I had heard so much about the restaurant’s food and I was dying to eat there. Finally the moment had presented itself! The previous Friday Kanu had the opportunity to present our wines to Pieter Bruins, the famous Master Sommelier. Pieter is known for being ruthlessly honest in his opinion on wines, which made me just a tad bit nervous at the idea of meeting him. Kanu’s wines have been acknowledged over the years for their superb quality, so that was not the issue... In my mind he was going to be another “Ratatouille” critic… Ruthless… And mean… With bags under his eyes... To say the least, my expectations were completely wrong. De Bokkedoorns is a beautiful restaurant overlooking a pond with swans - quite idyllic. Pieter Bruins is a tall, friendly man with grey hair and warm eyes. He was fascinating to listen to... His knowledge of wine surpasses anything I have ever heard. And he loved our wines! When you grow up on a farm and love it as much as we do, it may sometimes seem that you are biased in your love for the wines. This is why it is so great to be recognised at awards. Or to be recognised by a world famous sommelier, like Pieter! He loved our wines! Not to mention the KCB! All he could say was: “Wow! These wines are something different… Where do I find it in Europe?” And so it came that I was invited to lunch with friends at De Bokkedoorns on Sunday, for a Kanu paired menu they had designed especially for us! As we arrived, the skies opened up and the sun poured through; a promise of what the rest of the day will hold... From the moment we set foot in the restaurant, we were treated like celebrities. This was awesome, as everyone else in the restaurant is treated exactly the same. No wonder they have so many service awards under their belt. And then the food started pouring in... Perfectly matched with Kanu wines... Assiette of De Bokkedoorns amuse Kanu Viognier 2010 Radish with North Sea crab, poached lobster, cream of "matcha" tea, sea cockles and mussels with cream of oyster Kanu KCB 2009 Grilled red snapper with braised squid, sardine and roasted Saint-Jacques scallop, rouille, pointed peppers and jus bouillabaisse Kanu Shiraz 2005 Roasted sea bass with cauliflower, buttermilk, pan seared Foie Gras and summer truffle Kanu Merlot 2012 Roasted Texel lamb with confit lamb shoulder, black olive muffin, terrine roasted lamsnek and lamb jus Kanu Keystone 2005 “Keuze van de kaaswagen” Dark chocolate ganache with yuzu, seasonal fruit, a raspberry marshmallow, basil ice cream and elderflower sorbet. Kanu Kia Ora 2008 A selection of Friandise Fresh mint tea The perfect way to end another wonderful trip in Holland. Click HERE to view the De Bokkedoorns Restaurant in pictures.