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: Keke Baas, Freelance artist manager & development.
What’s your favorite spot in Amsterdam?
I really like to get out of the house to clear my head and overthink my sins. Although I really love nature, I also love the concrete jungle that Amsterdam can be. The Veemkade connects my two favorite places in Amsterdam: Oost, where I live and Noord, where I like to come. The ferry from Oost to Noord is near the Veemkade and brings you to great places like FC Hyena, Skatecafé and Oedipus Brewing.
Where can you find the best coffee in town?
I live in Javastraat and there are a lot of options for coffee. My favorite place at the moment (it shifts a lot) is Superette at Javaplein. The vibe is great and their coffee even better.
Where to go for a Sunday brunch?
I really like a boozy brunch so I have to go for G’s. It’s a shame their establishment in Oost is gone, but G’s De Pijp is not that far from my house. In the summertime you really need to go on the G’s Brunch Boat.
Where to go to dancing all night long?
Since all the clubs on Leidseplein are clones of each other, I am happy with the editions of Skatecafé and Garage Noord. The programming there is refreshing and alternative, which is a nice counterweight to the mess that is happening in the city.
What’s your guilty pleasure when you’re hungover?
Watching 80’s cartoons like Wacky Races, Dungeons and Dragons and Thundercats on YouTube.
Where do you go for your favorite dessert?
Café Restaurant Amsterdam, or CRADAM like most people call it, has one particular dessert and it’s their Sticky Toffee Cake. It’s probably the best one you’ll ever eat. Trust me on this one.
What’s your favorite store to go shopping?
Can I name several stores? Patta, Zeedijk60, Ben-G, POP Trading Company and Carhartt on the Utrechtsestraat.
Where to go to find the best Dutch local treat?
If we consider cheese a Dutch local treat I have to mention Tromp. They have the best Dutch cheeses and their sandwiches are amazing. Especially the Hot Danny, my all time favorite.
Where to go to spot some art or culture?
I have a Museumcard, so I try to visit museums a lot, but I have to be honest. The best exposition I’ve seen lately was in Gemeentemuseum, The Hague.
Where can you get the best cocktails in town?
I would not call myself a cocktail type of guy, I’m more a beer person when I go out. But since I didn’t mention Lux/Weber before, I’m going for these places. I had a cocktail there before, so yeah, s/o to Lux/Weber. I also need to mention Café van Wou for being the nicest bruin café of Amsterdam. Thank you Texas for introducing me to this place.
Favorite neighbourhood to stroll around the whole day?
That has to be the Indische Buurt in Oost. There are two great parks in this area (Oosterpark and Flevopark) and of course Javastraat. You can spend an entire day in this street and you won’t get bored.
Where do we get the best rooftop view of Amsterdam? What’s special about that spot?
Volkshotel has a really nice rooftop where you can get into a hot tub. What’s better than looking over beautiful Amsterdam while you’re relaxing?
Let’s talk self care. What’s your favorite spot? (for facial, manicure, pedicure or haircut)
My barber Saïd is located at Javaplein and I love him. Visiting his shop not only means you get a new haircut, you can also witness him raising all his sons while they’re making a mess of the shop.
