in picture-perfect spring weather, i finally found the time to check out one of the most popular regular food markets of amsterdam – the noordermarkt in the jordaan. for the most part, i think i should let these snapshots speak for themselves…

…but for that small ice cream truck: it is an ebay find of michel, owner of de ijsmakerij and part of noordermarkt every saturday as well. i first heard about this small local ice cream company (it used to be a one-man show, but michel just hired his first proper staff to help him out) because they deliver to the lovely cafe kaliber (check out that article here). now it was time for the full deal and the ice cream really is delicious – especially the super-heavy chocolate caramel (courtesy of local pals chocolate makers) and the beautifully sour rhubarb made from freshly chopped produce. as of this weekend, it is also available in 14 sorts at oud-west deli uit de keuken. i should check out that place soon enough!

speaking of news, marie-stella-maris opened their flagship store this friday evening to a buzzing crowd all but jamming keizersgracht. their trade are the beauty of the force that is water and terrific (and tastefully wrapped) cosmetics.

outstanding catering, by the way, was provided by gewoon, who have their own deli in west as well and are also part of sunday’s neighbourfood market at westergasfabriek. but that, as they say, is another story for another day. or for today’s updates through…