Unlike its name suggests, Hotel De Goudfazant is not a hotel but a hip restaurant in Amsterdam Noord, behind central station on the other side of the IJ. It’s quite a hike involving a ferry and longish walk or bike ride, but the cool industrial look, well executed French menu, and view of Amsterdam from the other side make it well worth the trip.
Hotel de Goudfazant is not easy to find. Having crossed the IJ, you will have to navigate through a slightly decrepit industrial area, follow smallish signs to a large parking area with a number of sheds and garages. The shed that houses de Goudfazant has very much been left in its original state with wide shutters that can be opened, heavy duty lifts and industrial heaters all visible, and walls and steel beams uncovered. The space is huge, several meters high, the restaurant a large open space, and additional areas accessible behind. The restaurant furniture is minimalist modern, long tables, plastic chairs and an enormous chandelier suspended from the ceiling.
The cuisine at De Goudfazant is distinctly French and the menu a reasonably priced three course prix fixe at € 30,50. Starters include charcuterie, terrine, oysters and the like. We quite enjoyed the poussin for main, which was served with a great rhubarb compote. Other options include sweetbread, hanger steak, catfish and a vegetarian strudel. And for dessert there’s cheese, ice cream, pecan pie or coffee with bonbons. The style is very traditional French with few surprises and well executed.
While the setting is ultra hip, Hotel De Goudfazant did strike us as a friendly place. Service was casual but attentive and nice. The guests were mixed including couples, families and some larger groups. The vibe is very busy and the noise level quite high due to the high, bare ceilings and large, packed dining room. We had to wait for a few minutes even though we had a reservation but quite enjoyed hanging out at the bar and checking out the cool space.
We’ll definitely be back to enjoy the eclectic mix of steel beams and goose terrine!
www.hoteldegoudfazant.nl
Aambeeldstraat 10 H
1021 KB Amsterdam
Tel.: +31 (0)20 6365170
Public transport: Bus 32 or 33 from Central Station to Johan van Hasseltweg
As summer approaches and more and more visitors come to Amsterdam, the question about where to find the best rijsttafel in Amsterdam comes up frequently. I’m always torn as to what to recommend. On the one hand I understand the urge to try to typical local food. And for Amsterdam and the Netherlands the rijsttafel, originally imported from Indonesia, does top the list. On the other hand, I often walk away disappointed having been served what comes down to an exotic yet average buffet.
Taste of Amsterdam is part of a world-wide series of food events that celebrate fine dining in major cities. The formula is to provide visitors with an opportunity to sample small portions of the signature dishes of prestigious local restaurants. Michelin star decorated Ron Blaauw and Aan de Poel will participate amongst a group of 18 restaurants. Guests will need to buy € 15 tickets to attend the events and can then taste samples from different chefs for somewhere around € 4 to 9.
The Over Het IJ Festival is a theater festival on NDSM wharf in Amsterdam North, across the water behind Central Station. There is an extensive program with a focus on performances by younger talent. There also are nice food options for in between, including caterers “One for the Road” or the pancake boat. You may also enjoy a trip to neighboring Noorderlicht Cafe, spectacularly housed in a cool glass hangar and sporting a hip vibe.
De Parade is another theater festival with a strong food focus. The atmosphere is very much cabaret and circus, with all performances held in large tents around the main area of restaurants, bars and ticket sales. It’s a traveling festival that starts in Rotterdam mid June, moves on to The Hague and Utrecht and ends in Amsterdam from 6 to 22 August. Expect comedy, song and dance and other quirky shows such as the popular silent disco. And enjoy food and drinks from the Tacobar, wood oven pizzeria Fuoco e Desiderio or organic eatery La Rana. Tickets are € 7, excluding food, drinks and performances.