In the year 2000 I visited Amsterdam for the first time. Crashing at the student dorms located on the beautiful Prinsengracht, the first place I remember being taken for a delicious dinner was called Foodism. The things I remember best from the little restaurant/café: friendliness of the cook and the waitress, modest pricing, and the finest brownie I've ever known. (standard brownie, the more special kind you should go a few doors down to the Grey Area to experience)

7 years later, I find myself a resident of Amsterdam, an aging hipster, and still.. I feel at home everytime I walk into foodism. I take new friends there on each visit; introduce them to my friend the chef, chit chat with the cute waitress, eat a delicious pasta dinner, and top it all off with a brownie.

Last week, on my way out, the chef asked me if I was going to the USA for xmas. I told him I would indeed. He instructed me to return the day before I get on the plane and he will have a brownie ready for me to take to one of his favorite American exchange students, and my friend, who now lives in Philadelphia. Yet another example of the food + love that you can get at Foodism.

Oude Leliestraat 8, Open everyday, a brief walk away from Dam Square or even Anne Frank's house. Check out the simple yet awesome website.