Lavendi - Leiden
- Rosy Vineyard
- Apr 20, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 3, 2020
There are many truths, but some are truer than others. Personally, I think one of the truest realities in life is the phenomenon of thinking in bubbles. People — me included, tend to see the world through one pair of smudgy glasses and it takes repetitive cleansing to keep a clear vision. Let me help you cleaning yours today, by dismantling a lie around Dutchness. Amsterdam, it is always about Amsterdam which is indeed a lovely city, but: if you want to see pretty canals and Dutch houses there is so much more. For example, Delft, Gouda, Utrecht and Leiden are exquisite small cities that breath the same Golden Age nostalgia as the city of legit pot and vulgar window shopping.
Leiden started flourishing after the defeat of the Spanish that were in power in 16th century Holland. They had come to restore obliged Catholicism that the Dutch let go of due to their tolerant attitude. At the 3 October festival we recall the day in 1577 when Leiden turned neutral again; an open invitation to move for many craftsmen and entrepreneurs specialized in the textile and the wool industry. The city blossomed and the result is a radiant modern city with the soul of nostalgic heritage.
If you decide to visit, my number one coffee recommendation is a hotspot called Lavendi, which is as sweet as the name implies. The posh calligraphy used for the logo on the glass window reminds me of British tea parties. The deep red and dark green frames add to this, referring to London’s Leadenhall Market used in the first Harry Potter movie. In contrast you see happy turquoise folding seats and easygoing velvet sofas to curl up in. The espresso machine wears the Lavendi logo with pride and the windows reveal the treat of the place: waffles. You can put together your favorite with toppings such as salted caramel and marshmallows and the waffles come in the shape of a heart.
The variety of coffees to order is sufficient, from cortado to affogato. When I visited last time, I drank a very fine flat white. A women on my right side with bold pink hair was bragging to her friend about her coffee taste. In her words, Starbucks was the outdoor coffee spot made for ‘the same foolish people that enjoy instant Nescafé junk’. My deeply rooted disdain for snobs got rebellious and I was about to give her an unsubtle brow raise to make her aware of her arrogant air. Then the waitress brought my steaming drink — saved by the bell. I let it go and focused on the first chapter of my new book; ready to enjoy a good story, taste blending aroma’s and work on my own tunnel vision.
Joe for now,
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