Dining in the Dam

Well where do I start? Amsterdam. A place like no other. Perfect spot for a long weekend - as a couple or with friends.

Where Van Gogh meets the red light district, and trust me, the latter is far more entertaining!

You can lose yourself in a world of sex and weed. What a combo. But as a foodie, of course,  I had to find some exciting places to eat…and that I did.

Supperclub.

INCREDIBLE. You dine on beds…BEDS, whilst entertainers fill the floor and 11 Michelin star chefs slave away in the kitchen. 5 courses of exciting, tantalising combinations of flavours you’d never expect.

The menu is unknown until you arrive – and can remain unknown if you wish, and that we did! I’m not going to sit here and describe every course in detail, but I can assure you each was unique, with flavour from every spectrum combining in an unforgettable mouth explosion.

Service was great – from some errr interesting characters, but what more would you expect from the Dam!?

Every night has a different theme – ours was neo-burlesque, this included a fire breather and probably the most talented pole dancer I’ve ever seen!

Meal over – wine flowing, house music blaring. Can say it was one of the best meal experiences and nights out I’ve ever had. Put it at the top of your list!

http://www.supperclub.com/                                                                                

Singel 101 restaurant

Every plate served to us was fresh, local and inventive. A really gorgeous meal, yes the experience wasn’t quite Supperclub, but this is a different establishment altogether.

Modern décor with a calming atmosphere. Perfect place for a romantic meal, especially for adventurous foodies like us! Menu is changed daily depending on what is fresh and in season – so of course every dish is divine. 

Each dish was explained to us in detail on arrival, nice touch but I just wanted to drive right in…but that may’ve been the result of a few splifs. When in Dam!

http://www.singel101.nl/

  

Greenwoods

Well I’m not one for eating English style food in a foreign country, but on a hangover I must say the Greenwoods fry up is one you’ve got to try!! A step up from the typical greasy spoon. Quaint, small café with views of the canal. Short walk from the Red Light District, but be warned, it’s always busy!

http://greenwoods.eu/index.php

Now the cuisine is done – here is a quick list of my other top finds!

1. Abraxas coffee shop – you know what they serve. Psychedelic décor, mind bending fun. And cheaper than the rip off that is The Bulldog. (The muffins don’t work)
   
2. The Sex Museum – hilarious, weird and wonderful. You can’t not go.
   
3. The Amsterdam Dungeons – not one for these tourist attractions, but it was great! Really interesting, the actors were fab and you can’t really find them scary with the Dutch accents. Scccchmoke and a pancake?
4.  The Jolly Sailor – decent drinks and decent music. All round great atmosphere day and night.
5. A ride on a bike taxi - great way to see the city, cheap, comfy and you get a blanket. Cute.
   
6. The Hoppe – traditional Dutch pub, where the first Heineken pint was served. Alcohol mixed with history, see drinking does involve culture! Great excuse.
   
7.  Bubbles and Wine – they serve Champagne and wine. Enough said.
   
8. A Peep show – right, it’s pretty weird but has to be done! Plus it’s only 2 euros. Cheapest porno you’ll ever see.
9. Frozen Yoghurt shop on Damstraat – just try it, you’ll love it.
   
10. Pancakes – go anywhere, you can’t go wrong with a pancake, plus you’re in the Netherlands. You have to have a pancake.

The Northbank Restaurant, London

So earlier this week I went up to London to help my beautiful cousin (Jane) move into her new flat. We call each other twinnies, and so does the rest of the fam. If you ever meet us you’ll see why! Literally the same person…but anyway back to business. As there was no food in the flat, the only option was to eat out (any excuse!) so Jane decided on The Northbank Restaurant which looks out onto the Thames and is tucked underneath the Millennium Bridge. She explained that it’s unknown to tourists and I was sold. I find touristy restaurants just the worst; I prefer little hidden gems.

Excellent modern décor with a view of the river from the floor length windows that surround the restaurant. Our table was beautifully set, the cutlery glistened and the table cloths were pristine. We chose a booth that had low hanging lights at the centre of the table creating a gorgeous ambiance. They also looked fabulous…noting that one down for my future dining room! The waiter, Angelo, picked out some gorgeous reds for us. We started on an Italian Chianti, then moved to a Chateau Cabezac. Angelo was really friendly and helpful…also pleasing on the eye ladies, who doesn’t love a sexy Italian waiter!?

I started my dinner with the Spiced Cornish Wood Pigeon with celeriac and red wine, it was beautiful. The pigeon was tender and perfectly cooked, just a little pink in the middle which is how I like it! The celeriac and red wine complemented the meat well and the overall presentation was of a Michelin standard. I love a slate plate me!

Now the main course. STEAK. We were all sat there drinking red wine and couldn’t resist. Rib-eyes all round please! Mine was cooked rare and I chose the truffle oil for my sauce. The steak was tender and cooked to perfection, nice and bloody! MMMMMMMMMMM. We went for sides in the centre of the table that consisted of crispy kale (how healthy), roasted parsnips, spiced broccoli, chunky chips (not so healthy) and finally cauliflower and bone marrow gratin. It was a real experience, high standard of ingredients and just all round yummmmy. Comfort food made exciting with the chef’s use of seasoning and the fusions of flavours.

Now for the dessert, the three of us had everything on the menu on a taster board. My god was it worth it! Everything just made you ‘mmmmm’ whilst you ate (I’m hoping you all do that too). I don’t feel I need to explain much about these desserts, the picture says it all. They honestly tasted as good as they looked.

Incredible food which I believe is Michelin star quality; how this restaurant is quite unknown baffles me. Yes, we went on a Monday but it’s the kind of place that should be packed every night. Amazing views, great atmosphere, lovely wine but most of all exceptional food! Well done Northbank! 

Eating out in Bishops Waltham: Part 1.

Giorgio's Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar.

As it states in the ‘About me’ page of this blog I live in the country side; that country side retreat being Bishops Waltham, Hampshire. Although our high street isn’t the biggest we do boast many restaurants; one of those being the newly opened ‘Giorgio’s Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar’. Obviously I was ready to be extremely picky being from the Med myself but Giorgio and his team did not let me down. It’s like Mumma used to make (please say in Italian accent)! 

What a venue. There is no other way to begin this review! At first you’re wondering where the restaurant is, but as soon as you descend down the stairs you are greeted by rustic brick work, wooden beams and beautiful Mediterranean artwork. The low lighting creates a warm atmosphere whilst the friendly staff make you feel welcome and most of all special!

(images take from @GiorgiosBW)

                        

The restaurant was full and buzzing! The atmosphere was really great as there were drinkers as well as eaters and the Latino playlist was just fabulous. You couldn’t help but have a little wiggle. The tables were set in a simple fashion with just a tea light in the centre. The staff brought us over a jug of water as soon as we sat down (we didn’t even have to ask). 

Excellent wine list, it’s not huge but I personally think that’s better. I don’t know about you but after a while I start to get confused with all the different types, “the 2012 bottle darling or the 2009”, who knows hey! The wine list had a great selection and we decided on the Pinot Noir…which was Romanian btw! First experience of Romanian wine and the bottle didn’t last long, let’s put it that way. 

Artwork from Giorgio's

The two of us decided on tapas to share for starter: the calamari, albondigas (meatballs) and the gambas pil pil. AMAZING! It came out so quickly, which was great. We were starving! (I skipped lunch to make room…naughty). All three were a taste sensation, but the calamari really was something special. So tender, crispy batter and it just melted in the mouth. Neither of us spoke during our starters and that speaks volumes! We were so starving I forgot to take a photo, apologies! 

For main it was the Paella Mixta(shared) that was served in a traditional paella dish which was so authentic and just a lovely touch. It was beautiful, well-seasoned, the seafood was fresh and the chorizo added spice. The rice texture was perfect, al-dente as the Italians say! There is NOTHING worse than stodgy rice. May as well eat baby food. 

The both of us were too full for dessert…we decided on a bottle of Processo, G&T’s and then whiskey…hehe. Yes my head was a little sore the next morning but it was worth it! If you’re ever in the neighbourhood or live close by Giorgio’s is a destination. You have to try it! 

Address:                 Open: Tuesday-Saturday 

8 High Street                  12pm-2:30pm/6pm-Close

Bishops Waltham 

SO32 1AA