Places to take women for lunch when visiting Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam... has been looking for a place to take that special woman on a nice lunch. Here is a list of charming places to savour the moment and the conversation. The list has been chosen due to their central location.

Gartine

In the middle of the hectic city is this charming place. Perfect for a brunch, lunch or high tea. Prominent is the Portugese chandelier and the wonderful china and crockery. Make sure to make a reservation as the capacity is 20 people. 

Taksteeg 7, Amsterdam

Buffet van Odette

Buffet van Odette

Situated on the World Heritage List Prinsengracht this is a great place for a lunch. Dinner time the place gets busy. If you are lucky get an outdoor seat and enjoy the conversation and the view.

Prinsengracht 598

Blue

Situated on top of shopping mall do not be disheartened by what is below. Above you have a 360 degree view of Amsterdam in a stylish environment at reasonable prices.

Kalvatoren level 3. Entrance via end of Kalverstraat or Single by Muntplein

Droog

Combination of shopping and a tea room. What could be better? Droog is also the best example of Dutch design under one roof. The shop has a tea room upstairs and don't forget to show mum the wonderful courtyard garden.

Staalstraat 7 Level 1


When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

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Top 10 Amsterdam eats: a critical approach

Amsterdam Vegetarian and Vegan Eats

Marcel Wanders: Pinned Up at the Stedelijk, 25 years of design

When in Amsterdam...the Stedelijk Museum is home to contemporary art. Marcel Wanders: Pinned up at the Stedelijk is an exhibition of one of the Netherlands most famous designers.

The exhibition, curated by Ingeborg de Roode, brings together 400 pieces and 25 years of Marcel Wanders work. In 2011, the New York Times labeled Wanders the Lady Gaga of the design world. As he was 'a constant font of ideas and energy who is nearly impossible to ignore'.

Knotted Chair by Marcel Wanders 1996

Marcel Wanders rise to fame came in the 1990s. In 1996, his Knotted Chair was released to international acclaim at the Milan Furniture Fair. He developed the chair for the Droog collective and in 2001 foundered Moooi furniture. 

The exhibition is laid out in three distinct areas. The first decision is to decide which zone to explore first, White or Black Zones. 

The White Zone, charts the progression of Wander's work. This zone is based on 10 themes among them surface, innovation, playing with scale. 

The Black Zone, presents work that is more experimental and personal to Wanders. The contrast from the White Zone creates a simple powerful dramatic effect.

The Lounge area at the end of the exhibition shows his work for design brands.

The iconic works of Wanders are presented. Such as, Set Up Shades lamp (1989), Knotted Chair (1996), Lace Table (1997), Egg Vase (1997) and Skygarden lamp (2007). There are also lesser known pieces and recent pieces such as the special edition version for this exhibition of the Egg Vase.

Egg Vase: Marcel Wanders

If you are a designer or just love design this is must if you are in Amsterdam. Even if you don't think you enjoy design you will find something in this exhibition that screams cool. The exhibition runs from February 1 until June 15 2014. The Exhibition Marcel Wanders: Pinned up at the Stedelijk, 25 years of design is sponsored by Koninklijke Ahold N.V. 

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Other blogs related:

• What is Dutch Design?
• Amsterdam Guide To Dutch Design

What is Dutch Design?

When in Amsterdam...explore Dutch Design. The phrase 'Dutch Design' became popular in the late 20th century. It was particularly associated with the esthetic of product design.

As with all generalizations it is hard to put your finger on what characterizes Dutch Design. Normally, the design is described by words such as minimalism, innovative, experimental and quirky.

Some like Chris Kabel, Professor at the world famous Design Academy Eindhoven, argue that Dutch Design is 'down to earth and practical'. Explained by the country and its environment.

The Netherlands is a country that is functional because of necesity. The country is a small delta state. The Dutch have battled the rising sea and waters of Europe's great rivers for centuries. Functional, practical yet small.  Early nationhood in the 17th century inspired an independence and individualism that can be seen in the clarity and simplicity of Dutch Design.

At the turn and start of the 20th century artists such as Mondrian, Rietveld and Berlage were influential. In the 1990s functionality no longer was primary and conceptual, artistic design was prominent. Designers such as Macel Wanders, Hella Jongerius and Jurgen Bey came to fame.

The education system has greatly contributed to the rise of the Dutch Design School. The Design Academy was rated the best in the world by the New York Times in 2003. Amsterdam's Rietveld Academy is prominent pillar of the Netherlands system. These institutions encourage cross disciplinary work fussing design influence.

Today you can see all of this influence. Some say the Dutch Design characteristics have changed as they must. The new generation strive to differentiate themselves and bring their personality and face to the design world. Exciting times lie ahead.

If you are in Amsterdam and wish to explore Dutch Design come on a specialty sightseeing tour conducted by an expert design guide, Amsterdam Design Tour: What makes it Dutch?



When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Similar blog posts:

• Amsterdam Guide to Dutch Design
• Marcel Wanders: Pinned Up at the Stedelijk, 25 years of design

Amsterdam's new garden at Droog Design: Biodiversity and Creativity

When in Amsterdam…visit Droog Design’s new garden. Droog Design is a Dutch conceptual design company situation in the heart of Amsterdam’s historical canal district.

Droog recently revamped their courtyard into a garden. Designers Corinne Julhiet Detroyat and Claude Pasquer were asked to create an environment that mixed natural and artificial materials. Detroyat and Pasquer took a creative sustainable approach recycling rustic materials such as wire mesh and old watering cans mixed with plants that encourage biodiversity.

The result is a weird wonderful hidden garden. The artificial materials create a fantasy feel. The climbing plants such as wisteria and bignonias bring you back to earth. Detroyat and Pasquer have used contrasting materials, sculpture and their artistic creation to form a natural world that is ascetically enticing yet questions the source of manufactures materials. The realization is that our earth is the source of all the materials in the garden and harmony of manufactured material and nature is possible in one environment.

When in Amsterdam…enjoy! 

Droog Design works with independent creative minds to realize products, projects and events.

O My Amsterdam Tours is a small group tour company that visits this garden on their Eco-Tour. Guests of the City Centre Tour, Photo Tour or a Private Bespoke Tour can request a visit to the garden, except on Mondays.