When did you start coming here?
“When it opened this year, I was invited
to the launch by chef and owner Ron
Blaauw. The restaurant used to be the
famous Ron Blaauw, which had two
Michelin stars, but Blaauw wanted to
go back to basics, so he opened this
place. He turned in his stars, which is a
brave thing to do.”
What’s the appeal?
“It’s the quality products that the chef
uses. For every single ingredient he
looks to the very best suppliers from all
over Holland. The prices are also very
good considering Blaauw has been
a Michelin-starred chef. All main
courses are €15 and every single one
is fantastic. It’s the first-ever gastrobar
in Holland – a unique idea by a
culinary pioneer.”
Who comes here?
“The whole idea of the gastrobar is that
it’s for anyone; everyone is welcome.
If you’re a farmer or a high-class
politician, it doesn’t matter. The menu
caters to every palate. If you want
something very fancy and delicate, they
can make that; if you want a big steak
and fries, that’s no problem.”
What’s your order?
“I really like fish and the king crab is
just fantastic. It’s the best I’ve ever
had. Also, the special dry sausage dish
is very popular. The sausages come on
a big wooden plate. It looks beautiful as
well as tasting delicious.”
And to drink?
“If you are asking me as Santa, then
I have to say milk!”
What keeps you going back?
“The kindness of the personnel –
everyone is treated like a king. They
make you feel at home and every
single person is paid attention to. But,
ultimately, it’s the fantastic food. That’s
the main reason I keep going back.”
Stefan Veroude has been named the
World’s Best Santa two years in a row
at the Santa Winter Games. He hopes
to win the title for a third successive year.
santawintergames.com
T H E R E G U L A R S
The coolest places around the
network, by the people who
know them best
Stefan
Veroude
World’s best Santa Claus
EATS AT
RON GASTROBAR
55 Sophialaan
1075 BP AMSTERDAM
+31 (0)20 496 1943
rongastrobar.nl
AS TOLD TO
JACK PALFREY
PHOTO
MARCUS KOPPEN
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