The Netherlands
Daniela and I recently returned from a whirlwind trip which took us from London across the UK as far as the Channel Islands and back again. Last week, I reported on the second leg of our trip. From the UK, I travelled to the Netherlands where new culinary surprises awaited.
Wednesday, 31 May
Arriving in the Netherlands late afternoon, I was welcomed by our partners Vinites to a wonderfully planned itinerary. First stop was dinner at Den Burgh in Hoofddorp. https://www.denburgh.nl/en/. The restaurant is recommended in the Michelin Guide and we had a super tasting with co-owner and head-of-wine, Pieter Vermeij.
Thursday, 1 June
The following day was a series of tastings visiting Boonstra and chatting about their love for South African wines. Then on to SAAM for lunch, the new restaurant set up by Margot Janse, Jasper Hermans and Thomas Kooijman. This attractive establishment offers a modern and delicious interpretation of Dutch-South African gastronomy, with relaxed, unpretentious service.
That evening we visited Bij Qunis, and what a fabulous space: an old water pumping station converted into a fabulous restaurant and event venue with very gracious service. Chef Ronald Kunis, who has a penchant for plant-based dishes, came to explain the dishes personally.
Friday, 2 June
Thirty years of family and friends collaborating is a part of the success of the bustling Bistro ‘t Schippersrijk. At lunchtime every table was occupied! The restaurant is owned and run by the family Rijke who source most of their ingredients locally.
After lunch we had a tasting at Dennis Blokdijk’s Wapen van Munster where Wytse van der Zweep made sure that Creation shared the platform with some other great producers in the Vinites portfolio. I particularly enjoyed the Anselmo Mendes Muros de Melgaço Alvarinho and José Pariente Verdejo.
That evening I did a surprise tasting for a ladies’ wine club run by our friend Dominique Bech. Dominique decided that her wine for the evening would be Creation, and it was such a pleasure to be present. Our chef was Le Petit, who contributed greatly to the unique experience. Click here to find out more about Le Petit Chef. (https://dinnertimestories.co.za/le-petit-chef-au-naturel/)
Saturday, 3 June
On Saturday morning I had time to catch up with Sonja and Chad Hudson who emigrated to the Netherlands a year ago, and friends Katlego and Leevania Mphai. We met at Morgan & Mees for brunch. Such brilliant tech heads showcasing their creative and technical talents in the epicentre of Europe right now – and what better place than Amsterdam?
Homebound for Cape Town via London, I was surprised to still see the logo that I designed 30 years ago in London on all the hoardings.
