Restaurant De Zwethheul

In the Dutch countryside, 6 km southeast of Delft, is Restaurant De Zwethheul. It is situated at the edge of a teeny village by the side of a canal. It is not easy to find. We were taken there by Jerome and Gwendolyn Boevé who live in the area. Even with a GPS navigation system, Jerome had difficulty.

We were greeted warmly (despite two children in tow) and shown to a table overlooking the canal and the countryside on the other side. The decor of the room was light and modern. The other guests were well dressed and in a celebratory mood.

Looking at the wine list confirmed that this was a restaurant to be taken seriously. It was the most complete yet carefully selected wine list I can remember seeing. The menu confirmed that impression. I had foie gras poached in Pinot Gris as a first course, followed by one of their specialities: Raviolis de poulet noir de Bresse aux langoustines sautées. Katherine had a ballantine of veal sweetbreads and oxtail, followed by the same speciality.

The children, who were getting a little bored after a couple of hours, asked to see the kitchen. There, they were taught how to make the elegant deserts they had ordered. When they returned from the kitchen, each was followed by a waiter bearing their desert.

If I were to list the five best restaurants I had ever been to in my life this would be on that list. Michelin gives it one star (and three red forks). I would rate it higher, but largely because of the combination of the food, the wine, the ambiance, and the service. Being with good friends made it even more special.