Who would have thought that a pinch of saurkraut could taste so good? Stuffed in a pita overloaded with falafel and all sorts of other savory bits: tomato, onion, hummus, that eggplant stuff (baba ganoush?), and of course the single dark olive that somehow magically did not come from a can - this is Bagel Nash, whose slogan might be 'falafel as big as your head' were it located in the heart of Chicago.

But this is not Chicago, it is Amsterdam, and so the slogan is different. In fact, there is no slogan at all, because it is a modest family owned spot in A'dam's Oud Zuid just off the Olympiaplein stop (that's tram 24 or an awesome bicycle ride through Vondelpark coming from the center).

And to those who say, 'But that is far away?!', I neigh say you with the following falsifiable facts:

1. You should be using a bicycle anyway (unless it totally sucks outside like it does today).

2. You should cycle through the Vondel park anyway (unless it totally sucks outside like it does today) if only to pay witness to the Ent that lives there of whom I might tell more in the future).

3. The first main exit out of the park after the Ent takes you south; which leads you to the following potentially novel experiences:

A. The two mysterious stairways that lead to the dungeon underneath Emmapark. How do I know a dungeon is under there you ask? Where else are the adventurers going to congregate when they get to the heart of the villain's empire?

B. The bicycle path that goes, quite literally, through a school. If you had time to go to Kitsch Kitchen and buy a pack of fake moustaches (about the only thing in the store even remotely close to not being overpriced) you can wear one to entertain the kids milling about outside - "Kijk, het snor!!!" one of them will shout.

C. Past Dutch people playing soccer and on to a skate park. No half-pipe (that's on the Mueseumplein yo) but all sorts of dips and ramps and bar things for skaters to go nuts, and they do.

D. And across the street...falafels as big as your head! (or all sorts of tasty and overloaded broodjes on bagel or pita)...Bagel Nash! What is this? Only 4,50 euro for this insanity of a treat? My god!

E. If it's a nice day you can take your giant falafels and cycle the three extra minutes to the Beatrixpark. Rather more scenic, quiet, and quaint than the bustling Vondel, one can picnic on the lawn along the canal; watch dutch people boat by in a practiced rhythm, and wonder who lives in that house guarded by the police observation post anyway?

Oh, and if it's Saturday, don't bother. For Saturday is the sabbath for some folk, and on this sabbath Bagel Nash is closed.