It will be impossible to not draw constant parallels with the infamous Red Light District in Amsterdam—better known for its adult attractions—when you visit the recently-launched Amsterdam Kitchen and Bar in Saket. Having been recreated on the same theme, the restaurant (minus the gorgeous women in show windows) offers you a glimpse into what a ‘night in Amsterdam’ can be. ‘‘I have visited Amsterdam twice and the first time I went, I was sceptical about going to the red light district, as until then all I had heard were stories about sex shops and sexual services. Once I had a chance to experience the place myself. I found the district to be a bustling part of the city with scores of tourists having a good time, eating, lounging and shopping. I thought it would be an exciting theme to explore back in Delhi and that is when I decided to open Amsterdam Kitchen and Bar,” says Sanuj Birla, the owner.
Having incorporated various elements from ‘the street’, the new place has replicated its street lamps, bicycles, European style architecture, furniture, hand-painted Dutch crockery and wooden clogs. “We have this wall full of wooden clogs that we call the birthday wall. Customers celebrating their birthday at the restaurant get a pair of clogs for their friends and family to scribble and then we put it back up on the wall as memorabilia,’’ says Birla.
The food remains the main-stay of the new property. Even though the theme is unique and lends itself a new kind of experience, it is the food, according to Birla, that will help the restaurant to stand in good stead. You could try the signature dishes like Stuffed Zucchini with Basil Pesto, Fish Fingers with Wasabi Mayonnaise, Slow Cooked Shank of Lamb, Smoked Salmon, Crispy Fried Amsterdam Prawn or the Amsterdam Style Cottage Cheese Steak. Regular items from the menu like Pizza Pazza, Club Sandwich, Sole Fish Burgers with Chili Lime Mayonnaise, Garlic Mash, Shredded Tenderloin, Goat Cheese Chops and Grilled vegetables could be a good option too. ‘‘Being a foodie myself, I made sure that my restaurant serves the best food possible. We haven’t kept any fancy names but our flavours are bang on,’’ he says.