Category: The Dutchman speaks about to eat

Zeeland, August 2020…

Chef Jannis Brevet and his wife Claudia opened in 2001 their lovely estate in the province of Zeeland, located in the southwest of the Netherlands, on a peninsula bordering Belgium. Zeeland is one of the least populated provinces. Surrounded as it is by highly fertile soil and sea, Zeeland shines with its number of Michelin starred restaurants (7 restaurants with 11 Michelin stars in total). Succulent oysters, delicious crabs and an abundance of seafood result in a culinary haven in an unspoiled and off the beaten path environment.

The Dutchman had the pleasure to enjoy an 8-course lunch, which included sublime, surprising and perfectly balanced flavor combinations. No culinary tricks but utter perfection. Claudia and her team were so welcoming, creating the perfect ambiance to enjoy this culinary feast. Sommelier Geert Rutten perfectly matched the wines to our taste and went out of his way when we asked for a different red wine to pair with the perfectly cooked fillet of Lamb. From the 3 appetizers the rose water flavored beetroot with pineapple stood out in finesse and taste. We started lunch with a brandade of turbot with caviar served in a porcelain egg, followed by striking presentation of 3 pétoncles (mini coquilles). The next course was a signature dish of Chef Jannis and to me the sensation of this lunch, served in 2 preparations. A bowl of Duck foie gras (bio) with old port reduction covered with a foam of popcorn and parmesan and a tray with an apple and passion fruit compote to soften the pallet with sesame seeds brioche bread and a delightful smooth foie gras mousse with a parmesan cheese cream. The 3 oysters in 3 preparations created a nice freshness before the perfectly cooked lemon sole with sweet koji sauce and refreshing ponzu. Can it get better than this?

Yes, for sure. Next was pure art and cuisine, mouthwatering Zeeland lamb inspired by Alexander Calder’s minimalistic and closing off with boeddha vingers and a tompouce with olive oil ice cream (yum yum yum). Coffee and sweets were served in the tranquil garden and we visited one of the elegant and spacious suites of the Manoir where will certainly stay next time. Thank you so much Jannis, Claudia and the whole team for this authentic, elegant and unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Since 2018, Manoir Inter Scaldes is decorated with 3 Michelin stars and ranked as the best gourmet restaurant in the Netherlands. Mind you, there are only two 3-star Michelin restaurants in the Netherlands. Do you want to experience this highlight for culinary lovers when visiting Holland? Get in touch, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements for you in a tailormade proposal.

Amsterdam, October 2018…
If you’re looking to dine in a homey ambiance with interesting flavors and like cocktails… than Razmataz is the place to go. 7 days a week all day dining concept with a cozy cocktail bar, a restaurant and private dining in the En suite room. All have their own entrance and ambiance.

Very special is their cocktail parring with their food creations. I know, it’s a bit daring, but after my trip to Reims (the champagne region in France) were we drank champagne throughout the meal and I loved it, this can be the next ‘Hot & Tempting’ thing to do. You can also try their gin or vermouth tasting, with over 60 flavors of gin!

But most of all, it’s the service that makes the difference. Personal stories about the food, their carefully selected wines and the eagerness to please. That is why Razmataz is very popular frequented by a lot of regulars. Famous is there Salty Sunday (and copied by a lot of restaurants) where you can eat oysters for 1 euro.

Get in touch for more information or a detailed proposal when you’re visiting Holland.

Amsterdam, April 2018…
Spending an evening at someone’s home, is definitively a memorable experience. No better way to get to know the culture and the people. A chef will invite you in his or her home along the canals of Amsterdam for a delicious gourmet meal in a typical atmosphere. Besides the food it will be the warm welcome, engaging conversations and sharing experiences, which makes this evening special. You will depart as friends after a delightful and memorable evening.

The Dutchman had the pleasure to organize an extraordinary evening for 20 guests recently, but also for smaller or larger parties, The Dutchman has the right contacts! Get in touch for more details or a tailor-made proposal.

De Kaag, February 2018…
More idyllic is hard to imagine! Just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam. Surrounded by water and swaying reeds, you will find a culinary oasis: Restaurant Tante Kee (Auntie Kee). This restaurant has been one of my favorites for many years now. I’ve been here with family, friends but also clients that wanted to experience the unbeatable outdoor dining at the waterside.

What makes this restaurant so special is that it’s on an island and that it started as a grocery store where ‘Kee’ baked such tasty pancakes for her children that skippers specially docked to enjoy them. During summertime you can enjoy the lakes and the beautiful rural Dutch landscape by boat in combination with the hospitality and delicious food, served by leading lady Kim Edwards and chef Raymond Reeb.

A hidden gem not to be missed. If you are in for a gastronomic experience overlooking the Kagerplassen (the lake)? Get in touch and we’ll make a tailor-made program for you to enjoy Restaurant Auntie Kee and all the beauty Holland has to offer.

Amsterdam, November 2017…
Fresh vegetables and honest food is what restaurant Vermeer is all about. Choose between a 4, 5 or 6 course surprising menu, honoring seasonal ingredients with rich flavors, aroma’s and creativity. I enjoyed the caramelized brussels sprouts, beetroot tartare and the coquilles served with an oven-baked bread crust surrounding the shell. Delicious and spectacular!

Vermeer has recently been redecorated. And they did a marvelous job. Contemporary with warm green and soft colors, matching philosophy of the kitchen. A spacious set up with an elegant cocktail lounge and two dining rooms with a lot of privacy. Definitely a recommendation if you’re looking for a romantic evening full of surprising umami.

But what I love most is the way chef Naylor presents his vegetables: unique, surprising and full of flavor. Get in touch for a stylish dinner evening with friendly service and amazing dishes.

Haarlem, November 2017…
Located in a monumental warehouse with a nice terrace along the Spaarne River in Haarlem. A perfect match with the philosophy and passion of Chef Jozua Jaring. Decorated with 1 Michelin star but very accessible, no stuffy ambiance and overpriced food. The focus is on the ingredients and fresh products. They even have a rooftop herb garden and you definitely taste the difference. We started off with a crispy fresh vegetable roll with a beetroot macaron followed by langoustines and 4 different beef preparations served on a bone and a lovely soft centered chocolate cake with matching wines. The attentive welcome at the door by the chef himself, the open kitchen and friendly staff made this evening a special night out in the beautiful town of Haarlem.

Amsterdam, April 2017….
After a few earlier attempts, I had the pleasure to finally try out this restaurant which has been the talk of the town since its opening. If you are into gastronomy in bistro style, this is the place to go.

The open kitchen is the heart of this restaurant and you can see the chefs making all dishes from scratch. The ambiance is fashionable, informal and vibrant. A warm welcome awaits you and the team makes you feel at home. But the highlight is the food, as it should be. Creative, sensitive and tasty.

A rollercoaster of culinary creations, from the lukewarm spearing fish as appetizer, a starter of Norwegian salmon with lovely crunches of lard and refreshing radish, a garlic soup with burrata and much more, octopus and the main course was all about the pigeon.

I could not resist to enjoy some great cheeses and we shared a spicy strawberry dessert. The matching wines were original, especially the Riesling with the garlic soup. What a great evening which I hope and recommend you will also experience while in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam, Februari 2017…
To me, already for many years, the perfect private venue in Amsterdam is The West-Indisch Huis. A rich history, courtyard for pre-dinner drinks and multiple carefully decorated dining rooms. The Dutchman met with Merel de Weijer and Fleur Burggraaf for an update.

You still feel the spirit of the 17^th century Dutch trade in this former headquarters of the Dutch West India Company (WIC). The proud statue of Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch Director General of Nieuw Nederland (better know now as New York City), welcomes you in the courtyard. No wonder the new wine bar is called Stuyvesant. Elegantly set up with cozy orange velvet coaches mixed with high bar tables, serving fabulous wines. I loved the Rioja Covila II, powerful for its age, rich red fruit and a touch of oak.

With over 30 years of experience, catering company ‘a matter of TASTE’ is a professional, creative and great partner to organize all kind of events. Nothing is too crazy. New catering concepts have been created matching the trend of local healthy culinary creations in different themed settings. The West-Indisch Huis has everything for an event to remember.

 

Amsterdam, June 2020…
I recently visited the West-Indian House again: The Dutchman’s YouTube Channel >>>

Amsterdam, December 2016…
One of my favorite restaurants with a really cool concept. The C stands for Celsius. Here it is all about the technique of creating tasty small dishes (perfect to share) prepared on different temperatures. I love the pleasant vibe with a choice of different places to sit (at the bar around the open kitchen, in one of the round couches or at the cozy wooden tables. My favorite dish; the lobster with gnocchi, parmesan and basil, precision preparation at 100°C by steam & liquid. So soft and full of flavor.

Get in touch for a tailor-made proposal including this fabulous restaurant. Want to know more about ‘What’s happening’ in The Netherlands, subscribe to The Dutchman’s Newsletter.

Amsterdam, January 2017…
When this restaurant opened in 2015, it became a local favorite right away. I was impressed by the creative cuisine, the ambiance and excellent service. They even handled a corporate French group dinner to perfection. I am thrilled that chef Egon van Hoof and his team have now also been rewarded by Michelin with their first star last December. Good to see that Michelin is opening up to unpretentious restaurants where the focus is on quality of food and assuring you have a great evening.

More info about where to eat, or a tailor-made proposal when visiting Holland: get in touch.