Amsterdam, kaagmanenkortekaas.nl
Kaagman & Kortekaas is one of a handful of places that forgoes the shitty steakhouse, pancakes, pizza and stoner food formula that plagues the heart of Amsterdam. It's as far from a soulless tourist trap one can imagine. Located in an unassuming alley, inside it's warm, cosy, inviting, and comfortably set up for long multi-course meals with loads of wine. Alternatively, you can always walk in for a glass of fizz with some home-made charcuterie or a plate of oysters.

Chef Giel Kaagman cooks with locally sourced seasonal produce, paired with whatever he thinks will add excitement to his weekly changing menu. If anything, his cuisine always challenges you with new and unorthodox flavours, without ever losing focus on serving delicious things. Bram Kortekaas is a terrific maitre and sommelier, with a keen eye for vintage cellar beauties and contemporary oddities alike. The wine list features Old World producers only, with heavy emphasis on good old France.
During the lockdowns of 2021 and 2022 this was the restaurant where we got our DIY meal kits the most. That says a lot about the quality of the food. But our fondest memory was when Ajax played Tottenham in the semi-final of the Champions League. K&K cooked a themed three course meal starting at 18.00. Come kick off we were fed, slightly drunk and up for it. We watched the match on a large screen together with all other guests and staff. Ajax won 0-1. (NEVER mention the return, please.)
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