Where are we?
Huize Sytzama is located in the middle of picturesque Kollum. This former town hall was stylishly renovated a few years ago. There are offices at the top, while Grand Café WALD opened on the ground floor a year ago. So it is high time to test whether this new restaurant is an asset.
What about here?
When you enter such a stately building, you almost automatically check whether your blouse is properly ironed. Not necessary at all, because the atmosphere inside is pleasant. We enter a high hall with a dining room on both sides. In the room on the left is also the bar, in the room on the right you get a glimpse into the kitchen through a half-height glass wall. The sunlight shines beautifully through the high windows. The interior is a beautiful combination of classic and modern: the ceilings and floors have been restored to their former glory and pieces of unfinished, old wall alternate with trendy tiled walls and furniture made of wood and steel. ‘Very vtwonen’, table companion nods approvingly.
What’s on the card?
Not very much, but Wald still has a nice selection of starters, main courses and desserts. There is plenty to choose from for vegetarians. And then no standard options with goat cheese, but dishes that are slightly different. A plus for this creativity.
How do we like it?
Nice creativity, but the starter of lentil pâté with beetroot, walnut and green pea is disappointing. This is not a pâté, but a hard cake. In addition, the flavors are very flat. The garlic-asparagus soup is a lot better, although it’s fishing for a piece of asparagus.
Fortunately, the main course makes us a lot happier. The ‘steak of the week’ is a round steak. It is baked as requested and served with a puree of celeriac and wild mushrooms. The sauce from Bleu de Wolvega fits perfectly with that. The other main course, melanzane alla parmigiana, is also very popular: this Italian eggplant dish is wonderfully soft and creamy. Both main courses are served with a portion of tasty summer vegetables and the side dishes (fries, a fresh salad and a bowl of rhubarb sauce) complete the picture. “And I just want to mention that they are not too modest with the mayonnaise,” says table companion. “That way you don’t have to ask for more after two fries, as is often the case.”
The two desserts more than complete our three-course dinner. The tiramisu has a good taste and is nice and soft, the monchou is not only a feast for the eyes but also tastes delicious. Especially the subtle addition of curd with mint forms a good counterpart to the sweet red fruit. Look, these are the flavor combinations you expect when you look at the dishes on the menu.
How is the service?
We are helped very friendly and quickly. So nothing to note.
Do we recommend this restaurant?
If you moor your boat in Kollum, or if you cycle through the beautiful surroundings, you should definitely make a stop here. For a good price you get dishes that are served with care and an eye for detail. Here and there the taste lacks some subtlety, but for many guests it will be nice that you get ‘just’ a portion of fries in addition to your nicely decorated plate. You certainly don’t have to be afraid of a hunger pang on the way back.
Grand Café WALD, Kollum
Budget: +++
Vegan friendly: ++++
Wheelchair accessible: ++
Parking: ++++
Child friendly: ++++
Front street 46, 9291 CL Column