Delivery review: RIJKS*’s delivery meal
During these crazy corona times, restaurants are closed, so we’re happily dining out at home. Luckily, many new and special delivery and takeaway restaurants have been added. And we’re going to test them for you. Today: RIJKS* in Amsterdam.
In the pre-corona era (does it feel light-years ago to you too?), I ate out at least five days a week. But now that I can no longer go to my beloved restaurants, the restaurants come to me. Not only because I enjoy it, but also to support the hospitality industry. Because by ordering (or picking up), you help keep restaurants afloat.
Chef Joris Bijdendijk
The corona crisis is prompting entrepreneurs and restaurants forced to close their doors to come up with creative solutions, and chef Joris Bijdendijk of RIJKS is no exception. He was one of the first chefs to announce on Instagram that RIJKS would deliver a three-course meal to your home for €32.50. You can also order individual sausages, wines (from 25 euros), macadamias with ras el hanout and water. With staying at home compulsory, a Michelin-starred meal sounds like music to our ears. “Hi Deliveroo, Vincent speaking…”
The delivery
A young cyclist arrives at my door even earlier than the estimated time. As if following an age-old delivery ritual, he places the Deliveroo box on the ground, right in front of the front door, and asks me to take the two bags out myself. I solemnly bow my head and bend my knees.
The packaging
The bags contain three paper bowls with transparent lids, a larger box and a bottle of wine. The box contains various components: a soup container with a lid, a cup of colourful juice, RIJKS napkins, a box with the RIJKS logo and an official letter with instructions and the chef’s own signature. ‘To give you the RIJKS experience at home, we advise you to light the candles on the table and dim the lights.’
The menu
After a vitamin shot of cabbage and & ginger and freshly baked spelt bread with brown butter, we start with a generous portion of silky, green gazpacho, which we pour into the first bowl alongside the ricotta and radishes. A rich start. The main course consists of a slightly cooled but juicy tri-tip, gnocchi with mushrooms, and all we have to do is pour the accompanying wine. The third bowl contains dessert: chocolate brownie, banana and meringue. The final RIJKS box contains the ‘friandises’: candied pumpkin.
Unboxing as an appetiser
Each of the dishes looks delicious and made the journey from Museumplein to Amsterdam city centre just fine. Unboxing all the components makes it extra exciting. The different courses, the way they are served and the wine suggestions create a genuine restaurant experience that makes you take the time to enjoy it.
Fun details include a QR code leading to RIJKS’ Spotify playlist and a packet of tissues from the Rijksmuseum, a paper-based nod to the corona drama.
Can RIJKS join us at the table more often?
Absolutely! I think a Michelin-starred meal for 32.50 euros that genuinely gives you a restaurant experience is fantastic. And because of the amuse and the friandises, you really take your time with it. This isn’t a meal you wolf down in front of the TV. Order it when you have something to celebrate; it’s a really delicious and fun alternative to dining out.
Also read:
- Sangiovese is the ideal wine for pizza, lasagne and bolognese
- Recipe: Italian affogato
- Pinot Grigio: the wine everyone likes and that goes wonderfully with vegetables, fish, pasta and schnitzel!
Image: Rinze Vergelien/RIJKS
