Image by Anne-Marie Ros

Kwiezien is one of my favourite restaurants in Rotterdam South and I keep going back there in different settings, celebrating my b’day, meet up with a colleague or dine with my friends. It’s suitable for each occasion.

The atmosphere in Kwiezien is nice, the interior is modern, the chefs are passionate cooks and the waiters give excellent service. You will not regret going here, but book in advance! Most of the time they are fully booked.

Kwiezien’s food is French International and the concept is unique. They only serve small portions for €8,00 each. They suggest a 3, 4 or 5 course but you can order as many different things as you feel like trying. My experience is that 4 dishes are enough and if you are a big eater just order a side dish.

Creative cooking, delicious, fresh and all homemade. Excellent wines you can order by a full or half glass. Do try their cheeses!

My favourite spot is at the bar (2 ppl). It makes you feel part of the kitchen and they will spoil you with little extras;)

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Kwiezien Restaurant | Restaurants (French/Intern.)
Delistraat 20-22 | Zuid | +31102151440
Tue – Sun 18:00 – 22:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rotterdam

Image by Anne-Marie Ros

What to do? A little cheesy but tourists like it so I guess when you are with children or in a group it can be funny to do a Splashtour.

You will be touring over the road and dive into the River Maas in an unique yellow amphibious bus for approximately 75 minutes. The bus is uniquely designed in Rotterdam and built in the Netherlands.

The first part of the tour leads to some architectural hot spots in the center. The actual ‘splash’ takes place from the South shore at Katendrecht next to the boat SS Rotterdam (you can’t get off the bus during the tour!). The dive into the river is spectacular and the journey over water goes slow and shows you a different view on our beautiful skyline.

Personally I found being on the water a bit long and therefor boring but there can be some extra excitement when the engine dies and the fire brigade has to come rescue you by pulling the bus back on shore .

The yellow Splashtours bus departs from the bus stop next to the Rotterdam Maritime Museum at the Blaak in the city centre of Rotterdam. The tours start at: 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00.

Tickets can only be booked in advance online.

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Splash tours | Art & culture | Adult € 19.50
Corner Blaak / Schiedamsedijk – busstop | Center | +31104369491
Wed & Fri – Sun 11:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rotterdam

Image by Anne-Marie Ros

This is a little GEM at the Nieuwe Binnenweg 107A. Gallery Zigt for contemporary jewelery. Often I hop in after breakfast at Koekela at number 97A (check the Koekela article).

It’s an inspiring place where you can find contemporary jewelery to crown a special occasion or buy yourself a present. The shop is run by two owners and goldsmiths Myriam Oude Vrielink and Neeltje Huddleston Slater. Beautiful interior, just love how they display the jewelery in an original way, like on bended plates as if they are shoulders or hanging on antique wooden hands that just comes out of the wall.

Zigt sells an interesting contemporary jewelery. Made from unique materials such as porcelain, silicon, paper, felt, but also silver, gold, diamonds and pearls.

With a special event ‘Garnet from Aunt Agaat’ Zigt owners changed old jewelery into a new design, with a great sense of humor or style. In case you ever inherent a piece you don’t like, go talk to Zigt as it’s their passion to change it into a jewel you would love to wear. Apart from this, both Myriam and Neeltje create jewelery sculpted from fine structures, looking delicate and beautiful.

Zigt sell collections of contemporary designers. Like Hester Zagt known for her delicate white ceramic designs inspired by Dutch folklore. Jennifer Hoes who use her own body as mold for her ceramic jewelery. Misun Won’s folds silver as if its origami what makes her big silver rings featherweight. Margreeth Muller’s is known for her special jewelery with moving geometric forms.

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Gallery Zigt | Art & culture, Shopping
Nieuwe Binnenweg 107A | Center | +31104369668
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rotterdam

Image by Anne-Marie Ros

This is the place where I get my hair done. As I always decide it spontaneously, Hairish is perfect for me as they welcome you without an appointment:)

You’ll find them at the Meent 37A. One of the busy shopping streets down town.

Just walk in and they’ll tell how long you have to wait until they can help you. It can be busy so be prepared for waiting times up to 90 minutes. There are more cool places around Hairish that offers haircuts without an appointment but for Hairish is the best. Not for their loud music, but for their true advise, good cuts and they are really great with coloring, styling and they use excellent product such as Swedish REF and Australian NAK. That is what makes it worth while waiting.

I kill my time watching people coming in or passing by. They are located close to the Market (Tuesdays and Saturdays) at the Binnenrotte and popular places such as Little Italy (check the article), Cafe Pol … .

You don’t like watching people, than kill your time with a yummy ciabatta or Tostini what you can order from Guliano, a couple of shops down the street or get a head massage. A find the Biominoil treatment very good, but a little brrr at the end as they wash it out with cold water;).

If you in town for longer, Hairish trims your fringe or contour for free in between your haircuts so you can enjoy your hairdo longer.

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Hairish unisex hairsaloon | Relaxing
Meent 37A | Center | +31102141467
Tue – Thu 10:00 – 19:00, Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 18:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rotterdam

Image by Anne-Marie Ros

Last year during Art Rotterdam Preview I met The PrintRoom people for the first time. They told me how dedicated they are to artists publications. Since 2003 they’ve built up an independent platform for artists, designers and small publishers from all over the world. To bring a growing collection of artists publications, research the possibilities within artists’ publications, follow new developments, discuss, collect, invite people for talks and share this with us. 

The PrintRoom is located in an old characteristic building that used to house a printer. Parallel to the Nieuwe Binnenweg in the Schietbaanstraat 17. I really like artist publications, art magazines and think it’s amazing to have this little gem in West. PrintRoom presents Lubok Verlag, publisher of artists’ books located in the well-known ‘Spinnerei’ complex in Leipzig. For the Lubok series, artist and publisher Christoph Ruckhäberle invites artists to make linocuts that are printed on a mechanical letterpress, which allows large editions. More than 140 artists participated in the Lubok series so far. Recently the 10th edition was presented.

During Art Rotterdam Lubok will transform PrintRoom into a zany colored wonderland, using patterned wallpapers as a background for graphic work by artists they’ve worked with so far. With: graphic work by Christoph Ruckhäberle, Gabriela Jolowicz, Sebastian Gögel, Tobias Jacob, Tal R, Katharina Immekus, Volker Pfüller, Oliver Kossack, Matthias Weischer, Karl-Georg Hirsch, Simone Waßermann and other special guests.

Friday 10 February: 19:00 – 22:00: special presentation Lubok VerlagSpecial event: Saturday 11 February: 13:00 – 22:30 part of Rotterdam Gallery Tour 2012.

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PrintRoom | Art & culture, Festivals & events, Shopping
Schietbaanstraat 17 | West | +31618012478
Thu – Sat 13:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rotterdam

Image by Anne-Marie Ros

I am not a real whiskey drinker but once a friend served me a whiskey that tasted so smooth and soft, what actually changed my idea about this drink. Maybe because of this a new shop ‘WHISKYBASE.com’ attracted my attention?

WHISKYBASE.com started as a website years ago by some Dutch whiskey passionates. If you check out their on-line whiskey community you will see they have members from all over the world. As a member you can upload your own whiskey collection!

Doesn’t a collection always starts with one? I think no one will blame you when you drink your own collection;)

Since late 2011 WHISKYBASE.com openend a shop at the Zwaanshals 540. The only shop in the North of Europe that is 100% dedicated to whiskey from all over the world. 

Check them out, as it will be a nice experience. The owners are on a mission and that is ‘sharing their love for whiskey’ with you. They sell small sampling bottles for you to try.

Since the opening I have been there several times to buy a nice whisky to give away as a present and each time they suggest a different kind, depending on the person I am buying it for.

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WHISKYBASE.com | Shopping | Taste samples € 2.50
Zwaanshals 540 | Noord
Tue – Thu 10:30 – 18:00, Fri 10:30 – 21:00, Sat 10:30 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rotterdam

Image by Trendbeheer RawBridge

Over the last couple of months I have checked so many times if I could make a short cut on my bike. On Wednesday Feb 8th, 2012 the new Rijnhaven bridge for cyclists and pedestrians will connect Wilhelminapier with Katendrecht. 

This gives you the opportunity to make a new walk starting at the Erasmus bridge. Explore the Wilhelminapier with the Photomuseum, the Rotterdam by Rem Koolhaas and other sky scrapers like Montevideo by Mecannoo and the world famous Hotel New York, great for a drink. Next to Hotel New York on the south side of the pier you find the little harbor with the water taxi and the new bridge.

When you cross this bridge you get to Deliplein with nice places like the shop Iszomooi, restaurant Kwizien and theatre Walhalla. If you pass Deliplein and continue on Sumatraweg. At one corner you’ll find Warmoes Market, a small supermarket and canteen. A nice local meeting point where you can have a good coffee, sandwich, soup and more.

Turn right and keep heading straight towards the end of the pennisula where you’ll find SS Rotterdam, the big steamship with hotel rooms, restaurants, bars and a shop. You continue your route towards Rijnhaven, follow the Hillelaan along the Player and RAAF back towards Erasmusbridge. Cross or turn right on Stieltjestraat. Explore the architecture on the Kop van Zuid and head back into town via the Willemsbrug.   

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Rijnhaven Round | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants
Rijnhaven | Zuid
24 hours daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rotterdam

Image by Luuk Bode

Rotterdam – the City of Art! 

I witnessed that the last two years has proven to be very exciting for new gallery start-ups that represent fresh young talents, as well as more renowned artists in Rotterdam.

Some of my favourite galleries in town have joined forces. Frank Taal, Iris Cornelis, Mirta Demare, Zic Zerp, Helder and Kap Pur galleries show that they’ve got what it takes with 1300m2 of cutting edge contemporary art by 60 exciting artists. 

The first exhibition of PAVILJOEN ROTTERDAM will run from February 8th – 12th, in Cité building at Laan op Zuid 65 – 207 in Rotterdam (entry corner Laan op Zuid / Veemstraat)

The ambiance at PAVILJOEN ROTTERDAM is very direct and personal, making it the ideal opportunity for networking and if you are seeking for an up-front experience. Acclaimed caterer Westerkaatje serves the food and drinks.  

If you also like to hear artists talk about their work or go on a guided PAVILJOEN ROTTERDAM tour with an art critic and/or contemporary art collector then check out ‘news or activities‘ on things to do.Metro, stop Wilhelminaplein – exit Veemstraat. Tram 20, stop Lodewijk Pincoff 

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PAVILJOEN ROTTERDAM | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Festivals & events
Laan op Zuid 65 Rotterdam | Zuid
Thu 12:00 – 19:00, Fri 12:00 – 21:00, Sat 12:00 – 19:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rotterdam

Image by Anne-Marie Ros

For a few days from February 8th – 12th, 2012 Rotterdam turns into the centre of the Dutch Art World .

Every year I write about Art Rotterdam as I love this contemporary art fair bringing 70 national and international galleries. With a new section on the ground floor, showing 15 young galleries with solo shows. E-volved Cultures is an artificial landscape that will be created in real time by featuring artists Driessens & Verstappen. And not to be missed the illy Prize 2012. If you go to Art Rotterdam go check out Gallery Rotwand, they will bring one of my favourite artists Swiss born Tatjana Gerhardt.

If you buy your tickets on-line, use this code: PR2012 It will give you €4,00 discount on the entry fee for Art Rotterdam.

Opposite Art Rotterdam, in LasPalmas II, you will find Objects. An fair for design with limited editions and one-offs by upcoming designers. If you are interested in design but not a collector, why not join the workshop My First Design Collection The Do It Yourself Instructable Restaurant is also back in town now furnished by Thonet.

If you are on the South bank do go visit PAVILJOEN ROTTERDAM (free entry) Laan op Zuid 65 – 207, RAAF takes off! Hillelaan 19, The Player at Hillelaan 49D and RAW art fair at Veerlaan 9 -13.

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Art Rotterdam 2012 | Art & culture, Festivals & events, Snacks
Cruise terminal Wilhelminakade 699 | Zuid
Thu 12:00 – 18:00, Fri 12:00 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 19:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rotterdam

Image by Rénia Sastrowidjojo

Yarnbombing. Guerillaknitting. 

These words might ring some bells as it’s been out and about everywhere. It’s a phenomenon happening all over the globe and it makes the world/cities colorful and softer (is my humble opinion ).  

It does bring a smile on your face when you walk somewhere and discover that things like streetlights, stairs etc. are wrapped up in snugly colorful knits. 

The people knitting/crocheting all these bits and pieces are either individuals or groups. Anyone who likes to help out can join. In a way, it does bring people together too as it’s a pretty social scene.

I’ll admit it, I’m also one of those people. I’m always attracted to ‘street/urban art’ and I think this can ‘qualify’ as such. It’s a mixture of trying to pimp up/add an extra to the (maybe grey/boring) streets and be a ‘disobedient’ citizen in a way as this form of tagging is in a somewhat illegal position.

My knitting and crocheting are still at a beginner’s level but I like that these ‘old fashioned’ crafts are still being used and being re-invented in fashion and design and out on the street in your own neighbourhood or desolate places.

I’m adding my knitted bits here in my town and might add to other cities. Should you stumble upon knitted pieces on the street and feel inspired, start knitting too and add your pieces to your own city. That’s how easy it is.

Here are some websites to get inspiration online like our local Maluca.

Knitted landscape

Stitch London

Stickkontakt

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Guerilla Knitting | Art & culture | Free
Schiedamsedijk/Blekerstraat | Center
24 hours daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rotterdam