Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Restaurant review GastroBar Savory
While I was on holiday in France, a nice email came in from Stephan from Gastrobar Hartig in Rotterdam. His question to me was whether I wanted to come and test the new card. Well, of course I didn't let myself be told that twice! And I was also allowed to bring someone with me to enjoy a nice dinner together. I didn't have to think long about who I wanted to test this restaurant with: Luuk van luukskitchen!We planned a date together and went to Rotterdam to be surprised by Stephan. Hence this restaurant review Gastrobar Hartig.
Welcome
I have lived in Rotterdam for years so it was nice to be back in my old "town". I picked up Luuk at Central Station and together we first walked to the Markthal. A mecca for foodies of course. But we managed to hold back because we wanted to arrive at Gastrobar Hartig with an empty stomach.
And like all foodies, we had our phone in hand and had to take a picture in front of the door. Stephan came out smiling to welcome us. We got a nice table by the window with more than enough light to take our pictures. First a drink to settle in a bit. Luuk felt like a gin and tonic and because I still had to drive I went for something alcohol-free.
Drinks
The tone for the evening was set because Stephan told me he had super special drinks, both Luuk's gin and tonic and my cocktail. Both special drinks that had delicious raspberry ice cubes and topped with fresh herbs and fruits. These are all freshly made for you at the bar and tasted great to us. During dinner we tried different flavors and each drink had its own unique taste. After the first drink, the first dish was served to us and the testing of the menu could begin. We were surprised, everything was possible because luckily we have no allergies. If you do, please let us know because everything can be taken into account.
Gang 1
When serving the first course, we get some more explanation about the restaurant and we talk with Stephan about the origin of the restaurant and the vision they have. The concept is shared dining. Together you share nice dishes that you can choose from the menu. The cuisine is very diverse at Gastrobar Hartig. The different types of world cuisines are mixed. Influences from France, Italy, or the Caribbean. We get Serrano ham with green asparagus and homemade truffle mayonnaise. We'll delete the entire plate! The second plate comes and that is Luuk's favorite. We are served delicious salmon tartare on a beautiful shell. And not a crumb of this remains on the shell…
Gang 2
To show us that vegetarians can also eat delicious here, we get a Portobello with pumpkin puree and goat cheese with pine nuts. We are told that vegetarians can also indulge themselves here and not be left with a few leaves of lettuce. And promptly a super nice pan appears on the table with a cod stew in it. Delicious vine tomatoes with homemade pesto give off a wonderful scent and we both quickly scoop something onto our plates. Meanwhile, we also talk a bit about social media and running a restaurant in a city where there are many restaurants. What distinguishes Gastrobar Hartig for me is the hospitality. The other guests sitting there are all nicely served.
Gang 3
I myself am a real meat eater so when the steak tips in roasted pointed pepper come on the table I am very happy. It smells great and looks beautiful. Of course we take pictures of every dish just like at home and we eat the steak almost lukewarm. It is always those food bloggers who let that happen to them. Stephan can laugh heartily about it. When he asks if we've had enough or can still find a small hole, we unashamedly ask for the tomato with burrata. And what a party that is! A beautiful tomato cut like a flower with a beautiful cheese in it that runs completely out when we stick the knife in it. It almost melts on your tongue.
The dessert
After all these small dishes I have to say that I am really full and that I ate very well. We are tempted to have dessert with a nice cup of fresh mint tea for me and a dessert wine for Luuk. We get fresh strawberries with whipped cream and a warm chocolate brownie. All in all a very successful evening! We enjoyed the hospitality of this family restaurant. With Stephan behind the bar and his mother-in-law in the kitchen, it is clear to us that this is really a “family affair”, one that is carried out with heart and soul to the customers.
For everyone who is on their way to the Witte de Withstraat, stop by Hartig in the Hartmansstraat! With a parking garage right in front of the restaurant super easy to get to. We were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful and tasty dishes that are made and served here with passion. Do you want to know what else they serve or know more about Gastrobar Hartig, take a look at their site.
Delicious Happen is a multi-media company, so you can also find me on various social media. follow me on Facebook, Pinterest en Instagram under @delicioushappen. If you make this recipe I would love it if you tagged me #delicioushappen. A comment below in the comments is also nice of course!
Pingback: Week 14.19 weekly vlog Delicious Happen - Delicious Happen
Pingback: Week 19 weekly vlog Delicious Happen - Delicious Happen