Whenever I speak to Hans van der Veen (agent of Daphne Deckers, Daphne Bunskoek, Quinty Trustfull, Anouk Smulders, Sergio Herman and more fun types), the sunny side up comes out. Hans has been enjoying life for a long time and has a particularly fine taste. A little shizzle went through the editorial office when his blackbook with his favorite addresses rolled in.

Where does Hans van der Veen order his coffee this summer and read his newspaper?

“I am particularly looking forward to the rooftop terrace of The Gansevoort Hotel in New York where we will stay for three days as part of a 15-day trip along the East Coast.”

You do visit a restaurant every now and then. There must have been a place where you ate the best ever.

“I had dinner on the last evening at Oud Sluis by Sergio Herman. A special evening where friends and family of Ellemieke and Sergio sat among the regular guests who were of course also there that evening. When the kitchen closed, that was really the last time. An emotional moment and my oh my how well we ate. Now I am already looking forward to The Jane, the new amazing project by Sergio. In Antwerp.”

Any other great culinary memories?

“At The Standard Hotel in L.A. I had the best yogurt with granola ever. I booked two extra days because of that yogurt. Seriously. I was overjoyed when I found Dorset Cereals in honey flavor at Albert Heijn. Take a bowl of mild, organic yogurt, scoop some of this granola on top, a scoop of blueberry berries and some extra honey and you have the best breakfast that exists.”

Which place must everyone have seen?

“Monument Valley in Arizona. I believe it has been voted the most recognizable American place and is breathtakingly beautiful. Orange rock formations, endless plains. To complete the all-American picture, I also drove a Mustang there.”

And what is on the travel bucket list?

“Hotel Carpe Diem in Santorini seems like something I would enjoy. It has ten rooms each with its own jacuzzi, just saying. Furthermore, I would love to spend a summer in a house in The Hamptons and although I have been to Martha’s Vineyard, it remains a magical place.”

If civil matters like time difference, money, and work obligations don't matter, where would you be and with whom?

“At Starbucks on the corner of Malibu and Coastal Highway. In a Mustang convertible with the iPod on with a playlist of all West Coast songs, I believe I have about 1300. I would also like to hang out one evening at the Troubadour, a club in L.A. where many people have been discovered. I would be there with Leo Blokhuis, drinking margaritas all evening and chatting about music.”

Where is good shopping, a bit close to home?

“Since the store Sartoria opened in Naarden-Vesting about eight years ago, I never shop anywhere else. At most when I am in Milan, but they actually have everything I wish for and more. From Partenopea suits, Santoni shoes to PRPS jeans, Tod’s shoes, good scarves, sneakers from Eto and Philippe Model. They also have a great department for women, so our Saturday mornings are often spent between these walls.”

Do you have a good tip for De Mensch?

“Apple TV. And then create an American account and buy iTunes vouchers to load your account. Just give the address of a hotel or a Starbucks you know, no problem. Really, I had seen all the Oscar films before they were shown here in the cinema.”

And if you are such a music freak, give us some nice tips?

“I really have a West Coast fascination. If I didn’t live here, I would live there. The music sounds better there too, but my West Coast playlist reminds me of good times and makes me look forward to what’s to come.

This with 28 degrees in a convertible along the coast, that makes you VERY happy.

I saw the light – Todd Rundgren

Fallin’ for you – Colbie Caillat

Break away – Beach Boys

Take it Easy – The Eagles

What a Fool believes – The Doobie Brothers

Summer Girl – Family of the Year

All Summer long – Kid Rock

The Way – Fastball

California – Joni Mitchell

All I wanna do -Sheryl Crow

Love Song – Sara Bareilles

Ventura Highway – America

Don’t let me be lonely tonight – James Taylor

By the time I get to Phoenix – Glenn Campbell

California on my mind – Cashman & West

Summerfling – K.D. Lang

I’d rather leave while I’m in love – Rita Coolidge

Ain’t gonna keep me hanging around – Billy Mann

Atlantic Avenue – Average White Band

The Valley Road – Bruce Hornsby