Lauren Verster, after reading her book, we were unanimously in love with her. Signature braid, a healthy handbag addiction, a great love for bonbons, and one of the nicest relationships in the country make us intensely curious about her favorite addresses. 

Finest restaurant

Lion Noir; in the trendiest gay street of Amsterdam; the Reguliersdwarsstraat. Downstairs they have a nice dark sultry den with lounge sofas –I love that– where you get heavenly cocktails served. Upstairs there is a chic restaurant. And of course, they have delicious food and great service.

Best lunch spot

Al Ponte. A tiny Italian place by the Amsterdam Pont, where an Italian lady –thick Italian accent, busy hand gestures– makes the best coffee and sandwiches in the city for you. The route; take the left ferry from Amsterdam Central, and two minutes later you’ll slide right up to Al Ponte.

A weekend away

Trés cliché: to Paris! Searching for second-hand Chanel and antiques at the marche aux Puces, buying a new perfume at Annick Goutal (place Vendôme) and sleeping in –the somewhat ordinary– hotel Costes. I prefer to go by train, but my steady partner hates the train and insists on going by car.

Favorite hotel

Hotel De l’Europe in Amsterdam. I am a regular there. With the art-deco ceiling, the staff dressed in suits, the extensive cigar collection, and the excellent Strawberry Daiquiris, they are my number 1. I really feel like I’m abroad when I’m there. Tip; book a room afterwards!

Which club gave you the worst hangover?

I hardly ever go to clubs. More to one-off parties. For example, in Paradiso or the Shell Tower. Lowlands, Into the great wide open… you’ll see me there sooner. With or without a hangover.

Best spot to date

The forest. The beach in winter. The ice rink. Or if necessary, Vondelpark. Best place if you have a broken heart. Or to fight heartbreak. With friends! With lots of wine! And then darting at your ex's head!

Best place to conduct an interview

Hotel Americain. That’s my regular spot for interviews. The tables are far apart so you can speak freely, and it’s quiet, so the tape recorder of the interview records without problems. And you get bonbons with the cappuccino.

Time to relax

On my white blanket by the window. Then I put on Chopin, and feel my fibers go limp. Or I go to Chinese Massage no. 1 in Amsterdam. You leave there like a pudding.

Clothing store

1953 Retro & Chique’ in Staalstraat in Amsterdam. When you walk in there, it’s like entering a candy store. They have antique gloves, old hats, 60s dresses, blouses from the 20s, and many more lovely original clothing items. And all of that crammed into a tiny doll shop.

Shoe store

Shoebaloo. Life-threatening to go in there. I don’t care much for shoes –don’t you believe that?– but I do for bags. I have many. I have a self-imposed shopping stop now. So I walk past Shoebaloo and look disciplined the other way.

Online shopping

De Droomfabriek in Spiegelstraat. I love old jewelry. I first look them up online and then quickly bike to the store to try them on.