Amsterdam food festival on wheels - Rollende Keukens

Rollende Keukens Instagram

Rolling kitchens is the translations of Rollende Keukens. The annual food truck festival in Amsterdam now in its 11th year.

Trucks, pickups, vans, trailers, buses and any object with wheels and is dispensing yummy food and drinks descends on Amsterdam's Westerpark. 

Good fun, food and music. A great combination for 5 days in May. 

Best thing is the free entrance.

There is no entrance fee . Also, as it is a public park you can bring your own seats, drinks and even food. There is alcohol available at the festival but many people stop off at the local super markets to stock up on beer and wine.

If the weather is fine expect large crowds and long lines. Amsterdammers love this food festival.

Tips for families and foodies

Go early and go on the first days. Lines can get very long late in the afternoon and at the end of the day when Amsterdam's large student population wakes up and demonstrate their multiplying skills.  

2017 Foodie favorites

Each year the best food trucks are awarded with long lines and a write up in Amsterdam's number 1 daily news source Het Parool. In 2018 look out for those from Het Parool's - De Beste Foodtrucks van de Rollende Keukens 2017 (only in Dutch).

Here is an summary but keep in mind many vendors change and the list below may not be in 2018 edition of Rollende Keukens.

- Jamaican Food  - Jerk chicken need we say more

- Benny Blij - a small restaurant away from the crowds - fish soup and risotto was a 2017 hit

- La Pilseria - Spanish tapas with a beer tent feel

- L'Aubergine - vegetarian dips, grilled and smoked vegetables from a dark purple vehicle - of course

Here is our post from previous Rolling Kitchens Festival.

When: May 9 - 13 2018

Where: Westerpark or for your Uber Pazzanistraat 33, Amsterdam

Time: 13:00 - 23:00

Website: Rollende Keukens

Instagram: Rollende Keukens

Facebook: Rollende Keukens

Rembrandt or Not? Old Drawings, New Names

When in Amsterdam...it is the home to Rembrandt. The old master spent most of his life in this town. Currently the Rembrandt House Museum is holding an exhibition Rembrandt or Not? Old Drawings New Names.

The exhibition addresses how art historians attribute work to certain artists. The exhibition is the first of its kind in the Netherlands. The exhibition presents 60 drawings that were made by Rembrandt, his apprentices or contemporaries. All of the drawings were initially accredited to 17th century artists. The exhibition is the work of Peter Schatborn who was the head of prints and drawings at the Rijksmusum.

The style and similarities can be seen in the drawings. Apprentices had to learn the style of the master. Rembrandt's apprentices were many. Among them were Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flink.

It is easy to see how art historians have mistakenly attributed drawings. It makes you think how the more valuable paintings are attributed to artists of the period. Looking through these drawings posted on this blog which artist would you think drew them? Go to the Rembrandt House Museum to find out and learn about the process.

The exhibition runs  1 February to 27 April 2014.

Our Tip:

Visit the Rembrandt House Museum before you visit the Rijksmuseum. Step back in time to see and feel the environment before seeing the masterpieces in the national museum, Rijksmuseum.

Open hours and prices can be found here at their website for Rembrandt House Museum.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Similar blogs:
Rembrandt House Museum

Rembrandt's House Museum: Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam....visit the Rembrandt House. The old master lived most of his life in Amsterdam. At the height of his popularity he resided in a magnificent house for twenty years in the middle of Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter.

Rembrandt's House 1868

At this museum you get to step back in time and understand the environment that Rembrandt lived. The house has been reconstructed and filled with objects from Rembrandt's time. Also, the house holds the largest collection of Rembrandt etchings.

Rembrandt's House initial restoration in mid 20th century

It was in 1906 that the city purchased the building and began a long process of restoration. It was not until 1999 that the current restoration was completed. This was due to the purchase of the adjacent building to house the library and information centre.

Paint making in the 17th century at  Rembrandt's House Museum, Amsterdam.

The best thing about the museum is the demonstrations. Each day the Museum shows how etchings were done in the 17th century. There is also a demonstration on how paint was made in Rembrandt's time.


Our tip:

Visit the Rembrandt House Museum before you visit the Rijksmuseum. Step back in time to see and feel the environment before seeing the masterpieces in the national museum, Rijksmuseum.

Open hours and prices can be found here at their website for Rembrandt House Museum.

 When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

Things to do in Amsterdam: Local Tips from famous Amsterdammers

When in Amsterdam....there are so many things to do. Here we have translated advice from famous Amsterdammers of what to do in the city for visitors. These exerts were taken from a book titled: Mijn Plek Amsterdam. 2013. The book was only released in Dutch but is a great gift idea.

Hanna Bervoets

Hanna Bervoets
 Photo taken from film1.nl

Hanna Bervoets is born and breed Amsterdam. She is famous for being a writer, journalist, columnist and appearing on Dutch television.

Hanna's tip: "visitors should go to Cafe-Restaurant Noorderlicht in Amsterdam-North at the NDSM wharf. There, tourists get to see a special and little exposed piece of Amsterdam."

Job Cohen

Job Cohen
Photo taken from nrc.nl

Job Cohen is former social democratic politician and famous for being Mayor of Amsterdam 2001-2010. He was rated European of the Year 2005 by Time for his handling of race tension in Amsterdam.

Job's tip:"a tourist should be directed to the new (eastern) Ij islands. An example for the whole world how an ancient port which no longer serves it initial purpose can be transformed into a modern part of the city. When I started as mayor there was nothing, now it is really beautiful."

Leo Blokhuis

Leo Blokhuis
Photo taken from media.nu.nl

Leo Blokhuis is an expert in the field of pop. He is also a professional graphic designer and a broadcaster.

Leo's tip: "tourists should visit the museums, it's really not normal how much there is to see in the larger museums of the city. Very happy they are open again to the public."

Jeroen Pauw

Jeroen Pauw
Photo taken from talent kitchen

Jeroen Pauw is a journalist and television presenter.

Jeroen's tip: "I hope that tourists see Amsterdam as a relaxed and cheerful village. I get annoyed by people watching and thinking it is dangerous. Walk to Wilhelmina Dok (north Amsterdam) find a cafe and drink quietly a coffee. Then Walk through the park and go to the museum (Film museum)."

Glennis Grace

Glennis Grace
Photo taken from ceo-evenementen

Glennis is a born and breed Amsterdam famous for her singing.

Glennis's tip: "A boat tour is really special. But also a bus or perhaps even by bicycle. A fun and comfortable way to see the city."

Johannes van Dam (deceased)

Johannes van Dam
Photo taken from Het Parool

Johannes was born an Amsterdammer and died in Amsterdam. A journalist and the Netherlands most famous food critic. He had a column for 25 years in the national daily Het Parool. 

Johannes's tip: "Go to the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Hermitage. Then a cruise the canals. For the best croquettes in Amsterdam you need to go to confectionery Holtkamp on the Vijzelgracht."

Tygo Gernandt

Tygo Gernandt
Photo taken from nuphoto.nl

Tygo Gernandt was born in Amsterdam. He is famous for being a voice, television and film actor.

Tygo's tip: "Just the city sweep you up. Walk out of Central Station and just keep walking. Be yourself and do what you want to do. This is what I would advise."


Ellen Hoog

Ellen Hoog
Photo taken from ellenhoog.com

Ellen is a famous for her field hockey talent. She was a member of the Netherlands' European and World Champion national field hockey team

Ellen's tip: "Visit the Nine Streets. When I 'm abroad I look for this atmosphere. The squares, terraces and canals give a very pretty picture of Amsterdam."

Youp van 't Hek

Youp van 't Hek
Photo taken from redlinemusic.nl

Youp is famous for being a comedian and making fun of the rich. He is also a columnist for the national daily NRC Handelsblad since 1988. 

Youp's tip: "At five in the morning take a boat through the city. The students are home, the whores go to bed and sleep. The city wakes up at the same time. Its really great. Get on your bike and go eat somewhere you 've never been without a reservation."

Lnage Frans

Lnage Frans
Photo taken from culturegids.avro.nl

Lnage Frans is born in Amsterdam and is famous for being a rapper and a television presenter.

Lnage's tip: "Cruise through the canals. Just an hour of listening to the tape and admiring all the beautiful things."

We hope this was helpful. If you would like to see the book this came from Mijn Plek Amsterdam. It is a book that asked 25 famous Amsterdammers about their part of Amsterdam. We bought a copy from the Amsterdam City Archives bookshop.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

Other interesting Blog Posts:

All-time Top 10 Things to do in Amsterdam: a critical look

Amsterdam Top 10 Eats: a critical approach

Amsterdam Guide to Dutch Design

When in Amsterdam....explore Dutch Design. Here is your guide to the best places to experience Dutch Design in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a city known for its creativity, and business. The two are wonderful bed fellows that create unique and functional products that are little quirky.

Here are a list of places to visit, see and experience the best of Dutch Design.

Interior design Shops

• Moooi Gallery: Furniture label of the famous Marcel Wanders.
• Droog: A collective established in the 1990s that has become the flagship store for Dutch Design.
• &Klevering sells interior home accessories.
• Frozen Fountain stocks emerging and established designers. Look out for the specially commissioned pieces.
• Mobilia Woonstudio: has an impressive selection of top Dutch design labels.
• Thinking of Holland: stocks Dutch Design souvenirs.

Knotted Chair: Marcel Wanders

Museums

• Stedelijk: The home to contemporary art. Has a great range of turn of the 20th century furniture by famous designers such as Berlage.
• Museum Het Schip: An old apartment block that represents the Amsterdam School of architecture.
• Foam: Amsterdam's most recognized photography museum. The concept was developed by Amsterdam based creative agency Vandejong.

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Hotels

• Andaz Amsterdam - the 5 star hotel part of the Hyatt group is located centrally in the old old library on the Prinsengracht. The interior is designed by the famous Marcel Wanders.
• Dutch Design Hotel Artemis, a little out of town the hotel building's design was influenced by geometric forms of Mondrian, Dudok and Rietveld. Furniture and fittings are designed by contemporaries such as Piet Hein Eek, Marcel Wanders and Richard Hutten.

Andez Hotel foyer Amsterdam

IAmsterdam Sign

• Yes, you read it right.. The great sign markets the city of Amsterdam. Designed by the creative group KesselsKramer. 
• The sign is always moving but look for it in its normal home on Museumplein.

Bike Shops

• Vanmoof
• Blackstar Bamboo Bikes

Blackstar Bamboo Bike

Streetware

• Patta

Amsterdam Streetware brand Patta

Dutch Design Tours

• Omy Amsterdam Tours

If you have any further suggestions please let us know. We are on Facebook, and Google+,  

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Blogs posts similar:

• What is Dutch Design?
• Marcel Wanders: Pinned Up at the Stedelijk, 25 years of design.

Amsterdam's Jordaan: Saturday Market

When in Amsterdam...one of the most beautiful parts of Amsterdam is the Jordaan. A working class district constructed in the early 17th century. 

Jordaan Market, Amsterdam.

The neighborhood was under threat from destruction in the 1970s. The local municipality wanted to modernize the area.

Locals got together and saved what was possible. Saturday is market day. Locals and visitors flock to the neighborhood by local produce and shopping for an array of items.

Our travel tip: On Saturday visit the Anne Frank House and book your tickets online so you don't have to line up. After, head up to the Jordaan market and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Jordaan. 

If you wish to visit the Jordaan join the Omy Amsterdam Jordaan sightseeing walking Tour. Groups are limited to 4 people. This allows you to pop into local places and experience the beauty of the Jordaan. 

For more information visit our website:
www.omyamsterdamtours.com


When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

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This Day in Amsterdam History: 31 January 1696

The Amsterdam City Council had decided to impose tax early in the month on the burial of people and businesses engage in funerals. Industry people spread the word that the poor would be unfairly affected.

People that had suffered under previous taxes revolted at the new tax. On 31 January 1696 furious  set upon the house of Mayor Jacob Boreel on the Herengracht. They thew all of his belongings into the canal. The mob then descended on the house of city Captain. He was already hated for his heavy handed approach.

The City Council acted fast. The city militia was allowed to shoot on the crowd. Two rioters who had gained entrance to the weigh house on Dam Square were thrown out of the window.

The riot stopped as suddenly as it had started. The end result was that the tax on the dead was repealed.

Photo: from Amsterdam City Archives (no google+ account)
Post by  
www.omyamsterdamtours.com 
#Amsterdam       

Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam: small and local

When in Amsterdam....best coffeeshop questions have always been asked. Mindful that most Amsterdammer do not smoke weed. We sent out a resident specialist guide from the Amsterdam Coffeeshop Industry Tour to check out the best of Amsterdam's famous cannabis coffeeshops. Please note that the Tour is not a smoking tour but a tour on the development of the industry in Amsterdam.

The criteria was simple find Amsterdam Coffee Shops that :

1. Are known for their quality.
2. Are small and local. Not the well marketed high profile sites.
3. Finally, are known for consistent and high quality.

Utopia Coffeeshop

Located in the old historic centre this unassuming place is easy to miss. Smoking locals and regular toking visitors to Amsterdam have always had high regard for this cannabis and hash Coffeeshop. Always known for their friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere the shop is only open from 6pm due to new 2014 restrictions. Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 132.

Voyagers

Located at the top of town in front of the Eastern end of Central station. This Coffeeshop is multiple award winner of the prestigious 420 Best Coffeeshop Award. Their product is blue ribbon material. Opening hours are not set. They open and close when they wish. True professional stoners. Address: Geldersekade 2.


Worthy mentions outside City Centre


1e Hulp

Located in the inner west. 1e Hulp, translated to 1st Aid, has been a locals' favourite for many years
Also, a recipient of bronze and silver 420 medals this is a typical local hangout. The 1940s interior and relaxing environment and quality product has meant 1e Hulp makes our list. Address: Marnixstraat 194.


Club Media
Located just off the famous Albert Cyup Market in the now trendy De Pijp neighbourhood.  Club Media is a clean and local the place has a menu full of organic weed. Famous for affordability and organic produce. Address: Gerard Doustraat 83 85.

If you wish to make your own decision feel free to analyse on a community board called The Amsterdam Coffeeshop Directory.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Amsterdam Museum Cannonballrun: 4. Portugese Synagogue

When in Amsterdam....the Portugese Synagogue is a cultural and architectural masterpiece. The building was opened in 1675 and survived Nazi occupation of Amsterdam during the Second World War.

The main building still does not have any electricity and is lit witth hundreds of candles. Part of the out buildings house the world's oldest Jewish library, Ets Haim.

Amsterdam Portugese Synagogue

Museum Overview/Layout

- the main building of the complex is the Synagogue.

- outbuildings surrounding  the Synagogue house the library and treasure chamber. The later is open to viewing.

Amsterdam Porgtugese Synagogue

Tips
- Your ticket to the Jewish Historic Museum includes entrance to the Portugese Synagogue
- take the free audio tour
- visit the downstairs chamber of treasures
- Remember it is a working Synagogue and is closed early on Friday and all day Saturday.
- Men must wear a Kipa/Jarmulka hat (these are provided at entrance)

Museumnacht tips
- Each year the Synagogue is filled with live jazz music. Combined with the candle light of the main room of the Synagogue this is a must visit if you are in the area.
- Yummy falafel and kosher wine is also served in the courtyard for a price. Get there early as they always sell out.
- Check out our museumnacht blog from two years ago which included the Protugese Synagogue.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Amsterdam Museum Cannonball Run: 3. Allard Pierson Museum

When in Amsterdam...lovers of the antiquity the Allard Pierson Museum is for you. The Museum is the archaeological museum of the University of Amsterdam.



Allard Pierson Museum Amsterdam





Museum Overview/ Layout
- The building is impressive with marble floors and high ceilings
- Museum laid out over 2 floors
- Floor one is temporary exhibition and the Egypt rooms
- Floor two is Roman, Greek, Etruria, Cyprus and southern Italy and Sicily artifacts

Egypt artifact - Allard Pierson Museum Amsterdam

Temporary Exhibition

Eternal Egypt Experience - covers Egypt through the centuries. This exhibition goes beyond the normal mummies and Tutankhamun that one expects of ancient Egypt exhibitions. The exhibition starts at 1600,000 before Christ and goes through to 20th Century.

The exhibition is the findings of a combined archeolgical digs conducted by 7 Dutch and Flemish Universities in different parts of Egypt. There is a large multi-media component of the exhibition that takes around 20 minuttes. The exhibition runs until 5 January 2014.

Tips
- for those with a Museum card there is a 2.50 euro additional fee to enter the museum.

Museumnacht tips
- The theme this  year for the Allard Pierson Museum is The Senses. There is a large program of activities  including an antient jukebok and make your own antique perfume. For more information visit here.

When in Amserdam....enjoy!

Piet Modriaan in Amsterdam 1892 -1912: Amsterdam Museum Exhibitions

When in Amsterdam....explore the influence on art. The Amsterdam Museum is currently displaying 62 pieces by Piet Modriaan. Modriaan is famous in the art world for pioneering the abstract (Neoplasticism/ de Stijl) school of painting.

Modrian in Amsterdam 1892 - 1912
(photo: Omy Amsterdam Tours)

This exhibition (on display to January 2, 2014) concentrates on his early works when he lived in and around Amsterdam. The works show the progression of Mordiaan as an artist (he would change his name to Modrian in Paris 1911). Modriaan is normally remembered for his line paintings. This exhibition shows a human, an artist who is developing from influence, environment and personal  philosophy.

Born just outside Amsterdam to a strict Calvinist family Modriaan moved to Amsterdam in 1892 to study at the Academy of Fine Art. The exhibition shows how young Modriaan painting was typical in 19th century style. Landscapes and especially windmills were consistent objects of his paintings. He built up a career of commissions painting portraits and landscapes.

The exhibition dramatically shows the influence on Modriaan of the Van Gogh exhibition in Amsterdam in 1905. From 1907 his colours change to be more radical. His radical colour choices put him at odds with patrons and his family.

Windmill in Sunlight, Modriaan 1908

Modriaan again changes his style after his trip to Paris in 1911. He is confronted by Cubism. Combined with the use of dramatic colours during the First World War  Modriaan turns his attention to the philosophy and painting, especially the line and colour. The process becomes more important than the result.

It is always fascinating to see an artist develop. Piet Modriaan in Amsterdam 1892 - 1912, exhibits rare works seldom displayed publicly. For those who love early 20th century art this is a must see. Great in combination with a visit to the Van Gogh and Stedelijk museums of Amsterdam.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!