Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just a leisure traveler, there must be one or a few cities that are more special to you than the rest of them. It reminded you of an incredible experience or an important person. That day, it wasn’t easy to leave; you whispered to yourself that you’d come back someday to reminisce about the strong feeling you had. After who knows how many years, the chance to revisit this city makes you get butterflies in your stomach. You wonder how everything has been or changed, and most importantly, you want to know if that emotion would well up one more time in your heart.

I’m here in Amsterdam again. The canals, the tramway, the occasional scent of weed…give me a sense of familiarity. They stay the way they were, but I’m not that girl anymore. And then I realize things are great when you first experience and memories are better to keep it in mind than view it in your eyes. I’m not saying not to revisit somewhere that means something to you, but instead of looking back, it’s time to create something new. I’m glad that I visited two restaurants that gave me a new perspective to look at this city.

With three branches in Amsterdam, The Seafood Bar is the best of its kind I have tried in recent years. We arrived at around 7pm, and the restaurant, decked out in a white, bright, modern look, was around half full. With a big smile on his face, the good-looking manager led us into a spacious dining room and introduced today’s specials as we passed by the “seafood market”. On the menu was an extensive offering of finger food, all sorts of oysters, lobster soup, fish & chips, and a variety of crustaceans cooked in different styles.

For the indecisive, like us, I’d suggest you choose the combination of fruits de mer ‘seafood bar’ and the mixed grill (€77 for 2 pax), which is presented in two-tiered serving trays. At the bottom are cold crustaceans and shellfish on crushed ice, ranging from mussels, cockles, razor clams, periwinkles, to north sea crab, prawns, and two succulent oysters. They’re so fresh and delicious that put a smile on my face. I was on cloud nine when I tasted the meat of the king crab. On the top tier were all things from the griddle, including shrimp, squid, Corvina fillet, prawn, lobster and mackerel fillet, served with piquant tomato sauce. We’re too full to savor it all, so you better bring one more friend to share.

Craving for something sweet? How about a slice of homemade apple pie topped with fresh whipped cream? Arguably selling the best apple pie in the city, Winkel43 is located at the Noordermarkt in the Jordaan neighborhood. I’m not a fan of this dessert but it’s one of the best that I have had. The crust of the pie was crunchy while the inside was soft and not too sweet. It’d be even better if it’s served hot straight out of the oven and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The dim red light there wasn’t the best for photos but perfect for chilling and relaxing over drinks. Open from early morning till midnight, the restaurant also offers a range of hot meals and booze at fair prices.

The new thing is not necessary to be a restaurant. It can be a museum, a heritage site or even a new friend. it just makes me feel good to have something else to tell about a city instead of some old stories that are already so vague in my mind.

Friends, look forward, life has much more to offer:)