Time to Get Cheesy!

If you’ve got flights to Amsterdam, you’re probably aware that there are several other cities – and even countries – nearby that are worth a visit. Because these places are so close together, it’s easy to get around by train. You can take these side trips to make your vacation more exciting and see the countries that otherwise wouldn’t make the cut for your next vacation.

Now, the trains are pretty bare-bones. There are bathrooms on them, but beverage service is spotty. And food isn’t available at all. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to stop you from putting together an incredible meal while you’re riding the rails through the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg! Instead of loading up on tasteless snacks at the train station, give yourself the gift of a gourmet experience; it could become one of the best memories of your trip.

You can put your lunch together with the steps below:

1. Start outside the country: to make this meal properly, you actually need to start next door in Belgium. The sausage came from a farmer’s market in Bruges, a tiny medieval city that has more charm than you could ever expect to see in one place. Hit the sausage stand and take a moment to breathe: (a) it smells great and (b) if you don’t, you’ll be overwhelmed by the choices. While it’s easy to stay simple and choose the pork sausage, let your adventurous side run wild and try something like ass sausage. Remember: you’re in a different part of the world, take advantage of it!

2. Ask the milkmaids: there’s a reason this particular profession is associated with the Netherlands! Visit one of the many cheese shops in Amsterdam, and again, prepare to be overwhelmed. The local gourmet grocer in your neighborhood will never look the same after you let your eyes wander the shelves full of Dutch cheese. The variety is impressive, and samples are usually available. For the small wheels, you’ll spend between $10 and $15, but you’ll walk away with enough to feed four people until they feel stuffed.

3. Spread the love: in this case, the love is yellow and grainy: mustard. If you’ve never had mustard on cheese, you’ve been missing out. Big time.The cheese shops in Amsterdam also sell mustard, and like the cheese, there are usually a few for you to sample. Don’t be shy: the shops let you take a taste for a reason. Experiment with different cheese and mustard pairings until you have the combinations in hand that will blow your mind.

4. Wash it down: beer is the drink of choice in this part of the world. As with the sausage, you’ll probably want to go Belgian, and Amsterdam has lots of Trappist beers from which to choose. Of course, you’ll need to try a few in order to make an informed decision … oh, such a chore! Hit up just about any of the hole-in-the-wall bars in Amsterdam to get a feel for your options before going and picking up a six-pack.

Don’t forget to pick up a few bottles of water, too. You know … just in case you get thirsty.

Of course, you don’t have to stick to this exactly. You could find some sausage in Amsterdam, or substitute wine from Luxembourg for the beer, if you’re headed out there. Do remember to bring a few knives, for cutting the sausage and cheese and spreading the mustard. And, I can tell you from personal experience, napkins are a good idea.

Bon appetit!

photo: Tom Johansmeyer