One of the better bars at leidsenplein! The drinks are relatively cheap, the service is good and there is plenty of space. They were also playing good music which really added to the atmosphere!
Last night I had a really bad experience with the service here. I wanted to pay with cash because I needed my bank account for other bills. The waitress looked at the note with disgust, as if I was ripping her off. Then she said it was possible, but that I wouldn't be welcome anymore. Her colleague agreed, saying I'd tried that with him before. As if it's so normal and easy to shift the responsibility for such a drastic change of course (and the provider's needs) onto the customer. Cash is still legal tender!
1. I've been coming here for years and usually paid by bank transfer. Now I have much less of it. I'm being accused of not knowing or seeing it on the door. As if I'm being difficult on purpose. I have absolutely no understanding of the time and resources it takes to make this happen.
2. At other places, at least there are friendly people who resolve issues personally. This woman seemed to have a dislike for me. This may have been due to another experience:
3. We regularly ordered takeout food from here because colleagues from my own restaurant couldn't join us. One was still working, while the other couldn't tolerate the noise, light, and crowds for medical reasons. Recently, we wanted to order takeout again, but that suddenly became impossible. We absolutely had to eat the food there. The two of us did it together, but our colleague couldn't join us, so I packed it for him in a box I brought myself. This incident apparently played a role, because I was criticized for this during the discussion about the money.
4. It seems Riot/Conscious Hotel has changed course. They commanded respect with 100% organic, mostly vegan, and affordable food and friendly service, but this has changed.
- The prices have become extremely high, compared to the tiny portions, which are described as "sharing dinners," where you are completely misled. Portions so small you can't share, but you need three to make something nutritious.
- By refusing cash, access is bluntly and dogmatically denied to a segment of the public with little electronic income. Why so strict when it concerns a few exceptions? How does this elitist attitude fit into the 'Riot' concept, which refers to the Jordan uprising?
- A few months earlier, it emerged that no organic frying oil was used. While that would have been an exception, it's now resurfacing.
- At Kantoor (Westerpark), there are hardly any vegan options left. Is Riot heading in this direction? The restaurant (Moer) was closed for almost a year. First due to renovations, later due to a staff shortage. It's clear they're struggling with the concept of 'conscious', and that's not easy (for food). With Alchemist Garden, I follow a consistent holistic approach, mm, which in today's world is more of an art form. The most important thing is: be transparent, open, honest, and clear. But above all: be kind! Otherwise, you won't make it (again).
The hot chocolate was delicious, but the carrot cake was a disaster. It was rock hard, dried out, and not very exciting, with a very sour white spread on top. When we mentioned it as we were leaving, they said they'd heard it before...
Small Indonesian restaurant.
We ordered nasi goreng and gado gado, among other things. The nasi was disappointing; at the very least, a few more pieces/slices of cucumber could have been added. The nasi was also bland. The gado gado was okay.
If you're looking for a truly budget-friendly meal, it's doable; if you've had experience with other Indonesian restaurants, it's quite disappointing.
Eethuis Riad is highly recommended for lovers of Moroccan cuisine. Everything is freshly prepared, and you can immediately taste that in the flavors and aromas of the dishes. You'll always receive a warm and friendly welcome, always with a smile. The food is not only delicious but also exceptionally flavorful and authentic. A cozy place where you'll always be happy to return!
The short Asian barista could use some intensive customer service training. Gossiping about customers in English while they're literally standing right next to her... And when you make it clear you understand her, not even a second of eye contact or an apology. That's how you lose customers. This employee won't be staying at Coffeecompany long. Mark my words!!!