DE LINDENHOF GIETHOORN
Haute cuisine in a low country
Think of your favourite European recipes and mouth-watering dishes from France or Italy probably spring to mind. Dutch cooking, on the other hand, has a less exalted reputation. But contrary to popular opinion, the national cuisine goes way beyond potatoes, pickled herrings and Edam cheese.
In fact, the country is home to countless culinary entrepreneurs and passionate foodies. One such is grand chef Martin Kruithof who, together with his wife Marjan de Jonge, runs the 2-star Michelin De Lindenhof restaurant in the idyllic village of Giethoorn, a stone’s throw from Royal Huisman in Vollenhove.
“It’s true that traditional Dutch food is simple and quite high in carbohydrates and dairy products, which reflected the dietary needs of the labourers who moulded the country.” says Kruithof “But over the last 20 years we’ve seen tastes become much more cosmopolitan and there is a growing number of world-class restaurants.”
Set in a tranquil English garden and surrounded by canals, De Lindenhof was awarded 18 out of 20 points by Gault et Millau, the influential French restaurant guide, for its sophisticated blend of classical and progressive cuisine that draws on fresh local produce such as North Sea seafood and tender Zeeland lamb.
Kruithof studied hotel management and catering in Amsterdam before working abroad in Brussels, Paris, Barcelona, Ibiza and at the 3-star Michelin Im Schiffchen restaurant in Düsseldorf. He delights in combining culinary techniques from all over Europe and Asia to produce delicious fusion dishes such as oxtail cannelloni, finished off with herbs and seasonal vegetables from the restaurant’s own garden.
The cellar is stocked with an exceptional selection of fine wines, which on summer days can also be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the delightful garden and canal. De Lindenhof, a member of the Relais & Chateaux association of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants, also owns three boats: two motor launches for cruising the network of canals and a traditional Lemsteraak, a flat-bottomed barge with leeboards, for sailing on the nearby Beaulakerwijde lake – perhaps accompanied by a leisurely picnic.
The area around Royal Huisman is amoung the most picturesque in Hollland with a wealth of scenic and cultural attractions
The thatched-roof restaurant along with the canals and car-free village of Giethoorn, known as the Venice of the North, are popular destinations for Royal Huisman’s clients and its proprietors organise the catering for the shipyard’s special events. And if visitors choose to stay overnight, the Lindenhof has four luxury rooms and two spaciously comfortable suites.
“It’s always a treat to eat here — especially during the summer time in their lovely garden. However, during the winter it is just as cosy,” wrote one TripAdvisor reviewer. “The food is exquisite, just like their service. Already looking forward to our next visit of this beautiful restaurant.”
So the next time you’re in the region, or a first-time visitor, and looking for something extra special, head out to Giethoorn and De Lindenhof restaurant & lodge where the menu is sure to offer something to surprise and delight your palette.
Relais & Châteaux, 2-star Michelin restaurant & lodge ‘De Lindenhof’: 12 minutes from Royal Huisman. The area around the shipyard is amoung the most picturesque in Hollland with a wealth of scenic and cultural attractions: read more in the article “Why build at Royal Huisman?” via this link (click here).
“De Lindenhof: haute cuisine in a low country” was first published in a previous edition of inhuis
Michelin Guide’s point of view:
“Excellent cooking, worth a detour! Very comfortable restaurant; one of our most delightful places. Two Michelin Stars.
De Lindenhof offers a unique experience. The restaurant is housed in a stunning farmhouse with a thatched roof, exuding character and elegance, and a delightful English garden in which to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The chef’s boat is moored to the rear of the restaurant – he enjoys sailing the canals, sometimes even taking his guests with him. There are also luxury guestrooms available here, although the main attraction is undoubtedly Martin Kruithof’s produce-based cuisine.
Kruithof is a traditional chef who knows how to move with the times – although no stranger to international dishes involving some creativity, he generally likes to keep the flavours classic. The quality of the ingredients is stylishly brought to the fore; not only is the food beautifully presented, it tastes great too. Not to mention the delicious desserts! It is sheer pleasure to be spoiled by Martin Kruithof.”
