Multi-course meals with a view at Vessel
By Seger Abels
Revaleiland 500, 1014 ZG Amsterdam
BOOK NOWThe city of Amsterdam is expanding and saying only De Pijp or the Jordaan area is “the place to be” is just too shortsighted. Being a foodie always helps to explore parts of a city that you otherwise might skip. That part of being a foodie speaks greatly to us, even in our own city. So, we hopped on our bikes and went to the ‘Houthavens,’ a fairly new area in the West of Amsterdam. The reason for this trip was the restaurant Vessel, a place that had been on our list for quite some time. Why? Imagine an imposing building with a huge terrace overlooking the water, serving a tasting menu full of innovative dishes accompanied by good wines.
Vessel, as previously mentioned, is located in the Amsterdam Houthavens, and has a unique view overlooking the IJ. We took a seat on their terrace and got a little quiet. Why was this feeling so different from all the other times we took a seat on a waterfront? Maybe it’s the fact that you’re encapsulated by a ‘skyline’ of high buildings, that feels more like Rotterdam or even New York and brings a tranquil atmosphere to this part of town. Echoing sounds of people swimming and kids playing, mingled with the sounds of clinking glasses and cutlery… Sounds like a perfect summer evening. Looking around we also started to feel this might be the ideal terrace to truly enjoy a good meal, instead of a quick bite we Dutchies normally have when dining al fresco. Proper tables, chairs and everything else you need to enjoy a good (multi-course) dinner.
The restaurant is located in Boat & Co, a hotel designed (quite beautifully, at that) by Kollhoff Architects. The heart of the building is an immense and spacious atrium that, again, brought us to silence – what a beautiful space. Being part of the hotel also ensures that you are welcome for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At Vessel, there is always something going on, which also brings the need to do a bit of research about what you’re coming for (no worries, we did the research for you). The food experience can be divided into two: the brasserie experience and the more high-end tasting menu experience. In the brasserie, you go for the somewhat quicker bite. A main and a good glass of wine type of thing. You can, of course, order multiple courses, and they come from the same kitchen with the same staff as the tasting menu experience. The tasting menu is their full-on dinner experience. During the summer season they are, understandably, very busy (what with the big terrace and summer-forward atmosphere), so the tasting menu isn’t served. Luckily we have some insider information and we can tell you when they will start it up again. Just keep reading… #cliffhanger.
Head chef Freek Dekker is in charge of the kitchen and thus the tasting menu, where you get the option to choose between 6 or 8 courses and for the rest? Leave it up to the kitchen. You can expect every course to be surprising, might it be in the preparation of a well-known ingredient or a lesser-known ingredient altogether. Examples? Claresse (a lesser-known but uber-tasty fish) with Tandoori spices and rhubarb! Or perfectly cooked veal cheek with goat cheese and za’atar. Or from the all-vegetable ‘Green menu’ a dish of dry aged eggplant, red mole, pommes Paolo, green apple, daidai and dill. All very creative, all very tasty.
Please note: At Vessel, they cook with the season so the menu is ever-changing. Just like the seasonally-changing views. So, while it’s the perfect spot for summer dining, we can’t wait to come back in autumn… and winter… oh and how about spring?
Vessel
The Place: Tasting menu experience
The Space: Impressive from every angle!
The Base: Menu starting from €69
The Face: Hotel guests, Houthaven residents and foodies.
The Ace: In September they start with their tasting menu again! You’ve heard it here first.
The Veg: 6 or 8 courses fully vegetable? Possible! Just go for the ‘Green menu’.
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 07:00-23:00, Sat-Sun 08:00-23:00
Images from vesselamsterdam.nl, ©Vessel
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