For a moment, just for a moment, we are not in Haarlem - the home front of Bart's Buddy Bloeme - so much has changed in catering practices, it is hardly possible to test against it. We will, don't be alarmed. What we did - was shocked - when we suddenly heard that it was because of our loved one Seymour has suddenly closed (which, with a rental price of 6.500 euros per month, as we read online, is not really surprising). Fortunately, a number of new addresses were added, and a few are still being renovated. A Haarlem Update:

Bistro bar Indonesia
Ron (chef Ron Blaauw) never stops! Fortunately, because thanks to Ron's unstoppable urge to open smart and tasty catering establishments, or at least to provide catering establishments with consultation so that they can then do it on their own two feet, we can look forward to the next Gastrobar concept. Howachtstop... Recovery: Bistrobar concept in this case. We do like the sound of that. Blaauw hit for the soon to be bistro bar joins forces with co-chef Agus Hermawan and together touring ze as we speak The Gin Sum Club (a beautiful building, but not entirely unique, which is why the owners called in the help of Blaauw and Hermawan) into Bistrobar Indonesia. Good to know: the classics from Ron Gastrobar Indonesia's menu will in any case also be on the menu. And then we wait. The opening is scheduled for early June. Bistro bar Indonesia

Blaauw offering consultation is a golden opportunity. He also did this at the recently opened one Bistro bar XO (quick conclusion: private businesses are Gastrobars, businesses with a helpline are Bistrobars) in Roermond and with Escobar's men - here too the 'bar'), the pintxos business that June 1 next opens in Amsterdam. Read more: Escobar. 

Restaurant Morris
Fresh from the Haarlem press is Morris, restaurant Morris, a 'until we meat again' restaurant on the beautiful Spaarne. So meat, indeed, and highly recommended on that front. But also fish and especially burgers (which is meat, of course, we understand that). Back to basics Morris wants: a nice piece of meat or whole fish and some bullshitless sides. The steaks are more tender than tender, as we prefer, which also applies to the smoky Côte de boeuf with a parade of sauces, perfect with a glass of spicy Syrah on the side. Inside long tables and street art on the wall. Also good news: steak, fries and a beer will cost you less than twenty donnies. Restaurant Morris, Spaarne 36

CHART 24
Secretly they have been there for a while, but since we are not talking about it here yet sharing restaurant on the Oude Groenmarkt, it could have been included in the list. The two chefs behind TABLE 24 took the plunge and started a tent where the things they love most are served on the table. Small bites with a twist. Sounds complicated, turns out to be ridiculously simple. Happy. From a clear menu, you can put together a platter yourself that comes to the table remarkably quickly. Perfect for a (hungry) drink, although you can also order a main course for a big appetite.  TABLE 24, Oude Groenmarkt 24

Also nice: restaurant French Napa recently opened a little further in Overveen. Read more: French Napa

Popocatepetl
A well-known name, that's right, and not just in Haarlem, that's right. But in Haarlem, the Popocatepetl branch was thoroughly renovated from A to Z. The Mexican restaurant (there are 25 locations in the Netherlands) received a major upgrade in style from the colorful, lively restaurant it always was. The delicious Mexican dishes remained unchanged - huevos rancheros, Mexican dog, salads, tortillas, faijtas, tostadas, quesadillas and more (in short, everything we like) - although the menu was also upgraded in terms of content. Popocatepetl, River fish market 1-3

Plain Gray
That may sound a bit grumpy, but we have also fallen hard for the new Plain Gray. Not brand new either, but hey, we said it already... We were distracted for a moment. Since its opening in 2016, Effen Grijs has been stealing hearts in Haarlem and the surrounding area with two simple but very important ingredients: hospitality and exceptionally tasty food for a fair price. Sounds simple and yet there are not many gems like Plain Gray. Expect a gloomy but tasteful room, filled with the warmth of the staff (and a chef who will lovingly provide explanations at the table - small effort, big gesture). Start with the charcuterie (or the beetroot with goat's cheese for the vegetarians among us, although the mackerel with kimchi and shiitake is also very popular) and continue with the Frisian Holstein - enjoy! For three courses (no menu) you will spend around 40 euros, only a main course will cost you 18.50. Fun and accessible, but still tasty and a bit chic. Really a restaurant for a night out without clenching your buttocks. Plain Gray, Lange Veerstraat 20-22

Fishbar Monk
The opening of Fishbar Monk in Haarlem is planned for Thursday, May 18. So we'll have to wait a little longer Fishbar Monk, Peat market 20

Also read the 10 x new in Haarlem list for February: 10 x new in Haarlem

Frisk aan het Spaarne
The crowdfunding was successful and so we are currently working hard on the new Frisk on the Spaarne. They received the key on Monday, May 1, and the business should open in mid-June. The promise? Dishes inspired by the Nordic Kitchen. Frisk = fresh on my Danish. Frisk cooks purely, with local seasonal ingredients that together produce authentic, simple and therefore extremely tasty dishes. Main part? Vegetables. Because 2017. That all sounds fantastic, and you haven't even seen the historic building in which Frisk aan het Spaarne! It is not only historic but also beautiful and it is located right on the water, making Frisk's terrace one of the best in the city. So good timing, opening mid-June. Frisk aan het Spaarne, Max Euweplein 1

At Jasmine's
A brand new, wonderfully sweet address on the always pleasant Zijlweg where there is nothing to eat or drink, but plenty of shopping. From beautiful plates for the wall, among other things, and delicacies from Ortiga. Anyway, it's nice, there At Jasmijn... At Jasmine's, Zijlweg 44