30s Magazine

A few weeks ago I had lunch at the newly opened Brasserie Goldfinch in the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Amsterdam. I have to say, it was one of the best lunches I had in a while. Not just because of the sublime food and wine, but also because of the elegant setting, ambiance, and service. The Waldorf Astoria is located in the heart of Amsterdam on the Herengracht canal in a stunning 18th century building with marble flooring, high ornamented ceilings and dramatic stairs. Its two-star Michelin star restaurant Librije’s Zusje was an instant success and therefore the management felt it was time to open another restaurant that is more accessible. On the lower level of the chic hotel now houses Brasserie Goldfinch with a gorgeous view on the garden.

The menu is created by Chef-cook Sidney Schutte, executive chef at Librije’s Zusje. It is a selection of international classics and innovative combinations. Think starters like: Smoked Salmon Rosti, crispy fried mackerel fillet, or Kabocha pumpkin soup with coconut and green apple. The main courses are Cod with couscous, coconut and lemongras, or open lobster ravioli, and wagyu beef burger. Besides the à la carte menu, you can also opt for a set two- or three course menu.

We were welcomed with a peach Bellini. As a starter we had a salad with pan fried langoustines, with old cheese, aubergine and smoked garlic mayonnaise, and a crispy fried mackerel fillet. The langoustines salad was to die for! As a main dish we chose the Duck pie with minced duck, hoisin, orange, potato puree and spring onion. It had a sweet and spicy flavour. We also had the crispy suckling pork laquered with clove honey sauerkraut and potato puree. Both dishes are excellent! The portions are large so next time I might just take only one main, or two starters though.

The wine menu is also top notch. We opted for a 2010 Lazio Bianco ‘Moro’, Marco Carpineti, from Italy, and the 2010 Italian Promis. Angelo Gaja, from Tuscany. For dessert we had a lychee and mint shooter with a grapefruit & gin-lemon granita, and layers of yoghurt cream and fruit. My friend had the banana royal.