Dinner at Fred** (II), Rotterdam
- leonorajansen
- Sep 20, 2014
- 4 min read
One of the restaurants which I mum really wanted to visit was Fred**, since I went with my dad and she didn't get the chance to come with us. So on this evening we went back here, and having constantly raved about it, I hoped it would be as good as I told her it would be. We both went for the menu inspiration, however I noticed that the menu hadn't changed since the last time I was here, except for maybe one or two dishes. I told the server about this and he was so kind to give us different dishes to replace the ones I'd already tried.
First up were the amuses. Served in the cute little petridishes we were given (from left to right) Mini Duck Croque Monsieurs, Steak Tartare on Almond Crunch and a Mini Cheese Souffle. I'd already had the duck and cheese ones, but the Steak Tartare was new and was definitely my favourite. It was perfectly seasoned and I loved the extra dimension the almond gave to it.
The first course was the Flamande 2014 - Ham Mousse with Egg and Dutch Superior Queen Asparagus and Quinoa. I had this dish with my dad too, but apparently this was slightly different than the one I had the last time and I since I really enjoyed it, I didn't mind having it a second time. I think the other one didn't have egg. Either way, this was a great dish, although I still wish that I would've gotten more asparagus.
The second dish was a replacement dish, it was Langoustine with Melon and Citrus. I absolutely loved this, and was happy that we got this instead of the vegetarian tomato dish. The Langoustine was perfectly cooked and I saw how other people in the restaurant looked at us with food envy. Especially being a seafood lover, this was perfect for me.
Next up was a Scallop Carpaccio with Baby Radishes Ras El Hanout Macademia, Mayonnaise and Black Truffle. This was exquisite and the presentation is definitely on point. The thick slices of raw scallop were to die for. Although I usually don't like mayonnaise, this was surprisingly light and didn't feel too heavy. The shaved black truffle was just the finishing touch. The Middle Eastern touch from the Ras El Hanout Macademia Nuts was just great.
Our dish before the main course was Sea Bass with Eel, Fennel, Apple, Cucumber, Peas and Eggplant. This was similar to the one I had before but I think there was a slight variation. The fish was very fresh and perfectly cooked. It just fell off the fork. The freshness of the cucumber and apple was a real plus as it was a good pre-course to the main.
As I'd mentioned in my previous post, I'm totally in love with their bread, in particular their raisin brioche. Sadly enough they didn't have any this time. After I'd mentioned it they told me to wait for a while. Before our main course arrived, one of the lovely servers in black arrived at our table with 3 freshly baked brioches. They were just as soft as the ones before, and even though the ones with raisin are still better, I was still very touched by this friendly gesture. So sweet of them.
Our main course arrived and it was beautiful. Probably one of my favourite fish now, the dish was Turbot with Dutch Superior Queen Asparagus, Peas, Pea Puree, Chanterelles, Sea Lavender, Beurre Blanc and Hazelnuts. I usually don't like peas so much, much I think I've grown quite fond of them lately and these were 'dubble gedopt' (2 layers of skin taken off). Taking full advantage of the asparagus that were in season, I was happy to find them on this plate.
The palate cleanser was Yogurt Ice Cream with Melon and Grapefruit. I always love yogurt ice cream, so this was great. The crunchy bits on top added a nice texture to the dish. I was ready for the dessert now.
Although the dessert was the same as the last time I decided to have it anyways. They'd offered for me to switch to any other dessert on their menu, but I since this probably is all my favourite things on one plate I had no problem having it twice. Vanilla Parfait in Brandy Snap with Rhubarb and Strawberries. The combination of Rhubarb and Strawberry is a classic and I Vanilla pairs amazingly with it. My mum also loved this.
Of course I went for the coffee as usual, as I love the little additions that come with it. I couldn't contain my excitement when I saw the trolley pop up. Of course I devoured the madeleines before that and the little cinnamon Berliner doughnuts. My mum was still complaining why I wanted coffee, but once all this loveliness popped up, she understood why.
This was an amazing night. Their food is amazing as usual and the people who work there are great. I think it's safe to say that this is probably my favourite restaurant. My dad actually arrived yesterday and he told me I was allowed to choose a place for dinner, so I just had to make a reservation for Fred**. So tonight we'll actually be heading there, and I saw that they have a new menu, so I can't wait to test it out again. I've been talking about it constantly to my friends and now they've actually convinced their parents to take them when they're in town. I'm basically a walking advertisement according to my dad. Hopefully they won't disappoint tonight and they'll still be as amazing as they were on my previous visits.