Hotspot: restaurant JAQ in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, new hotspots are springing up like mushrooms. The latest must-go is restaurant JAQ on the Kruiskade. In short: velvet with a little bling and honest food.
Ha! Very Rotterdam, then.
Yes, very much so, but with a modern twist. Industrial concrete floor, velvet cocktail chairs, golden lighting and a matching hexagon mirror wall. Rotterdammers do like a bit of sparkle, right? The neon ‘Hello Gorgeous’ artwork in the hall completes the picture. Very instagrammable.
Who exactly is this JAQ?
JAQ is a true Rotterdammer, we’re told. “JAQ is the theater district, is the Kruiskade, is the Lijnbaan. He had actually fled the city, travelled the world, and has now returned here in search of good company.”
Nice concept, but what about that honest food?
Executive chef Paul Dingjan has put together a very accessible menu that is served all day. No more heavy three-course meals like at its predecessor Roots; instead, just keep things simple and order a table full of delicious food, for yourself or to share. Think oven-baked St-JAQ scallops with salsify and bacon dressing, Oriental shore crab soup with lemongrass, ginger and coconut, or JAQ’s Jerusalem artichoke and parsley root with truffle potato and caper vinaigrette.
Well, well, that’s not a kapsalon.
Oh, but they have that too at JAQ. Or rather, a variation on it: ‘sjieke friet’ with pulled pork and chipotle mayo. Come to momma! Paul and his team smoke the pork shoulder for the pulled pork themselves – of course. The standard is high when it comes to meat at JAQ anyway, as evidenced by the côte de boeuf hanging deliciously in the restaurant’s own dry-aging cabinet next to the bar.
What else is on the menu?
A few small dishes, such as hand-cut steak tartare with tarragon mayonnaise and black tiger prawn lettuce cups with mango, chili, cashew and coriander. And for the vegans and vegetarians among us: JAQshuka with egg, tomato and spinach; avocado or halloumi sandwiches, or a Buddha Bowl salad with green asparagus, peanut dressing, red cabbage, wakame and lentils. With drinks, order the extensive charcuterie board or crispy nachos with cheese. And don’t forget the cocktails at the bar!
Will we go back?
Absolutely. Our three-hour lunch at JAQ promised plenty of good things, and we hadn’t even tasted the desserts yet. Apparently, an extensive dessert platter is presented at the table, from which you can make a selection. We like the sound of that! JAQ is also conveniently located in the heart of the city: next to the Hilton, a 5-minute walk from Rotterdam Central Station. Perfect for a business lunch or before heading out into Rotterdam’s nightlife.
Restaurant JAQ, Kruiskade 9, Rotterdam
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