Gartine

Friday, 12 February 2010 12:16 Cecily Layzell

Gartine is the kind of place you have to know about or you'd never find; but once found, you’ll want to keep it to yourself like a jealously guarded secret.

The tiny place is run by husband and wife team Kirsten and Willem-Jan Hendriks. The pair also collect antiques. As a result, the décor, like the menu, is mix of southern-European chic and Dutch down-to-earth gezelligheid: a huge metal chandelier hangs from the ceiling and every table is adorned with brass-topped salt and pepper pots.

Despite the small kitchen, the breakfast menu, in particular, is quite extensive and sometimes surprising: croissants with homemade jam, chocolate brioches with lemon curd, and wentelteefjes (French toast) made from Frisian sugar bread served with pear and cinnamon butter.

The lunch menu includes filled rolls, large salads and soup. Between 14.00 and 17.00, high tea is also available per table.

Service is sincere and the food always beautifully presented on Dutch blue and white crockery. Coffee is served in French-style bowls and many of the ingredients come straight from the owners' own garden.

Kirsten and Willem-Jan are passionate about what they do and it shows. For anyone looking to start their day right, I can’t recommend Gartine highly enough. If you're prepared to get up early and beat the the Kalverstraat shoppers arrive, it’s worth every homegrown bite.