Café Nieuw Amsterdam - Amsterdam
- Rosy Vineyard
- Sep 14, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 28, 2020
The paradox of the need for both me-time and togetherness is real. It is actually one of the main drivers behind this crazy hobby of mine. Because when you drink a hot beverage in a publicly shared space, you are together in the act of spending time alone. This idea struck me again when I was chilling on the front-terrace of Café Nieuw Amsterdam; As busy at it gets in the area called “Haarlemmerstraat”, you can anonymously relax here behind a low fence that parts the pedestrians from the tables. You watch them passing by, but they don’t even notice you’re there.
The history of the building ought not to be ignored as it dates all the way back to the 14th century when it was used as a meat hall by the local butchers. From there it evolved into the “West India house” — the main office of the board of the West India Company, a mighty organization responsible for overseas trade with Africa and South America. If it wasn’t for the WIC, the pretty canals and mansions of Amsterdam would not have been either. Colonial trade, unethical as it was, made the Dutch merchants rich and famous in the 17th century. It was in this very building in 1625 that WIC’s governor Peter Stuyvesant gave the order to his gentlemen overseas to build a fort called “New Amsterdam” (which is now New York). It is hard to imagine that such big decisions were made at the same spot that I now associate with a nice, strong espresso.
The place is renovated beautifully in the former century with respect to modernity and to what it used to be. My own need for the day was a bit off: espresso with whipped cream, inspired by the eclectic soul of the building. The sense of the colonial times is elicited by golden chandeliers, exotic tapestries and tavern green lanterns outside. I can imagine this place looks even more like its true self in winter: cosy and imposing.
Behind my little fence, I pictured that gentleman Stuyvesant sitting contently in his heavenly chair, watching the tourists passing by. Despite your retarded behaviour, Peter, this city owes you some credits.
Have a good one,
PS. Check out the illustration that I, Rosy, made to match this post here
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