The food situation in Amsterdam is a good one, my friends.
When you're not busy stuffing yourself with french fries,
(the hardest part of sight-seeing in Amsterdam is not caving into the temptation of the french fry stand on every corner),
treat yourself to a great meal at any of these restaurants and you won't be sorry.
Let's start with the traditional cuisine first, shall we?
If you want an authentic Dutch experience,
I would highly recommend Restaurant Greetje.
We kicked the night off with Greetje's Big Beginning for two,
which is basically a giant presentation of all the appetizers on the restaurant's menu.
A lot of the dishes were different from anything we've ever tried before,
and the thin sliced pastrami of "Beemster" lamb with duck liver curls were unbelievably tasty.
For the main course, Erik opted for the tri-tip while I indulged in a veal cheek...
Wow.
The most tender piece of meat I've ever had in my mouth.
The cheek that is. Pervs.
Definitely worth a visit!
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Insalata con agnello al rosmarino e carciofi - salad with lamb, rosemary and artichokes |
Pizza al carpaccio - with tomatoes, rocket salad, mozzarella cheese and thinly sliced fillet of beef |
Fettuccine nere con capesanti, coda di gamberi e scalogno - black fettuccine with scallops, shrimps and small onions |
After lots of walking on a blustery day, there's really nothing better than some comfort food.
One of my girlfriends who recently visited Amsterdam highly recommended Casa di David,
for their quatro formaggi pizza and an outstanding wine list.
Everything was so delicious! Just what we needed to warm our bellies and carb-load for another half-day of walking.
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On our last day in the Netherlands, we wanted to treat ourselves to a fancy farewell.
I have read amazing reviews about Restaurant De Kas, but I'll be honest, I wasn't ready for what this green house had to offer.
After our cab dropped us off on Middenweg, we followed a footbridge through a park until we saw the glass structure of the restaurant.
I got so excited the second I smelt the organic essence from the garden before it was even in sight.
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.
The menu is created daily, based on the harvest of their own nursery.
The cooking style is inspired by the Mediterranean, the presentation was simple yet stylish, and the flavors light and exciting.
The concept, the design, the food... everything was absolutely exquisite.
I still dream about this place, and will definitely be back one day.