Definitely put this restaurant on your list the next time you're in Amsterdam. We had been walking…read morearound last Saturday night, exploring the side streets of Amsterdam in search of dinner. After encountering several cramped establishments jammed with merry crowds, we came across "de Zagerij." It appeared inviting and slightly more sedate from the outside. The owner, or perhaps manager was standing out front where he gently gestured us to come in and give the place a try. I couldn't resist. He had a sincere vibe.
We walked through the front dining area to the back dining room where simple decor was both rustic and elegant. The décor theme is that of a sawmill, but done in an artful, yet rustic homey way. The soft lighting was welcoming too. The two well presented teenaged girls serving and bussing tables seemed as though they might be sisters. I guessed this was a family venture, or at least it had that feel. We were welcomed and given menus that included a variety of savory appetizers and hearty main dishes.
I started with the appetizer of Carpaccio of beetroot with soft goat cheese, watercress, and balsamic syrup. It was incredible. The chilled beets had been perfectly cooked, dark, red and juicy. The goat cheese melted in my mouth in proportions that balanced just right with the beets and a few leaves of watercress. The balsamic vinegar was of the finest quality, well aged and sweet. We were off to a great start. My companion's appetizer of Holtkamp shrimp croquette, English Shrimp croquettes with cocktail sauce and lemon mayonnaise, was equally impressive.
For my main course, I chose the home marinated spareribs from the oven with ailoli, sweet chili sauce, and fries. Perfection again. I was served four racks of 3 or 4 ribs each, piled neatly on a plate. The ribs were cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection. The sweet chili sauce, in a side dish for dipping, put it over the top! I enjoyed every last bite. A bowl of warm water with lemon was provided for rinsing fingers, as well as a pre-packaged wet wipe. The fries were light and fluffy.
My partner had the Gebakketn slip baked sole fish (also served with fries). Two decent sized whole fish were served, baked golden to perfection. My friend expertly removed the bones in one piece, explaining to me that the chef must have pre-cut the sides of each fish, making it easy for the experienced diner to remove the bones. I tasted the sole. It too was noteworthy. Absolutely melt-in-your mouth delicious.
For dessert, my partner ordered the dessert of the month, strawberries served with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. It was exactly as it sounds and presented nicely. For my dessert, I ordered what was listed on the menu as "pancakes and ice cream." I was pleasantly surprised when I was served two hefty warm crepes, each filled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream tucked and folded inside, and topped with a sinful coffee liqueur. It was like hitting the jackpot again! I could barely finish.
All through the meal, the young women waiting on us were attentive, extremely polite, and made us feel genuinely welcome. Early on in our meal, after I had finished my appetizer, the man who had greeted us and invited us into his restaurant stopped by our table to ask how I liked the beetroot appetizer. I smiled and simply said, "Amazing!" He seemed satisfied and happy with my response. I'm sure it wasn't the first time he'd had a similar reaction.
The essence of what I'm saying here is you don't need to think twice about this establishment. They have it all down pat. The service, the food, the atmosphere--all are conducive to a very pleasant dining experience. This will be the first place I dine the next time I'm in Amsterdam.
