Spectrum, Amsterdam **

We had the pleasure of dining at Spectrum in Amsterdam. I don’t usually go for the vegetarian menu but this vegetarian menu was intriguing and I am very happy we made this choice.

Service from start to finish was perfection. Nestled within the Waldorf Astoria one would expect the typical pretentious Michelin restaurants I find are quickly checking – something I gleefully welcome. Spectrum was friendly and approachable yet still refined with an upscale vibe which we very much enjoyed.

The menu was so creative and not just in description but in execution which, as I mentioned, with a vegetarian menu is very difficult to accomplish.

Among our favorites were:

Green Asparagus: perfect balance of flavors, textures and beauty.

Celtuce: cannot even describe the magnificence of this dish. Every bite was different and completely unexpected het somehow homey and comforting altogether.

Watermelon: my personal favorite. Wow. Cruncy. Fresh. Comforting and heavy yet also light and uplifting. Beautiful plating but the masterpiece were the horseradish pearls. Wow.

Persian Lemon: one of the best desserts I’ve had at a Michelin meal. I find that it is very difficult to find creative yet decadent, delicious and beahtiful desserrs at many Michelin restaurants – you either get one or the other (many times neither) and, rightfullt so, bringing a complexity of flavors and feelings that come together in perfect harmony is a very difficult task. Spectrum has managed to create a dessert that is visually appealing and intriguing yet also matches the impression of the eyes through taste. Bravo.

Lagniappe: at the end of the meal we were given truffles with flavors from dishes we had tasted. Now, I normally don’t love this but these were outstanding and it was such a fun and creative way to remember each dish we had. I am mad at myself for losing the menu with the colored guide because it was so whimsical.

Worthy mentions:

Black Truffle: while the creativity was there, something was missing to make this dish a star. Delicious, sure. Beautiful, absolutely. Did I think about it days after? No.

Amsterdam “Dame Blanche”: I loved the playfulness of this dish considering you wouldn’t expect a fine dining restaurant to give you a marijuana leaf shaped chocolate. It was unique and definitely memorable and a nice ode to Amsterdam.

Misses:

Shiso: this dish was oversalted and almost inedible. Beautiful to see yet a complete miss. I hope they edit this dish because I was very surprised and had the rest of the experience not been outstanding, I would’ve been very upset to have been served something nearly inedible.

We had a marvelous time at Spectrum. Sure it was almost a four hour meal, but it was fun. It was eye-opening. It was beautiful and it was a delight to our senses.

by Buddhabellymama