Let's go back to the beginning. Ellie and Melle met in Amsterdam kitchens. Melle fell in love with cooking at sixteen, working as a dishwasher at Café Schiller. Ellie is from Scotland but lost her heart to Amsterdam. On their days off (because why sit still when you can roll up your sleeves?), they cooked together as pop-up Bits & Bobs in various restaurants throughout the city. Afterward, they moved to Marseille, where they took over the kitchen of the bustling Livingston.

And so now Amsterdam, where the traveling chefs are finally settling down. Café Iep comes from the elm trees in the neighborhood. Simple and catchy, and cozy if you ask us. Ellie and Melle hope that Iep truly becomes part of the neighborhood, the place where you order your first coffee of the day and where you grab a quick pint in the evening.

Good chefs need good people on the floor, and they are here. The service is led by Sana Lobi Dros (formerly at Parallel). Ana Piperic, sommelier and winemaker, formerly at Choux, curated the wine list. The food is inspired by everything Ellie and Melle have cooked and seen along the way. The menu changes with the seasons. Not too complicated, but put together with care. Long dinners. it is near Elm.

We ate tuna crudo with figs and black garlic, pecorino croquettes, and a burger with pulled lamb. The ice cream sundae is already a firm favorite, and you shouldn't miss the daily specials. Classics, but just a little more surprising. We will be back.