Discover Benelux | Amsterdam in 2019 | City Centre Highlights
Dining at the stock exchange TEXT: ARNE ADRIAENSSENS | PHOTOS: BISTRO BERLAGE
Before, it was the financial heart of Amsterdam: today, it houses a culinary paradise. Within the walls of the Beurs van Berlage, the city’s former commodity market, Bistro Berlage serves fine Dutch cuisine and surprising snacks in a spectacular setting. “The bistro’s history goes way back,” says marketing manager Willemijn de Vet. “Where you enjoy your lunch or dinner today, stockbrokers used to enter their temple to trade their way to success. The elegant brickwork and colourful tile tableaus against the
walls, still remind us of the building’s rich history.” Together with the modern, elegant furniture and mesmerising golden bar in the centre, these elements give Bistro Berlage its unique and welcoming atmosphere. Outside, at its sun-drenched terrace at the dynamic Beursplein, you can gaze at Amsterdam’s diverse footfall for hours. With over 300,000 people passing the square every week, there is never a dull moment. Besides being a treat for the eyes, Bistro Berlage also knows how to enchant your taste buds. For lunch, a wide selection of
tostadas, salads and other snacks take the edge off your appetite. After sunset, refined Dutch classics with a surprising twist adorn the menu. “By choosing seasonal vegetables and collaborating with the city’s best cheese makers, butchers and bakeries, we really serve you a piece of Amsterdam. Since we change our entire menu every six months and have another special every week, there is always something new to discover at Bistro Berlage.” Web: www.bistroberlage.com
Madam Pancake: The ultimate pancake experience TEXT: ARNE ADRIAENSSENS | PHOTO: MADAM PANCAKE
The Netherlands may play host to numerous pancake restaurants, but Madam Pancake is the one you really don’t want to miss. In his kitchen, Amsterdam’s most dynamic chef, Mohamed Mahraoui, creates the craziest sweet and savoury creations, which look just as great as they taste. Have you ever eaten a pancake with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and sour cream? Or one with yogurt, granola and berries? At Madam Pancake, quirky creations like these are the centre of attention. “We create culinary pancakes which amaze from the first look until the last bite,” says co-owner Rutger Stout. “We use the best ingredients and pair them up in unique combinations.” The savoury ‘The Hangover’ is one of their absolute bestsellers, with bacon, sausages, sour cream and candied onions. People with a sweet tooth might,
however, have their mouths start to water while thinking about ‘The Peanut Banana’: a pancake with banana slices and slightly melting peanut butter and homemade chocolate. Since choosing is losing, you can also step things up a gear and opt for the ‘Pimp Your Pancake’. “To pimp your pancake, we serve you plain pancakes and a myriad of sweet or savoury toppings. This way, you can create your perfect snack with syrups, berries, dragon fruit, chocolate, bacon, eggs…The sky is the limit!” To allow everyone to enjoy the sweet delight of pancakes, Madam Pancake also offers glutenand lactose-free varieties, as well as whole wheat and matcha versions. Furthermore, you can opt for a delicious breakfast bowl with acai, avocado, oats and many other healthy indulgences. “Madam Pancake is a place to revel in with all your senses. Life is too short not to enjoy great food.”
Blueberry pancake.
Pimp your pancake.
Web: www.madampancake.com
Issue 67 | July 2019 | 39