Amsterdam Espresso was located under the bright, blue awning, in the historic Forest Arms Building, on the SW Corner of SECOND/FOREST, Detroit 48201
Serving only the finest
ORGANIC, FAIR TRADE, LOCALLY ROASTED Espresso & Coffee, Whole-Leaf Teas
All Natural Syrups & HOME-MADE Whipped Cream!
Also, try one of our Iced Beverages & All Natural Snacks, Vegetarian Salads & Wraps!
"Because Everyone Likes Good Things!"
AMSTERDAM ESPRESSO SETS NEW COFFEE SOUND STANDARDS
March 04, 2007
Located in the garden space of the Forest Arms apartment building is The Amsterdam Espresso � a coffeehouse that offers great eats and irresistible rhythms.
The uncommon and openhearted coffee and natural foods spot has always been the guilt-free way for the community-centered consumer to enjoy their favorite cup of joe, but now you can cure your music pang too.
Open since March 2006, the Amsterdam Espresso has an atmosphere best described as humble and cozy. They serve fair trade, organic drinks that are soothing to the mind, body and spirit. Lately, the cafe has been providing local music to accompany the wholesome ambiance.
Amsterdam Espresso is regularly hosting local band and DJ performances from artists like Big Black Cloud, Darren Locke, and DJ Milieu just to name a few. The music events will be held during the weekdays and weekends, and encourage all to join the fun.
"It seems that people assume that free music is not worth checking out," said Kenny Rose, a barista (coffee expert) at Amsterdam.
"This is a terrible misconception because in reality the musicians that play at Amsterdam Espresso are incredibly talented and truly just love to make music and perform. I hope this attitude will change because people are really missing out on some great local music.
"I am really excited that Amsterdam Espresso has begun having DJs play music here. We are really looking forward to the warmer weather when people can sit outside on our patio while listening to music."
Whether you have a sinful sweet tooth, agrarian hunger pangs, or musical cravings, Amsterdam has got you covered. Its feature fare is from the Detroit organic market Goodwells Natural Foods, which provides vegetarian and healthy eats at a reasonable price. Decorating Amsterdam's walls is an array of artwork from local Detroit artists. One such artist is
Matthew Craven, who has an amazing ability to transform the art of doodle into magnificent masterpieces. Not only can you admire his artwork, but you can admire him too � he's also an Amsterdam barista.
Future plans for Amsterdam entail a heavier emphasis on music, art showcases, and an expanded food section. The caf� loves its Detroit residency, and doesn't seem to be leaving any time soon.
"Our motto is 'everyone likes good things' and so people who like good things naturally find their way in," said co-owner David Sambunall. "For us, being successful means serving a superior product, staying committed to quality and getting people talking to each other; a place where people can hang out and meet their neighbor, find out what's going on and to network. Quality, not quantity."
The next musical performance at Amsterdam Cafe will be held March 14, featuring "Adam" from St. Louis. The following day, Milieu will be tearing it up on the decks and DJ Jerry Swinger is slated to perform on March 18.
Amsterdam Espresso is located at 4639 Second Ave., in the garden space of the Forest Arms apartments.
- Nicole Jones Staff Writer, The South End Newspaper, Wayne State University
LOCAL COFFEE SHOP IS ESPRESSO-LY UNIQUE
October 09, 2006
Tucked neatly under the northeast corner of the Forest Arms apartments is Amsterdam Espresso. On the corner of Forest and Second Avenues, the locale is so inconspicuous, that if you blink, you�ll miss it. If you do keep your eyes open long enough to spot the blue awning, then you�ll discover something foreign to the city of Detroit: A local coffee shop. Not a Starbucks, or caf� knock-off, but an independently-run, community-minded shop; the type of place that features organic products and free Wi-Fi.A place worthy of the label �coffee house.� Like Caf� Verde in Ann Arbor, Trixie�s in Roseville or even Fourth Coast in Kalamazoo, Amsterdam is the type of spot the becomes legendary amongst students and locals.
Amsterdam Espresso is a case of people who know coffee, opening a coffee shop. Dave and Haley Ampersand have been in and out of coffee shops for most of their lives. Unfortunately for the Detroit natives, those shops were rarely in their hometown. This inspired them to open their own shop, �Because Everyone Likes Good Things,� as the slogan on the door states.
You may have been confused if you�ve seen that door in years past. The sign was up and the store was stocked since the fall of �04, but, because of complications with the city, Amsterdam Espresso didn�t open until last April. �People say you do what you love, right? Well, I love to sit on my butt and drink coffee all day and talk to people,� Haley said. �That and being a white girl with dreadlocks and no college degree limits my employment opportunities.� When people do what they love, they do it right. Amsterdam features primarily organic products; almost every item in the store has an organic alternative.
Most of the foods, like delicious non-dairy brownies and zucchini muffins, are from local businesses like Urban Organics. The art and music of local artists, displayed across the store, are for sale, and Amsterdam Espresso is one of the few independent places that sells its coffee (Great Lakes Coffee) by the bag. Despite the high quality of food, the prices remain about a dollar cheaper, across the board, than places like Starbucks. And though smoking is allowed, the interior isn�t nearly as smoky as many shops.
The first act of business was training the staff. Dave and Haley spent weeks making sure their original staff made quality drinks every time. Because of that, the staff at Amsterdam has an edge on most baristas and is one of the fastest coffee house crews you�ll find. �You can build your walls and arrange all your furniture and stock your store but in the end it�s the people that make your place what it is,� Haley said.
Amsterdam is just slightly too small for the poetry show one would expect in a place like this. However, they do feature a performer every Sunday. This coming weekend, on Oct.15, national poet/musician Steph Taylor is featured, accompanied by local artists Blair and Afeni Ngozi.
The best parts of a place like Amsterdam Espresso, however, are indefinable. Things like the cozy environment and great conversation are things that come down to the people. With the recent closings of Third Street Saloon, Meatery Eatery and Agave, this is one of the last good hangouts left near campus. With free Wi-Fi, a place to smoke, and an outdoor patio, you�ll do yourself a favor by taking the two block stroll to Amsterdam Espresso.
- Brishen Miller, Assistant Features Editor, The South End Newspaper, Wayne State University
DOORS OPEN - FOR REAL � AT AMSTERDAM ESPRESSO IN MIDTOWN
April 4, 2006
Midtown denizens have seen Amsterdam Espresso�s distinctive blue awning at the southeast corner of Forest and Second for two years, but the doors have only recently opened.
�Maybe putting the awning up first wasn�t the usual first move, but now our job is not to let people know that we�re here, but that we�re open,� says David Bedient, who owns the caf� with his wife Hali Stone.
Amsterdam Espresso evokes the aura of its namesake city with its sleek yet comfortable d�cor, reggae soundtrack and high-quality coffee drinks. The restaurant features Motor City Blend coffee, a locally roasted bean. They also serve baked goods, Lavazza espresso and a selection of fine teas. All coffee is fair trade, and some blends are also shade grown and/or organic.
The couple did most of work resurrecting the space � which had been vacant for 16 years � themselves. �We�re so stoked to be open. This place is an extension of ourselves and our ideals. We are community-minded people, and we�re anxious to be a part of this community,� David says.
Although many students and area employees may opt for their coffee to go, the caf� offers wireless internet access and seating � both indoor and outdoor. Its hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Source: David Bedient, Amsterdam Espresso