Recently, I attended a lecture on the great department stores and their dining facilities at the Jewish Museum of Maryland. Everyone there was lamenting that the great lunch spots in stores seem to have disappeared. It was at these types of places that the phrase, "ladies who lunch," originated. Imagine my delight at the fun dining at Amsterdam's Bijenkorf! The ultra-luxe grand department store is in the classic heart of the city, perfectly located right near the Royal Palace.
I learned that they have an oyster-Moet and Chandon cafe' downstairs. While I adore oysters and champagne, I was not really on a champagne budget at that moment. I then found out that Bijenkork has a whole array of food stations up on the top floor, with a wide range of international cuisine. I could have selected from oysters there too, sushi, Italian food, salads, fresh juices, sweets, coffee drinks and more. I ended up heading to an authentic Thai food station for Pad Thai, made for me. For a beverage, I ended up trying something that works perfectly with Asian food: fresh orange/strawberry/basil juice! The sweet and herbal notes work well with exotic or spicy food.
The dining area is low lit, with copper lamps and large tables. I saw several people on dates, which gives you an idea of what an unusual department store Bijenkorf is.
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