Weekend Tefaf 2013

It was Tefaf-time and, once again, we spent a wonderful weekend in pretty Maastricht. At The European Fine Arts Fair, small improvements had been made (like small, portable 'kitchenettes' dotted around the place with good quality food, for a quick bite...no more crazy queues). The atmosphere was friendly and 'the world's population' was well represented (especially South America).

Fresh roses on huge, circular panels, sunk into the walls, and 'fairy tale bouquets' everywhere, spread their beautiful scent.

We particularly liked 'man with guitar' by Pablo Picasso (above) and the ring by Buccellati, which I tried on two years ago (april 2011 blog), was still there (I think it has my name on it)!!!
Not many people I know visit this Fair but if anyone feels like a nice day out...there's still time (until the 24th).
Here's the link: TEFAF

More neighbourhood-progress

It was the First (and only) day, when the weather was warm enough to sit outside on my balcony, last week. Picture me all homely and peaceful, cleaning, organic, brussels sprouts on a piece of newspaper. Suddenly I heard a low rumble and a lot of clanging noises when, out of nowhere, two huge cranes, slowly, loomed over the rooftops opposite me. What in the....?

Turns out, work has started on renovating the old tram depot, behind the next row of houses, and turning it into a centre for Media, Culture, Fashion and Trade. Tv studios, Cinemas, Restaurants, small businesses, Art, Shops, Training centres...you name it!
It's a large and amazing project, which will take 2 years to build... If they stick to the plan, it will be Good for the neighbourhood!
For those who are interested, please click on: TRAM DEPOT RENOVATION
Here's an impression of what some of it will look like.

I'm really excited about the end product. I realise that after two years of earth tremors, pounding of huge posts into the ground and everything else that comes with building work, I might sing a different tune. But for now....Hey Ho, Here we go...UPWARDS AND ONWARDS.

Little Red Tag

Amsterdam has been held at ransom by bicycles for way too long. They've become a 'health hazard' and the council has decided to give the City, drastic, Angioplasty treatment.  'Special Forces' have been sent out to 'tag and drag' illegally parked bicycles or their rusty 'leftovers'. You get two weeks to save your precious means of transport, so Be Warned!

this one got away

Best Calamari in town

Want to know where, I believe, the best Fried Calamari rings in Amsterdam are served?
Click on my foodblog: ME-ME-LINKFOOD.AMSTERDAM.

Screaming Beans

I'm trying to catch up on my food-blog-reviews and because I mentioned Screaming Beans, recently, I thought it best to quickly add it to the others.
So, for the full story, click on: SONJA'S FOODBLOG

On the Up and Up

I've lived here for just over a year now, and even during that fairly short time I've noticed how quickly the area seems to be on the Up and Up (as they say).
The once, slightly dodgy, massage salons and, pungent smelling 'coffee shops' have been replaced by clean, light, inviting bagel-and-coffee places or comfy restaurants with 'honest' food on their menus and even a few, classy, restaurants like Screaming Beans (an absolute must).

Last week, the new kid on the block called Bilder & De Clerq turned out to be a 'Ready, Steady, Cook' type of supermarket, mainly intended for working couples or single people, who just don't have the time to think long and hard about what they're going to eat (let alone cook) that evening.
We went to have a browse and were pleasantly surprised. An amazing idea, well excecuted at a great location. Looks like it will be an instant Hit!

Here's a fun, English link, I found on the internet :BILDER & DE CLERQ

Birthday treat, Vinkeles Amsterdam

Any excuse for a special treat (and one of our favourite occupations)!
Occasion: Eric's birthday, Treat: dinner at Vinkeles.

Vinkeles, hotel The Dylan on the Keizersgracht has 1 Michelin star and we could taste and experience why.
A lovely, warm and welcoming place, oozing history.
Our baby-faced, extremely knowledgeable, sommelier not only poured us the (birthday-surprise) champagne and our choice (not his) of wine from Italy (Il Templare) but also fed our brains with the interesting information we had asked for.
Executive chef Dennis Kuipers delighted us with delicious, and sometimes spectacular, food-creations which were served by professional staff with an eye for detail.
An amazing evening, made even more special by our view of the, beautifully lit, courtyard garden, while proper snowflakes fell, slowly, from the heavens and formed a thick, white carpet. We couldn't have wished for a more romantic evening.