City Guide: Lenzman's Culinary Guide to Amsterdam

The next artist we've enlisted to step up and deliver a guide to their home city is Metalheadz maestro, Lenzman. Hailing from Netherlands' stunningly well planned mecca, Amsterdam, Lenzman's no doubt well-versed of the city's infamous sonic haunts (AMS is home to hotspots like Studio 80, Rush Hour and Redlight Radio) and it's tourist destinations but given that the producer spends the best part of his weekends away from the city and according to the man himself hasn't been able to hit the record stores in a very long time, he decided to instead give us a well detailed selection of what he thinks are the best joints across the city to whet your appetites.

Breakfast/Brunch: Bakers & Roasters

Lenzman: Located just outside the city centre, in De Pijp - one of Amsterdam's best and most authentic areas - is Bakers & Roasters. This New Zealand-style cafe has become something of a hot-spot since opening its doors about a year ago, mainly thanks to the good food, friendly staff and upbeat atmosphere. They serve all the brunch dishes you might expect from a kiwi cafe including eggs benedict and all the rest. There's also great coffee and tasty smoothies. Expect a little wait to be seated but I'd say it's worth it. Afterwards you coul hang out in the nearby Sarphatipark and check out the real deal Albert Cuyp market. Open: Monday – Friday: 08.30 – 16.00 / Saturday – Sunday: 9.30 – 16.00 Website: www.bakersandroasters.com

Dinner: Cannibale Royale

It was my fellow Dutchman and an Amsterdam resident, Nymfo that first introduced me to Cannibale Royale and I haven't been able to stay away since. It's located in a quiet alley near Spui, so it's walking distance from anywhere central and is quite easy to find. The menu is heaven for meat lovers and is lined with ridiculous burgers, steaks and ribs – trust me they will challenge the best you've ever had in every one of those categories. The décor is a little bit off-key, but has a lot of character and reminds me of Fracture x Dawn Day Night's 'Get Busy' video. They are open until 3.00 am on weekdays and 4.00 am in the weekends, so if you're on a night out you can even pop in there for a cheeky burger on your way back to the hotel... but WARNING this place is super popular so booking in advance is a must. Open: Sunday – Thursday: 18.00 – 03.00 / Friday & Saturday: 18.00 – 04.00 Website: www.cannibaleroyale.nl Drinks: Brouwerij 't IJ This brewery is the spot if you want to get immersed in authentic Amsterdam beering. The key word here is 'selection' - there is literally something here for everyone. The brewery and its bar are on the East side of the city and quite easy to get to by public transport. Here you can try Amsterdam's finest (on draft) while hanging at the bar or chilling in the garden. When you get hungry they also serve a variety of local specialty snacks. Brouwerij 't IJ is buzzing with with locals during after work hours, especially on sunny days. For the real enthusiasts they also do tours of the brewery. Open: Daily: 14.00 – 20.00 Website: www.brouwerijhetij.nl Snacks: Tjin's Toko Located in the heart of De Pijp, is the 'world famous' Tjin's Toko a Surinamese snack shop and international food store. To me, Surinamese food is an important part of the Dutch experience and it's probably the only country in Europe where you can get it outside of Suriname. Tjin's Toko is arguably the best spot in Amsterdam for it, so do yourself a favour and go and try a 'Bakkeljauw' roll, extra spicy of course. Open: Monday – Saturday: 10.00 – 19.30 / Sunday: Closed Website: www.tjinstoko.eu Coffee: De Koffie Salon There are many spots in Amsterdam that compete in the 'best coffee' department... Scandinavian Embassy for instance is a much dropped name, but my favourite place has to be De Koffie Salon. There are a few locations dotted around the city, but there is one walking distance from my place. Thinking about it, could that be the reason it's my favourite coffee spot? Very probably, but the coffee is also decent and it has a beautiful art-deco interior. The vibe here is pretty laid back, with many regulars hanging out on their own reading a paper or watching the world go by outside. PS: there is NO WIFI. Tip: talk to each other! Open: Daily: 7.00 – 19.00 Website: www.dekoffiesalon.nl