at Union

By: Melissa Mc Alpine

On Tuesday 6 June, Union owners Ineke and Ronald hosted a Dutch-themed dinner at their charming establishment in Queen Victoria Street, where guests were treated to hearty and flavoursome Dutch dishes with a twist. Since it was a rather cold evening, the warm fire that greeted us as we entered was both welcomed and appreciated, and provided a warm ambience to the evening.

A number of popular dishes were served throughout the evening, giving guests a taste of the Netherlands. For the appetiser, a firm favourite of the Dutch, bitterballen were served. Basically, bitterballen are deep-fried croquettes consisting of a mixture of meats like chopped or minced beef or chicken, which are then mixed with beef broth, butter, flour, spices and sometimes vegetables, creating a meaty gravy that’s then coated in crispy breadcrumbs, fried, and enjoyed with mustard. It was only afterwards that we were told by Ronald that what we had eaten, which had the taste and texture of chicken, was in fact a vegan alternative. Very sneaky!

Next up was a creamy and delicious Mustard Soup (mosterdsoep). Potatoes are a staple food in the Netherlands, so it comes as no surprise that the main course consisted of three varieties of stamppot - traditional hutspot (mashed potato mixed with onions and carrots), boerenkool (a kale stamppot with sesame seeds, served with a tamari-onion sauce), and zuurkool (an oven-baked, local sauerkraut and pineapple stamppot). For the meat-eaters, this filling course was served with a tasty smoked sausage (rookworst). For dessert, guests were treated to stroopwafels (syrup waffles) and ice-cream. The creaminess of the fresh ice-cream went very well with the syrup and cinnamon waffles and was a delightful ending to a wonderful evening. We’re already looking forward to the next one, Ineke and Ronald (nudge, nudge, wink, wink!).

Some Useful Dutch Phrases

Please — Alstublieft

Thank you — Dank u

You’re welcome — Graag gedaan

Enjoy your meal — Eet smakelijk!

It’s tasty! — Het is lekker!