Gothamist: Where the Hell is Rijstafel?

NYCinephile

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 17:49:37 -0500

My comments regarding a recent visit to Bali Nusa Indah: http://www.43places.com/entries/view/1136375

nathan

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 13:31:51 -0500

I went to Java on 7th ave. Don't bother. The food was utter crap. Warmed-over microwaved meals, undifferntiable food masses, ugh. Gross.

Dutch

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 10:01:04 -0500

A rijsttafel in NYC is certainly unusual, but relatively expensive and can't compare to the competition in Amsterdam. When I ordered Rendang in Java, Brooklyn the owner came out to tell me that they only serve "American" rendang, a non-tasty version of the original recipe. When he found out that I'm Dutch, he said "you wouldn't like it". Kudos for the man's honesty!

me

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:14:14 -0500

Sorry - just to add a productive comment to my last statement... I have eaten pretty decent rijstafel at Eastanah on Lafayette (East Soho)... Eastanah 212 Lafayette St Btwn Kenmare & Spring St Phone: 212-625-9633

me

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:03:36 -0500

My wife is from Amsterdam so I've had my fair share of rijstafelen. We've eaten at Java a few times. Though I like the family style no frill approach, I just don't think the food was that good. If you are in Amsterdam get the rijstafel at Kantijl en de Tiger. Best quality for the best price.

famdoc

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 15:54:56 -0500

With the explosion of fine dining in Park Slope, I've pretty much forgotten about Java. Used to go there fairly regularly. A few years ago, they subdivided their space, so their seating capacity is far less than it used to be. My memory is that their rijstafel was quite good and that the chef was more than willing to accomodate vegetarians. With this reminder, I'll be sure to check it out again soon...between visits to Al Di La, Stone Park, etc.

Matt S.

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 15:43:51 -0500

After first having a rijstafel in Amsterdam, I found Java and started getting one there every two months or so. The restaurant is nothing fancy, but it's a really great meal. I keep going back, so I'd certainly recommend it.

Rhea

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 15:22:25 -0500

Good sleuthing! A rijstafel is a fabulous and unusual meal. I had the real thing in Amsterdam this past winter but it's always nice to be able to stay stateside, too!