Noon

Even when we're out of the country, we try to keep our tradition in place, and so we found ourselves on a cold and rainy evening at Noon, in Maastricht, in the Netherlands.

When we arrived just after 18:00, the restaurant was already quite full. With a few dozen tables, some high tables, and a bar where a bar keep was making plenty of colourful cocktails. We were seated at a high table right in the middle of the stylishly appointed establishment.

While enjoying a glass of cava, we shared a couple of starters. The Drunken Salmon (salmon cured in gin and yoghurt), and the Asian slow-roasted Pork Belly. Both were excellent. Flavourful and succulent.

For my main, I chose the Asian Ribs. I realised it was another Asian-flavoured dish — I know, "Asia" isn't a country. I am usually not keen on ribs, but these were boneless, and that made all the difference. That, and the lovely, and slightly spicy sauce that was slathered over the ribs with a few tiny bits of red chilli.

My partner's choice was the butter steak, medium rare. That came with carrots and a delicious mushroom foam. The sauce was made with Pedro Ximénez sherry, and had a nice shine to it. With our mains, we each enjoyed a glass of Merlot. The only (minor) let down were their chips that were served with our mains. They were slightly chewy.

It was a very enjoyable meal in a charming environment, and with very reasonable prices. A great birthday meal!