i loooooove specialty stores that do only one thing, but do one thing really, really well. ever since i visited spice station in silverlake, i’ve been wanting to find a shop closer to home that offers the same insane selection of spices from around the world. and guess what, i found it at spice bazaar in ghent. there’s really not much to say except the owner is super friendly, the offer is mindblowing and the prices are fair. so get your ass over there for some mexican love potion mix, i tell ya.

photos by stephanie duval 

a coffee bar that should feel like an extension of your own living room – that’s huiskamer ernest. when i stopped by for an iced coffee, the buzz there certainly seemed friendly and cozy. a bunch of students were cramming for their exams at the communal table, a group of young mothers was sharing baby war stories in the corner and lots of einzelgangers were simply reading a book or newspaper in one of the comfortable chairs.

the design of this place is pretty unique, to say the least. everything is made or sourced by young designers and creatives – huiskamer ernest functions as a platform to showcase their talent. if you’re lucky, you might be able to catch a musical performance there too. but if you’re just passing by – the coffee tastes great.

update // temporary coffee bar huiskamer ernest has closed its doors. 

photos by stephanie duval