Now I dont know what is going on with Red. I rang up the day before and got a table with no problem, whereas a few weeks previous, no amount of begging, pleading or foot stamping could have secured us a table. I was SMS'd earlier in the day to remind me that I had a reservation and that they were looking forward to welcoming us. Nice touch.
We arrived and our friends were already knee deep in rosé champagne. Well it would be rude not to, as they do a fantastic rosé by the glass. I wasnt in the mood for rosé and really wanted red wine, but it's a travesty to drink a heavy red with lobster so plumped for a bottle of good old Veuve instead. Lobster and champagne. Another modest, understated meal on a Tuesday night for Blondie and the Buik :)
I took the lobster with beurre blanc and the Buik and 2 friends took the 'Surf and Turf'. Not only did the food arrive this side of midnight (which is rare in Amsterdam) but the quality of the food was still as high as ever. I snuffled some of the Buik's meat and it was fabulous. Even better than the last time we ate here, although it was slightly undercooked for my liking. Not for Buik's liking as he is 100% caveman at the moment. The frites were fabulous and I decided to skip South Beach that night and eat the lot - along with their fabulous mayonnaise. I guess I am truly integrated into Holland :(
We didnt do dessert as none of us were in the mood for a heavy dinner - and got the check. The bill for 3 Surf and Turfs, 1 lobster, 2 glasses of rosé champagne and 1 bottle of Veuve was 225 Euros. Again, not the cheapest meal ever but for the quality - it is more than reasonable.
Full marks to Red. I dont think I've been to a restaurant in Amsterdam for a very long time, that served food this consistently good. I am hesitant to even put it on my blog, because then it may get busier than it is now and I wont be able to get a table there :)