Meet the People of Amsterdam. Here we will showcase a different Amsterdam native every week. Every Amsterdam native will share a little about their lives, their favorite spots, and what makes Amsterdam so special to them. Take it all in. After all, the People of Amsterdam know Amsterdam best. This week: Joost Aartsen, Influencer bij Tosti Creative Sukkel bij Huis van Iemand Anders, fijnproever bij Chez Miné.
What’s your favorite spot in Amsterdam?
Mercatorplein is my favorite because I used to live there 10 years ago and it brings back good memories. I love to cook so after I do my groceries I sit on the bench (not looking at my phone) and destress from the day. Maybe talking to some old Turkish men, maybe looking at white privileged people across the square on the terrace. Or just being lost in my own thoughts.
Where can you find the best coffee in town?
At White Label, just a black coffee. Very simple. Sometimes I do my morning meetings there because I live next door.
Where to go for a Sunday brunch?
At Restaurant BAK, drink a bottle of orange wine, get drunk, little shag in the toilet and leave. Located in the Veem theater in the old Houthavens.
Where to go to dancing all night long?
I like it when a dinner turns into an outrageous party. Mostly it’s at home, but we want to create that atmosphere in Chez MinĂ© from the 28th and onwards.
What’s your guilty pleasure when you’re hungover?
Broodje halfom, which is a white bun, butter, liver and picked meat with a pack of buttermilk. Or a cold sports drink like a AA’tje or the white Aquarius.
Where do you go for your favorite dessert?
I don’t like dessert so much. I prefer liquid dessert much more like an espresso martini of Negroni. It gets me started for something stupid.
What’s your favorite store to go shopping?
I don’t like outdoor shopping in The Netherlands. But I do like it online. On the Instagram @highendfashian or the webshop buyitnow.com. On holidays I like to go shopping for a day and buy clothes for the upcoming season.
Where to go to find the best Dutch local treat?
My hangover sandwich at slagerij Overdevest.
Where to go to spot some art or culture?
There isn’t a certain place I recommend, but I like to ask my friends who are artists to check out, so I end up at places I couldn’t find (online) myself.
Where can you get the best cocktails in town?
At Bar Oldenhof or Vesper. Or wherever Timo Stemerdink works.
Favorite neighbourhood to stroll around the whole day?
My girl and I have a challenge to cover all the bars and restaurants in neighbourhoods. We nearly finished the Zeedijk, and are at 60% at Amsterdam West. We do like a two men pub crawl where we step into every place that seems nice or weird. Sometimes we only eat a bar bite or a piece of baklava. Sometimes a bottle of wine and a 5 course lunch.
Where do we get the best rooftop view of Amsterdam? What’s special about that spot?
Most rooftop bars aren’t to my taste. I like the rooftops of friends’ houses better. No overpriced cocktails.
Let’s talk self care. What’s your favorite spot? (for facial, manicure, pedicure or haircut)
Tommy’z Toko, for sure. For 10 years it was my favorite hairdresser and when I moved back to the Baarsjes it felt like nothing changed there.
