LaStage - Michelin star in Amsterdam

We lucked out when we were in Amsterdam this past September - we were able to get a last minute table at Michelin-starred LaStage, Chef Rogier Van Dam.  There is an abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants in Amsterdam but we chose this one because it's got good reviews, offered a three course option (which is all we could take in the evening), just a 20 minute walk from our BnB, fit in with our schedule and is reasonably priced.  

There were only a total of 12 courses on the menu, two in each category and guests can pick any combination to make up their dinner ranging from 3 to 8 courses.  Interestingly, the couple sitting beside us started off ordering a 5 course menu but half way through, they had to ask to "downsize".  The wait staff had a friendly discussion with them over which courses it made sense to remove and it was done without any fuss, which is a reflection of the excellent service at this restaurant with an unassuming front.  There were no "airs".

On top of the 3 courses we ordered, there were 3 amuse bouches - two before and one after!  Overall, the meal was tasty, well-prepared and definitely a restaurant I would return to next time I'm in Amsterdam.

Amuse-bouche 1 - piperada with pepper, onions and tomatoes, pork beef sausage and yummy hazelnuts coated with curry

Amuse-bouche 2 - smoked mackerel with a touch of sake!  exquisite taste!  served with "gomesco" (almonds, green pepper, green peas)

Turbot fillet - perfectly done with

with seaweed, saffran risotto, terrine of pork cheeks and langoustine sauce

Tomato bouillon

with pata negra, burrata di bufala and tomato - great combination

Never thought we would order American steak in Amsterdam but it was delicious - rare with foie gras foam

(with celeriac, artichoke in bacon, chard)

Pan fried perch - with crunchy skin, green peas creamed, with bits of smoked mackerel, hazelnuts and beet - only negative was the hollandaise sauce which was a bit salty

Amuse bouche 3 - tambouche with white chocolate and cherry preserve

Raspberry and pear

with white chocolate fudge, lemon verbena, liquerice, macadamia and raspberry sorbet

Speculaas soufflé (light and crunchy!)

with tangerine, egg nog and caramel icecream