Archives for “hotel” tag

Hotel de Goudfazant isn’t actually a hotel, it’s an ever-trendy, slightly rugged restaurant that’s slowly cemented itself to be one of the most trusty sources for honest, informal but quality food in the city. 

De Goudfazant was one of the first to acknowledge that Amsterdam Noord is indeed the hottest part of town. Separated from the Centre by the IJ, the North used to be ignored by everyone on the other side (including me, I’m ashamed to admit). But take every chance you can to visit the North during your stay. It’s glowing.

De Goudfazant was also among the first of the now plenty of restaurants housed in repurposed old factory or school buildings (like Rijsel (by far the best food in town, in an old school), Old School (name says it all), Cafe-Restaurant Amsterdam (all-time favorite in an ancient water pump factory) and De Goudfazant’s own little youngest sibling Cafe Modern, also in Amsterdam Noord, in what was once a bank, safe intact. De Goudfazant’s big open space (with that awesome bottle chandelier!) used to be a garage.

The front part of the restaurant is lined with rows of white-decked tables and cute red chairs, and it’s always packed. Don’t come here for a quiet dinner for two, but do please bring your whole family and enjoy their reasonably priced French-style food.

Imagine having had a tough Saturday night out in the city, sleeping in on Sunday, opening your fridge looking for breakfast and finding out that it’s completely empty. Now have I got the solution for you. Every Sunday you can enjoy a laid back but yet fancy lunch at the American Hotel while listening to some feel good jazz music.

Me and my family go here at least once a year and Mother’s Day is one of those occasions! It’s so much fun to all be at one big table enjoying a fabulous lunch and having endless conversations. The ambiance is superb with the music in the background plus don’t forget to look around and admire the excellent example of how Art Deco should look, it’s so beautiful!

The lunch is served in two areas, one room with cold dishes and one were cooks are preparing hot dished right in front of your eyes. I love the fish they cook on a grill like the salmon, tuna or even scampi! On the cold side I prefer a lot of the special cheeses and raw hams on whole grain sandwiches, delicious! Oh and just when you think you’ve had enough they bring out the desserts! Beautiful cakes, chocolate mousse and other sweets, so save some room. It all tastes so good, preparing my own lunch just can’t compete with this place.

Tip: Ask for a table by the window so you can enjoy the view outside to the Leidse square.