Amsterdam

Amsterdam was one of the most beautiful cities I've been to.There is so much history in the canals, the canal houses, the museums. It's a place I wanted to go to because of The Fault in Our Stars, and definitely want to return to now that I've seen it for myself because it is truly incredible. 

Along with inspiring things to see and do, I have in the past few days consumed some of the best food of my life. I now present to you three things that everyone in their lifetime should be forced to eat. 

The most glorious breakfast at GARTINE. This is Old Texel sheep cheese (which is a product of the Ark van de Smaak (Slow Food) of the Netherlands) with radishes and nettle chutney on Multigrain Sourdough. Holy mother this was the best sandwich I've ever had in my entire life. The aged cheese with the mustard and peppery nettle chutney, just such an incredible combination. I'm actually drooling just thinking about it. Paired with a fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juice. 

there are only two tables reserved for walk-ins, so next time I would make a reservation (for every single day of my trip) but waiting is SO worth it. 

An incredible dinner at Wilde Zwijnen. For this one we managed to nag a reservation, but only from 6-8, and we didn't get a chance to try dessert, which is yet another reason why I MUST return. 

 
we started with an absolutely delightful creme de peche and prosecco aperitif and then came the most delightful meal of my life. 

The Vis v/d dag (Fish of the day) was Perch Fillet with clams, sea lavender, red onion, lentils, and broad beans in a sauce from dutch shrimps. This was just the most incredible. INCREDIBLE thing. The flavors where so fresh, so light, so lovely.




To round things off, I give you the best cookie I've ever had in my life. Van Stapele Koekmakerij. I love places that specialize in a single thing, and it doesn't get better than this place. The only thing this shop sells is this SINGLE COOKIE. 

 Chocolate cookie with a white chocolate liquid core, and milk chocolate chunks inside. I honestly had a cookie every single day I was there from this place. AND I DON'T USUALLY LIKE CHOCOLATE COOKIES! It was madness. And utterly delicious. 

Amsterdam isn't a city that normally gets associated with great food, and I know I certainly had more mayonnaise in the last few days than in my entire lifetime (it is the standard condiment and often used in place of things like crème fraîche). But It's a city with great places like these, and I HAVE to return. 

verdict: extraordinary