Lekker500 — 45
It can! Comfort food on a gastronomic high level, in an ambiance that wouldn't look out of place in New York or Tokyo, in a contemporary relaxed atmosphere. And relaxed service that masters the art of pampering guests to perfection. Showw is the overarching concept, with maître-sommelier Lendl Mijnhijmer and chef Dorus Floris forming the shared vision behind this culinary spectacle. The welcome from the black brigade is warm; we are escorted to our spacious round table in a generously laid-out, modern open dining room. Soon a stool is pulled over so we can set down our bag, and we take sips of a glass of sparkling champagne from Alexandre Penet Premier Cru. The feast can begin. Among the amuse-bouches, it's mainly the small dish of lightly roasted thinly sliced veal loin with peas, soy, and sesame, topped with lush kimchi foam, that leaves a wonderfully lingering impression. A pure taste bomb. And so, every course will boast a high degree of surprise in terms of flavor, texture, creativity, and generosity. North Sea crab arrives as a tartare, topped with farmhouse yogurt sorbet, green apple, yogurt with green curry dressing, and basil oil. Presented as beautifully as a little painting on the plate, and furthermore a pure taste sensation. We ask to order a bottle of wine and are presented with no fewer than four labels, each accompanied by a brief yet precise description. We choose a lovely fruity Muscadet Granite Clos des Perrières. Following a tender Norwegian langoustine grilled on the plancha with curry oil, parsnip cream, and a highly aromatic sauce made from langoustine heads with a hint of espresso, finished with crackling kataifi, comes a stunning main course. A crépinette of Dutch veal loin wrapped in 'Dutch' serrano ham, resting on a pesto of lavender, shallots, piccalilly pearls, and sliced cooking apple, which is then poured tableside with a rich veal jus that blends with the pesto, creating a visual spectacle on the plate. How refined. Here, supreme quality meets an immersive experience. Enters at number 45 in the Top 100 of this guide.