Amsterdam Local Tip: Early dinner at Seasons

When in Amsterdam...Restaurant Seasons offers an early dinner special. You can take advantage of an early seating and a special price. They offer 2 for 1 on a two course menu. This means that you can eat for the price of two people during the specified time.

To get this offer reservations must be made though their website. Bookings must mention "Online Early Bird Special". The offer is limited to people of 6 people or less. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the offer is from 1600hrs - 1800hrs. On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1700hrs to 1800hrs.
Restaurant Seasons is located centrally. This special we recommend for people who wish for an early dinner or require a meal before the evening activities such as a Red Light District tour which is an easy walk.


When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

Best Coffee in Amsterdam's Old City Centre

When in Amsterdam...seriously good coffee spots have popped up all over town in last year. Yes, the city is famous for the Cannabis Coffeeshops but the places listed below are for those that yearn for a well made coffee. Please note none of these places sell cannabis.



Cut Throat Barber and Coffee
A real man cave situated meters from the Dam Square. Owned by a New Zealander who relocated after the Christchurch earthquake. This places caters to your coffee ... and hair needs.





Caffe Il Momento
Located on the Single canal on the old Torensluis (tower lock/bridge) just a short walk from Dam square. The espresso  machine is from 1905 and worth a visit in itself. This is a Dutch style espresso bar that reminds you of Italy.



Screaming Beans
A stylish restaurant and cafe situated in the heart of the 9 Streets shopping district. The coffee and the their machine are impressive. Stop by for a delicious brew or an extended lunch or dinner.




Quartier Putain
Located between prostitute windows, a kinder-garden and across from the city's oldest church. Only in Amsterdam could you find a heady mix with a quality coffee in front of you. The place is a collaboration by Erik de Kok and the guys from Top Notch, a Dutch record label. The old jukebox is an added bonus.



Koko Coffee and Design
Great Coffee and Design. Tucked between the hedonistic Red Light District and the end of the touristy Damstraat you will find this peaceful little place by Caroline Kruijssen and Karlijn Timmermans. Tea lovers will also love the place as they do loose leaf tea pots.



Filter
Just blocks from the Waterlooplein market you will find Filter. Large wooden tables and local art on the walls provide a tasteful interior. The organic sandwiches and fresh juices are also fantastic but the coffee is the highlight at Filter.



Concerto Coffee
One of the last bastions of the old independent music stores. Concerto has survived the advent of digital music. Positioned on the refurbished Utrechtestraat, a lovely stroll from the busy Rembrantplein. Enjoy a wonderful coffee and then browse through the extensive music for sale. Check out their website for weekly live music.



Sweet Cup
A hole in the wall next the Green Bike rental on the busy Leidseplein. This little place warms you with their tasty coffee. If not for a moment you can escape the tourist hustle of the Leidseplein.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!


When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

Google creates Amsterdam Canal View

When in Amsterdam....canal view is  one of the best ways to see Amsterdam. Google has realized this and has been documenting the canals of Amsterdam this week. The Google street view team traded in their cars for boats and hit the canals.



The images will give viewers a 360 degree view and navigational tool of Amsterdam's canals. This event comes on the back of similar successful projects in Venice, London and the Rio Negro River in the Brazilian Amazon.



When in Amsterdam...enjoy!




When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

Amsterdam Bar: Bar Jones in de Nes

When in Amsterdam...Bar Jones is a stylish oasis meters from Dam Square.



Down the Nes, an ally-way off the Dam Square beside the National Monument, you will find Bar Jones. The bar is frequented by Amsterdammers and those in the know taking respite from the hustle and bustle of the Dam Square and the Red Light District. Bar Jones impressive light fittings and feature wall of vintage Cinemode magazine covers make you feel like a movie star.



The list of drinks is impressive for a small bar. The range of beers is local, seasonal and growing by the day. There is a short list of cocktails for those wanting to be like the movie stars on the wall. On our visit we tried the local IPA from the organic Amsterdam brewery, t'IJ and a Hendriks Gin and Tonic with cucumber. The price was extremely affordable considering the high prices of the Dam Square just meters away.



The bar was occupied by a group of young professional women stopping off on a night out, a few couples and workers from the nearby fancy hotels and restaurants. When the bar tender was questioned on who frequents the bar his reply was "we get a lot of women who bring men for the beer, the women like the interior and they fight to get a seat on the vintage sofa".

If you are in the Dam Square area and need a nice get away from the crowds or the ever changing weather Bar Jones is a worthwhile stop for a refreshment or maybe two.

The bar was just rated one of the best new bars of Amsterdam 2014.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Other blogs on local bars.

Amsterdam's best local small bar: Cafe de Wetering

Here is a list of Bar, Beer and Brewery tours


When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

Beer Bar Amsterdam: In de Wildeman

When in Amsterdam....In de Wildeman is a famous beer bar.




If you love beer in its wide and varied form then this is the place for you. The staff are always welcoming and happy to provide advice and a taste of their extensive list to help with your decision.

The list has more than 40 Dutch, 20 German and 10 English beers. The list of tap beers always changes depending on the season and availability.

The beer is traditional in style with charming wood interior. A comfortable warming place where an old man or women with many years of beer experience would not be out of place. There is always an atmosphere empty or full.

The bar is best for groups of 2-5. There are about 10 tables but the low set bar does not encouraging sitting at the bar.

In de Wildeman is a little hard to find so make sure you mark it well on your map. Address is Kolksteeg 3, Amsterdam

If you are into your beer you may enjoy taking a beer tour. Here is our blog on beer activities and tours.


When in Amsterdam...enjoy!


When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

Amsterdam Tip of the weekend 15-17 August

When in Amsterdam...there is something always going on. This weekend (15-17 August) our local tip is the Kimchi Farm Festival.



Local producers of food and miro-brewery beer come together in the 15th edition of this local event. The Kimchi Farm Festival is held in the Buurtboerderij Ons Genoegen, this is a local garden area near the famous inner city park called Westerpark.



Friday night the festival opens with a BBQ competition. Entrance cost of 25 euro. Entrance price includes a large plate of BBQ.



On Saturday and Sunday the festival is free but cash only is accepted at the party so be sure to bring lots small notes to sample the local delicacies.

Address is:
Spaarndammerdijk 319, Amsterdam

For more information visit the Kimchi Farm Festival Facebook Page.

Over the Weekend our Amsterdam small group Beer Tour (4 people maximum) will visit the Kimchi Farm Festival as part of the tour.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!


When in Amsterdam... - Blogged