final TIPS for Amsterdam

Although I am not sure I can say FINAL tips because I had such an amazing time and of course I hope to go back soon, these are just a few final thoughts that have stuck out from Amsterdam.

RESTAURANT
I was so incredibly lucky to be introduced to the Indonesian restaurant TEMPO DOELOE.

http://www.tempodoeloerestaurant.nl/

We were able to sneak in for an hour before the next reservation however luckily the news that the reservation had been pushed back allowed us to relax a little more, indulge in the spices, textures and luckily a dessert. I love spicy food so when we asked for it to be spicy, luckily we were told that the extra spice would come on the side because SPICE in Indonesia is serious spice. We had the share platter so were able to test everything and attacked the platter as guided by the waiter - from left to right as the food spice increased. The dessert was the most delicate cake I have ever eaten and the overall experience was amazing. Thank you.


SHOPPING/DEALS!
Need shoes or boots? Head to OUTLET KALVERSTRAAT - 151 Kalverstraat (a big pedestrian shopping street in Amsterdam). Although I was hesitant to head to this area as it is PACKED with shoppers, I am happy I did.  I stumbled upon a great shoe store, an outlet. All boots are 40.00euros, maybe the shoes as well but I am was on a boot mission. I bought two pairs and the best part was a few doors down the exact same boots were more than twice the price. Such a nice feeling!!! One pair was regular 139.95 and the other 149.95. The service was sweet and attentive and I left very happy. Good luck!

CAFE/RESTAURANT
I will not get into this too much because well the entire thing was an awful experience. I went with two friends for coffee and a small lunch on my last day to a restaurant called GESPOT.  The service was awful and slow. With 4 waiters and not many customers, I am not sure how that place is managed. The order was wrong, the food (toasted sandwiches) took over 40 minutes and were not even toasted. Our coffees were cold, I ordered a mint tea and to add more water they wanted me to pay for an extra tea. The entire experience was awful. We all left hungry, thirsty and frustrated. This cafe is in a touristy area, however this should not be an excuse. Although the website may look promising, do yourself a favor, go to Bagels and Beans down the road.

http://www.restaurant-gespot.nl/

It really is a shame as the location, design and building are amazing.


CHOCOLATE
PUCCINI BOMBONI - thank you!
These are works of art, delicious and the variety of flavors are to die for! I have no idea how I did it, but I made my 4 last a few days - luckily they are a good size as well so you can cut them into 2 or 3 pieces. The chocolates are all made on location with natural ingredients therefore 7-10 days is the max you can keep them.

I am drooling writing this right now.

http://www.puccinibomboni.com/

I devoured the Ginger, Lemongrass, Paprika and Aniseed. These made up for the GESPOT let down. 

 

Well, as mentioned, I could absolutely keep writing about Amsterdam. Such an incredible city, happy people, great service and it has completely reminded me of the city I want to live in and HOW a city should feel.

I hope you are able to experience it one day,
Pippa