I’d say it was a pleasant experience, but not mind-blowing. Everything was fine but nothing left me particularly impressed. I wouldn’t say disappointing, but it was basically my second * experience and I’ve had better meals for 3/4 or less of the price (speaking of which, Héron review soon, woah that was amazing). The service was professional and kind, nothing relevant to say (they got the wrong drink order, but it happens and I’m conscious that I often speak way too fast for most people).
So, coming to the food:
* The broth was flavourful and intense, I’d say a good way to open the meal.
* The bread course was on point, I think the butter was whipped and the airy consistency helped not feeling it as heavy despite being oil on butter.
* **Zeeuwse flat 0000**: the red cabbage vinaigrette was a nice surprise and paired well with the hazelnuts, I usually don’t love oysters but this time they tasted like something more than saltwater
* **Chicory**: both marinated and crispy, layered with tahini on the bottom and orange sabayon on top. Nice contrast of bitter and sweet
* **Nordzee whelks**: Probably the highlight of the lunch, it had been ages since I had trumpets and they go surprisingly well with seafood. The anchovies-butter-pepper foam was very “last decade” but still enjoyable. Also last decade I was too young to ever have any fine dining so who cares.
* **Turbot**: sabayon again, lardo and cured egg yolk, roasted cauliflower. Fine and a bit lighter, good to prepare for the following course.
* **Pork collar**: Pickled and cooked, very tender, pistachio quenelle (lovely), aubergines glazed with cumin, oregano and Mexican pepper. That glaze was something else, will try to approximate it at home.
* **Kir Royal**: the oliebollen crisp was a nice touch and in general a great conclusion, the ice-cream was very creamy, and creamy-fizzy-crispy couldn’t be a bad combination. Overall very balanced.
Drinks:
* **Chamomile kombucha**: I liked it, but it was my first kombucha so I can’t really judge. I had also asked for something else which I would have preferred
* **Fermented beetroot and cherry juice**: the idea was going to mimic the tangyness and body of a red wine, it paired well with the pork collar but I feel like it missed something to be next level or feel more inspired.
I would have loved to try any other of the non-alcoholic drinks (they had a smoked apple juice, a pineapple tepache with vanilla and star anise and sourdough kvass with butter and apple syrup, but I was on a budget so I enjoyed my kombucha and kept in mind to speak at a more human speed next time to avoid being misunderstood, all of them were 9.50€)
Overall it was a good experience but left me slightly underwhelmed, maybe I’m not made for classic cuisine and prefer more experimental things, at least when fine dining.
Semtex074 on
Nice! There are for sure better one star restaurants. But his vision is very good.
I’m looking forward to your heron review.
kedelbro on
I was in Amsterdam in November/December and got in my first Michelin star meal. I looked at Rijks but the cost for lunch at De Kas was too good to pass up (€59 for 4-course lunch).
BlackTemplars on
Nice review. We have a tripped plan for Edinburgh and Amsterdam later in the year. Would love to see your recommendations on things to see and Michelin starred places to eat.
Heron is on my dining list.
etymoticears on
Love Rilks. Eaten there three times, every one a treat. Excellent non alcoholic drinks.
WhoCaresReally72 on
I was in Rijks last year and the menu was completely different, it was amazing!!
WearyUniversity7 on
Went to Rijks for Christmas and the menu was quite similar to what you’ve posted, which is slightly disappointing. I found the service fine but the wine pairing a bit uninspiring. Having said that, for the price, I’d go back.
7 Comments
I’d say it was a pleasant experience, but not mind-blowing. Everything was fine but nothing left me particularly impressed. I wouldn’t say disappointing, but it was basically my second * experience and I’ve had better meals for 3/4 or less of the price (speaking of which, Héron review soon, woah that was amazing). The service was professional and kind, nothing relevant to say (they got the wrong drink order, but it happens and I’m conscious that I often speak way too fast for most people).
So, coming to the food:
* The broth was flavourful and intense, I’d say a good way to open the meal.
* The bread course was on point, I think the butter was whipped and the airy consistency helped not feeling it as heavy despite being oil on butter.
* **Zeeuwse flat 0000**: the red cabbage vinaigrette was a nice surprise and paired well with the hazelnuts, I usually don’t love oysters but this time they tasted like something more than saltwater
* **Chicory**: both marinated and crispy, layered with tahini on the bottom and orange sabayon on top. Nice contrast of bitter and sweet
* **Nordzee whelks**: Probably the highlight of the lunch, it had been ages since I had trumpets and they go surprisingly well with seafood. The anchovies-butter-pepper foam was very “last decade” but still enjoyable. Also last decade I was too young to ever have any fine dining so who cares.
* **Turbot**: sabayon again, lardo and cured egg yolk, roasted cauliflower. Fine and a bit lighter, good to prepare for the following course.
* **Pork collar**: Pickled and cooked, very tender, pistachio quenelle (lovely), aubergines glazed with cumin, oregano and Mexican pepper. That glaze was something else, will try to approximate it at home.
* **Kir Royal**: the oliebollen crisp was a nice touch and in general a great conclusion, the ice-cream was very creamy, and creamy-fizzy-crispy couldn’t be a bad combination. Overall very balanced.
Drinks:
* **Chamomile kombucha**: I liked it, but it was my first kombucha so I can’t really judge. I had also asked for something else which I would have preferred
* **Fermented beetroot and cherry juice**: the idea was going to mimic the tangyness and body of a red wine, it paired well with the pork collar but I feel like it missed something to be next level or feel more inspired.
I would have loved to try any other of the non-alcoholic drinks (they had a smoked apple juice, a pineapple tepache with vanilla and star anise and sourdough kvass with butter and apple syrup, but I was on a budget so I enjoyed my kombucha and kept in mind to speak at a more human speed next time to avoid being misunderstood, all of them were 9.50€)
Overall it was a good experience but left me slightly underwhelmed, maybe I’m not made for classic cuisine and prefer more experimental things, at least when fine dining.
Nice! There are for sure better one star restaurants. But his vision is very good.
I’m looking forward to your heron review.
I was in Amsterdam in November/December and got in my first Michelin star meal. I looked at Rijks but the cost for lunch at De Kas was too good to pass up (€59 for 4-course lunch).
Nice review. We have a tripped plan for Edinburgh and Amsterdam later in the year. Would love to see your recommendations on things to see and Michelin starred places to eat.
Heron is on my dining list.
Love Rilks. Eaten there three times, every one a treat. Excellent non alcoholic drinks.
I was in Rijks last year and the menu was completely different, it was amazing!!
Went to Rijks for Christmas and the menu was quite similar to what you’ve posted, which is slightly disappointing. I found the service fine but the wine pairing a bit uninspiring. Having said that, for the price, I’d go back.