So I’ve been here a little more than a month now and I’m starting to know the ropes. I’ve found the cheap beer, the best coffee shops, the beautiful parks and the canal side cafes. All these little accomplishments are making me slowly feel hip to the scene, I am not however, content. I may be down with Amsterdam, but I have yet to find what’s really “down.” I’m referring to Amsterdam’s ample hipster scene. I see the Nike air max 95’s, the Stussy T-shirts and New Era Fitted Caps bopping around the city and I know these hipsters are doing something right. Where do they hang out? What do they do all day? Where did they buy the “Oktoberfest” limited addition Nikes and garish Red Clay shirts? Well, if you too are interested in the cool kids, I’m going to let you in on a little secret, endorsed.nl. Endorsed gives you the straight scoop on Amsterdam’s realest of the real, from art exhibits to concerts to parties to shoe releases. I check it everyday and I recommend you do the same, maybe we’ll bump into each other at a boutique fashion show or a poetry slam.

If you search back in the trippist archives, you'll surely find a few entries from our crew about how much we love the bakkerswinkel. Like a fairy tale bakery from an imaginary childhood we probably saw on television, Amsterdam's modest chain of very old school bakeries have long held a special place in our stomachs.

As I strolled Westerpark recently, I peeked into one of the old warehouses that I'd never checked out before. Surely there would be something interesting as Westerpark is bustling with hip and relaxed fun... every few months with something new popping up. I expected a hip club, maybe a café, or artists' studios. What I didn't expect was another in the series of irresistible and mind numbing goodness.

Indeed the Westerpark bakkerswinkel has probably been there for some time, I just never noticed. The fresh scones under glass, the black forest chocolate cake, the herbal teas in the environmentally responsible baggies... they've been there the whole time under my nose.. as I ran around throwing frisbees and drinking beers out on the green grass.

Don't make my mistake of taking so long to find it. Go to Westerpark and go to this particular bakkerswinkel.. it is not to be missed. Thankfull they're open everyday til 18h, with a later opening time (10am) on weekends.

The lovely family next door to me is moving. They're packing up their bikes, kids, and rabbits and starting a new life on the other side of Amsterdam.. in an unfinished neighborhood known as IJburg.

I've read a good amount about Ijburg; the modern architecture, the artistic curves and angles, the huge amount of planning, and the young upstarts that are going to live there. It will be one of those typically Dutch developments where you will look around and every single thing you look at will be shiny and new. New schools, new bridges, new homes, new supermarkets... new everything.

Apparently my neighbor designed his own home where he will live. This makes me extra curious to see the new neighborhood. I think even tourists will want to make their way over to IJburg, to snap some photos and get a taste of cutting edge futuristic Amsterdam living. So if you have the means, even though it is not finished, do what I shall do next week... hop on tram 26 and see what this place is all about. Snap a few photos.... maybe leave a comment about your experience.. whenever it is that you finally make it out there.

Stay tuned for a video followup on this next week. IJburg, finished or not finished, bicyclemark is coming for a visit.

It is Sunny here in the Netherlands.. which means if at all possible.. this to do list will be all about getting outside.. or at least... being outside before you go into a club to catch a good show.

Tonight, Friday:

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes play the mainspace at PAradiso. I love Asbury Park and Johnny.. so it should be good. Show starts at 8:30pm, tickets were going for around 22€ but are sold out. Feat not, show up and you'll find tickets.

Over at the Tropenmuseum, in the Tropen Theater, Serbia's number one brass band plays at 8:30pm. 20 € entry.

Sugar factory is holding a spoken word poetry-slam type event which kicks off at 7:30pm. 5 € entry.

On to Saturday:

The Russian Festival, a month long celebration of Russian art, music, and culture, kicks off with a concert by the Utrecht String Quartet at the Posthoorn Church. 3pm.

8pm at the OudKerk you've got a Pavoratti memorial with music, film, and conversation. I'll probably be there.

Old acquaintances from my life in the US, the RX Bandits are playing the small room in Paradiso. Show starts at 7:30pm, 7.50€ + the membership fee to get in.

If you can find your way to Blijburg, you can join the "Retreat to the Beach #2" party. Apparently the 1st was a hit; 8pm, 12€.

Then comes Sunday:

The very hip Unleash Festival is going on at the Pakhuis (warehouse) Wilhelmina. 4pm start time, 5€ cost.

Slight more upscale and cultured? Flamenco show at the Concertgebouw. Starts at 8:15pm and costs 28.50€.

The Badcuyp is a unique and modest venue to watch some quality melodic jazz by The Alchemysticals. 9pm start time and only 5€ to enjoy.

Good luck out there.

One of the best places to go to get into the more current scene of Amsterdam is the Overtoom squat OT 301. I've written about this place before - its great. Biking out a decent way past Vondelpark (if you're on the east side), sneaking in quietly so as to not disturb the neighbors, then partying to great music (usually) the night through, something rare in Amsterdam.

New parties are taking place regularly and a buddy of mine, Chris, has been advertising whats coming up. See www.ot-hot-tot.com for the latest agenda (in Dutch) and his hot video on Youtube below. eheh, Chris...

A sunny weekend, about to get even brighter come SUNday, when Cinematic Orchestra comes to Amsterdam! Go and get your tickets now, now! Because I'll bet this one will sell out. Playing at Paradiso, this experimental group has a special, wonderous sound, and there is nothing I love better than Sunday night, after the weekend is over, concerts. Except, of course, Monday night concerts, when you have no expectation whatsoever.
Well, go, go!

It can't be easy running a music store in an era of digital music and free downloads. They key is probably to have a shop that makes people WANT to come by, check things out, spend some time, and yes.. buy some music.

Concerto, one of Amsterdam's most beloved music shops, does just that. Situated on the Utrechtsestraat, between some of the loveliest canals, it is all to wall music for any taste.

Myself I like heading right into the world music section, to check what latest releases they have from the world of Portuguese language music. I usually grab a few, along with the usual new releases in Indyrock, and head to the listening station. Remember those things? Yes, before the era of the internets.. listening stations were the coolest, as you can stand there forever, read the lyrics, and decide to buy or not buy the cd you've been listening to. Simple old fashioned concept that still brings alot of people some joy at concerto.

It may be a dying art. I admit I don't make it there very often myself. However, if you want to experience a music store will all the eclectic tastes of a city like Amsterdam, you should stop in Concerto and try it yourself.

ps - Yes of course they have LP's!

You may recall over the summer when I wrote about the super fast ferries to the beach and other destinations from Amsterdam Central Station. These beautiful teal and lime bullet boats hit some very high speeds thanks to their very futuristic design.

Unfortunately this week one of the ferries had an accident, as another boat had a small collision with it. No passengers were hurt but the very itself sustained some significant damage. Later in the evening, watching the news reports, I learned that the Connexx ferry has only had three accidents in all its years of service. As passengers gathered at the scene they were asked if they were concerned.. to which the mostly Dutch respondants said something like "no. I like the ferry and its the best way for me to get to work."

In the past I've recommended the ferry. And I wouldn't lead you wrong... I still think it is one of the coolest water trips you can take from Amsterdam. Again its under 10 euros for a return trip. Maybe I'll just add a little disclaimer... know how to swim. Not that you'll need to.. but umm.. always be prepared.

I don't eat dinner often enough in the Jordaan. I tend to just ride through, snap some photos, visit some shops, and go home. The act of sitting in a restaurant in Amsterdam's most beautiful neighborhood somehow slips by me.

Therefore last weekend, along with a dear friend from NYC, I headed over to Egelantiersstraat 122, to sit and have a meal at the Vrije Fork. The Fork came to my attention last spring as I was with friends, very hungry, and found myself at that magical corner. We went in, and were pleasantly surprised.. not because the food was good.. we expected some good food.

No, see... the Vrije Fork is special because, beyond their normal menu of gourmet dishes, some of which could knock your socks off.. they also have a scrumptious buffet that you pay for based on WEIGHT! Yes, the more you pile it on, the more you pay. And when you're up there looking at the Veggie Lasagne, wild rice, curry carrots, fish stew.. you get the picture.

Now I would not lie to you on issues of money; the Vrije Fork is not cheap. Especially if you do the weight thing.. but if you measure in your head and be careful.. you can get some quality food that hopefully doesn't weigh too much. Also the regular menu is average priced. So don't file it under a cheap-o option, but yes.. a delicious and unique way to eat.

Open every day, around 8am to 11pm. Sundays 9 to 10.

Coming October 18th to an established Amsterdam venue near you: 2 big acts, but on 1 night only. Who to choose? That depends on your taste.

For me its a hard choice, since I enjoy different styles with different friends.
I'll tell you both and let you choose. Why blog about this so early? So you can get your tickets before they're soldout, of course! Your welcome.

Chez Melkweg, catch Nouvelle Vague, the French remix and cover band masters. Soft voice paired with classic hits, covers include songs by Joy Division, Dead Kennedys, The Clash and Depeche Mode. Various international female vocalists only sang songs they were not previously acquainted with, to ensure that each track would have a unique sound.

At Paradiso, Miss Kitten, the also French-born electronica vocalist and DJ, is welcomed back to Amsterdam. She will be accompanied by The Hacker, with whom the famous track Frank Sinatra was arranged.

I haven't decided, but either of these will suit experimental tastebuds, so bon apetit!

Becky already dug into some of the burning questions of concert going this weekend. Here come a few more options:

Saturday

11am, if you're standing at the right canals.. you'll see the big canal race 1200 participants this year. 144 teams from various parts of the world.

Benefit Night at the Bitterzoet. Party proceeds go towards helping children in Central and South Asia. 21h, 10€

The National Ballet company is performing Romeo and Juliette at Het Muziektheater. Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Prices range from 22€ to 50€.

Starting at 11pm at the Sugar Factory, the party is called Girlesque. Burlesque for lesbians and their cool male gay friends. €12.50.

Sunday

Keeping with the Dance theme, as part of the Cover Festival, at Frascati there will be a performance called Footprints; contemporary choreographers remaking classics. Sunday 8pm, 14 € + membership fee.

At the beloved Drag-Show Bar Lellebel, they're celebrating the end of Ramadan. Free. No word on the time, so show up at night.

You know what I mean by Arty-Farty? If not, try snobby. And unnecessarily so.
Het Schuim Bar, on Spuistraat 189, is unmistakeable. As you drive past, you'll notice inside the large glass windows an exhibit of some kind or another covering the walls. And this changed regularly, sometimes monthly.

Because my friend lives just a street away, we occasionally pop in for a drink. Some nights, its boring. Some nights, it turns out mildly amusing (and the later, the better!). But doubtless, every night, there are small huddled groups of old, snobby, arty-farty Amsterdammers. Also, plenty of failed artists who smoked away their subsidies and scholarships.

They're funny! They're better than the art! I particularly like one lady, an older woman with white hair, heavy, funky black glasses, red lipstick and a permanent scowl. The mix is eclectic but thats why this place has really any value. If you're passing down Spuistraat (located in the centre - check your map, visitors), you may be lucky enough to have a good exhibition on and an even more amusing crowd.

Tuesday night at PRIK, one of the most popular gay venues in Amsterdam, is movie night. This week they will be playing Tom Twyker's Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. It is the tale of a young man with a superior sense of smell, on the quest to create the world's best aromatic blend. Needless to say (see the title), it turns ugly.

I saw this film when it first came out at the PATHE, last year. I liked it well enough; some of my friends really liked it. So, the recommendation is there. Better yet, get out of the straight bars you normally go to and venture into the pink-lit doors of PRIK, at Spuistraat 109. Apart from the extensive cocktail list starting at only 5 euros, they also serve tasty smoothies and snacks.

Last week I dropped some science and divulged my addiction to all things hip. I ranted on about the kicks and shirts of random strangers as if I was a homeless man vocally critiquing passers by. Maybe that was an embarrassing admission I don’t know, but I can say I know where I got the vice from...
Vice Magazine is written by elitist, urbanite academics. They sit upon their Ivory tower somewhere in the heart of Someplace Cool, New York City and critic all the mere mortals that dare traverse in front of them. Besides the scathing comment section entitled “The Vice Do’s & Don’ts” the magazine itself is filled with insightful, culturally stimulating articles that run the gamut from Hot Chip to Ghostface Killah. Needless to say its my favorite rag, and despite its icy demeanor I find it harshly fair and almost reverent in its teasing.
This little magazine occasionally throws invite only, free booze, free entrance shindigs in the world’s most deserving towns. Luck of the draw, Amsterdam is a worthy hood and will be hosting a boat party aptly titled “Vice Saves Amsterdam” this Friday. Thankfully its not to late to score an “entrance code” just hit up this website:

http://eguest.eu/viceparty

fill out your information and show up! Just so you know exactly what you’re getting into I’ve attached a few Vice don’ts. What you think I was going to spell it all out for you? Take note:

and

I love FOAM - it always puts on interesting, diverse, worthwhile and small scale exhibits.
Until November 22, FOAM is showing an excellent photograph collection of the Totomboti foundation members - 5 Rastafarians from the Pikienslee village in Suriname. Taken by photographer Yamandú Roos, these local artists create "functional art with wood and teach the villagers to use natural resources in sustainable ways." They are also beautiful.
Find FOAM at Keizersgracht 609 and is open every day of the week, but hours vary, so check the website for further details.

Autumn is truly here, so lets see whats in store:

Friday
The Amsterdam Dance Event is going on all weekend. 40 venues, 3 nights, 600 DJ's.

Remember when no one knew who Groove Armada were? I don't; Heineken Music Hall, 34€, 8pm.

The Quasimodo Trio is much loved in the tango world; KIT, 18€, 8:30pm.
Pierre Bastian is all about electronica; BImhuis, 14€, 9pm.

Saturday
Science Park is opening its doors to the public. Get an inside look at test tubes and other sciency fun, 12 to 5pm.

Zaal100 is showing a screening of Inconvenient Truth. There's also food, music, and a variety of other things related.

Speaking of melting Ice, the Scientific Festival is going on all weekend at the Westergasfabriek. Lots of games and experiments and free icecream; 11am to 5:30pm, 5€.

Sunday
Sunday from 11am to 17pm expatica is doing their "Im Not a Tourist" expo. I never showed up last year and doubt I'll make it this year; Beurs van de Berlage.

Ireland's Luka BLoom plays paradiso; 8:30pm, 17.50€.

Tickets for Solomon Burke go as high as 45€, but then again.. it is Solomon Burke! Carré, 8pm.

More Than a Thousand. You may have never heard them, but it is Portuguese rock and I'm Portuguese so I mention it. Plus its on the famous German ship the Stubnitz; 10pm.

Last week I wound up in the city of Wageningen. Lots of student life and nature, here's my vlog entry from Wageningen:

Eventually this week I'll tell you about my adventure at the supperclub. But I'm not ready yet.

Today I want to talk about the most heavenly piece of lasagne I've ever eaten. I know, I know, everyone knows of heavenly lasagne somewhere. So forgive me if you've known about this formula for ages and I'm way behind on culinary breakthroughs of the 21 century.

What the hell am I talking about ---- CHOCOLATE LASAGNE. Seriously.

I'm down past museumplein and in need of food, so I walk into Renzo's, which is 100x better than any typical Dutch cafe with their little sandwiches. Renzo's is a deli, catering style.. with lots of main dishes on display. It also feels like the kind of place you wish you opened if you ever opened a cafe or restaurant. It spilleth over with personality.
Looking past all the dishes that look yummy in their own right, I notice the lasagne with the odd colored filling. CHOCOLATE! the cute girl tells me. She seems surprised to say it herself, turning to a co-worker in disbelief. YES, ITS CHOCOLATE... lasagne. She looked at me like it was a delightful dare.

I'm in! I announce like an idiot. Any normal human would have played it cool and said, I'd like a piece please. But me, I use the phrase - I'm in. Ah well. It worked out in the end.. between me and the lasagne. Not only is chocolate lasagne a great idea, you won't even want desert.. because the fact is.. it came in the main course.

Open Everyday, Van Baerlestraat 67.

Another great concert is coming to Amsterdam, and this time to one of my least-visited venues: the Heineken Music Hall. Although its one of the biggest and most famous, I find it too expensive and lacking the charm and intimacy of the smaller locations like Paradiso. However, I may be forced to make an exception for Arcade Fire. On the 13th of November, the Canadian (Montreal) husband and wife team travel to Amsterdam with not only the band but a violinist in tow to open the show. Other surprises can be expected.

Earlier, namely November 7th, Bloc Party will be at the same location. Probably sold out already, but worth a shot at the punters outside.

Last week the Supper Club extended the invite to me as part of their album release party entitled "The 9 Sins". The party was choc full of food, music, people, and a hint of madness. Not the kind of madness that you want to run away from, the kind that you think... hmm.. this is not normal.. but it sure is fun.

Prior to this visit I had tried to get into the Supper Club on a weekend some years ago, but was turned away at the door as one of my associates had sneakers on. Beyond that, Supper Club's golden doors have always smacked of too-good-for-you. Leave it to blogging to get me in...

The food was heavenly.. 3 or 4 courses if I can remember correctly. But why should I remember correctly as the party lasted throughout the evening late into the night and oh how the drinks did flow. Huddled into the press section, I especially enjoyed the chance to meet a few local and visiting journalists who themselves seemed pleasantly shocked at the blind-folded feedings and the random dancing on tables by talented SupperClub staff.

I even found time during the meal to wander over to the other side of the room and say hello to some local tourism bureau acquaintances. Throughout the evening I also took some video to share with all of you (see below). All in all it was a lovely evening, very fancy yet very relaxed, and I can now finally say Ive experienced the magical insanity of SupperClub Amsterdam.

Brrr its cold in this town. What to do to keep warm? I have some ideas:

Friday:
Take the quick train ride over to Haarlem and take part in the city-wide Salsa Festival; Various locations. See the details on their website.

Indie Folk night at Winston Kingdom; 9pm, €6.

Bimhuis has the Austrlian Jazz Trio The Necks; 9pm, €14.

Saturday:

I'm almost reluctant to tell you cause its such a cool event; visit many artist work spaces as part of Open Atelier Day in the Pijp. Lasts all weekend and goes from 12 to 6pm.

HipHop; the very prestigious Splash Festival is going on at the Melkweg - 8pm, €35.

Some kind of Spoken Word night over at Bitterzoet, 9pm. €8.

Sunday:

I hope there will be tickets left for me, The Marionette Theater is doing The Magic Flute. 2pm, €15 for adults, €7.50 for the kids.

ABBAsolutely, the infamous ABBA cover band plays Carré. 8pm, €30 to €65.

Stubnitz, the wonderfully crazy German fishing boat, has experimental music by the Cursing Brain.

Now that I've left university behind, I do not have access to the free English and international daily and weekly newspapers provided in the student lounge, along with the cheap coffee and sandwiches. Well, I could sneak back in, but...
As described in the current events English rag of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Weekly, the International Herold Tribune is offering a free month long trial of their daily newspaper. Find details here.

Unsurprisingly, do be aware that this trial period, like any trial period, will start charging you after the month is over unless you de-subscribe and stop the deliveries, or, start using your neighbor's name for the following month and wake up early..

The chilly weather that brings hats and gloves out, also brings out the charm of Amsterdam's warm cafés. No matter how miserable the weather outside, inside there is always a comfy couch or a chess board or a cup of hot chocolate to make you feel relaxed and warm.

Café Koosje is one of my all time favorites. Located just down the street from the Zoo, this café has the classic Amsterdam brown-wood look, yet has plenty of space should you decide to bring lots of friends. There are stacks of newspapers and a few couches for you to sprawl out on, or lots of good tables with bad lighting where you can enjoy a meal.

Like many cafés, the food isn't revolutionary.. but I do like Koosje's goat cheese with honey and walnut sandwiches, and I once had a plate of roasted potatoes that really hit the spot.

Prices.. have no fear, perfectly normal prices in an excellent neighborhood. Stop in on your way to or from visiting the animals.

Some good friends from New Jersey were in town last week and they called me to come hang out at the hotel.. since they know about trippist.

I've often zoomed by the Radisson-SAS on Russland, and wondering what it was like in there. Located right smack in the middle of the city, a stone's throw away from the wonders of the Red Light district and some of the city's finest coffee shops, the Radisson looks pretty impressive from the outside.

From the inside it is EVEN MORE impressive... with a lobby that is actually a huge atrium that lets in wonderful natural light for anyone to enjoy while they wait or sit and relax. It was interesting to see that they don't do the front desk thing in the traditional sense, instead you find little stand-up desks with employees ready to help you.

A quick zoom and zigzag through the halls and I was in the so called "deluxe" room. Which is a fancy name for a normal room. Although normal in size, the room did feature things like a super-comfortable bed, and some very futuristic yet useful furniture for storing your stuff or just sitting. Bathroom was shiney and new, as is most of the hotel.

SAS is a pretty quality airline and along with Radisson they've done a pretty impressive job with this hotel. My friends showed me that the price is not always right, so be ready to pay some solid prices for your quality stay. But if its super-comfort and extremely-central location, the Radisson-SAS does it better than most.