Restaurant As

First foodie review is of 'Restaurant As'. My Partner 'J' and I were offered the Restaurant week reservations by a friend as they were unfortunately ill. As part of Restaurant week in Amsterdam- many of the restaurants serve up a fixed menu for a fraction of the price to lure you in and hopefully tempt you back.

Restaurant As is situated near Beatrixpark in the South- a little way out, but after a swift 20 minute tram journey and a 2 minute walk you will notice an illuminated fencing that surrounds an old water tower. The tower used to be an exhibition space called 'Platfom 21' which sadly closed down, although the good news is the tower still houses an art space above the restaurant.

I'd been to Platform 21 a couple of years ago and was expecting a sterile interior, but instead the interior is modern and warm- accentuated by the natural, wood furniture and candlelight. Perfect for a cold Amsterdam evening. Careful interior design has exploited the circular building, with a star arrangement of refectory style tables in the middle and then more long tables in alcoves around the outside. Perfect for semi-private dining. The kitchen is housed in a temporary marquee. Outside is a garden that will I'm sure be perfect to dine in when the Summer eventually arrives.

As was packed but we were greeted pleasantly and swiftly seated. 'As' is a big restaurant for Amsterdam, seating 120+ diners.

We shared a table with a a trio of German ladies and a Dutch couple- the atmosphere was lovely. Lots of conversation and laughter in the air. Although there must of been over 100 people the waiters were swift, knowledgeable, warm and receptive to requests. Even one of the chefs was helping out on the floor. It was pretty impressive to see this in Amsterdam. They were really trying their best to make an impression.

I had read that As is about real, organic, in-season food. First on the menu was: Salad of chioggia, verona and yellow beet, blood orange, almonds and Leidse cheese.Completely unexpected and it completely worked. My taste buds were delighted. After an ok wait next up was Fleckvieh ribeye from the grill with wilted greens in red wine with roasted potatoes, braised red onions and red wine sauce. The meat was good, really good, but I guess the vegetables were a little over roasted. I can forgive though. For desert we had an amazing 'Kastenjetaart' with mascarpone filled with dates and figs. Complimented by a cold glass of Monbazzilac. Amazing.

Although the main wasn't really up to scratch, I can forgive As. The waitress was apologetic about how unusually busy they were and it wasn't the norm. Average night is one seating instead of the two. The guys who work at As are passionate about the food. I got that. I told her we will definitely be back.

Stars out of 5: Service: ***** Food:***

http://www.restaurantas.nl/

Prinses Irenestraat 19
1077 WT Amsterdam
info@restaurantas.nl

reserveren: 020 6440100