When a passionate craftsman and veteran of the Dutch culinary scene like Mario Ridder shares his most personal vision, every foodie knows it's time to pay attention. In the heart of Delft, Azurite immerses diners in a tasteful setting featuring glass, concrete and wood. Raw, natural and yet warm, with select provisions showcased as visual highlights (the upper floor is home to a wine loft holding hundreds of bottles and a vintage whisky and digestif bar). The service is equally elegant – unobtrusive yet attentive – with a sommelier who curates outstanding pairings. The stage is set; now the chef lets his expertise in classic cuisine and passion for Dutch produce do the talking.
There is a choice of three set menus (vegetarian, signature and caviar) that encapsulate his distinguished career with finesse. Picture a room-temperature bluefin tuna fillet served with a simple artichoke cream, then topped with a fine sliver of aged beef, drizzled with a full-bodied olive oil and finished with a subtly vibrant kohlrabi vinaigrette. Simply exquisite! Mario Ridder bares himself bare in the kitchen, and that promises the diner an extraordinary experience.