Saturday, April 5, 2014

Cafe Luxemburg

The ambiance of a place makes a lot of difference. 
I am talking about the Café Luxembourg at Amsterdam. 


On one side they had these huge windows with some good old chairs and tables. (I am told that most of the old furniture is still maintained and in use here) It does take you back by a quarter century and how restaurants were in those days.


On the other side we have a view of the bustling Spui square and the customers sitting out who like to take in the street view while having their food.






I liked the elegant décor of the bar.


I was always curious about the traditional Dutch food. 
As it was noon, I opted for a traditional Dutch lunch, which comprised of fresh Pomodori tomato soup, a slice of bread with Russian salad and another slice with veal croquette. It may not look much on the plate, but less is more as it was really filling. Loved those pickled gherkin.



My friend Martin said that it was too early for him to have lunch and settled for cheese cake and Latte coffee.


The one who served us was quick on his feet and always had a smile on his face. I also noticed that he greeted and chatted with most of the customers, which indicated that most of them were regulars here.    


The good food and the efficient service explains why it is a bustling place. 

Like the collection of papers they have for the customers. Noticed some English papers too (respect for all customers)



While stepping out I saw this pedal bus, a good idea to generate power while you sip beer.



Those who visit the Begijnhof cannot miss this place as it is just four steps away.

More on the Begijnhof convent in the next blog post.


24 comments:

Marie said...

The pedal bus seems to be a good idea especially for tourists. Pedal and see the city (and sip the beer)

George said...

This does look like a wonderful restaurant to visit. I also like that pedal bus. What a neat way to get around.

TexWisGirl said...

ha ha - the pedal bus is funny!

i do like the bank of windows to watch the goings-on outside while you eat.

Sean said...

interesting recipes served here :)

Julie Flanders said...

That pedal bus is awesome. What a great idea!

Thanks for coming by the Untethered Realms blog, it's great to meet you.

http://untetheredrealms.blogspot.com/

Roan said...

Looks and sounds like a restaurant to revisit on occasion. Love the pedal bus. I've never heard of one before, but looks quite efficient.

Linda said...

I love the elegant look of that cafe!!! Wonderful photos.

Kamana said...

what a great idea that pedal bus is! the food looks yummy.

Unknown said...

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http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-sunday-drive.html

Indrani said...

Nice ambiance in the restaurant!
It is such a good feel to relive those experience just seeing the pics, no?

Sweet Tea said...

A pedal bus? Great way to burn some calories. Not so good if the weather wasn't good. Glad to find your blog. Glad you stopped by mine, as it allowed me to find you! Ai'm following you now.

Donna L Martin said...

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I am a 4th Degree Black Belt and children's author. For the month of April I decided to review 26 picture books as part of the A to Z Challenge. If you get a chance, I would love for you to visit my blog...

Take care,

Donna L Martin
www.donnalmartin.com

Debbie said...

oh i like the pedal bus, good exercise and lots of help!!

Augustine Xavier said...

I like the presentation of the dutch lunch you ordered Joe! I am a foodie and one can guess what a delight it is to see the fine detailing when your plate arrives on your table. The presentation plays the first impression stake and there is a "No Second Chance" to impress once done. The place seems to be a favourite for the regulars as it looks to be a the place to be - Café Luxembourg. I'd like to pay a visit to this Cafe.
You name on the water pump looks like you were already there :-) Regards

trees said...

I saw this pedal bus in the movie 'Queen' and wondered why we don't have something like this in India. But with the way traffic moves in Bangalore, we'd just drink lots of beer and go nowhere :)

Ann said...

looks like a really nice place. I would have ordered the same thing you did for lunch.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Beautiful restaurant. I'll have the same lunch you had and your friend's latte too please!

Poppy said...

Lovely and interesting post on the cafe culture of Amsterdam, an intriguing city in itself! Couldn't agree with you more: a smile and a cheery attitude from the staff, and good, well-priced food makes for a successful visit for both parties. Great pics!

Poppy

Unknown said...

Great post Joe, and simple efficiency of the pedal bus is super. Drink all you can without worrying about piling on the calories!!!!!

Unknown said...

Hi Zoe,
there are some cases drink and drive, for them it is very good idea (Pedal bus) this will fulfill both the purpose let them drink and drive get output in terms of power. Shivanand Hipparagi

K V V S MURTHY said...

Very interesting to know about the things you cited in the post.Neat pics...all the best!

S.. Diva said...

wow.. you were in amsterdam a few days back. too bad we didnt meet

Carole M. said...

I love my caffeine injections and your cafe' photographs. The luncheon looks and sounds delicious too. The pedal power is a great idea!

Rama Ananth said...

I really n=envy you. How come you get to visit the best places in the world?
The cafe, the pedal bus everything is so nice.