Once upon a time I had a crush on a Dutch girl. Ok, ok, it happens everyday, but this one lasted a few months. She took Flamenco lessons at the very lively café known as Duendé. Therefore every monday evening after lessons, I would strategically make sure to be sitting at Duendé with an extra glass of sangria waiting for her. Being the good girl that she was, she always joined me.

Besides the crush, I grew to enjoy all the magic of this Spanish café in Amsterdam's Jordaan neighborhood. The tapas were delicious and on the average weekend night, a flamenco or salsa group would play and in the back room everyone would help move the tables and pile up the chairs to make more room for dancing.

In the months and years following, I lost track of that girl. Only recently did I end up receiving an email from her asking how I'm doing, and all at once I remember those wonderful nights at Duendé.

Lindengracht 62; consult the website for wine list, cultural calender and more.