In memoriam: Joop’s tartare

Joop Braakhekke (or simply ‘Joop’) brought Parisian brasserie cuisine to the Netherlands at Le Garage in the 1990s. In an un-Dutch, glamorous setting of red velvet benches, mirrors and fairground lights, renowned artists and celebrities took a seat at his table. Sting, Mick Jagger, Cecilia Bartoli, Liza Minelli, Lang Lang and Dame Ednna. Just to name a few.

For that reason alone, Joop deserves a statue in the culinary hall of fame. But we also fondly remember his Evergreens, which are still on the menu at Le Garage to this day. Such as the tuna pizza, the rotisserie poussin, the rib eye with beurre Bercy and the Caesar salad.

Meat grinder

Of all these delights, we choose the steak tartare. As a tribute to the master himself. Prepared at the table at Le Garage, à la minute, made from bavette, minced on the coarse plate of the meat grinder (not chopped) and thoroughly mixed. And – Joop’s secret – a drop of cognac to finish it off.

Here is the video by Foodtube showing how Joop – and only Joop – made it. Including the inevitable bloopers.

Image: Foodtube.nl