Need a complete break? Head to the Achterhoek
Do you live in the busy city and just want to do absolutely nothing for a while? Head to the Achterhoek. I did just that recently, and a whole new world opened up for me.
I live right in the middle of the Jordaan, which is basically always fantastic, but every now and then I also feel the need to do absolutely nothing for a while. Two days at most, though; it usually doesn’t take much longer for all-consuming boredom to set in. But 48 hours without noise, hordes of tourists and all kinds of distractions around me? Hell yes, I’m in.
Admittedly, the clientele where I went is generally quite a bit older than you’re used to, but you eat just as well there as in Amsterdam. Not to mention the hospitality. And the sleeping—my God, what luxury and peace. Yes, sometimes you just have to pack your bags and head east. The Achterhoek it is!
On to Ruurlo
In Ruurlo you’ll find Restaurant Hotel De Tuinkamer, the small-scale hotel run by Jos and Ria Weel. It feels as though I’m visiting them at home; that’s how pleasant the atmosphere is. A fire crackles in the bar, and the guests—lots of couples here—are lounging in ultimate chill mode in the comfortable armchairs and sofas. But anyway, we drove all the way here for the food. De Tuinkamer has a Bib Gourmand as well as a Table Distinguée.
Aside from the food—which is simply fantastic, especially the dessert packed with fresh Asian flavors—I’m particularly impressed by Jos and Ria. They’re from Amsterdam and moved to the Achterhoek twenty years ago with their young children in tow to start their own business. They’ve been doing it with great flair ever since.
Chilling out in Lochem
The second hotel is Logis Hotel Bonaparte in Lochem, a small village at the foot of a huge forest (bring your sneakers!) and twenty minutes from our first hotel. As soon as you walk in, it’s immediately clear: lots of hikers, cyclists and other people come here who do more on weekends than go into the city and go wild. It’s much larger in scale than De Tuinkamer, but the food is fantastic here too. Lots of local products, and the dishes are beautifully presented. The maître-sommelier surprises us with a wine selection that goes off in every direction, but is in no way tame or boring.
