Amsterdam, Netherlands - Izakaya

Located in the very chic boutique hotel, Sir Albert, is Izakaya Asian Kitchen & Bar, a restaurant that bills itself as "Japanese pub-style." The open kitchen is in full view and the heart of Izakaya is its traditional Japanese Robata grill, along with small sharing dishes (think Asian tapas), and daily sashimi and maki rolls for the sushi lover. 

Designed by the internationally acclaimed interior designers BK Architects, the restaurant interior is based on the aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi, the element of imperfection within transient beauty, and inspired by the traditional five Japanese elements: fire, earth, air, water and heaven.

There is a small outdoor seating area overlooking one of the canals.

The cocktail menu is inventive and the end results are delicious!

Dishes are served on small plates and meant to be shared around the table (the executive chef is formerly of Nobu, London).

Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna Tartare

Pan Fried Scallops with Yuzu Truffle Dressing

Wagyu and Foie Gras Gyoza

Spicy Tuna Temaki

Jumbo Shrimp Spicy Lemon

Soy Braised Duck with Green Apple and Foie Gras

Cappuccino Brulee with Suntory Whiskey Foam and Coffee Meringue

The lively, good-looking crowd makes for great people watching and its a very trendy spot at the moment.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands - Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

I recently experienced three very indulgent days at the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam thanks to the generosity of my best friend's mom who always likes to spoil us when we travel whilst she waits for our squeals of delight over the phone back home in Boston. (You may remember she went overboard on our last trip to Paris). She certainly outdid herself this time! 

The hotel is actually itself one of the most historical venues in Amsterdam. Situated on an entire block in the oldest part of the city, known to locals as De Wallen, it started out in the 1500s as a convent. As the centuries passed it was home to royalty, the headquarters of the Dutch Admiralty, Amsterdam's Town Hall, and it was in the council chambers that the reigning monarch, Queen Beatrix, was married. (The hotel provides a historical tour of the property for guests every morning at 11am).

We stayed in a Canal House Suite (all of which are former homes of Dutch admirals dating back to the 17th century) known as the Chris Lebeau Suite (room 714) on the second floor. Had I known 150 people in Amsterdam, we could have thrown quite the party in our living room! The duplex apartment had absolutely soaring ceilings, living room/dining room, 3 bathrooms, a dressing room and a king bedroom with ensuite bath. 

Hermes bath products were an indulgent amenity, as was the flat screen TV built-in above the bathtub.

And the best perk of this room was Carlos, our very own personal butler, who was a speed dial away for absolutely anything we needed! We tested his skills a few times and were not disappointed. 

Turndown in the evening had Stroopwafels by our pillows instead of chocolate, which was a nice local touch (I could eat my weight in those things).

Each afternoon we returned home to the room we found new treats waiting for us on the dining room table, complete with a little story about what we were eating:

With a Michelin star restaurant on site, a top notch spa, a cozy bar room, beautifully decorated common areas and a trendy outdoor patio/bar, combined with a wonderfully convenient location, this is the perfect spot to stay in Amsterdam. 

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Amsterdam, Netherlands - Restaurant De Kas

I recently dined at De Kas, a restaurant and nursery located in a spectacular greenhouse that used to be the Amsterdam City Greenery, dating back to 1926. The restaurant is reached by a small path off the main road and the dining room, designed by Piet Boon, features a 26 foot high glass ceiling. 

The restaurant grows their own herbs and vegetables on-site in the greenhouse, which the founder and owner toils in every day. What is not grown on site is sourced from farmers and local suppliers from around Amsterdam. 

The greenhouse offers one daily set menu only at 49.50 euro, which includes a selection of small starters, main dish and dessert (no a la carte options). A two course lunch menu is also available during the day for 39 euro. As expected, the menu changes almost daily depending on what is sourced that day. 

We had a seafood soup, vegetables, salad, fish, a cheese board and a lovely trifle dessert that featured a very interesting carrot sorbet.

There are several different dining areas: Chef's table inside the kitchen, main dining room, bar table, greenhouse, business table, outdoor patio and garden room. Any of these spaces are lovely and I highly suggest a visit to this unique venue. 

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