These are early days, but currently Mout is too expensive, too smokey, too stupidly trendy and because it's new, too busy. Hopefully it'll work itself out.
Been there twice now in their opening week. First - know everything is a la carte - order a burger, you get just a burger..no fries, nothing else. Better get a few things, because getting service again to order more is a bit of a trial, as many of the staff seem to prefer to chat with their friends.
And since it's a la carte, the bill will be closer to the €20-30 range than €10-20.
About the food - the dim sum we had (3 rice-paper wraps) was quite nice but the burger (their most expensive brisket burger) was done nicely but small; perhaps half the size of a similarly priced burger at Burgers' Bar down the street.
The beers and ales are either brewed locally or there on the premises - this is where Mout does best. Go there for the grog and you'll be probably happy.
The big advantage is that Mout has a large outdoor space, right on Hilversum's new marktplein - and it's a wonderful space...if you smoke. There is no non-smoking section and worse yet, most of the seating is on large picnic-table rows, so you'll soon have a smoker and his crew, eager of a space, camped out next to you.
The restaurant needs to be a bit smart in this regard - it's a really large area, and it's not hard to say one side is smoking, one is not. This isn't the 1990s - smoking is something a restaurant needs to manage. We left soon after we were surrounded on both sides, our drinks dodging the ashes flying about in the breeze. We probably won't be back until a non-smoking area is addressed, or they open up smaller tables where you don't have it so much in your face (and clothes, and food..).
There are a few separate round tables next to the building, suitable for 2-4, but these are prime locations, camped out for hours. I've seen more half-full glasses of wine pushed around while the malingerers bask in the sun and scene..hence the "too trendy" part of my criticism. Fine if they're drinking or eating, but they seem to be camping.
I've lived in this town for nearly 20 years, and I understand Dutch culture very well, so I know how fashion and fads come and go. I guess in a few months the bar might be ready for suggestions, but now they're the new kids in town and are happy to ignore the odd customer who isn't comfortable. read more