Marque

Restaurant Marque is situated on the canal in Hoorn, housed in an old cheese warehouse dating back to 1618. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. A large bar immediately draws the eye, and the chefs in white coats working in the open kitchen demonstrate how the dishes are prepared. The wooden floors, tub chairs, and set tables with white linen lend a classic feel, while the low ceiling with black beams and soft lighting adds intimacy. Outside, on the sunny waterside terrace, it is delightful to sit with views of the Bierkade. The cuisine is French with Mediterranean and Asian influences. The menu features à la carte dishes and a Signature Selection menu of three to six courses, available with a wine pairing upon request. We begin with a glass of elegant CA del Bosco Spumante, though the amuse of focaccia with artichoke and black garlic creams unfortunately falls short: the bread is too hard and overpowers the toppings. The starters are more successful. A refreshing salad of artichoke, buffalo mozzarella, fennel, and lemon strikes a nice balance, while the duck liver terrine excels in both flavor and substantial texture. The beetroot and caramelized hazelnut sweet-and-sour offers a striking presentation, though it occasionally overshadows the pure taste of the liver. Among the mains, the dry-aged filet stands out: perfectly seared, tender, and rich with characteristic grill notes. The partridge and Pata Negra reduction complements it beautifully, as does the Rosso di Montalcino 2019 from Bolsignano, a smooth Tuscan Sangiovese. Some side dishes accompanying both the meat and fish are less convincing, adding little to the plates. For dessert, the Amalfi Lemon sees white chocolate take center stage, with only a faint hint of limoncello in the ice cream. Fortunately, a cappuccino paired with pastries provides a satisfying finish, particularly the passion fruit bonbon, which proves refreshingly flavorful. Service is overseen by owner Mark de Korte. While the staff are friendly and welcoming, they are not always perfectly synchronized, leading to occasional delays. Nevertheless, it remains a charming destination thanks to its picturesque setting, the kitchen’s well-executed classics, and genuinely warm hospitality.

We hit the jackpot. As soon as we take our seats on the atmospheric terrace of restaurant Marque, housed in a former cheese warehouse dating back to 1618, we are surrounded by the beauty of historic Hoorn. Overlooking the lively Bierkade and passing tourists, we opt for a signature three-course lunch menu. The menu, presented on a black-and-white printed A4 sheet in a sleeve, comes across as somewhat chaotic and sloppy. Marque offers a variety of dishes with a Mediterranean soul, which is reflected on the plate, presented with flair and modern textures. Chef Rick Timmer surprises with bold combinations, as we taste in the trio of amuse-bouches: fried pasta with a chorizo filling, which we find slightly too spicy, followed by tuna tartare on a crisp and black phyllo pastry filled with white fish. The first course is a non-traditional steak tartare. The tartare is served as four small cubes accompanied by an oyster and white wine foam. A surprising combination described on the menu as 'the only real one'. My dining companion enjoys fresh artichoke with fennel and mozzarella. The main course features a perfectly grilled Josper beef steak, served with fig, fennel, paccheri pasta, and onion, offering a beautiful balance of flavors. To finish, there is a dessert combining the best of two worlds: chocolate and cherries. A true flavor bomb that brings the meal to a spectacular close. My dining companion enjoys a delicious and elegantly presented goat cheese dessert. All in all, Marque offers a playful and colorful culinary experience, with a strong emphasis on detail and flavor. Welcome to Lekker.