By Carl Dombek
The concierge at our hotel recommended Hemelse Modder for our last night in Amsterdam. We were so glad we'd asked for his recommendation!
We arrived for our reservation and were immediately taken to our waiting table and brought water and bread to sip and nibble as we perused the menu. We each decided that a three-course offering would be plenty, and we were not disappointed.
My wife started with an appetizer of terrine of pheasant partridges and pistachios while I enjoyed a bullion of wild mushrooms with fennel seeds. She said hers was delicious. I thought mine lacked a little flavor but was pleasant nonetheless.
For her main, my bride enjoyed a saddle of hare while I chose the grilled venison steak with horseradish's gravy. Both arrived cooked to the chef's preference, which is what you want with game. The chef knows how to prepare it and will not ruin it by overcooking for a guest who might like their steak medium-well. Steak is not the same as game.
We each ended with a selection of Dutch cheeses, and enjoyed glasses of house wine with our dinners.
Service was attentive without being intrusive, and the small-ish place was full of folks obviously enjoying themselves, providing a nice buzz.
It was not inexpensive but our bill was less than one might have expensed for such a delightful fine dining experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
We arrived for our reservation and were immediately taken to our waiting table and brought water and bread to sip and nibble as we perused the menu. We each decided that a three-course offering would be plenty, and we were not disappointed.
 |
| Terrine of pheasant partridges and pistachios |
My wife started with an appetizer of terrine of pheasant partridges and pistachios while I enjoyed a bullion of wild mushrooms with fennel seeds. She said hers was delicious. I thought mine lacked a little flavor but was pleasant nonetheless.
 |
| Venison, done properly medium rare |
For her main, my bride enjoyed a saddle of hare while I chose the grilled venison steak with horseradish's gravy. Both arrived cooked to the chef's preference, which is what you want with game. The chef knows how to prepare it and will not ruin it by overcooking for a guest who might like their steak medium-well. Steak is not the same as game.
 |
| Saddle of hare |
Both were essentially medium-rare, and both tender and tasty. My venison had the slightest hint of game taste, which is exactly what I wanted. Enough to know I wasn't eating beef but not overpowering.
 |
| Dutch cheeses to end the evening |
We each ended with a selection of Dutch cheeses, and enjoyed glasses of house wine with our dinners.
Service was attentive without being intrusive, and the small-ish place was full of folks obviously enjoying themselves, providing a nice buzz.
It was not inexpensive but our bill was less than one might have expensed for such a delightful fine dining experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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Photos by Carl Dombek
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