Dining like the Dutch at Bluespoon Amsterdam

Kristina Dimitrova
May 26, 2016
3 min read

As a researcher and innovation-led journalist I devote pretty much all of my time reading, looking and experiencing new concepts about emerging trends in industries influencing our society. Recently I’ve come across many articles on the future of food and our changing relationship with it.

Food has probably never been so central to popular culture. One of the concepts backing this statement is food as entertainment, covered in a recent report by JWT Intelligence. The findings state that ‘81% of US millennials consider going out to eat to be a cultural experience’ and that food entertainment is taking a more creative, youthful and authentic direction through its link to travel and culture.

Before my recent trip to Amsterdam I had read about the concept of Bluespoon Bar and Restaurant – the social heart and soul of Hyatt-owned Andaz Amsterdam Hotel – and simply couldn’t wait to wine and dine there! Let me tell you why…

Bluespoon prides itself in serving the best local and seasonal food. We could find more about the origin of every dish, described in the menu, which underlies the active involvement of farmers, producers and artisan purveroys. With such emphasis on local ingredients, Bluespoon has found a perfect match in Chef Kasper Stiekema, who oversees all culinary activities. The 30 year old Dutch, who has previously worked at renowned restaurants like Ciel Blue, De Kas and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, elevates local ingredients to a new level without unnecessary additions. Without a doubt this was one of the highlights for me. The approach of Stiekema and his team showed us how to add a Dutch edge to uncomplicated European dishes and highlight the original flavor of each ingredient.

Remember the trend food as entertainment I mentioned earlier? The Bluespoon is one of those places you go to for uncompromisingly good food and a real cultural experience. No, really. Their huge open kitchen gives you an incredible behind the scenes view of how the dishes are being cooked. I loved talking to the chefs who told me more about the ingredients, the best way to cook them and why they decided to add certain dishes to the menu. The open kitchen concept also showed me Bluespoon’s emphasis on transparency and openness when it comes to delicious, freshly-made food.

It’s not only about the chefs though! I was absolutely blown-away by the care from the rest of the Bluespoon member. Maria, Iris and Melle from the restaurant’s management and hospitality team made the experience – from booking our table all the way through to dessert – an absolute pleasure. Yes, this is expected of five-star luxury places but I have genuinely never felt so much taken care of. From showing us around the kitchen, talking us through the modern interior and garden and giving us recommendations about how to best pair our dishes and wines – I could tell that this team wasn’t just “working” there. They were all excited to introduce us to everything Holland has to offer – be it food, design or culture.

Scroll down to see the delicious dishes and exquisite wines I loved. This is only a fraction of what Bluespoon has to offer, so if you happen to be there you HAVE to let me know what I should try next!