloamsterdam.com presents a full cultural agenda showcasing the very best art exhibitions and listings of the best museums and art galleries. It also helps you find the best neighbourhoods, shopping districts, markets, attractions, canal cruises, tours, restaurants and so much more.

Hello Amsterdam wishes you a lovely stay in our amazing city!

12

SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHER JOHN LEWIS MARSHALL

Amsterdam is a real treat for art-lovers.

Home to many of the world’s most famous museums. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to one of them.

Art in Amsterdam

13

CIT Y UPDATE

Little Blue Book of Amsterdam

Hello Amsterdam City Guide is a free gift for hotel guests. The pocket guide presents insider’s checklist of all you need to know about Amsterdam. From museums to attractions, restaurants, bars, shops, markets and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Ask the concierge in your hotel for a free copy

22/24 SEPTEMBER

Unseen Photo Fair

Unseen is the leading platform for contemporary photography. Exclusively focusing on what’s new in the photography world, the platform provides a channel for up-andcoming talent to showcase their work. Unseen brings together the international photography community to discuss and debate the directions in which the photographic medium is evolving. Unseens main event returning for its sixth edition at the Westergasfabriek

Discover Amsterdam

Discover the best things to do in Amsterdam on the go.

Get the most out of the city with our mobile site. We've put everything that's great about Amsterdam in one place, with information on neighbourhoods, shopping districts, bars, restaurants, museums and so much more.

Westergasfabriek, unseenamsterdam.com

helloamsterdam.com

The Pure Markt

Sunday Market

Weekly market, various locations, puremarkt.nl

1 October, Westergasfabriek, Haarlemmerweg 8, sundaymarket.nl

The Pure Markt features more than 90 vendors selling a variety of sustainable, organic and artisanal products. You’ll find plenty of delicious food as well as everything from toys and furniture to candles and cosmetics. The variety of stands and special activities make the Pure Markt a great outing for the entire family. It’s a place to explore, discover, taste and learn about all the different foods of the Netherlands – and the rest of the world. Order an organic beer, coffee or wine to go with that and take a seat on one of the many terraces.

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Sunday Market is an art, fashion and design market, where designers, artists and other creatives sell their wares directly to the public.

You’ll find stands with housewares, ceramics, fashion, vintage items, jewellery, accessories, illustrations, affordable art, kids’ products, and lovely organic food and drinks at the indoor and outdoor cafes. Apart from shopping and snacking, there’s plenty to do for both children and adults, including creative workshops, live music and of course playing in the surrounding park.

© KOEN PETERS

CIT Y UPDATE

Unlimited Access to Public Transport

gvb.nl/tickets

Amsterdam Dance Event

© MAXKNEEFEL

A GVB (multi) day ticket gives you unlimited travel by GVB tram, bus and metro throughout Amsterdam. Be smart and buy your ticket in advance. Start your journey hassle-free. Buy your day ticket at your hotel reception or at one of the many GVB sales points in the city. For just € 7,50 you already have 24-hours unlimited GVB public transport. Traveling with public transport is easy. With every ride you always check-in when entering the vehicle and checkout when you leave tram or bus. When traveling with the metro you check-in and -out at the entrance or exit gate of the station.

18 UNTIL 22 OCTOBER

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), the world's biggest celebration of dance music returns in October 2017, bringing over 2,200 of the world's biggest and up-and-coming. ADE presents an immense programme of more than 450 events taking place over 100 locations across the city, to provide 5 days of guaranteed partying for some 200,000 clubbers. Among the highlights, don't miss Amsterdam Music Festival as it returns to Amsterdam ArenA. amsterdam-dance-event.nl

29/30 SEPTEMBER

Museumplein Polo

Museumplein gets turned over to horses and riders during this special sporting weekend. As well as the international polo matches taking place on all three days, look out for special showcases and performances, including Anky van Grunsven, a three-time Olympic champion in dressage. All sessions are topped up with music, entertainment and plenty of food and drink.

Museumplein, museumpleinpoloamsterdam.com

30 SEPTEMBER & 1 OCTOBER

Art & Antiques Weekend

The antique dealers and galleries in Amsterdam’s Spiegelkwartier flaunt their glorious wares when they welcome antique lovers to two special in September. With its numerous galleries and art dealers, the Spiegelkwartier is an ideal vantage point for lovers and collectors of art and antiquities. More than 30 antique dealers and galleries participate in the event, organising special exhibitions and readings to celebrate the start of the cultural season.

Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, spiegelkwartier.nl

16 SEPTEMBER

Museum Quarter Festival

A festival full of music, fashion, food, art and kidsfun at the Museum Square. Organized by local entrepreneurs of Museum Quarter Amsterdam. With fine food and drinks made by local restaurants, jazzy tunes from young talented artists & special activities in our popup galleries, shops and museums. Free entrance.

With a VIP-ticket you can discover the hidden gems of Museum Quarter, sign up for exclusive activities and tours in the galleries, shops and museums. And you will get a very fine goodie-bag!

Museum Square, museumquarter.com/festival

15

CIT Y UPDATE

Fall is at the doorstep, so warm up with the best fireplace bars in Amsterdam THE HARBOUR CLUB

MR. PORTER

Great hotspots with fireplaces

1. Pllek

Pllek is one of our favorite places to go when the weather is nice. We’ve spent many a sunny day sitting on their beach chairs and looking out across the IJ with a cold beer in hand. However, Pllek is also the perfect spot when it gets cold and dark. Sit on their leather sofas by the fire, enjoy a nice glass of wine and look out at the twinkling lights across the water. It doesn’t get much better than that! Pllek also serves yummy meals and has a DJ and sometimes live music. Love it!

– TT Neveritaweg 59 (North)

2. Hannekes Boom

Another popular spot when the weather is lovely is Hannekes Boom. People love to kick back at their picnic tables and soak up the sunshine. But did you know that Hannekes Boom also has a lovely large fireplace that you can gather around when the weather is blustery? Go for drinks, snacks or dinner and relax in this ramshackle shack on the water.

– Dijksgracht 4 (Centre)

4. Mr. Porter

Surely you’ve never seen a steak restaurant like this one. Mr. Porter offers the highest quality in food, drinks and interior decoration. Built as an extra floor on top of the new W Hotel near Dam Square, this restaurant and bar has an impressive terrace with a pool and the very best view of the Royal Palace. With ten different steaks and many other incredible dishes, you have a lot to choose from. Don’t forget to take a look at the cocktail menu. – Spuistraat 175 (Centre)

16

3. De Vergulden Eenhoorn

The gardens at Vergulden Eenhoorn are the perfect place to sit in the summer. When autumn and winter arrive, however, you’ll enjoy the cozy interior complete with a wood-burning stove. This lovely spot in Amsterdam Oost is perfect for lunch, dinner or just a drink. – Ringdijk 58 (East)

5. The Lobby at Hotel V

The clubby atmosphere at The Lobby would not be complete without a fireplace. Go for a coffee on a cold day or perhaps enjoy a cocktail or whisky on a chilly night. Relax on the leather sofas and chat with your friends while you warm up. The Lobby serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

Reservations are recommended for the evenings. – Nes 49 (Centre)

6. Westergasterras

Another great place to go when the weather is naughty or nice is the Westergasterras.

In the summer, you can enjoy their huge terrace with your friends and plenty of beers or put on your dancing shoes and take part in their salsa nights. And in the wintertime, head inside and sit by the fire. We love the industrial open space and the decor here.

– Westergasterras, Klönneplein 4-6 (West)

THE LOBBY

7. Pacific Parc

Looking for a place where you can have dinner, sit around a fireplace with a few drinks, and then dance late into the night?

Then head to Pacific Parc! This spacious cafe in Westerpark welcomes you to sit on their terrace in the sun or cozy up by the fire in the winter. There is often something happening at Pacific Parc and on the weekends it’s always a great, laid back place to drink and dance. When in the area we also suggest stopping in for a glass of wine at Wester Wijnfabriek or a beer at Brouwerij Troost.

– Polonceaukade 23 (West)

8.The Harbour Club

The Harbour Club is located on the Eastern Docklands, boasting an international appeal, sparkling atmosphere and exceptionally great menu perfect for fish and meat lovers.

Housed in a former wine-terminal, where the wine was once bottled, bottles are now being opened. Be amazed by the immense space, the high art of cooking, the sushi lounge, the amazing fireplace and a great terrace with a lovely view of the water.

– Cruquiusweg 67 (East) Find more fireplace bars and restaurants at helloamsterdam.com

MAP OF Brandsen AMSTERDAM Ted South

— The Ballet Orchestra — Oct 14 - Nov 3 – operaballet.nl

— The iconic masterpiece returns to stage

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CIT Y UPDATE

13/15 OCTOBER

Annual Dutch Art Fair

Nearly 150 Dutch artists and 50 artists from ten other countries will participate in this year’s edition of the Annual Dutch Art Fair, offering a wide variety of contemporary art – from figurative to abstract and from traditional to progressive. Besides paintings, graphics and photography, bronze objects, ceramics and glass works will all be exhibited and offered for sale by the artists directly.

WFC, Koningin Wilhelminaplein 13, adaf.nl

28/30 SEPTEMBER

Afrovibes Festival

Afrovibes is an African cultural and performing arts festival that tours the Netherlands every autumn.

The festival presents today’s most surprising, intriguing and extraordinary African artists and creators.

Every year, the festival introduces an enormous selection of young, urban and contemporary music, theatre, dance and design, inviting collaborations with young Dutch talent too. afrovibes.nl

Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot Just outside Amsterdam lies the imposing, medieval Muiderslot, part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

A guided tour through the Golden Age with the impressive Knight’s Hall is included in the ticket. A walk along the ramparts offers fantastic views of the water-rich environments. The beautiful gardens still retain the atmosphere of the Dutch Renaissance. Only 15 minutes from Amsterdam. Download the free app, your personal guide to the castle.

Herengracht 1 - Muiden

29/30 SEPTEMBER

Amsterdam Wine Festival

Spring is not far away, but you can bask in warmth generated by the world’s finest fruits at the Amsterdam Wine Festival. Taking placing at Westergasfabriek, this brand-new festival unites wine producers and importers from around the world and brings them all under one roof with wine aficionados and hobbyists alike. Spread over the 2,500 square meters of the Gashouder, Amsterdam’s old gas works factory, there are 180 different wines available for purchase by the glass.

Get Your Tickets at Helloticket.nl

Ask your hotel for tickets or check helloticket.nl to book activities, such as tours and excursions, and to buy tickets to museums and canal cruises.

Combine a museum with a canal cruise and get a great discount. With an online ticket from Hello Ticket you can skip the line at attractions and museums. Helloticket.nl is available on your mobile phone. Purchase your ticket online. When you enter an attraction just show your smartphone ticket at the entrance and get in. No printing, no waiting. Save time, skip the line. helloticket.nl

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Westergasfabriek, Pazzanistraat 33 westergasfabriek.nl

13/15 OCTOBER

Butcher’s Heaven

This flesh-focused festival, which takes place from 13-15 October at Food Center Amsterdam, is a magnet for meat lovers.

Over 30 restaurants will present their best meat dishes, from impressive roasts to refined delicacies and all the “forgotten” bits, and the best BBQ teams from the Netherlands will do their best to impress. There’s also a masterclass by Dutch sausage whizzes Brandt & Levie, and a Jim Beam bar.

Jan van Galenstraat 4 butchersheaven.com

CIT Y UPDATE

Free City Map

The Hello Amsterdam City Map is all about the city’s highlights, including the best neighbourhoods, shopping districts, markets, parks, museums and attractions. The detailed street index shows all the sights you don’t want to miss, as well as public transportation and a event calendar. Ask the concierge in your hotel for the free city map. Enjoy Amsterdam!

Nemo Science Museum Amsterdam’s science museum housed in a huge, green boat-like building in the harbour east of Central Station. A great visit for parents with children; let your young ones playfully experience science and technology all day long. Let them smell, hear, feel and see how science works.

Oosterdok 2, helloticket.nl/41

Find the Hello Amsterdam Free City Map on page 35 of this issue or ask your concierge for a copy.

A Great Night Out!

The Royal Concertgebouw

EYE Film

For tickets visit the website or the box office.

Concertgebouwplein +31 (0) 20-6718345, concertgebouw.nl

© ARJAN BRONKHORST

Eye Film Museum is more than just a cinema; it’s a great venue celebrating the rich history of movies and filmmaking. The futuristic museum, located in an architectural masterpiece on the northern banks of ‘t IJ, is the best place to go to see exciting exhibitions and of course to enjoy a great movie.

IJpromenade 1, helloticket.nl/36

Evening concerts 8.15 – 22.15 PM Sunday morning concerts 11 AM – 12 PM Sunday afternoon brunch 12 – 1 PM Afternoon concerts 2 or 2.15 PM Guided Tours four times a week.

© JORDI HUISMAN

With more than 700 concerts a year, the Concertgebouw offers a varied program featuring the world’s best musicians, orchestras and conductors. We offer classical as well as jazz and pop music. The hall is home to the worlds best orchestra; the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Museum Our Lord in the Attic

Our Lord in the Attic Museum is a uniquely preserved seventeenthcentury house from the Dutch Golden Age. Explore the narrow corridors and climb the stairs to historically furnished living rooms, kitchens and bedsteads, leading literally to the highpoint of the museum: an entire church in the attic.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, opsolder.nl

UNTIL JANUARY 2018

Body Art

The ‘Body Art’ exhibition explores the history, culture and identity politics of body art while looking at why people decorate their bodies. Body art and body modification such as tattoos and piercings, but also scarification, branding and implants, have a long history and are present in numerous cultures.

This exhibition explores the various meanings and functions of body art, the shifts in beauty ideals and the significance body modification can have in terms of social status or personal identity.

Tropenmuseum, Linnaeusstraat 2, tropenmuseum.nl

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ASK YOUR HOTEL FOR TICKETS OR CHECK HELLOTICKET.NL

CIT Y UPDATE

Cruising the Canals

Alongside tulips and windmills, the global image of Amsterdam is one of a city entwined with water. Since its development in the 17th century, Amsterdam’s Canal Ring has grown to be one of the world’s most unique urban landscapes. in 2010 Amsterdam’s canal ring was recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. There’s no better way to get a grip on the architectural marvels of Amsterdam than by taking a canal tour; you’ll get to see many of the city’s best-loved sights, including the majestic 17th-century townhouses around the Canal Ring. Known collectively as Grachtengordel, Amsterdam’s three main canals encircle the city and include dozens of additional smaller canals.

Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht each serve the city’s residents, while the 15th-century Singel canal protected medieval Amsterdam as a moat. Besides providing a stunning backdrop to the city’s historical centre, floating down Amsterdam’s canals is one of the most memorable ways to discover the city’s sights and attractions.

E XP AMSTERDAMLO’SRE PROTECTED CA UNESCO AND DISCOVER NAL RING INTERESTINGPFLENT Y OF ABOUT THE CITACTS Y

LOVERS CANAL CRUISES

1hr Canal Cruise

#1 TTRACTION

This one-hour cruise takes you A through the unique UNESCO World Heritage canal district. Admire the elegant merchants’ houses that have lined the canals since the Golden Age, the majestic façades and gables, beautiful churches, the iconic ‘Magere Brug’ (Skinny Bridge) and many more highlights. The special audio system in 19 languages ensures that you get to know Amsterdam in your own language!

CITY SIGHTSEEING AMSTERDAM

Hop On - Hop Off

City Sightseeing Amsterdam welcomes you on board of their distinctive red buses and boats.

This unique bus and boat service is the perfect way to discover Amsterdam at your own pace.

Enjoy great panoramic views while following the carefully designed routes that take you past all the major landmarks that Amsterdam has to offer. You will also get to see interesting sights, such as the Royal Palace, the Westerkerk, the Skinny Bridge, Amsterdam’s tallest windmill and the major museums and attractions. You can get on and off as often as you like during the 24 or 48 hour period.

LOVERS CANAL CRUISES

Semi-Open Boat Cruise

• CENTRAL STATION WEST • DAILY: 09.00AM - 10.00PM • ANNE FRANK HOUSE • DAILY: 10.30AM - 7.30PM SATURDAYS 10.30AM - 9.00PM • LEIDSEKADE • DAILY: 10.00AM - 7.45PM SATURDAYS 10.00AM - 10.00PM TICKETS: ADULT €16 • CHILD €10

TICKET VALID FOR 24 OR 48 HOURS • BUS 09.15AM - 6.00PM (EVERY ±15/20 MIN) • GREEN BOAT LINE 10.05AM - 6.00PM (EVERY ±20/25 MIN) • BLUE BOAT LINE 10.15AM - 5.15PM (EVERY ±20/25 MIN)

CENTRAL STATION EAST • DAILY: 11.00AM - 9.00PM TICKETS: ADULT €16 • CHILD €10

GET YOUR TICKETS: HELLOTICKET.NL/05

GET YOUR TICKETS: HELLOTICKET.NL/11

GET YOUR TICKETS: HELLOTICKET.NL/07

LOVERS CANAL CRUISES

LOVERS CANAL CRUISES

Lovers welcomes you on board of their luxurious Dinner Cruise and treats you to an unforgettable evening. Enjoy outstanding culinary delights while cruising through the enchantingly lit canals of Amsterdam. The exclusive 4-course dinner is prepared by the award winning chef Frans Kelders and is accompanied by excellent wines (included, other drinks also available). Please inform the staff of your choice of menu and if applicable, of your dietary requirements.

Combine an interesting cruise through Amsterdam with a delicious dinner. You can choose between the Amsterdam Burger Cruise and the Amsterdam Pizza Cruise. On both cruises your meal of choice will be served straight from the award winning chef’s kitchen. Both meals will be complimented with a homemade brownie.

Unlimited drinks are included. A live guide will provide interesting commentary about the beautiful city and its highlights.

LOVERS CANAL CRUISES

Burger or Pizza Cruise

Candlelight Cruise

PRINS HENDRIKKADE 25-27 • DAILY: 8.00PM TICKETS: ADULT €89 • CHILD €50

PRINS HENDRIKKADE 25-27 • DAILY: 6.30PM LIVE GUIDE: ENGLISH & SPANISH • TICKETS: ADULT €39 • CHILD €25

PRINS HENDRIKKADE 25-27 • DAILY: 9.00PM TICKETS: ADULT €39 • CHILD €25

GET YOUR TICKETS: HELLOTICKET.NL/08

GET YOUR TICKETS: HELLOTICKET.NL/09

GET YOUR TICKETS: HELLOTICKET.NL/10

Amsterdam Dinner Cruise

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UNIQUE INM!

The brand new type of cruise boat AMSTERDA offers you the comfort of a large canal cruise boat. When the weather is fine, the partially open roof will allow you to enjoy an open boat experience. In the event that the weather is not so favorable however, the boat can be comfortably closed, still ensuring a spectacular view. The boats run on solar energy and are completely silent. The cruise offers an audio commentary in 19 languages.

Treat yourself to a unique evening! Experience the magic of Amsterdam as you cruise along enchantingly lit canals. Glide gently past the most famous landmark buildings and sights in all their night-time glory. The guide will provide an interesting commentary in English and Spanish.

Sit back and indulge in a lovely experience. The Candlelight Cruise offers local cheese specialties and charcuteries. Great wines and other drinks are also included.

Passion by Profession AmsterdAm WAtch compAny is the ultimAte Address for premium vintAge And exclusive WAtches. We Are officiAl deAler of the Dutch watch branDs christiaan van Der Klaauw • rolanD oostwegel • van Der gang watches. we offer a wiDe collection of vintage rolex • omega • Jaeger lecoultre • cartier • iwc • PateK PhiliPPe

reestraat 3 ı 0031 (0) 20 389 27 89 ı info@awco.nl ı www.AWco.nl ı  

CIT Y UPDATE

Body Worlds

The anatomy museum Body Worlds: The Happiness Project takes visitors on a thrilling voyage of discovery through the human body. This fascinating exhibition by Gunther von Hagens, featuring more than 200 anatomical specimens of real human bodies, has drawn more than 40 million visitors worldwide. Don’t miss this fantastic exhibition and discover the wonders of the human body!

Damrak 66, helloticket.nl/03

Lil’ Amsterdam

What do “macho limoncello”, lacy lingerie and merlot wine gums have in common? They’re Amsterdam-made products “with a story”, and they’re all available at Lil’ Amsterdam, a new locally-focused shopping hub in the Amstelpassage at Amsterdam Centraal Station.

The city’s latest shopping destination opened for business in what’s arguably the most central location. Operating like a premium pop-up platform for up-and- coming Amsterdam brands, with space for 19 shops – some will be open for a year, some only for a few months – there’s a diverse range of fashion, beauty, local

liquor and affordable art. You can also get your nails done or simply relax with a coffee while waiting for your train.

Annemarie van Gerrevink of PUP Agency, which developed the concept along with NS, the Dutch national railway company, describes Lil’ Amsterdam as a living “exhibition” or “little neighbourhood”, where you can shop for products “with a story” that are “made with love and passion”.

Amsterdam Centraal Stationsplein 31, lilamsterdam.nl

Shopping at CS

Amsterdam’s Centraal Station has been an icon of the city for 127 years. The station has grown along with the times. Nowadays it is not just the monumental and distinctive station building that extends toward the Damrak that makes the station so special; the side of the station along the IJ waterway has also become an icon of the city.

Here you will find a great variety of stores and restaurants with a fantastic view of the IJ. Want to relax while waiting for your train? Or quickly find a beautiful, last-minute gift? The station offers it all.

Amsterdam Centraal, Stationsplein, mijnstation.nl

UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER

The Prints of Andy Warhol & Other Pop Art Artists Andy Warhol is central to the exhibition 'The Prints of Andy Warhol and other PopArtists' organised in the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam in July, August and September 2017. They consist ofe the extensive private collection of mostly screenprints by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring and other PopArt artists, media entrepreneur Lex Harding has built up over the decades. PopArt derived from Popular Art, an art movement that emerged in the sixties in America. PopArt's themes are borrowed from comic strips, advertising, television, newspapers and magazines. Since celebrities like Mao, Marilyn Monroe, Mick Jagger, Queen Beatrix and everyday objects, such as soup cans and Coke bottles were used as patterns, PopArt came to stand close to daily life.

Beurs van Berlage, Damrak 243, andywarhol.amsterdam

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CIT Y UPDATE

Panorama Amsterdam

Panorama Amsterdam. City Time Lapse is the newest attraction in Hermitage Amsterdam.

This brand-new panoramic show lets visitors experience how Amsterdam, the city by the Amstel river, was founded in in the early Middle Ages and how it developed from that time until the present. Everything is shown from the perspective of the current location of the Hermitage building. The attraction presents the rich history of Amsterdam in a unique way. Using the latest projection technology, it chronicles the emergence of the city, as seen from the vantage point of the Hermitage.

Hermitage Amsterdam, Amstel 51, hermitage.nl

UNTIL 4 FEBRUARY 2018

Mata Hari

The turbulent life of the Dutch spy and dancer Mata Hari is at the heart of a large-scale production by Dutch National Ballet. Margaretha Geertruida Zelle – more commonly known as Mata Hari – is one of the most iconic women in Dutch history. She was one of the most famous dancers of her day. She travelled throughout Europe and had a network of highly placed lovers everywhere, which made her an ideal spy during World War I. She was accused – rightly or wrongly – of being a double agent, and she died in front of a French firing squad in 1917.

Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Amstel 3, operaballet.nl

13 OCTOBER UNTIL 18 FEBRUARY 2018

Ferdinand Bol & Govert Flinck – Rembrandt’s Masters Pupils

This fall the first ever retrospective of Ferdinand Bol (1616-1680) and Govert Flinck (1615-1660) will take place, in which the Amsterdam Museum and the Rembrandt House Museum are working together to present a unique image of these two artists.

Bol and Flinck are two of the most important Amsterdam painters of the Golden Age; they were at least as successful as their former teacher Rembrandt.

Rembrandt House, Jodenbreestraat 4 Amsterdam Museum, Kalverstraat 92

13 OCTOBER - 18 FEBRUARY 2018

We Have a Dream

We Have a Dream is an exhibition about three world-renowned figures who profoundly influenced the course of the twentieth century: Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. They were ordinary people who led extraordinary movements against racial discrimination and social injustice. All three became role models around the world but also drew fierce criticism and opposition. Two were assassinated because of their ideas and activism.

Nieuwe Kerk, Dam, nieuwekerk.nl

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CIT Y UPDATE

Excursions & Tours Tours & Tickets is the number 1 tour operator of Amsterdam where you can find the cheapest tickets for excursions, tours, museums, attractions and canal cruises. Tours & Tickets is situated in the very heart of Amsterdam with 36 shops. They are specialized in offering excursions in the Netherlands and Belgium, and also offer fast track tickets for all museums and attractions in Amsterdam plus an exclusive range of combination deals. You can also book online: tours-tickets.com

Volendam, Marken & Windmills

Grand Holland Tour

Bruges (Belgium)

EXTENDED TOUR TICKETS: ADULT €65 • CHILD €32.50 (4-13 YEARS) DURATION: ± 7 HOURS • DEPARTURES: DAILY 12.00AM LIVE GUIDE: ENGLISH, SPANISH, GERMAN

TICKETS: ADULT €85 • CHILD €42.50 (4-13 YEARS) DURATION: ± 9½ HOURS DEPARTURES: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SUNDAY 09.30AM LIVE GUIDE: ENGLISH, SPANISH, GERMAN

TICKETS: ADULT €95 • CHILD €47.50 (4-13 YEARS) DURATION: ± 12 HOURS • DEPARTURES: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 09.30AM • LIVE GUIDE: ENGLISH SPANISH, GERMAN • VALID ID DOCUMENT REQUIRED

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Giethoorn

Delft & The Hague

Amsterdam City Tour

TICKETS: ADULT €75 CHILD • €37.50 (4-13 YEARS) DURATION: ± 7½ HOURS DEPARTURES: THURSDAY & SATURDAY 09.30AM LIVE GUIDE: ENGLISH, SPANISH, GERMAN

TICKETS: ADULT €55 • CHILD €27.50 (4-13 YEARS) DURATION: ± 5½ HOURS DEPARTURES: DAILY 02.45PM LIVE GUIDE: ENGLISH, SPANISH, GERMAN

TICKETS: ADULT €25 • CHILD €12.50 (4-13 YEARS) DURATION: ± 2½ HOURS DEPARTURES: DAILY 09.00AM LIVE GUIDE: ENGLISH, SPANISH, GERMAN

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A visit to the Netherlands would not be complete without having seen the lovely Dutch countryside and windmills. You will visit a working windmill at Zaanse Schans, the famous and lively fishing village of Volendam, its local cheese factory and take a beautiful boat trip on the IJsselmeer to visit Marken and the local traditional clog maker. On the extended tour the extra time will be used for a visit to a traditional Dutch bakery and the Volendam Museum.

HIGHLIGHTS TOUR TICKETS: ADULT €55 • CHILD €27.50 (4-13 YEARS) DURATION: ± 5½ HOURS • DEPARTURES: DAILY 08.45AM, 02.45PM GPS-GUIDE 16 LANGUAGES

A bus takes you to the ‘Dutch Venice’: Giethoorn.

This fantasylike place is entirely accessible by boat (so-called ‘punters’), and this is how you will discover its picturesque canals. See the 18th and 19th century farmyards hidden among trees and wooden bridges. After the one-hour cruise you will have time to explore the area further.

On the way back there will be a photo stop at one of the longest dikes of the Netherlands.

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A great impression of Holland that starts with a drive to Rotterdam, famous for its modern architecture. You will enjoy an amazing view of the city and port from the top of the 185-meter Euromast tower and visit the famous food market. Then on to Delft for a visit to ‘Royal Delft Manufactory’, the last remaining Dutch ceramic factory. After that, the bus will take you through The Hague and the last stop will be at the miniature town of Madurodam.

Historical facts and highlights awaits you on this guided bus tour to Delft and The Hague. After a visit to the last remaining ceramic factory from the 17th century in Delft and free time in the old town centre the bus takes you to The Hague. You will get to see the beautiful Houses of Parliament, the working palace of the Dutch king and a photo stop at the Peace Palace.

Last stop will be at the miniature town of Madurodam.

This bus tour takes you to historic Bruges, one of Europe’s most charming cities. The entire city centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bruges is famous for its ancient churches, opulent mansion houses, picturesque alleys, canals and the ‘Begijnhof’ (beguinage). Bruges is also well known for its local beers, lace and chocolate-making. You will take a guided city walk, after which you will have free time for sightseeing, shopping or a canal cruise in Bruges’ delightful city centre.

On this live guided tour you will see countless interesting sights and amazing views inside and outside the historical city centre of Amsterdam.

Admire the architecture of beautiful mansions!

There will be a photo stop at a remarkable windmill and you will have the opportunity to visit a diamond factory in the Museum District.

Exhibitions New & Classic Films Shop WatersideTerrace

MAP OF AMSTERDAM South

Love film?

Immerse yourself in the world of cinema at the only museum in Amsterdam that’s open day and night

EYE Filmmuseum Amsterdam www.eyefilm.nl 25

PEOPLE IN THE STREET

Do as the locals Do

EDITOR RACKY WESTRIK PH OTO G R APH ER N I E L S S TAVO R I N US

LEONTINE NIJLAND (26)Assistant Surgeon

What is your favourite restaurant or bar?

I love Toscanini (Lindengracht 75), it’s the best place to go for Italian food and the staff will entertain you all night long. What is the most beautiful spot in the city? My own street, Derde Weteringstraat. There are no cars allowed, so it is really quiet and it feels like a little village in the city. What is your favourite shopping area? The Nine Streets. There are some really cool boutiques there and it’s a one-stop-shop. You can do everything there; go shopping, get a coffee, get your nails done, really anything. What is the best place to relax and unwind? Going for a jog in Vondelpark is the ultimate way to relax. What is a must-see for any visitor? Go explore all the different neighbourhoods; don’t just stay in the city centre. What makes Amsterdam so special? What makes Amsterdam so special?

The people. Everybody is really laid back and open, and they work to live, not the other way around.

KITTY MARTEUS (29) & WILLEMIJN SCHINCK (29) Recruiter & Consultant

JOP BONNIKE (29) & MARNIX HIEP (30) Lawyer for a record label & HR Advisort

What is your favourite restaurant or bar? De Huyschkaemer (Utrechtsestraat 137). It’s really cosy and they have a great terrace. We also like to go to this great little Argentinian place called La Cacerola (Weteringstraat 41). At night you can ring the bell for some fries, and they get hoisted down below to you in a bucket! What is the most beautiful spot in the city? The canals around the Amstelveld area. It’s really beautiful at night, with all the little glimmering lights. What is your favourite shopping area? The Nine Streets is a fun place to look around and window shop. What is the best place to relax and unwind? Roest ( Jacob Bontiusplaats 1), a creative, industrial spot on the east side of town. What is a must-see for any visitor? Café Nol! It’s really cliché, but it is where you need to go if you want the quintessential Amsterdam bar experience. What makes Amsterdam so special? It’s really compact.

Just hop on your bike and you can get anywhere within fifteen minutes.

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What is the most beautiful spot in the city? The little courtyard called ‘Grill’s Hofje’ (1e Weteringdwarsstraat 19-35). It’s a peaceful oasis and you would never know it was even there if you didn’t know where to look. It’s also a neat piece of Amsterdam history, as it was one of the first social housing projects in the city.

It was built for destitute women who had nowhere to live. What is the best place to relax and unwind? Noorderlicht (NDSMPlein 102) on a Sunday afternoon and just chill and listen to some live music. What is a must-see for any visitor? Rent a bike and go explore all the little villages on the north side of town. If you want to see a typical Dutch landscape, that’s the place to go. What makes Amsterdam so special? It has a very free and open vibe but it’s very safe at the same time. You can walk the streets without having to worry about anything. place to go.

PEOPLE OF THE STREET

MARIEKE KLEINPENNING (37) Mom to Sverre & Isebelle

JORIS MOUS (45) Tattoo artist

What is your favourite restaurant or bar? Café L’Affiche ( Jacob van Lennepstraat 39) on the west side of town. It has a really relaxed vibe. I also like Gold Temple; they serve great vegetarian food there (Utrechtsestraat 126). What is the most beautiful spot in the city? The former prison complex the Bijmerbajes (H.J.E. Wenckebachweg 48) and the area around it. It is a really raw part of the city. What is your favourite shopping area? I like Jan Pieter Heijestraat; it’s a street where the locals shop and go about their everyday business.

What is the best place to relax and unwind? Café ‘t Sluisje (Nieuwendammerdijk 297) on the north side of town. It’s located in a very green, village-like area of the city.business.

What is a must-see for any visitor? Just go and explore the city. Grab a drink at one of the old 'brown' cafés, walk around Utrechtsestraat, and go shopping in one of the many little boutiques. What makes Amsterdam so special? Despite the gentrification that is sweeping through the city, there are still a lot of little bars and speciality shops to be found.

What is your favourite restaurant or bar? De Scheepskameel (Kattenburgerstraat 7). The food is great and reasonably priced, plus it has a great ambiance and friendly wait staff. What is the most beautiful spot in the city? I love going to the botanical garden De Hortus (Plantage Middenlaan 2a). It is a beautiful and peaceful place in the middle of the city. What is your favourite shopping area? I love the Nine Streets and its little boutiques, but I also like the area around the Ceintuurbaan. It has a fun mix of little shops, cafés and of course the daily market on the Albert Cuypstraat. What is a must-see for any visitor? If you love modern art, you can’t skip Het Stedelijk Museum (Museumplein 10). What makes Amsterdam so special? The city is small and feels like a village but it has everything you could possibly want or need.

JORIS WESTERS (24) Jeweller at Marij Kaak

ROSELLE DE KRUYK (28) Recruiter

What is your favourite restaurant or bar? I really like De Zotte (Raamstraat 29).

It’s a very cosy spot and they serve some really great beers.

What is the most beautiful spot in the city? I love going to the north side of the city, get on a boat and sail on the IJ lake. What is your favourite shopping area? That has to be the Nine Streets, hands down. I love browsing in all the little, special boutiques.

What is the best place to relax and unwind? Lion Noir (Reguliersdwarsstraat 28). It has a nice terrace in a secluded courtyard where you can soak up the sun all day.

What is your favourite restaurant or bar? Café George (Leidsegracht 84). They have a delicious steak on the menu and it’s always filled with locals. What is the most beautiful spot in the city? The steps in front of my house on the Singel canal. I love to sit there with a glass of wine and watch the world go by. What is your favourite shopping area? I’m an antiques lover, so definitely the Spiegelkwartier area; it’s all about art and antiques there. What is the best place to relax and unwind?

Restaurant Madam in the A’DAM Tower (Overhoeksplein 1) is great and it has the most spectacular views of the city. What is a mustsee for any visitor? You can’t miss the Rijksmuseum (Museumstraat 1), obviously. It’s where you can see the whole history of Holland. What makes Amsterdam so special? The mix of so many different cultures and nationalities.

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PEOPLE IN THE STREET

FÉLIPE MARTINS (35) Personal Assistant

What is your favourite museum?

Rembrandthuis ( Jodenbreestraat 4). A museum about the great painter. It is a very inspiring place to be. What is the most beautiful spot in the city? The whole area around the Central Station (Stationsplein).

It has a great mixture of old buildings and modern architecture, plus it has a spectacular view over the IJ lake. What is your favourite shopping area? The vintage shops and modern design studios scattered around all the canals are amazing. What is the best place to relax and unwind? A coffeeshop (I don’t have a favourite), to draw, write and just chill. What is a must-see for any visitor? Visit at least one of the many great museums. What makes Amsterdam so special? The cosmopolitan, multi-cultural vibe is really cool.

GIJSJE LEMAIRE (26) & SABRINA MEIJER (29) Stylist & Photographer

MICHIEL VAN WIJK (33) Sous-chef

What is your favourite restaurant or bar? I like to hang out at Schuim (Spuistraat 189).

It’s a café where people from all walks of life come together and it has a really laidback atmosphere. What is the most beautiful spot in the city? I love to sit by Brouwersgracht and just look at all the boats passing by. What is your favourite shopping area? I don’t really like to go to the busy city centre, but I do enjoy going to the Haarlemmerstraat and browsing in the little shops.

What is the best place to relax and unwind? Westerpark (Haarlemmerweg 4). I think it’s the best park in the city. It’s not as crowded as Vondelpark and there are some nice bars and restaurants in the area. What is a must-see for any visitor?

The Anne Frank House for its historic importance and of course the Red Light district (Oudezijds Voorburgwal). What makes Amsterdam so special?

There is always something to do and you always run into someone you know, no matter where you go.

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What is your favourite restaurant or bar? De Japanner (Albert Cuypstraat 228), there you can eat sushi and drink sake until the early hours of the night. We also like Glou Glou (Tweede van der Helststraat 3), a cosy, little French wine bar. What is the most beautiful spot in the city? We like going to the Noordermarkt on Saturday morning, a weekly market in a lovely area of the city. What is your favourite shopping area? We love to go to the vintage shops in the Jordaan area and go on the hunt for some cool sunglasses. What is a must-see for any visitor? Cross the IJ lake with the ferry and explore the north side of the city. Go biking over Nieuwendammerdijk to look at all the little traditional houses for a real Dutch experience. What makes Amsterdam so special? It truly is a little village with all the facilities of a metropolis.

STEPHEN ZWAVING (62) CEO Trading Company

What is your favourite restaurant or bar? Het Papeneiland (Prinsengracht 2). It’s a cosy, unpretentious café where you can just sit down, order a drink and have a good conversation. What is the most beautiful spot in the city? I love to see the nature in the city; it doesn’t really matter where, but Vondelpark is always beautiful.

What is your favourite shopping area? I don’t really shop a lot. I mainly stick to my classics: The Society Shop (Van Baerlestraat 20) for clothing and Van Lier for shoes (Heiligeweg 47). What is the best place to relax and unwind? On a bench along Weteringstraat. It is a really quiet, picturesque street, even though it is right in the heart of the city. What is a must-see for any visitor? Don’t just stare at your phone screen all day. Disconnect your Wi-Fi and look around. There is so much to see.

MAP OF AMSTERDAM South

J E W E L R Y & WAT C H E S . V I S I T G A S S A N . C O M GASSAN Diamonds | GASSAN D am S qu are | GAS S AN B outi qu e | GAS S AN S ch iph ol

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FOCUS

JOOLZ

SCOTCH & SODA

TOMTOM

UNITED NUDE

MOOOI DESIGN

SUIT SUPPLY

TONY CHOCOLONELY

BUDDHA TO BUDDHA

ACE & TATE

VAN MOOF

HEINEKEN

ETQ

FILLING PIECES

G-STAR

MARIE-STELLA-MARIS

KASBEKE

FOCUS

MADE IN AMSTERDAM

EDITOR FLORIS MÜLLER

Forget New York, London and Hong Kong. For the most artisanal products and the best brands, Amsterdam is the place to be!

The focus on sustainability, craftsmanship and design is the strength of the current Amsterdam manufacturing industry. Fresh start-ups and well-established companies with years of experience founded and based in Amsterdam put our capital on the map. Far beyond the country’s borders.

MAKE IT IN AMSTERDAM When you think of Amsterdam, you might think of canal houses, beautifully restored warehouses that vaguely remind us of another time and probably the Jordaan area is also coming to mind. Today the Jordaan area might be a hip place to live. But this used to be the area where the industry flourished in Amsterdam. Residents of the neighbourhood have long been subordinated to the companies, which contributed to a growing economy. The houses were often dilapidated and the inhabitants lived between hazardous substances and gasses.

The municipality stepped in and the industry moved to areas outside the heart of the city. In the second half of the 20th century and as a result of the industrial revolution most of the manufacturing industry disappeared. The reason? We were still particularly strong in trade and if you wanted something manufactured, you would order someone to do so. In China or Taiwan. But times are changing and the manufacturing industry finds its way back to the city very rapidly. Many companies that produce tangible brand-products are eager to set up shop in Amsterdam again and are proud that their origin lies in the capital. Not only are the Amsterdam inhabitants the most discerning consumers of the country.

They look for locally produced, preferably organic and sustainable products. The energy of the city is also inspirational. And the fact that large, successful companies need smart people from all over the world, and that these people just so happen to like to live in Amsterdam, helps a bit. It is therefore not only the international powers that have been captured by the charm of the city. The artisanal, small-scale manufacturing industry thrives as well.

BRAND BUILDING When we talk about famous Amsterdam brands, Heineken perhaps is the first to come to mind. But there are so many fresh, new brands that find their origin in the capital. The small-scaled, artisanal breweries for example like Brouwerij Troost, which brews specialty beers in beautiful places in the middle of the city. And not only that, Troost offers a bar in the centre of the Pijp area, where their own beers and even a gin can be consumed, plus a good burger or steak. For good beer should be accompanied by good food, as is their philosophy. Where as Heineken wanted to be an international superpower, Troost wants small-scale and artisanal brewing and they want to know their customers. It seems to work well for them, because Troost has become so popular that you have to put some effort in conquering a table there.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ, founded by Kasper Peterson, has been active for a little longer. The first two years, the beer was, how very Amsterdam, brewed from a squat. It became a hit and in 1985 larger premises were searched and found at the Funenkade. Every drop of beer is brewed in-house with Amsterdam tap water and now Brouwerij ‘t IJ extended with a tasting room and a second brewery on the Zeeburgerpad. Talking about building business, you’ve probably heard of Rem Koolhaas – the Dutch architect

world famous for his designs of immense buildings in especially South East Asia. Meet Rem D. Koolhaas, his nephew. This young entrepreneur is all about heights as well. His company United Nude doesn’t focus on buildings though, but women’s shoes and in particular high heels.

Since the launch of his first shoe series named Möbius, the company has opened studios in London Guangzhou.

ON THE MOVE Amsterdam has so incredibly much to offer and manufacturers are noticing that as well. Companies like Joolz and Bugaboo are globally successful and still headquartered in Amsterdam. Bugaboo was founded in 1999 by designer Max Barenburg and MD Eduard Zanen. Goal was to mobilize everybody, with his or her child in a perfectly designed buggy.

We could definitely say they have achieved their goal. As did Joolz, the manufacturer of ergonomic prams, founded in 2004 and now available in 25 countries. But their heart still lies in Amsterdam; where parents can stroll along the canals with their bundle in a trendy pram, while enjoying a freshly brewed take away coffee from one of the now 37 Coffee Company shops. A common argument for wanting to establish your business in Amsterdam is that producers want to be close to their customers. And although you can produce anywhere, still, your target group resides in the city. It is therefor not as surprising that companies like Vanmoof and Veloretti find their origin here. Because when you want to get from A to B in Amsterdam, you do so by bike. Veloretti has set out to develop a simple, clean and affordable no-nonsense, yet stylish city bike, whereas Vanmoof sells a state of the art bike with the latest technology integrated, such as track and trace chip technology. The founder of Vanmoof, Taco Carlier, cannot imagine being on a different location, though his bikes are sold worldwide. “Amsterdam is our test market, if it works here, it will work anywhere.”

TomTom TomTom is probably one the best-known Amsterdam-based company of them all. With an IPO, 4116 employees and a turnover of over 950 million in 2014, that kind of makes sense.

SUCCESSFUL AND SUSTAINABLE The city is also home to multiple companies with a humanitarian take on business. Teun van de Keuken, a Dutch TV-host one day realised that the chocolate he was enjoying, was made from slavery-covered cacao.

He was appalled and decided to take a stand by producing the first ‘slave-free’ chocolate bar himself in 2005. And so, Tony Chocolonely, the delicious brand, was born. Another example of entrepreneurs with a philanthropist vision is water brand Stella Marie Maris. Scotch & Soda millionaire Patrick Munsters created the brand, together with former telecom boss Carel Neuberg, inspired by the in 2010 by the UN adopted resolution that clean drinking water and sanitation is a human right.

Both men decided to play their part and created a water brand that donates a fixed part of the price of each bottle sold to a drinking water project somewhere in the world. In addition to this admirable idea, both receive no money for their management position in the company.

Munsters and Neuberg are not the only ones doing good. Jewellery brand Buddha to Buddha, founded in 1997 in Amsterdam, says it wants

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FOCUS

RITUALS

to develop the local economy in Indonesia, where the company’s main production facility is located. ‘We’ve helped build a centre for the world’s most experienced goldsmiths and craftsmen’. Buddha to Buddha is known for it’s outstanding bold unisex and timeless jewellery designs made from 925 silver sold world wide.

Old Guard Amsterdam is not only attractive for fresh new brands. Family business Kesbeke produce their Mokum pickles there since 1948. And who does not know the Febo fast-food wall? After a night on the town, you can get a comforting snack in the middle of the night. Thanks to founder Johan de Borst, who opened his first snack automatic in 1960, filled with homemade croquettes.

VELODRETTI

MOOOI DESIGN

Janneke Dröge and Femque van Geffen say.

The two blondes are the founders of Blond Amsterdam – a company that sells colorful pottery, bed sheets, school supplies, clothing and greeting cards. Their business has grown from a simple shop on het Singel to a company selling world wide. Blond Amsterdam has a series of own specialized shops and is sold in many more department.

The company’s website is in English and for good reason: their design is immense popular among customers outside of the country.

Despite immense popularity – Blond Amsterdam has admirers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kylie Minogue – the entrepreneurs say they haven’t changed the way of doing business. ‘For us having fun is still much more important than growth or making money’, they say.

RELAXED In the field of fashion Amsterdam certainly counts. Brands like Scotch & Soda design their clothes in the capital. As does jeansmaker Denham. Englishman Jason Denham decided to collect a small international team and set up in Amsterdam in 2008 to give a fresh and original boost to the jean industry.

“Amsterdam is the denim capital of Europe.

Think about it: big labels like Tommy Hilfiger have their headquarters here. G-Star and Kuyichi have started here. Amsterdam is relaxed.

Many creative types live there and there is a great demand for jeans. Seriously, I know of no city in the world where the population has such good taste in denim”, said Jason Denham in an earlier interview.

DESIGN AND INDULGENCE Whether you are looking to treat your home, your body, or your appetite, you’ll find it in Amsterdam. Moooi, founded by designer Marcel Wanders and marketeer Casper Vissers, offers sparkling and innovative design furniture and concepts to create your ideal and most of all, stylish home. For those who like to make the daily routines special, Rituals holds all the answers. Started fifteen years ago by Raymond Cloosterman from his Amsterdam basement, the brand now is available all over the world, in 850 different hotels and even on airplanes. Everyone has certainly warmed up to the brand that aims to make every day routines into lush daily rituals. Of course, not every company focuses on this scale. Take the artisanal Brandt & Levie, a local sausage maker. They also remain loyal to the city.

“Though transport can be difficult. The city centre is narrow and crowded,” says Geert van Wesch, one of the three founders of Brandt & Levie. Yet he would not want to exchange it for a different location. Simply because Amsterdam people are more progressive and on average have a little higher spending than for example inhabitants of Culemborg.

CHANGE Striking about many of the young fashion Dutch entrepreneurs is that they do not settle for just a piece of the pie. They want to change the market as a whole. Take fashion entrepreneur Fokke de Jong, the driving force behind the Suitsupply brand stores. De Jong started selling tailored suites, convinced that most of his competitors charged way too much. His philosophy: produce more to be able to lower margins.

YOUNG AND BLOND ‘Entrepreneurs from Amsterdam stand out because they are stubborn but also very creative. They feel no boundaries’’,

That idea immediately took on. And not only in the Netherlands, but almost everywhere De Jong launched Suitsupply. In fifteen years the company has grown from local to global.

BLOND AMSTERDAM

Suitsupply has 50 stores in the US, UK, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Baltic States, Belarus, Russia and China.

The success story doesn’t end there. Apart from being affordable, media praise De Jong for changing the market. Making men’s fashion open to the broad public. Suitsupply has been named best place to go shopping by New York Magazine. The day after opening it’s first store in the US and a sales office in New York, the US edition of GQ Magazine hailed the company as Best New Chain of the year. Even conventional journalists of The Wall Street Journal seem to love the Dutch way of doing business. They call Suitsupply the best place to buy a suit.

WALKING ALONG THE CANALS Amsterdam has more to offer in the fashion area. If you wear glasses and like your frames to be in style with your outfit, Ace & Tate is your brand, with their fashionable yet affordable frames. And to further complete your outfit, you will need shoes. Footwear brand ETQ is a refreshing force with their focus on eliminating over accessorized branding and on quality, timelessness and elegance. As is sneaker brand Filling Pieces.

Founded in 2010 by the then 19-year-old architecture student Guillaume Philibert, out of love for sneakers and a lack of exclusivity.

In the beginning, he still packed all the shoes himself and he kept the stock at his parent’s home. Now, five years later, the young entrepreneur is on a roll. His exclusive sneakers are now available in 300 stores in 38 countries. Filling Pieces and Amsterdam are, according to the founder, inseparable.

“I’m really an Amsterdam-guy. I could not live anywhere else. I just like to get a croissant and a cup of coffee each morning and walk along the canals to the office. That gives me a certain peace and inspiration.” Also during his travels, Guillaume remains loyal to his city. That is when he instantly misses the Amsterdam mentality. “The head office is here and I love to work with people in Amsterdam.

Everything in LA or Dubai is so superficial.

People over there just do their thing and I appreciate and respect that, but sometimes I miss the Dutch down to earth-ness. That honesty. The true reality. “

SOURCES: DENHAM: INTERVIEW IN HET PAROOL FROM 2012 BY BREGJE LAMPE. FILLING PIECES: BALINNN.COM INTERVIEW FROM 2015 BY YANNICK DE KEIJZERUITKRANT JUNE 2015 BY VEERLE CORSTEN

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AMSTERDAM - P.C. HOOFTSTRAAT 115 - T. +31 20 679 8113 DEN HAAG - Noordeinde 62/F - T. +31 70 3624361 MARINARINALDI.COM

DISCOVER

Craft Brewing

Join the Revolution!

Microbrewery, craft brewery, nanobrewery – call them what you will, the key factor remains the same: beer. High-quality beer that is, not the ubiquitous lager that is mass-produced by corporate breweries and guzzled down at an astonishing rate worldwide. As a city with an enduring love affair with beer, Amsterdam is certainly no stranger to the craft-brewing revolution with more specialty stores and well-stocked bars popping up across the capital on a seemingly daily basis.

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DISCOVER

EDITOR FRED QUICK

OEDIPUS BREWING

BROUWERIJ 'T IJ

MER FROM A FINORDE PIJP TO Y MONASTCERANAL-SIDE TASTING N E A HIDD M, WE TAKE YOU ON’S ROO MSTERDAM A TOUR OFEAST CRAFT FIN RIES… BREWE DE BEKEERDE SUSTER

I

f you’d prefer to sample an innovative beer in the comfort of your own home, then the likes of Sterk on De Clercqstraat has a dizzying array of bottles to choose from. With over 2000 beers on the shelves, this is the place for a Scandinavian I.P.A or an American amber ale (and everything else in between). For those with a penchant for self-destruction, they also stock the world’s strongest beer: Technical Nuclear Penguin.

Brewed by Scottish outfit Brewdog, this 32% monster of an imperial stout was stored at -20 degrees in order to achieve its groundbreaking status. Equally inviting is De Bierkoning on Centrum’s Paleisstraat, which also stocks a multitude of weird and wonderful beers. Be sure to seek recommendations from the passionate staff who come equipped with an encyclopedic knowledge of the beers and snippets of brewing folklore. Upstairs you’ll find a litany of bottles from around the world, while downstairs lies the spontaneously fermented beer (ales fermented with wild, rather than cultivated, yeasts) such as the Belgian-style fruit lambic.

With so many craft beer taps found around Amsterdam, we decided to zone in on six places where they brew and serve under one roof. From a hidden gem in Zuid to an industrial space in Noord, we’re sure at least one of these watering holes will tickle your fancy. For those wanting to embark on a mini craft beer odyssey, you can always hit all six in one day – the sequence below will take you from Centrum on a beer-fuelled lap of the city.

De Bekeerde Suster

Found on the Centrum’s bustling Kloveniersburgwal, De Bekeerde Suster is a great spot to sit outside and people watch with a glass of home-brewed beer. Make sure you head inside though, as this is where you’ll find the grand copper kettle that the resident brewmaster puts into action with the highest quality malt and hops. Named after a Bethanian monastery that stood in the same area in 1450, De Bekeerde Suster (or The Beloved Sister) has honoured notable figures from Medieval Amsterdam with the titling of its home brews.

Witte Antonia for example, an exceptionally light citrus white beer, is named after a well-known resident of the eponymous monastery.

With beers brewed specially for each season, there’s a ready an excuse to keep coming back here to see what’s on offer. Currently keeping the customers happy are the likes of De Blonde Barbier (a sweet bitter made with three different hops) and De Manke Monnik (a full-bodied pale ale with a spicy aftertaste). Twice a week the brewmaster is on site to show beer enthusiasts behind the scenes and reveal a little of the magic that goes into each glass – cheers to the beloved Sisters of the 15th Century!

Oedipus Brewing

Just across the IJ in Noord, you’ll be soundly rewarded for venturing off the beaten track a little and making your way to Oedipus Brewery and Tap Room. This expansive industrial space will welcome you in with its multi-coloured

murals, ping pong table, upbeat soundtrack and – most importantly – 12 rotating taps.

The hallmark of craft brewing is innovation and you’d be hard pressed to find a better embodiment of that spirit than Oedipus.

Launched by four likeminded beer geeks back in 2009, the story started with amateur homebrewing in a kitchen but has since evolved to take Holland’s craft beer scene by storm. Hellbent on a mission to transform the Dutch beer landscape, the Oedipus brewers have made their way – via art and music festivals, food markets and a successful €100,000 Kickstarter campaign – to where they are today. And the future is certainly looking bright (just like their beer labels).

On our recent visit, the likes of Mama, a light and refreshing pale ale, and Mannenliefde a fresh saison with hints of lemon grass and Szechuan pepper where gracing the taps. The latter was the team’s first beer which they created not only to excite taste buds but also to defy the predominant male stereotypes surrounding beer; Mannenliefde symbolizes a super soft, vulnerable guy who is full of love.

We were big fans already but learning this little fact has made us full on devotees.

Brouwerij 't IJ

Located next to the largest wooden windmill in the Netherlands, Brouwerij 't IJ is something of an Amsterdam institution. Found on the edge of the Eastern Docklands, this beloved destination has been serving up classic, seasonal and one-off special brews to a constant flow of locals and tourists since 1985. As with Oedipus, the genesis of Brouwerij 't IJ was experimental home-brewing, but in this case it was the vision of musician Kasper Peterson.

Enamoured with the Belgian-style beers he discovered on tour with his band Drukwerk, Peterson decided that something of the same calibre was needed in Amsterdam. After finding the perfect venue – an old municipal bath house in disuse – he set upon a path that has resulted in

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DISCOVER

IGHT HEINEKETNHMERLAND'S BE THE NELAR BEER EXPORT, MOST POPEUOF THE COUNTRYA'ST BUT SOMER CAN BE FOUND BEST BE HESE SMALLER T ERIES CRAFT BREW

BROUWERIJ TROOST

BROUWERIJ DE PRAEL

Brouwerij de Prael

Brouwerij 't IJ becoming one of the city’s mustvisit drinking dens. Moreover, his signature beers are now stocked in bars and shops across the country. Emblazoned with the iconic ostrich motif, classic Brouwerij 't IJ beers include Zatte (a full-bodied, golden beer with a scent of fresh fruit) and Natte (a smooth, dark beer with earthy tones of brown sugar, nuts and plums). Don’t forget to check out the bar snacks here; they’re almost as good as the beer… almost!

Brouwerij Troost

Our next pit stop takes us to De Pijp, where Brouwerij Troost’s oldest destination stands proud – with two other venues in Amsterdam, it’s safe to say they’re onto a winning formula.

Housed in a former monastery, the beautiful De Pijp venue produces 100,000 litres of quality craft beer per year, which is all happily imbibed on site. Due to relentless demand for their weizen, bock, malt and more, a second venue Westergasterrein joined the family and is currently brewing and bottling another 700,000 litres per annum. This sister venue also comes highly recommended for its illuminating guided tour, during which you’ll taste several beers in different fermentation phases.

Brouwerij Troost de Pijp is still the place, however, where founders Jorrit Lootsma and brothers Hendrik and Frits de Jong experiment and develop new beers. The visionary ensemble started safe with flagship beers of lager, IPA and weizen, but they soon branched out into brewing more unconventional beers – many of which remain firm favourites today.

Stand-out beers flowing through Troost’s taps today include the likes of Honingblond (a strong blonde ale, brewed with real honey), Barleywine (bottle-aged and oak Bourbon barrel-aged) and Cerveza Extraordinaria (a light and fresh Mexican beer made using Citrahops).

Not ones to steal all the fun for themselves, the

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collaborative types at Troost also offer up-andcoming brewers the chance to use their kettles.

Now you really don't have an excuse not to roll your sleeves up and get involved.

Butcher’s Tears

If you live in Amsterdam, this is definitely the place to take a visitor who is new to the city.

Found down a quiet canal-side street in Zuid, this small, yet stylish brewery is truly a hidden gem. The proeflokaal (tasting room) is housed in a former workshop, and on the other side of the wall is the brewery, where the kettles are busy concocting one of the choice beers on offer here.

The current draft list features six different ales, ranging from the hoppy session ale Sucker to the smoked double farmhouse IPA, Smoke & Mirrors. If you’re looking for more variety, then make sure to consult the extensive bottle list, which includes the likes of Tenebrae (an oldschool imperial stout with aromas of liquorice, tar and rum-raisin) and Broomrider (aged for twelve months in an oak barrel, resulting in complex oaky, vanilla, sherry and dried fruit aromatics). Ask nicely and they might even pull something extra-special out of the vault for you!

Their aim at Butcher’s Tears is to enrich the beer culture rather than repeat what other brewers are already doing. By putting the ‘craft’ into craft brewing, the experimental team here takes inspiration from historical brewing documents and age-old traditions, while also cherry-picking their favourite elements from different beer cultures.

Keep an eye on their website or social channels for upcoming events, which range from arthouse film screenings to experimental DJ sets.

Don’t ask us what the name means though, we are still scratching our heads on that one.

Last but not least is Brouwerij de Prael, which brings us back to the hive of activity that is Amsterdam Centrum. Nestled along the easyto-miss Oudezijds Armsteeg, this alluring establishment is an absolute winner for house-brewed draft beer in a laidback setting.

Launched thirteen years ago by Arno Kooy and Fer Kok, Brouwerij de Prael combines brewing beer with supporting those facing obstacles in the job market. Working alongside organizations such as Start Foundation and Orange Fundhilanthropy, the dynamic duo have helped to make a real difference in thousands of people’s lives. Philanthropy and beer – it certainly gets our vote!

Their proper brewery (which also offers tours) is located in a former auction house and cartwright’s workshop along the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, but their brewpub is still very much active and offers curious customers a view of the brewing equipment. A personal favourite here is the Bitterblond, a Germanstyle session beer with a light citrus taste in the finish, but there a many other excellent brews waiting to be sampled. For more adventurous types, they even have seven different beer liqueurs, including an orange liqueur based on barley wine. Certainly not for everyone but don't knock it until you’ve tried it!

1 2 3 4 5 6

DE BEKEERDE SUSTER Kloveniersburgwal 6 OEDIPUS BREWING Gedempt Hamerkanaal 85 BROUWERIJ 'T IJ Funenkade 7 BROUWERIJ TROOST Pazzanistraat 27 & Cornelis Troostplein 21 BUTCHER’S TEARS Karperweg 45 BROUWERIJ DE PRAEL Oudezijds Armsteeg 26

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MEN AT WORK

MCS WE THE PEOPLE

FOCUS

EDITOR PAOLA WESTBEEK

PHOTOGRAPHER IRIS DUVEKOT

F

eaturing intimate portraits of renowned and up-andcoming Dutch creatives, The Workshop opens doors that have mostly remained closed. The book shines a light on a diverse selection of 25 creative minds, shown in their studios, offices and workspaces. The photographs draw the viewer into their unique world of inspiration and innovation. This is where ideas blossom, take shape and come to life. It is a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity to get an honest look at their environments, which are not only breeding grounds for ingenuity, but also provide an authentic glimpse into their unique personalities.

The Workshop is the impressive result of a collaboration between digital magazine Roomed, author Renée Leeuw, photographer Iris Duvekot and Mendo designer and co-owner Joost Albronda. It is the first book published

by Mendo, the Amsterdam-based bookstore that specialises in beautiful coffee table books on fashion, photography, travel, design and more.

The Workshop Dutch creatives and their workspaces

ANS MARKUS Ans Markus started drawing at the tender age of eleven.

The self-taught painter married young and soon had a daughter whom she would later make her muse. When Markus’ marriage ended in divorce, her grief fed her creativity. She portrayed vulnerably poignant images such as the one of her daughter Sigrid wrapped in bandages.

Markus lives amidst her artworks in what was the home of a 17thcentury merchant situated in one of Amsterdam’s most enchanting locations – the Prinseneiland. Her glass atrium is a temple of light.

Absorbed in her work for days at a time, she creates in solitude, with only the gentle sound of classical music or a discussion program in the background to keep her company.

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FOCUS

ROB WAGEMANS Design firm Concrete, with projects such as the Amsterdam Supper Club under its belt, was founded by interior designer Rob Wagemans and is headquartered in the Red Light District. For Wagemans, “imperfection is a luxury”. No two projects are alike.

What they do share is a conscious imperfection. To some extent, this is also evident in the building where he works with his team of multidisciplinary creatives.

Attesting to the fact that people were shorter in the past, the door frames are low – it’s not a design error, but part of what makes the building unique. Walls are decorated with approximately 500 frames that feature inspiring images and quotes, such as Garrison Keillor’s “I’ve seen the truth and it doesn't make sense”, chosen by the designer himself.

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CHRIS DEKKER In a large warehouse in the north of Amsterdam a workinprogress may be admired. It is a motorcycle that fashion model and all-rounder Chris Dekker is putting together piece by piece, by hand. It may take him years.

This model is extra special because it is a new learning curve. Everything Chris constructs here, he has taught himself to make. Originally, he possessed none of the skills needed to build a motorcycle, but by patient practice and experimentation Chris comes ever closer to the end result.

After studying journalism, Chris began to work as a model and was also for a time a film director. In his spare time he started working on motorcycles under the name Tin Can Customs.

FOCUS

JASON DENHAM Jeans designer Jason Denham is headquartered in a canal house on ‘The Nine Streets’, an area known for its unique shops. Born in the UK, Denham was captivated by Amsterdam’s jeans culture; he moved to the city and started his own brand. Old models of jeans are showcased on the walls, serving as a source of inspiration for future collections. The head designer works in a library of fabric situated on the top floor. Especially eye-catching is the collection of scissors (the company’s logo) and Japanese objects on display.

BORRE AKKERSDIJK After graduating with a degree in textiles, conceptual designer Borre Akkersdijk worked with various Paris design labels and renowned trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort before launching his own label: ByBorre. The company prides itself on paying close attention to the development of products, which are always made to last. Though some pieces have an artistic edge, wearability, functionality and a proper finish are essential.

Together with his team, he works from a studio in Amsterdam West. The space bears witness to the designer’s personal stories. His fascination with books led to the conversion of the storage area into a library, a place Akkersdijk often retreats to, allowing his mind to wander and opening up room for creativity.

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FOCUS

ERWIN OLAF In the 1980s, Erwin Olaf was especially known for his risquĂŠ photos but the work of the Hilversum-born photographer has since become less provocative. Olaf is intent on telling stories through images by making sure each one has a message. His work, though carefully staged with a precise attention to detail, always reveals a poetic story and never shies away from exposing minor imperfections that make it candidly real.

His studio is located in Rivierenbuurt, a residential area in AmsterdamSouth. An impressive collection of meticulously arranged props from past shoots is stored in the corridor. Larger props, used as decorative elements on sets, are kept in the interior courtyard.

GUILLAUME PHILIBERT For sneakers designer Guillaume Philibert, life started at the age of 16 when he moved to Amsterdam.

There, he studied architecture and founded his company, Filling Pieces.

Disappointed after his attempts to find exclusive sneakers, he decided to design his own. Creations are usually the result of team conversations centred on the subject of everyday life, and they also reflect his background in architecture.

For Philibert, an atmosphere of equality is essential. When the company settled in a classic building with a view of the Herengracht, rooms once divided into cubicles were opened to create space and banish hierarchy. Mood boards showcase inspiring images, and a display case is filled with both future designs and those that did not quite make it.

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THE BOOK

s orkshop' open The book 'Thste uWdio's, ateliers and the doors of h creatives. Available offices of Dutcin the Berenstraat 11 at MENDO e via mendo.nl or onlin

10 Styles 6 Sizes 50 Colors 100% extra fine merino wool Meet Joe Merino. Joe is a rocking new Dutch knitwear concept. Exclusively selling mens’ luxury Merino wool sweaters, Joe believes in quality and simplicity. Joe’s fine woolen sweaters are praised for their wearing comfort and extreme softness.

The collection consists of a select number of carefully designed models, in a staggering range of colors. All in 100% extra fine Merino wool. For the man who chooses convenience, without making concessions to style.

Once you get to know Joe’s quality, you will never have to look for another sweater again. Just go Joe. At the Concept Store in the centre of Amsterdam’s antique district or on-line.

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ART DISTRICT

PH OTO G R APH ER S N I E L S S TAVO R I N US & J E RO E N S N IJ D E RS

SPIEGEL

kwartier

Amsterdam’s Spiegelkwartier (literally: ‘mirror quarter’) is an absolute must for lovers of art, antiques and curiosities: the area has been at the heart of the Dutch art and antiques trade for over 80 years.

© AD SMORENBURG

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OPEN!

ART DISTRICT

The weekend of 30 September & 1 October 2017 is the kickoff of the cultural season in the Spiegelkwartier.

Over 30 antiquairs and galleries will show their latest acquisitions and have special exhibitions.

JORDAAN

CS

DAM SQUARE 9 STRAATJES SPIEGEL KWARTIER MUSEUM QUARTER

I

f you collect antiques or modern art, the Spiegelkwartier is the place to go. Just across the bridge opposite the Rijksmuseum you will find this historic neighbourhood with its typical old Dutch houses. This area has been the heart of the national art and antiques trade for the past eighty years and has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. There are few places in the world where you will find such a stunning variety of art and antiques.

Over seventy specialised art and antique dealers offer a wide variety of objects, ranging from archeological finds to 17th century furniture, glass and Dutch Delftware, from Oriental art to Art Nouveau, from tribal art to contemporary art, from old medical instruments and clocks to jewellery and, last but not least Cobra paintings and old masters. On the other hand, if you are looking for modern art, the area features the best of contemporary Dutch Realism in magnificent paintings and gorgeous modern silver, and authentic Warhol, Chagall and Karel Appel.

The Spiegelkwartier has always been

“The Spiegelkwartier is an absolute must for lovers of art, antiques and curiosities” Holland’s most well-known art district, attracting thousands of museums and collectors every year. But the shops, galleries and studios on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, Kerkstraat, Spiegelgracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht and Weteringschans offer much more than just art; the quarter is the centre of a vibrant community open not only to the elite, but to all art lovers and other tourists. It invites you to enjoy historic masterpieces, contemporary and tribal art, antiques, fashion and the most delicious dishes, coffee and tea in the country.

Exploring the historic Spiegelkwartier is easy to combine with a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum or the Stedelijk Museum – all three are within easy walking distance.

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ART DISTRICT

THE SP ON THE SPIEGELIEGELKWARTIER, 70 SPECIALISED GRACHT, MORE THAN VARIETY OF DEALERS OFFER A WIDE FROM ARCHAE TREASURES, RANGING NOUVEAU ANDOLOGICAL FINDS TO ART FR FURNITURE TOOM 17TH-CENTURY DELFTW POTTERY. ARE

LIONEL GALLERY Lionel Gallery is based in the Spiegelkwartier, this is the art centre and museum district of Amsterdam. Their collection contains beautiful pieces from iconic artists. Warhol, Picasso, Banksy, Miro: it is all there.

Lionel Gallery has a large database of loyal customers. Because of selling and buying for their clients the collection refreshes weekly, which makes it worthwhile to visit the gallery often. The intensive collaboration of the gallery with international art dealers gives them the opportunity to find any piece of art wanted by their clients. If you have recently been bitten by the art virus, this is the place to be.

NIEUWE SPIEGELSTRAAT 64, LIONELGALLERY.COM

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ART DISTRICT

REFLEX MODERN ART GALLERY

Š RADIO CITY MUSIC YEAR (2017) BY LOGAN HICKS - SIZE: 56 X 76 CM

Probably the first place you see when leaving the Rijksmuseum for the canals is Reflex Art Gallery. This spacious and light gallery started as a family business in the mid-1980s exhibiting and working with modern masters.

Ten years ago the gallery opened a new space solely to represent and exhibit internationally established artists as well as emerging talents. Reflex Art Gallery organizes 6 solo shows and themed group exhibitions per year, featuring artists like David LaChapelle, Miles Aldridge, Nobuyoshi Araki, Harland Miller, Daido Moriyama and many more.

WETERINGSCHANS 79A, REFLEXAMSTERDAM.COM

WANROOIJ GALLERY Wanrooij Gallery is an international acclaimed art gallery in Amsterdam. It is more than a thoroughbred art gallery. Especially it is a dynamic and innovative environment where art boundaries are torn and dogmas are broken. A place that offers emerging and famous new media art artists a stage, and where a wide variety of art styles and shapes can be admired. Wanrooij Gallery is renowned for its innovative, challenging and inspiring art with character. In addition, the gallery distinguishes itself through constant renewal in- and outside the art world. Renewal in the broadest sense of the word. Because art is not limited by concepts and definitions. Or as Oscar Wilde once said, "to define is to limit." One thing is clear in the short term though: "A new art experience is just around the corner."

Wanrooij Gallery can be found at major international art fairs in Miami, New York, London and Basel.

STADHOUDERSKADE 41, WANROOIJGALLERY.COM

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ART DISTRICT

VILLA DEL ARTE GALLERY

SIDE BY SIDE: PICASSO AND RENSSEN

Villa del Arte Galleries, which also has branches in Barcelona and Palm Beach, is one of the best contemporary art galleries on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat. Are you a connoisseur of photography, painting or large-scale steel sculptures, then you should definitely visit this address. Villa del Arte represents, among others, photographers such as Jean-François Rauzier, the creator of ‘hyper-photography’, Willy Rojas from Barcelona, Atelier Lieverse from The Netherlands and Francoise Nielly, known for her expressive portraits with fluorescent oil paints. In short, Villa del Arte is well worth a visit. You will find friendly, knowledgeable staff, and international shipping is no problem.

In the heart of the Amsterdam Art District you find Renssen Art Gallery. Paintings, sculptures and lithographs by internationally collected Dutch artist Erik Renssen (b. 1960) are displayed in an elegant yet informal setting. The gallery shows their contemporary Renssen artworks alongside an impressive collection of Picasso lithographs, linocuts and etchings. The combination of these two collections, mounted in handmade and gilded frames, makes a visit to Renssen Art Gallery a very worthwhile experience.

NIEUWE SPIEGELSTRAAT 38, VILLADELARTE.COM

RENSSEN ART GALLERY NIEUWE SPIEGELSTRAAT 44, RENSSENARTGALLERY.COM

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ART DISTRICT

So ART GALLERY This modern Art gallery since 1979 specializes in fine paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures in a wide variety 20th century Modern Artists of Picasso, Miro, Dali, Chagall, Marini, Giacometti, Warhol, Haring, Lichtenstein, Basquiat, Zadkine, Matisse, Appel, Corneille, Heyboer, Kelly, Koons, Armando, Calder, Cremer and many others. Founder and owner Cornelis Claudius Spruyt Veas and his team advise both commercial as well as private collectors and others. Good to know : So ART exports purchases all over the world and outside Europe Taxfree. The store takes care of handlings, custom-made packaging and guarantees a safe delivery at your home.

So ART GALLERY Specializes in FINE ART, master paintings, master drawings and master prints, they all come with a COA Certificate. You are more than welcome to come and have a look.

So YOU’RE INVITED.....

So ART is located in the ‘’Spiegelkwartier District. In this Neightbourhood you’ll find the best antique shops and galleries. The Spiegelkwartier area is just a stone’s throw away from the Museum Quarter, home of The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and The Stedelijk Museum.

NIEUWE SPIEGELSTRAAT 46, SOART.NL

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ART DISTRICT

GALLERY IRIS & SCHRIEK The graphic oevre of Marc Chagall, the Jewish- French artist Belarusian roots is extensive. Until his death in 1985 Chagall made a huge amount of lithographs, etchings and woodcuts. At Gallery Iris & Schriek you will find many of these works. Next to these works you will find the works of artists such as Miro, Matisse, Dali, Appel and Bram van Velde. To ease framing, each work is matted behind an acid free passe-partout. In addition to the works of art, the Gallery also offers various affiches and old toys. From movie posters to Rossignol toys and from pin-up calendars to Bing trains. Collectors can eat their heart out at Iris & Schriek.

NIEUWE SPIEGELSTRAAT 11A, IRIS-SCHRIEK.COM

MATTER OF MATERIAL This inspiring store, specialized in Dutch design and art, focusses on on the use of material, tradition in manufactory and high quality.

Every item offered is surprising, yet familiar. Matter of Material represents the total collection of the label Thomas Eyck. It offers a personal selection of contemporary craftsmanship and applied arts of designers like Christien Meindertsma, Hella Jongerius, Lex Pott, and much more. The store also has a unique collection of art of promising new artists and offers the biggest Freitag collection of the Netherlands. A great contribution to the diversity of the art district.

KERKSTRAAT 163, MATTEROFMATERIAL.COM

THE PUBLIC HOUSE OF ART According to the company’s manifesto, art is for all; to disrupt not to bankrupt, to move to shock, to offend or to carry home and put in the living room. The Public House of Art is not a gallery; it’s an exciting meeting place of different artists like Jenny Boot, Henri Sanders, Barbara van den Berg, Eric Guo and Andrei C. Petrescu.

The Public House of Art is a place to be amazed and to be inspired. Check the attractive website for more information on artists and shows.

NIEUWE SPIEGELSTRAAT 39, PUBLICHOUSEOFART.COM

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ART DISTRICT

MOCO MUSEUM Moco Amsterdam is hosting a legendary exposition of the Pop Art-protagonist Andy Warhol and the anonymous Street Art-legend Banksy. During the exposition more than 80 works of both artist are on display. One of the main attractions is the 3 x 4 meter “Beanfield” from Banksy. Both their work challenges the mainstream culture and makes you question the known rules of society. Moco Museum is an initiative from Lionel and Kim Logchies. With more than eighteen years of experience and a broad art-network they are able to display various international art pieces from private collections. At the museum giftshop you can buy art-dvd’s, souvenirs, small art pieces and posters. Besides that, Moco Museum can also inform you about purchasing originals and prints at LionelGallery. (Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 64), a stone throw away in the Spiegelkwartier.

HONTHORSTSTRAAT 20, MOCOMUSEUM.COM

© ERIK & PETRA HESMERG

PETER DONKERSLOOT GALERIE This authentic gallery is located at the Spiegelgracht and easy recognizable because of the large paintings by Peter Donkersloot on the storefront. Look for Amy Winehouse and Sophia Loren.

Here you can find the impressive portraits of many modern day icons and beautiful cityscapes of the Amsterdam canals by the well known artist Peter Donkersloot. Admire the many colourful paintings, distinguished by the signature painted frame that becomes part of the painting. If you want a comissioned painting or portrait to your liking , that is also very possible. They ship them all over the world !

SPIEGELGRACHT 14, PETERDONKERSLOOTGALERIE.NL

TRIBAL DESIGN After 15 enjoyable years in de Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, Tribal Design has moved to a magnificent, spacious gallery on “the sunny side” of the Spiegelgracht.

Situated a stone’s throw from the newly refurbished Rijksmuseum, Spiegelgracht 8 is in the center of Amsterdam’s vibrant antiques quarter. At Tribal Design you can find a large selection of masks, statues, body ornaments and objects of daily use from all over Oceania, Africa and Indonesia. The carefully selected collection of authentic tribal art attracts collectors, museums and interior decorators worldwide.

SPIEGELGRACHT 8, TRIBALDESIGN.NL

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ART DISTRICT

ITALIAANDER GALLERIES Located on Prinsengracht, just around the corner from Spiegelkwartier, Galerie Italiaander features the most beautiful African and Asian art and antiques. Behind the richly vegetated facade of the canal house, you’ll discover a hidden world full of giant statues, ethnic jewels, masks and battle shields. A must for collectors, but certainly also worth a visit for those interested in African and Asian cultures.

The friendly staff is very willing to tell all there is to know about the origins and backgrounds of all art pieces.

PRINSENGRACHT 526, +31 20 625 0942 OPEN THURSDAY - SATURDAY 12.00 - 5.30PM

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AT E L I E R | G A L E R I E

GUY OLIVIER Korte Prinsengracht 42 | Amsterdam info@guyolivier.com +31 (0)6 250 014 51 | www.guyolivier.com

Visit by appointment!

OPENING & VERNISSAGE – 30 SEPTEMBER – 16.00 HOURS

ART DISTRICT

EXPL HISTORIC SPIEOGRING THE EASY TO COMB ELKWARTIER IS TO THE RIJK SM INE WITH A VISIT USEU MUSEUM AND M, VAN GOGH MO MUSEUM. CO

KRAMER ART & ANTIQUES This six-decades-old family-owned business boasts the biggest collection of authentic Delft Blue ceramic wares in the Netherlands, spanning the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

The range of tiles alone is awe-inspiring but you’ll also find Delft Blue vases, plates and figurines, as well as glass- and silverware, and jewellery. As an official Royal Delft dealer, Kramer Art & Antiques carries the entire collection of the Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, the only remaining factory of the 32 earthenware factories established in Delft in the 17th century.

PRINSENGRACHT 807, ANTIQUE-TILESHOP.NL

LOES VRIJ Since launching in 2012, Dutch designer Loes Vrij’s handbags have quickly been snapped up by the world’s best multi-brand stores. Combining form and function in unexpected ways, with a powerful yet elegant appearance that combines high style with Italian craftsmanship, it’s no surprise that the brand is also subject of a long running solo exhibition at Amsterdam’s Museum of Bags & Purses.

At the Loes Vrij flagship store, you'll find the current collection and a selection of limited editions as well as rare vintage furniture and accessories, jewellery and Mariage Frères teas.

NIEUWE SPIEGELSTRAAT 61, LOESVRIJ.COM

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ART DISTRICT

MARIJ KAAK ANTIQUE & CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY This little gem of a store, with its timeless jewellery collection elegantly exhibited in antique display cases, was founded in 1991 by Marij Kaak out of a pure passion for the beauty of the craft. While you’ll always find something interesting or unusual here, everything you see is guaranteed to be authentic; it’s all made using premium pearls or the finest gemstones with the most exquisite workmanship. Marij Kaak’s impressive collection includes jewellery from the Art Deco period as well as vintage pieces created between 1935 and 1950, with a rich selection of the period’s signature styles, such as rose gold cuff bracelets, bold cocktail rings with rectangular gemstones

and whimsical charm bracelets. This is the place to look for designs by famous jewellery houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany & Co as well as exceptional examples from contemporary designers like Artur Scholl, evaNueva, Buchwald, Tirisi, Antonellis, Oromalia, Mangiarotti and Ponte Vecchio.

Marij Kaak offers a very distinct collection of jewellery, chic, high class and without pretence. Each item is top quality and made from beautiful materials.

NIEUWE SPIEGELSTRAAT 47, MARIJKAAK.COM

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ART DISTRICT

TINKERBELL TOYS For over 30 years, this cheerful toy store has been beloved in Amsterdam for its beautifully designed and durable toys. The shop specialises in toys that challenge children to use their imaginations, test their skills, and explore new ground – in short, toys that guarantee hours of fun. In fact, almost nothing runs on batteries! From knitted Nijntjes and toy tipi tents to a 300-piece world puzzle, there are toys here to suit every age, even adults who still enjoy the art of play.

SPIEGELGRACHT 10, TINKERBELLTOYS.NL

BLACK BODY Black Body is one of the most well-known boutiques for fetish wear and accessories for men in Europe, and maybe even the world. The 20-year old store, located on Kerkstraat near Leidseplein is focused not only on gay but also straight men with a love for rubber, leather, neoprene, underwear, sportswear and swimwear. Black Body offers brands like Black Body, Boxer Barcelona, Mister B, Barcode Berlin, CellBlock 13, Addicted, Andrew Christian and Invincible Rubber. All items, including toys, boots, masks and more, are also available on the shop’s convenient web store.

KERKSTRAAT 173, BLACKBODY.NL

G&G SPECIAL SIZES

BUFETT VAN ODETTE 20 Years ago Odette Rigterink started serving home made food, which she delivered by bike. Nowadays restaurant Bufett van Odette is one of the city’s most cherished places for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving the best local grown ingredients.

Enjoy the beautiful terrace with a stunning view of the Prinsengracht or inside in the stylishly decorated dining room.

PRINSENGRACHT 598 BUFFET-AMSTERDAM.NL

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G&G For Men: The specialist in big and tall men’s clothing.

Tax free.

Are you looking for plus-sized men’s clothing? G&G For Men is at your service. It is important for clothing to fit well, even if you have a size that is harder to find. The collections of G&G Special Sizes will convince you that being well dressed can easily be combined with being big or tall. You can choose bigand tall-sized men’s clothing from among brands such as Bugatti, Polo Ralph Lauren, Pierre Cardin, Gardeur, Camel and Paul & Shark.

PRINSENGRACHT 514 GGSPECIALSIZES.COM

ART DISTRICT

STEFS BREAD & PASTRIES For breakfast and lunch Stefs Bread & Pastries is the place to be. They serve delicious sandwiches, pastries, coffees, fresh juices, salads and more – also for take away. Stefs works with the best natural ingredients, which is why everything is so delicious. Try their coffee with apple pie and cream and your day cannot go wrong. Open daily from 8.00 till 18.00 and Sundays till 17.00.

NIEUWE SPIEGELSTRAAT 62, STEFSBAKERY.NL

RESTAURANT RED This steak and lobster restaurant takes the tried and tested concept of surf and turf to romantic heights. Set in a canal house on a scenic corner of Nieuwe Spiegelstraat and Keizersgracht, there’s always an abundance of flickering candles and fresh flowers in the gorgeous green-hued interior. It’s the perfect date place to enjoy French classics such as lobster bisque, tournedos Rossini and chocolate fondant. Open seven days a week for dinner, Restaurant Red recently opened its doors for lunch (Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00).

KEIZERSGRACHT 594, RESTAURANTRED.NL

JOE MERINO Joe Merino is a store like you’ve never seen before.

Its founders and designers offer you the perfect fit pullover. The store on Kerkstraat has one model in 50 different colours and six sizes. It’s perfect for a rainy day in Amsterdam or to take home. You can also select the pullover of your liking online; the store delivers worldwide.

Apart from its signature pullover collection, Joe Merino produces luxury knitwear for men, sportswear, outdoor pullovers, socks, scarves and t-shirts. All items are Dutch and of the best quality.

KERKSTRAAT 169, JOEMERINO.COM

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ART DISTRICT

MOYA Eline van der Laag’s jewellery label MOYA−the name is a contraction of the Dutch words mooi and ja, meaning “beautiful” and “yes”, a casual way of saying “that’s beautiful”−is characterised by modern and wearable pieces with playful technical quirks. The designer received international acclaim for her ingenious bracelets that do double duty as a tuning fork. One of her innovative designs is a ring with a rolling pearl, which reacts to hand movements, and a necklace that contains a hidden message written in pearls. Discover these designs and more at Van der Laag’s gallery, where you’ll also find work by five other international jewellery

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designers. From Etienne Perret’s ceramic gem jewellery to Brigitte Adolph’s silver trompe-l’oeil lace and Arek Wolski’s laser cut pieces, there’s something “top notch” for every taste. What’s more, many of these designs are exclusively available in the Netherlands at Van der Laag’s gallery.

Tip: this is also a great address for custom designed jewellery.

VAN DER LAAG GALLERY SPIEGELGRACHT 36-SOUS, VANDERLAAG.COM

DISCOVER THE HIDDEN TREASURES AND MOVING HISTORY OF JEWISH AMSTERDAM In the heart of Amsterdam you’ll find the Jewish Cultural Quarter.

Visit the Portuguese Synagogue and travel back in time to the days of Amsterdam’s Golden Age. Or find out all about the Jewish culture, tradition and history in the Jewish Historical Museum with its Children’s Museum, the National Holocaust Memorial, and the National Holocaust Museum.

Metro stop Waterlooplein Tram 9 or 14 – stop Waterlooplein or Artis

WHAT’S ON

EDITOR JOLENE DEN BOER

6 October until 28 May 2018

DUTCH MASTERS

REMBRANDT VAN RIJN (1606-1669)

FROM THE HERMITAGE

If ever there was a time to be in the Netherlands to admire seventeenth-century paintings, it is this fall. Hermitage Amsterdam brings us Dutch Masters from the Hermitage, presenting masterpieces from the treasury of its big sister in Russia. Combine this with the already exquisite collections of the Rijksmuseum, the Mauritshuis, and the Frans Hals Museum. There really is no better time to be in the Netherlands if you love the art of the Golden Age.

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xclusive collection Starting 7 October, Hermitage Amsterdam is hosting the highly anticipated exhibition Dutch Masters from the Hermitage, Treasures of the Tsars.

For the first time in its history, Hermitage Amsterdam presents great treasures of the other Hermitage in St. Petersburg. The State Hermitage's collection of seventeenth-century Dutch masters is the largest outside the Netherlands, with around 1500 works of Golden Age stars. No other collection in the world includes so many paintings by Rembrandt. 63 pieces by 50 different masters will be traveling to Amsterdam.

Almost all the great Dutch Golden Age masters will be represented. Expect to see the names of Ferdinand Bol, Gerard ter Borch, Gerard Dou, Govert Flinck, Jan van Goyen, Frans Hals, Pieter Lastman, Paulus Potter, Jacob van Ruisdael, and Jan Steen. No less than six works

by Rembrandt are joining in, too. Most of the works have never been back to the Netherlands since they were acquired for this art collection of the State Hermitage. Normally these masterpieces are on permanent display in the Russian museum. But for this exhibition in Amsterdam, they are making an exception.

Dutch Masters of the Golden Age In the seventeenth century, the Northern part of the Netherlands was a prosperous place.

The merchants of cities like Amsterdam and Haarlem became rich and famous, bringing wealth to the cities. Their fortune triggered a boom in science and the arts in the Low Countries, in particular that of painting.

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© STATE HERMITAGE MUSEUM, ST PETERSBURG

The perfect spots for Golden Age paintings

GABRIËL METSU

In previous times the clergy and noblemen were the main commissioners of artworks. Now, the merchants were the ones that sponsored the artists. Emerging painters, wanting a successful career, started to settle where the money was.

They moved to cities like the capital. Artists started to create history paintings, landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, genre-painting (scenes from everyday life), and of course portraits. The glorifying of the well-to-do men even lead to a whole new genre of portraiture, exclusive to the Netherlands: large group portrait painting. Of this genre, the Nightwatch by Rembrandt is the most famous example.

“The fact that Russians were so fond of Dutch art was connected to the taste of Tsar Peter the Great, who loved the Dutch masters.”

Becoming a master During these times, competition among the artists was strong. Some painters were able to master different genres of painting, but most of them specialized themselves in one particular genre. They really had to step up their games, if they were going to sell their works. Many of them succeeded mastering a genre while creating their own unique style within it. Jacob van Ruisdael and Jan van Goyen became masters of landscapes. Gerard Dou and Jan Steen really knew how to depict scenes from the everyday life of the common man. Frans Hals and Govert Flinck became the portrait painters we still know today. Only a handful of the artists of that time could do it all, of them Rembrandt being the most recognized artist today.

This specialization of artists in a certain genre is one of the key features of the painting of the Golden Age. It is a reason why Dutch artists became successful and famous worldwide.

Dutch painters created many masterpieces, which now occupy the best spots in museums worldwide. The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg takes the crown, with its largest collection of Dutch Golden Age artworks outside the Netherlands.

Russia's love for Dutch art The productivity of the Golden Age painters was by all means impressive. Several million paintings are thought to have been produced during the period, being incredibly popular by both wealthy people as well as the poor. Many people could find money to spare for a painting by a local talent.

In the eighteenth century, those works became more and more popular outside the Low Lands, particularly among the extremely wealthy. The second half of the eighteenth century brought a growing demand for Dutch Golden Age painting from collectors throughout Europe. The market was enormous, especially in Russia.

That the Russians were so fond of Dutch art was connected to the taste of Tsar Peter the Great, who loved the Dutch masters. The realistic depictions of everyday life, especially the domestic themes, was particularly popular.

A Russian art collector in 1807 put the love of Dutch painting in these words: ‘The Dutch school is in some respects superior to others. It aims to be as faithful to nature as possible. […]

ASK YOUR HOTEL FOR TICKETS THE HERMITAGE MUSEUM OR CHECK HELLOTICKET.NL/14

WHAT’S ON

MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

TROPENMUSEUM

GERRIT BERCKHEYDE

LINNAEUSSTRAAT 2 MELCHIOR DE HONDECOETER

Palace in St. Petersburg. She is responsible for creating the Hermitage as a museum. Between 1763 and 1789, she made many art purchases in Western Europe. Many Dutch masterpieces were acquired by the agents of the art-loving empress, who were active all across Europe.

WILLEM KALF

The paintings are extremely detailed. The Dutch also have an excellent mastery of the art of color shading and color contrasts: this enables them to paint light itself, if I can put it that way.’

The Tsar family starts collecting Dutch masters from the Hermitage will leave us in awe of the greatness of the Dutch masters but is also designed to explore the Tsars family's love of these artists. The exhibition explains how these works were acquired or traded. When Tsar Peter the Great traveled to the Dutch Republic, little was known in Russia about Dutch artists or the works they were producing. Peter was one of the first Russians to show an interest in the art of the Low Countries. In 1716, at the age of 25, he acquired Rembrandt’s David and Jonathan. This was Russia’s first Rembrandt. It became part of the modest collection of artworks Peter the Great had started.

“In 1762, Catherine the Great became Empress of Russia. It was she who started to build up a large art collection, as she wanted to present herself as an enlightened monarch.”

In 1762, Catherine the Great became Empress of Russia. It was she who started to build up a large art collection, as she wanted to present herself as an enlightened monarch. Catherine came up with a highly ambitious idea: to create a massive art gallery alongside the Winter

Catherine's descendants followed in her footsteps. Nineteenth-century Tsars Paul I, Alexander I and Nicholas I further expanded the collection, albeit on a less ambitious level than Catherine. By Nicholas’s time, it was becoming increasingly common to welcome the public to art collections. This development eventually led to the building of the New Hermitage, where special exhibition areas for the Rembrandts and other paintings from the Low Countries were reserved.

Amsterdam’s Tropenmuseum (Museum of the Tropics) is a museum about people, housed in an impressive listed building overlooking Amsterdam’s Oosterpark. The extensive permanent display and regularly changing exhibitions feature objects that all have a story to tell about humankind.

Right now on display: Feel the rhythm and discover the roots! From jazz to salsa, from hip hop to rock-n-roll: music transcends borders and is universal. It does something to you. It moves you and gets you moving. Just like music itself is constantly on the move. The Rhythm & Roots exhibition takes you on a musical journey.

– GET YOUR TICKETS: HELLOTICKET.NL/34

The Golden Age revives Today, for a period of about eight months, Hermitage Amsterdam is turned into a mustvisit for anyone interested in this special chapter of the Dutch Golden Age. Many of the paintings have been restored or cleaned for this exhibition.

A number of them have been placed in new frames. The public, therefore, is able to see these extraordinary masterpieces in all its glory.

In addition to Dutch Masters from the Hermitage, visitors can cross the building to see the Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age exhibit, which is a treat in its own right. And don't forget the seventeenth-century building itself. Dating back to 1683, it was originally meant as a home for elderly women. Various rooms from that period are now on view as part of a historical tour of the museum. The tour can be completed by a visit to The Wonder of Amsterdam, a new multi-media attraction about the early development of the city that just opened.

Dutch glory outside Amsterdam Even though the Hermitage serves as the center of the Golden Age painters the coming months, Your hunt for those type of treasures doesn't have to stop in Amsterdam. Other great institutions that specialize in the art of the Golden Age tell the story from other perspectives. Visiting them will add to your knowledge of this important cultural period.

JEWISH CULTURAL QUARTER

NIEUWE AMSTELSTRAAT 1 Discover the wealth of Jewish culture and history in the heart of Amsterdam.

Stunning synagogues, striking buildings and impressive memorials grace the streets of Amsterdam’s old Jewish quarter. In the heart of the neighbourhood, an area of less than one square kilometre, is the Jewish Cultural Quarter, which includes the stately Portuguese Synagogue, the Jewish Historical Museum with the engaging JHM Children’s Museum, the moving National Holocaust Memorial and the National Holocaust Museum. Here you can find out all about Jewish culture, history and traditions – all with just one ticket.

– GET YOUR TICKETS: HELLOTICKET.NL/13

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WHAT’S ON

ASK YOUR HOTEL FOR TICKETS THE HERMITAGE MUSEUM OR CHECK HELLOTICKET.NL/14

MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

REMBRANDT VAN RIJN

MAURITSHUIS

PLEIN 29, THE HAGUE The Mauritshuis is home to the Best of Dutch painting from the Golden Age. The compact, yet world-renowned collection, is situated in the heart of The Hague, right next to the government centre. Masterpieces such as Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, The Goldfinch by Fabritius and The Bull by Potter are on permanent display in the intimate rooms of this seventeenth-century monument.

REMBRANDT VAN RIJN

Mauritshuis The Mauritshuis in the Hague is an excellent museum to visit. It is home to some of the best in Dutch painting from the Golden Age, which is presented in a compact collection. Masterpieces such as Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt and The Goldfinch by Fabritius are on permanent display.

More than two hundred works from Dutch and Flemish masters are on display in the historical interior. The walls are covered with silk, chandeliers are shining bright, and the ceilings are monumentally painted. To see them in the intimate rooms of the seventeenth-century monument near the buildings that house the Dutch government is a treat. Walking around in the Mauritshuis really transports you back in time, giving you a sense of what life was like in The Hague as a rich man.

Frans Hals Museum If Haarlem is on your visiting list, go and see the Frans Hals Museum. The museum, named after the most famous Golden Age painter from the city, boasts the largest collection of paintings

by Frans Hals in the world. In addition to paintings by Hals, the museum has work by his predecessors and his contemporaries.

The earliest paintings date from the 16th century, which are mainly biblical scenes. Around 1590 Haarlem became the center of a new style called Mannerism. Typical of this style are masterfully painted figures in twisted poses, of which you will find examples in the museum. It paved the way for the art of the 17th century, in which Haarlem became a prosperous city and a center of art and culture. Frans Hals specialized in portraits but also painted large group portraits.

In the museum, five of those large civic guard pieces are on display. Furniture, ceramics, and silverware complete the image of Haarlem as a center of wealth, art and culture.

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– MAURITSHUIS.NL DIRCK VAN BABUREN

“Emerging painters, wanting a successful career, started to settle where the money was.

Some painters were able to master different genres of painting, but most of them specialized themselves in one particular genre.”

The greater Amsterdam area is the perfect place to admire the Dutch painting from the seventeenth century this fall. Hermitage Amsterdam serves as a Golden Age hub, treating you to some of the finest masterpieces

by Rembrandt and his contemporaries. These are works that normally don't leave the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg, so that makes it an extra special occasion. If you venture outside the capital, go and have a look at the Mauritshuis and the Frans Hals Museum. You will leave the Netherlands feeling like a Golden Age expert.

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H E R M I TA G E A M S T E R D A M Amstel 51 hermitage.nl FRANS HALS MUSEUM Groot Heiligland 62, Haarlem franshalsmuseum.nl MAURITSHUIS Plein 29, The Hague mauritshuis.nl

HOUSE OF BOLS

PAULUS POTTERSTRAAT 14 The House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience on Amsterdam’s Museumplein is an unforgettable adventure in the glamorous world of cocktails, liqueurs and genever.

House of Bols offers visitors a truly unique cocktail experience. At the venue you can learn everything there is to know about making cocktails and bartending. You also learn the past and present story of distillery founder Lucas Bols. Visitors get to explore all of their senses with various exhibitions, including personal taste and smell challenges, drink samples and explosions of colour in the Hall of Taste. Admission also includes a cocktail of your choice.

– GET YOUR TICKETS: HELLOTICKET.NL/27

AMSTERDAM

FROM 6 OCTOBER

TROPENMUSEUM.NL

ASK YOUR HOTEL FOR TICKETS OR CHECK HELLOTICKET.NL

WHAT’S ON

© MOHAU MODISAKENG – GALERIE RON MANDOS

© AATA HUSSAIN SHEIKH – NEPAL PICTURE LIBRAR

EDITOR JOLENE DEN BOER

22 until 24 September

© MELANIE BONAJO – AKINCI

UNSEEN PHOTO FAIR 2017

NL's best photo event is back in town

The Dutch are fans of photography. While in the Golden Age it was the great painters that were the masters of art, today we pride ourselves with an impressive amount of internationally celebrated photographers.

Amsterdam has two great photo museums that you can visit all year round. But in September each year, the special photo fair Unseen hits the town, presenting the best contemporary photo works from around the world.

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© ENIS_TURAN

ontemporary photography What started out as a photo fair just six years ago, has now turned into a leading platform for contemporary photography. What is so special about this event, is that it focusses entirely on what is new in the world of photography across the globe. Unseen gives up-and-coming talented artists a platform to show their work. Great names in the world of photography make sure the program is the best representation of contemporary photography.

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Unseen Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Emilia van Lynden leads as Artistic Director. The advisory committee has people like Darius Himes (International Head of Photographs at Christie's, USA) and Lucy Conticello (Director of Photography at M, Le Monde, France) on board. And with a board of recommendation consisting of celebrated Dutch photographers such as Erwin Olaf, Rineke Dijkstra,and fashion designers Victor and Rolf, this edition promises to be an exciting one.

Elements of photography Unseen consists of many elements. First of all, you have the main event of the fair, held at the Westergasfabriek. Unseen has selected 53 participating galleries from 14 countries, presenting their artists and photo works to the audience. The fair prides itself in premiering many works every year. This edition, 87 artists will be presenting works that have never been shown to the public. It's the highest number of premiering works in Unseen's history and represents the best of truly contemporary photography.

But there is more. Like the Living Room, that connects leading figures of the art world with emerging talent. At this venue, they come together to discuss the current state of photography. Visitors can attend the inspirational program of talks, discussions, presentations, and interviews.

WHAT’S ON

© JACQUELINE HASSINK - GALERIE WOUTER VAN LEEUWEN

MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

THE PORTRAIT GALLERY OF THE GOLDEN AGE © MELANIE BONAJO-AKINCI

HERMITAGE AMSTERDAM, AMSTEL 51 Thirty colossal, 17th century group portraits are brought together in the Hermitage Amsterdam. These ‘brothers and sisters’ of the famous Night Watch by Rembrandt are unique all over the world and are rarely exposed due to their size. They show us regents, civic guards and merchants of all ranks, social classes and religions.

Renowned artists as Govert Flinck and Nicolaes Pickenoy painted these portraits. They tell the story of the collective citizenship and tolerance of the 17th century, which became so typical of the Netherlands. Rembrandt’s ‘The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Deijman’ is one of the most impressive works you will find in the Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age.

© MILES ALDRIDGE - REFLEX AMSTERDAM

– GET YOUR TICKETS: HELLOTICKET.NL/14

And if the fair and the talks got you hungry for more, than the Book Market has some of the finest photo books on display, ready for takeaway. The space offers international independent bookmakers a platform to present their recent publications to an international audience.

Photo Pleasure Palace Like every year, a special exhibition is being put together. Photo Pleasure Palace is curated by artists Erik Kessels (Netherlands) and Thomas Mailaender (France). Both of these men are avid collectors of photographs and both work with the reappropriation of images.

They also have a taste for the absurd and ridiculous. For Unseen 2017, they have created this eccentric exhibition.

Photo Pleasure Palace is built to resemble a carnival, with several attractions like a Photo Fortune Teller, Smash Gallery, Giant Peephole, Toilet Obscura, Jump Trump and other engaging attractions. All of them invite visitors

to interact with photography in a playful way.

As Kessels puts it: “Photo Pleasure Palace is a special place where you can come to have fun and set your mind on fire after spending a day browsing the galleries. We welcome you to our weird-and-wonder land, a place where pleasure is guaranteed and photos are in imminent danger”.

Unseen Amsterdam is always aiming for innovative and diverse approaches to engage with photography. With galleries and institutions from around the world, Unseen connects artists, curators, collectors and photography enthusiasts on an international level. And Unseen doesn't stop at the Westergasfabriek-area. There is also a city program in designated areas in Amsterdam.

Check their website to find out what is going on where.

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UNSEEN Westergasfabriek-area, other programming throughout the city • unseenamsterdam.com

THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

Con commy na Ad. Ullamcommy KATTENBURGERPLEIN 1 Rat nummodolor conulputat dip ex tin During the ullam 17th century , Amsterdam dionsenim ip Lortin ud wiscin 19 was one of the most powerful cities on the globe thanks to its harbour- the largest in the world. This resulted in the Dutch Republic’s most properous period known as the Golden Age. In order to understand Amsterdam, or the culture of the Netherlands for that matter, it is essential to understand it seafaring past. There is no better place to do this at The National Maritime Museum, where you experience 500 years of the country’s maritime history come to life. One of the highlights is Joan Blaeu’s map of the world, dating from 1648. Its size is impressive and at the time it displayed the most up-todate knowledge of the world.

– GET YOUR TICKETS: HELLOTICKET.NL/12

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ASK YOUR HOTEL FOR TICKETS OR CHECK HELLOTICKET.NL

WHAT’S ON

EDITOR JOLENE DEN BOER

TICKETS S FOR

FROM DRESSES TO EVENING BAGS

ICKET GET YOUR TFOR BAGS & MUSEUM ELLOTICKET.NL/21 H R U P SES VIATROPENMUSEUM AND OTICKET.NL/34 VIA HELL

Fashion and accessories in Amsterdam museums

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hopping and Amsterdam go well together. But surely you have come to the capital for the great museums too. If you are a fan of both clothing and culture, you are in luck this season. Two museums have a special focus on fashion and accessories. So you can get some retail-therapy and be cultural at the same time.

An African perspective on fashion Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam is the place to go if you want to discover humankind around the globe. There is always an engaging, interactive exhibition going on that teaches us more about the behavior of peoples worldwide. Whether you are from Africa, Asia, Latin America or Western Europe, Tropenmuseum shows us that we are more alike than we might think. Despite our cultural differences, there are many universal human themes that unite us, such as mourning, celebrating, praying, or expressing ourselves.

Fashion is a case in point when it comes to the latter. Starting 6 October, the museum in the monumental building in Amsterdam Oost presents an exhibition about this subject, but from a special point of view. Fashion Cities Africa shows us the diversity and creativity of the Africa fashion scene, through the eyes of local fashion heroes.

Local fashion stars While fashion is hot in Africa, there really is no such thing as a typical form of African fashion. There are many flourishing scenes

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to be found throughout the continent. Styles range from street wear to couture, from experimental to conventional. Often these styles represent important themes such as identity and cultural background.

The exhibition consists of fashion items, personal accounts, fragments of blogs, photographs and film materials. The result is a visual spectacle, highlighting the main trends from four African cities. The museum has asked experts from Casablanca, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi and the Netherlands to share their take on the exciting world of African fashion.

They share with us the insights of local designers, stylists, retailers, photographers, and bloggers. One example is the team behind 2ManySiblings, who take us to the market in Nairobi where they buy second-hand designer clothes, only to restyle them at a later stage. The exhibition also includes original creations by designers like The Sartists from Johannesburg and the Maki Oh fashion label from Lagos, whose fans include Beyoncé and Michelle Obama. The museum has also invited four Dutchies who have incorporated their African roots into fashion, including Karim Adduchi and Lady Africa.

Accessories from the past While you are served the hottest contemporary fashion items from the African continent, on the other side of town you can be treated to some great vintage objects. The Museum of Bags and Purses' new exhibition is called Accessories are a Girl’s Best Friend. This

FASHION CITIES AFRICA STARTING 6 OCTOBER TROPENMUSEUM

name is chosen well, as the remarkable pieces at the museum demonstrate. The exhibition highlights some items from the extraordinary collection of the Rijksmuseum, which are normally stored in its archive.

The objects on display range from parasols, umbrellas, hats, gloves, hair pieces and, of course, shoes. They are combined with the original collection of the Museum of Bags and Purses, making it an inclusive history of accessories from the 19th century until today.

400 years of history While the term accessory was coined in the nineteenth century, items that fall into that category have existed much longer.

Accessories often have a practical function, such as gloves to protect your hands from cold, or hats to protect you from the sun.

However, in addition to being useful, accessories have also been used to decorate and distinguish. They often reflect the cultural background and the social status of the person wearing them. Hence, accessories are as much a part of the fashion system as clothing, and often their style changes even faster. Visitors can discover the most important accessory trends of the last 400 years.

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ACCESSORIES ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND UNTIL 28 JANUARY 2018 MUSEUM OF BAGS AND PURSES

TROPENMUSEUM Linnaeusstraat 2 tropenmuseum.nl MUSEUM OF BAGS AND PURSES Herengracht 573 tassenmuseum.nl

WHAT’S ON

Discover Dutch Masters in The Hague Only 40 minutes from Amsterdam mauritshuis.nl/tickets

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LOCAL HEROES

Local Heroes The attraction of a modern city is not only determined by its rich history, splendid cultural venues and abundant culinary offerings, but also by the people who live and work there. Gain interesting insight into Amsterdam through the personal stories of some of the most fascinating Amsterdammers; renowned figures in their own city for their contribution to art, culture and business.

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LOCAL HEROES

EDITOR CLARISSA VAN DEVENTER

PHOTOGRAPHER PASCAL BIER

Cornelis Claudius Spruyt Veas OWNER SO ART GALLERY

“I hope to spread the love of art”

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n the Spiegelkwartier you can find a small gallery called So ART. But don’t let its proportions fool you.

Inside are many hidden treasures.

You might stumble upon a drawing by Matisse, a study that Dalí did or an original litho by Kahlo. Cornelis Claudius Spruyt Veas is the very proud owner of the place.

The little gallery hasn’t gone unnoticed and among Cornelis’ customers are many famous people. He can’t name everyone but Adele and Bruno Mars are among his known customers. His age is a secret that he’d rather keep to himself. But, for the curious ones: He has been on the Nieuwe Spiegelstraat since he was 18 and has been there for the last 35 years. So, you can do the math.

Nieuwe Spiegelstraat He spends most of his time on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, because he works here so often. He explains: ‘I love this street! It is full of art and antiques. When you’ve been to the museums you stumble across into this street. Here one can buy some works of the artist that you just saw in Het Stedelijk Museum or in Het Rijksmuseum. I think that is quite unique.

“As a little boy I was so impressed by the Rijksmuseum. This is where my love for art started.”

My gallery is not only for the elite. I try to make every person feel welcome when they take a look. I hope to inspire people with my love of art. You can buy art here ranging

from €300 up to €50,000 a piece. More than 70% of the stock is priced under €3500. So, you can start to buy art for a very affordable price.’

Rijksmuseum and soccer games Spruyt Veas continues: ‘My grandfather was a businessman and took me into Amsterdam as a child. We went to soccer games, went out for lunch and visited the Rijksmuseum. I was so impressed by the Rijksmuseum as a little boy. This is where my love for art started.

The most beautiful job This, to me, is the most beautiful job in the world. Every time I walk through the gallery, I have that special feeling inside.

I’m making people happy with art. I have the privilege of working with beauty and making people enthusiastic about art. I really love what I do. I am open every day and work about 7 days a week. But it doesn’t feel like work.

“This is the most beautiful job in the world. I’m making people happy with art. ”

My first piece of art was a drawing I bought when I was 17 years old. It’s a drawing that I’ve kept by an 18th century Roman artist. I noticed people really liked the drawing and wanted to pay lots of money for it. I’ve kept it and never sold it. From that experience I learned two things: 1. I have a good eye for art and 2. People are willing to pay money for art. That’s the way I got into the business.’

Carry Gang He tells about one of his favourite artists, Carry Gang. ‘She walked in here ten years ago. I had no idea who she was. We decided she would send me one of her paintings and we would see if it would sell. I told her to send me a small piece. So, a few weeks later this huge truck rolls up. She sent me a work of 2 by 2 meters. As you can see, it is hard to fit a piece like that through that door. We managed to fit it in anyways. And it sold in about two weeks. Now I go and visit her every year in New York and I’ve never stopped selling her works. It’s very interesting work. All the different layers give it great dimension and depth. The lineworks are her interpretation of the view she has of Central Park in New York.’

Don’t be shy to take a look His enthusiasm and love for art is contagious. Every piece in the gallery has a story which he tells you all about. On the wall is a piece by Damien Hirst. ‘Some people say it portrays London’s “medicine cabinet” of the eighties. The colours of the dots are said to be the ecstasy pills of that time. But you never know if these stories are true.’

Even if you keep asking the stupidest questions, he answers them gently and with much patience. But before you know it, you might have bought a piece of art. So, go and have a look and be surprised at So ART gallery.

S

SO ART GALLERY Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 46 soart.nl

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LOCAL HEROES

EDITOR FLORIS MÜLLER

PHOTOGRAPHER PASCAL BIER

Ernst Wilmering SHOP MANAGER & AMBASSADOR OF CIGAR STORE HAJENIUS

“Hajenius surely looks like that an early twentieth century city palace”

E

rnst Wilmering is the shop manager at the renowned Amsterdam cigar house Hajenius. In addition to his knowledge of tobacco and the rich history of the company, the cheerful Amsterdammer stands out with a management style. “I want to make cigars accessible to everyone: from the musician on the street to international world stars.”

Although Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Honduras may now have a name as the world’s leading cigar manufacturers, in terms of numbers, even today, the Netherlands is still world leader; the country produces many tens of millions of cigarillos, señoritas, coronas, panatelas, bolknaks and tuitknaks per year.

According to Ernst Wilmering, the shop manager, “cigar ambassador”, and “host” at the renowned Amsterdam cigar house Hajenius: “Our cigars are of high quality – or better.”

60,000 Amsterdam has always played a leading role in this flourishing business, the shopkeeper explains. “Since the seventeenth century, the area around Dam Square, Rokin and the narrow Nes has been home to many dozens of sellers, processing companies and warehouses for cigars,” Wilmering says. “Nearly 60,000 people in the Netherlands make a living through the extensive tobacco trade – a huge number”.

The headquarters of Hajenius, the last large cigar shop in the city centre, exudes that glorious history of the flourishing sector in the city. Like many other major Dutch brands, Hajenius has in recent decades been taken over by a major foreign tobacco conglomerate.

However, Wilmering says, that does not threaten the preservation of the historic manufacturer and its unique cigar shop. Quite the contrary, he remarks, “our current owner, the Scandinavian Tobacco Group, has made maintaining and even promoting our unique cigar culture part of the company’s sales strategy.”

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City Palace Visitors to the luxury shop on Rokin are welcomed through a solid stone doorway with a capital city coat of arms and the name of the property ‘De Rijnstroom’ (like all the previous head offices of the brand). Beyond the entrance, an art deco interior appears.

Hajenius surely looks like an early twentiethcentury city palace: cigar boxes are displayed as exotic products on the shelves behind two marble desks. The room is lit by two large golden chandeliers (from the first office of Hajenius), the floor is coloured by a luxurious red carpet. Cigars are sold at the desk and can be taken immediately to one of the two chic smoking lounges in the back. Regular customers have a safe deposit box in which their private stock is stored. Hajenius only sells cigars; thus there are no newspapers, cigarettes, refreshments or drinks. “We are specialists”, Wilmering states proudly.

“Rich businessmen sit side-by-side with street musicians enjoying their cigar” History Hajenius was founded at the start of the nineteenth century by merchant Pantaleon Gerhard Coenraad Hajenius. He was the youngest son of a large family from the province of Zeeland. “Upon arrival in Amsterdam, he immediately saw the great economic possibilities of the flourishing tobacco trade”, Wilmering explains. The young salesman gathered the best tobacco rollers and dealers of tobacco leaves around him to develop his own cigar brand. Having little money though, his first sales office was a simple bedroom in a hotel near Dam Square. The story of young Hajenius with his own cigars became an instant hit among the city’s noblemen and even the Dutch royal

family. According to Wilmering, “everyone wanted to taste the new Hajenius cigar with its unique taste of so-called ‘dry tobacco’ and a distinctive spicy flavour.” In the midnineteenth century, the company obtained a building on Dam Square. When that was demolished in 1910 for the construction of a new tram line, Hajenius moved to its urrent location.

Equality Wilmering became the manager at Hajenius after a seven-year career as a fashion entrepreneur. The fifth-generation Amsterdammer says he’s grown up with stories about the famous cigar house.

He turned out to become a real cigarette smoker, “someone who finds smoking a cigar relaxing,” Wilmering explains. “When I started working here, the employees were very formal in dealing with customers.

I’ve tried to change that, as distance limits communication and the accessibility of our store to a broader public.”

Wilmering and his 12 colleagues are courteous but open in ‘an Amsterdam fashion’. “We treat all our customers the same way, whether it is an international celebrity like Arnold Schwarzenegger or former Dutch playboy Prince Bernhard or a tourist walking in.” This indeed creates a remarkable atmosphere in the shop and the smoking lounge. “It’s wonderful to see everyone sitting side by side enjoying a cigar; the rich businessman, stopping by to fill his humidor and the street musician enjoying a cheaper cigar after a day of work”, he describes with enthusiasm. “New friendships are made here among people sharing a love for cigars.”

P

P. G . C . H A J E N I U S Rokin 96 hajenius.com

LOCAL HEROES

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LOCAL HEROES

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LOCAL HEROES

EDITOR CLARISSA VAN DEVENTER

PHOTOGRAPHER PASCAL BIER

Henri Willig FOUNDER HENRI WILLIG CHEESE & MORE

“From dairy farm to a world famous cheese company”

W

hether you visit Henri Willig’s cheese farms just outside the city or you stop by for a cheese tasting at the Proefzolder: it’s an experience you wouldn’t dare to miss.

Henri Willig’s Cheese started out as a small family dairy farm called Jacobs Hoeve and grew to become a 50 million euro a year business. Henri Willig started making cheese about forty years ago and tells us all about his prize-winning company.

Henri Willig (65) arrives for the interview by bicycle. His house is right next to the famous cheese farm Jacobs Hoeve in Katwoude, a little north of Amsterdam. He was born and raised here and took over the dairy farm from his parents shortly after he married his wife Riet. He tells his story: ‘I could’ve never been only a dairy farmer.

I am always looking to learn something new and I keep seeing opportunities. I took different courses all the time, so I also learned how to make cheese.’

“What started out as a small family dairy farm grew to become a 50 million euro a year business.”

Innovation ‘From that moment on, so many new opportunities to innovate came along. For example, the cheese vat we had couldn’t turn the cheeses to dry automatically. I really wanted to find out a way to do this.

When I finally found a way, I was so excited that I woke up my wife Riet at midnight to show her. She didn’t really appreciate me

waking her up over a new invention,’ laughs Henry. ‘But,’ he continues, ‘I think this shows how much I love and loved my work.

To have joy in what you do on a daily basis is the most important thing in the world.

I personally get a lot of joy out of finding out what works best. So, we tried a lot of different things. Some of it failed and some of it worked. To me that is the essence of being an entrepreneur. The newest thing we just added to our farm is the self-guided tour that people can take on our farm.

The fire ‘Sometimes things go wrong that you don’t have control over.’ ‘Our big thing was a huge fire in 1985. You could see the fire from afar. I got the call that the cheese workplace was on fire and all I could think was: “Is my family ok?” I saw my son next to me, I had just got off the phone with my wife and I knew my other sons were with her. I was relieved, because everything that is material is replaceable. It was difficult, because it was right at the start of the tourist season. That was one of our most important revenues. But we just got back to work, what else can you do? It also made us think of starting more shops in the city.’

A cheese experience To taste the famous cheese inside the city, it is best to go to “de Proefzolder” (which means Tasting Attic in Dutch). Right in the centre, next to the famous Tuschinksi theatre, there is the Proefzolder. A lady named Barbara explains the entire cheesemaking process. She is completely clothed in traditional Dutch attire. For only 10 euros you can enjoy a cheese and wine tasting, or even a special beer selected to go with the cheese. In only 45 minutes

you’ll have a great overview of how cheese is made and hear all about the company’s history. It’s a great place to just sit down for a few minutes when you’re tired of walking through the city. On the farms, there is a new movie showing the process of making cheese. They even have a lovely greencoloured cheese and a new flavour called coconut cheese.

“To taste the famous Henri Willig cheese in Amsterdam, it is best to go to de Proefzolder.”

Henri Willig is proud of what he has accomplished, but the most important thing to him is: ‘I really love what I did and what I do. You spend so many hours working, so you better like it. That is what I’ve always said to everyone I work with. I don’t think I’ll get bored being in retirement. I have a lot of hobbies.’ He points to his motorcycle: ‘I’m making a trip in the States by Harley Davidson motorbike in October. I think it is important to keep seeing other countries and doing new things. I love to do and learn new things, so I hope our visitors also have the experience of learning something they didn’t know before.

J P

JACOBS HOEVE Hoogedijk 8, Katwoude henriwillig.com

PROEFZOLDER Regulierbreestraat 24 proefzolder.nl

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TALKING FOOD

Clรกudio Cardoso Executive chef at SUSHISAMBA

With the success of SUSHISAMBA in other cities around the world, Amsterdam gains a new culinary vibe right in the heart of art and culture. Located on Singelgracht with floor-to-ceiling windows, a colourful sushi bar and waterfront terrace, corporate chef Clรกudio Cardoso gives us passionate insight in how SUSHISAMBA is an adventurous way to discover a traditional mix of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian culture.

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TALKING FOOD

EDITOR BÉNÉDICTE GRUYS

H

© ALEXANDER SPORRE

ow do you explain Cláudio Cardoso at SUSHISAMBA?

In 1999 founder and creative mind Shimon Bokovza opened the first SUSHISAMBA in New York, combining his broad experience in building restaurants and his passion for cuisine, culture, music and design. In 2013 I met Shimon during a holiday in London.

There was an immediate match when he told me about the history and execution, but especially about the heart of SUSHISAMBA. It is a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, evolving from a tri-cultural coalition that occurred when thousands of Japanese emigrants travelled to South America in the early 20th century to cultivate coffee plantations.

Thanks to my South-African and Portuguese background, I could see the logic of combining the culinary traditions of emigrants. They are the ones who create the fusion of what is available; mapping an historic landmark that is wonderful for a chef to follow and execute with complete artistic freedom.

“Respecting cultures, produce and the planet are the heartbeat of any successful restaurant business.”

Tell us more about your food With the cross-cultural traditions the possibilities are endless. I try to refine my dishes every day and match unique ingredients to create inventive combinations in taste and presentation. I do this using classic techniques like tempura, ceviche and tataki, but also experimenting and being bold. Like a salad from the Japanese robata grill with smashed cashew, coriander and a kumquat emulsion. In our partnership with Cool Earth for preservation of the rainforest, I created the landscape of a yuca plantation in the Peruvian Amazon, consisting of yuca, sweet potato with a smoke emulsion and sesame.

The success of a worldwide concept is challenging; what is the SUSHISAMBA secret aside from the food?

For me respecting cultures, produce and the planet is the heartbeat of any successful restaurant business. Having complete artistic freedom without losing sight of the business itself and finding the best suppliers who cooperate and create with you. Sustainability should be mandatory and a never-ending goal. But most of all, it’s about the people, creating loyal teams who understand the food, and who motivate each other with their spirit and hard work – in passion but also in friendship. It is never a 9-to-5 job. Colleagues are very important; you need energy and support from them, and also from your loved-ones.

How did you know you wanted to work in food?

I was captivated by food even at an early age, when I learned to appreciate those cross-cultural cuisines and flavour combinations. Born and raised in South Africa, my family enjoyed meals that showcased my mothers’ South African favourites and my fathers’ Portuguese flare.

With a well-regarded family in the food industry, from wineries to cereal farms, bakeries and honey production, I was lucky to gain the same passion at such a young age. After graduating from my studies in tourism and hospitality in Estoril, Portugal, I encountered many culinary adventures worldwide. Working with chef Luís Baena at ‘Quinta de Catralvos’ in Azeitão was one of the first game changers.

The art of Japanese cuisine At the age of 23 I was given the opportunity to lead the oldest Japanese restaurant in Portugal; ‘Midori’, was the start of a new passion. Managing a cuisine that is so precise and with such a clean technique was a fantastic way to evolve and become a more elaborate chef. Japanese cuisine is a daily attempt to achieve perfection, and learning this at a young age is a great start for a chef. I see food as something limitless, in flavour, visually or in its ability to bring back memories. I hope to stimulate and introduce people to new, adventurous ways of eating and encourage them to see food as a piece of art from conception to elaboration and consumption.

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TALKING FOOD

What makes your roots important to your work?

I grew up at the seaside where every day you are surrounded by the elements: the seasons in movement, the best surfing days and the taste of the basic ingredients. It’s about the forces of nature and how family generations handle it. Having the ability to study but most of all work in a great variety of kitchens has been very important to me. It is the best school for learning certain rules and analyses without losing the positivism and variation of cultures. If you play that trick, you can still be that dreamer. Many childhood memories are made by taste and scent, which is one of the important aspects that motivates me. An important writer of recent generations is Antoine de Saint Exupéry. With The Little Prince, he opened a wonderful and timeless world to children and adults and in his book Night Flight I relate to his curiosity about what is happening when you see all the different windows in life. What are the people doing, thinking and eating?

“I see food as something limitless, be that in flavour, visually or bringing back memories” Happy chef To be a successful but most of all a happy chef, you must go through a lot of soul-searching next to your working experience. Are you a true cook behind the stove, a manager, a marketer or an artist? I like to think that I have a little of everything in me and maybe I’ll find myself at later age in that little restaurant by the sea where it all comes together.

Music & Food Music can be the trigger of taste and I find it important to build an atmosphere, depending on the hour and guests. Next to his soccer career, my father was a drum player; thus, in addition to sports, he introduced a large variety of music into our everyday family life.

Everybody has music in their life. For me it is very important to find the best sound to go with my creations and atmosphere. I hope to bind together all the joys in life for a worldwide public. Living mostly in London, where a lot happens and within walking distance of my work, music is also an important down-to-earth rhythm relating to all these challenges, complemented by my travels.

You have been an Amsterdam resident for a couple of weeks; what inspires you most?

Amsterdam is the big city, with locals, tourists and professionals moving around. Visiting museums is a good basis for me, but like in London I just love to walk around with my music. The smallest things can inspire me, from street art to architecture and the people surrounding it.

Trying out restaurants and bars – by invitation but even more so in a spontaneous way – inspires me regarding how to connect with the people as future guests. My temporary spot is near Artis zoo; it’s a quiet neighbourhood but still very much the capital and close to where it all happens. When you make small detours of a block or two, you see what a very relaxed city it can be.

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SUSHISAMBA AMSTERDAM Max Euweplein 64 sushisamba.com

Facts SUSHISAMBA swung its doors open in New York City in 1999.

Since then, the restaurant group has celebrated over 15 years of singular, soulful style and superlative dining, opening locations in Miami, Las Vegas and London.

Food Thanks to the interesting mix of cultures, anything is possible, like crispy yellowtail taquitos with avocado and roasted corn miso, churrasco Rio Grande of rib eye, chorizo and aged picanha or moqueca mista, the fresh Brazilian seafood stew accented with coconut and lime, and many more.In the raw department, there is kanpachi tiradito with yuzu, sea salt, black truffle oil and tuna ceviche with pomegranate leche de tigre, maiz morado, wasabi peas and basil and countless other creative sushi and sashimi options to choose from.

Beverage A dynamic bar area showcases SUSHISAMBA’s expansive list of signature cocktails created by Head of Spirit and Cocktail Development Rich Woods. Highlights include the Kaifirinha, a creative take on the Brazilian classic and the Tom Yam, a fresh and fiery cocktail creation that’s a cooling combination of coriander, ginger, lime leaf and chilli spiked with vodka and served with an accompanying nigiri.

Design The renowned Dutch architect Hans Ruijssenaars designed the exterior, drawing inspiration from the Fushimi Inari Shrine in southern Kyoto. The interior, which was conceived by acclaimed Dutch design house Woodfever, brings Japan, Brazil and Peru – SUSHISAMBA’s three cultural muses – to life.

Art As a true creative chef, Cláudio is an avid artist himself, his street art style creations can be seen in SUSHISAMBA Miami and he has also collaborated with street artist Flipon for the 39th floor wall of the London location. By spearheading the culinary team for owner Shimon Bokovza from Orange Brands Management, Cláudio’s artistic and culinary influences are also felt in the New York, Miami and Las Vegas locations. For Amsterdam there is a take on the iconic SUSHISAMBA Orange Tree sculpture.

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AMSTERDAM | P.C. Hooftstraat 38 | Tel. +31 20 737.22.03

BEST OF AMS

Japan Inn Sushi & Yakitori For great Japanese food at an affordable price, you can’t go wrong at Japan Inn, which has been serving fresh sushi, sashimi and charcoal-grilled yakitori to bargain-loving locals since 1995.

The set menus offer particularly good value, including a “Salmon Combi” with 12 pieces of sushi and sashimi for €16 and a “Yakitori Menu” with steak, lamb, quail eggs and vegetable skewers and chicken breast, -balls and -wings for only €19.50. Whether you’re after quality or quantity, you’ll find it here.

Leidsekruisstraat 4 • japaninn.nl

Little Saigon Haarlemmerdijk If it’s time for a break from the hustle and bustle of Haarlemmerdijk, why not try something a little bit more interesting than a local broodje kaas (cheese sandwich)? Bahn mi combines typical Vietnamese ingredients with French baguettes (a hangover from the country’s colonial past). There are six varieties at Little Saigon, from chicken curry and beef to fried tofu. Other Vietnamese street foods on the menu include pho soup, salad rolls, satays, salad bowls and spring rolls .

Haarlemmerdijk 30 • littlesaigon.nl

Saigon Caphe CS Guess what? You can now also warm your hands around a bowl of Amsterdam’s most famously flavourful pho at Amsterdam Centraal Station while enjoying wonderful views of the industrious IJ river.

The signature version features rice noodles, a beef topping and fresh herbs. Saigon Caphe’s rich and tasty homemade bone broth would be worth a detour even if it wasn’t so centrally located, so don’t forget to grab a bowl of the city’s most restorative Vietnamese noodle soup before you catch that train.

De Ruijterkade 44 • saigoncaphe.nl

Saigon Caphe Leidseplein Welcome to the home of all things pho (pronounced “fuh”).

It didn’t take long for Saigon Caphe, which first opened near Leidseplein in [year?], to receive rave reviews. Renowned local food writers praised the restaurant’s rich homemade beef broth and quickly proclaimed it a ‘hidden gem’. A steaming bowl of the deeply flavourful noodle soup will transport you straight to the streets of Saigon, where you can find a bowl of this classic Vietnamese comfort food, day and night.

Leidsestraat 95 1-hg • saigoncaphe.nl

Kyoto Sushi CS The latest location of Kyoto Sushi, situated in the IJ-hal of Amsterdam Centraal Station, offers Japanese grill dishes, sushi and sashimi, based on the original recipes of Chef Kenji Osone, who is originally from Tokyo.

Well-priced specials, such as the “Salmon Don” (a sushi bowl with sashimi, sushi rice and soup for only €8) and the “Yakitori Set” (three skewers of chicken, salad and rice for €9), prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be price prohibitive.

De Ruijterkade 42-B • kyoto-cafe.nl

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BEST OF AMS

EDITOR KARIN ENGELBRECHT

The Best Oriental Restaurants Where to find awesome

Asian food in Amsterdam Longing for the crunch of seaweed, the creamy comfort of

sushi rice and fresh fish with a spicy hit of wasabi and the umami joy of soy? Or, perhaps, the fresh flavours of ginger, mint and lemongrass? You’re not alone.

There’s an increasing demand for authentic yet affordable Japanese and Vietnamese food in Amsterdam. Simultaneously, a new style of Asian fusion is on the rise, combining influences from the East and West without that scary Frankenstein factor. Thus, it is not that surprising that we have also seen a growing number of fast-casual Oriental eateries serving fresh, healthy food to an increasingly demanding clientele.

Whether it’s omega 3s and micro-nutrients you’re after (fish-based sushi and sashimi are a good bet), a steaming cup of soup to restore body and mind after a heavy weekend (pho is your friend, party people!) or you simply have a hankering for Oriental food, you can give in to your cravings at one of these restaurants near you.

Tip: Looking for a Thai or Chinese restaurant instead? You’ll find plenty of them on Zeedijk, Amsterdam’s old Chinatown where the street signs famously sport both Dutch and English.

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BEST OF AMS

Kyoto Sushi Damrak Named for the old Imperial capital of Japan, where thousand-yearold traditions merge with modern mores and today’s technology, Kyoto Café combines the ever-popular All You Can Enjoy concept (from €22.80 per person) with an extensive selection of Japanese dishes, including tuna tataki handrolls, scallop nigiri, salmon maki, seaweed salad, miso soup and teriyaki chicken, available unlimited for a fixed price. Make sure you go to Kyoto Sushi Damrak with a serious craving for good Japanese food.

Damrak 44 • kyoto-cafe.nl

Takumi Burgers & Steaks Attention fusion-loving foodies, we think you’re about to discover your favourite new restaurant. Takumi is the brainchild of two chefs who worked at various eastern and western eateries in Amsterdam.

Their love of Pan-Asian flavours and Western comfort foods come together in creative combinations such as Dutch-farmed Wagyu dumplings in kimchi broth, Bahn mi burgers, Asian-style Caesar salad, tempura-fried onion rings and Green Tea Sour cocktails. Come with an appetite, and expect to be surprised.

Van Leijenberghlaan 140 • takumigelderlandplein.nl

Tanuki Gelderlandplein Inspired by traditional Japanese taverns and named for a folkloric raccoon figure with mystical powers, Izakaya Tanuki offers authentic Japanese cuisine in a modern, stylish interior with Japanese touches, such as tatami mats and graphic screens. In addition to delicious traditionally made sushi, Izakaya Tanuki offers a large variety of dishes from the Japanese kitchen, such as sashimi, yakitori, tempura, ramen and various rice dishes. Lovers of true Japanese food will not be disappointed.

Willem van Weldammelaan 41 • restaurant-tanuki.nl

Little Saigon Zeedijk Situated at the heart of the city’s Chinatown, on the outskirts of the famous Red Light District, this tiny Vietnamese restaurant packs in all the crowd-pleasers, from crunchy bahn mi sandwiches topped with chicken curry, fried tofu or beef to feather-light salad rolls filled with pork, shrimps and other delicacies, served with a duo of tasty dipping sauces. There are also various rice dishes, fried spring rolls, satays, vermicelli salad bowls, as well as a wonderfully warming pho.

Zeedijk 88-90 • littlesaigon.nl

Saigon Caphe Gelderlandplein For a taste of Amsterdam’s most authentic pho, that classic Vietnamese noodle soup, head to Saigon Caphe Gelderlandplein, located in Amsterdam’s newest and glossiest high-end shopping centre. For the best flavour, the signature beef broth is simmered overnight, so that it contains all the essence of bone, meat, spices and fabulously fresh herbs. In addition to the 9 varieties of pho on offer, you’ll also find salad rolls, skewers, vermicelli-based salads, rice bowls and Bahn mi for lunch and dinner.

Willem van Weldammelaan 43 • saigoncaphe.nl

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FOR GOODNESS

STEAK

TOP10 BEST STEAK RESTAURANTS With a growing number of top restaurants, Amsterdam is working on its image as a culinary city. Carnivores can indulge in one of the many steak restaurants that have opened in recent years. We did our very best to select perfect dishes at the most beautiful places the city has to offer.

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BEST OF AMS

EDITOR FLORIS MÜLLER

Black & Blue An upscale steak restaurant founded on Leliegracht in the heart of the Jordaan district. Black & Blue, located in a former shop with a giant glass façade, looks fresh, chic and cosy. The restaurant serves tender, organic beef from its own Josper charcoal grill. The eatery also has a great name because of its impressive wine collection. Black & Blue is open every day from eleven in the morning until midnight. Great choices include the affordable Black & Blue Steak of 200 grams, a tasty Black Angus burger and (for two people) a rib Angus Steak of 600 grams. The roast pork’ with sweet oyster sauce is equally delicious.

Leliegracht 46 • steakrestaurantamsterdam.nl

Piet de Leeuw Established as one of the first brasseries in Amsterdam in 1949, Piet de Leeuw combines the cosiness of a pub (complete with original wooden floors, copper counter and gin bottles on the wall) with the culinary offerings of a steak restaurant. Piet de Leeuw promises good quality meat without the fuss. Ask for a beef steak or a horse tenderloin with gravy or pepper sauce or mushrooms/onions. We also recommend the fried Sole. Piet de Leeuw is located on a side street of the Vijzelgracht.

Noorderstraat 11 • pietdeleeuw.nl

Castell A so-called Bar-Becue restaurant; a Brazilian establishment open for beer, a glass or maybe even a bottle of South American wine or one of the delicious dishes on the menu. Castell serves a variety of meat dishes including a juicy T-bone steak of 600 grams and a ‘Dutch fat ass steak’ (named after the Dutch cow breed). Fans of South American meat can choose the ‘Gaucho’ Sirloin Steak of 350 grams. This restaurant was recently named one of the 50 coolest restaurants in the world by British newspaper The Guardian. The eatery believes its high ranking is thanks to supermodel Erin Watson who paid the restaurant a visit last year.

Lijnbaansgracht 252 • castellamsterdam.nl

Cannibale Royale Amsterdammers are fond of 'their' Cannibale Royale, a brasserie with a focus on unfussy dishes. Cannibale Royale says its goal is to awaken the "prehistoric" in every visitor: an unabashed need for large cuts of meat. Cannibale serves great portions with even better names: La Sympathique (200 grams), La Modeste (300 grams), L'Exceptionnel (600 grams), ... and l'Absurd (a steak of no less than one kilogram!). For the last dish a reservation of at least 24 hours is required. Cannibale Royale also serves delicious types of hamburgers and amazing ribs!

Handboogstraat 17 • Ruysdaelkade 149 Lange Niezel 15 • Mt. Ondinaweg 32 • canibaleroyale.nl

Midtown Grill This restaurant is all about pure, fresh ingredients of the highest possible quality. Visit Midtown Grill for its warm interior with an open kitchen and comfortable seats, charming ambiance and great view of the city. The American-style steakhouse restaurant serves only the finest USDA-certified steak as well as a great salmon, lobster and rack of lamb imported from the southern province of Zeeland. After dinner, enjoy a nice glass of whisky and a cigar in the comfortable smoking lounge.

Stadhouderskade 12 • midtowngrill.nl

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BEST OF AMS

CAU CAU looks, feels and tastes like an authentic Argentinian steak restaurant. The establishment serves a variety of delicious South American dishes, a true ‘melting pot of comfort food’: pollo de Chicharron, cooked pork belly, grilled corn tortillas and of course a lot of grand meats.

The restaurant, set over three floors in a building near Dam Square is a great place to stop for lunch during your city tour or dinner at the end of your busy day.

Damstraat 5 • caurestaurants.com

Bleu Are you a real lover of the French cuisine? Come lunch, dine or drink after your meetings at Bleu, the little culinary brother of steak restaurant Black & Blue. Discover the classic French cuisine with a signature twist of chef de cuisine. Expect high quality food classics like steak tartare, foie gras, juicy côte de boeufs, crème brûlée and tasty profiteroles. Vive la France in the vibrant city-centre of beautiful Amsterdam. Sit back, relax and let the staff serve you – with a personalized flair.

Prinsenstraat 10 • restaurantbleu.amsterdam

Venus & Adonis One of the most attractive steak restaurants in Amsterdam. This eclectically designed establishment recently opened in a former seventeenth-century shop on Prinsengracht, on the outskirts of the popular area De Jordaan. Venus & Adonis is open every day of the week for a full dinner, but the restaurant also serves a great lunch.

How about a Venus steak (200 grams), or an Adonis steak (100 grams), or even the tasty Tomahawk steak (800 grams)? Equally delicious is the ‘surf & turf’ of tender steak with a langoustine tail. Don’t forget to taste the many homemade sauces.

Prinsengracht 274 • venusenadonis.nl

Le Petit Bistro The hotspot is a favorite among Amsterdam residents. Adjacent to Restaurant Bridges and overlooking the beautiful Garden Terrace, it has an authentic Parisian bistro charm. The interior has a warm, chic and urban atmosphere with marble tabletops and leather chairs. The internationally oriented menu has modern varieties of bistro classics, such as steak tartar and crème brûlée. Guests can also savor delicious cocktails, local specialty drinks, aperitifs, wines by the glass or a cup of coffee. The kitchen is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197 • bridgesrestaurant.nl

Café Carbon Good food for reasonable prices. Café Carbon, located on Van Woustraat, in the centre of De Pijp, is a great place for meat lovers. The restaurant is open for dinner and serves several different steak dishes (lady steak, gent’s steak, rib eye, T-bone steak and cote de boeuf), as well as spare ribs and shrimp. Have glass (or a bottle) of one of the excellent wines on the menu. Café Carbon attracts many locals; it’s popular among students, young professionals and foreign visitors.

Van Woustraat 174 • cafecarbon.nl

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Amsterdam Vintage Watches We are a family run business, established in 1987, in a historical building in the heart of Amsterdam. Over the years we have become a worldwide favourite among connoisseurs and collectors alike.

The helpfull and knowledgable staff buys and sells only the very nest vintage watches from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Tudor, Cartier, Breitling, Heuer and many more.

Jaege www.amsterdamvintagewatches.com Singel 414 +31 20 6380296

LUXURY SHOPPING

EDITOR PAOLA WESTBEEK

De Bijenkorf A HERITAGE OF EXCELLENCE A Heritage of Excellence With its five floors of high-end brands, designer fashion, homeware, exclusive souvenirs and even food, de Bijenkorf (in English, ‘The Beehive’) is not only the Dutch capital’s ultimate shopping paradise, but it is also a true icon of Amsterdam (and the Netherlands!) which boasts a history of almost 150 years. No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without discovering the many wonderful things de Bijenkorf has to offer.

From Humble Beginnings to International Prestige The history of the Dutch department store dates back to 1870 when Simon Philip Goudsmit decided to open a small haberdashery shop on Nieuwendijk. Back then, the shop’s inventory consisted

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primarily of textiles, threads and buttons.

After Goudsmit’s death in 1889, the shop fell into the hands of his nephew, Arthur Isaac, and de Bijenkorf began taking its first major steps towards becoming one of the most successful department stores in the country.

Of crucial importance was the relocation of the shop to Dam Square in 1912. Though originally intended as a temporary move, turnover increased fivefold, and the store has remained there ever since.

Today, de Bijenkorf is housed in a historic building, a national monument in its own right, which was designed by architect Jacques van Straaten to match the neighbouring Royal Palace. It towers majestically over the busy tourist hub and is one of the city’s main attractions, just like it was back in 1915 when it officially opened its doors.

De Bijenkorf Amsterdam has certainly come a long way since its early days. It is no longer just the Dutch who flock to de Bijenkorf, but also tourists from every corner of the globe who have discovered a most dynamic and trendsetting department store with international prestige and allure.

Spoiled For Choice De Bijenkorf has undergone a large-scale renovation in recent years with the goal of offering customers an unparalleled ‘premium experience’ in terms of luxury brands and exceptional service. With this in mind, they have significantly expanded their designer label repertoire by opening the largest luxury department in the entire Benelux region and welcoming new highend shop-in-shops. But what exactly does de Bijenkorf have to offer?

LUXURY SHOPPING

Entering through its doors on Dam Square, you will immediately be immersed in a lavish world of top brands. The impressively renovated 4300 m2 ground floor boasts an immense accessories department with a dazzling collection of some of the world’s most renowned designer labels.

Whether you are looking for a special piece of jewellery or exquisite leather accessories, expect to be spoiled for choice with a remarkable variety of luxury titans such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Furla, Chloé, Balenciaga, Fred de la Bretoniere, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Dior, Céline, and many more.

“De Bijenkorf luxury department store is a true institution of fashion and style. Defining taste and setting trends since 1870” Also on the ground floor is the dazzling 1200 m2 cosmetics department known as Beauty World. It offers a magnificent array of approximately 12,500 products from more than 200 exclusive makeup and skincare specialists spread out over 25 counters. A first in the Netherlands was the introduction of Charlotte Tilbury to de Bijenkorf, one of the UK’s top beauty experts with over two decades of A-list experience. Beauty World even has a treatment room featuring beauty giants such as La Mer, Dermalogica, La Prairie, Estée Lauder, Clinique and Guerlain. It’s the ultimate place to splurge on an indulgent facial or get professionally tailored makeup advice.

The stunning decor of the ground floor adds to the sense of opulence and grandeur.

Aiming to exude lightness and elegance, top-quality materials such as marble were used in combination with bronze-coloured steel. The larger entrances on Damrak and Beursplein have been executed in glass to dynamically connect indoors and outdoors and allow plenty of daylight to come inside.

Five Floors Catering To All Your Retail Wishes And if that isn’t enough, there are still five exciting floors left to explore, which will fulfil all your retail wishes! The welldressed man can find everything he needs on the first floor with world-class clothing labels such as Corneliani, Canali, Givenchy and Balenciaga. This floor also carries an enormous collection of footwear by brands such as Kenzo, Bottega Veneta and Lanvin, and a sneaker department with more than 60 brands. Not to be missed are the shop -in-shops of Gucci and Tod’s.

On the second floor, the fashion-conscious woman can feast her eyes on brands such as Céline, Balenciaga, Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Chloé. With more than 65 brands, including Tod’s, Maison Martin Margiela and Jimmy Choo, this floor also just happens to carry the largest collection of shoes in the entire Benelux region. Especially

exciting is the personal shopping and styling services also found on this floor. A team of professional Personal Shoppers can expertly provide advice to even the most discerning of clients. They can help you with everything from putting together the ultimate outfit for a special occasion, to renewing your wardrobe in its entirety or refreshing it with just a few key pieces. The shopping lounge boasts a total space of 52 m2 complete with two fitting rooms that can be linked together. And because the service is offered by appointment seven days per week during regular shopping hours, it is also convenient for those with busy schedules.

On the third floor, you will find more women’s shoes and accessories, as well as lingerie, a nail salon, bedding and kitchen essentials. The fourth floor includes home accessories, children’s wear, sports clothing, books, luggage and a tax-free lounge with a friendly, multilingual staff.

Hungry after all that shopping? Not only does de Bijenkorf have a passion for retail, they also have a passion for food and drink. On the fifth floor, de Bijenkorf Kitchen will tempt you with sushi, oysters, pizzas, pastas, perfectly grilled steaks and more. Looking to recharge your batteries before or after shopping? For a quick snack, head to the Dam Café located on the first floor or to the bakery on the ground floor where you can enjoy a well-prepared coffee served with one of their many mouth-watering sweet treats.

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LUXURY SHOPPING

A trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a visit to the city’s largest premium department store.

In short, de Bijenkorf provides a not-to-be-missed experience for anyone who values the finer things in life. Without a doubt, it has truly become a symbol of style and sophistication representing the company’s heritage of excellence.

More Than Just Retail Since its early days, de Bijenkorf has been known for more than just retail. Its windows, especially famous for their stunning displays during the Christmas season, have also been the site of artistic happenings (a book was once written there in a single day) and used as a podium for the National Ballet and Holland Festival. In January 2015, a unique cultural project called Room on the Roof was launched in cooperation with the Rijksmuseum. The tower on the building’s roof, which affords a stunning 360-degree view of the city, was transformed into a bright and minimalistic studio for artists, making de Bijenkorf a platform for their work, both in the store and online. Worth checking out is the Turn on the Lights event which has been taking place every November since 2009. Officially ringing in the festive season, the spectacle features theatrical street performances and culminates with the impressive illumination of the landmark building, making it the glowing epicentre of Amsterdam.

DE BIJENKORF SUNDAY - MONDAY 11.00AM - 09.00PM TUESDAY - SATURDAY 10.00AM - 09.00PM DAM 1 (CITY CENTRE) • DEBIJENKORF.NL

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Interesting Tidbits When de Bijenkorf celebrated its centennial in 1970, a party was thrown with a guest list of 700 individuals. To allow everyone else in on the fun, there was free entrance from seven that evening until midnight. Unfortunately, things

did not go quite as planned when some 20,000 youths stormed the already overcrowded department store. Disorderly conduct ensued as stones were thrown, cars demolished and windows shattered. To remedy the situation, police were brought in with water guns. Luckily, there wasn’t much chaos inside, though the party did have to end a bit earlier than planned.

“De Bijenkorf is dedicated to surprising its customers with exceptional products and focuses on inspiration and a premium experience.”

Touched by the 2016 Christmas commercial, an 87-year-old woman wrote to de Bijenkorf with her recollections of admiring the store’s holiday windows before World War II and expressing sadness for not having visited the shop in years. To show their appreciation, she was treated to a tour of the store complete with a lovely meal and gift certificate.

That de Bijenkorf is a leader in premium service is evident in a comment sent in to the store by a foreign customer: “This is the first time I have ever congratulated a shop on an employee, however I have just been shopping for clothes at de Bijenkorf and have received an exceptionally high level of service in the men’s wear department. Your sales employee offered me a level of service that I have never received before anywhere around the world and I feel that I must congratulate de Bijenkorf on having such an outstanding employee.

Many thanks.”

HAPPY DREAMS

HAPPY DIAMONDS

NEIGHBOURHOOD Amsterdam Oost

WINING & DINING IN

Amsterdam Oost The very best restaurants and bars that Amsterdam East has to offer.

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msterdam’s most of-the-moment cafes and restaurants create a compelling contrast with inexpensive immigrant eateries in one of the city’s fastest-gentrifying boroughs. The former working class area, east of the River Amstel, has become increasingly popular in recent years due, perhaps, to its relative proximity to Centrum and De Pijp and a sincere community spirit that makes everyone feel welcome. The neighbourhood wasn’t always so in demand, however. In fact, before the eastern city expansion in the last quarter of the 19th century, there was only boggy countryside here; it was a place to get some fresh air outside the stinky city centre, and not much more. But, today, there’s much to explore. There’s leafy Oosterparkbuurt with its waterside Weesperzijde, the so-called ‘golden edge of East’, Wibautstraat, a

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Looking for a taste of the real Amsterdam? You’ll find it in this diverse neighborhood. From shrimp bitterballen and award-winning burgers to Georgian dumplings and even roasted kangaroo, it’s all here. hotbed of student life, hotels and creative hubs, bustling Beukenplein, where you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink, and the majestic Museum of the Tropics. Nearby, there’s the Amsterdam School-style Transvaalbuurt, the Dappermarkt daily market (one of the city’s best) and, in eclectic Indische Buurt, hip-as-they-come Javastraat is a melting pot of old and new.

NEIGHBOURHOOD Amsterdam Oost

Three locals, who call themselves the drie wijzen uit Oost (or the “three wise men from East”) have regenerated the neighborhood’s nightlife scene by opening 11 of the city’s trendiest bars and restaurants here.

SMOKIN' BARRELS

© LEON HENDRICKX

LOUIE LOUIE

TWO ST YLED BARSOOF THE SPECTACULARLY

BY AMSTERDAMN THIS PAGE WERE DESIGN ED INTERIOR DESIG STUDIO M N AG BAR BOTANIQOUDIJEFSKY: BOTANICAL BEAENCY, UTY E SMOKIN’ BARRAND BUTCH BAR-RESTAURAN EL S. O TH ER O OST PROJECTS T, INCLUDE MAM A EDDY SPAGHETDOUGH, BAR BASQUIAT, CAFÉ MAXWELTI, BAR BUKOWSKI, L AND BIERTUIN .

BAR BOTANIQUE

SMOKIN' BARRELS

BAR BOTANIQUE

LOUIE LOUIE

This American-style grill house serves six seriously good burgers, five types of steak, three varieties of ribs, various surf ‘n turf options with lobster and a number of salads, sides and bites that pair particularly well with the craft beers and gin and tonics on offer here. While we can tell you Smokin’ Barrels’ burgers are some of the best in the city, you don’t have to take our word for it, because the “Arie Gold Burger” recently placed second in the World’s Tastiest Burger Competition. Yes, this is your chance to enjoy the 2nd best burger in the world. What are you waiting for?

Best known for its lush tropicallythemed interior, which has been widely featured in (inter)national design magazines and blogs, and praised for its bold, original design, playful pink and green colour palette, and artful use of natural light, Bar Botanique is so much more than just a pretty face. Open from early to late, the kitchen creates quite a variety of tasty meals, from healthy chia bowls and truffled eggs for breakfast to farro salad and lemon-hummus & avo sandwiches for lunch, and comfort foods like pork cheek stew and hanger steak with roasted onion gravy for dinner.

Inspired by the Kingsmen song, which matches the beautiful old building in which it is located. Massive windows give a great view of the “Ooster Park” and the “Tropenmuseum”. They have a heated terras, ideal for outside dining and drinking year round. Known for it’s relaxed everybody is welcome vibe, loved for it’s cocktail menu and South American inspired cuisine. It somehow attracts a sophisticated crowd. Sharing is caring, be it pitchers of sangria, or the small plates of food. Huge variety of Fish Veggie and Meat dishes. Open from nine in the morning starting with breakfast and open till late at night.

Weekends can be hip happing when locals come out to see their favorite DJ’s spin. All in all a must visit when in Amsterdam!

BEUKENPLEIN 22 +31 20 693 35 55 SMOKINBARRELS.NL

EERSTE VAN SWINDENSTRAAT 581 +31 20 358 65 53 BARBOTANIQUE.NL

LINNAEUSSTRAAT 11A +31 20 370 29 81 LOUIELOUIE.NL

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NEIGHBOURHOOD Amsterdam Oost

BAUT PARADIJS

© MARK RAMMERS

BAUT PARADIJS

© MARK RAMMERS

RESTAURANT C

ROTISSERIE EAST

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RESTAURANT C

ROTISSERIE EAST

BAUT PARADIJS

“It’s not the product itself, it’s the way we prepare the product that gives an extra level of taste.” Yes, at Restaurant C (short for Celsius), temperature is at the core of the concept. Whether you pop in for creative cocktails made by one of the best bartenders in the business or embark on a 360-degree culinary journey−from chilled veal tartare and low-and-slow cooked pork belly, to eringi mushroom pasta and barbecued steak, and smoked chocolate with orange ice cream−C’s where it’s at.

Get all your guilty pleasures gratified at this popular place on busy Beukenplein, which is known for its juicy spit-roasted chicken, double patty burgers and “turbo cheese fries”. While hardly healthy, Rotisserie Amsterdam takes the junk out of “junk food” by using the finest quality ingredients and making everything – yes, even the sauces, pickles and buns – from scratch. Wash down all that greedy goodness with a cocktail or gin and tonic (there are 20 types to choose from). If you’re stubbornly sticking to the West, you should know Rotisserie has a second location on the Clercqstraat 81.

This pop-up restaurant, which was originally named after its first location on Wibautstraat, morphs into a new creative concept at each location. The latest incarnation takes inspiration from its location on “paradise square”, which also explains the wall-sized mural of a modern Adam and Eve. Owned by Dutch celebrity chef Michiel van der Eerde (Masterchef Holland), a judge on the Dutch version of MasterChef, you can expect a night full of good music, delightful drinks and exciting food from all around the world.

WIBAUTSTRAAT 125 +31 20 210 30 11 C.AMSTERDAM

BEUKENPLEIN 17 +31 20 235 87 00 ROTISSERIEAMSTERDAM.NL

PARADIJSPLEIN 1, +31 20 465 92 60, BAUTAMSTERDAM.NL

NEIGHBOURHOOD Amsterdam Oost

DROVER’S DOG

VISBAR BEET

DROVER’S DOG

VISBAR BEET

THE REC 19TH-CENTURYENT RENOVATION OF WAS ORIGINAL OOSTERPARK, WHICH LY GARDEN ST YLE LAID OUT IN THE ENGLISH ARCHITECT LEO BY DUTCH LANDSCAPE EFFECTIVELY DNARD ANTHONY SPRINGER, OPENING UP VIOUBLED ITS SIZE WHILE STA BUILDINGS ALSOOF THE LISTED NGSIDE.

VISBAR BEET

DROVER’S DOG

Slightly hidden in the trendy yet still authentic neighbourhood Amsterdam East, you can find Visbar Beet. Only a stone throw away from the famous Artis Zoo this restaurant is located on the sunny corner of a local craft market called the ‘Dappermarkt’ and is known for serving the best fish and chips in town. Additionally, they serve classical fish dishes and you can also taste the freshly caught ‘pearls’ of the North Sea. Visbar Beet brings the best local fishes to the table, brought in daily from the fish market of IJmuiden. With these excellent dishes they offer beautiful wines and local brewed craftbeers. Pick your spot on the sunny terrace, inside on the cosy comfortable couches or casually at the bar. At Visbar Beet you are guaranteed to have a delicious culinary experience in Amsterdam.

Head to Wibautstraat for contemporary Australian cuisine at this undiscovered all-day eatery. Brunch brings classic eggs Benedict, corn fritters and ricotta pancakes, three styles of Bloody Mary and excellent coffee, while there are great seasonal salads and an awesome Angus beef burgers to be had for lunch. Drover’s Dog’s signature dinner dish is undoubtedly its rare roasted kangaroo loin (try it, it’s surprisingly good!) but there are also vegan beetroot burgers and Coopers beer battered fish and chips for unadventurous eaters.

DAPPERSTRAAT 26 +31 20 334 89 98 VISBARBEET.NL

EERSTE ATJEHSTRAAT 62 +31 20 370 37 84

WIBAUTSTRAAT 206 +31 20 221 37 44 DROVERS-DOG.COM

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NEIGHBOURHOOD Amsterdam Oost

BATONI KHINKALI

© DAVID TSKHADADZE

BATONI KHINKALI

© DAVID TSKHADADZE

CAFÉ KUIJPER

BORRL KITCHEN

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CAFÉ KUIJPER

BORRL KITCHEN

BATONI KHINKALI

Remember that TV show about the pub where everyone knows your name and they’re always glad you came? Well, Café Kuijper is that kind of place: a “light brown” local (a modern version of the classic Dutch “brown café”) with friendly service and a feel-at-home vibe.

Open from early in the morning until late, you’ll find a great variety of (local) craft beers, as well as typical bar food and more. Don’t miss it if you’re passing through the Oostenpark area or looking for a place to catch the big game (all AJAX matches and most top international sporting events are broadcast on a big screen here).

Borrl Kitchen, located opposite Artis Royal Zoo, is the perfect place to go from early morning to late evening for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. The menu offers delicious assortments of appetizers to share over drinks as well as tasty dishes to enjoy in a very charming atmosphere. In addition to the delicious dishes, all wines are served by the glass. Curious? Check out the menu at www.borrl.kitchen and stop

by Borrl Kitchen for tasty meals and excellent wines.

This Beukenplein eatery offers freshly made Georgian food, including khinkali (boiled dumplings) filled with minced beef, pork, onions and spices; cheese and fresh mint; or mushrooms and coriander. Grab ‘em by the top, suck up the hot juices and chomp down. Or try pkhali, a healthy vegan starter of aubergine, brown beans and paprika mixed with a walnuts pomegranates and lots of different spices or moreish acharuli khachapuri, a rich and buttery boat shaped cheese bread with oozing egg yolk. Tip: There are also specials on the weekend and amazing clay pot fermented Georgian wines.

LINNAEUSSTRAAT 7 +31 20 665 19 26 CAFEKUIJPER.NL

PLANTAGE KERKLAAN 41 +31 20 354 26 69 BORRL.KITCHEN

BEUKENPLEIN 3 +31 20 358 54 91 FB.COM/BATONIKHINKALI

NEIGHBOURHOOD Amsterdam Oost

While the number of Dutch breweries shrank from nearly 1,000 a few centuries ago to just over a dozen in the 1980s, a new generation of craft breweries, with names like Lowlander, Oedipus and Two Chefs, is shaking things up.

DE BIERTUIN

© JAMIE SNOECK

BAR BASQUIAT BAR BUKOWSKI

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© LEON HENDRICKX

BAR BASQUIAT

DE BIERTUIN

BAR BUKOWSKI

This New York themed bar, which got its name from the eponymous graffiti artist, feels suitably edgy and arty, with its dirty pink décor and eclectic menu. There are American pancakes, Lebanese pizza, falafel sandwiches and veggie quinoa salads by day, while pop-up Viet View turns up the heat at night with Vietnamese curry bowls, Bahn mi and their amazing rice-paper rolls.

The corner bar has a cozy curb-side terrace and there are often urban parties hosted here on the weekend.

With its respectable beer selection and affordable cocktails, Bar Basquiat certainly deserves a detour if you happen to be in the vicinity.

East of leafy Oosterpark sits one of the city’s best beer gardens with a convivial terrace that’s inviting even in the cooler months. De Biertuin is perhaps even more famous for its delicious spit-roasted chicken, classic burgers and vibrant atmosphere than for its large selection of local and international craft beers – you’ll find over 100 bottled brews and some 16 beers on draft. Open daily from 11:00 till late, serving lunch, bar snacks and dinner, it’s always a good time to go. If you’re stubbornly sticking to the Centrum, you should know De Biertuin recently opened a second location on Prinsengracht 494.

Named after Charles Bukowski, who was perhaps just as well-known for his boozing and womanising as for his literature, attentive visitors may notice several references to the famous writer, from a typewriterinspired light fixture above the bar to various quotes scattered throughout the menu. This popular locals’ hang-out opposite Oosterpark is the polar opposite of a tourist trap, and with plenty of breakfast and lunch options, and bar bites served until after midnight (the “supernachos” are, indeed, super!), you can come to Amsterdam East’s hottest hideout hungry or thirsty, because “there is always a reason to drink,” as Bukowski famously said.

JAVASTRAAT 88-90 +31 20 370 83 34 BARBASQUIAT.NL

LINNAEUSSTRAAT 29 +31 20 665 09 56 DEBIERTUIN.NL

OOSTERPARK 10 +31 20 370 16 85 BARBUKOWSKI.NL

NEIGHBOURHOOD Amsterdam Oost

DID YOU AMSTERDAM ISKNOW THAT NATIONALITIE HOME TO MORE IN THE WORLDS THAN ANY OTHER CITY FROM OVER 18 ? THAT ’S RIGHT, PEOPLE HOME, WHICH 0 COUNTRIES NOW CALL IT IS WHY LIKE OOST ARNE EIGHBORHOODS TR MELTING POTS UE .

MAMA DOUGH

EDDY SPAGHETTI

© JAMIE SNOECK

MAXWELL CAFÉ

© LEON HENDRICKX

MAMA DOUGH

EDDY SPAGHETTI

MAXWELL CAFÉ

Take it from us: Mama Dough is a definite must go! This stone oven pizza bar is world famous (well, in Amsterdam East, at least) for its burrata and even more so for its outstanding pizza, with over 17 varieties, including a kiddie pizza, a vegan option with tomato, mushrooms, aubergine, courgette, asparagus and purslane and, perhaps our favourite, pizza bianca with cime di rapa (turnip tops), homemade sausage and smoked buffalo mozzarella. There are also plenty of Italian wines, various local beers, six styles of Negroni and dessert cocktails like sgroppino and espresso martini to end your experience in style.

A pizza stone’s throw away from busy Beukenplein, at up-andcoming Krugerplein, sits one of the East’s best-kept secrets. With classic plates of pasta (most of which can be ordered gluten-free), excellent antipasti platters – no doubt inspired by the chef’s Tuscan heritage – as well as pizzas, classic Italian desserts like panna cotta and tiramisu and a wide range of gin and tonics, it’s hard to beat this local gem. There are also two styles of spaghetti for the “bambinos” so, by all means, take the kids, but be aware that space is limited. Generally, the earlier you get there, the better!

The cosiest bar in Amsterdam East was created with a singular goal in mind: to be a relaxed place where all kinds of people from the diverse neighbourhood can meet over a coffee, wine or beer (there are nine beers on draft as well as many craft beers from local breweries to choose from). With a large, sunny terrace on the Beukenplein – a small square at the heart of the borough, which is home to a diverse range of bars and restaurants – this is an excellent place to kick off your bar crawl, and grab a bite in-between, too.

BEUKENPLEIN 21 +31 20 362 43 90 MAMADOUGH.NL

KRUGERPLEIN 23 +31 20 370 93 88 EDDYSPAGHETTI.NL

BEUKENPLEIN 27 +31 20 772 67 48 MAXWELLCAFE.NL

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NEIGHBOURHOOD Amsterdam Oost

M

BROUWERIJ 'T UST SEE LOCATED IN A FO IJ IS A SMALL BREWERY THE DE GOO RMER BATHHOUSE, NEX STANDARD SEYELER WINDMILL, THAT BREWST TO SEASONAL AND CTION OF BEERS AS WEL A TO BROUWERIJSPECIAL OCCASION BEERS. LNAS & WEIZEN, A G'T IJ YOU'LL FIND SCHNITZE EX T REA L SCHNITZEL ANDT PLACE FOR LOVERS OF B TERRACE OFFER EER. THE SUNNY S A ST ON THE WINDMUNNING VIEW ILL.

THE LOBBY SCHNITZEL & WEIZEN

SCHNITZEL & WEIZEN IJS VAN OOST

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SCHNITZEL & WEIZEN

THE LOBBY

IJS VAN OOST

Schnitzel & Weizen does what it says on the proverbial tin, serving weizenbier (or “wheat beer”) and seven styles of schnitzel, from the authentic Viennese veal version to a veggie variety with sweet potato, parsnip and chickpeas, and a creative monthly special (right now: Asian style). Situated next to the famous Brouwerij ‘t IJ brewery with its landmark windmill, you can’t miss it. The sunny waterside terrace is certainly an additional selling point, should the dreary autumn weather improve.

Restaurant the Lobby in Hotel V in the city centre has been praised for its food, atmosphere and service in every single review. So when the owners were building a new hotel on the east side of the city, they decided to open another ‘The Lobby’. The Lobby Fizeaustraat is successfully carrying on the tradition of a warm and cosy interior and unbridled love for good food; think along the lines of roasted beets with buffalo ricotta and Spanish almonds to blacklegged ‘Poulet Noir’ chicken with cauliflower and polenta.

If there’s one shop all the kids in Indische Buurt know by name, it’s this one. Apparently, the passionate people behind this neighbourhood ice cream shop still make ice cream the old fashioned way and, we’re told, go on an annual world tour to find inspiration and source the finest ingredients, like pistachios and vanilla, but Dutch dairy remains the proud base of everything made here, of course. Standout flavours include pistachio, mango, chocolate, raspberry, coconut and blood orange.

ZEEBURGERPAD 1 +31 20 238 69 88 SCHNITZELENWEIZEN.NL

FIZEAUSTRAAT 2 +31 20 758 52 75 THELOBBYFIZEAUSTRAAT.NL

JAVASTRAAT 79 +31 6 4120 18 47 FB.COM/IJS-VAN-OOST

Trendy gifts for everyone

Dam Square Souvenirs is the place for top-quality dutch souvenirs and gifts.

An unforgetable shopping experience at Dam Square situated Dam 17 and Dam 19 www.dutchsouvenirs.com

WATCHES

Haves Must

S

HE TC A W

Selected by Gassan

Gassan is probably the most famous Dutch watch and jewelry shop around. The stores offer you all the highlights of the Haute Horlogerie with luxury watches of high-class brands such as Rolex, Cartier, Chanel, Audemars Piguet, Longines, Breitling, Tudor, Breguet, Blancpain, Richard Mille, Omega, Vacheron Constantin and many more. Gassan is also home to the first Rolex Boutique in the Nederlands.

Rolex Datejust

Oyster, 31 mm, steel and Everose gold The Rolex Datejust is the modern archetype of the classic watch, thanks to aesthetics and functions that transcend changes in fashion. Aesthetically, the Datejust has spanned eras, while retaining the enduring codes that make it, notably in its traditional versions, one of the most recognised and recognisable of watches.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Oyster, 40 mm, yellow gold

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, introduced in 1963, was designed to meet the demands of professional racing drivers. With its highly reliable chronograph and bezel with tachymetric scale, it allows drivers to perfectly measure average speeds up to 400 kilometres or miles per hour, as they choose. An icon eternally joined in name and function to the high‑performance world of motor sport.

Rolex Day-Date

Oyster, 40 mm, white gold

Rolex Celini Moonphase

39 mm, 18 ct Everose gold, polished finish The Cellini collection is a contemporary celebration of classicism and the eternal elegance of traditional timepieces, combining the best of Rolex know-how and its high standards of perfection with an approach that heightens watchmaking heritage in its most timeless form.

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In 1956, the Rolex Day-Date made its debut. It was the first wristwatch to display the date and day of the week spelt out in full in a window on the dial.

With the President bracelet, originally created specially for it, the Day-Date continues to be the watch par excellence of influential people.

WATCHES

Rolex Sea-DwellerOyster, 43 mm, steel

The ultra-resistant divers’ models engineered by Rolex for the conquest of the deep.

Waterproof to a depth of 4,000 feet (1,220 metres) for the Rolex Sea-Dweller and 12,800 feet (3,900 meters) for the Rolex Deepsea, they are the result of decades of collaboration with diving professionals.

Rolex Sky-Dweller

Oyster, 42 mm, steel and white gold A distinctive technological masterpiece protected by 11 to 14 patents depending on the model, the Rolex Sky-Dweller provides the information global travellers need to keep track of time at a glance. Launched in 2012, the Sky-Dweller is a compelling timepiece of revolutionary design that blends to perfection mechanical sophistication and ease of use.

Rolex GMT-Master II Oyster, 40 mm, white gold

Although the Rolex GMTMaster was designed essentially for professional use, its combination of peerless functionality and rugged good looks has attracted a wider travelling public. As well as appreciating its ability to display different time zones, these travellers admire the robustness and versatile appearance that make the GMTMaster eminently suitable for globetrotting and, indeed, for any occasion.

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Rolex Yacht-Master II Oyster, 44 mm, steel

The Rolex Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II models embody the spirit of the sailor.

Inspired by the rich heritage that has bound Rolex to the world of sailing since the 1950s, the Yacht-Master blends function and style, while the Yacht-Master II brings together the finest in Rolex technology to create a regatta chronograph built for yachting competition.

GASSAN Rokin 1-5 / Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175 / PC Hooftstraat 84 gassan.com

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INTERVIEW

EDITOR LEX STORK

PHOTOGRAPHER PASCAL BIER

Amsterdam Vintage Watches Time waits patiently in ‘The Nine Streets’ district in the shape of vintage timepieces, which turn back the clock to the golden age of watchmaking. Amsterdam Vintage Watches located on Singel is a highly specialised and trusted address for vintage watches.

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Step inside Amsterdam Vintage Watches – the store is located in an area known to locals as De 9 Straatjes or ‘The Nine Streets’, a vibrant neighbourhood with lots of vintage and designer shopping, speciality stores and cosy cafés – and you will notice the picture of a Rolex GMT Master ‘Pepsi’.

It’s the watch that ignited Jasper Lijfering’s love for vintage timepieces and that love runs deep as the store he runs clearly shows. Jasper is a ‘Rolex guy’ but at the same time he loves every interesting classic timepiece, no matter what brand, just as long as it has a good story to tell.

Jasper is infected by the watch virus and his shop shows just that. Since 2014 Jasper has run the store that was originally founded by his parents in 1987. Before that he studied to become a jeweller and worked for several high-end jewellery shops in Amsterdam. Jasper is in his mid-twenties but maybe he has an old soul; although he follows the newly released watches from the leading high-end watch manufacturers, only vintage watches really make him tick. “I follow what comes out, but a new watch just doesn’t set me on fire like a vintage one with a unique history does.”

“A new watch just doesn’t set me on fire like a vintage one with a unique history does” Quality and rarity The collection at Amsterdam Vintage Watches is very dynamic. Some watches, especially rare Rolex and Tudor models, only get to sit for a very short period of time in the showcase; vintage watches are hot as we already found out. We’ve seen a slowdown in the market for new watches during the last couple of years, but the vintage watch market is booming. After a series of record sales in 2015 and 2016, expectations are high for this year’s vintage watch auctions, the barometer for all vintage watches on sale worldwide. Not too long ago, auction house Sotheby’s sold the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication, the most complicated pocket watch ever made without computer-assisted design, for $24 million, the most ever paid for a watch at an auction and $13 million more than it sold for in 1999. There’s no denying, there’s big money in vintage watches right now.

But if you want to shop at Amsterdam Vintage Watches, you don’t have to bring millions. A Rolex Submariner 16610 from the late 1980s at Amsterdam Vintage Watches can be yours for € 5,900. Serious money maybe, but

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what you get for that money is a serious watch that most likely will keep its value. Vintage watches should be valued for their aesthetics, technical function and so on, not merely as investments—we have the stock market for that. Still, if watch purchases are driven by passion, an understanding of the quality and rarity, and are done after thorough research, then they have proven to be profitable.

The love for vintage watches is now more visible than ever before.

Amsterdam Vintage Watches proves that. But vintage watch collecting has existed since the 1960s. You can’t compare it to vintage cars, but the market is maturing rapidly. Not too long ago, watch magazines didn’t cover vintage timepieces at all because there was no advertising in it. Because of that, the vintage watch could only be found amongst the most die-hard of collectors. The Internet changed all that. What we see now is a constant stream of communication and trusted sources of knowledge about classic watches available to everyone. Today the learning curve is massive with all the blogs and fora available. The market is appreciating every single detail of a watch today and that was not the case before. It’s safe to say that we’re only beginning to understand the meaning and value of vintage watches.

We see thousands of new people interested in vintage watches every year, and explosive growth in values, and this is just over the last five years or so.

“The future is vintage” Jasper understands vintage watches very well. He explains that “Most watch brands are paying more and more attention to vintage. The leading manufacturers have woken up and are helping to develop the market for vintage timepieces. Brands have started to provide access to information about their past and that creates understanding in the market. Knowledge about the heritage of watches is key. Without a documented history, a watch is just a watch, but when you can dive into the history, a watch can become an object of desire. And still we have a long, long way to go. I think it’s safe to say the future is vintage.”

Jasper also mentions another relevant development: the stream of retro watches. These are models based on historical pieces but made with modern materials and technology. “Over the last couple of years” he elaborates, “a vast stream of retro watches have been brought – modern watches based on the original from the 60s for instance. It’s a trend and it also sparks curiosity. People want to know what the original looks like. For some, an old watch which has its flaws is not for them. For others, however, it could be the start of an interest in vintage watches. I think retro watches are a sign that manufacturers see the potential of vintage timepieces. The current state of the market shows that when modern decreases, vintage increases.”

INTERVIEW

It’s the Rolex GMT Master ‘Pepsi’ that ignited Jasper Lijfering’s love for vintage timepieces 103

INTERVIEW

Stepping inside Amsterdam Vintage Watches is a great experience. Maybe even a bit confusing; is it a museum or is it a shop? Maybe a little bit of both but at least here you can buy the actual collection instead of a reproduction.

What to expect when you enter the store? “Apart from the usual suspects like Rolex and Omega, we have some very unusual and lesser known brands on offer at Amsterdam Vintage Watches,” explains Jasper who has a strong love for Rolex and a soft spot for Tudor, Rolex’s more affordable sister brand. But what are his dark horses? “We are noticing a growing interest in brands that have normally flown under the radar at Amsterdam Vintage Watches. We have a growing demand for brands such as Breitling and Longines. Heuer chronographs are also hot right now.”

“Next to Rolex and Omega we have a growing demand for brands such as Breitling and Longines. Heuer chronographs are also hot right now. ”

© FRANK KARSSING

exclusive timepieces, we also offer various lifestyle products for the watch aficionado. A watch lover not only loves watches, he or she loves everything about and relating watches. To top it all off, we provide services concerning restoration or maintenance of your precious watches, as we work with the finest watchmakers Europe has to offer.”

Overwhelmed by all the vintage watch goodness? Have a rest in one of the comfy chairs and enjoy a cup of coffee, or even something stronger. And whether you’re a vintage watch newbie or a seasoned collector, it’s well worth your while to meet up with Jasper and talk timepieces. It won’t be a waste of time.

JASPER’S VINTAGE WATCH TIPS

Trust, service and a certificate

• Look for quality first; quality is more important than rarity

The Internet may have helped the rise of vintage watches, but buying a costly timepiece online is another matter. One of the most important factors in the sales process of a valuable vintage watch is trust and finding that online might prove difficult, especially for newcomers on the vintage watch scene. Jasper says that having a physical presence in the shape of a store creates trust. “Amsterdam Vintage Watches is now a household name when it comes to vintage watches. Having a store people can visit and come back to has helped build our reputation,” Jasper explains.

• Buy what you love, not what you think the market loves

When you buy a watch with Jasper over at Amsterdam Vintage Watches, he has a smart buying plan to offer, plus a range of more trust-inspiring conditions. “Without exception, all the offered pieces meet our high condition standards and are 100% original as well as serviced and checked prior to selling,” explains Jasper. And besides the sale of

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• Don’t buy a watch as an investment, buy it because you want it • Buy from a trusted reseller that has done its (and maybe even your) homework • Go for all original and period correct

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A M S T E R D A M V I N TA G E WAT C H E S Singel 414 amsterdamvintagewatches.com

MAP OF AMSTERDAM South

Timeless design since 1881.

What started as a glass factory in Iittala, Finland, today celebrates generations of essential objects that are made to enrich people’s everyday lives. We believe objects should be distinctive, combinable and multi-functional, with lasting design that inspires individual use and expression. We don’t just create beautiful objects. We believe in timeless design that will never be thrown away.

Discover our timeless design at the Iittala flagship store on Van Baerlestraat 76 (near Museumplein).

Iittala products are also sold at De Bijenkorf and &Klevering. For more information visit iittala.com.

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DISCOVER AMSTERDAM

THE GUIDE

The Guide

HELLOS AM L .N

THE BEST PLACES TO EAT • DRINK • SHOP & EXPLORE 107

THE GUIDE

RESTAURANTS & BARS

TS N A R U A T RES BARS D BE & HERE YOU SHOUTLNOW?

STRAND ZUID

RIGH ING W WONDEGRIN AMSTERDAMHT PLACE. EATIN U'RE IN THE RIG YO

EUROPAPLEIN 22 • +31 20 639 25 89 • STRAND-ZUID.NL This hideaway behind the RAI Convention Centre recently transformed into a slick bar and restaurant that brings the beach a whole lot closer to the city. With its Balinese beach beds and golden sand, it’s the ideal spot for midweek beach breaks and bouts of impromptu beach volleyball. Looking to linger longer?

There’s plenty of surf and turf options, and some vegan ones too. Or, simply grab an ice cold craft beer at the beach bar and watch the sun go down on the water-side terrace.

DAILY OPEN: 10.00AM – 1.00AM

BRIDGES INSPIRED BY RON BLAAUW

OUDEZIJDS VOORBURGWAL 197 • +31 20 555 35 60 • BRIDGESRESTAURANT.NL Bridges is all about fish! Executive Chef Andrès Delpeut is always looking for creative ways to make classic, traditional dishes perfect with a unique twist.

Bridges is the place where every ‘Amsterdammer’ feels at home: a restaurant with inviting service, hospitality and conviviality; a place to enjoy the spectacular pairings of seafood and wine. Bridges: a dining experience to delight all senses!

© KAAN SENSOY

In the Foodbar we literally serve the best of both worlds. Enjoy delicious, great quality bites; everything prepared while you watch! Join us for Happy Oyster Hour, the first Friday of every month between 6 pm and 7 pm. Celebrate the beginning of the weekend and relax with a lovely glass of wine or cocktail, whilst enjoying complimentary oysters.

LUNCH: TUESDAY/FRIDAY 12.00PM – 2.30PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1.00PM – 3.00PM DINNER: OPENED EVERY DAY 6.30PM – 10:30PM

VONDELPARK3

VONDELPARK 3 • +31 20 639 25 89 • VONDELPARK3.NL Situated in the striking 19th-century Italian Renaissance-style Vondelpark Pavilion in Amsterdam’s most famous patch of greenery, Kitchen & Bar Vondelpark 3 is perfectly positioned as the park’s de facto living room. It’s a place where joggers, sun-worshippers and nature lovers come together over breakfast, lunch, drinks or dinner. The large outside terrace is a must-visit if the weather permits, but the recently renovated interior, with its white marble floors, cognac coloured leather couches and copper accents, certainly has its charms too.

DAILY OPEN: 10.00AM – 11.00PM

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RESTAURANTS & BARS

THE GUIDE

MO-JO JAPANESE KITCHEN

OOSTERDOKSKADE 133 • +31 20 740 0900 • MO-JO.EU An absolute hotspot for devoted sushi lovers: restaurant Mo-Jo Japanese Kitchen - a unique blend of Japanese cuisine and elegant design. For a fixed price, starting at €26.95, you may enjoy an unlimited number of home-made Japanese delicacies including sparklingly fresh sushi, light and crisp tempura, and numerous other classic and sizzling grill dishes. Or to order your favorites individually, opt for a la carte.

The extensive sake & wine list includes a selection of beautiful yet moderately priced sakes and wines.

During lunchtime, the menu serves bento boxes for €12.50 or the unlimited Japanese lunch for €21.50.

Mo-Jo Japanese Kitchen is situated just a five minute walk from the Amsterdam Central Station and has floor-to-ceiling glass that offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Oosterdok and the old centre of Amsterdam.

DAILY OPEN: 12.00PM – 11.00PM

‘T PAKHUIS – STEAKS & RIBS VOETBOOGSTRAAT 10-12 • EETCAFEHETPAKHUIS.NL

Since 1975, Eetcafé ‘t Pakhuis has been synonymous with that cosy and characteristic Amsterdam atmosphere where just about anyone will feel at home – from locals to tourists alike.

Come here to enjoy a beer with one of the many delicious appetisers in their genuinely styled ‘brown café’, or to have lunch or dinner. The menu features many traditionally Dutch choices such as pancakes, bitterballen and uitsmijters (slices of bread topped with ham or bacon, cheese and fried eggs)!

MONDAY – SATURDAY 11.00AM – 12.00AM • SUN. 12.00AM – 10.30PM

ZUID

STADIONWEG 320 • RESTAURANTZUID.AMSTERDAM ZUID is the newest restaurant from Michiel van der Eerde (Masterchef Holland), next to an intimate atmosphere it brings an exciting mix between classic and modern. This mix provides a ‘no nonsense’ dish for any moment or mood of the day: from a quick coffee in the morning to a main course during lunch. ZUID makes quality food and drinks accessible and has an interior which is a sight to see on its own.

© JAAP BEYLEVELD

DAILY OPEN: 10.00AM – 1.00AM

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THE GUIDE

RESTAURANTS & BARS

BUBBLES & WINES

NES 37 • +31 20 422 33 18 • BUBBLESANDWINES.COM In one of the quaintest streets of Amsterdam, and only one-minute-walk distance from the famous Dam Square, you will find wine- and Champagne bar Bubbles & Wines. In a modern, intimate chocolate brown ambiance you can enjoy more than 55 wines by the glass (including several sparkling) and over 500 by the bottle. The specialties are the “wine flights”, three half glasses from one grape variety but from different wine regions. Make nice matches with the Gourmet Bites or just come in for a glass of Champagne, Pinot Grigio or Pinot Noir. The professional staff will help you out choosing your wine and matching Bites.

Recently L’Atelier du Champagne opened next door to Bubbles & Wines – a lovely Champagne shop were you can find over 200 different Champagnes from both big brands and small growers.

MONDAY – SATURDAY 3.30PM – 1.00AM • SUNDAY 2.00PM – 9.00PM

LUCIUS SEAFOOD

SPUISTRAAT 247 • +31 20 624 18 31 • LUCIUS.NL For more than 40 years Lucius Seafood restaurant, in the heart of Amsterdam, has been a reliable address for the true gourmets who love seafood. A restaurant where quality, service and atmosphere are highly valued. Lucius seafood restaurant serves fresh oysters, lobster, Dover sole, a large variety of North sea fish, crustaceans, shellfish and culinary surprises in a traditional Amsterdam setting. The kitchen opens at 5pm for early dinners and stays open till midnight for your late night meal or your champagne and oyster start of the “night in town” supper. Lucius seafood restaurant is open seven days a week and is visited by locals and guests from all over the world and the menu is available in nine different languages.

DAILY OPEN: 5.00PM – 12.00AM • RESERVATION NEEDED

LOS FELIZ

ALBERT CUYPSTRAAT 88 • +31 20 773 49 05 • LOSFELIZ.NL Fancy delicious food with your cocktail? From the team that brought you Bakers & Roasters comes Los Feliz. It’s a tribute to brunch, cocktails and delicious Californian-Mexican food. Join them for a Chipotle Grapefruit Mezcalina, a Hibiscus Margarita or any one of their other delicious margaritas, cocktails or artisan Mezcals. You can find them in bohemian De Pijp in a converted old fire brigade building on the iconic Albert Cuyp Market.

DAILY OPEN: 10.00AM – 4.00PM • 5.00–11.00PM

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Experience Amsterdam from the water •

No. 1 Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

•

Individual seats

•

Individual audio system in 19 languages

•

Open boats if weather permits

•

Frequent departures

LOVERS Canal Cruises 1hr. Canal Cruise | Semi-Open Boat Cruise | Amsterdam Burger & Pizza Cruise | Candlelight Cruise | Amsterdam Dinner Cruise Prins Hendrikkade 25-27, Amsterdam | www.lovers.nl

THE GUIDE

RESTAURANTS & BARS

OLIJFJE

VALKENBURGERSTRAAT 223D • +31 20 330 44 44 • RESTAURANTOLIJFJE.NL For an unforgettable evening of Mediterranean delights, head on over to restaurant Olijfje where both you and your taste buds will be pampered with a fine selection of homemade Spanish tapas, Mediterranean mezzes, grill specialties and more amidst pleasant surroundings.

If you enjoy tender meats, fresh seafood and exquisite Spanish wines, Olijfje does not disappoint.

Delight in starters such as hummus, tzatziki, flaky pastry rolls with Turkish feta, Greek dolmas and deep-fried king prawns while the chef expertly prepares your main on a charcoal grill. Olijfje prides itself on using mostly organic products. Care for an ice-cold beer? ‘Mahou’, a Spanish specialty beer, is available straight from the tap!

DAILY OPEN: 4.00PM – 1.00AM • MONDAY CLOSED

BAR JACKSON DUBOIS

SPUI 10 • +31 6 46 36 00 44 • JACKSONDUBOIS.COM While he continues his constant journey and explorations, world traveller Jackson Dubois found his new home in Amsterdam. From Wednesday until Saturday, Bar Jackson Dubois will share the special memories of a world explorer at the Spui.

When the hands of the clock are superposed, Caffe Esprit transfers into a stylish bar with remarkable food and drinks. Same location; a complete different experience. This is Jackson Dubois’ world. Bar Jackson Dubois serves up the memories of a world traveller. The menu is filled with authentic tastes from across the whole world.

WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY 6.00PM – 1.00AM

GRAND CAFÉ RESTAURANT 1E KLAS

STATIONSPLEIN 15 (PLATFORM 2B) +31 20 625 01 31 • RESTAURANT1EKLAS.NL A hidden gem for the tourism and business sector. This surprising historic (1885) restaurant, dating from 1885 is located on platform 2B in Amsterdam’s Central Station.

The famous, monumental restaurant is designated (top 10 The Guardian) as best Station Restaurant in Europe.

1e Klas is a warm meeting place for everyone. The authentic hospitality establishment is a meltingpot of national and international guests, (train) travellers and passers-by. 1e Klas is open 7 days a week from 08.30 am - 11.00 pm for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Special Hello Amsterdam offer: 2=1 menu €39,50

DAILY OPEN 8.30AM – 11.00PM

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RESTAURANTS & BARS

THE GUIDE

JANSZ.

REESTRAAT 8 • +31 20 523 52 82 • JANSZAMSTERDAM.COM atisfy your lunch cravings at Jansz. in the Reestraat.

This effortless, yet upscale, all-day dining restaurant respects the simplicity of quality ingredients. Enjoy a warm plate of steamy Truffle Orecchiette Pasta or opt for the Salmon on Brioche in the peaceful, light filled, canal-fronting dining room.

The former inhabitant of the building, 17th century Dutch merchant Volckert Jansz., was not only known for his exquisite taste for food, but also for style.

This is beautifully reflected throughout the series of rooms with wood floors, a mix of marble and wooden table tops and walls decorated with old portraits and hints of copper.

A new old world of simple elegance is closer than you think.

SUNDAY/THURSDAY 6.30AM – 10.00PM • FRIDAY & SATURDAY 6.30AM – 11.00PM

TAPZUID BURGERS, BEERS & MORE

MAASSTRAAT 70 • +31 20 205 20 02 • TAPZUID.AMSTERDAM The local craft beer scene is alive and kicking at TapZuid, a Brooklyn style bar and restaurant that serves beers from all of Amsterdam’s 35 craft breweries. Since opening its doors in 2015 the bar quickly turned into a neighborhood hotspot, attracting both beer aficionados and trendy twenty-somethings.

A New York Times favorite Whether you’re into craft brewing or looking for a non-touristy place to hang out and enjoy the excellent local cuisine, TapZuid will not disappoint. The generously sized homemade burgers and sun-soaked terrace make it a NYT favorite.

SUNDAY / THURSDAY 15.00PM – 1.00AM FRIDAY / SATURDAY 15.00PM – 3.00AM

STORK

GEDEMPT HAMERKANAAL 201 • +31 20 634 40 00 • RESTAURANTSTORK.NL Opened in the former Stork industrial complex on the northern shores of 't IJ, this restaurant offers a great menu with fish and shellfish dishes. If you can’t make up your mind, just order the Fruits de Mer platter. The impressive seafood platter contains almost every type of fish and shellfish on the menu: oysters, cockles, vongole, scallops, shrimps, razor clams, mussels, North Sea crab claws (half lobster supplement and snow crab legs supplement).

A great fish restaurant situated at the northern banks of the river IJ offering a wide range of products for the seafood and fish gourmet.

DAILY OPEN: 11.00AM – KITCHEN OPEN UNTIL 10.00PM

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THE GUIDE

RESTAURANTS & BARS

OESTERBAR

LEIDSEPLEIN 10 • +31 20 623 29 88 • OESTERBAR.NL Unsurprisingly, this Leidseplein landmark, which was established in 1938, is well known for its perfectly plump oysters (its name means “oyster bar”, after all), and there are eight options to choose from.

However, the shrimp croquettes with mustard mayonnaise and deepfried parsley are enduringly popular too. The North Sea sole, served with oven baked potatoes and salad, is particularly good here, and certainly worth the splurge, but there are plenty of budget friendly options as well (the spaghetti vongole, for instance). We also recommend the Plateau Royale, an etagiere packed with king crab, North Sea crab, oysters, prawns, scallops, mussels, cockles, pallourdes and various types of shrimp. Fittingly, considering the restaurant’s proximity to the Stadsschouwburg and DeLaMar theatres, there’s also a 3-course theatre menu (until 18:30). The waiters are friendly, attentive and always

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happy to offer advice, the wine list is well-considered and the acoustics are excellent. Oesterbar’s décor is classic, with white table cloths, tiled tableaus of local landmarks and Dutch fishing ports, burgundy coloured banquettes, and an open kitchen. In a sea of new-fangled seafood concepts, this authentic mainstay continues to steer its own course. Just look out for the characteristic red and blue marquee between all the tourist traps. Tip: the restaurant is small, so do make a reservation. And, while you’re at it, ask for a table by the window (prime real estate for people watching on the adjacent square) or next to the large salt water aquarium with colourful tropical fish.

MONDAY – SUNDAY 5.30PM – 11.00PM

Oudebrugsteeg 7 1012 JN Amsterdam www.heffer.nl 5 min. walk from central station

THE GUIDE

RESTAURANTS & BARS

TULSI INDIAN CUISINE

VAN WOUSTRAAT 212 • +31 20 331 64 03 • TULSI-RESTAURANT.NL In multiculti De Pijp, you’ll find this sophisticated Indian restaurant with its authentic starters, fragrant curries, tandoori grill dishes and a wide variety of vegetarian options, including a 3-course vegetarian menu for only €23.00! With over 20 years’ experience, the chefs here know how to balance those all-important hot, sour, salty and sweet flavours. Curries have long been known for their cooling effects on the system, and Tulsi’s large terrace, which can seat 80 guests, is an ideal escape on a hot summer day.

MONDAY – SUNDAY 5.00PM – 11.30PM

CAFE BLOND

FERDINAND BOLSTRAAT 44 • +31 20 333 0646 • CAFEBLOND.COM What started as a small workshop operated by two friends, 16 years ago has grown into one of the most recognizable tableware brands. Blond Amsterdam now openend her first Blond Cafe just around the corner of her famous flagship store in the Gerard Doustraat. Open for a perfect breakfast, treats, lunch, high tea and drinks. And you can even buy your Amsterdam souvenir in their shop next to the cafe!

MONDAY/FRIDAY 08.30AM – 6.00PM SATURDAY 9.00AM – 7.00PM • SUNDAY 10.00AM – 6.00PM

SHAHJAHAN INDIAN RESTAURANT

1E ANJELIERS DWARSSTRAAT 18 • +31 20 624 01 22 • SHAH-JAHAN.NL Shahjahan Indian restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam is the heart and soul of many Amsterdammers, Indian and Dutch alike. Authentic and aromatic Indian food at Shahjahan touches the right chords making every visit an everlasting experience for the visitors. The chef and staff here vouches for unforgettable experience for first time as well as repeat customers. Eat it to believe it!

OPEN DAILY 5.00 – 11.00 PM

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THE GUIDE

CAFÉ KARPERSHOEK

MARTELAARSGRACHT 2 • CAFEKARPERSHOEK.COM Café Karpershoek is the oldest pub in Amsterdam. In 1606 the Karpershoek started as a guest house for ship’s crew of the Dutch East Indian Company (VOC). Today, it is an authentic brown café, well visited by both tourists and locals, enjoying the typical atmosphere and all kinds of beer. An excellent place for a chat with real Amsterdam people.

SUNDAY/THURSDAY 09.00AM – 01.00AM • FRIDAY/SATURDAY 09.00AM – 02.00AM

HEFFER SPORTSBAR OUDEBRUGSTEEG 7 • HEFFER.NL

If sports is your thing, then look no further than the brand new Heffer Sportsbar. Located in the former Excise House, just a few steps away from Central Station and on the outskirts of the Red Light District. This is the place in Amsterdam to watch all major sporting events and enjoy a delicious hamburger, the famous Poke Bowl and a Heineken beer. Across a wide range of HD screens you can sit back, take a break and watch a good game!

SUNDAY/THURSDAY 08.00AM – 01.00AM • FRIDAY/SATURDAY 08.00AM – 03.00AM

CAFÉ DE STER

MARTELAARSGRACHT 20-22 • CAFEDESTER.AMSTERDAM Right next to Central Station you’ll find the cosy Café de Ster. A perfect location for the best beer of the city together with ‘ossenworst’ (raw beef) and an authentic Amsterdam atmosphere. Enjoy the historical surroundings and a local welcome. The fantastic bartenders know how to make a party and also sing along with the famous Dutch music.

MONDAY/SATURDAY 10.00AM – 12.00AM • SUNDAY 10.00AM – 10.00PM

AMSTERDAM ICEBAR AMSTEL 194-196 • XTRACOLD.COM

The Amsterdam Icebar is the ´coolest´ bar in Amsterdam. Dutch weather changes daily, but here it is always freezing. Everything is made of ice: the bar, the chairs, the sculptures and even your glass. 60 tons of ice were used in its creation. No wonder you are loaned a thick coat when you enter. You receive one fresh, tasty welcome cocktail (or large beer) and two flavored shots or beers in a glass made of ice!

MONDAY/THURSDAY 12.30PM – 01.00AM • FRIDAY/SATURDAY 12.00PM – 02.40AM SUNDAY 12.00PM – 01.00AM • MINIMUM AGE 18 YEARS

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THE GUIDE

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

“Holland Casino is the place to be

for an exciting night out!”

NOW THAT YOU ARE HERE, YOU MUST CHECK OUT THIS PLACE!

MAX EUWEPLEIN 62 • WWW.HOLLANDCASINO.NL/HELLOAMSTERDAM When visiting Amsterdam, you must check out Holland Casino Amsterdam. Enjoy a variety of slot machines and complete gaming range consisting of Blackjack, American Roulette, Money Wheel, Punto Blanco, Bingo and Poker with professional dealers. Make sure to visit the Highand Low Limit Area. The High Limit Area is an exclusive and private gaming area available for guests with large spending patterns. You are able to play Blackjack, Punto Banco or Roulette. If you are looking for a more relaxing atmosphere, visit the Low Limit Area on Friday and Saturday evening and get familiar with the game. Both options will provide you with an eye opening experience. Holland Casino adds a lot of value to a place where you can play for money in a responsible and a safe environment.

“Dining at Holland Casino is always a culinary adventure.”

Free Admission & free drink Visit the casino with a special Hello Amsterdam voucher for free admission and a free drink. Get your free ticket on www.hollandcasino.nl/helloamsterdam Golden Week & Moon Party This year, the Golden Week takes place in the first week of October.

During this week, people enjoy themselves in a great variety of ways.

Holland Casino Amsterdam organises a lot of fun and interesting things to do. There will be a wide range of musicians, dancers, performers and actors available in order to provide an inspiring atmosphere. Besides this, the Moon Party will be held. It takes its name from the fact that at this time of the year the moon is at its roundest and brightest. Guests can enjoy beautiful moonlight dancers, actors and musicians. Holland Casino Amsterdam will totally transform into a bright and colourful casino.

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Amsterdam Dance Event Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has grown and envolved into one of the foremost dance music industry conferences and club festivals of the year.

Holland Casino Amsterdam prouldy presents an opportunity to attend two great dance events held in Lido Amsterdam. A large variety of slot machines and games such as Blackjack, Roulette and Punto Banco will be available and guided by professionals dealers.

Be there! www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl

Special Events • 28 September • 20 & 21 October • 1 September • 9 October

Live Music Amsterdam Dance Event Lido Club Golden Week Moon Party

Opening hours • Holland Casino Amsterdam is open daily from 12.00 PM - 03.00 AM. • The Brasserie is open daily from 05.00 PM - 02.00 AM. • The Low Limit Area is open on Friday & Saturday from 09.00 PM - 02.00 AM. • The High Limit Area is open daily from 08.00 PM - 03.00 AM. A valid passport or ID is required to enter the casino and our guests have to be at least 18 years old. The dresscode is stylish and well-groomed.

TIMELESS

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PORTRAIT GALLERY OF THE GOLDEN AGE IN THE HERMITAGE AMSTERDAM

www.amsterdamportraits.com AM_A4.indd 2

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KIDS CRUISE The "Wanted: Freshwater Pirates" kids cruise is an audio tour for our smallest visitors. This interactive story comes with a booklet with games, pencils & a pair of real pirate-binoculars & is included in every childrens ticket. During the cruise, the kids listen to their own story (available in Dutch & English through our free Personal Audio System)

BLUE BOAT EXCLUSIVE! Ask your concierge for reservations or book online!

BLUEBOAT.NL

SAIL THROUGH HISTORY at the National Maritime museum FREE AUDIO TOURS IN 11 LANGUAGES

Kattenburgerplein 1, Amsterdam

WWW.HETSCHEEPVAARTMUSEUM.NL

THE GUIDE

ART GALLERIES

ART ES GAKLSLBYEERSTAIBLISHETDHAENBDEST

FIND WOROMING ARTISTS ATERDAM UP-AND-CALLERIES IN AMST ART G

KUNSTHUIS AMSTERDAM

01.10.2017 – 05.11.2017 ROBBERT FORTGENS, ‘UNRESTRICTED’ With the exhibition ‘Unrestricted’ Kunsthuis Amsterdam shows an exiting body of work of the highly regarded Dutch artist Robbert Fortgens.

Fortgens (1960), who studied at the Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam, is known for his love for two apparently contradictory disciplines. On the one hand the love for photographic realism, and on the other hand abstractexpressionistically painted compositions. The fusion of these disciplines result in a dialectical process; painting and photography go together in a sense, but at the same time remain as two characteristics. With his exhibition ‘Unrestricted’ Fortgens provides a layered view of reality in which sharp boundaries of worlds and techniques fade and both free the artist and spectator. The exhibition will be on show until November 5th 2017 and is free to the public.

Kunsthuis Amsterdam is specialized in contemporary art and represents a dynamic mix of artists from young local talent to highly established international names. Kunsthuis Amsterdam differs from the more traditional galleries by also offering a range of attractive buying programs and lending opportunity’s.

AMSTELVEENSEWEG 135 • KUNSTHUIZEN.NL 120

ART GALLERIES

THE GUIDE

DUTCH ACCENT

COBRA ART COMPANY

Dutch Accent is both a gallery and a shop offering art, exclusive gifts and a good stop for a fond memory. Souvenirs that go beyond traditional Delftware mementoes and slogan t-shirts, Dutch Accent, located in the famous shopping district De 9 Straatjes, offers affordable paintings by qualified artists, of Dutch places and scenes in different styles, from abstracted landscapes to realism. There are also objects and glass art by Dutch artists as well as a host of other hand made products. Quality and beauty is their inspiration.

Founded in 1983 as an art wholesaler, and now a leading light in the business-to-business art world, the Cobra Art Company works with established artists and photographers from around the world to create a changing collection of modern art, photography and sculpture. It’s no wonder that Cobra Art Company has long been a darling of the world’s leading stylists, designers, architects and tastemakers. Their pieces can be found in some of the world’s best hotels and chicest homes, but also in high end boutiques and stylish offices around the globe. At the recently opened Van Baerlestraat brandstore, you’ll find the Masterpiece Collection: limited edition works of art by some of the world’s most exciting artists.

BERENSTRAAT 41 • DUTCH-ACCENT.NL

NEW: Saskia Boelsums photography.

VAN BAERLESTRAAT 8 • COBRAART.NL

KOCHXBOS GALLERY

OPENING SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER • EERSTE ANJELIERSDWARSSTRAAT 36 • KOCHXBOS.COM KochXBos Gallery presents Dadara's ‘Open your mind - So we can use your data’. In a world where lives are manufactured online and ‘fear of missing out’ is the new mantra, Dadara (Daniël Rozenberg) uses social media, artificial intelligence, and big data as a point of meditation, unlocking a new world where our everyday experiences become a Trip to Inner Reality. Dadara's mandalara's are a modern remix of an age-old phenomenon. Extremely detailed and handpainted in a radiant colour palette, they enchant and hypnotise. Each piece is unique. Dutch designer Marcel Wanders handpicked six works from the series ’Open your mind - So we can use your data’ and crafted into signature carpets with diameters of 1.5 till 3.5 meters.

KochxBos Gallery is committed to new and cutting edge art. It provides a stagfor artists to explore their ideas of tolerance and liberation in high and low art.

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THE GUIDE

ART GALLERIES

COSMOS

KEREN DE VREEDE MODERN ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM PRINSENGRACHT 308 • +31(0)20 71 73 485 • KERENDEVREEDE.COM

There are many little galleries in Amsterdam, but in 2012 a new gallery opened its doors. This gallery has brought color and joy to the mix of art being offered around the Jordaan area. Already named best new coming gallery by the UK Guardian, Keren de Vreede Art Gallery with it’s magnificent works of art is definitely worth a visit. Keren de Vreede paints with merely her hands and lives her art. Bright colors, thick paint and bold and daring lines are the characteristics of her paintings. They reflect her passion for life, her positive outlook and her bright personality. A selftaught artist who discovered the desire to paint in her early years. Having used all kind of materials in the past, she prefers acrylic paint to express her creativity and achieve the result she is looking for. Instead of using the traditional easel, she positions her canvas on the floor. Her style can be described as modern abstract expressionism. Her paintings have been bought by art lovers and collectors from all over the world.

THE GOLDEN AGE

GALLERY

When visiting Amsterdam, weave your way down to the Prinsengracht, and make sure you visit Keren de Vreede’s Art Gallery, where the local artist is happy to chat about her textural floral canvases. Her paintings are not only very beautiful, they are also truly exceptional. Every painting is unique and impossible to replicate, even by Keren herself.

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Discover Amsterdam Hello Amsterdam City Guide is a free gift for hotel guests. The pocket guide presents insider’s checklist of all you need to know about Amsterdam. From museums to attractions, restaurants, bars, shops, markets and vibrant neighbourhoods.

ASK THE CONCIERGE IN YOUR HOTEL FOR A FREE COPY

Rokin 123 1012 KP Amsterdam. Between Dam square and Munt tower. info@milldiamonds.com www.milldiamonds.com +31 (0)20 627 26 25

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wagamama.nl

wagamama.nl

wagamama.nl

THE GUIDE

SHOPS

NG I P P O H S STYLE ES & NT THE BEST PTLEARCDAM

S SE WE PREHOPPING IN AMBOUTIQUES TO S E FOR ADORABL OPS. — FROM SPECIALTY SH

HOLY CHEESE

OUDE DOELENSTRAAT 6-8 • HOLY-CHEESE.NL Dutch cheese is not only delicious, it’s also part of the Dutch heritage. And what better way to taste this national pride than on a piece of bread? Does this Dutch lunch classic sound boring to you? Then you’ve never stopped by Holy Cheese. Their cheese tasting with freshly baked bread is truly one of a kind. Besides that, the ambiance and architecture is absolutely amazing – a must see! Because of its central location (5 minutes from Damsquare) it is the perfect spot to relax and take a break from sightseeing. No time for lunch? Then just stop by to purchase one of their cheeses from their shop.

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SHOPS

THE GUIDE

BETSY PALMER

ROKIN 15 • BETSYPALMER.COM In the heart of the city, just off Dam Square at the Rokin, you find a true women’s walhalla: Betsy Palmer Shoes & Accessories. Original in all aspects, Betsy Palmer hosts a wonderful collection of international brands like Chie Mihara, Unisa, Pantanetti and Megumi Ochi, as well as a colourful and inspiring collection under the Betsy Palmer brand. In the store you can also find the clothing line of the Amsterdam original brand Zenggi, where you can expect quality, comfort and style to go hand in hand. A refreshing selection of bags, socks, shawls, necklaces and more to complete your outfit can be discovered here too; Betsy Palmer has everything for your one-stopshopping experience.

OSKA

PRINSENSTRAAT 18 • NL.OSKA.COM

VAN DEN ASSEM SHOES GELDERLANDPLEIN 149-153 • ASSEM.NL

This family owned fashion retailer, which has made a name for itself in Rotterdam, recently opened its first Amsterdam branch in the glossy new Gelderlandplein shopping mall. Known for its extensive range of high-quality footwear, bags and accessories for the whole family, you’ll find brands like Santoni, Magnanni, UGG, Marc Cain, Tod’s, Hogan and Van Bommel at the 390m2 store. Explains owner Gerry van den Assem: “We chose Gelderlandplein as the location of our twentieth store, because of the beautiful development the shopping centre has seen in recent years. The customer experience here is a seamless fit with our vision.”

OSKA has a beautiful shop located in the heart of Amsterdam. It offers a unique clothing concept and inspires you to create your own individual style. With two beautiful collections – the OSKA line and the more edgy and bold ISCHIKO line – the brand stands for quality, style and innovative designs. The focus point is how an individual’s personality comes accross and how clothes can help emphasize this. Clear simple shapes, strong silhouettes, beautfiful prints and materials is what OSKA stands for. We look forward to seeing you in one of our stores where one of our style coaches is happy to assist you!

SAM FRIDAY

HUIDENSTRAAT 16 • SAMFRIDAY.COM In only a few years, Sam Friday has made a name for itself as a sexy new intimate apparel brand with six stores in the Netherlands, and one in Ibiza.

Filling the gap between classic and sporty underwear, this fashionable local label makes affordable, quality underwear, swimwear and loungewear for young men and women on the move. Stock up on tropical print boxer shorts, swimwear and loungewear for him and sexy sangria-coloured bikinis, beautiful beachwear, and nautically-inspired clothing and accessories for her.

DRIES VAN NOTEN DRIES VAN NOTEN DRIES VAN NOTEN VETEMENTS VETEMENTS VETEMENTS HARDEMAN HARDEMAN HARDEMAN SARA LANZI SARA LANZI SARA LANZI DIRK VAN SAENE DIRK VAN SAENE DIRK VAN SAENE VERONIQUE LEROY VERONIQUE LEROY VERONIQUE LEROY ANN DEMEULEMEESTER ANN DEMEULEMEESTER ANN DEMEULEMEESTER CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC PAUL HARNDEN SHOEMAKERS PAUL HARNDEN SHOEMAKERS PAUL HARNDEN SHOEMAKERS WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK BERNHARD WI L LHELM BERNHARD WI L LHELM BERNHARD WI L LHELM JUNYA WATANABE JUNYA WATANABE JUNYA CEDRICWATANABE CHARL IER CEDRIC CHARL IER CEDRIC CHARL IER BLACKYOTO BLACKYOTO BLACKYOTO NOIR NOIR NOIR

Keizersgracht 359, 1016 EJ Amsterdam Keizersgracht 359, 1016info@van-ravenstein.nl EJ Amsterdam www.van-ravenstein.nl.

E-mail: Keizersgracht 359, 1016info@van-ravenstein.nl EJ Amsterdam www.van-ravenstein.nl.

E-mail: ✆ +31 (0)20 639 00 67 www.van-ravenstein.nl.

E-mail: ✆ +31 (0)20 639info@van-ravenstein.nl 00 67 VR adv. Hello Amsterdam 210x280 - 04-2016.indd 1 ✆ +31 (0)20 639 00 67 VR adv. Hello Amsterdam 210x280 - 04-2016.indd 1 VR adv. Hello Amsterdam 210x280 - 04-2016.indd 1

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THE GUIDE

SHOPS

AMSTERDAM WATCH COMPANY

L’ ATELIER DU CHAMPAGNE

Amsterdam Watch Company has been buying and selling rare and exclusive watches all over the world for the last ten years and is known for its passion for vintage. Some of the most sought-after vintage models from brands such as Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre can be found in their store, all serviced by expert watchmakers prior to being displayed and sold with a one year warranty. Additionally, AWco is authorized dealer of the Dutch watchmakers Christiaan van der Klaauw, Van der Gang and Roland Oostwegel and one of a handful dealers worldwide for the German D. Dornblüth & Sohn.

In the mood for a glass of fabulous champagne? Contact the first champagne store in The Netherlands and we will have a chilled bottle delivered to your hotel room or apartment – within one hour! * L’Atelier du Champagne (est. 2016) is the light and bright neighbour of champagne and wine bar Bubbles & Wines. We sell over 250 different champagnes: feel invited to make a choice from well known brands, highly exclusive bottles or our own import of small grower domaines. Ranging in various styles and prices (starting at € 38,-) the selection in our shop is for everybody and many occasions. Private tastings possible? Absolutely! * Calls made before 10 pm, deliveries inside the ring road.

REESTRAAT 3 • AWCO.NL

L’ÉTOILE DE SAINT HONORÉ

OUDE SPIEGELSTRAAT 1 • REESTRAAT 24 • HEILIGEWEG 9 The luxury vintage stores L’Étoile de Saint Honoré sell a great collection of authentic and second-hand designer bags. Exclusive handbags, belts and wallets from Chanel, Gucci, Hermès, Prada and Celine that tell a unique story. L’Étoile de Saint Honoré is a tribute to the uniqueness of these bags. The boutiques are accessible to everyone around the world who shares a passion for luxury vintage bags, belts and wallets.

etoile-luxuryvintage.com 126

NES 39 • LATELIERDUCHAMPAGNE.NL

SHOPS

THE GUIDE

SHOEBALOO

KONINGSPLEIN 5-7 & P.C. HOOFTSTRAAT 80 • SHOEBALOO.NL For over forty years, SHOEBALOO has made a name for itself as the leading retailer of high-end designer footwear, bags and accessories. The multi-brand stores carry more than twenty luxury brands, such as Valentino, Prada, Gucci, Lanvin, Fendi and Balmain. SHOEBALOO is well known for their outstanding interior designs in all of their stores. Indulge yourself in the glamorous marble men’s and women’s stores on Koningsplein or the futuristic spaceship on PC Hooftstraat in Amsterdam.

OCCHIALI

KINGS SQUARE

Occhiali opticians is known for its wide range of glasses and sunglasses from world-renowned fashion brands and for its beautiful location in the city. They offer brands such as Dita, Céline, Chanel, Bvlgari and Matsuda. Occhiali is also one of the most important Cartier dealers. Occhiali is loved by tourists as well as locals. With its one-hour service you can wear your glasses home the same day you buy them!

Dress like a king or a queen for that matter at this luxurious boutique offering fashion for men and women. You’re sure to find everything from that one perfect item to a complete wardrobe. Kings Square offers tailored blazers from Fay, Fedeli and Xacus shirts, jeans by Jacob Cohen and 7ForAllMankind and Hogan and Iceberg shoes. Other sumptuous brands in the boutique’s high-end collection are Parajumpers, Peuterey, Aspesi, CP Company, Kenzo, Plein Sport, Love Moschino, MSGM, Iceberg, Versace Jeans and Just Cavalli. In addition, Kings Square offers exclusive unisex perfumes by Avery Perfume Gallery. Come in and receive the personal attention you deserve from their style advisors in a well-appointed atmosphere.

KONINGSPLEIN 15 • OCCHIALI.NL

KONINGSPLEIN 13 • ONLINE WEBSTORE: KINGS-SQUARE.NL

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SHOPS

CIGARAGUA

VAN BAERLESTRAAT 56H • FB.COM/CIGARAGUA/ABOUT Owner Sasja van Horssen passionately calls Nicaraguan cigars “the best in the world”, which is why he opened “the world’s first Nicaraguan cigar shop” in Amsterdam. Not quite as famous as their cousins from Cuba, Nicaraguan cigars are prized by aficionados for their full, rich flavour. Over 900 varieties of handmade cigars from Nicaragua are preserved at the perfect humidity of 72% in “the largest walk-in humidor in Europe”. The shop also boasts “one of the largest cigar lounges in the country”.

MANHATTAN LINGERIE & LOVE TOYS

AMSTERDAM VINTAGE WATCHES

This new-style erotic shop with its clean, minimalist design and backlit displays were created as a female-friendly zone. A place where women and couples can feel free to shop for toys & sexy lingerie without the smut. The store's focus is not only aimed at helping you find the right toy or outfit, but also making you feel comfortable shopping at a place that was once deemed taboo.

“There’s no such thing as too much fun in the bedroom”.

A family-run business, established in 1987. Located in a beautiful historical building in the heart of Amsterdam. After a new generation took over, AVW underwent a complete renewal and is now one of the leading boutiques in vintage luxury watches: a worldwide favourite among collectors and connoisseurs alike. If you are interested in a vintage watch from one of the world's finest watch brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Tudor, Heuer, Cartier, Breitling and Vacheron Constantin the knowledgeable and helpful staff is happy to be of service to you!

NIEUWEZIJDS VOORBURGWAL 156 • 156MANHATTAN.COM

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SINGEL 414 • AMSTERDAMVINTAGEWATCHES.COM

250 FASHION BRANDS | 30-70% SAVINGS | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

BATAVIASTAD.COM

FAVOURITES

EDITOR BÉNÉDICTE GRUYS

MY A MSTE RDA M

Ron Blaauw

Chef and Creative Entrepreneur Amsterdam’s highly respected chef and creative entrepreneur Ron Blaauw just opened his newest adventure ‘Nacarat’, on the fifth floor of shopping Walhalla Hudson’s Bay. The name is inspired by the warm orange colour and the flavours of the orient, as Nacarat offers the city a Middle Eastern culinary treat. During the day, in between shopping sprees, you can enjoy a light lunch, such as a large variety of hot and cold meses to share. In the evening it’s all about 1001 nights, when the hip and hot fine-dining ambience of Tel Aviv takes over.

ABOUT RON BLAAUW

Ron Blaauw is the quintessence of a chef with culinary guts and vision. In 2013 he decided to trade in his two Michelin stars to create ‘Ron Gastrobar’, a more accessible place where good food is offered at a great price in a pleasant atmosphere. To his surprise, Michelin appointed him a star only a few months after opening.

He is one of those Amsterdam chefs who will step out of the ordinary, follow their passion, show varied talents and make a difference in future culinary traditions.

He is closely followed by institutions like Michelin for his more modern take on food and hospitality. He has a natural flair and his views on wining and dining adventures are numerous. From colonial Indonesian, classic French brasserie to modern Asian cuisine, Blaauw has the talent to attract and train young professionals who understand his view and taste and are thus able to guard the quality. His vision is often copied but for many Amsterdam citizens Blaauw’s restaurants are always the place to see and to be seen.

YOUR FIRST TIME IN AMSTERDAM

I grew up in Hoorn, a town that is just a 30-minute train ride north of Amsterdam.

Like many of my generation, around the age of 14 I would go to the city centre to buy clothes at CoolCat and find the latest disco records. At the end of the ‘70s, Amsterdam was a very different place; it was the time of squatters and riots, a lot of areas were a ‘no go’, making it very thrilling at that age.

I RELATE TO AMSTERDAM

ARCHITECTURE

My first job was at Restaurant de Kersentuin in the Amsterdam South area. It was and still is a well-known pool of talent where many respected Dutch chefs have learned the trade. After 35 years it remains a mix of tourists staying at adjacent hotels and a neighbourhood meeting spot. I never left the city professionally since this valuable first working experience.

I love to visit hotel The Grand in the heart of the city and the university area along Oudezijds Voorburgwal. It is an important historical landmark; built as a convent in 1411, it was the City Hall from 1808 to 1987, and the current restaurant area was used as a canteen for the civil servants up till the last date. There is a beautiful inner courtyard and private garden where you really can enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.

SECRET CITY SPOT

I never give away my secret spots to prevent them from becoming hotspots. There is nothing nicer than having a place where you can go for some quiet time, where you know the people and they know you.

The best secret is to walk through various neighbourhoods and find your own special secret spot like you might do in your hometown or neighbourhood.

FAVOURITE PARK/NATURE

Het Amsterdamse Bos (‘the Amsterdam Forest’) is three times bigger than New York Central Park and even on a hot day it never feels crowded. You can go for a walk, run, or bike ride. You can even go horseback riding and the available water sports are endless.

Amsterdam has many parks and green spots but here you truly feel out of the city.

STATUE/FOUNTAIN

On Rokin and right in front of my newest project ‘Nacarat’, the Rokin Fontein, a fountain statue by the Dutch/Belgium artist Mark Manders, has just been revealed and it feels like a connection of new initiatives for the city. It is a massive block of two connected heads, each of which looks a different way, with a waterfall in between.

AMSTERDAM FOR CHILDREN

That is very easy: Ajax. If you mention the name Ajax anywhere in the world, everyone will know that you're talking about Amsterdam's legendary soccer club. It is a great tradition among many Amsterdam generations and next to the excitement of visiting a match, it simply is a way of life.

Also the Amstelpark is a nice place to relax with the family; it remained as a park after the famous Dutch flower show of 1972, Floriade.

Worst Amsterdam tourism experience The ‘Sexmuseum’. I understand many tourist attractions but this is simply a monstrous place located where many tourists enter the city for the first time.

MUSEUM/ART FAVOURITES

My good friend Selwyn Senatori. He is an exceptional Dutch-Italian neo-Pop Art artist and his art is all about the secrets of happiness. He reflects the quality of life and pure enjoyment in colourful paintings, symbolizing the true essence of life. He inspires me in my projects of creating locations where people enjoy and forget the everyday sorrows for a moment.

BEST PLACE TO RELAX

Boating along the Amstel River. It is a lush green waterway just outside the city, a traditional rower’s paradise and you will see people fishing or having a picnic. This river has inspired many Dutch artists like Rembrandt, Breitner and Mondriaan.

FAVOURITE AMSTERDAM CITIZEN

Our Mayor Eberhard van der Laan, who is truly loved and respected by all Amsterdam citizens. He understands our city and its challenges and has the ability to connect and serve as the best ambassador of the Dutch capital.

What would you like to improve in the city?

Cyclists with headphones, or any other distraction, are so dangerous. Personally I use the roundabout at Haarlemmer station often, and during rush hour it really becomes an area where a lot can be improved regarding traffic safety.

NACARAT • +31 20 790 03 20 • NACARAT.NL // RON GASTROBAR • +31 20 223 53 52 • RONGASTROBAR.NL 130

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