No Chef’s Table menu is the same but the experience at The Dutch is a guaranteed treat. In other words, each dinner is tailored in such a way that it caters to certain flavor profiles, personal tastes, and even demographics.
It’s a fully customizable experience, for the most part, because executive chef Marcus van Winden takes into consideration what you’d love to eat and what you’d rather not see on the plate. In the end, it’s a beautiful multi-course meal — anywhere from five to seven courses — being created right in front of you.
You’ve got the best seat in the house, which is a long bar of about 10 chairs that allows you to peer into the kitchen as Marcus and his team create your personalized masterpiece.
Marcus, who’s originally from Holland, refers to the dinners as an “unparalleled epicurean experience.” He and his wife/co-owner of the restaurant, Nicole van Winden, met on a Holland America Cruise Line and ran the Holland Hotel in Alpine, Texas before opening The Dutch. Marcus has loads of experience in the culinary world — one of his most challenging jobs was as the chef de partie patisserie at Inter Scaldes in the Netherlands. That particular restaurant had two Michelin stars at the time and no talking or noise was allowed in the kitchen.
So, if you’re still not convinced whether or not you should gather up two to eight of your closest humans and make a reservation for a Chef’s Table experience, here’s a sneak peek of what to expect.
A few of the Tucson Foodie folks were rounded up just a couple of weeks ago and got to experience the menu seen below (keep scrolling). Now, keep in mind that every Chef’s Table dinner differs and this is merely an example of Marcus so creatively crafts.
Chef’s Table Menu (our experience)
Amuse Bouche
Patatas Bravas – Crispy Fried Potato
First Course
Watermelon With Goat Cheese, Sesame Crisp & a Balsamic Reduction
Second Course
Scallop Crudo & Crispy Seaweed
Third Course
Borscht & Herb Creme Fraiche
Fourth Course
Black Bean Chile With Spiced Shrimp
Fifth Course
Braised Beef Short Rib, Risotto & Spinach
Sixth Course
Brie Brûlée & Raspberry Chipotle Coulis
Seventh Course
Poached Peaches & Fig Sorbet
Reserving Your Spot at the Table
If you’re interested in making a reservation for a Chef’s Table dinner and pricing, you’ll need to call (520) 792-0624 at least five days in advance. Once your preferences are noted, Marcus and the team behind the scenes get to work.
In 2022, the van Winden’s relocated the restaurant to Broadway Boulevard — the restaurant spent its first five years on Main Gate Square near the University of Arizona. With its expansive shaded patio, outdoor games for all ages, and a slick bar lounge, The Dutch is easily one of Tucson’s must-visit destinations for locals and anyone just passing through.
The Dutch is located at 5340 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, visit thedutchtucson.com. The Dutch is also a Tucson Foodie Restaurant Partner.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
