(**) Amsterdam, restaurantspectrum.com
Spectrum used to be a sister restaurant to three Michelin starred De Librije in the city of Zwolle. Since some time they are autonomous and operating under their own flag. And what a flag it is.

Spectrum arguably serves the most cutting edge and avant garde cooking in Amsterdam. I get that this sort of place can be intimidating. It's located in one of the priciest hotels in town, the Waldorf Astoria. Clientele is a mixed bag of corporate geezers, new money tourists, and genuine epicures (that would be us). The interior is posh and oozes five star luxury. Staff is dressed to the nines in formal wear. The wine list is the size of a phone book. And the only thing you can order is a tasting menu that throws around ingredients such as foie gras and black truffle.
Spectrum ticks all the boxes most people would imagine (or dread) when thinking of a Michelin star restaurant. And yet dining here is extremely laid back. Everything just flows together effortlessly. Chef Sydney Schutte's cooking is exceptional. Beautifully presented dishes shine with bright, punchy flavours. The wine pairing is just as good, showcasing both classic drops as up-and-coming ones. Service is impeccable: warm, friendly, knowledgeable, humorous. All this makes Spectrum an absolute joy.
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