SHARK ADVERTISER LINKS
Shark would not have been able to be published for the years it was without its advertisers. They were not only loyal but are also special as they're all great places and unique in the way Shark is. A big thanks to all of them...
De Belly
www.ekodirect.com/W03/belly.htm
Nieuwe Leliestraat 174 (330 9483)
A super-friendly (formerly a cooperative) staff stocks the best of what's available - mostly all bio/organic/vegetarian. Two doors down from the Vliegende Schotel restaurant (see below). Also delivers - call for info.De Bolhoed
Prinsengracht 60-62 (626 1803)
One of my favourite restaurants in the city - it's vegetarian and, as well as some to-die-for deserts, they do a great vegan special. However, I haven't been back here since serendipitously (not) bumping into an ex- a few days after we broke up. Sorry, I think I meant a few days after she dumped me.Café Latei
www.latei.net
Zeedijk 143 (625 7485)
I'm very lucky as this kitsch and quirky store is just two minutes from where I live. Great place to purchase that unique something for your home or a present for a friend. Alternatively just dip in here for some healthy nosh and juices – or a beautiful time with an ex- before she dumps you. Sorry, I think I meant the beautiful time you thought you were having.Conscious Dreams
www.consciousdreams.com
The original preponents of Amsterdam's smart shops at various locations throughout town.Cult Videotheek
Amstel 47 (622 7843)
I'm very lucky to have this video/DVD store (almost) on my doorstep who specialise in cult movies, rare arthouse movies, foreign films, trash, sexploitation and horror etc. They also sponsor the dvd reviews I write.Dare 2 Wear
Buiten Oranjestraat 15 (686 8679)
A new piercing shop, just off the Haarlemmerdijk. Cute, clean and relaxed, you can be guaranteed to be pierced by an experienced piercer who uses the best materials possible. Great service and super friendly too.De Groene Gewoonte
Tweede Helmersstraat 3 (689 8952)
A great little organic café (offering brunch, dinner and take-away) just 5 mins from the Leidseplein. Recycled decor, regular art exhibitions and fab fresh juices. A nice vibe.Gary's Muffins
www.garysmuffins.com
Various locations (422 8717)
Gary was responsible for the bagel boom that hit the Netherlands in the 1990s and introducing the Dutch to the wonders of muff(ins).Get Lost
www.xs4all.nl/~getlost
Get Lost: a great alternative guide book to Amsterdam written by Joe Pauker who I often hang out with and check out places around town whilst having a smoke and a giggle.
Getto
www.getto.nl
Warmoesstraat 52 (421 5151)
One of my favourite haunt in the city. A New York-style casually trendy (but unpretentious) bar-restaurant that's fab for cocktails, music, food and atmosphere. (Take me for a few cocktails and I'm yours for the night.) Plus their website is also my favourite online and designed by the creator of Underwater Amsterdam's site, Andrew Eddy.Grey Area
www.greyarea.nl
Oude Leliestraat 4 (420 4321)
A small but lively, zany place with American owners, a good selection of weed (including their 'Bubblegum'). Free refills on organic coffee (not a common thing in this town). Just a few doors away is Foodism. Perfect for when the munchies pangs kick in.Hemp Hotel
www.hemp-hotel.com
Frederiksplein 15 (625 4425)
As the name might suggest just about everything here is made from hemp - from the beds to their breakfast muffins, and ice cream to the beer they serve in the (late-night opening bar). Friendly and family-run.
Hemp Works
www.hempworks.nl
Nieuwendijk 13 (near Centraal Station)
Europe's oldest hempstore, and home of T.H. Seeds, one of Amsterdam's first seedbanks.Lady Day
Hartenstraat 9 (623 5820)
An immaculate store with vintage second-hand clothes and accessories, decent party flyers and friendly staff.Los Pilones
Kerkstraat 63 (320 4651)
A fabulous Mexican Cantina run by two friendly and creative Mexican brothers. Authentic cooking from their country to wash down their marguerita's and more brands of Tequila that you could shake a worm at!Lux
Marnixstraat 403 (422 1412)
A cool bar in the otherwise fairly touristy Leidseplein. Opening from 8 till late (3am during the week; 4am at weekends) with DJs playing daily.Pollinator
www.pollinator.nl
Nieuwe Herengracht 25 (470 8889)
Ready Fresh
www.readyfresh.nl
Sarphatistraat 42a (779 9544)
Vibrant and cosy lunchroom with super friendly staff serving unique sandwich fillings on your choice of bagel, wrap or foccacia. Also delicious yoghurt fruit smoothies and homemade milkshakes.... Yum! The large cappuccino/lattes are really good value - still under 2 euro! Soon to be displaying individual artwork (and for sale if the artist wishes) - any interested artists should drop by on weekends or contact Belinda: readyfresh@hotmail.comSiberië
www.siberie.net
Brouwersgracht 11
A nicely understated, laid-back coffeeshop overlooking this beautiful canal with regular art exhibitions. Friendly service and plenty of board games to while away the rainy days and internet access. Wednesday afternoon is 'Clazzyc Noon' with classic and jazzy music and live DJs play every Fri and Sat from around 17.00-21.00.Spyker
Kerkstraat 4 (620 5919)
A casual leather-jeans bar run by a friendly American. It's mostly guys but women really are welcome and it's great to hang out and play pool or take in the cartoons or porn being screened (not that um... I do).Subterranean Music
www.subdist.com
Jodenbreestraat 24 sous
Great independent CD store located in the basement of Fort van Sjako, Amsterdam's very rad bookstore. They stock alternative, jazz, improv, electronic, indie rock/pop, hip-hop, traditional and exotica.Club Vegas
www.clubvegas.nl
I've yet to find a more fabulous, friendly and creative night in town. A big well done to darling Erin and Jacek. Head to Winston International (Warmoesstraat 129) on Sunday evenings.De Vliegende Schotel
www.vliegendeschotel.com
Nieuwe Leliestraat 162 (625 2041)
'The Flying Saucer' used to be my local when I lived in the area. A great place to come if you like huge portions of healthy vegetarian food. Order from the counter. Smoking and non-smoking areas. A nice bunch of people work here and eat here...