Cosmo Polite

French Restaurants

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:05:00 +0000

Bon Appetit is said in many restaurants in Amsterdam. However, in which restaurants can you enjoy French food?

Pure pleasure without pretensions
Bordewijck Amstelstraat 9, Amsterdam, T 020 8904757 website
Splendid cuisine and service, less impressive decor.

Utrechtsedwarsstafel Utrechtsedwarsstraat 107, Amsterdam, T. 020 6254189 website
Chefs menu only. But don’t worry, he won’t disappoint you.

Te Pas Lijnbaansgracht 274, Amsterdam,T. 020 7735990 website
Two no-nonsense brother with a passion for providing lovely dishes. Great price-quality.

Fyra Noorderstraat 19-21-23, Amsterdam, T. 020 4283632 website
Two young couples living out their dream to run a fabulous French restaurant.

Pompidou Koninginneweg 263, Amsterdam, T. 020 470 7835 website

Newcomer in Oud-Zuid; styling and impression. Loved the creme brulee!

Formal Excellence & Ambiance
Ciel Blue (2 stars), Hotel Okura, F. Bolstraat 333, Amsterdam, T. 020 6787450 website
La Rive (1 star), Amstel Hotel, Prof. Tulpplein 1, Amsterdam, T. 020 5203264 website
Vinkeles (1 star), Keizersgracht 384, Amsterdam, T. 020 5302000 website

Le Restaurant Tweede Jan Steenstraat 3, Amsterdam, T. 020 3792207 website
May be you have been one of the lucky few who managed to get a table at this well-celebrated restaurant?

A Paris Feel
Cafe George Leidsegracht 84, Amsterdam, T. 020 6260802 website
Nice French food for funky people. And remember, everything for ‘funky people’ in Amsterdam goes hand in hand with poor customer service, especially if you yourself are not as funky as the other funky guests...

Brasserie Flo Amstelstraat 9, Amsterdam, T. 020 8904757 website
A simple success Parisian concept copied in Amsterdam and not to be missed in a listing of French restaurants.

Two Amsterdam secrets...
In ‘t Vierde Baarsje Surinamestraat 32, Amsterdam, T. 020 6166796
Don’t be mislead by the outdated decor, less-trendy waiter and rather old clientele; the food in surprisingly good!

La Vallade Ringdijk 23, Amsterdam, T. 020 6652025
Home style cooking hidden in Amsterdam East; it’s sure worth the trip.

On my wish list...
I have heard nothing but good things about these restaurants:
Zuid-Zeeland, Herengracht 413, Amsterdam, T. 020 6243154 website
Marius, Barentszstraat 243, Amsterdam, T. 020 4227880‎ (website currently offline).
A la Ferme, Govert Flinckstraat 251. Amsterdam T. 20 6798240 website
Halvemaan, Van Leijenberghlaan 320, Amsterdam, T 020 6443206 website

Disappointing
Cafe Graves Gravenstraat 10, Amsterdam, T. 020 6250014 website
Loved the entourage, pleasant service yet the dishes were a bit disappointing (especially related to the price).

In de Keuken Utrechtsestraat 114, Amsterdam, T. 020 6167414 website
With only Chef’s menu on offer, the waiting time was too long for what you received and had to pay for.

Vermeer Prins Hendrikkade 59, Amsterdam, T. 020 5564885 website
For a former Michelin-star restaurant, with still star-prices, I would have expected greater culinary excellence.

Drinks support 3 African entrepreneurs

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:29:00 +0000

At our monthly drinks we raise money to support entrepreneurs in third world countries. With the proceeds of the February drinks three African business owners with their company.

Adjowa Adjalo (Togo) is 43 years old, married and mother of three children. She live in Assahoun, a town located 70 kilometers from Kpalimé. She retails “Sodabi”, which is a local beverage made from fermented palm juice. With our loan, she intends to buy large quantities of Sodabi to resell during the rainy season when it is cooler. With her foreseen profits, she wants to make improvements to her house.

Jacob (Kenya) is 45 years old and married. He has six children between 6 and 16 years of age, all of whom attend school. He operates a mixed farm in Western Kenya, near the town of Kitale, where he's been farming for five years. Along with his horticulture activities, Jacob frequently performs carpentry and masonry work in his community for additional income. He says that the main challenge he faces right now is that he is so busy in carpentry work that he has trouble dedicating enough time to his other business operations.

Jacob recently repaid a Kes. 30,000 loan from Juhudi Kilimo and has now requested this loan for Kes. 71,600 to purchase and insure a dairy cow. He will also use part of the loan to purchase farm supplies, such as a donkey cart, and material for a new dairy shed. lHe says that this loan will benefit his family in many ways, especially with the availability of additional mik. He also plans to use the donkey cart in a small scale transport business, charging other farmers to carry their goods to markets. In the future, Jacob wants to open a wholesale shop and would, one day, like to acquire a tractor for plowing services.

Grace Iwo (Nigeria) is 57 years old and married with 5 children. Her husband is self employed and he also supports the home. Her children are excelling in their various jobs and school. Grace sells groceries at retail prices to her customers. Her customers are usually residents and friends. She loves this business because of the one-on-one interaction that she has with her customers. She wants to expand her business in the future. Grace hopes for a loan amount of NGN 170,000 to purchase more groceries to sell. She thanks Kiva lenders for their support.

People Cosmo Polites have supported by providing loans:

Adjowa Adjalo (Togo) - February 2010
Jacob Tawai (Kenya) - February 2010
Grace Iwo (Nigeria) - February 2010
Natalya Bondareva (Ukraine) - January 2010
Senfuma Joseph (Uganda) - January 2010
Kei Uy (Phillipines) - December drinks
Uche Ike (Nigeria) - December drinks
Maqboolan Maqsood Ahmad Group (Pakistan) - October drinks
Azra M.rafiq Group (Pakistan) - October drinks
Rukiri 2 Group (Uganda) - Table Invitee dinner
Hermenia Soon (Phillipines) - September drinks
Letecia Ocular (Phillipines) - September drinks
Marguerite Kayitesi (Rwanda) - August drinks
Noeun Sorn (Cambodia) - August drinks
Deborah Alaho (Nigeria) - July drinks
Areli (Peru) - July drinks
Yarisa Mojica Jimenez (Dominican Republic) - June drinks
Dafina Vasileva (Bulgary) - Thanksgiving dinner 2007
Hamza Homidov (Tajikistan) - Thanksgiving dinner 2007
Digna (Peru) - Thanksgiving dinner 2007
Tomás Medina (Paraguay)- Thanksgiving dinner 2007

Fashionista shops

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:45:00 +0000

With my unlimited desire to look styling yet limited budget, I celebrated the arrival of the Amsterdamsche Fashion Outlet* in August 2009. The owner, Lydia Geluk, has given me a list of other styling shops with friendly prices and service.

Amsterdamsche Fashion Outlet*- Latest fashion made affordable As with most of the shops listed here, the shop is run by the owner. Consequently, customers are treated with honest care. And that is exactly why I, Kira, keep returning to the shop. Whenever I enter the shop, Lydia takes out the garments that suit my personal style and body shape. Outside regular opening hours, the store is open by appointment. Amsterdamsche Fashion Outlet, Willemsparkweg 95, Amsterdam, T. 7858020

Zonder Franje - Amsterdam Gezelligheid (coziness)
The other second hand shop that comes recommended is Fraai, which is run by a typically Amsterdam lady. The chatty lady is proud of her shop and keeps it tidy and clean. Most clothes are from respectable international fashion brands. Zonder Franje, Vrijheidslaan 93, Amsterdam.

Daffodil - Vintage Chanel and Dolce
Located in “(G)old South” is the second hand store Daffodil. The owner, a chic lady herself, buys and sells beautiful garments, which are even second-hand not cheap, but surely more affordable than on the PC Hooftstraat! Despite the ‘grand’ labels, service is friendly and unpretentious. The owner is happy to pour you a cup of tea when you need a break from browsing around her boutique. Daffodil, Jacob Obrechtstraat 41, Amsterdam.

Carla - Colourful Elegance
The shop’s full name, Carla female Fashion sounds rather unfashionably. However, all garments have un-Dutch feminine flair, with dashing dresses and elegant evening wear. Also, the shop has an exclusive collection of fashion brands, many of which are also sold on the PC. So, the name does describe the shop well. Outside regular opening hours, the store is open by appointment. Carla, Middenweg 34, Amsterdam, T. 4657020

Dian Fashion - for very stylish women only
Dian Fashion is a long history of providing excellent service to its classy clientele. For over 40 years, the experienced sales ladies help you in a natural and informal way; nothing like the Rodeo drive stuck-up-treatment that Julia received in the film Pretty Woman… The collection boasts great variety of brands and styles. Outside regular opening hours, the store is open by appointment. Dian Fashion, Van Woustraat 43, Amsterdam, T. 6621738 and Prinsengracht 172 Amsterdam, T. 6238645

Best Irish Pubs

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:26:00 +0000

I had to call on Irish Mary and British Matt to write this blog post: Amsterdam’s best Irish Pubs. And in the same breath, I can announce that these two will be leading the pub crawl scheduled in spring!

The Tara
Tara is the most Irish Irish pub in Amsterdam. It is also the trendiest (though some pieces of furniture need a ‘new coating’). Tara is huge with multiple rooms. It is excellent for watching rugby; TV screens are strategically located throughout the building.
The Tara, Rokin 89, Amsterdam

Mulligans Irish Music Bar
Mulligans Irish Music Bar is also “very Irish” with traditional music. Many single women have found their future husbands here. Is it because the venue is so small that you are bound to bump into at least twenty men when trying to visit the bathroom? Or is the casual friendly atmosphere? Or the romantic view over the Amstel river? Mulligans Irish Music Bar, Amstel 100, Amsterdam

O’Reilly’s Irish Pub
Good food and breakfast is served till 18h00: Full Irish breakfast: bacon, egg, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomato & toast. Thus visit O’Reilly for (1.) getting over an hang over and (2.) getting a hang over in the first place! The Karaoke on Saturdays comes recommended. O’Reilly’s Irish Pub, Paleisstraat 103 (nearby Dam square), Amsterdam

Molly Malone’s
Molly’s Malones is located in one of the oldest warehouses in the Red Light District, bordering a small canal. At Molly’s you’ll get acquainted with the genuine atmosphere of Ireland. At Molly Malones you'll find a mix of people, young and old, ex-pats, locals and visitors. Fans of Irish sports will be delighted to see that Molly offers full coverage of the Gaelic football and hurling seasons on the many TV screens around the pub. Molly Malone's, Oudezijds Kolk 9, Amsterdam.

Dan Murphy’s
Looking for a small bar with (almost) only Irish people? Then head over to Dan Murphy’s. As you can tell by their website, Dan Murphy’s is a place that you need to experience (and not write about). Dan Murphy’s, Leidseplein 24, Amsterdam

St. James’ Gate
St. James’ Gate was nominated to be on our list of favourite Irish pubs due to the ‘good food’ after the initial chef was replaced by a more talented one. “Even the choosiest of eaters will find something to their liking”. St. James’ Gate, Rembrandtplein 8-10, Amsterdam

Keep an eye on the Cosmo Polite Pub Crawl on our Events Page

Bowling and Burgers

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:55:00 +0000

Last night nine CosmoPolites put on still-warm-from-the-previous-lender bowling shoes. At 19h30 the game was on: Team 1 against Team 2. After the first throws, Team 1 was leading the competition...

... after the second throw, team 2 took over the lead and crushed their opponents...

Dr. Evil (Team 1) was particularly deceiving with an opening throw of two 'gutters' and ending with a final score of 145, which included 1 strike, 5 spares.

Due to a computer mistake, Kinky Kira (Team 1) did not end last in the first round. In the second round she did loose. Rocking Roger (Team 1) tried to save his team from total humiliation by throwing two spares and two strikes in a row. Team 1 still suspects the other team of having practised the last month.

Team 1 shall contact Team 2 in March for the Spring Cup!

Team 1 was represented by Tasty Tascha, Rocking Roger, Saucy Susan, Evil Eric and Kinky Kira.

Team 2 consisted of the magnificent four: Dr. Evil, Drake, Mad Matt and Mighty Mary.

Italian Cooking Workshop

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:42:00 +0000

Two Saturdays in a row a bunch of chefs-to-be gathered for some chopping and mixing of ingredients. The hard labour ended in a dinner fabuloso!

Besides mastering ancient old kneeding techniques for the perfect pasta dough, people enjoyed Italian wines and making international friends. At the end of each workshop, after dinner, phone numbers were exchanged on the napkins we had placed so carefully on the dining table.

Ideas for more cooking workshops were conceived; sushi-making workshop scored high in popularity, as did Spanish Tapas and Indian food. I, Kira, have heard my calling and shall try to catch an Espanol to teach us his secret kitchen tricks!

February update

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:53:00 +0000

The proceeds of the January Expat Drinks were donated to Haiti. Still, with the pay back money of start ups we have helped in 2009, Cosmo Polite was able to support two new start-ups : Natalya's childrens' clothing store and Joseph's motor bike taxi service.

Natalya is single and lives in Berdyansk. Natalya sells children’s clothing in one of the biggest markets of her hometown. She offers trendy merchandise at affordable prices, which has always been main attraction for her customers. Natalya has been in this business for eight years.

Natalya has requested a 15,000 Grivnya loan to increase her turnover capital and purchase additional merchandise at wholesale prices for further retail sale in her kiosk. Natalya can be characterized as a hard-working entrepreneur with a clear vision and integrity. She is talented and knowledgeable in business management. We believe Natalya’s business will benefit from her current loan and will continue growing in the future.

Senfuma Joseph is a hardworking man and a businessman with multiple businesses including a boda boda (motorbike taxi) business. He also buys and sells agricultural produce, he is a builder and has a retail shop at his home which is mostly managed by his wife with the help of his children.

Joseph has four children and he hopes to see all of them attain the best education even through to university so that they can have a better life than the one they are living today. Joseph needs this first loan to be able to expand his business by restocking his retail shop with more goods as well as to buy more agricultural produce and greens for resale.

People Cosmo Polites have supported by providing loans:
Natalya Bondareva (Ukraine) - January 2010
Senfuma Joseph (Uganda) - January 2010
Kei Uy (Phillipines) - December drinks
Uche Ike (Nigeria) - December drinks
Maqboolan Maqsood Ahmad Group (Pakistan) - October drinks
Azra M.rafiq Group (Pakistan) - October drinks
Rukiri 2 Group (Uganda) - Table Invitee dinner
Hermenia Soon (Phillipines) - September drinks
Letecia Ocular (Phillipines) - September drinks
Marguerite Kayitesi (Rwanda) - August drinks
Noeun Sorn (Cambodia) - August drinks
Deborah Alaho (Nigeria) - July drinks
Areli (Peru) - July drinks
Yarisa Mojica Jimenez (Dominican Republic) - June drinks
Dafina Vasileva (Bulgary) - Thanksgiving dinner 2007
Hamza Homidov (Tajikistan) - Thanksgiving dinner 2007
Digna (Peru) - Thanksgiving dinner 2007
Tomás Medina (Paraguay)- Thanksgiving dinner 2007

Italian Cooking

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:20:00 +0000

After a welcome with a Prosecco and some bites, the ambiance was so 'gezellig' it was difficult to get the chefs to work! Yet, after kneeding for half an hour the kitchen princes & princesses got the hang of it...

The workshop started with making pasta dough. Secret ingredients? No: Flour, egg and a pinch of salt. The secret of excellent pasta dough is the kneeding technique, which all attendees now master. My advice: get invited to a dinner party of one of these Master Chefs!

Then it was time for making the appetizers, including the vegetarian quiches with bacon, many cheesy bites (sorry Dan) and desserts as Tiramisu and Chocolate Mousse. But that was not it! The pasta dough, by that time well rested, had to be rolled, filled and cut into ravioli.

After all this hard work, half of the group needed some resting, socializing and wining time. In the mean time, the others were putting together a dining table to seat 19 people - a tricky business in a small kitchen cellar.

And finally, at 22h we were able to enjoy our hard labour!! Yummy!!

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE COOKING EVENT ON SATURDAY JANUARY 30TH

Dutch Cuisine

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:24:00 +0000

Dutch Cuisine - an oxymoron or something to be explored? If you go for the last, here’s a list of pleasant Dutch restaurants that serve more than a kroket or bitterbal.

Greetje - a Dutch Delight.
Set in an old Amsterdam house, in the hidden corner of the old entranchment (oude schans) you’ll find Amsterdam gezelligheid as it must have been a century ago- it is almost as if you are moving back into time. Invite your foreign friends from abroad to introduce them to Dutch cuisine - not an oxymoron! I even took my Italian mother-in-law, who appreciated the dishes (but… naturalmente… it was not as good as cucina italiana). Restaurant Greetje, Peperstraat 23-25, Amsterdam Centre East (very east, that is), T. 77 97 450

Moeders - No one cooks better than Mama!
Moeders is Dutch for ‘Mothers’. The whole cozy restaurant is decorated with pictures of guests’ their mothers (see photo right). It is here that I realized that Dutch food is true comfort-food, eg suddervlees (braised steak), hotchpotch and bitterkoekjes ice cream (cannot explain this flavour, you just need to try it). Portions are good and pricing even better. Being at Moeders is always a pleasant experience. Moeders, Rozengracht 251, Amsterdam Centre, T. 020-6267957

Restaurant Spelt - we need to check it out.
This Dutch restaurant is on my to-go-visit list: the menu boasts authentic Dutch food as creamy mustard soup and Cruezes Zealand (- Zeeland is a Dutch province on the south of Rotterdam). The restaurant looks styling on pictures. Has anyone already dined here? If so, please reply! Restaurant Spelt, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 5A, Amsterdam Centre, T. 420 70 22

Dorrius - not to be missed!
Dorrius was already a great success and now, after the refurbishment, the new Dorrius has become a place not to be missed for foreigners. Dorrius shows that traditional restaurants do not need to be dark and brown; at this styling and light restaurant typical Dutch cuisine is served with flair. The well-known herring is on the menu and, for real men, the popular Hunter’s hotpot. Eet smakelijk! Dorrius, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 5, Amsterdam Centre, T. 420 22 24

Eau de Vie - surprisingly (un)Dutch
Only since my visit to De Bokkerdoorns (see below) am I open to Dutch cuisine. Little did I know that I had already been enjoying Dutch food! At Eau de Vie - a classy, small restaurant in Amstedam South- Dutch food is served with such style that I had mixed it up with French cuisine. Sevice was also unDutch elegant. May be the restaurant should be renamed to Levenswater or Vreugde des Leven (Joy of Life), because The Netherlands must be proud of such a restaurant. Eau de Vie, Maasstraat 20, Rivierenbuurt Amsterdam, T. 662 95 88

Contrast - French cuisine goes Dutch
Contrast is a trendy restaurant with a trendy decor, trendy clientele and consequently trendy ambiance. As can be expected with trendy places, the menu is fusion: French cuisine with the usage of (seasonal) Dutch ingredients. Like many other trendy restaurants, the service is good (when it's not too busy, that is) and the food is of decent quality. My advice: visit Contrast on a weekday evening when it is not to busy and I trust you'll have a great, uhm, I mean, trendy eve! Contrast, Ferdinand Bolstraat 178, De Pijp Amsterdam, T. 471 55 44

De Bokkedoorns- Best Dutch restaurant in the “whole wide world”
Hidden in the dunes west of Haarlem, you’ll find De Bokkedoorns - a restaurant that deserves every bit of the two Michelin stars they are awarded each year. The menu and service are of such a high level, it cannot be described. You just need to trust me. De Bokkedoorns, Wethouder van Gelukpark, Zeeweg 53, Overveen, T. 023-526 36 00

rather disappointing:
De Vijff Vlieghen - poor price-quality, may be they are trapped by their own success?

Febo - great price-quality, service cannot be faster, and certainly a Dutch success story: an ATM for E1 food…

Spa & Sauna in Amsterdam

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:36:00 +0000

For those who the cold is getting too much, here’s a list of spa’s and steaming hot sauna’s in Amsterdam.

Spa Zuiver - pure bliss
The newest and largest spa in Amsterdam is located in the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Zuid). All imaginable top of the art facilities are available, including outdoor hot tubs and steam temple, colour therapy sauna and aroma baths. Entrance fee to Spa: E35 (day pass),
Spa Amsterdam Zuiver, Koenenkade 8, Amsterdam Forest.

Sauna de Keizer - Roman relaxation
De Keizer is a roman-inspired sauna and spa also located on the canal belt. Facilities include: Finish sauna, infrared sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, massages, sunbeds and beauty salon. Entrance fee to Sauna: E16
Sauna de Keizer, Keizersgracht 124, Amsterdam Centre.

Sento - modern city spa
Spa and health club Sento is a members-only club. The spa facilities include a sauna with colour therapy, whirlpool with air and water massage functions and relax zones with views over the Jordaan. During the week, visitors can get a day pass (E22) for the sauna. Making a reservation is recommended. Sento Spa and Health Club, Marnixplein 1, Jordaan.

Deco Spa & Wellness - city luxury
A beautiful luxury sauna on the canal belt. Facilities include: Sauna Cabin, Turkish Steambath, Lounge, Patio Garden, Fitness, Massage, Solarium, Beauty Salon. Entrance fee to Spa: E20.50
Sauna Deco, Herengracht 115, Amsterdam Centre.

Fenomeen - fuss free Popular amongst Amsterdammers is the down-to-earth Sauna Fenomeen at the Vondel Park. Facilities include Finnish sauna, Turkish steam bath, solarium, massages, indoor and outdoor relaxing zones. Entrance fee to Sauna: E9. On the website it reads ‘smoking of pure weed is allowed on Tuesdays’, just so you know.
Fenomeen, De Binnenpret square, 1ste Schinkelstraat 14, Amsterdam.

Thermos and Damrak - gay only

Hammam - women only
This bath house has multiple bathing areas with different temperatures and a Turkish steam room. At the beauty salon women can enjoy scrub, mud and henna treatments, as well as Eastern massages. Entrance fee to Hammam: E17. Making a reservation is recommended.
Hammam, Zaanstraat 88, Amsterdam

Hammam Shifa - women and men (separated)
The only hammam in Amsterdam where men are also welcome. This traditional bath house is not for bathing, soaping and soaking only; savonage (soap massage), gommage (body scrub), mud and henna treatments are also available. Other facilities include a sauna, beauty parlor and hairdresser. Entrance fee to Hammam: E16.
Hammam Shifa, Pieter Calandlaan 1375, Amsterdam Osdorp.

Ice Rinks in Amsterdam

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:22:00 +0000

There’s no need to tell you that it’s cold in Amsterdam. Freezing cold. Please be aware, that one cannot skate on the canals yet. The ice needs to be min. 6 cm thick before one can skate on it. Still, there will be spots where the ice is thinner, so my advice: opt for ice rinks. A bonus: there’s always hot coco available!

Photo: Typical Dutch skates called ‘houtjes’, which translates to ‘woodies’. Houtjes are tight to the shoes. At the rinks figure-meets-ice-hockey skates are for rent.

Throughout town you’ll find many rinks to practice skating and falling skills!

Jaap Edenhal is the largest rink in town. It has got an outdoor 400-meter track. Indoors you’ll find an official ice hockey size rink. Entrance fee: E6.10 (adults), E3.70 (children)

South Pole is the trendiest ice rink where cool parties are hosted. In the weekends the rink is open to the public.

The rinks in the centre are rather small, but are free and skates are available for rent.

Jaap Eden Hal
Radioweg 64. Tram 9, Stop Kruislaan.

Zuid Pool
Tram 4, Stop Europaplein

Ice Rink Museumplein
Museumplein
Tram 2, 5, Stop Paulus Potterstraat

Ice Rink Artis
Plantage Kerklaan 38
Tram 9, 14, Stop Plantage Kerklaan

Ice Rink Leidseplein
Open till January 10
Leidseplein. Tram 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10.

Cosmo Polite Fund update

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:31:00 +0000

Last night we gathered at Bubbles & Wines for our December drinks. With the donations of the guests, we have supported Uche in Nigeria and Kein in the Phillipines with starting their company. This year, we have supported 16 entrepreneurs, which is a nice start. Of course, we target to triple this in 2010!

Uche is 30 years old and married to Mr. Ezeadiefe Ike. She owns a cosmetics and groceries store. She sells items like lipstick, nail polish, bathing soap, tea, milk, etc. She is hard working; she assists her husband and whenever someone needs her help, she's there.

Uche wants to purchase more cosmetics and groceries to sell, to increase her sales. For this we have extended a loan to her.

Mrs. Kei Uy is a villager in Deom Rum Del village in Takeo province. She is a farmer who owns 2 hectares of land to cultivate rice on. However, Kei Uy is facing serious obstacles with her plantation. The land is infertile and has a lot of insects that affect her crops.

In order to deal with these problems, Kei Uy has requested a loan to buy fertilizer and pesticides, and she will use the rest of the money to purchase fuel to run the plow for the business of her husband, Mr. Morn Meth. Mrs. Kei Uy has two children aged one and three years old.

The Cosmo Polite Fund Portfolio looks as following:

Kei Uy (Phillipines) - December drinks
Uche Ike (Nigeria) - December drinks
Maqboolan Maqsood Ahmad Group (Pakistan) - October drinks
Azra M.rafiq Group (Pakistan) - October drinks
Rukiri 2 Group (Uganda) - Table Invitee dinner
Hermenia Soon (Phillipines) - September drinks
Letecia Ocular (Phillipines) - September drinks
Marguerite Kayitesi (Rwanda) - August drinks
Noeun Sorn (Cambodia) - August drinks
Deborah Alaho (Nigeria) - July drinks
Areli (Peru) - July drinks
Yarisa Mojica Jimenez (Dominican Republic) - June drinks
Dafina Vasileva (Bulgary) - Thanksgiving dinner 2007
Hamza Homidov (Tajikistan) - Thanksgiving dinner 2007
Digna (Peru) - Thanksgiving dinner 2007
Tomás Medina (Paraguay)- Thanksgiving dinner 2007

Wine shops Amsterdam

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:55:00 +0000

A beautiful (stinky) cheese deserves a beautiful bottle of wine (see blogpost Cheese shops in Amsterdam). If you enjoy going to a wine shop and be advised on which wine matches the Beaufort or the dish you are preparing that night, then these shops will give you what you need.

The wine shops below separate themselves from ordinary liquour stores by:
- excellent selection of wines; even for E7 you’ll get a nice bottle.

- personal attention from a wine connoisseur. To select a wine that matches your taste, dish or cheese and budget, a sales person that cares about his/her customers and wines is priceless.

- ambiance of the shop the shop feels like a cozy and elegant wine shop.

Centre
Chabrol, Haarlemmerstraat 7h, website
Tastevin Dehue, Nieuwe Herengracht 18, website
West
Vleck Wijnen, Eerste Helmersstraat 63HS, website
La Cave Insolite, Da Costaplein 15, website

De Pijp
Van Krimpen, Frans Halsstraat 67, website

Zuid
Wijnhandel Koninginneweg, Koninginneweg 143, website
De Gouden Ton, Willemsparkweg 158 website
Ton Overmars, Hoofddorpplein 11, website
De Logie, Beethovenstraat 27, website

Cheese Shops Amsterdam

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:14:00 +0000

The Dutch have been making cheese since 400 AD. Flash forward to 2009 and we are left with world famous cheeses as Gouda and Edam. One does not need to travel to these towns to get great cheeses, though. Here is a list of Cosmo Polite’s favourite cheese shops in Amsterdam.

Love Cheese? Join our next Cheese & Wine Tasting

Centre

Reypenaer Tasting Room - Singel 182
Want to taste a Dutch gem (cheese-wise)? Reypenaer cheese is an award-winning cheese that is made in Woerden. From their historic cheese-ripening warehouse, the family van Wijngaard ripen theirr cheese using age-old traditional methods. The cheeses ripen slower and longer than what has become standard these days. And that can be tasted! More about Reypenaer.

Kaashuis Tromp - Utrechtsestraat 90
Tromp has correctly named his shop: Cheese House. The typical Amsterdam house is overloaded with more than 250 different kinds of cheeses. All Dutch Boerenkazen (farm cheeses) come from South of Holland. Also foreign cheeses are sold, including cheeses less-typical cheese countries as Hungary, Austria, Norway, Portugal and Cyprus.

Jordaan
Kaaskamer - Runstraaat 7
One of Amsterdam’s most famous cheese shops is in the Nine Little Streets. The Kaaskamer (cheese room) is indeed a small room filled with cheeses. The cheese room is not only celebrated for the cuteness of the place, the offering of over 200 cheese, the gezellige ambiance. No, the Kaaskamer is mostly celebrated for the excellent service: friendly people with a passion for cheese! Visit the Kaaskamer online.

French Cheese shop Abraham Kef - Marnixstraat 192
When stepping into the shop, you’ll leave Amsterdam and enter la France. The shop is the oldest French cheese shop in Amsterdam. In over 50 years, Kef has taught the Amsterdammers the beauty of French cheeses. In the Kefkelder (Kef cellar) you can enjoy a cheese platter with a nice glass of wine. Vive la France a Amsterdam. View Kef's assortment of French cheeses online.

Oud-Zuid
Den Hollander Kaasmarkt - Beethovenstraat 86
Part of a new cheese wholesaler, Den Hollander sells famous and less famous Dutch cheeses from the (geographical) cheese triangle Woerden-Bodegraven-Gouda. Visit this shop if you would like to try these Dutch cheeses. Of course, other Dutch and foreign cheese are sold too. The shop’s ambiance resembles more a mini-supermarket than a ‘cozy, traditional’ cheese shop.

Cheese house Tromp - Beethovenstraat 69
Tromp’s cheese house in the Beethoven has less ambiance than the venue in the Utrechtsestraat. No cuts have been made on the quality of the cheeses and the friendliness of the service.

Drinks for Asia

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:49:00 +0000

Last night 25 people gathered for a serious meeting during which we collectively decided to support entrepreneurs in Asia.

OK, may be only 1 person decided that it were Cambodian start ups that needed our support. As can be seen by the photos below chances were that most of the minds were with the Australian Shyraz - Cabernet-Sauvignon that was on promotion for us. Still, we did end up supporting two entrepreneurs in Asia and a third Cambodian start up was already supported a month ago during the Table Invitee.

So please meet the Asian entrepreneurs that we are supporting by coming together for socializing with new friends!

Hermenia Soon, a resident of the village of Poblacion (Philippines) is 43 years old, married, and has six school-aged children. To make a living, Hermenia owns and operates a store selling vegetables in their village. She has just started this business and wants to elaborate the offering.

Letecia Ocular is from the village of Puntian, Quezon Bukidnon, Phillippines. She is 48 years old and married with four adult children. To make a living, Letecia raises pigs for sale. Letecia has been engaged in her business for over four years and earns approximately 5000 PHP (approx. E70) a month for these activities. With the loan we have extended her, she can purchase more livestock to raise and sell.

Mr. Noeun Sorn, 69, is a widower with two daughters. One of them is a garment factory worker. The family lives along National Road Number Six about fifteen kilometers from Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Noeun has been raising and selling cows for 4 years. Now he is requesting his first loan of US$ 500 to purchase additional cows to raise and sell.

Sites for Good People

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:53:00 +0000

Good sites of Amsterdam are green, fair, biological, and other terms that help to make the world a better place!

Neef Louis - shop that sells second hand design furniture & industrials. I love the website.

Charlie & Mary - shop that sells new & stylish fashion all created with respect for people and planet. Don’t forget your shopping bag!

Bolhoed; organic, vegetarian and vegan food in a new age restaurant. Bolhoed, Prinsengracht 60-62

Natuurlijk Smullen - Biological snackbar. For the newbies in town: a snackbar, also called a cafetaria, is a Dutch fast food joint where kroketten and fries are sold. All products at this snackbar are biological, which makes the food ‘good’, so to speak. Jan van Galenstraat 78

I fear I’m more bad than good; my list about Amsterdam bakeries was considerably longer. May be you have good sites to add?

Kira

Something Different in Autumn

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:43:00 +0000

Thanks to my friends at DutchNews, I can inform you about these interesting outings in Amsterdam this autumn. DutchNews brings daily news from The Netherlands in English.

September 19-20: Dam to Dam Run
This year is the 25th Dam to Dam run and to mark the event there will be a night run on Saturday September 19 starting at 6 pm. Saturday is also the day for the 10 mile fitness run between Amsterdam and Zaandam. The competitive run takes place on Sunday.
In all, 60,000 runners are expected to start on the Prins Hendrikkade in Amsterdam. Whether they all reach the finish on the Peperstraat in Zaandam is another matter. More >>

September 20: Friday Night Skate A series of group skates through Amsterdam and its surroundings with a different route and a different theme each time. More >>

September 25: Deepak Chopra (spiritual)
The Indian-American physician and philosopher, who has published over 50 books on meditation and self-awareness, will be talking about the connection between mind and body and how spirituality can be used to change both. More >>

October 7: Dambisa Moyo (economy)
The economist Dambisa Moyo, who grew up in Zambia and has worked for the World Bank and Goldman Sachs, talks about her book Dead Aid: Why aid is not working and how there is another way for Africa. More >>

October 11: Hallelujah Varietéa
The English choreographer Barrie Stevens is producing an authentic English high tea interspersed with variety acts. Among those appearing are the opera singer Mylou Mazali and the prestidigator Dion. While she keeps singing, he will saw her in half! More >>

October 25: Expatica Fair Experience the 6th annual "i am not a tourist" Fair, Expatica´s lifestyle fair for internationals and expatriates living in the Netherlands, on Sunday, 25 October 2009. Visit us at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam! More >>

For music lovers check: Concertgebouw, Bimhuis and Theater Carre.

DutchNews.nl is a leading provider of quality English-language news about the Netherlands. Some 12,000 people read DutchNews.nl every day, either online or through a free subscription to its daily digital newsletter.

Elephant Parade & International Sculpture Route

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:29:00 +0000

You cannot have missed it: the Elephant Parade in the centre and the Bikinibar in Amsterdam Zuid.

Till October 31, a hundred art elephants will swarm our streets; together, they form a remarkable open-air exhibition, the Elephant Parade, that is dedicated to the Asian elephant. After the successful editions in Rotterdam and Antwerp, the exhibition in Amsterdam will be the largest so far.

Elephant Parade is a ‘parade’ of life-size model baby elephants which are being displayed in major cities around the world. Painted by local and international artists, each elephant is a unique piece of art.

Especially for the Elephant Parade Amsterdam, a tour is set out that will lead you along all the elephants that are located at several hotspots in the Amsterdam city centre: Museum Square, Spui, Westermarkt, Koningsplein, Kalvertoren…

Auction The elephants created for Elephant Parade events will be auctioned in each city where an event takes place. Each elephant is a unique piece of art and will not be produced ever again as a full-size baby elephant. In Amsterdam, the pre-bidding is from November 3-11, and the auction is scheduled on November 12th.

Also happy with a smaller baby elephant? The Elephant Parade replica elephants can temporarily be ordered through one of our sponsors GoTo webshop.

The International sculpture route Amsterdam-South: ‘ArtZuid 2009: Modelled on Berlage’

Architect Meyer and artist Romeyn have set out sculptures on the Apollo- and the Minervalaan. Besides international classics as Rodin and Zadkine, they will present works of talked-about artists as Paul McCarthy. Young Dutch talents also have been selected especially to manufacture work for this route. The pieces do not represent an art-historical tale, nor can be categorized under one common theme. Centrally stands that the individual pictures optimally convey the spatial surroundings of Berlage’s design. Hence the name `Berlage in Beeld'.

Photo:   Telekinetically bent VW-van by Erwin Wurm.

Tapas, Food for Friends

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:12:00 +0000

The lively ambiance, the sharing of plates, the burning of mouths and the stressed-out waiters carrying anything from chairs to carafes of sangria, make tapas ideal for a dinner with friends.

Ten years ago I enjoyed my first tapas dinner at Pata Negra - what an exhillirating experience! (Pata Negra, Utrechtsestraat 124). Pata Negra has lost its charm over the years, yet at the 4 restaurants below still have the best Tapas Vibes:

Vamos a Ver
The most celebrated Tapas restaurant in Amsterdam. The Spanish freshly made treats and the homey interior attract creates a family ambiance amongst all the guests. Do reserve as every evening it’s fiesta time here! Vamos a Ver, Govert Flinckstraat 308, T. 6736992

Tapas Bar Catala
Authentic Tapas bar located between less authentic tourist traps. As the name suggests, at Tapas bar Catala you eat tapas in a Catalan way: at small tables (the kind you find at your sport's cantaan, which you even might need to share with other diners), sober canteen-ish interior like and unpretentious waiters, and consequently not a particularly ‘gezellig’ place. This does allow you to enjoy the beautiful Catalan flavours of your tapas. And that's the reason why you should have a Calamaris here! Tapas Bar Catala, Spuistraat 299, T. 623 11 41

A la Plancha
Happy people (and an unhappy cow) gather here; that counts for both the guests and the people that work here. The tapas are good enough - at least for non-Spanish people. The fantastich ambiance, and location in the Jordaan - a perfect point to start an evening of fun, make A la Plancha a success. At the end of the evening the chef plays his guitar and sings to offload his stress (Fridays and Saturdays). A la Plancha, 1e Looiersdwarsstraat 15, T. 420 36 33

Tapas Feliz
For the chocolate-loving expats living in Oud-Zuid, you must have enjoyed the chocolate cake at Tapas Feliz. The other tapas? Consistently good. Ambiance and service: quite pleasant. Of the 3 tapas bars in the area, this tapas bar makes me the most Feliz. Tapas Feliz, Valeriusstraat 85, T. 364 12 83

Fav Bakeries in Amsterdam

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:33:00 +0000

The Dutch love their Broodje Kaas, preferably with a glass of milk. Amsterdam offers more than a boterham (slice of dutch bread) though. These bakers serve you excellent croissants and authentic breads.

Oldest Bakeries in Amsterdam

Den Hartog has been awarded as the best bakery in The Netherlands for multiple times. The secret? Everything is made from scratch with a lot of love since 1896. In 1901Aagje Hartog realized that to make the best bread you need the best of wheat and grind it yourself. More than a century later, the grinding stones are still in use. From midnight to the late afternoon a team of bakers grind and kneed to ensure you wholesome, freshly baked breads throughout the day. It goes without saying: all products are made from natural ingredients without any additives. Bakerij den Hartog, bakery, milling business Ruyschstraat 56 (corner Wibautstraat), Amsterdam.

Bakkerij Venekamp has been run by the family Venekamp since 1897. In the past century they have mastered the true art of making traditional breads as the Oberlander and the round flat bread “wielbrood”. Especially in December it is a hotspot; their ‘oliebollen’ (Dutch doughnuts in the shape of a tennis ball which are enjoyed at NYE) and ‘pepernoten’ (spiced short bread biscuits that are eaten at Sinterklaas, December 5) are ranked as one of the best in the country. Bakkerij Venekamp, Ferdinand Bolstraat 134, Amsterdam.

French bakers in Amsterdam

After running a bakery in France for over 10 years, (French) Sébastien and his Dutch moved their oven to Amsterdam: Le Fournil de Sebastien. Besides the ‘usual’ croissants and baguettes, this bakery also makes breads from Sebastien’s region, such as Brioche Vendéenne, Préfou, Canelés de Bordeaux, Madeleines and Michettes. Le Fournil de Sébastien, French bakery,  Olympiaplein 119, Amsterdam.

Gebroeders Niemeyer are two Dutch brothers with a passion Pain Francais. Issa, the baker, has worked in French bakeries to find out the secrets of making baguette, croissants et pains au chocolate. Using a real stone oven, flour from a biological mill in France and real sea salt, the brothers Niemeyer serve you the crusty and light French bread in the heart of Amsterdam! Marco, the other brother, is a chef and uses the best of biological ingredients to make beautiful marmalade and chutneys. Gebroeders Niemeyer, bakery, patisserie, breakfast- and lunchroom, Nieuwendijk 35, Amsterdam.

Dutch Dough Delicacies

Croissanterie Le Mortier is a small warm bakery. ‘Warm(e bakkerij)’ mean that the baker makes his own breads, which is, unfortunately, a rarety in modern times. One would expect that Le Mortier excels in croissants, but the baker is more praised for his luxury breads with nuts and raisins made with a secret recipe. Croissanterie Le Mortier, bakery+lunchroom, Vijzelgracht 49, Amsterdam.

New Kids: Traditional Bakers

Bakken met Passie bakes authentic breads in a traditional way by using a stone oven. The Dutch Boulangiers even qualified themselves for the World Championships Bread Making. Must try: croissants and buns. Bakken met Passie, bakery with lunchroom, Albert Cuypstraat 51, Amsterdam.

Vlaamsch Broodhuys is old Dutch for Flemish Bread house. What is Flemish about this rapidly growing bakery chain is a mystery. What is not a mystery is that the company is successfull in introducing the Dutch to bread ‘as it was supposed to taste like’. No less than 7 shops in Amsterdam sell breads made from authentic wheats, sea salt from Brittany and vitalized mineral water. As traditional-focused the bread making may be, the shops have a spacious and light interior and show case all of their breads in a modern fashion. Vlaamsch Broodhuys, most of the bakers have a lunchroom at the shop, Haarlemmerstraaat 108, Vijzelstraat 129 & 198, Elandsgracht 122, 1st C. Huygensstraat 64, C. Schuytstraat 26, Amsterdam.

Cosmo Polite Fund: 11 entrepreneurs

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:04:00 +0000

It's been a while since the last Thursday Drinks, the one that took place during the (non-existent) summer storm. About 25 brave people (20 women, 5 men) came out for a drink and to socialize. Besides making new friends in Amsterdam, we made it possible for Marguerite in Rwanda and Noeun in Cambodia to grow their business!

38-year-old Marguerite Kayitesi is married and has three teenagers to support. Marguerite works from 6am to 6pm and employs one person to help her sell charcoal. Marguerite makes a monthly profit of 70,000 Rwandan Francs (E87) and requested a loan of 500,000 Rwandan Francs to purchase more charcoal. With the expected increase in profits she can pay the school fees for her children.

Mr. Noeun Sorn, 69, is a widower with two daughters. One of them is a garment factory worker. The family lives along National Road Number Six about fifteen kilometers from Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.

Noeun has been raising and selling cows for 4 years. Now he is requesting his first loan of US$ 500 to purchase additional cows to raise and sell.

End of Summer in Amsterdam

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:48:00 +0000

Sun Sept 6: Summer BBQ (or lunch in a cozy underground kitchen). Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch in the park with old and new friends. more>>

Sat Sept 12: Tapas Mixer
Meet other international singles, while enjoying a tapas dinner. more >>

Thu 17: Expat Drinks: End of Summer wines
Enjoy summer wines and socialize in the summer breeze. more >>

Fri Sept 25: TGIF Party
Run out of work and celebrate the weekend with a drink and little dance. more >>

Sat Sept 26: Table Invitee
Meet the people you, we know you'd enjoy getting to know. The dinner is for invited guests only. Send an e-mail to get invited: kira@cosmo-polite.com.

Sat Oct 4: Oktoberfest
Celebrate German Beers in a German style. more >>

Sat Oct 10: Cooking for Singles
Meet other singles while preparing a 3-course Italian dinner together. more >>

Cosmo Polite organizes social gatherings for its international members in Amsterdam. All events have a social and informal ambiance. Kira personally introduces newcomers to other members of the group, so that everyone can easily befriend like-minded individuals.

How it works
We invite you to meet us personally and attend an event as a guest. After attending one event, if you wish to attend more, we require you to become a member (E15 pmnth).

Become a Cosmo Polite Member

Who are in the club?
We have an equal about of men and women, mostly in their 30s, in the network. Certain events are more popular amongst women (eg. wine tastings and dinners) and others amongst men (drinks). We share a cosmopolitan lifestyle and a desire to enjoy life alongside our busy work schedules. We have a monthly event for singles; all other events are popular amongst both singles and couples.

Cocktails & Dinner

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:11:00 +0000

Shake it Baby! The Bartender of the new restaurant Marquee knows his mixes. From well known Negroni’s to a refreshing cucumber-gin cocktails, at Marquee they serve it with style in beautiful underground bar.

Above the ground you’ll find the Steak & Lobster restaurant (a la Red’s). The Dutch shrimp soup was delicious and I dreaded that I could not finish my steak - as the portion was too big for my ‘tiny’ body. Main courses are served with nice Flemish fries or baked potato and salad. If you cannot choose between steak or lobster, there’s always the Surf & Turf option. The waitresses were happy to serve you. Price quality: Marquee, not just for royalty! 3-course E45, yet wines are moderately priced. Marquee, Utrechtsestraat 30A, Amsterdam. T 020-3302569 Cocktail bar opens at 17h

Diga is a cocktail bar with a restaurant. Johan, the Master Mixologist here, seduced me with his Apple Pie Martini into the world of cocktails. The guys (and gals) serving you at Diga are most friendly, helpful and unpretentious. Or was it the cocktails that made me like the guys? For sure, the spacious restaurant has been decorated in such a way that you can label it 'gezellig in a modern Italian fashion'. The Chef only prepares surprise menus (4 to 6 courses), consisting of Italian inspired dishes. Diga, Amsteldijk 137, Amsterdam, T. 404 43 60

Other Cocktail Bars where you can Dine:
- The Mansion, a drink-dine-dance concept.
- Okura Hotel, cocktails on the 23rd floor.
- Bar Bardou & Vinkeles, when the company is paying.
- The College Hotel, when you are paying.

>> More Cocktail Bars in Amsterdam
>> Other Styling Restaurants in Amsterdam

Free Music & Discount Dining

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:44:00 +0000

Canal Festival
The Grachtenfestival is the annual festival with (classical) music on special locations in the centre of Amsterdam and on the IJ banks. Every year new locations are added. These locations stand out because of special or monumental architecture and cultural and historical value.

The Grachtenfestival makes a special effort to provide a stage for young talent. Also part of this event is the Kindergrachtenfestival, which brings productions for babies, toddlers and teenagers. Many of the concerts are free of charge or accessible against a small fee. View the Program.

Cosmo Polite’s boat will be at the Final Concert on the Canals on Sunday. View the invitation.

Restaurant Week
Dining in a high class restaurant is generally an expensive matter, except during the Dutch Restaurant Week. From Monday the 24th till Sunday the 30th of August high class restaurants will serve a special three course dinner for a fixed price of 25 euro and a three course lunch for 20 euro.

Bookings for the Dutch Restaurant Week are only possible via the website RestaurantWeek. Bookings are handled realtime.

Food with Love

kira@cosmo-polite.com (Kira) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:48:00 +0000

Te Pas, Van de Kaart and Fyra - three restaurants that serve you food with love. The secret? The owners themselves are on the workfloor. Whether in the kitchen or acting as a maitre d’, these hardworking people care for their customers and that can be tasted!

Van de Kaart
Arjan, the owner and maitre of Van de Kaart welcomes each guest with a genuine smile. Sander is the master in the kitchen. Set half below canal-level, this restaurant cellar-coziness has been lifted with a modern style. The menu boasts classic dishes prepared in a slightly less classic manner. The presentation is outstanding, the taste surprisingly good. What stood out most about Van de Kaart is the enthusiasm of the staff to provide you a great dining experience; to match the bottle of red wine Sander served my risotto with prime rib, to finish the bachelorette party dinner, we were treated to a grand dessert to share and Arjan even presented us a guy named "Jim" when needed.
Van de Kaart, Prinsengracht 512-sous. 3-course seasonal menu E29.95.

Restaurant Te Pas
Te Pas is run by the brothers Te Pas. The eldest is in the kitchen and the youngest is the maitre d’. The restaurant is styling in a simplistic way, with pictures of the brothers in front of grandma’s house. I had a three course chef’s menu with the request to keep the dishes ‘low carb’. The chef interpreted my wish as a ‘no carb’ and prepared Asian-meets-French beef and seafood dishes, without any carbs or price increase! The biggest joy is the humbleness and kindness of both brothers; they just want to serve you beautiful dishes.
Te Pas, Lijnbaansgracht 274, 3-course Chef's menu E34.50

Restaurant Fyra
Having met two of the four owners, I have no doubts that dining at Fyra is pure culinary pampering. This new restaurant has had so many positive reviews that I am hosting a dinner for 18 people here next month (without testing the place). Why I have this confidence? Well, it immediately becomes apparent is the heart of hospitality the owners have; your pregnant friend is coming along? we shall serve her a tea menu in stead of wine. The menu reflects the interior: classic with modern international elements; eg. Braised Oxtail with Reypenaer VSOP cheese, radish and a creme of basil. Don't be fooled though, the menu may sound chic, the prices are not! Restaurant Fyra, Noorderstraat 19. 3-course daily menu E31,00

Still on my wish list: Utrechtsedwarstafel.
This restaurant is also run by its owners and only serves chefs menus. It has been recommended to my by numerous Cosmo Polites in the past year and I fear it is my loss I have not tried it earlier.