A Taste of Amsterdam’s Art and Culinary Excellence
The iconic Rijksmuseum – where art and cuisine blend into one unforgettable experience.
Our visit to Amsterdam for Hive Fest wasn’t just about blockchain. My sister, Sara (@sjarvie5), had a culinary experience up her sleeve that I wasn’t quite expecting. She booked us a lunch at the Michelin-starred RIJKS® restaurant, located right beside the museum.
The entrance is slightly below ground level, giving it a cozy, almost hidden charm. Inside, the ambiance was elegant – exactly the kind of place where each course feels like an event. And even though it was a Michelin-starred restaurant, there weren’t many people there midday, making it feel like we’d lucked into an exclusive, private experience.
Did You Know: RIJKS® is the Michelin-starred restaurant of the Rijksmuseum, drawing inspiration from Dutch cuisine and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant emphasizes locally sourced, sustainable produce, showcasing everything from local seafood to unique Dutch mushrooms.
A Michelin-Starred Amusement: Tiny Portions, Big Flavors
The courses arrived, one after another, each as beautifully plated as the last. The flavors were fantastic, and the presentation was like art. But with each bite, I found myself wishing for just a little bit more. It’s funny, maybe even a bit frustrating – but ultimately, it’s a compliment. I wanted more because it was just that good.
The Journey Begins with Butter
Assorted butters – a surprising and delightful start.
Our meal began with a platter of assorted butters. Each had a distinct flavor, elevating something as simple as butter to a luxurious beginning. It’s funny how even butter becomes part of the “art” at a Michelin restaurant.
A Sampling of Culinary Art
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The artistry continued with each new dish. One plate arrived with a decorative glass bowl filled with caviar and garnished with edible flowers. Another featured pear slices with roe arranged so perfectly, it almost felt like a shame to disrupt it by eating.
Did You Know: The Michelin star rating originated from the Michelin Tire Company. They created the guide in 1900 as a way to encourage people to drive more (and wear out their tires faster). Today, earning even a single Michelin star is one of the highest honors in the culinary world, with only around 2,600 restaurants worldwide holding this distinction.
Butter and Mushrooms: Simple Ingredients, Elevated
Even the simplest ingredients received extraordinary treatment.
| Butter Trio | Mushroom Medley |
|---|---|
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Later, we encountered a mushroom medley with each piece uniquely prepared – sautéed, grilled, roasted. It was as if the chef had taken this single ingredient and explored every way it could be transformed. It felt rich, earthy, and surprisingly complex.
Did You Know: Mushrooms have been a prized ingredient in cuisine for centuries, valued by Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Chinese emperors alike. Their umami flavor and versatility make them a staple in many gourmet dishes today.
The Grand Finale: A Sweet Symphony
Chocolate dessert with gold foil – a perfect finish to our meal.
Finally, we arrived at dessert – a delicate chocolate creation topped with gold foil. It was almost too beautiful to eat, but the rich, indulgent flavors quickly made me forget the artistry of it.
Did You Know: Edible gold leaf is made from pure gold and is often used to signify luxury. Historically, it was used in both Eastern and Western cultures, thought to promote health and longevity (though now it's mostly just for show).
Reflections on Dining Beyond Nourishment
This meal, like many Michelin experiences, wasn’t about traditional fullness. It was about savoring the visual and sensory journey – a shift from just eating to truly appreciating. The tiny portions became part of the story, almost inviting us to laugh at the delicate absurdity of it all.
Would I go again? Absolutely. And while each bite left me wanting just a bit more, I wouldn’t trade that afternoon for a full plate anywhere else.
Let me know if you’ve had similar dining adventures or if there’s a “must-try” culinary experience on your bucket list!
How This Post Came Together
This post was crafted using a unique blend of personal storytelling and AI assistance. I selected a series of images from my gallery, shared a quick screenshot, and did a voice memo for a while providing insights about the experience. From there, the AI helped enrich the post by describing each image in detail, also interestingly adding hidden description of each image for enhanced searchability. To top it off giving discretion to the AI to surprise me adding “Did You Know” facts to give you a deeper, more informative/educational read.
By combining my memories and voice with AI’s editorial support, I can ensure the post is polished and packed with little details that bring the experience to life. This process may not take any less time (perhaps more), but it guarantees a more engaging, well-rounded story than I might achieve on my own. The result? A post that’s my unique experience, crafted in a way that both celebrates the moments and shares them with you more vividly.