Situated on the outskirts of the beautiful Leidschendam, which boasts not only a prime spot on de Vliet (the Vliet), but also the Dorpskerk (village church) and the Salamander, an old windmill used as a sawmill. Nearby Vlietland provides you with the opportunity for varied watersports, relaxing with a picnic around the many tranquil lakes or indulging in a bit of bird spotting at the Vogelplas (bird sanctuary).
When you come across PUURR aan de Vliet in Leidschendam, you are likely to have been cycling, walking, or participating in water sports. Whatever activity you chose, PUURR aan de Vliet will be a welcome sight.
This modern, trendy, tranquil setting that sits on the top of the bridge with magnificent views is guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied and smiling for many days after you have dined here. The staff are exceptionally friendly and nothing is too much trouble. The service is quick, friendly, and served with a smile.
Uber modern food, which sounds ordinary but is high-class cuisine, artistically laid out plates, with a taste sensation all await you here. A selection of wines, beer, and soft drinks are on offer as you sit on the terrace and watch the sunset. In the colder months, you can sit inside and enjoy the cosy atmosphere, with a view across the canals extending behind the restaurant.
I dined there with an old friend last week and had a great evening. The staff were very accommodating and we ended up playing old records on their vintage jukebox at the end of the meal. The smile lasted for days afterwards. The food was excellent, the wine smooth on the palate and the chairs were comfortable. They even produced a chilling stick (which you can buy on the internet) to cool the water at the table with a handy pourer on the end.
PUURR aan de Vliet gives the feel of dining in a luxury restaurant but with a more laid back atmosphere and the staff go the extra mile to ensure that your visit is an enjoyable one.
The menu has several fixed options while several daily specials are offered on the blackboard. Each course is explained to you, in detail, by the staff, to ensure that you make the right choice.
I had a trio of salmon, my friend, Piri Piri prawns. For the main course, I chose the steak with roasted dates and walnuts, my friend chose duck breast stuffed with mushrooms, walnuts, and tomato. While we were waiting for this to be prepared we were brought a basket of warm, freshly baked bread with smoked olive oil (smoked on the premises) and likkepot (connoisseur in English) which was a rich tomato tapenade service in miniature jars.
The starter came surprisingly quick and was simply a work of art on a plate. The taste matched the looks, the prawns succulent with a spicy afterbite and the smooth, creamy salmon mousse, a succulent perfectly cooked piece, and a beautiful smooth slice of sashimi. It seemed a shame to spoil the artistic presentation but it was hard not to dive right in!
The main course was equally creative. The steak was lovely and tender and cooked to perfection, roasted dates, which I have never tasted before, went perfectly with the steak. The walnuts added another depth of flavour to this beautiful dish. The duck breast was tender with a hoisin sauce that made a pleasant change to the traditional preparation of duck.
One dessert was ordered, between the two of us, lemon cheesecake. A traditional baked cheesecake that was light and creamy and served scattered with fresh red fruits.
The coffee was a perfect conclusion to our meal and, as we cycled home, in the twilight, enjoying the cool, fresh, September air alongside the canal, we were humming the tunes of the old records in our heads.
Originally from the UK and having travelled extensively professionally and personally, Charlie lives in Voorburg, Zuid Holland and speaks Dutch fluently. A keen Photographer and Writer she plans to visit, photograph, and write about European Cities; and believes that life is full of surprises. . . . .