There’s something about the simplicity of really well-prepared fries that’s kind of irresistible. I mean, ultimately they’re just potato sticks, but that crispy/creamy contrast can’t be beat.
And the fries from Vleminckx Sausmeesters in Amsterdam are some of the best that I’ve had in a long while. They’ve got that crispy/creamy thing going on in spades. They’re lousy with it.
As you might imagine from the name, Vleminckx Sausmeesters is just as much about the sauces as it is about the fries; their most famous topping is called Oorlog Mix, which consists of mayonnaise, satay sauce, and diced onions.
The mayo and the satay sauce is a pretty amazing combination, but the onions just kind of got in the way for me — but then I don’t like raw onions, so I probably should have seen that one coming.
I keep trying to understand the appeal of uncooked onion, and it keeps being pungent and gross. Still, the fact that I enjoyed this as much as I did despite their foul presence tells you how good it was.
Also (and I didn’t get a picture of this, sadly) there was a group of pigeons that were just hanging out around the shop, and it very quickly became clear why: people would occasionally drop a fry, and within seconds of one hitting the ground they were on it. For a few frantic seconds there’s an angry scrum of fluttering wings and mad pecking, and then the fry is gone and they wait for the next one.
2 Comments
OMG Michael, please try to find a great medium rare burger in Amsterdam, I’m going there soon and would totally love your recommendation!
Alas, I’m actually a little bit ahead with my posts — I’ve already left Amsterdam, and I didn’t eat a single burger while I was there.