Leah B.
Yelp
This was the most culinarily stimulating meal I have ever had! And all the staff were wonderful: helpful, discreet, willing to answer questions and just nice.
I'll be honest, I wan't planning on eating at a Michelin rated restaurant Tuesday night in Leiden, but it was so unpresupposing, right next to Very Italian Pizza, that I decided to go in. I apologized for coming without a reservation (at 6:10 pm) and asked if it was possible to have dinner alone. The waiter graciously agreed and took my coat.
The table was elegantly and simply set and while I was enjoying the decor the waiter brought a beautiful ceramic clog filled with pebbles (?) on top of which rested a petite crispy ball which the waiter explained was filled with potato puree and cheese mousse. (The explanation in Dutch was more detailed but went over my head) I admit I was confused as I hadn't been given a menu but I popped it into my mouth and, well... WOW! It was crunchy and smooth, delicate and flavorful, I really can't describe how good it was.
The chef brought the next "first bite" after ascertaining that I wasn't allergic to anything and after that bite the menu arrived. I knew I had made the right choice when the waiter explained that they could adapt a dish to my preferences... and then turned the menu over to reveal A COMPLETELY VEGETARIAN MENU! That just doesn't happen! I am not strictly a vegetarian but I don't eat shellfish or red meat and most sauces have one or the other.
To describe every dish would take so long my fingers would be numb but each highlighted the best qualities of the ingredients with an emphasis on textures. There were five starters, one main and dessert. There was an additional bite before dessert and a small side dessert as well. The rolls were of course handmade and the butter! Jersey butter, deeply yellow and in a narrow cylinder shape. I loved the flavor!!
How many chefs come to a lone diner's table to chit chat? Not many, but this chef did. I live in rural Israel and have a huge organic garden, which I mentioned when I invited him to visit. He responded that he travels to Ibiza five times a year and cooks from an organic garden there. I can still dream...