Restaurant Session (in Nieuwegein, Netherlands): Céline

In the morning, we went via ferry back to the main land.

 An airplane!

 

Our next destionation is Parc Broekhuizen in Leersum. We arrived at 11h30, but early check-in was not possible and the bistro was fully booked. As there was no alternative to get anything for lunch at the hotel, apart the bistro, we decided to go to a restaurant nearby - and got very positively impressed!

 

Restaurant Céline from chef Rick Gresnigt is located inside a fort - Fort Jutphaas - in Nieuwegein. 

We sat outside, under majestic trees, on...

 

... a lovely terrace. Perfect location on a beautiful day! 

 

I had a glass of Champagne Besserat de Bellefon Bleu Brut.

 

 Roger had a non-alcoholic alternative: Verjus Spritz from Kamptal.

 

With the aperitif, several...

 

...delicious bites. 

 

  

The amuse bouche. 

 

The first dish: North Sea crab tartelette | green bean | lemon | avocado

[Tartelette Noordzee crab | snijboon | citroen | avocado]

 

White asparagus | chantarelle | garden pea | sea lavender | wild garlic

[Witte asperge | cantharel | doperwt | lamsoor | daslook] 

 

Iberico | chermoula | leek | samphire | oyster

[Iberico | chermoula | prei | zeekraal | oester]

 

 Wagyu A5 | kale | tarragon | carrots | cumin

[Wagyu A5 | palmkool | dragon | bospeen | komijn]

 

Blossom | Ruby chocolate | strawberry | yogurt

[Bloesem | Ruby chocolade | aardbei | yoghurt]

 

We enjoyed so much!! We got so enervated when we had no option for lunch in our next hotel but, in the end, it was a delicious surprise to actually have found this place instead!

 

Jun 15th, 2023.

Restaurant Session (in Den Hoorn - Texel, Netherlands): Bij Jef

In the evening, we went for dinner at restaurant Bij Jef✨ from chef Jef Schuur in Den Hoorn.

 

As the weather was excellent, we had the aperitif on the terrace.

At the other side of the road, the restaurant's farm. Literally from farm to fork 😊 

 

Starting with the first bites. Razor clams.

[Scheermes] 

 

Whelk.

[Wulk] 

 

Ramanas, dill and horseradish.

[Ramanas, dille en mierikswortel] 

 

Wadden Sea shrimp with oyster, pickle Texel "Rustic"

[Waddenzeegarnalen met oester, augurk en Texelse "Rustiek"] 

 

Bread and butter. Starting with a brioche.

 

 

Mackerel, vinaigrette of Wadden sea cockles and coconut

[Makreel - vinaigrette van waddenzeekokkels en kokos]

 

With the first dish, a glass of 2021 Dao Branco Fieldblend from Antonio Madeira.

 

Flaky brioche. So crusty, perfect.

[Brioche Feuilletée] 

 

Scallop, parsley root, sage and radish

[Coquille - peterseliewortel, salie en radijs]

With the scallop, a glass of 2021 Gewürztraminer Nature from Bannwarth. 

 

Wadden Sea cockles, catch of Texel lamb and juice of roasted celeriac

[Waddenzeekokkels - vang van Texels lam en sap van gepofte knolselderij]

 

Pairing with the cockles, a glass of 2021 Manzoni Fontanasanta from Foradori.

 

 

Texel asparagus, kohlrabi, watercress and smoked hollandaise

[Texelse asperges - koolrabi, waterkers en gerookte hollandaise]

 

With the asparagus, a glass of 2021 La Bastid from Olivier Rivière. 

 

Sea bass, Texel asparagus and trout roe

[Zeebaars - Texelse asperge en foreleitjes]

  

A glass of 2021 Verdejo Majuelo del 'Chiviritero' from Isaac Cantalapiedra.

 

Before the main dish, we went briefly outside...

 

...just to enjoy the beautiful landscape.

 

The main dish: Texel lamb, the finest part of the lamb

[Texels lam - het mooiste van het lam] 

 

With a side dish.

 

With the main dish, a glass of 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo from Massolino. 

I did not resist and went again outside - just to enjoy this amazing sunset!

 

Idyllic surroundings.

 

Sweet time! Honey, lemon thyme, cassis and yogurt

[Honing - citroenthym, cassis en yoghurt] 

 

As dessert wine, a glass of 2020 Zweigelt Beerenauslese from Kracher. Very nice!

 

 

To finish a great dinner, coffee and...

 

...gourmandises. What a selection! 

 

Including a little profiterole to share. 

 

We enjoyed so much! Great dinner!!

 

Jun 14th, 2023.