I am scared of heights, but thats not the reason I've a dislike of split level restaurants. Smells and heat tend to rise, and I always think its a good sign if the chef can look out and see everything thats happening. Still, for the 2nd time in a row, a night out in Amsterdam meant a trip up some stairs to a 2nd level. Thankfully this time everything worked. The food was very modern, had beautiful presentation and tasted pretty nice as well. As so often with complicated food, it was the relatively simple 2nd course pasta that gave the taste highlight of the night, with the desert a close 2nd. Portions are not big, so despite the fast turnover of plates, there was never a sense of being full. Plenty of selection per glass in the all Italian wine list and when I asked to try a specific wine at the end, they were happy to open a bottle for me. Sign of some good service and that was the case the whole evening, as everything was carried out efficiently and with a smile. Worth its 8,6 rating and a place that is worth more than 1 visit.

So the boy has gone and the restaurant has been renamed. Everything else looks much the same though apart from 1 crucial element: the food that is served on the table. New chef Dimitri serves a selection of classic dishes that fit perfectly in with the table d’hotes concept. No foams or ices or tricks here. Needs a bit if work though as during the 6 course there were a few more misses than hits. Best dish of the day was the stuffed quail main course, that was filled with an egg, pasta and some mushrooms. My sort of bistro food. Immediately before it though came sardines,with butter in a parsley sauce. All the elements were well cooked but as a dish it did not work – the 3 main components had a richness that fought with each other. Talking point of the day was the desert which features a sesame seed and passion fruit topping..Wierd and a perfect way to ruin one of the great tastes. Still its early days and I’m sure the majority of people coming here will appreciate the style. Service was good and the final bill of 345 for 6 course, 3 wine arrangements and a bottle of Prosecco was virtually the same as the visit to the old restaurant. That visit was 18 months ago though, and while I’ve eaten at a few places since, I can still recall the jus that was served that night with the Quail starter.... this new incarnation will do well, but I doubt they’ll ever reach the heights the old chef was capable of.

Wooping does not serve the best Chinese food I've ever had and its not the smartest looking either. It is though my favourite place in town. We tend not the order anymore as the boss knows what we like to eat and drink. Not many places where I let that happen. Last Tuesdays birthday meal (like the British Queen I get to celebrate twice) was typical. We came, we sat, I surprised everyone by ordering soup, and then a set of dishes appeared, including a surprising tomato and egg dish - one of the best dishes I've ever had here. No idea what the final bill was - thanks girls - but there know looks of panic in there faces, so it must have been reasonable. Miles better than one of these "eat all you can" places.