Landgoed Salentein ****

Rating: 8.4

The Portillo Bar Bodega is a part of the Landgoed Salentein, a property owned by the Pon family on of the richest families in the Netherlands. Landgoed de Salentein, as we know it today, was founded by Mr. Mijndert Pon, a visionary whose passion and commitment for business and people made him one of the most successful Dutch entrepreneurs. But the history of the estate goes back to the 16th century when the 'Lords of Groot Vaneveld' expanded a modest farm into a substantial homestead. This marks the beginning of four centuries of further expansions and embellishments of the building, which from then on has been inhabited by various noble families. Lands are added, forests are planted and the facade of the house is enriched with towers and battlements.

The bodega brings a flavor of Argentina to the Netherlands. The family owns Salentein wineries in the Americas as well. Most wine you drink and meat you eat are produced by the company themselves. A unique experience is what you get. Let’s be honest, how many restaurant can say drinks and food is created by themselves? Check out the place out and see for yourself the beautiful wines they produce.

In other reviews, I talked about the price performance (i.e. you pay to much for what you get). The good thing is there are also restaurant where the price performance is great and I believe the Portillo Bar Bodega is such a place. Take the Salentein Prime Beef menu. A great deal where you get a superb charcuteria with raw beef sausage (ossenworst), tartar, roastbeef, likkepot and filet american, a very good 200 gr. rib eye and to finish a creme brûlée. The price for this was only 35 euro’s.

The barbeque place on the terrace is one of the largest I have ever seen. A nice place to have lunch or even dinner. One of the thing I remember was the fantastic tartar. When you order this, they will prepare it all the way at you table. Showing you the meat, grinding it, etc. An absolute to starter!

NIJKERK, GELDERLAND, NETHERLANDS