Anke Verhees

Taken in by the more candid, no-nonsense approach of the locals, Anke Verhees moved to Amsterdam eight years ago from adorable if sleepy Maastricht. It was love at first sight, and though the city’s small scale and dollhouse cuteness can occasionally get on your nerves, Anke cures this predicament with a jolt of energy from a crisp bike ride through the quiet, leafier streets or the rawer parts of town; you never know what’s across the next canal.

Three years ago, she decided to fuse her commercial creative industry instincts with her love of art. Through her company Andersom, Anke connects her artist clients directly with art lovers, facilitating artists’ business affairs and bypassing what can sometimes be a pretentious and limiting art industry.

Her city life comfortably alternates between party and purity: From dancing in crimson 10-inch heels at a temporary club space, to traditional shaolin kungfu and yoga classes, Anke’s Amsterdam is one of united extremes, business and pleasure on a tiny city map.

Places in this guide

Food Amsterdam 1
Razmataz Cocktails, ice cream and good food
Though it might be a little early for their luscious homemade gelati, Razmataz serves a great morning coffee, making it a great new neighborhood place for my morning headlines. Also: Free wi-fi!
Culture Amsterdam 2
Beurs van Berlage Architectural exchange
Home to many young creative start-ups, the architecturally impressive Beurs van Berlage has managed to stay a relevant venue since its first stone was laid in 1896. If you get the chance, drop in for a trade fair (or royal wedding)!
Shop Amsterdam 3
Estafette Best in greens
Estafette makes a great pit-stop for the crispest fresh fruit and veggies, though I usually spring for their kindersap. Though it literally translates as “children’s juice,” the sweet staff assures me no actual babies were crushed, just rose hip berries.
Food Amsterdam 4
Greenwood's Proper tea and scones
For lunch there’s no homier place to drop in than Greenwood’s, whose flaming-haired chef bakes the best soda bread for their sandwiches. When I want to truly treat myself though, I try to save room for their heavenly, homemade lemon meringue pie.
Culture Amsterdam 5
The Hub More than just another "rent-a-desk"
In the Marcel Wanders-designed Westerhuis, I rent a desk at the brand-new co-working station, The Hub. Ideal for indie entrepreneurs like me, it saves on overhead costs like rent and Internet, but its true advantage is being surrounded by fellow creative upstarts.
Escapism Amsterdam 6
Svahayoga Hatha yoga ain't for hatas
Before I start to feel work or life pressures too much, I find a peaceful haven at Svahayoga, where the passionate ex-expat teachers expertly guide me into the tree pose amid their colorful twinkling lights.
Food Amsterdam 7
Festina Lente Make haste slowly
At Festina Lente, the waitresses’ attention belies the Latin name of the establishment, and their tasty Rioja and Italianate take on tapas (try their crispy _haloumi_salad!) make a tasty appetizer combo.
Food Amsterdam 8
Koevoet Couldn't pry us away
Though its still looks exactly like the old school neighborhood joint it once was (even the doilies are intact!), the new Italian owners have turned the Koevoet into the city’s best-kept dining secret. Just take care to pace yourself when they offer grappa tastings.

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