My second experience of Amsterdam Restaurant Week occurred on the Saturday, when I took a stroll down the Haarlemmerstraat in all its Food Festival glory. The local shops, cafes and general commercial establishments were out in force serving small taster-size helpings of various food and drinks from stalls lining the street. Contrary to usual behaviour, I didn’t actually eat all that much; I was alone and the prospect of sitting with a bunch of strangers knocking back a glass of wine and sampling oysters didn’t quite appeal (tip for people on diets: eschew your social life and watch the weight drop off). I did, however, taste some smoky sweet chorizo that reminded me how desperately awful is the cheap imitation they sell in the local Spar. I also came home with some variously hued tomatoes, an avocado, a block of parmesan, a bottle of Chilean rose and a bunch of woody flowers. I felt very Mrs Ramsay, and wished I was holding a dinner party.
