Deliciously decadent: eating fruits de mer in a vineyard (near Amsterdam!)
Nothing is quite as decadent as a plateau fruits de mer. Or perhaps there is: eating a plateau fruits de mer in a sunny vineyard is truly the ultimate indulgence. You don’t have to fly to Monaco or Saint-Tropez for it, because this summer you can slurp your oysters in exotic Amstelveen.
With the coronavirus measures in mind, many Dutch people are preparing for a holiday in their own country this year. That could mean a soaking-wet folding trailer in Ermelo, or a bungalow with a musty smell, but it could also be a little more decadent: a terrace in a green vineyard, where you can enjoy ultra-fresh oysters, briny-sweet langoustines and salty cockles. Now that’s how you make a holiday at Playa del Casa perfectly bearable!
Just as delicious as France
The vineyard belongs to Annelies and Douwe, who run Amsteltuin De Wijngaard together. They grow Solaris, Johanniter, Souvignier Gris, Pinotin and Cabernet Cortis. Never heard of them? That may well be right: these are specially crossbred grape varieties that also ripen well during Dutch summers (just look outside). According to Annelies and Douwe, they taste great. They say their wine can rival famous wines from Italy and France.
Dreaming of bisque
Kiki and Joost, popup restaurant experts, could see the potential in that vineyard. Tables set with linen, they dreamed, and not too many of them: a maximum of ten or fifteen. A menu that starts with bisque, followed by a beautiful plateau of fresh shellfish and crustaceans, sounded perfect to them. And naturally, Annelies and Douwe’s wine in the glass, because after all, you’re sitting among their grapes. Wonderful! That dream is becoming reality, because their pop-up restaurant in the vineyard is open in June, July and August. The arrangement costs 75 euros per person, and you can make a reservation via the website.
Read also:
- Corona-proof outing: pick your own oysters
- De Draak is a top address for the most delicious Fruits de Mer
- You can now buy Chateau Amsterdam wine at HEMA
Photo: Suzanne Ophof
