After spending time on University for the past few years, The Dutch Eatery & Refuge packed its things and moved away from Main Gate Square — it was time to graduate, so to speak. Then, just last month, the restaurant opened its doors in the Williams Center on the corner of Broadway and Craycroft.
The new spot at 5340 E. Broadway Blvd. has hit the ground running with its expansive shaded patio, outdoor games for the whole family, a bar lounge space with firepits, and a special dining area that can be reserved for special occasions.
Most importantly, the crafty dishes that folks grew to love at the original location also packed their bags and took the trip across town. Although, the menu has expanded in such a way that it now offers distinct eating experiences depending on the time of day.
Recipe for success
From the beginning, when the restaurant first opened in 2017, executive chef Marcus van Winden, who’s Dutch and also from Holland, has made it a point to craft their menu in-house. The loving care doesn’t stop there either, folks. Marcus tests each recipe until he’s able to mimic the authentic Dutch taste — certain dishes have been known to take a year to perfect before being added to the menu.
“Chef Marcus has worked to create a modern European menu, which comprises a number of tastes and flavors that seem exotic,” said, Nicole van Winden, co-owner and wife. “But are also comfortingly familiar, too.”
Just this month, The Dutch celebrated its fifth year in Tucson and the anniversary also happens to be the wedding anniversary for Marcus and Nicole. So, let’s help them celebrate by partaking in the new menus, which include a Brunch, Dinner, and Chef’s Table — an edible adventure through five to seven courses.
Brunch it up, buttercup
“For brunch, we offer many of our favorites including the Half Pound Cinnamon Roll, our Kibbeling, which is a Dutch spiced fish and chips, and our scratch-made hollandaise sauce for both our Classic Benedict and our new Lobster Benedict,” said Nicole van Winden.
The brunch menu is available from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily and make it a point to check out the traditional Poffertjeskraam on the patio every Saturday.
Brunch menu highlights:
- Lobster Benedict – poached eggs, asparagus, hollandaise, English muffin, and with mixed greens (poached lobster is flown in weekly)
- Prime Rib Dip – with horseradish cream, caramelized onions and mushrooms, Alejandro’s telera roll, and natural jus
- Salade Lyonnaise – frisse, romaine, bacon, and a poached egg with shallot vinaigrette
You can check out the full menu online.
Bring an appetite for Dinner
“Our dinner menu is where our culinary team has had the most fun making changes,” said Nicole van Winden. “While we still have customer favorites such as the Duck a l’Orange Tacos and flash-fried Brussels Sprouts, we hope guests will enjoy trying some new offerings as well.”
Dinner menu highlights:
- Escargot – with garlic butter and toast
- Steak Tartare – with a poached egg, roasted garlic aioli, dijon, and fresh bread
- Liver Pate – with microgreens and fresh bread
- Quail Wellington – with mushroom duxelles, Boursin, prosciutto, puff pastry, green beans, and demi-glace
- Squid Ink Pasta – with housemade pasta, tomatoes, asparagus, mozzarella, and wilted arugula with a creamy pesto sauce (with an option to add chicken, shrimp, or salmon)
- Oyster Mushroom Panade – with fried oyster mushrooms, tri-colored potatoes, chives, and peppers with cashew country gravy and smoked sea salt
They also have rotating daily specials such as Lobster Tuesday, which features a fresh lobster dish each week based on the chef’s whim, Traditional Dutch Gehaktdag featuring ground beef specials like Shepherds Pie and a Bison Burger on Wednesday, and a Prime Rib Dinner on Saturday, which is a two-course meal.
The dinner menu is available from 4 – 9 p.m. on Monday – Wednesday and 4 – 10 p.m. on Thursday – Saturday. Also, don’t forget about Happy Hour from 3 – 6 p.m. daily.
You can check out the full menu online.
Gather ’round the Chef’s Table
“Our Chef’s Table is what we are most excited to offer,” said Nicole van Winden. “We love the prefixe menus that some of our favorite local restaurants create for holidays and special events, but we wanted to take it a step further so that guests could celebrate on their special days.”
Reservations are requested at least five days in advance and is available for parties two to eight people.
Here’s how it works:
After a brief consultation, chef Marcus will design a five to seven-course menu specifically for your party. For instance, if you love wild game, let them know. Or if you’re allergic to shellfish — no problem. Perhaps you’re craving dessert but don’t like ’em too sweet. There’s nothing but options.
Chef’s Table pricing:
- Five-course menu is $110 per person
- Seven-course menu is $135 per person
- Wine pairing is optional for an additional $65 per person
To make your reservations for the Chef’s Table, call (520) 792-0624.
The Dutch Eatery & Refuge is located at 5340 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, visit thedutchtucson.com.
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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.
