A.M.P.’s Coffeeshop Review: La Tertulia

The Definition

A tertulia ( in Spanish, Galician, Portuguese, Catalan) is a social gathering with literary or artistic overtones, especially in Iberia or in Latin America. (Definition by Wikipedia)

 

Paulo

I did not know what the term ‘tertulia’ meant when I visited the cosy organic coffeeshop La Tertulia one dark and rainy afternoon of December. Looking back now, it makes sense. I can really see it: artists gathering around a joint and fresh mint tea, scribbling away on endless sheets of wisdom and creativity. I mean, Paulo Coehlo was there.

 

The Arrival

It was a little busy when I met my friend there that night, which gave me time to admire the plants on the way to the counter. Just there, to my left, stood a refreshing sample of nature. Palm tree and other plants, paired with a light breeze of essential oils. I ordered some Purple Power (a gorgeous outdoor sativa strain) and New York Diesel (an eternal favourite of mine, thanks to its lovely citrus potency). We were greeted kindly and sat upstairs after checking out their impressive edibles menu. Note to self for next time: they have board games!!! LOVE board games. Anyways.

 

The Continuation

The upstairs room (one of its corners anyway) overlooks the canal of the gorgeous Prinsengracht. Note to self for game night: try to sit there. Our table was looking right down at the door, which was equally, if not more, entertaining. I rolled a joint of NY Diesel, sipped my ginger tea and chatted the next couple hours away.

 

What I love about the place

 

• The weed is organic and sourced in the Netherlands. Reduced carbon footprint, anyone? Very few Amsterdam coffeeshops offer bioweed, and it’s a pleasure to be able to make the choice to smoke consciously.

 

• The warm and welcoming atmosphere. Good to note that, similarly to most coffeeshops of the city centre these days, you will have to buy a drink (per person) and something to smoke (per group) in order to be able to stay.

 

• Their edibles menu returned my faith in humanity. Seriously though. How often have you seen anything else on offer in Amsterdam than brownies, cookies, or plain cake? Don’t get me wrong, I love most cakes (fine… I love ALL cakes), but a little variety has never hurt anyone, has it? In truth, I’ve been longing for a space patisserie for a long, long time. So, needless to say, when I saw that raspberry coconut cake on the menu, I got a little excited. Note to all of you amazing Vegans: 3 of their delicious cakes are available in vegan recipes!

 

• The plants and the crystals (peaking all around the place and available to buy at the back, too) really give the place a magical touch. You can feel the spirit of the owners all around you which really differentiates this coffeeshop from the rest.

The conclusion

 

Get your beautiful butt over there now!

 

This place is worth a visit if:

• You care about what you smoke
• You want to enjoy a nice smoke away from the hustle and bustle
• You would like to enjoy a good old board game with your friends AND your smoke
• You’re after a relaxing and somewhat magical experience
• You are craving some delicious edibles (vegan too!!)

 

Much Love, A.M.P xx