Amsterdam

I have two free days in Amsterdam coming up. Any suggestions? I know the Rijksmuseum is reopening next week, so that will be a must. I've been there several times so I am more concerned with the food scene. I'd especially like to get some recommendations for place to pick up a "to-go" lunch that could be enjoyed in one of the great parks.

Love Amsterdam, Gayle! Highly recommend two stand outs for us:

http://translate.google.com/translate?h ... CDcQ7gEwAA

which is the english translation for this site:

http://www.coteouest.nl/

Also, one of the finest BLT sandwiches I've ever had was at the Park Plaza Brasserie located in the Park Plaza Victoria directly across from the central rail station.

http://www.parkplaza.com/amsterdam-hote ... g/netamst/

If you have the time we also enjoyed the Rijsttafel at Aneka Rasa.

http://anekarasa.nl/menu/

Enjoy!

Thank you. Ed. Much appreciated. I, too, love Amsterdam. And this time the tulips should be in bloom!

Yum- what I wouldn't give for some herring and salad from an outdoor stall- and since you'll be there in spring there will be matjes herring, my personal favorite.

Oh yes, Gary, I also love herring, especially the matjes. Can't wait! And the tulips should be in bloom.

Gayle, if you haven't been to the Keukenhof, and like flowers, it is worth the time. It is the most amazing display of flowers I've ever seen. It is usually open daily until the end of May and about 1/2 hour outside of Amsterdam. There is bus service from the airport and other points. Acres and Acres of the most incredible flower beds. http://www.keukenhof.nl I just love the Netherlands.

Thanks, Amy. It sounds wonderful. I've now put it on my list.

Gayle-

There is an existing thread with recommendations from when I went lest year- just search on it.

My three favorites of the trip entertaining-wise:
the very small Tulip museum - totally unique and fun ( no more than an hour to do this- on a lovely canal section by the Anne Frank museum

Renting a bike and riding it all over town ( highly recommend)

The newly done Maritime museum

( I did not have time in 36 hours to go to the large museums or the flower market but I know they are great)

I had a fabulous meal outside of downtown at Wilde Zwijnen. Great choice ( recommended by Mark Bittman) on east end of town. The 3 course Chef's tasting was fantastic! ( and at great value at 30 euros). Every course was perfectly prepared and great flavors; service was very good and very friendly/helpful. High recommended!! http://www.wildezwijnen.com/contact.html

Enjoy!
Deb

Thanks for the info Deb. The restaurant sounds devine! The other suggestions sound good, too.

Gayle-
My new issue of Travel & Leisure has a feature article on dining in Amsterdam. PM me with your address if you want me to mail it to you.

Deb

Thanks for the offer, Deb, but another friend is lending me her copy. -gayle