Many a star was discovered at this restaurant

Douwe Bob, Shirma Rouse and Maan de Steenwinkel; they all took to the stage at Club Dauphine. Soon, the club night will celebrate its tenth anniversary.

The name Dauphine may sound familiar. That could be right, because café-restaurant Dauphine has been an Amsterdam institution for thirteen years. Big enough for (large) groups and business dinners, yet cozy enough for a pleasant or even romantic night out. And with its French-oriented menu full of brasserie classics – such as fruits de mer, charcuterie, ribeye and steak tartare – there is something for everyone.

Panache at the Club

Those looking for a little more entertainment can head to the room behind the restaurant on Friday evenings. That is where Club Dauphine takes place: a club night where you can dine while well-known and up-and-coming artists perform live. Think Candy Dulfer and Alain Clarke, but also Douwe Bob and Maan de Steenwinkel before their breakthroughs. Many an artist took their first steps on stage here. In fact, scouts from The Voice of Holland and other talent shows regularly come here to spot young talent, says programmer Martijn Roos.

While they perform on stage, guests are served a four-course dinner (starter, intermediate, main, dessert). What it will be is a surprise every time. “While enjoying a good glass of wine and a bottle of San Pellegrino on the table, guests are served a beautifully balanced dinner. You could describe it as classic French cuisine with a modern twist. Just like the restaurant, but with a little more panache,” says Club Manager Joris Gootjes. “Think veal entrecote or cod as the main course, but recently we also served mini burgers with truffle and onion compote on a brioche bun. The intermediate course is usually a soup, such as cauliflower soup with truffle or a broth.” And for dessert? “Last week it was poached pears with chocolate mousse.”

Magic

After dinner, the chairs and tables are pushed aside and people can dance. Short on cash and no money for dinner (€64,-)? For €15,- you can get an admission ticket without a seat or dinner. A bargain when you consider what you normally pay for a concert ticket. Dauphine owner Charles Hollenkamp: “The artists come here because they genuinely enjoy it, because we have a good relationship, the quality is high and there is good chemistry.” Martijn Roos adds: “That is when a live show becomes truly good: when the artists are having fun. That is when the magic happens.”

Who takes the stage is—as with the menu—a surprise every time. Roos: “From jazz to tango and from bossa nova to soul, it is an eclectic mix of artists. But I usually make sure there are two or three new artists and three or four older, better-known artists.”

Anniversary

It will come as no surprise that the line-up for the tenth anniversary on 14 and 15 December is being kept strictly secret. Roos: “Instead of the seven artists we normally have, we will invite twelve or thirteen who have been characteristic of the past ten years. The formula will otherwise remain the same: young and old, well-known and unknown artists. It will be a big party.”

Win a Friday Night Out

Enjoy the most swinging melodies with the finest bubbles from San Pellegrino? You can do that at Club Dauphine. Every Friday evening features surprising performances filled with soul, jazz, funk, R&B and more. Let us know under our Facebook post who you would like to go with and win two Friday Night Live tickets!

This evening is presented by S.Pellegrino.