SAAM restaurant, where culinary South Africa and Amsterdam come together
SAAM Restaurant.
Margot Janse - SAAM Restaurant
Het team - SAAM Restaurant
Team of renowned chefs and sommeliers open a restaurant this fall.
When a variety of individuals and factors come together, something unique is born. This fall, a similar symbiosis is planned with the launch of a new restaurant that brings South Africa and Amsterdam together. SAAM restaurant (South Africa – AMsterdam), which also means “together” in Afrikaans, is the outcome of a merger of these two culinary worlds. The staff behind this restaurant has a clear goal and a wealth of expertise. Executive chef Margot Janse oversees the kitchen, which is headed by chefs Jasper Hermans and Thomas Kooijman. A staff of expert sommeliers, led by Koen van der Plas and Max van Bockel, is also on hand to serve the finest wines from South Africa and Europe to SAAM restaurant visitors. Rosemary Wessels oversees sales, marketing, and the back office.
We recently wrote about another interesting concept that will launch in Amsterdam this fall. Cape Town Social Club is another hospitality outlet with an South-African twist that will open this fall in the Jordaan. We are really curious about both concepts and hope to visit them soon!
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SAAM and coming home
Owners of A Genuine Wine Company, Koen van der Plas and Henk Jan Beltman (outgoing chief chocolate officer of Tony’s Chocolonely) are joining forces with co-owners Margot Janse, former chef of The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek South Africa, and Jasper Hermans, former chef at Restaurant Aan de Poel**. Janse continues to live in South Africa and will work with the team from there, both virtually and during her regular visits to SAAM restaurant.
The launch of the brand-new SAAM restaurant at Amstelzijde 59 in Amstelveen adds an interesting restaurant, featuring a lounge patio and mooring, to the hospitality strip near Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Team SAAM has extensive expertise in numerous Michelin starred restaurants, but with the inauguration of SAAM restaurant, they are taking a new approach: “It has to be a restaurant without too much fuss, where customers feel comfortable,” explains Margot Janse.
South African and Dutch gastronomy collide at SAAM restaurant. Personal attention and genuine hospitality are prioritized when selecting pure and honest goods to produce an excellent gastronomic experience.
“Everyone should feel at home from the first moment they step into SAAM restaurant” said Koen van der Plas. “We leave the formal atmosphere behind without compromising on the experience. All materials used, from glassware to furniture, are of the highest quality and are modestly presented so that guests can enjoy themselves in a casual way”. The warm and colorful décor, designed by Pubblik & Vos, with varied textures and art by various South African designers, adds to the friendly atmosphere and high standard of quality that SAAM restaurant stands for.
SAAM restaurant
SAAM Restaurant is always on the lookout for genuine goods, people, and sources. Traceable and honest ingredients, along with a sustainable method of working, contribute to a responsible and relaxed dining experience for customers. Furthermore, SAAM restaurant represents a superb private-work balance for its own workforce.
Team SAAM restaurant
Margot Janse: Charity Isabelo Feeding Hungry Minds, culinary consultant, The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français (South Africa), 8 years in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Jasper Hermans: Aan de Poel**, Basilica*, Olivo*.
Thomas Kooijman: Bar Alt, Mos*, Aan de Poel**.
Koen van der Plas: Sommelier Award Michelin 2020 and Sommelier of the Year 2019 by Gault&Millau, Kasteel Heemstede*, Inter Scaldes***.
Max van Bockel: Rijks*, Treeswijkhoeve**, Restaurant Amber** (Hong Kong).
Rosemary Wessels: Sales & Marketing at A Genuine Wine Company, Hotel the Craftsmen, Brasserie van Dam.
About Saam restaurant
SAAM, located at Amstelzijde 59 in Amstelveen, is set to open in the fall of 2022. The restaurant, which has a lounge deck and dock, will be available for dinner from 18:00 to 22:00 on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Lunch is offered from 12:00 to 14:00 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for those who wish to experience all the delicacies SAAM restaurant has to offer earlier on the day. On the first level, the restaurant can accommodate 46 people, including an eight-person chef’s table. For those who love all-day dining and drinking, the upstairs bar at SAAM can seat additional 18 people. www.saamrestaurant.nl
Website: SAAM Restaurant.
