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PHOTO FEATURE: The Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Grand Opening June 9 – 11)

PHOTO FEATURE: The Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Grand Opening June 9 – 11)

Jun 1, 20172 min read

Main Gate Square restaurant Wilko has passed the torch to the Dutch Eatery & Refuge, even though some Wilko signs are still up.

The restaurant maintains its light and airy feel, but has a new menu thanks to co-owner and executive chef Marcus van Winden. Guests can expect New American-style cuisine alongside classic Dutch dishes.

Although the Dutch is open now, they’re hosting an official grand opening from June 9 – 11 with happy hour specials all day long and bitterballen, a popular Dutch bar snack of beef or veal croquettes.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of their new menu items.

French Toast ($9, brunch)

The brûléed crust provides a caramel complexity with a brittle crisp. Real maple syrup, vanilla macerated berries, and candied almonds provide additional layers of sweetness without being overbearing.

French Toast at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)
French Toast at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Bleu Cheese Brunch Burger ($14, lunch)

This thick half-pound burger has a seared crust and medium-rare center with thick bacon on top. The sharpness of the blue cheese is balanced by the sweet caramelized onions and slightly bitter arugula.

Bleu Cheese Brunch Burger at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Bleu Cheese Brunch Burger at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Breakfast Flatbread

Pillowy soft flatbread and herbed cheese make a convenient base for the smoked salmon and avocado. The runny egg yolk makes a finger-lickin’-good mess.

Breakfast Flatbread at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Breakfast Flatbread at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Patat Oorlog (War Fries)

Crispy fries are topped with a peanut sambal sauce, mayonnaise, and diced onion. It’s a simple hearty snack that goes great with cocktails.

Patat Oorlog (War Fries) and Watermelon Fresca cocktail at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Patat Oorlog (War Fries) and Watermelon Fresca cocktail at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Heluka Pork Chop

The juicy pork chop is topped with a creamy apple slaw on top of a bed of mashed purple potatoes and mustard sauce.

Heluka Pork Chop at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Heluka Pork Chop at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The Dutch Eatery & Refuge is located at 943 E. University Blvd. and can be reached at (520) 792-6684. Brunch is 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Happy hour is 3 – 6 p.m. daily. Keep up with the Dutch Eatery & Refuge on Facebook. For more information, visit thedutchtucson.com.

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer and photographer. Best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments and petting pets.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

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