Discover Benelux | Rotterdam | The Perfect Summer City Break
Italian nostalgia in the heart of Rotterdam TEXT: CHARLOTTE VAN HEK | PHOTOS: CAPRI
For almost 60 years, the people of Rotterdam and beyond have known where to go for pure Italian ice cream: Ijssalon Capri. Through its hallmarks of craftsmanship, natural ingredients and above all authentic Italian passion for ice cream, Capri has become an absolute staple in ‘the city at the Maas’. From trusted flavours such as hazelnut and vanilla to the quirkier dark truffle and spicy chocolate: since its opening in 1957, Ijssalon Capri has been frontrunner and keeper of quality on the ice cream front. Guests can choose from some 40 flavours that constantly change depending on the season, and new ones are frequently added to the list. Of course, real Italian coffee also adorns the menu. From day one Capri has been making and selling purely self-crafted ice cream. Artificial flavours or conservatives never enter the kitch-
Rock the boat It is an outsider of the best kind: Vessel 11. Being one of two British gastropubs in the Netherlands, this charming pub, restaurant and music venue is located on an old light vessel in the heart of Rotterdam, providing a beautiful British backdrop for every occasion. You cannot miss it when approaching Vessel 11: the 1951-born, red lightship towers proudly above the harbour, with its deck-turnedterrace making us lust for long summer waterside nights. Vessel 11 served as a lightship in the Irish sea and was in service until 1991.
en. “We make absolutely everything we sell ourselves,” says owner Claudio Burdo. “The strawberry ice cream contains real strawberries and our cookie ice cream is made from homemade cookies.” Do not leave Capri without trying a true Italian brioche: a sweet-flavoured bread with ice cream inside. “The brioche is a real Italian thing. It sounds a bit strange to some, but once guests have tried it, they keep coming back for more,” Burdo laughs. Alongside spoiling their own customers, Capri’s ice cream can also be found in other parlours in the Netherlands. Besides that, Capri was one of the first to recognise ice-cakes as an arguably more delicious alternative to cake. Their ice-cakes are sold to individuals and business all over the country, proving once more that Capri’s reputation has been transcending the city of Rotterdam since its doors opened 60 years ago.
Photo: Marcel van Beek
www.capri.nl www.capri-ijstaart.nl
TEXT: CHARLOTTE VAN HEK | PHOTOS: VESSEL 11
Nowadays it is helmed by Jan Visser and his wife Brontë Flecker, who also reside at the ship. Upon entering, the typical British pub vibe kicks in. Cosy yet robust, Vessel 11 boasts a warm interior with a home-like ambiance. It is not just the interior that is tasteful. The chef serves up the best of British cuisine, showing us there is much more to it than the typical English breakfast or fish and chips. “Sunday roast, Beef Wellington: the Brits have a very rich cuisine,” Visser enthuses. Of course, you should not leave Vessel 11 without trying one of their home-brewed beers, such as the Skunky Red Ale.
The lower deck boasts a live concert venue that can host up to 100 guests and where – in collaboration with Rotown – alternative music gigs are held weekly. Have something to celebrate? Vessel 11 is the perfect setting for any kind of celebration such as a wedding or business event. Quirky extra: Always wanted to sail in a hot tub? Now you can: check out www.vessel11.nl
Photo: Bente van der Zalm
60 | Issue 42 | June 2017