Your favourite Amsterdam-based artists share their hidden gems to visit during ADE 2018
Who better to let you in on the best spots to eat, shop and relax around Amsterdam than the artists who live there? So throwaway that battered old tourist guide and ignore those Tripadvisor ratings — we’ve got you covered...
Steve Rachmad
It’s a busy week for the man otherwise known as Sterac: Wednesday 17th has him at Het Sieraad for Dailycid, he hits VBX x FRRC at Warehouse Elentenstraat on Friday 19th, and on Saturday 20th plays Thuishaven...
“As a big foodie, I can recommend different places, from some simple and small ones to Michelin-starred ones. Amsterdam can be quite a challenge food-wise if you don’t know your way. I often hear people complaining how food in Amsterdam is bad — which is far from the truth. For the ramen lovers, I recommend Sora Sapporo Ramen in De Pijp area. There are also other good ramen options these days; while Sora is the favourite, also Ramenya and Vatten are really good. For a good Vietnamese pho soup, head to Saigon Caphe Leidseplein. For a good pasta in an easy-going, local surrounding, I’d like to send you to Spaghetteria West. Tip: if they are not too busy, order two half-portions of different pastas. My all-time favourite is Yamazato, a Michelin-star Japanese restaurant at Okura hotel. They have superb food, sake and service, but make sure to bring a thick wallet with you.”
Yamazato, Okura Hotel, Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, Amsterdam
Mary Lake
Now back in ‘Dam after living in London, the eclectic selector plays Odd Fantastic x Dance With Pride’s fundraiser at Shelter on Wednesday 17th with Avalon Emerson and Dr. Rubinstein...
“I remember the first time I discovered Bordello A Parigi, it was on Instagram. I thought their selection was cool and I liked the happy and bold vibes of their posts. I also thought they were based somewhere abroad, so when I found out their shop was actually based here in Amsterdam I made my way there pronto. I had just moved back from London to Amsterdam and, due to the welcoming crew, Bordello quickly became one of my fave spots. Their selection is broad, sexy and quirky — both in music and merch. Make sure to not leave the shop without an LGBT rights ‘Dance With Pride’ t-shirt too!”
Bordello A Parigi, Oudezijds Kolk 71, Amsterdam
Bart Skils
Awakenings and Joris Voorn bring this native to Gashouder on Saturday 20th before he heads to Thuishaven alongside countrymen Benny Rodrigues and De Sluwe Vos on Sunday 21st...
“Amsterdam is a city of techno and great dance music culture. Located in Chinatown, Mary Go Wild is not only a record store with a great selection but also a dance music lifestyle store. Pop in for some advice if you’re looking for the best events in town or want to find a great selection on merchandise from the best dance labels. Vinyl is playing non-stop and their selection of music-related books is amazing. During ADE they will host a series of special basement raves. Free drinks and amazing DJs!”
Mary Go Wild, Zeedijk 44, Amsterdam
Tom Trago
Catch the Rush Hour stalwart at Scheepsbouwloods on Saturday 20th when DGTL presents Bonobo’s Outlier project...
“One of my favourite city retreats must be Sauna Deco. Situated in the heart of the city, this mini spa makes me forget about daily stress and eases my soul. It’s located on the Herengracht 115 and has an amazing interior design that comes from a French warehouse and was redesigned to fit the Spa. With just two saunas, a steam room , a mini pool and GREAT massages, this is my go-to place during a heavy week or weekend. Sweating out all the toxins and having a soup there really resets my mind and vibe. Also, if you have time enough, take a little nap upstairs and listen to the great ambient music they play.”
Sauna Deco, Herengracht 115, Amsterdam
Ferro
The VBX don plays the label takeover at Shelter on Saturday 20th with Fumiya Tanaka and Praslesh, before heading to Gashouder with Peggy Gou and Sven Väth for Awakenings the next day...
“Very well hidden in one of the little alleys in the heart of central Amsterdam you can find a little second-hand record shop. This shop is hidden in plain sight. The first time I went, I looked up the address on Google; when I arrived at the place I could not see a record shop. What I saw was a bike rental shop called: Discount Bike Rental... I thought that maybe the shop had closed or was replaced. I waited a while and I saw two people coming out with a bag full of records. I walked closer and looked into the shop and saw at the back in the corner a place full with records... diggers’ heaven.”
Killacutz, Nieuwe Nieuwstraat 21-hs, Amsterdam
