Photographs, Jewellery, Food and Life by Son Memelink

29 May 2012

Surprise stay at Mario, Neck

Polder with geese+chicks
Cycle path on dyke, IJsselmeer
To my utter surprise, I got treated to an evening (including night) at the famous Italian restaurant/hotel 'Mario' in a tiny village called Neck, just outside of 'Purmerend' (not far North of Amsterdam.) We'd heard many good things about it but had not managed to visit it yet.
It was a cool but dry day and we took the scenic route, which made me fall in love with Holland all over again. A quick stop-over in Volendam, where we bought some smoked eel, and on to Neck.
The first thing that came to mind when we arrived was: "why would an Italian family start a restaurant here, in such a small place?" But they did, and with great succes! As soon as we walked through the door, we were 'enveloped' by typical, hospitable, lovely, Italian' fuss-making'. We were given the Blue Suite, our bags were carried upstairs for us, the open fire had been lit and we were welcome to come downstairs, whenever we wanted, for an aperitivo by the fire. This set the tone for the rest of the evening. Our seven course menus (1 vegetarian) with 'wine-arrangement' were FANTASTIC and the portions were just right. The choice of wines was sublime. In the end we decided to take pictures of the bottles so that we would be able to order some later. The food was of Michelin-star quality but (in my opinion) without its, sometimes over the top, unnecessary complexity. The whole evening was made even more perfect by a lovely Italian gentleman who played acoustic guitar, in the backround. Mario's is more about the restaurant than hotel, but our suite was very comfortable and clean, so no complaints whatsoever.
Marks: 8,5 out of 10 for the restaurant in the evening and 7 for the hotel part.
For information click on: MARIO
Turbot with 'ink'pasta
Duck + Guinea fowl







'Fave' Wine

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