Discover Benelux | Amsterdam Special | Jordaan Highlights
The world of Van Puffelen: café and restaurant heaven TEXT: BERTHE VAN DEN HURK | PHOTO: RESTAURANT VAN PUFFELEN
There is one Amsterdam café-restaurant with fame that extends far beyond the city. Even though it all started in the early 1980s, it feels like Restaurant van Puffelen has been there since the foundation of Amsterdam itself. Throughout the years Restaurant van Puffelen has evolved from a classic Amsterdam brown pub into the bustling hotspot at the city centre of Amsterdam. The original café was four times smaller than Van Puffelen is nowadays, yet the atmosphere and homely feeling never disappeared. Some people say they never want to leave because there is always another corner to discover. “Everyone is welcome,” says Laurenze Walet, operator of Van Puffelen. “We notice that everybody, from all walks of life, feels right at home here.” Restaurant van Puffelen never loses its comfortable, stylish and intimate atmosphere partly due to the layout
of the rooms, this way it is suitable for smaller groups as well as larger ones of up to 150 people. Walet: “Van Puffelen has always been very steady in quality and service. The food is innovative and of high quality, but the typical Dutch ‘bitterbal’ is also still available.” When it is for a business meal or a get together with friends or family, anything is possible.
Visiting Van Puffelen is like stepping into a different world, even if it is just for a coffee or a glass of one of the many beers or wines they serve. It is a world where anyone is welcome, and everybody can have a great time. Maybe it is what heaven could be like. www.restaurantvanpuffelen.com
Chilling at Mazzo, from dusk till dawn TEXT: XANDRA BOERSMA | PHOTOS: EWOUT HUIBERS
If you have ever walked or driven through Amsterdam’s Rozengracht, you cannot have missed Mazzo. Their big, bright lettering made out of various light bulbs shows you where you have to be; and you do have to be there. Because a trip to Mazzo feels like coming home, the Italian way. Back in the day, this was a club. But there is not much left from that loud, disco environment. The only aspect is that big bright sign. “Just a little hint,” smiles PR manager Jade Lew. “Furthermore, it’s been completely redesigned by the architects at Concrete.” Together with owner Bert van der Leden they turned this beautiful space into a comfortable Italian-style restaurant. What you notice right away is the relaxed atmosphere that surrounds you when opening Mazzo’s doors. Like walking into your own ideal living room, with those Chesterfield couches you have always wanted. Everybody is relaxed, 22 | Issue 33 | September 2016
whether they are in a business meeting, enjoying a cup of coffee on their own or having a big dinner with friends and family. “Mazzo is open from early in the morning till late, so you can come here whenever you want to do whatever you want.” So what about the food? Well, that is where another Italian element emerges. “All the chefs originate from different regions of Italy, so they
bring different dishes to the menu.” You can choose from an extensive menu and share antipasto, pizzas or pasta. The ingredients are seasonal and delicacies like dried meats are imported from Italy. You do not need any more convincing, right? Just go find that big shiny sign already! www.mazzoamsterdam.nl