July 10, 2023 · Culinary Journalist
As for the location, you can hardly think of a better spot in Groningen. De Rietschans is a top spot on Lake Paterswold. Peace, space, and vastness. Not a bad place to dine or, for that matter, have a beer with a plate of bitterballen.
Gerrit Pieter Heida has been the manager of for two years. De RietschansHe calls it a ‘reasonably modern establishment with quite a past’. Something has been located at this site for a hundred years, in various capacities, he continues. ‘Years ago it burned down, and then the building was rebuilt in its current form. They constructed it so that it can be utilized at maximum capacity.’
It is indeed a large establishment, but when you enter, it doesn't feel that way. "It is a beautiful, open location," says Heida. "Sophisticated, actually. I would love it if guests were to say now that they are in a sophisticated place; then I would be very satisfied. I really prefer being a friend to everyone rather than exclusive to a select group." Heida doesn't believe in exclusivity either. He doesn't want to take reservations on the sunny terrace. "Just come on by," he says. "I don't want to create a barrier for other people who are just as welcome here. Everyone is welcome here."
To become more accessible, you have to dare to change a few things. ‘To start with the menu,’ says Heida. ‘It needed an overhaul anyway. You don’t want people to think that you can only eat tournedos here for 35 euros and then have to shell out 200 euros for two at the end of the day. No, you can also just have a few beers on the terrace and then eat a tasty hamburger.’
But the staff also needed to loosen up. ‘We have all young people working here, and at one point I said to them: I think you yourselves know absolutely best which trousers look good on you. Shall we just stop with that hotel dress code? Furthermore, it is of course about many more things: how you approach guests, how you answer the phone. I really don't think rigid stiffness and excessive formal address are necessary either.’
At De Rietschans, you can go not only for a cup of coffee, drinks, lunch, or dinner. It is also the ideal location for a wedding or a funeral. And if you have a meeting, rooms are available for rent for that as well. Heida does notice that the clientele is aging considerably and is undertaking all sorts of initiatives to attract a young crowd. ‘Otherwise, I won’t have a job myself in a few years,’ he laughs. ‘For instance, we organize salsa nights, dinner shows, and a tango salon. That takes some time, of course, but it will happen naturally.’
What Heida is particularly proud of is the homemade pastries and chocolates by their own pastry chef, Josephine van Steijn. All the cakes sold here come from her kitchen. Even when we have a wedding here, she makes the wedding cake. ‘I think it’s so incredibly cool that we have that in-house. I really consider her a kind of trophy for this company,’ Heida concludes proudly.
You can find De Rietschans at Meerweg 221 in Haren; they are open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. More info: De Rietschans
