Vyne & Envy

It was a cold and damp midweek evening when we made our way for a drink and dinner at two Amsterdam institutions.

Walking down the Prinsengracht, rain drizzling overhead, we were in much need of a good glass of something to drink and a delicious dinner after what had been a few very busy weeks.

As we entered Vyne wine bar, we were surprised to see it very quiet. Maybe it was the weather or the upcoming festive season that people of 'waiting' for all the parties. The buzzing atmosphere we missed of people enjoying a drink was more than made up for by the friendly and charming Charlene.

We browsed through the extensive wine list, around 350 wines to be exact, while she poured us each a glass of Colmei Valdobbiadene Prosecco. You'll find a good selection of G&T's on the menu and their new wine cocktails. If you find it hard to chose a particular wine, you can always order a wine flight (red or white) put together by their sommelier.

And while you're having a drink, there is also a little bites menu with tapas style offerings, cheese platters and shrimp croquettes.

We then made our way a few meters up the road to Envy. This is a restaurant that serves what they call delicatessen dishes. In a nut shell, it's small dishes designed for sharing. Diners can either order a la carte, or can be surprised by the Chef's Menu.

The restaurant has two types of seating, high tables for those wanting a quick bite and low tables for those diner who want a leisurely evening it. A great concept and idea, we think.

The friendly restaurant manager gave us a warm welcome and we were immediately greeted with glass of Cava and a charcuterie platter comprising lavender Brandt & Levie sausage paired with Dijon mustard, heavenly Iberico ham and Spanish salame Ventricina. Nice bread and olive oil completed the scene.

Our first course comprised 3 different dishes - oyster ceviche, cucumber, burnt onion, dill and yoghurt pastilles. Fantastically clean and refreshing with sweet and sour notes from the cucumber and pickling liquid. This is a great way of eating oysters. The next dish was seared squid with chiparones (baby squid), olive cake, aioli and squid ink pasta. The seared squid was beautifully cooked, firm but tender. The chiparones were almost raw, just have seen the pan and the olive cake was sweet and light (made with an almond base) adding an interesting contrast to the dish. Thirdly we were served langoustines with Hollandaise, curry oil, curry crumble and enoki mushrooms. A stunning combination of sweet langoustines, rich Hollandaise and with a perfume of curry. The sweet crumble with curry was a nice idea, while the roasted enoki gave the dish a savoury note. With so many different ingredients and flavours, you would imagine that it would be a nightmare to pair with one wine, but this was done well with a Gruner Veltliner.

The following set a dishes comprised a steak tartare with potato mousseline, herring caviar, grilled leeks and a 60 C cooked farmhouse egg yolk. The steak tartare was well seasoned and tender counter-balanced with the soft mousseline and salty bursts from the herring caviar. The 60 C egg yolk was both firm and soft, adding a richness to the dish.

The next dish was grilled fillet of plaice young garlic foam, sweet and sour fennel, roasted onion cream, ciabatta toast and rocket cream. Despite the many bold flavours being used, the dish was light and fresh. The plaice was perfectly cooked and the delicous rocket cream added some pepperiness to the dish.

These dishes were paired with a Portugese Valporeria, a white wine made using 5 different grape varietys. The wine was powerful enough for the steak tartare, but smooth and elegant as well to pair with the fish.

We next moved on to an intriguing and super-delicious combination of foie gras with raspberry and hazelnut. Baring in mind what we had already eaten, it too wasn't as simple as it sounds. Grilled foie gras was, raspberry meringue, fresh raspberries, raspberry gel, a 'bon bon'of foie gras, hazelnut creme and shiso purple. The plate looked liked a dessert, too pretty to eat, but we attacked the plate. Who would have thought that fresh, sharp raspberry was so good with foie gras? Throw in some hazelnut and sweet meringue and it's a marriage made in heaven.

We just about had space left for dessert and an espresso. Coffee Bay then arrived at our table - the chefs interpretation of coffee and Bailey's. A caramel tuile, cold Bailey's granite, chocolate crumble, creamy Bailey's bon bons,deep-flavoured coffee meringues, stroop waffels, chocolate mousse, hazelnut crumble and finished off with grated tonka beans. This dish balanced sweet and bitter flavours with cold textures and crunch. A good ending to the meal.

The service was impeccable. Our waiter was friendly, enthusiastic and very knowledgable. There is a relaxed vibe in the restaurant where both locals and visitors will feel comfortable. The food is delicious, imaginitive and well executed. The chefs put everything on a plate for a reason. As there are so many small components to each dish, we feel that sharing plates are not always ideal for allowing the diner to taste all the components and get the full effect intended.

Envy should without doubt be on your restaurant list, whether you're looking for a leisurely night out or a quick bite with great food.

For more information, please visit Vyne.

For more information, please visit Envy.


China Town

Every city around the world has it's own China Town and Amsterdam is no different.

On a street called Zeedijk, a stones-throw away from the Red Light District, you'll find a cluster of Chinese restaurants and supermarkets. There are Peking ducks hanging in the windows, Chinese families doing their groceries, paying their respects at the beautiful Chinese Temple or grabbing a bite to eat.

We needed some specialty Asian ingredients so we made our way to Dun Yong supermarket. You'll find an incredible array of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Asian ingredients. Ranging from frozen tom yum soup packs, fresh coriander with the root attached to a range of woks and steamers. This is the one-stop shop for your Asian store cupboard and ingredients you won't find any where else.

It was getting late and we hadn't eaten lunch yet, so Mischa suggested we go and eat dim sum at Hoi Tin. He's been eating there for years and has always wanted to take Bernadette to try it out, so this was the perfect opportunity.

We sat down to a pot of fragrant, steaming jasmine tea before tucking in to steamed dumplings with prawns and scallops. Aubergine slices, filled with pounded shrimp, deep fried in a light batter and served on a soy based sauce. To end, sesame balls, fried and filled with a sweet peanut paste. Reasonably priced food which does wonders for your soul and belly! We'll be going back soon to have dinner there.

 


Blender Amsterdam - Kids Concept Store and Cafe

Imagine a place where you can enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee with a bite to eat while your kids can play in a dedicated kids zone, order from a special kids menu and can even get spoilt by you in a store specially dedicated to them.

Blender Amsetrdam is such a place!

A light and bright contemporary store with a relaxed atmosphere. They also organise children's parties and have a hairdresser, specially for the kids, twice a week. The perfect place for the whole family.

For more information, please visit Blender Amsterdam.


Michelin Stars 2015

Yesterday, Monday 17th November 2014, the new list of Michelin stars were announced and Amsterdam has gained 3 new starred restaurants.

Two Stars: **

Librije's Zusje at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel

One Star: *

Sazanka at The Okura Hotel

Restaurant Sinne

This just goes to show that Amsterdam is turning into Holland's food capital.


Restaurant Visaandeschelde

Sometimes in life, things are worth waiting for.

We've heard for many years that VisaandeSchelde is one of the best fish and seafood restaurants in Amsterdam, however we've never had the chance to experience it for ourselves. Until now, that is.

Situated on the Scheldestraat opposite the RAI convention centre, the restaurant is well located within the city and easily accessible. The interior makes use of hand-crafted materials, herring-bone patterns and special lighting to complement the area and food being served. Old techniques, crafts and beautiful reused materials have been deployed in the interior design. The combination of materials, images and patterns have been used in such a way as to create several different spaces within the restaurant.

On arrival we were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff. Once seated, our glasses were immediately filled with a stunning Limoux sparkling Rose. A gorgeous aperitief with quite a robust bubble. However, it held it's own with the snack and amuse. The snack was a signature dish of the restaurant in bite-size: a crispy 'cup' filled with a bouillabaisse foam and shrimp tail - superb!

The amuse that followed was a story of two parts. The Patron cuisinier-owner, Michiel Deenik, who serves and engages his guests, suggested we start with the soup. The soup was a cold Dashi (a Japanese soup made from kombu [dried seaweed] and bonito [dried tuna]) which was flavoured with coriander and spring onions with a few ocean jewels, such as an oyster and mussel to embellish. The dashi was sublime, packed full of flavour yet so clean on the palate. The other half of the amuse was a puree of sweetcorn with fresh water crayfish and a buttermilk and lemongrass foam. It was quite a shock going from something so savoury to something quite sweet, but the more one ate, the better it got. We couldn't detect any lemongrass in the foam, which may have helped the balance of the dish.

The starter that followed was a beautiful sashimi of Big Eye tuna, glazed with teriyaki and served with a tom kai gai dressing. Beautiful deep red tuna, as fresh as one can get. The accompanying garnish brough the dish to life. It was palate of preparations of cucumber, smoked pineapple, caviar, sourdough crouton, avocado puree, lemongrass gel, ama ebi prawn and edible flowers. With so many ingredients, a skillful touch is needed to achieve balance and this is just what it was. The dish was paired with Branco Vinho Verde, which was lemony on the nose and floral on the palate. Paired with the dish, a lychee flavour came to the fore.

Our second course was pan roasted sea bream with a heavenly crispy skin, tartare of raw sea bream, mushroom and anchovy tapenade, red pepper ice cream and a squid ink and olive oil dressing. In one word this dish was WOW! Definitely one of our favourites. This was an explosion of flavours, textures and temperatures. We use sea bream often in our recipes but have never used it raw. We will do now. Red pepper can so easily over-power other ingredients, but here it was perfectly judged and added a beautiful sweetness to the dish. This was paired with a Parva Res from Sicily, with stone fruit aromas. We detected notes of papaya when accompanied with the dish.

Main course was an interpretation of surf and turf. We had Zander (snoekbaars in Dutch), braised in brown butter accompanied with a beef stew, chantarelles, roast beetroot, beetroot puree and long pepper. This was a very rich dish, with the meaty flavours dominating. The sweetness of the beetroot counteracted the richness of the braised beef. The dish was paired with 4 Meses Jumilla red from Spain. A perfect wine which was light enough for the fish but rich enough to stand up to the beefy flavours.

We had just enough room left to share dessert. The 2 varieties of kiwi with kiwi gel, custard and coconut marshmallow and sponge looked picture perfect but didn't live up to the quality of the other dishes. The wine, an Auslese Muskat Ottonel was lovely. Our espresso came with unexpected friandise; the creme brûlée and canelle (French pastry) were absolute stunners.

Michiel shared his personal story with us that he originally started the restaurant with his friend, who sadly passed away a few years ago. The story and the journey they made is reflected in the dishes. There is no better ode to someone special than to bring joy to others through good food and good wine.

For more information, please visit VisaandeSchelde.


Restaurant Keizersgracht 238

Restaurant Keizersgracht 238

Marvel at evocative views of Amsterdam’s most romantic canal while dining at Restaurant Keizersgracht 238. Its elegant ambience comprises a charming terrace along the canal, garden seating, an open kitchen, and unique artwork.

Savor a culinary experience during lunch or dinner in Restaurant Keizersgracht 238 offering grilled specialties and local market-fresh ingredients products with a wide open window to the world. Entrées include fresh whole lobster from the grill with lime mayonnaise, fennel salad, basil oil, and new potatoes, as well as Côte de Boeuf and dry-aged Weiderund entrecote, each served with our 238 herb butter, béarnaise sauce, and onion rings. Meals can be perfectly paired with a bottle from our distinguished wine list. Superb cuisine, a distinctive selection of wines and a unique atmosphere make Restaurant Keizersgracht 238 an ideal choice for dining.

For more information please visit Restaurant Keizersgracht 238.


La Oliva Pintxos Y Vinos

La Oliva has all the 'ingredients' for a wonderful Spanish night out.

Pintxos and other delicious North Spanish dishes combine to create a unique culinary experience in the heart of the Jordaan, where great hospitality and beautiful Spanish wines make for a memorable evening.

Northern Spanish cuisine is highlighted by Pintxos and other delicious first and main courses.
La Oliva opens its doors every day with great lunch dishes inspired by Spanish:

  • Home made tortilla’s
  • Salads
  • Farm house bread with Pata Negra and much more…

Pintxos are served from 17:00.

But what is Pintxos?

It is a generously topped sandwich, tart, pie or crostini. In short; high-end cuisine in the form of a small bite. What started out as little bites, combined with a drink at the bar, has grown into one of the most exciting culinary concepts of all times. In the south of France and Northern Spain, Pintxos has already over taken the well known tapas in popularity.

Pintxos are best enjoyed in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.

La Oliva is open daily!

Sunday - Wednesday from 12:00-22:00

Thursday to Saturday from 12:00-23:00

Lunch is served daily from 12:00-16:00

Pintxos are served from 17:00

A la carte service starts at 18:00

For more information please visit La Oliva


Restaurant Het Bosch

It's a tough job eating so many delicious courses one after the other but, somebody's got to do it!

Restaurant Het Bosch is perched on the banks of ‘De Nieuwe Meer’ in Amsterdam. The gorgeous location is the perfect setting for this modern, glass-encased restaurant. The light interior overlooks the water through large windows and if you manage to tear yourself away from the view, the immaculate, modern open kitchen is also exciting to watch as the chefs orchestrate a symphony of food.

Het Bosch was opened over 30 years ago by Ferry van Houten and remains in the family to this day. Ferry’s son, Danny, is now Maitre Sommelier, and it’s quite clear that he spent much of his youth working in the restaurant. His warm welcome, knowledge of wine and service were impeccable.

The extensive wine list is an exciting read in itself. What stood out is the number of wines available by the glass. More places should take note of this, in our opinion. We also liked the exclusive Château Mouton Rothschild wine list. The restaurant has invested in a range of their wines in limited quantity. If you have the budget, why not splash out.

We were treated to a 6-course menu, which has to be said, was a gastronomic journey from beginning to end. Our highlights from the menu were the tartar of Limousin beef, which was part of a trio of starters. It was served with an inspired sorbet made from cornichon pickling vinegar. When Bernadette scrapes her plate clean, you know you’re on to a winner!

The melt-in-the-mouth cod with Israeli couscous paella, octopus and olive jus danced on the palate with an array of sweet and salty flavours and textures. The veal sirloin as main was perfectly pink and tender as can be.

Dessert was an amarena cherry chocolate brownie, almond ice cream, refreshing red fruit soup and yoghurt sorbet.

Danny matched each course to perfection with an accompanying wine. That’s not an easy task. What we witnessed was a harmonious balance between kitchen and front of house, working together to complement each other and creating a perfect experience.

This is the place to bring someone you love or the most discerning diner – it’s that good! Our only tip; make sure you wear loose clothing because you won’t be leaving anything on your plates.

For more information please visit Het Bosch.


Cantinetta wine & pasta

Cantinetta, a relatively undiscovered Italian jewel, is situated on the de Clercqstraat in Amsterdam oud-west. American-born Deborah and the Dutch Claudia decided to bundle their passion for Italian food and opened the restaurant 2 years ago. Deborah’s love of Italian food comes from her great-grandmother and mother, with whom she spent many hours in kitchen. This is evident when you taste the freshly made dishes as they come out the kitchen. Locally sourced ingredients are used as much as possible and everything is made from scratch; from pasta, pizza bases and the delicious chocolate olive oil cake.

The restaurant has an industrial feel with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for an evening of wining and dining with friends. The relatively small menu is inspired by Roman cuisine with quality dishes. The choice for antipasti also includes four homemade brick oven pizzas. The base is prepared from a yeast dough made from red berries which give the pizza’s an incredibly light and crispy texture and beautiful flavour. The toppings vary from basic – oil and sea salt (the sublime tasting base doesn’t really need anything else!), to a pomodori sauce with velvety soft mozzarella from Twente. The fresh salads served include our favourite, the Misticanza, made from an array of fresh herbs like mint, thyme, red berries and rocket. All pasta’s featured on the menu are prepared in house and fresh each day. If you love pasta Carbonara then you must order it here: the black pepper and clove-cured pork cheek in combination with the homemade pasta and farm-fresh eggs results in a perfect rendition of this classic dish. And there’s more than enough on offer for the sweet tooth among you – chocolate sea salt shortbread, lemon rhubarb cheesecake and Roman fried espresso doughnuts with Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate. All dishes can be paired with beautiful matching Italian wines.

All in all, Cantinetta is a wonderful place. Delicious dishes in combination with extremely attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere make this a place you want to come back to. The opening times are plus too - from Tuesday to Thursday till 23:00 and Friday and Saturday till 24:00.

For more information please visit Cantinetta.

 


Restaurant De Kas

De Kas firmly believes that food tastes best when it is prepared using the freshest ingredients, grown and harvested with respect for nature.

De Kas has its own greenhouses and garden near the restaurant, where they grow Mediterranean vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. They also have a large field about 10 kilometres from Amsterdam in the Beemster region, where they grow seasonal vegetables outdoors. The founder and owner of De Kas, Gert Jan Hageman, is in charge of the nursery. He can be found there every day, working the soil, planting, weeding and harvesting the finest herbs and vegetables for the kitchen.

De Kas’ chefs and wait staff regularly lend him a helping hand. Harvesting in the field takes place at sunrise everyday so that the restaurant’s guests can enjoy the freshest possible ingredients. From May to October, our guests are welcome to tour the nursery and garden in Amsterdam or attend a workshop in the field in the Beemster led by the green brigade. Because they are unable to grow everything they need them selves, they supplement the harvest with fresh ingredients purchased from environmentally farmers in the vicinity of Amsterdam.

History

In 2001, top chef Gert Jan Hageman, who had earned a Michelin star in Dutch haute cuisine, found a new direction for his own career and a new purpose for the old greenhouse that belonged to Amster­dam's Municipal Nursery, which dated from 1926, and was due to be demolished. With a lot of luck and help from the municipality and his family and friends, Hageman succeeded in converting the unique 8-metre high glass building into a restaurant and nursery.

Situated in Frankendael Park, between the Rembrandt Tower and the nineteenth century facades of Water­graafs­meer, De Kas is an oasis of calm for the fifty-thousand guests who dine there each year; either in the breathtaking dining room designed by Piet Boon, or - if weather permits - outside in the herb garden.

For more information please visit restaurantdekas, or call +31 20 4624562.