LOF - Amsterdam

My second time at LOF did not disappoint. Again, another "we go to the market everyday and only serve what's fresh" restaurant. But this place is two-for-two. One of the chefs (not sure if it's the one pictured in the exposed kitchen) is at least a co-owner, and there is a really nice neighborhood feel to the restaurant. Low-key and accessible, the quality of the food, however, is disguised by the simple surroundings.

Limited wine list of mostly Italian wines (only a couple by the glass), only ALFA beer (a nice local Dutch brew) available, and a very limited menu of essentially meat, fish or vegetarian.

Cured, salted Sirloin drizzled with chervil mayo
Pan-fried Halibut with sea weed , radishes and a fermented plum sauce

A simple meal prepared perfectly. I don't exactly know why, but they wouldn't agree with me when I called the sirloin a carpaccio. All I know, is that the paper-thin, cured meat was moist and melted in my mouth. Absolutely amazing. The halibut was as tasty a fish as I've had in a while, with the pale plum sauce and hearty sea weed combo making every bite a pleasure. I can't speak more highly of LOF. Any trip to Amsterdam should include a visit.

Rating: 8.5/10.0
Cost: $$$

LOF
Haarlemmerstraat 62
1013 ES Amsterdam, Netherlands
020 6202997

Buffet van Odette - Amsterdam

What's the first thing most people (maybe American people) think of when they think of Europe? Large piazzas with defecating birds and sweating tourists? Museums with queues snaking around the block? I say, it's the cafe culture. The persistently slow, nearly non-existent service as you sit at tiny tables and watch the world. People. Bikes. Cars. Just enjoy the moment, catch your breath and watch. I wonder if the cafe culture is a complete vacation fabrication. Meaning, do the locals have the same mindset or are we imparting our I-don't-have-to-think-of-work freedom on our tiny, imbalanced tables?

Buffet van Odette is the archetype, maybe with a little more attention paid to the details. I had a nice sandwich of warm goat cheese with walnuts and honey for breakfast, with, of course, the mint tea. Not much actual tea, it's an Amsterdam standard of mint tossed into warm water. Simplistic, but great.

Buffet van Odette
herengracht 309
1016 av amsterdam
020-4236034