Please welcome Kathy Kelly (gluten-free since 2002) from Staten Island as today's guest blogger. Thanks for sharing, Kathy!
I love Amsterdam! My trip began on a Continental non-stop flight from Newark to Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Continental provides gluten-free meals upon request at the time of booking. It was suprisingly good.The meal consisted of a small green salad, sliced chicken over rice with steamed vegetables, fresh grapes, strawberries, and a Jennie's GF Coconut Macaroon. Before landing, I was given cut up fruit and another Jenni's coconut macaroon.
In Amsterdam, the best location to stay is near the Leidseplain. There are many hotels, restaurants, clubs, canal tours, and museums
within walking distance.
Upon my arrival at the Amsterdam Marriott, I asked the concierge about gluten-free food and dining. He directed me to the Bio Mart, which is similar to a health food store in the US. There I was able to stock up on gluten-free goods like power bars, gluten-free cereal, Schar brand crackers, cookies and bread; rice cakes, cheese, nuts and tomatoes. The prices are a little high, but worth having food to get me by.
While strolling around I came across Marqt at Overtoom 21-25 and found some great fresh items. The market is open from the middle of May through the fall. Buying locally grown and produced strawberries, apples, pears, mushrooms, cheese and yogurt is a great way to eat healthy and delicious foods at low cost.
After visiting the Rijksmuseum and seeing the Rembrants and many other beautiful paintings, I had lunch nearby at the Wagamama.This restaurant offers a limited gluten-free menu and the staff is very friendly and helpful. The Chicken Itame was delicious! It is a tasty soup loaded with chicken, fresh herbs, sprouts and rice noodles. With a side of grilled asparagus it was very filling.The price with iced tea was under 20 euros.
For fun at a coffee house I recommend the Bulldog, (if it is your first time here) since it is very safe and is like the Houlihans of coffee houses. Amsterdamned is a great club for dancing and having a great time. By just walking around on the Leidesplain you are sure to find a place that suits you, there are many clubs, bars and coffee houses.You may also just want to sit in the plaza and enjoy the craziness.The people are fun loving and friendly. This is a great place to have a good time and I highly recommend it.
