Amsterdam Day 2

Wednesday started off in typical European fashion. We woke up at noon, had some quick coffee and tea in our room, and then headed off to explore the city. The hotel had made us reservations for a boat tour of the canals that go through Amsterdam. Apparently it is the only way to see the city. We met our captain and started our tour of the canals. 

Quick tea and coffee breakfast

The canal system is over 400 years old and goes through every part of the city. (Amsterdam actually has more canals than Venice.) Our tour guide took us through all the different canals, showing us the Red Light District, the original Dam of Amsterdam (where the city got its same), the old part of the city, the super rich part of the city (the Golden Bend), and the bay where ships used to dock. It was an amazing way to the city from the water and I highly recommend it. 

The boat dropped us off near the Nine Street area which is a boutique shopping area. However, since we really didn’t have breakfast, my mother and I were famished. We stopped by a little restaurant and grabbed some quick grub. After our lunch, we came across a coffee shop called the Grey Area. We did our tourist duty and decided to check it out. You could say that this coffee shop will leave us with a very potent memory. 

We left the Grey Area and decided since it was still light out we would walk around the Red Light District for a little. (We do not want to be the inspiration for Taken 3) On our way we passed by Melly’s Bakery and I picked up the best peanut butter chocolate chip cookie ever. If anyone (Mug) knows what Flake candy bars are, this cookies had cut up pieces throughout. YUM. 

After walking around the Red Light District for a while, we came across a coffee shop called the Bull Dog, and being a great UGA fan I had to go in a check it out. The Bull Dog was Amsterdam's first coffee house chain and it paved the way for the coffee shops in the future. 

Street in the Red Light District

After we had our fill of the Red Light District (you can only walk past so many sex shops and “windows” with your mother before it feels super uncomfortable) we headed back to our hotel. They made us a reservation at De Kas, which is a farm to table restaurant that has its own garden and greenhouse on site. 

When you walk up to De Kas, the first thing you were greeted with was the stunning facade of the building. There was a little pond out front, and the front side of the building was completely made of glass. There was a greenhouse off of the waiting area in the front of the restaurant that had rows and rows of fresh produce. It looked stunning and smelled amazing. 

At De Kas you don’t pick items from a menu, rather the kitchen prepares what they have fresh and use only local ingredients. When we got our appetizers, you could taste the difference since they were using local and fresh produce and fish. For appetizers we had an eggplant caviar with lettuce and crispy onions on top, bulgar with radishes, edible flours, and a creme fresh sauce, also there was fresh salmon with gooseberries, new potatoes, and green beans in a mustard sauce. Yes those were all appetizers. 

Eggplant post devouring

Bulgar 

Salmon

For our entree we had a beautiful piece of white fish, with a fresh pea risotto, grilled zucchini, and a squash blossom. It was incredibly fresh and insanely delicious. 

Delicious homemade bread

Dinner

For dessert we had fresh berries, and lemon sorbet. Forgot to take a picture of that one. I was caught up in a state of food euphoria. We also had some fresh verbena tea to finish off our meal that was light and refreshing. 

After dessert treats

This was hands down one of the best meals I’ve ever had, and the best meal that I’ve had in Amsterdam. Hopefully there are more delicious finds tomorrow. Until next time!! xx