The cocktails are spectacular at the Sky Lounge. Almost as spectacular as the view. Perched on top of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on an unexpectedly cold spring evening in Amsterdam, we stand on the terrace and soak up the last of the sunshine as the wind whips at us viciously. Back inside the bar, a Dutch friend orders bitterballen to go with our next round of icy cocktails, served with bags of freshly made popcorn.
The popular bar snack arrives in a suitably frou-frou setting, stylishly plated and served. But when we bite it, it conjures up all the joys of a good, old-fashioned, deep-fried treat. Crisp, salty and meaty, it's a clever amalgamation of tastes and flavours.
Bitterballen are typically stuffed with a mixture of meat blended with broth, butter and herbs. There are different versions: spiked parsley, nutmeg or even curry powder. This version was fairly sophisticated, with a golden-brown casing stuffed with a creamy meat roux. We order one plate, then another.
The Dutch contingent at the table look pleased. Finally, the tourists have moved on - the never ending stream of Instagrammed French fries topped with mayonnaise was getting tiring.
