So, by now you probably know already that I love a good story. Regardless of whether it is on a birthday party, when I’m reading a book or the story behind a shop. Plain and simple: I just love a good story. The other day, I had lunch at Kessens, and I couldn’t wait to tell you guys about this little gem!

First things first. Let me tell you guys the story. So, once upon a time there was a five-year-old Swedish girl visiting her Dutch grandfather. There, just outside of a confectionery, she met Casper. So far nothing too special. But 8 years later, they bumped into each other and there were “sparks” as one might describe it. So, they began dating. And when Anna just turned 19, she decided to move to Amsterdam for the love of her life: Casper. Oh guys, isn’t love just the most beautiful thing there is?

Pictures by Kessens

A few years later, they were travelling the world together. While doing so, they thought about starting their own lunchroom together. As Casper’s family is rather well-known to have one of the best pastry shops in the country, and Anna gained a lot of hospitality experience while working at restaurants and cafés, this wasn’t a strange or very surprising thought. They chose Anna’s surname, Kessens, to be the name of their amazing lunchroom. And the rest is history.

Pictures by Kessens

Trust me when I say that they serve incredible food. From healthy breakfast options with a little Swedish twist to classic lunch options such as good ol’ Dutch shrimp, veal, or cheese (especially love that one!) croquettes. Everything is simply really delicious. But if you’re up to an early drink on the Friday afternoon, Kessens is the place as well. A nice touch, I must say, is the free glass bottle of tap water that everybody gets. And when you’ve finished that, you can refill it for free at this great little antique fountain they installed. At Kessens, they believe that Amsterdam tap water is just as delicious as some fancy imported water that comes in plastic bottles. I love sustainable ideas like that!

Pictures by Kessens

Anna and Casper enjoy the good things in life. They want to pass this on to people who visit Kessens as well. At Kessens you can enjoy delicious food and drinks, genuinely fantastic service and guest-orientated staff and the great atmosphere. Next to that, the interior is so pretty: classic, but you can also clearly see the minimalistic Scandinavian influences everywhere. I just adore it!

And as if it could get any better, this little gem is just a three-minutes’ walk away from my home, on the ‘Rozengracht’. You can find me here many, many, many more times. Care to join?

Sincerely,
Mr. J

Kessens
http://www.kessensamsterdam.nl
Rozengracht 24
1016 KR Amsterdam
€•••