Mooie Benjamin in Haarlem

 Last week, a new lunchroom opened in Haarlem. There are always new restaurants opening in Haarlem, that's true! Why do I want to point this one out?

Actually, I wanted to share with you the philosophy and the experience I had there.

Back to end of August this year, on Sunday morning, 2 young guys were looking around for a place where to have breakfast before to head to a music festival. What they found was nothing exceptional, and they thought they can improve this and offer an upscaled alternative for gourmets.

3 months later, Mooie Benjamin opened its door in an authentic location in Gedempte Oude Gracht, 46!

The place is open from 8:00 am till 7:00 pm everyday! The menu offers a small variety of broodjes, tosti's, salads, soups, cheese platters and desserts.

At the counter, you can also buy directly French cheese from L'Amuse, Cretan Olive oil, some wines (French, Spanish, Italian), coffee and teas, nuts, and some chocolates and cookies.

The decoration respects the monumental style of the building with the dark wooden beams. Big wooden tables and handmade wooden benches complete the scene. The white walls gives light and the wood give some warmth welcome as soon as you get in!

The food is served in old fashion kitchenware, kindly prepared by the staff. I tried already a couple of sandwiches, and I have to say they were delicious! Freshly made, with original combinations, that really give a twist to the typical Dutch lunch! My favorite for now, is a spinach and goat cheese tosti with a mushroom spread, that was absolutely amazing!

I could not resist and tried a cheese platter and enjoyed it! Benjamin came and explained each cheese, each producer. The experience was really beyond the food; it was a complete learning about the products, the places and tasting new flavors!

This is where they make the difference! These 2 guys love quality products, respect the person who made, know the story behind each brand! When you get there, you feel at home, in this relax and alternative atmosphere proper from both partners! They take time to attend you and you get out with the stomach and the mind refilled of positive energy!

I really encourage you to stop by and try something from their menu and have some time for you!

A ppetit Voyage is your globe-trotting connoisseur: helping you change your mind about food, wines and cooking!