Slightly OT: Amsterdam restaurant de Kas

I've posted here before about enjoyment of Blue Hill at Stone Barns, slightly north of NYC. Our trip to the UK from which we just returned didn't, alas, allow us to get to the Fat Duck, and the exchange rate made a trip to le Manoir a little (ok, a lot) pricy.

However, a Google search for a good restaurant to enjoy on our side trip to Amsterdam brought up the site of this restaurant philosophy with Blue Hill, at a much more reasonable price (set menu, no choice, at 43 euros for five courses). We also took the wine sampler at a further 23 euros (but didn't take notes - I will say that the one Dutch wine, brought as an extra when I commented on the lack of such in the offerings, was an extremely refreshing off-dry Reisling type). Given lack of notes, no full scale review, but of the five courses there were three home runs (steak tartare first course, with julienned herbs and veg; a 'tarte tatin' of endive second course, which was the standout with contrasting caramelised outer endive and residual inner bitterness; and the dessert of several pear-marscapone-cream concoctions) and the wine pairings were *great* - varied but all interesting alone, *and* much enhanced by the foods.

The other two courses: (1) a so-so halibut, crusted in wasabi and lemon over (to me) undercooked beans; Jenny raved about this, but I thought that the beans needed to be somewhat mashed to allow for better combining of flavours and the fish was too bland;; great broth, though. (2) the 'main' venison over chestnut mash, with cheese-corn 'souffle polenta,' where the accompaniments were great but the venison itself inedibly tough (again, Jenny thinks I'm being too harsh). A slight tendency throughout to have the main elements overwhelmed by their accoutrements and sauces.

Overall, though, stunning and even more so at the price. Touches like the butter - from local raw milk, and it showed in the glorious taste - and the excellent pebreasts fours added to the experience. Somewhat out of town, so not one run into by tourists casually, but only a 15 minute tram ride. Slow service - we took almost three hours, even without the optional cheese course, and the intervals were a little inconsistent - but I think that was genuinely to allow for optimum food preparation. Recommended to the point where Jenny is seriously suggesting we return to Amsterdam just for the dinner.