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Good customer service doesn't mean that nothing should ever go wrong - it simply means that when it does, you are able to sort it out as quickly and pleasantly as possible. This is, sadly, extremely unusual for an Amsterdam business, but Marqt scored top marks. When a cashier accidentally overcharged me, a supervisor was on hand to sort out a refund (Marqt is a cash-free business, which means that we had to take a few minutes to arrange for the refund to be sent to my bank account). The supervisor was pleasant, polite and even apologised for the inconvenience, turning what could have been a bad experience into a customer relations coup. Other supermarkets take note - you don't have to be perfect and you don't have to grovel, but just be civil and friendly and you'll have customers leaving with a smile! Customer service aside, Marqt also has a lot to offer in terms of produce. They aim to offer fresh and healthy high-quality food with origins clearly labelled - no more ambiguous 'made in the EU' labels, none of that mass-produced, frozen and reheated supermarket bread. And a fair go for small producers too. It's about time that someone realised that consumers don't care about whether or not the cherry tomatoes are exactly the same size and shape and all perfectly ripe at the the same time. We want real food which tastes great, not watery, flavourless apples of a roundness and shininess not found in nature. And please, Marqt, keep us the outstanding customer service. It's badly needed in this city and your customers will (continue to) love you for it! Marqt Marqt, Oud-West written by kelly on May 31, 2008
I never thought I'd write a review of a dentist - professionals shouldn't need to advertise - but sadly it can be almost impossible to find decent dental care in this city. I often find that being a 'foreigner', I get treated as if I won't stick around for long - there's no attempt to create an ongoing relationship with me. My former dentist had a fancy online automated appointment system that didn't work properly and wouldn't let me make a new appointment, so I went in search of some slightly more personal service. I certainly found it at Dennis Verhoeve Tandarts. Practice manager Marije Crince le Roy is a hotel school graduate, and it shows. She's efficient and very friendly. I have also been treated by most, if not all, of the members of the dental team and they are all great at giving professional service while remembering that you're a living, breathing person, not just a mouth full of teeth! I naturally can't comment on the clinic's professional expertise (except to say that I have been very happy with it), but I can tell you that I've been delighted with the way I've been treated at Dennis Verhoeve Tandarts. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and I can almost say that I'm looking forward to my next appointment! Dennis Verhoeve Tandarts Dennis Verhoeve Tandarts, Oud-Zuid written by kelly on May 24, 2008
One of the best things about having people to visit is that they often end up taking you to parts of the city you've never explored before. I'd window-shopped along the Nieuwe Spiegelstraat many times, enjoying a peek at antique furniture I could never hope to afford, but never ventured inside any of the by-appointment-only shops there. My cousin Nerissa, however, saw a pair of earrings she just had to have, so we made a note of the opening times at Amsterdams Keur, the Schilling jewellery shop, and came back so that she could try them on. The shop has all sorts of old items in all price ranges, but even if you're not in the market for a pair of antique earrings or a massive old mirror in an ornate frame, it's worth going to the Spiegelkwartier just for a look around. You're sure to find something that interests you in the neighbourhood, whether it's old jewellery or modern art. Schilling Juwelier (Spiegelkwartier website) Schilling Juwelier, Spiegelkwartier written by kelly on August 25, 2007
A lot of local supermarkets have a (small) range of organic products these days, but if you're serious about finding decent organic foods and toiletries, De Natuurwinkel is the chain you're going to want to go to. For some reason I didn't check out these shops for a long time - I just assumed that they were going to be health food stores which, while useful, are not the type of place where you can pick up your everyday grocery items. But De Natuurwinkel is far more than a health food shop. The range of goods extends from fresh produce to bulk bins (with sweets, rice and lentils and dried fruits) to cleaning products to tinned foods and beyond. From pet food to fresh bread, De Natuurwinkel makes it possible to buy all your household items at the one shop. And unlike your average supermarket, the goods here are all top quality and all organic. De Natuurwinkel De Natuurwinkel, Oud-West written by kelly on April 20, 2007
We've had a very mild winter so far (not that anyone's complaining), but if you're missing that frozen-toes feeling you might want to pop in to the Ice Bar on the Amstel, just around the corner from Rembrandtplein. For €15 per person you get a 45-minute stay in the Ice Bar and a vodka or beer. And trust me, 45 minutes is more than enough! Even with the gloves and thick thermal jacket loaned to you, you'll be shivering in the -8°C cold. It's worth it for the laugh, though - the bar is completely made of ice, with two enormous ice statues (of Father Christmas and Marilyn Monroe), an ice fireplace and chimney-piece, ice tables and chairs and of course ice walls. After your time in the Ice Bar, you can stop a while in the 'Some Like It Hot' lounge area to warm up again. We tried some of the decadent cocktails on offer, while gradually thawing out in the cosy red surroundings. Although the Ice Bar itself is probably something to try once just for fun, the lounge is definitely worth a repeat visit. XtraCold Amsterdam XtraCold, Centrum written by kelly on January 6, 2007
Behind an unassuming door on the Potgieterstraat, just off the Bilderdijkstraat, you'll find one of the Oud-West's best kept secrets. We ventured in there one rainy night after a search through the neighbourhood for some cheap-and-cheerful fare, and boy did we find it! When you live in or near the centre of Amsterdam, the trick is to find a nice place to eat that isn't overrun with tourists, with the corresponding high prices and low quality of restaurants that don't rely on repeat trade. Padrone is non-touristy, quiet and definitely no-frills (plain chairs and tables and un-trendy decor, to put it mildly) but the quality and price of the food are impressive. We had a dinner for two - a huge, delicious and fresh pizza each, plus a carafe of wine - for less than ten euros per person, and we were offered coffee on the house. If you're looking for good food and a peaceful atmosphere, not to mention friendly service, you really can't go past this place. One word of warning, though - watch out for the house cat, he is very sweet but he has sharp claws! Padrone Pizza Padrone, Oud-West written by kelly on November 4, 2006
This cute little design shop is packed with all sorts of goodies, both practical everyday items with a twist - I bought an adorable, and very useful, mini receipt shredder there - and cute little novelty gadgets such as the wind-up swimmers pictured. Tangram could be described as a gift shop, but be warned: there are lots of things you might want to buy for yourself! Tangram Tangram, Jordaan written by kelly on October 28, 2006
I've been to a few salons around town over the years, though I never found one that I thought was good enough to write about. There was always something that was missing - one place kept me waiting for ages without so much as a "Hello there", another didn't do a very good job of my eyelash tint, yet another salon managed to get some of the dye in my hair(!! - I sported a nice black streak at the front of my dark red hair for a few weeks.) Overall there was certainly nothing I would recommend to anyone else. Eventually, though, my friend Silvia told me about her favourite salon, and when I went there today I knew I was onto a winner. Bodyspice is a beauty and foot care salon located just off the Leidseplein in the centre of town. Upstairs is the reception and pedicure area and the downstairs level is where waxing, facials, eyelash tints and the like are performed. Susanne, who took care of me, was very friendly and immediately offered to speak English (which is always good as I am very lazy!) She was helpful, gentle and recommended a few other products she thought I might like, without giving me the 'hard sell' that you sometimes get at such places. So finally I've found somewhere I'd be happy to recommend to others. As an added plus, you can make bookings on the website, and there's also a coupon there you can print out to receive 10% off your first visit. bodyspice bodyspice, Centrum written by kelly on August 26, 2006
Easy. Caffe Esprit. In winter it's not the cosiest place around, but when the weather's really warm this place is heaven. There are dozens of tables set out on the Spui, and you can sit under the trees outside the Begijnhof enjoying some of the most delicious bagels in town. Being a creature of habit, I always have the salmon - chopped onions come on the side, so you can add more or less according to how good a friend you're dining with. Coffees can be ordered in huge cups, and a whiz-bang wireless ordering system makes this some of the fastest service around (though to be honest that's not saying much in this town). Nontheless, in the Indian summer we're all convinced must be coming, this will be the place to catch the last of the nice weather. Caffe Esprit Caffe Esprit, Centrum written by kelly on August 19, 2006
Buffet van Odette is a charming little cafe on the Herengracht which offers delicious cakes, sandwiches and drinks in bright, light surroundings. It's also in just the right spot for a break after a shopping trip around the Negen Straatjes. With its huge windows looking out on the canal, you can sit and watch the canal boat tours go by while enjoying your sandwich or snack. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, Odette also does catering for special occasions on request. Buffet van Odette Buffet van Odette, Jordaan written by kelly on June 10, 2006
Brasserie de Joffers offers a selection of foods that are a bit more exciting than the ubitiquous broodje kaas. Located in the trendy Oud-Zuid, it's also a little more pricey than you might pay in other neighbourhoods. But you don't have to eat - you can just order a cup of coffee and watch the endless parade of Anja Hindmarch handbags going past. Especially at lunchtime, Brasserie de Joffers can get very busy, very noisy, and the service can be very slow (though always polite). You may need to fight for a table. But it's a great place if you're alone but want a crowd around. There are always artistically arranged fresh flowers, and a lovely glassed-in sun-catching verandah at the back. There are a wide variety of breakfasts on offer until 11am, and if you've got something to celebrate, the feestelijke ontbijt offers you a glass of champagne and a roll with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and dill for €15. Brasserie de Joffers Brasserie de Joffers, Oud-Zuid written by kelly on June 3, 2006
Amsterdam has more than its fair share of simple, unpretentious eetcafés, but de Kat in de Wijngaert has to be one of the best. Tucked away on the Lindengracht in the north Jordaan, it has been there for over a hundred years and is away from the main tourist trail. It thus seems to have fewer people dragging around their blue poster containers from the van Gogh museum and complaining in loud voices about Dutch service standards - bonus! If you happen to be free on a sunny weekday afternoon, pop up to the Lindengracht and see if you can snag an outdoor table. It really is possible to get away from the tourists, even in the centre of Amsterdam! De Kat in de Wijngaert De Kat in de Wijngaert, Jordaan written by kelly on May 27, 2006
Sundays get me down a bit, especially at this time of year when I'm hoping for the weather to get a little bit warmer and it, er, doesn't. They tell me it's a question of lowering your expectations, but I prefer to change them entirely. So on our last sunny-but-chilly spring Sunday, instead of shivering in the Vondelpark, I went along to a gathering of 30 of Wilson's closest friends and enjoyed Dim Sum at Nam Tin on the Jodenbreestraat. It helps if you have someone with you who knows what he's doing, so all you have to do is sit back and wait for the dishes to arrive. (This sentence tells you all you need to know about me.) However, help is available if you have any trouble with the menu. It shouldn't be a problem though: with pencil in hand, you tick the dishes that you'd like to order, hand in your form, wait, and enjoy! TIP: For the best experience, go along with a *big* group of friends - then you can order lots of dishes, mix and match and share as you see fit. However, as most dim sum dishes contain pork or shellfish, it's probably not the best place for observant Jews, Muslims or hardcore vegetarians. Nam Tin Nam Tin, Jodenbuurt written by kelly on April 8, 2006
Whether you're a professional artist, an art student, hobbyist, or someone like me who has been told her whole life that she can't draw/paint/sketch for toffee, you'll find inspiration in the enormous range of paints, pastels, pencils and more at the art supplies shop van der Linde on the Rozengracht. I also have a thing for stationery, getting excited at the sight of a pile of blank notebooks (!), and van der Linde stocks blank drawing books of all shapes and sizes. Brushes, canvases, palettes, cardboard and papers, sculpting and modelling materials? All here. The shop spans the ground floor of two buildings, allowing ample space for all sorts of art-related goods. Drop in and be inspired. Van der Linde Van der Linde, Jordaan written by kelly on March 18, 2006
I've said this to the sky a few times lately, but to little effect (this is Amsterdam, after all.) Second option: Café Dantzig. After a miserable snowy wandeling around the Waterlooplein, it's lovely to be able to go somewhere warm and toasty to make you feel like living again. (Dantzig also has a gorgeous terrace overlooking the Amstel, but even on a sunny summer's day you risk being blown away.) Food, drink and service are all of typical Amsterdam standard, but the main reason to visit Café Dantzig is for the decor - the high ceilings and Grand Café style are a welcome change after the cramped conditions that many of us live in. TIP: On cold but sunny days, the large windows by the terrace provide the perfect sun trap for us daylight-deprived northern dwellers. Take a book and bask in the warmth. Café Dantzig Café Dantzig, Jodenbuurt written by kelly on March 11, 2006
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Summer. Friends. You've been shopping in the centre, you want to have a chat, you don't want to walk for miles, you want to sit outdoors and you're not in the mood to fight over tables at Café Luxembourg.
It's the nasty nasty tail-end of winter right now. Thanks, but we're over it - we've eaten our stamppot, sat around the fire, gone for long healthy walks wearing tweeds. We are done!