Dinner at Fred** (IV), Rotterdam
- leonorajansen
- Apr 22, 2015
- 4 min read
By now it has become quite clear that Fred is probably my favorite restaurant. So whenever there's an opportunity or occasion I try to come here. I've been to other restaurants in Rotterdam, but I don't think they can beat the quality here at Fred. Especially the friendly people who work here, make it an even nicer experience. So when one of the Dutch dining sites was offering an all-in dining deal, I begged my dad to take me here again, since he also happened to be visiting. He also likes going to Fred, so he agreed.
Dad and I with happy smiles, since we were excited to see what kind of food we were going to get this time.
First up were the amuses. They've switched their presentation from the petridishes in my past 3 visits, to now this modern structure. I actually think it's quite a nice change, especially since it adds height and because it's weight the colorful amuses stand out even more. On the bottom tier we have the Cheese Souffle with homemade Ketchup. I guess this is a Fred signature, since it has been one of their amuses for every one of my visits. It's nice, but not that special. In the middle there is, once again (second time), the Eel in Green. Encased within the green dome there's an eel mousse on a sesame biscuit with pistachios crumble and this time also an edible flower. I always like this one, since I enjoy eel, love pistachios and I like the sweetness of the biscuit. The top amuse was new it was the chef going a bit Asian. It was a 'Bapao' with Duck and Hoisin. I think I prefer the steak tartare we've had before. The bun was slightly dry and the there wasn't nearly enough filling for the size of the bun. I was kind of surprised, since they make the best brioches ever (which sadly enough aren't served anymore?).
The first course of our degustation menu was Avocado coated in Sun Dried Tomatoes topped with Crispy Artichoke and Spanish Olive Oil. This was a really nice dish full of healthy fats. These are just simple ingredients elevated to a new level. The avocado was creamy, the sun dried tomatoes added some acidity and salt and the artichokes added a crispy element. Great way to start the meal.
The second course was Scallops with Shaved Truffle, Truffle Oil and Mashed Potato. I love scallops and I think the taste of truffle is just divine. So this was great. The mashed potato was perfectly creamy, although I think it may have been a bit too heavy for this dish. The addition of the croutons, added a nice textural change to this dish.
The third course arrived, which for my dad was Steak Tartare with Quail Egg, Citrus, Sesame Biscuit and Hangop. The steak tartare was nicely seasoned and the yolk of the quail egg oozed perfectly as you cut into it. The presentation was definitely on point tonight, with all the cute little edible flowers.
My third course was the seafood version of my dad's dish: Sea Bass Tartare with Citrus and Sesame Biscuits and Hangop. Other than that I had fish instead of meat, I noticed that I was also missing the creamy sauce that he had. I liked this dish, but I think that the sea bass needed a little more acidity and could've used a sauce. Not necessarily the one my dad had, since that was a heavy creamy sauce, but rather a nice vinaigrette.
Next, we received a cute little dish Langoustines with Melon and Hollandaise. The langoustines were perfectly cooked, which was the highlight of this dish for me. The hollandaise was good, but not being such a big fan of very rich and creamy sauces, it could've done with something lighter. The melon was a smart move, since it did help cut through the richness a bit.
The main was fish for both of us. Initially my dad was surprised since usually they serve meat as a main, but he didn't mind since the fish here is always great. It was Turbot with Morels, Peas and White Asparagus. I was surprised that the morels went so well with the white asparagus, I thought it would've been too earthy. The fish was a slightly meatier fish, so the meat wasn't missed at all. A pretty green plate of food that tasted great too.
A dessert that seems to be a regular during this period of the year: Lambada Strawberries, Rhubarb, Vanilla Ice Cream, Meringues and Gold. I really like this dessert, but I was surprised to be having it again. Last year when I was here around the same period I was served this dessert twice as well. I thought they would've changed it after a year, or at least made a variation on it. I know seasonality is what guides the chefs, but I wonder if he could've made something new? It was still delicious as before, so I enjoyed it very much.
Before tea was served, the famed Berliner Tree - Mini Cinnamon Doughnut Balls appeared on our table. I was happy to see that it had returned, since on my previous visit they said they didn't serve it anymore. Both my dad and I enjoyed the little balls coated in cinnamon sugar.
And of course their Madeleines were also presented. I think these are handsdown the best I've ever had. They're made right before they're served, which means they come freshly baked out of the oven and warm to your table. It's just amazing to take a bite into these, I don't even want to know how much butter went into there. Every bite is worth it.
Both my dad and I went for the Fresh Mint Tea, which was presented to us on this fancy little tray. Of course as per usual, we were allowed to make a selection from their famed Friandise wagon. I didn't include the picture since it's presented on this metal plate, which reflects back into the lens, which isn't really ideal. Loved all my selections though.
Fred as usual, was amazing. I never regret coming here and it was nice to see both the Maitre D' and the Sommelier appear during the course of the night. The food was delicious and my dad was wonderful company as always. Look forward to, hopefully, visiting them soon!