We did the Sunday brunch Lovely place - fabulous service - Not cheap. The food was 65 - we paid a deposit of 25. the drinks are about 10 a time. We got one drink when we arrived and then basically you want a drink per course and a coffee and/or digestief. So you're looking at over 100 per person. Which is par for the course in Oud Zuid and most of the other restaurants will not give you the level of service. course 1 Ricotta in grilled courgette strips and half an egg with vegetarian caviar - that was spectacular. You wouldn't believe it was vegetarian, the right salty, fishiness and egg pop of real fish eggs. The rolls were beautiful to look and the smoky flavour of the grilled courgette was perfectly balanced by the flavoured ricotta course 2 A super delicious leek mousse with hazelnuts, a hint of truffle and also stunningly tasty caponata. There was an interesting and unusual kind of wrap, cracker bread(!) with the former and perfect toast with the latter course 3 I was massively unimpressed with and didn't bother finishing the risotto . Two of our portions had only a half spear tip of asparagus and literally (his) one (mine) two bits of chopped asparagus. Without any asparagus it was bland and uninteresting stodgy rice. One of the portions had masses of asparagus - they didn't agree with the other four us finding the course very MWAH - not worth taking the space was my opinion. Course 4 The main courses were a choice of dumplings in courgette sauce for the vegetarians - see below - Lamb or swordfish. Lamb is my favourite meat but swordfish is rare and the other two meat eaters were having lamb so I chose the fish. Apart from the sprouts they garnished the fish with which were a BIG mistake, a full on dollop of sulphur. Once I separated the fish from the mixed sprouts (kiemen) It was fabulous and for me way better than the lamb, which was slow cooked an a bit too beefy for me. Both lamb and fish were served with a tomato, onion(?) taggia sauce. Absolutely delicious Course 5 a plate with 3(4?) cheeses and fruit (strawberries & pear) Course 6 a melt in the mouth confection of the best pastry I can remember having (ever) around a cheesecake centre. It was so good. Luckily I don't like raisins so I tried a little - ate half of the pastry and passed it on to the very willing teen who accompanied us. There is a reason this place has such high and stunning review. It is absolutely worth a visit - though above what I am usually willing to spend in a restaurant in Amsterdam it...
Read moreWe were recently fortunate enough to discover a remarkable culinary secret nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, a vibrant and welcoming Italian restaurant run by two exceptional female chefs, Ces and Alessandra. Cucina Casalinga preserved its hidden charm, offers an authentic Italian experience that left me thoroughly satisfied and yearning for more.
Our experience began with an exclusive seat at the chef's table, a unique setting that allowed for an intimate glimpse into the inner workings of their bustling kitchen. The atmosphere was cozy, comfortable and had an undeniable warmth that matched the personalities of Ces and Alessandra. Every corner was meticulously adorned with tasteful elements that added to the overall charm of the place, making it feel as if you were dining in a traditional Italian home.
Opting for the chef's menu was undoubtedly the best decision. It was a gustatory journey through the regions of Italy, each course meticulously crafted and bursting with flavor. The chefs' passion for their craft was evident in each dish, with every bite telling a story of tradition, innovation, and love for Italian cuisine.
Ces and Alessandra, the masterminds behind the culinary magic, showcased their skills with an effortless grace and a captivating charm. Their commitment to authenticity and quality, along with their dynamic synergy, shone through in every aspect of the dining experience.
Their generosity, too, was apparent, as they surprised us with complimentary drinks. This thoughtful gesture, a testament to their gracious hospitality, added an extra layer of delight to our evening.
In conclusion, this Italian restaurant is a hidden gem that offers a warm, intimate atmosphere and a menu that's nothing short of a symphony of flavors. It's a haven for those who appreciate authentic Italian cuisine and a testament to the talents of Ces and Alessandra. A culinary journey that begins with a warm welcome and ends with a satisfied palate, this restaurant is a must-visit for any food lover in...
Read moreValentino menu What a delightful hidden gem we've found in Amsterdam Zuid! The open kitchen offers a captivating view of the culinary creations being prepared. The service is exceptional, with staff providing detailed explanations of each dish. Cornettino con tartara di tonno This dish consists of a crispy cone filled with tuna tartare. The tuna tartare is delicately seasoned and finely diced, offering a fresh and flavourful experience. Panna cotta al porro, uova di aringa, anetto This features a unique combination of flavours and textures. The "pudding" is made with leeks, giving it a savoury and creamy texture similar to traditional panna cotta but with a savoury twist. Cannolicchio siciliano, ricotta, gambero Mazara del vallo This dish is a mini-Sicilian cannolo filled with creamy ricotta cheese and a shrimp from Mazara del Vallo. The cannolo shell is crispy, while the ricotta is rich and creamy. Spaghetto n’duja pistacchio di Bronte, bottarga The pasta is cooked to perfection, offering a satisfying chewiness. The addition of nduja, a spicy Calabrian sausage paste, provides a unique and bold flavour profile. Filetto al pepe verde This dish features beef tenderloin served with a green peppercorn sauce. The beef is incredibly tender, boasting a rich umami flavour that delights the palate. Cake di mandarino con salsa di cioccolato al peperoncino The cake is infused with the refreshing taste of mandarin, creating a delightful blend of citrus flavours. The addition of the chili-chocolate sauce adds a unique twist, providing a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the cake. A big shout-out to Chef @Ceci! I highly recommend paying a visit to Cucina Casalinga for dinner. Don’t forget to make a reservation, as it tends to be...
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