THE DUTCH ART OF ESCAPING CREATIVELY
Amsterdam has become one of those cities synonymous with ‘overtourism’. That’s why CHRISTINA KO has her own handpicked guides to help her escape the crowds in her favourite city
Five local luminaries reveal their favourite Amsterdam hangouts to CHRISTINA KO
Igot married in Amsterdam last summer. ‘Is your husband Dutch?’ was the refrain from not-so-close friends and acquaintances. No, and indeed, I had no personal connection to the city, other than the profound love for it that bloomed on my first visit, in the depths of winter and before the age of Google Maps, when I wandered the canals aimlessly and skipped every single tourist sight deemed must-see – from the Rijksmuseum to the red light district. I’m no local, but when
I chose the city for my nuptials I wanted everyone I love to fall in love, too – to eat at farm-to-table restaurants that are more humble than hipster; to poke through flea markets and secondhand shops overflowing with well-worn silver and blueand-white Delft pottery; to ride a bicycle and breathe in air that is crisp and cool no matter the weather or season.
Here, we meet five locals – and one Dutch export – who share their hometown secret spots. Places, as shoe designer Bianca Blom says, that give you that real ‘Amsterdam feeling’. Our bicycle awaits.
is a place where my friends meet over quality homemade jenever (similar to gin, and a local speciality). As a creative director I blend and combine beautiful raw materials, and this place inspires new creations: the Mykonos cocktail has a freshness that triggers the palette along with sour, spicy and bitter notes. Tasting is done the old-fashioned way – bowing to the drink and slurping the first sip from a traditional tulip glass. Sip and taste – it’s not a shot.
RENT A BIKE. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND – STOP FOR PRETTY SCENERY, VISIT VINTAGE SHOPS OR STROLL AROUND THE FLOWER MARKET
VALERIE SOH AND SASCHA SPECKEMEIER
Marketing consultant and food writer Valerie founded Amsterdam- based Munchienomnom to explore the world of food, and is a ‘ tastehunter’ for the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Sascha is the restaurant manager of two- Michelin-starred Spectrum. They met and fell in love in Amsterdam, where they will marry this summer
There’s something in the air in Amsterdam. Every time we arrive back after a trip, we feel an immediate need to go for a walk along the canals and settle back into the city. Utrechtsestraat is a quiet street with an amazing curation of little shops. It feels like home, whether we stop for apple pie at Patisserie Kuyt,
or head to the little Simon en Evert
food stall for the most delicious herring in town (and the best views over the river), or cosy neighbourhood butcher Slagerij De Leeuw to buy fresh truffles and wagyu beef by the gram. It’s a street where you’re able to build relationships, because only regulars go there – we even got our wedding bands made at the local goldsmith, Esther.
ISABELLE POST
Isabelle is the host manager at the Conservatorium Hotel, and joined during its pre- opening phase in 2011. She manages guest relations and the concierge, advising guests where to find the best hidden gems
My all-time favourite hidden gem for comfort food in Amsterdam is definitely Bagel Nosh. The interior is basic but it’s the perfect spot for breakfast and lunch, and offers the best hangover brunch in town (topped off with one of its homemade pies). The owner is so passionate and friendly and welcomes me back with a smile even if I haven’t been for a while. It’s just outside the city centre in the south part of Amsterdam.