Fun & Famous

NEW JETTIE-PROOF RESTAURANT IN THE CITY

At the editorial office, the adjective Jettie-proof applies to everything that is healthy and cozy. Because healthy must also be happy and not boring. That's why I did a little hop when I was invited to eat at restaurant Swych in the Amsterdam Nieuwe Doelenstraat.

The location scored about ten points, because not only do you have the most beautiful view over the Amstel (and you almost look out onto the Alles is Liefde café where Carice is crying her eyes out at Thomas Acda), it also brought back cherished memories, because long ago I studied on this street. The restaurant is located in the five-star hotel NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen and I happen to have a tremendous soft spot for five-star hotels. And hotel bars. And hotel restaurants.

At Swych, you start at the bar in the library for a better international feel. Then you go to the restaurant. With good chairs, my father would say. Not unimportant if you want to dine for a whole evening.

We set the menu aside and let ourselves be surprised by the chef. Who, by the way, used to cook at Vermeer. We asked for a matching BOB wine arrangement. A glass with each dish, but not completely filled. Swych is flexitarian, which means that the base is vegetables and herbs and you order meat or fish as a side dish. I can tell you: you can eat ten courses here (which we did) without walking out with a baby belly. At least, that's how I felt.

You just have to go there because it is beautiful, glamorous, cozy, very tasty, and above all also healthy. But then with wine.

Just a few of my favorites:

– Pumpkin and orange and smoked farmer's yogurt (yes really, I had never heard of smoked yogurt either) with pumpkin seed oil

– Lettuce soup, sheep feta, macadamia, radish, and sorrel

– And three cheers for the bread and butter from Guernsey...

Restaurant Swych, Nieuwe Doelenstraat Amsterdam