I don’t have any difficulties to walk around in a comfy outfit, knot on my head, little makeup in a cafe, and chat for hours with friends during a very cosy evening. This time, I hoisted myself in leather trousers, a silver top, high heels, lots of mascara, and hairspray. Girls night out, it was.

Amayzine editor Liesbeth Rasker, Sophia Tienstra, owner beautyandthe.com and 101 media strategies, decided on a night of cocktails. We planned on going to MOMO on the Hobbemastraat, and Izakaya (recently opened) on the Albert Cuypstraat. We sat very comfortably in MOMO’s, next to a window on low sofas, rejoicing when we saw people bike by in the pouring rain.

Our dear waitress, with a ponytail that made us all jealous (it was real, I asked) kept an eye on us. ‘Another drink? And a bite? Bit of water?’ We didn’t go a second without.

The bites looked beautiful and were very tasty. We ate raw tuna, sushi with asparagus and avocado, soft shell crab, crispy prawns, and oysters (between the €12 en €24). So our table was nicely packed. Sophia’s allergic to carrots, lemons, and cow milk. And you’ll be amazed; these three ‘evil doers’ are in many dishes and drinks. But the service was really kind and kept in mind her allergies.

Liesbeth sipped a Lychee martini. Sophia was addicted to the Tokyo Rose cocktail with gin, fresh raspberries, apple juice, elder flower and rose syrup. And I ordered a Belini (my favourite drink, Sylvie’s too). There was a nice and busy atmosphere, lots of couples at the bar or business meetings.
I really had a New York-ish feeling. And that I like.

Izakaya waited for us, so we wobbled on our bikes to sit at their bar. And it was very pleasant, we instantly had a bartender crush. Now let’s hope Danny reads this. We didn’t get a menu (they’ve got those though), but we could share our preference for sweet or sour (Sophia reminded us of her mini handicap. Danny didn’t mind). I really like to sit at a bar. Especially to see how the bartender prepares your cocktail, but also because of the great view you’ve got of the place. It wasn’t too crowded for a Sunday evening. And well, he had all eyes for us.

Liesbeth hadn’t ever drank such a good cocktail. It was like ice cream. Sophia got a pornstar à la Danny. You know, with passion fruit and prosecco, but then slightly different. I had something with gin, lemon, basil, and whatever. So dangerous because it was like lemonade, but then unbelievably delicious. And it was such a nice restaurant. Like I was back in New York, open kitchen, great lighting, beautiful and nice service.

And we shared our resolutions. For me it was to organise more nights like these. Okay, okay, besides working out and saving up. Because nights like these are incredibly great, though they require a small wallet.