Bruges, Amsterdam and Frieburg, on a budget

My sister and I are headed off on a European adventure in a few weeks and we will be hitting Bruges, Amsterdam and Freiburg, Germany. We will also be looking to spend as little money as possible, so I'm looking for suggestions of little cafes, frites stands, beer gardens and such where we can get good food while still spending as little as possible.

Also, I'm really interested in trying rijstaffel in Amsterdam, but my sister is not so keen on trying the unknown. Are there any such places that are especially good for newbies.

Thanks!

Looking forward to seeing what you find! I will be going to Bruges and Amsterdam in October...

My trips to Amsterdam have always revolved around friends who were part of the cast/crew of Boom Chicago, akin to Second City here (started by a couple of guys from Evanston and, like Second City, a feeder of the SNL/Mad TV casts). The Boom Chicago website has a newsletter for travelers to the city with some useful info and tips on places to go for food and entertainment. http://www.boomchicago.nl I would highly recommend stopping in for a beer and picking the bartender's brain--would likely be a great resource for inexpensive things to do. The shows are also very good if you're up for that kind of thing.

As for Rijsttafel, I was there a number of years ago for my birthday and they took me to Kantjil en de Tijger which I loved--a table full of tiny plates of mysterious dishes that tasted nothing like anything I'd ever had before--what's not to love! But I could see it being VERY intimidating to a less adventurous eater. I really don't remember anything about the menu so couldn't say if there would be options for her and, at that, I don't know if you can even do Rijsttafel for one...

My only other advice is to avoid Febo at all costs--you may be tempted, especially if you indulge in any of the other "entertainment" options unique to Amsterdam--but don't do it!

Boom Chicago
Leidseplein 12
1017 PT Amsterdam

Kantjil en de Tijger
Spuistraat 291--293
tel. 020-6200994)
Looking forward to hearing where you go!

Do not make the mistake of the verbal tongue slip I made in Bruges when I asked for French Fries. I was given a verbal tongue lashing...."frites"... the belgians believe they invented fries not the French. I found their "Friture" stands to be quite odd. In addition to fries, they offered many kinds of breaded fried items for sale many unrecognizable. They also have fry shops that sell a pile of fries drenched in gravies or stews and wrapped in paper to go....like we would order a burger and fries. Its kind of a take on poutine I think but its not poutine.

Let me second Kantjil an de Tiger: I've been there several times, you'd be nuts NOT to try it! How often will you get the chance? Sit outside, let the waiter advise you, get as many dishes as you feel comfortable with. Your sister can eat the rice...

Be sure to visit one of the many herring kiosks; if they still have matjes available, absolutely try it--best herring in the universe.


Freiburgh is a university town. Hang out in that neighborhood, visit student bars, try teir food. And there are lots and lots of kebap dives that are great eats. (Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that A'dam is cragwling with great schwarma stands.)

For a splurge in Freiburg, I always recommend Hotel/Restaurant Oberkirche: on the Munsterplatz, incredible traditional ambience, great food, and their house Spätburgunder (pinot noir) is a cosmic bargain.

Have fun, report back.

Geo

Sorry forgot this: http://eng.hotel-oberkirch.de/index.html?inhalt=565

Geo

I would recommend The Pancake Bakery in Amsterdam. It's been many, many years since I ate there, but I really enjoyed it.

The Pancake Bakery
Prinsengracht 191
1015 DS Amsterdam
tel. 0031 20 625 13 33

Suzy