Pizzeria Rimini

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The Leidseplein area is famous for a wide range of entertainment and dining options. Most of the restaurants seem to be clones of each other, with little to differentiate the various ethnic places, especially the Italian ones.

Pizzeria Rimini is unique in that it offers pretty much the same fare as most other Italian eateries in the area, but boasts pizza and pasta dishes at about half the price of other restaurants. This was such an unusual claim, especially for Amsterdam, I had to give it a try.

I ordered a pizza funghi (with cheese & mushrooms) and I wasn’t disappointed. While it wasn’t the best pizza in the area, it equalled most others. It was huge covering the entire platter. The only faults I could find was perhaps just a little less of each ingredient. A little less cheese, fewer mushrooms (although there certainly was enough), and a slightly thinner crust.

All pizzas are priced at just 5 euros.

You’ll have to walk a bit farther to get the deal as the Rimini is at the edge of the restaurant district. No doubt that’s why they have the half price gimmick to get people to walk past a dozen other Italian restaurants along the way. It’s also very popular with young Dutch people looking to save a few Euros, so it might be crowed on weekends. If you’re looking for cheap eats around the Leidseplein, check out Rimini!

Saow Thai

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Amsterdam’s Red Light District has many Thai restaurants, but none quite like Saow Thai. Like other Thai restaurants Saow Thai’s food is consistently good, well prepared, perfectly spiced and always accompanied by a beautiful presentation.

So what makes this Thai place different? Well the bar scene dominates more than half the place, with the few cramped dining tables stuffed in almost as an afterthought. And it’s quite a bar scene. The beautiful Thai women serving drinks (and dinner) are often not women at all but Thai men in drag. And they carry it off so well, this place will remind those who’ve been through the sexy bar scene in Bangkok of that steamy, sultry city.

The patrons of Saow Thai seem evenly divided by those seeking good Thai food, and those wanting to hang out at the bar. It’s really too bad this place isn’t a little bigger, as it takes a while to feel comfortable in their dining area.

Their beautiful and tasty culinary delights don’t come cheap either. As low key and unprententious as the place is, you don’t expect to pay these prices. Plan on 30 Euros per person plus drinks.

This reminds me of the time I was staying is some obscure Thai town way out in the countryside. It was around 9pm and I was just looking for dinner, and I passed by the most brightly lit shop in town. Surprisingly it was a very modern barber shop, and seeing how badly I needed a haircut, I went in. It occured to me how odd it was to have a barbershop open so late at night, but I reasoned this was some unique cultural obsession I’d yet to figure out.

I tried to explain how I wanted my haircut, but for some weird reason, the barber didn’t invite me to sit in the chair, and made no move to prepare me for a haircut. Instead he and another man kept pointing up a staircase, nodding their heads in that direction, apparently urging me to ascend. Since no one spoke English, it took me awhile to grasp what they were saying. For a moment I thought, oh, they must have another floor of barbers waiting to cut hair. But then I thought, wait a second, this is a small town in the middle of nowhere, why do they need a modern highrise barber shop?

The men called up the stairs, and soon a parade of beautiful scantily dressed Thai women came down. The reason they were so reluctant to cut my hair and encouraging me to go upstairs was the fact that the barbershop was just a front for a brothel. Once I figured that out, we all had a good laugh, and I continued my search for a restaurant…

That’s the kind of feeling I get at Saow Thai. Like there’s more going on here than meets the eye. Intriguing indeed!

I highly recommend you arrive early for dinner. The few tables (four I think) fill up fast. Or just hangout by the bar and wait patiently while the Asian transvestites ply you with mai tais. I can think of few things more exotic than that…

Info:
Address:
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 160
Amsterdam 1012 DW
Phone: 020 422-3023

Overseas Computers

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The last time I moved back to Amsterdam, I went to a computer store to order a new computer (I only bring my hard drives with me). I was told it would be a two week wait for a new one to be built to my specs. After patiently waiting three weeks I was told it would be at least another week! You can imagine my frustration not having a computer for such a long time…

So I did what any former computer techie would do. I marched down to Overseas Computers, told them what I needed. They handed me the parts, I took them home in a taxi, and within ONE HOUR, I had my new computer up and running! Why did I wait? Not only did I get ONLY what I wanted, when I needed it, but they saved me some money, too.

Over the years I’ve been to Overseas Computers a number of times, and they usually have what I need, at a reasonable price. No B.S. Just pickup their current price sheet, or visit their website to see the savings.

While they might not have such a wide selection of ready to go computers and accessories as Media Markt, they certainly have better deals on loose parts. Also their staff is far more knowledgable than most salesmen in electronics stores. And from what I’ve seen, they’re pretty good about taking things back, unlike Media Markt (where you must PROVE to them the item doesn’t work!).

Stadsarchief Amsterdam

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Stadsarchief Amsterdam is on the Amsteldijk upriver from the Carre theater, on the other side of the Amstel River.

This is where the official archives of the City of Amsterdam reside, and there are exhibits open to the public, with interpretations in Dutch, of course.

Info:
Stadsarchief Amsterdam is on the Amsteldijk at number 67, 1074 HZ Amsterdam.

Jewish Historical Museum

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The Jewish Historical Museum was established 70 years ago, and from 1932 till 1987 it was housed in the medieval Weigh House, in the Nieuwmarkt. In 1987, the museum moved to the restored complex of synagogues at Jonas Daniël Meijerplein, just off the Waterlooplein.

Originally opemed as a single room, part of the Amsterdam Historical Museum, it has grown over the years despite the efforts of the Nazis.

When Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, the Jewish Historical Museum closed its doors and tried to save the collection. Objects on loan were returned to their owners and the museum collection was transferred to the Stedelijk Museum. In 1943 the Germans claimed the museum’s objects as Jewish property, and was taken by the Nazis to Germany, and most was lost or destroyed.
 
Reopened in 1955, only a fifth of the original collection remained. New objects were added from public and private collections.
 
The museum hosts art displays and other cultural events geared towards Amsterdam’s Jewish population and visitors.

The Headshop

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The Headshop, located at the intersection of the Kloveniersbughwal and the Oude Hoogstraat in the Red Light District is just one of many places in the area to buy smoking accessories. This colorful landmark was one of the first headshops in Amsterdam, in business since 1968.

Like most shops they sell the typical range of smoking paraphernalia like pipes, bongs, rolling papers, filters, graters, stash boxes, incense, etc. What sets the headshop apart is a very nice assortment of jewelry from around the world.

The shop was recently remodeled and painted. They own another shop across the street that sells clothing, with an emphasis on fashions made from hemp. You can also buy magic mushrooms here.

Info:
Address:
kloveniersburgwal 39
Amsterdam 1011 JW
Phone: 020 624-9061

Klaas Compaen

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I must admit I’d passed by this quaint Thai restaurant in the Red Light District many times before I finally took the plunge. Klaas Compaen is named after a man who journed to India but ended up living happily in Thailand because he liked the women and the food.

Klaas Compaen claims to be the first Thai restaurant in Amsterdam, operating here some 30 years. The entry way leads you down some steps into a scent filled basement room. This relatively small restaurant which has just a half dozen tables and more seats at the bar is very cozy. Those sitting at the bar can watch the chef at work creating those Thai delights we know and love.

We had ordered our usual test for Thai restaurants consisting of spring rolls, Tom Yam soup, Pad Thai and red curry. These are the standard dishes served up at all Thai restaurants and reveal the food quality and consistency.

All the dishes were fresh and authentic, although I found the very thin noodles used for the Pad Thai to be lacking in flavor and ingredients. It was mostly noodles with few vegetables or chicken pieces to be found. This was the only drawback to what otherwise was a very tasty meal.

As we were the only patrons for most of our meal, the staff of three provided perfect service. When the place is packed, which I noticed is common on weekends, it may feel a bit claustrophobic or gezelig (cozy) depending upon your personality. Fortunately a bank of air conditioners should prevent the usual Dutch restaurant smoke from being a big problem in such a small room. Ask them to turn them on if you feel uncomfortable.

Info:
Klaas Compaen does not accept credit cards!
Hours: 5pm – 9:45pm

Address:
Raamgracht 9
Amsterdasm

Phone: 020-623-8708

Toko Dun Yong

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Amsterdam’s Chinatown is growing daily, with new shops opening along the edge of the district, servicing the booming restaurant trade and immigrant population as well as the growing interest in Asian food among Europeans.

Toko Dun Yong, a multilevel department store, has been selling a wide variety of products made in China since 1957. This is the class market in Amsterdam’s Chinatown, with far more items than the other, smaller markets carry.

Their excellent selection of food, kitchenware, ceramics, furniture, books, music, restaurant equipment and decorations are without peer in Amsterdam. Whether you’re looking for just the right size wok, or that special kind of tea you’ll find it here or nowhere.

If you can make it past the first floor’s enormous selection of edibles, venture downstairs to the basement’s treasure horde of kitchen and restaurant items. You’ll be sorely tempted to buy that long desired kitchen implement. I was amazed to see such a range of items, including things I didn’t expect to find in a Chinese store, like Paella pans (in 2 sizes!).

With all the other Chinese specialty stores around, the prices might not be the best on certain items, but it’s hardly worth the time to shop all over to save a few cents, when this place has it all.

Info:
Open: 9am – 6pm daily, Sunday Noon-6pm.
Metro: Nieuwmarkt

Address:
Stormsteeg 9
Amsterdam 1012 BD
Phone: +31-(0)20-622-1763

Rijksmuseum

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The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, is home to a large collection of art and history of the Netherlands. The museum has an famed collection of paintings from the seventeenth-century Dutch Republic, the Golden Age, works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and other paintings such as Frans Hals and Jan Steen. At the very heart of the museum is Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”.

The Rijksmuseum houses more than just paintings: there are collections of silver, delftware, doll’s houses, prints, drawings, Asiatic art and Dutch history. Art on paper, prints and drawings, and the photographic collection, are shown four times a year in different exhibitions.

The Rijksmuseum is at one end of the Museumplein which is also bordered by the Van Gogh museum, the Stedlijk museum and the Concertgebouw. The Museumplein is a good place to take a break on a nice day. It’s especially refreshing if you’re attempting to do more than one museum in a day.

Info:
Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on January 1.
Admission is 8.50 euros for adults.

Address:
Stadhouderskade 42
Amsterdam 1071 ZD
Phone: 020-674-7047

Floriade

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This vast park/exhibit is a great place to take the kids or just explore on your own with a camera. The scenery is awesomely photogenic, and teams of landscape artists are constantly roving the grounds making sure everything is perfect.

Floriade is a fantastic presentation from the Netherlands to the world of its scientific mastery over gardening and evidence of the Dutch role as a leading horticultural knowledge center. The 65 hectare space is filled with gardens, greenhouses, technological displays, lakes, waterways, paths and mazes ~ and all these can be seen from high atop Spotter’s Hill. Held once every ten years – this is the fifth Floriade! The major attractions of the exhibit are the Horticultural Experience, Wonderwaterland, Spotter’s Hill, and the Gardens of Emotion.

Of the two park entrances I chose to enter at the South Entrance, and quickly found myself in another world of beauty and space perfumed by billions of flowers. This is the Holland you dream of – miles and miles of lush landscaped areas with flowers everywhere.

At the South Entrance you are on the banks of the Harlemmermeer Lake, which is surrounded by the most natural areas of the park – if that’s possible. Walking around the shore you’ll find nature areas and a variety of garden examples, and a fine open-air theater in one corner.

Comfort and enjoyment are planned into this experience, with nice wheelchairs available to cruise the easy pathways and areas of the park. Amongst the gardens and paths are nicely designed cafes literally covered with baskets of flowers, offering cold drinks and more stuff for tourists – with places to sit and relax under umbrellas or shady plantings. In the main area under the Roof is a fine restaurant, and you’ll find ice cream stands here there and everywhere through the park.

After touring the lake area, I walked across the bridge to the other side of the park and checked out Spotter’s Hill with its amazing views all the way to Haarlem. From here you get a great vantage point of the entire place and if tired or curious, spend 1.50 euros to ride up and down the pyramid shaped hill in a futuristic air-conditioned battery-powered self-driving car. The sculpture dominating the top of the hill is a good reference point to use when wandering around lost in this maze.

A visit to the Horticultural Experience gives an amazing educational insight into the growers, traders and organizations that make Dutch horticulture such an important part of their economy – and life. The underground exhibits are found in the center of a maze of islands covered with examples of how they do it Dutch style.

You can’t miss the Wonderwaterland exhibit, the path runs right through it – and inside is the “Timeship” which takes you through 10,000 years of geology explaining the area, and then details how the Dutch have worked to hold back the sea and drain more and more land for agricultural and living space over the ages.

The most amazing greenhouse I’ve ever visited is located near the Roof, and the high-technology inside rivals anything that NASA is doing. Displays of hydroponic miracles are here to be seen, with tomatoes as large as your head. Cucumbers as long as your arm dangle from vines high overhead, and peppers glowing red and green decorate their bushes like Christmas tree ornaments. Huge trays of plants on moving beds are constantly rotating to get the best sunlight, with electronic keypads at the row ends to computer control the flow of nutrients and water. This is an amazing greenhouse, with a computer controlling the windows opening and closing for air, and shades in case there is too much sun. Heaters come on line at the computer’s will, maintaining a perfectly controlled environment with virtually no pests – therefore this greenhouse garden is completely organic according to the technicians I interviewed on the spot.

And finally I entered the Roof, which the energy firm Nuon built with 30,000 square meters of solar collecting electricity producing cells. At one end of the “Roof” is the Great Taste Restaurant, which supposedly offers organic edibles from the gardens. The size of four football fields, the interior of the Roof is filled with the most amazing displays of decorative plant and flower arrangements you’ll probably ever see in your life. These displays from around the world vary from desert landscape scenes to elaborate Chinese and Thai pagodas replete with decorations of orchids and other exotic flowers. But don’t let the kids miss the collection (HUGE) of carnivorous plants! They’re here for you to actually touch and enjoy – stick a twig into a Venus Fly Trap and watch it snap shut!

Just past the Roof is the North Entrance, collection of tourist shops and cafes, restrooms and a nice place to have a seat and relax. The visit to Floriade was fun, and if you’re stuck in the city all summer, at least visit Floriade to get some relief.

Info:
Open daily from April 6th 2002 until October 20, 2002. Park opens at 9:30 am and closes at 7 pm. Ticket price is 17 euros for adults, 8.50 for kids. To get to Floriade it is easy to go to any ticket window of the Nederlands Spoorwagen (Dutch Railway) and buy an entrance ticket as well as the transportation tickets for around 22 euros from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol via train, then the Zuidtangent bus to Floriade. Buses and trains run every half hour. If you must drive, there is parking.

Address:
Harlemmermeer Lake
Amsterdam

Phone: 0900 0555