Pink: Fashion – Red: Curiosities
Japan is hot. Japansese trends emerge on every streetcorner and sushi is the new hot dog. Roppongi, named after the famous entertainment district in Tokyo, sells every bit of Japan you can imagine, and more. From simple sushi gear (both to make and to eat) to Bento boxes, Furoshikis (a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth), Hello Kitty cutlery and toe-separating Jikitabi boots. Worn by construction workers in Japan, by local hipsters in Amsterdam. (..more)
Most Amsterdam locals would never take a stroll along Central Station’s main street, also known as the Damrak. And I can’t blame them. The street is designed for tourists: it’s filled with souvenir shops, kebab sheds and voluptuous girls serving drinks. Topless. But please take a minute to look bit closer. Right across the Beurs van Berlage you’ll find a tiny door with ‘Hotel’ written above it. Not very mind blowing at first sight. Look again. This is the gateway to a world where fashion meets architecture, design meets functionality and Amsterdam meets Europe. (..more)
If you are a fan of unique pieces, vintage and new trends you can not miss this fashionable store: Jutka en Riska. Two weeks ago I attended an event organized by this young and innovative shop and I was amazed by the atmosphere and the beautiful place itself. You can find a huge collection of accessories and clothes and you will be fascinated by the store itself. Everything is divided per colours, so you can easily match clothes with bags, vintage shoes, a big variety of necklaces, scarves, rings, bracelets and earrings. (..more)
It’s five o’clock in the afternoon and you’re cycling through our gorgeous city. Other cyclists are probably coming home from work. You on the other hand have been going hard all night and day at a big ass rave party somewhere in the outer suburbs, probably in an empty industrial building or underneath a bridge. At this moment you’re desperately craving for some nice breakfast. However all the cafés you come across are serving lunch or have even started serving dinner at this time. Everyone must recognize this horrible situation. Luckily we have 331 West, serving breakfast until 18:00! (..more)
Arisen from the Tatziki ashes of Greek restaurant Petros is now a top of the bill lunchroom. On the opposite side of Rozen Theater, you will find LE Cafeier, where possibly some illegal Raki is still hidden under the counter. The owner, Artin Seropian, is an Armenian native, but lived in Sweden for 23 years. The interior design is inspired on Scandinavian wood and stylish back-to-basic accessories. The jugs of water, containing cucumber and lemon are a common Swedish habit in local coffee-houses and his Swedish homemade chocolate coconut balls are worth trying. (..more)
Fine wines improve with age, but some people believe that all wines will age beautifully. Just like NOT all men age nicely, some wines are best young. In reality over ninety percent of all wine produced in the world is meant to drink right away; anywhere between now and six months. Which means that if we don’t hurry up and start drinking, some really good wine will go to waste. But, seriously, wine has the ability to be a great companion whether you are alone (not that I encourage alcoholism) or surrounded by people. So, why wait? (..more)
