Kasteel Kerckebosch

Surrounded by the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Kasteel Kerckebosch – originally built as a country house for an aristocratic family – is now over 125 years old, yet has lost none of its charm. The atmospheric restaurant in the conservatory of chef-owner Hans van Triest features a modern aesthetic thanks to its light color scheme, large mullioned windows, and a centrally placed bar. As described, the kitchen aims to take guests on a delightful journey through international flavors, offering a curated Top 10 selection alongside the classics on the à la carte menu. We begin immediately with the amuse-bouche: a crispy garlic cylinder filled with black garlic cream and topped with a dollop of lemon gel. A genuine flavor bomb. For the starter, we choose smoked wild carrot with shiso, crispy nori, and miso. Unfortunately, the dish is served too cold, which dulls its flavor. Much better is the classic crispy-seared duck liver, tender within, accompanied by apple tarte tatin and calvados jus. It pairs excellently with a glass of refined Haute Vallée Chardonnay from Limoux. For the main course, we have Texel lamb with za'atar. Tender, and – something rarely seen nowadays – boasting a genuinely crispy fat layer. Served with smoked yogurt, eggplant, and charcoal-grilled souvlaki. Sommelier Milan Visser pours a perfectly complementary fruity Morellino di Scansano, Roggiano. We conclude with fresh mint tea and a delightful almond biscuit featuring a mini ruby chocolate bombe filled with strawberry mousse. After all this culinary delight, you can sleep like royalty in one of the thirty distinctive hotel rooms on the first or second floor.

Castle Kerkebosch combines classic allure with a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere. We dine in a conservatory overlooking the well-tended gardens, a setting that immediately brings a sense of calm. Carefully prepared dishes appear on the plate, such as house-smoked...

Both literally and figuratively a delightful discovery, the Bistoria (bistro and trattoria) at Kasteel Kerckebosch. This cozy, informal venue is situated in the conservatory and features two distinct sections. The area adjacent to the kitchen has a more classic decor, while the opposite side leans slightly more modern. Here, you can select international dishes served as appetizers, either from the Bistoria Top 10 or from a selection of classics on the à la carte menu. The dishes draw on French, Italian, Asian, and Caribbean influences, though they all bear Dutch names. After sampling some delicious starters—cotton candy with duck liver and hazelnut macarons with goat cheese—we opt for the 'Décadente Schelp'. It features a trio of raw scallops accompanied by celeriac slices and truffle, a fresh Waldorf salad, and an ice cream crafted from creamy hay-milk cheese from Werkhoven. Refreshing and inventive. Next comes the 'Koning van de Lofoten': a serving of skrei wrapped in kale and Jerusalem artichoke, served with skrei and potato brandade alongside a smoked garlic sauce. A generous and flavorful dish. The Vienna-style Gemischter Satz, a blend of Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, and Pinot Gris poured by our enthusiastic sommelier, Milan Visser, pairs beautifully. Then a classic: 'Oma Vera’s Rendang', prepared according to a recipe by Vera, the mother of owner and head chef Hans van Triest. The kitchen puts a modern spin on it with a bright sauce of coconut, lemongrass, and kumquats. The cheese board presents a lovely selection of French Alpine cheeses alongside a peppery Bleu des Basques. We wrap up with a 'Kiss from Italy': a modern take on tiramisu featuring delicate, crispy ladyfingers. Delicious, though perhaps a bit on the sweeter side. The dishes are rock-solid. A genuinely welcoming spot.

Originally built as a picturesque country house for an aristocratic family, it is today a graceful culinary castle offering accommodation and a fine restaurant located in a bright, attractive conservatory. In addition, there is a bistro, a salon lounge with a fireplace and comfortable seating, private dining, high tea, a bar, a vinoteca, and on beautiful summer days it is delightful to relax on the carefully maintained terrace. "It does not matter how long, but how well one has lived," reads the inscription in an imposing stained-glass window, a sentiment central to director Hans and his wife Cynthia van Triest. Hospitality is highly valued here. Dishes from the kitchen are inspired by international cuisine. We start with half a dozen classic oysters, served with red wine vinegar, shallots, and lemon. Pure, yet full of quality. An ode to Escoffier is the main event: succulently prepared tournedos with duck liver, truffle, brioche, Madeira jus, and potato foam. Richness on the plate. We order their extra delicious homemade funky & chunky fries to go with it. The serving team is excellently coordinated and serves the dishes at a pleasant pace. Kasteel Kerckebosch guarantees a relaxed atmosphere and the price-to-quality ratio is exemplary.