Discover Benelux | Summer Special | Amsterdam West Highlights
It all starts with the vegetables Reversing the concept of traditional dining, at Morris & Bella the veggies are the stars. But meat and fish can be added to the meals, making sure that everyone is happy with what is on their plate – ensuring a great dining experience for all.. Morris & Bella has just celebrated its first anniversary. Opened last year in the up-andcoming Spaarndammer area, this restaurant gives a new meaning to hospitality. “Our concept is a bit different,” says co-owner Annebel “Bella” van Meegen. “The base is vegan fine dining, and with every course you can add meat, fish and cheese as extras. Basically, everyone is welcome and it makes dining out a nice experience for groups with different dietary preferences.” The idea was born from own personal experience. “I’m vegan but my partner, Maurice “Morris” Leeffer, eats everything,” she says. “It was difficult for us to go out for dinner together. We wanted to change that.” It has proven to be a successful concept, with good reviews in
local papers and a busy venue. For instance, a review on TripAdvisor states, “unbelievable gourmet food with extraordinary presentation at very reasonable prices.” The menu changes every two to three weeks, with organic products according to what is in season and, of course, has a lot of vegetables. Van Meegen admits: “our guests are often positively surprised that the food is vegan, and at what we can do with vegetables.” In addition to the tasty menu, the atmosphere is lovely and friendly. “Everyone is happy with what’s on their plate, which also makes eating here at our restaurant a nice and social experience.”
Morris & Bella Nova Zemblastraat 586 1013 RP Amsterdam Email: info@morrisenbella.nl Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MorrisEnBella Instagram: @restaurant_morrisenbella
Creating that homely feeling Is there anything better than enjoying the perfect lunch or having drinks and tasting tapas, whilst feeling as if at home? This is exactly what Lilly’s Lunchroom in Amsterdam Osdorp can offer. “Osdorp is an up-and-coming neighbourhood here in West. But places like Lilly’s - quality lunchrooms - are mostly found in Oud-Zuid. We wanted something like this in our part of the city, so in 2016, we opened Lilly’s here. Our cosy, timeless ‘den’ fits in perfectly with
48 | Issue 55 | July 2018
TEXT: MALIN NORMAN | PHOTOS: MORRIS & BELLA
During the summer months, guests can take the opportunity to enjoy the tasty meals outside on the terrace.
Web: www.morrisenbella.nl
TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: LILLY’S LUNCHROOM
the neighbourhood,” smiles Robin, who manages the lunchroom. Every day, Lilly’s serves breakfast and lunch until 4.30pm. From then on, guests can order different kinds of tapas. “We have a Spanish chef and our menu is Mediterranean orientated. We serve different egg-based dishes such as scrambled egg with truffle cheese. We also have lovely pies to go with a good cup of coffee or tea. What we are known for is our chef’s special, battered chicken thighs. They are renowned throughout the city.”
The menu of Lilly’s changes with the seasons. “We use a lot of seasonal vegetables in our dishes, and change the menu accordingly,” explains Robin. “This summer season is perfect for our Lilly’s Salad. It is based on a Caesar Salad with our own twist, along with the usual anchovies and chicken. And the chef’s special is always available!”
Web: www.lillyslunchroom.nl