Table Talk: Carmen de Baets
Amsterdam & Beirut tips, a no-cook recipe, literary recommendations
by Carmen de Baets, founder at CARMEN
"I love the Overlay Slip Dress over a bikini in the summer but have recently also worn it over denim with the Recline Bra."
Carmen de Baets, the visionary behind ultra-cool, CARMEN based in Amsterdam. Discover her favorite no-cook breakfast, styling hacks, insider tips for Beirut and Amsterdam, and a curated list of inspiring reads, including her favorite Substacks.
"The Dip Swim Top, Lap Swim Brief with the Recline Pant was basically my go-to for going to and from the pool. Would definitely also wear the Recline Short with the Recline Tee and Olympia's on a summer evening."
A NO-COOK BREAKFAST RECIPE
I love love love labneh and eggs. It's not really a recipe but a version of a Lebanese breakfast. A plate of labneh (preferably homemade from goats yogurt) with some fresh mint, olives, an egg boiled or sunny side up, zaatar and olive oil with some rye bread. You kind of make bites as you go. A bit of labneh on rye, with some mint, an olive. Then maybe a bite of egg...add more zaatar as you go. I could actually eat this all day long.
LITERARY RECOMMENDATIONS
Just re-read: Minor Detail by Palestinian writer Adania Shibli
Currently reading: Gathering Blossoms Under Fire, The Journals of Alice Walker
Loved: Don't Call Me Home by Alexandra Auder
All time favorite: Isabel Allende's House of Spirits
I'm also really into Substack at the moment and am enjoying Carter Were's recipes for homey cooking inspo with kids or Yolo Travel by Yolanda Edwards for in depth travel inspo.
DESTINATION TIPS: BEIRUT (where I was at the time I took these pictures)
Casablanca - favourite restaurant in the city
Mounir - favourite restaurant in the mountains
Jammal beach - favourite by the beach
IF Boutique - Johnny Farah's leather section
DESTINATION TIPS: AMSTERDAM
Carmen Kitchen especially in summer time, the back terrace is a little escape from the city and the food is so honest and good. Perfect for breakfast or lunch. I love going to the movies (also when I travel) and Amsterdam has some great art house movie theatres like De Uitkihk or Tuschinski.
Twee Prinsen for drinks, they make a mean negroni which I loveeee in the summer.
Café Binnenvisser or Calisto for dinner, I love sitting at the bar.
If you are in the mood for sushi go to Akitsu. Also best at the bar. Order the sake tasting <3.
Table Talk: Ritsch Sisters
Three City Recommendations
by Anna and Maria Ritsch, artists
