Signature Starters Unveiled: The Story Behind Our Dijon Mustard Soup, Coquilles & Other Favourites

When the first bite matters most, choose a starter that sets the tone. At De Heeren van Montfoort, our French‑Dutch kitchen turns classics into conversation pieces—led by our crowd‑pleasing Dijon mustard soup and delicate, ceviche‑style coquilles. From 12:00, you can enjoy these à‑la‑carte favourites at lunch or dinner, pair them with a curated wine selection, and taste the best of the season in every course.

How We Think About Starters

Our approach blends French technique with Dutch terroir. We work with regional producers—such as Den Houdijker Vlees (beef), Heydehoeve (pork), GroeneHart chicken, Carl Siegert organic bread, Le Petit Doruvael cheese, IJsboerderij De Morgen (farm-made ice cream), and Vlooswijk Fruit—to keep flavours fresh, honest and seasonal. Because we make our sauces and dishes in‑house, we can clearly explain ingredients and thoughtfully accommodate dietary needs and allergies.

Spotlight: Dijon Mustard Soup (√)

Bold, silky and gently aromatic, our Dijon mustard soup hits the sweet spot between comforting and characterful. The bowl arrives with spring onion, croutons and parsley, letting the Dijon’s lively heat shine while staying balanced and smooth.

• Price: € 9.50
• Vegetarian on request: Yes (√)
• Also available at lunch: Yes

Why guests love it:

• Dijon mustard brings clean, tingly brightness without overpowering the palate.
• Crisp croutons add texture, while herbs keep the finish fresh.

Pairing suggestion (general): a crisp, mineral white wine accentuates the mustard’s lift; for something softer, try a rounder white to complement the soup’s creaminess. Prefer a pairing curated course‑by‑course? See our wine arrangements below.

Spotlight: Coquilles, Ceviche‑Style

Raw‑marinated scallops—our coquilles—arrive with a fennel salad, watermelon and spring onion. The result is precise and refreshing: fennel’s anise notes, gently sweet melon and the scallops’ natural sweetness wrapped in citrus brightness, as you’d expect from a ceviche preparation.

• Price: € 18.50
• Components: ceviche‑style scallops, fennel salad, watermelon, spring onion

Pairing suggestion (general): a vibrant, dry white or sparkling wine complements the scallops’ delicacy and citrus‑driven profile.

More Starters Our Guests Ask For

• Steak tartaar — € 19.50
  Robust pasture beef with Parmesan, butter lettuce, slow‑cooked egg yolk and piccalilly.

• Hollandse garnalen — € 19.50
  Dutch shrimp with avocado, cocktail sauce, little gem and trout roe.

• Sashimi — € 19.50
  Thinly sliced salmon and tuna with ginger, soy and wasabi.

• Salade Vitello tonnato — € 18.50
  Veal roast‑beef, yellowfin tuna, sun‑dried tomato and haricots verts.

• Carpaccio van robuust weiderund — € 16.75
  Generously garnished with Parmesan, capers, pine nuts and shallots.
  Supplement: truffle mayonnaise € 1,75.

• Huisgerookte zalm — € 17.50
  House‑smoked salmon with Roseval potato salad, lime mayonnaise, quail egg and herb salad.

• Geitenkaas (√) — € 15.50
  Goat cheese baked in almond flour, mustard dressing, caramelised walnut and pecan.
  Vegetarian: Yes (√)

• De VIJF favorieten van de chef — € 22.50
  An assortment of five changing starters from our à‑la‑carte card—ideal for sharing and discovery.

Quick reference: starters at a glance

Seasonal Cameos: Asparagus, Oysters & Charcuterie

When the season calls, our menu makes room for timely favourites.

• Hollandse AA‑aspergesoep (Veg) — € 9,50
  Creamy asparagus soup with asparagus pieces and chives.

• Hollandse AA‑asperges à la flamande — € 19,50
  With ham, egg and butter sauce.

• Hollandse AA‑asperges met zalm — € 19,50
  With house‑smoked salmon, egg and butter sauce.

And for those who love to start with a briny or sharing moment:

• Oysters — € 4.75 each
  Served with red wine vinaigrette and lemon. 3 = € 14,- / 6 = € 26,50.

• Charcuterie (for 2) — € 19.50
  Matured hams with piccalilly, cornichons, olives, crostini and olive oil.
  Available to pre‑order.

• Brood van Carl Siegert — € 7.50
  With pesto, curry dip and butter.

Can You Order À‑la‑Carte Starters at Lunch?

Yes. From 12:00 onward we serve both the lunch card and our à‑la‑carte dinner dishes, so you can build your perfect midday menu from starters you love. Lunch service runs Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00–16:00 (Monday closed). If you prefer a set course, explore our seasonal 2‑course lunch (€ 32.50) or 3‑course lunch (€ 39.50), or choose the High Lunch (€ 24.50 p.p., from two persons).

Wine Arrangements and Pairing Notes

If you enjoy guided pairings, choose a wine arrangement that matches each course:

• Dinner wine pairing: € 22.50 (3 courses), € 29.50 (4 courses), € 36.50 (5 courses).
• Lunch wine arrangement (half glasses): € 6.50 per glass or € 12.00 for two glasses.

General pairing ideas for starters:

• Dijon mustard soup: a crisp, mineral white to lift the spice; a rounder white for a creamier harmony.
• Coquilles, ceviche‑style: dry, citrus‑forward whites or sparkling wines.
• Steak tartaar: a supple, fresh red that won’t overpower delicate seasoning.
• Hollandse garnalen: zesty whites to echo the dish’s freshness.

Prefer exploring bottle by bottle? Our dedicated wine list spans France and beyond to suit every course.

FAQ: Quick Answers for Curious Food Lovers

• What is Dijon mustard soup?
  A silky, aromatic soup highlighting Dijon mustard’s gentle heat, finished with spring onion, croutons and parsley. Our version can be prepared vegetarian.

• Do you offer vegetarian starters?
  Yes. Dishes marked with a √ can be ordered vegetarian; examples include Dijon mustard soup and Geitenkaas.

• Where do your ingredients come from?
  We partner with regional suppliers, including Den Houdijker Vlees (beef), Heydehoeve (pork), GroeneHart chicken, Carl Siegert organic bread, Le Petit Doruvael cheese, IJsboerderij De Morgen (ice cream) and Vlooswijk Fruit.

• Can I try several starters at once?
  Yes. Order De VIJF favorieten van de chef (€ 22.50) for a curated tasting of five changing starters.

• Are oysters available?
  Yes—€ 4.75 per piece (3 = € 14,- / 6 = € 26,50), served with red wine vinaigrette and lemon.

• Do you accommodate dietary requirements?
  Absolutely. We prepare our dishes and sauces in‑house and are familiar with common allergies; we’ll do our utmost to provide a suitable alternative.

Practical Takeaways to Plan Your Meal

• Reserve from 12:00–22:00, Tuesday to Sunday; Monday closed.
• Build a lunch from your favourite à‑la‑carte starters—yes, including Dijon mustard soup and coquilles.
• For a shared beginning, consider Charcuterie (for 2) or a half‑dozen oysters.
• Love variety? De VIJF favorieten van de chef (€ 22.50) is a smart way to explore.
• Enhance your experience with a wine arrangement tailored to each course.
• Ask about vegetarian options (√) and let us know about allergies; we’ll guide you ingredient by ingredient.
• Bread lovers: Brood van Carl Siegert (€ 7.50) pairs beautifully with cold starters.

Conclusion: Start Strong, Finish Smiling

From the comforting lift of our Dijon mustard soup to the clean elegance of ceviche‑style coquilles, starters at De Heeren van Montfoort showcase seasonal produce, regional partnerships and precise, French‑Dutch craftsmanship. Whether you join us for lunch or settle in for dinner, you’ll find thoughtful plates, clear flavours and pairings that make every bite sing.

Ready to taste for yourself? Reserve your table between 12:00 and 22:00 (Tue–Sun), or arrange a trial lunch or dinner to preview the kitchen’s style. Explore our lunch card, à‑la‑carte dinner and wine arrangements, and let us craft the perfect beginning to your meal.