In this episode of Chefs & Cellars, we head into the forests of Bennekom to visit Restaurant Het Koetshuis, where we sit down with second-generation host and passionate wine lover Danny. For decades, this culinary institute has been a hidden gem in the Veluwe, offering guests tranquillity, classic craftsmanship and a profound respect for tradition — both on the plate and in the glass.

We explore how Danny’s parents took over the property in the mid-eighties and rebuilt it into the restaurant it is today, complete with an underground cellar, expansive terrace and a loyal following that now spans generations. From stories about the early days — when a Michelin star arrived entirely by surprise — to childhood memories of growing up between the kitchen and the dining room, the conversation reveals how heritage continues to shape the Koetshuis identity.

In the kitchen, classic French technique remains the backbone. Sweetbreads with Dutch asparagus, grilled turbot with beurre blanc, and long-standing signatures like carpaccio are revisited season after season, always with subtle contemporary touches. Danny explains why simplicity is often the hardest discipline, and how the restaurant evolves its classics without losing their soul.

Wine is where Het Koetshuis truly distinguishes itself. We taste a rare Bourgogne Rouge “La Croix Blanche” 2023 by cult producer Charles Lachaux — served by the glass — while discussing Danny’s philosophy of making great wines accessible without requiring guests to commit to full bottles. From Burgundy and Champagne to a deeply personal connection with Château Giscours, the cellar reflects both curiosity and legacy, shaped by years of travel, tastings and a desire to share memorable bottles.

You can discover more about Het Koetshuis in the review on our website, featuring the wonderful lunch we enjoyed during our visit.

In this episode, we travel to the royal forests of the Veluwe to visit Hotel Gastronomique De Echoput, where we sit down with Peter Klosse and Boudewijn Klosse. For seventy years, this family house has stood at the forefront of Dutch gastronomy—rooted in nature, defined by science, and continuously evolving across three generations.

We explore how ‘De Echoput’ grew from a woodland restaurant into a full gastronomic hotel, and how its philosophy remains built on purity, local terroir, and craftsmanship. Peter reflects on the impact of the Academie voor Gastronomie, the school he founded to introduce a scientific approach to taste and pairing—an institution that transformed culinary education in the Netherlands. Boudewijn shares how sensory science, biotechnology, and a renewed focus on wine culture shape the next chapter of the Echoput ecosystem.

We also discuss the opening of ‘Het Wild Atelier’, the estate’s new fine-dining concept with Chef Jonathan Zandbergen, where craftsmanship, interaction, and wild regional products take stage in a modern, immersive setting.

Join us as we uncover the deep connection between nature, taste, and education that defines ‘De Echoput’, and hear from Peter and Boudewijn about legacy, innovation, and the future of hospitality.

You can discover more about De Echoput in the review on our website, featuring the wonderful lunch we enjoyed during our visit.

Welcome to the sixth episode and season finale of Chefs & Cellars, the culinary podcast by Dutch Wine Apprentice.

In this episode, we visit Restaurant Fred in Rotterdam, where we sit down with Fred’s sommelier duo Axel Rosier and Daniel Gravesteijn.

This 2 Michelin Star Gem in Rotterdam has been at the top of the Dutch culinary scene for years now, and has found a new home in the center of city, where everything is about space and luxury. But rest assured, Chef Fred Mustert's mantra is still the same, nobody leaves the restaurant with hunger! Here beauty is combined with soul filled food, and innovation goes hand in hand with the classics.

As far as the wines are concerned, this section remains in the hands of two top sommeliers; Axel Rosier and Daniël Gravesteijn. They now have an in-house wine room in the middle of the restaurant, to showcase their wonderful wine collection with some 1,100 entries.

Join us as we explore the restaurant’s new location, dive into their curated wine list, and uncork a South African icon crafted by renowned winemaker Eben Sadie.

You can discover more about Restaurant Fred in the review on our website, featuring the wonderful lunch we enjoyed during our visit.