’t Ailand

“’t Ailand is so much more than just a restaurant. It is a place where one can take part in workshops on how to smoke and fillet fish, how to open oysters and cook with seaweeds. We have a roof terrace with the best view over de Waddenzee, the sea north of the Netherlands, which is speckled with islands as is the birthplace and nursery for fish in the North Sea.

“We use tasty ingredients and little salt. We give tap water for free to our guests, so they take in less calories with their drinks. We aim to serve satisfying meals so the hunger for more stays away a bit longer. We don’t serve very sweet deserts (our apple pie and ice cream is less sweet than usual). Everything is home-made, ninety-nine per cent organic and free from additives.”

Fish variation with home-made organic fries, salad, and vegetables; hand-raked cockles with tomato, vegetables, garlic, white wine, and homemade bread; and wild wad oysters.

Carlo Petrini, founder of Slow Food International, came to Lauwersoog in 2011 to open ‘t Ailand. Located in the harbour of Lauwersoog, the restaurant is run by Barbara and Jan Rodenburg-Geertsema, founding members of The Good Fishermen, an organization that promotes sustainable fishing. Don’t expect a fancy restaurant. The interior is robust and simple – as is the food. ‘t Ailand serves fish in a straightforward way, but always as fresh as can be.