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Food

Poupon Serves Up a Chef’s Tour of the Amsterdam Culinary Underbelly

The only thing that rivals the Torontonian DJ’s choice of beats is his taste in eats.

Poupon knows a good bite. A sophisticated palate is in the Canadian DJ/producer's genes, not to mention the patent gastronomic pseudonym he's performed under since 2011.

"Growing up in Toronto, my mom ran a cooking school and restaurant that I spent a lot of time in. I eventually ended up working there for many years, so I definitely see cooking and making music as closely related art forms. I love both for their ability to make you happy… if they're proper, of course."

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Goes without saying that Poupon knows a good tune too. That much can be heard in his blistering Northmix for THUMP, a composition that showcases Poupon's penchant for well-crafted melodies, crisp drum grooves, bold bass lines and infectious hooks. The right ingredients for an appetizing listen, you could say.

And while Poupon's style is one that has definitely evolved over the years, he doesn't feel it has gone through any drastic changes in terms of genre. Sure, his earlier music leaned more in the direction of tech-house, where the groove was the main idea. But for the last year or so, he's built on that by trying to incorporate more of a 'song' mentality into his productions, including a "focus on original vocals and more structure while still remaining true to my roots." And those roots, he proudly stresses, lie in the club.

For a stretch, he was a fixture on the Toronto circuit, namely playing alongside guys like Hot Since 82, Justin Martin, Claude Von Stroke, Nathan Barato and more. But he's been out and about since then. His venture to WMC in 2012—where was asked to fill in for Joris Voorn and Nic Fanciulli because they couldn't play their set at the last minute—particularly stands out. "The vibe was insane, despite a power outage in the middle of my set. People just went even crazier when it came back on!"

2013 saw him venture even further. An original move to London came out of the desire to try living in a new city, primarily one with such an amazing scene for dance music. Despite this, it only took a few months for Poupon to realize that the city wasn't quite for him. So without hesitation, he decided to pack up and head over to the Dam.

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"Like any move, it has been an adjustment but I have already met a ton of really cool people here that have been helping me get more involved in the Dutch scene. I am especially focused on producing at the moment, relentlessly working on new original material as well as remixes and a sample pack with Prince Club. I have an EP coming out later this year on a UK label called Love & Other that I'm really excited for."

Without doubt, one of the biggest treats about Poupon relocating to Amsterdam has been, well, the treats. For a guy as well versed in the kitchen as he is the studio, he's been seeking out exotic new eateries as actively as new gigs. It's one of the most diverse, inspired and affordable food destinations in the world.

So when we suggest he offer us a chef's tour of the Amsterdam culinary underbelly, Poupon jumps at the chance. On one condition however: "I think the easiest way to do this," he emphasizes, "would be to start from the morning and make our way through the day."

And we're off…

De Wasserette

POUPON: This is my breakfast/brunch/lunch go-to in the De Pijp neighbourhood. It's an old Laundromat turned café, open seven days a week from 7:30 AM. That's extremely rare in Amsterdam. Most places don't open until about 11 AM or even later on the weekends. It's right off Albert Cuypmarkt, an awesome place to get fresh produce, fish, flowers and Dutch street food. Everything on the menu is good, but I lean towards the smoked salmon sandwich or the chicken, bacon, avocado, parmesan and truffle mayo one. Grab a seat outside to enjoy some beautiful people watching.

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Gs

My boy George is a G. He's a Canadian who moved to Amsterdam and has since opened up a restaurant in the Jordaan neighbourhood. George serves up wicked brunch, jerk chicken, burgers and whatever he feels like doing. There's also his Brunch Boat. Every Saturday and Sunday, you can board a ship, sip on Bloody Mary's or Mimosas, eat a wicked meal and cruise around the canals for a couple hours. It's leaps and bounds better than packing onto a shitty boat tour. Definitely the coolest way to see the city and a perfect way to nurse that hangover from the night before!

Albert Cuypmarkt

As I mentioned, the market is amazing for Dutch street food. Fresh stroopwafels (cinnamon wafers with caramel filling), Dutch herring (salt cured herring with onion and pickle), kibbeling (fried fish bits), kroketten (deep fried croquettes filled with meat ragu), fries, poffertjes (mini pancakes). You can get it all in the market after brunch.

Leeman Döner

A hole-in-the-wall Turkish shawarma and döner spot a few blocks from my house. There's about 20 similar joints around my place, but this one is always busy and for good reason. The wraps cost only €2.50 and are some of the best I've ever had. Anywhere.

Cut Throat Barber & Coffee

Hiding on a side street off of Dam Square—the epicenter of Amsterdam's tourism—is a dope barbershop also pouring tasty coffee. It's run by a couple of New Zealand natives with Dutch roots. A wicked place for a fresh cut, clean shave, strong brew and loads of shit-talking to get you ready for the weekend.

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Ibericus

If you want a taste of Spain in Amsterdam, Ibericus is the jump off for that high grade Jamón Iberico and a quick bocadillo on a roll, ciabatta or croissant. Located on Haarlemerstraat, it's just a short walk from Central Station. The walls and counters are covered with pig trotters, just the way it should be.

Van Stapele Koekmakerij

This place makes cookies and that's it. Actually, 'cookie' to be exact. They make only one kind and it's probably the best cookie I'll ever eat for the rest of my life. Crunchy Valrhona cocoa exterior with a melted white chocolate filling. Enough said.

Bar Boca's

I just discovered Boca's recently. They have two locations in the city and both combine wicked tapas style food with drinks and good service! Meat and fish platters the size of the table. The sliders with foie gras and truffle mayo are also a highlight here for sure. Nice place to stop by for a snack and drink or for a full-on dinner.

Restaurant Trouw

You can't really get any closer to one of the most legendary clubs in Amsterdam than by eating at their own restaurant, can you? The big bonus of course, being that you are able to just waddle into the club afterwards and work off that delicious meal on the dance floor.

You can follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @theCMprogram and @callmepoupon