The Taste of De Librije on Holland America’s ms Koningsdam

by Janis on August 31, 2016

This orange flower, lying on our table perfectly arranged in a unique glass “stem” vase, gave us a hint that this might be an interesting, colorful dinner.

While sailing on Holland America’s ms Koningsdam cruise ship in July, we decided to try the specialty dinner that’s offered one evening per cruise in the Pinnacle Grill.

Located in Zwolle, Netherlands, De Librije is a Michelin three star restaurant set in the former library of a 15th-century Dominican abbey. Jonnie Boer is the chef, and his wife Thérèse Boer-Tausch is maître and sommelier.

The “Taste of De Librije“is a similar offering to Holland America’s “Evening at Le Cirque“ in that the Pinnacle Grill is transformed into the famous restaurant for one night.

Our five-course Taste of De Librije dinner began with a three-part amuse–bouche that included a foie gras lollipop and a golden egg. This was paired with a sparkling wine.

Mr. Jones adored the “Golden Egg”, even when he found out the filling was made from cauliflower.

The De Librije food is fun, unusual and delightful. For example, the shells in the “Oyster on the Beach” appetizer are formed from foie gras. The chef’s creativity combines foods you would not expect to work together.

Each guest gets to choose between two – four options for most courses. The appetizer pictured above is lobster with avocado and micro greens.

Jade, our amazing wine server, explained the wine poured with each course, especially chosen to enhance each particular dish.

The Lobster Bisque Foam contains Alaskan king crab, and is flavored with lovage (an herbaceous plant with a flavor and smell somewhat similar to celery.) Buttery, crisp brioche croutons top this delightful soup.

This “soup” is Dark Beer Pork Belly. The pork belly is arranged on top of green pea foam, and the dish is flavored with madras curry, goat cheese and caviar.

The pea-hating Mr. Jones loved every bite.

This is the Seared Bass with Speck Ham entree, served with celery and a Riesling sauce. Portions are small but rich; you will not leave this dinner hungry.

The Deconstructed Apple Pie with vanilla gelato and Chantilly-style cream was our favorite of the two dessert choices.

These candy “Kisses” were the perfect end to a magical dining experience.

Service in the Pinnacle Grill is always good, but the waiters and wine servers outdid themselves in delivering a memorable evening that was the highlight of all of our dining experiences on the ms Koningsdam.

The “Taste of De Librije” is currently offered on the ms Rotterdam, ms Eurodam and the ms Koningsdam when the ships are sailing in Europe. The five-course dinner and wine-pairing costs $69 per person.

De Librije chef Jonnie Boer is also a member of Holland America Line’s Culinary Council, so all guests can try some of his featured creations in the main dining room on every Holland America cruise.

Have you tried the “Taste of De Librije” on one of Holland America’s ships?

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Check out these other posts on the ms Koningsdam: