Da Pepper

Quick trip to Amsterdam- a visit the Dutch auction where most of my flowers come from during the winter months, an amazing organic Saturday market, art, Royal Dutch Ballet, a memorable flower store, and a bunch of fantastic meals……The stand out event was tonight at a vegan organic community kitchen called, De Peper.

From what I learned the 3 day a week restaurant is part of the De Peper Collective, which also includes a cinema, gallery, print shop, artist workspace, performance/rehearsal and event space. The project began as a squat in 1999 by a group of artists. The space continues to be run as a collective- work and decisions are made by the group.

To eat at the restaurant you call at 4:00 the day that you want to come to make a reservation. Once you arrive you check in at the bar to let them know you are there, pay and get something to drink if you want. They ask if you want your soup and bring it to you. You get your own silverware, bring your plate to the kitchen when you are done and ask for your main course. If you want dessert after you are done you ask and pay for it.

The meal costs 6 or 10 euros, you choose. The website mentions that if you do not have 6 euros you can ask if you can pay less. We sat at the bar and talked to an engaging bartender and a regular who was there for dinner. Kids were running around, a horror film series was playing upstairs, there seemed to be a mix of regulars and new comers. We ate a delicious and satisfying vegan meal and ordered dessert, chocolate cake.

Conversation, food, music and all around feeling was beyond.

I hope to keep a little bit of the energy with me.