Lekker500 — Top 500
More than ten years ago, SVH Master Chef Mario Ridder launched his meat restaurant C.E.O., the boss of meat, and it has certainly paid off handsomely. Top-quality beef is what's all about here, and guests from home and abroad know exactly how to find their way to it. The industrial-looking establishment, with white butcher tiles lining the walls, linen-draped tables, and simple Thonet chairs, sits on the lively Sumatraweg, where there's a huge selection of trendy dining spots. The neighborhood is vibrant and cheerful. The meat at C.E.O. is cooked on an American grill heated to as much as 1,300 degrees. The result is meat that is quickly seared shut, locking in all the juices while giving the exterior a deliciously crisp crust. There’s a relaxed atmosphere, and every table is taken.
During our aperitif, we tuck into a plate of thinly sliced Pata Negra, freshly carved. Simply divine. Tuna tataki kicks things off, served with a sauce of seaweed, cucumber, and small pineapple cubes. This is followed by a medium-roasted, lightly seasoned steak, alongside a tournedos Rossini topped with lightly sautéed foie gras and truffle. There’s a choice of accompanying sauces, and we opt for Périgueux jus with truffle. We simply lick our fingers clean. Served alongside are nice, generous fries that can be ordered separately with homemade mayonnaise. We pair it with a lightly chilled, soft, fresh red Le Patapouf Malbec from Atelier Dubongout, sourced from the Languedoc. To finish, an authentic classic crème brûlée, featuring an unmistakably paper-thin sugar crust that shatters satisfyingly under the tap of the rounded back of the spoon. You’d gladly wish such a (delicious) meat temple upon any self-respecting neighborhood.