Hotspot for wine lovers: Zoldering
Bar Moustache had already twirled its moustache and left a while ago, but luckily this lovely spot at the end of Utrechtsestraat in Amsterdam didn’t stay empty for long. It now houses a delightful bistro with a brown-and-white interior: Zoldering.
As soon as we arrive, we’re seated at the high communal table. This place is doing a roaring trade, so walking in on a whim or making a very last-minute reservation is a risk. Luckily, there are always a few spots left at the bar in the back.
Who’s behind it?
Four boys run the place. Chef Tomas (Waldorf Astoria, Librije), sommelier Job (Café de Klepel, Librije), sommelier Wout (Ciel Bleu) and wine importer Joost. So there’s a wealth of hospitality experience and wine knowledge here. You can feel it and taste it.
So, is it a wine bar?
No, it’s a new-style bistro, but it does have an extensive wine list. The atmosphere may not be quite as low-key as you might hope. That’s partly due to the somewhat closed-off façade and the communal tables by the window, which mean you can’t simply pop in for a glass of vino. Once you’re seated, though, the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed. Yes, laughter is allowed.
What’s on the menu?
Expect excellent charcuterie, a good oyster, creamy farmhouse pâté, a (brilliant!) farm chicken and a flavourful mackerel with horseradish. Each dish is delicious and slips down effortlessly, leaving you wanting to carry on eating forever. The accompanying wines certainly contribute to that.
Tell us more!
The list features around 750 reasonably priced wines. Such as a delicious Margaux (the famous wine from the Médoc) from Deyrem Valentin from 1999 for just eleven bucks, as well as a fantastic Gaillac (one of France’s oldest wine regions) for only five euros a glass. What we’re trying to say is that you can tell this place is run by sommeliers with a nose for beautiful wines and undiscovered gems.
Will we be back?
Absolutely! If only because of the service, which is both sharp and well-informed. And certainly because we didn’t have to spend a fortune and still rolled out the door feeling completely satisfied.
Zoldering
Utrechtsestraat 141H, Amsterdam
image: photographybymarieke + Milton Verseput
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