Date night: castle edition at Kasteel Bijstervelt
Situated in the parklands of Oirschot, Kasteel Bijstervelt lies in a quiet natural environment, overlooking a cloister chapel and a serene water lake. It’s the kind of location that sets you into zen mode right away.
We were in for a full evening of culinary good stuff at Brasserie Jacob V at Kasteel Bijstervelt (part of the impressive Lievergoed Collectie). An informal haute cuisine restaurant with excellent service, out-of-the-box dishes and impressive wines.
Kapel Montfort
Setting the scene
Our evening unfolds within a historic area: this estate traces back to the 18th century, built in 1772, later evolving into a monastery in the 20th century.
The beautiful Kapel Montfort - a restored chapel with original stained glass and murals - stands as a testament to the property’s richness and is available for weddings and other special events.
Highlights from the menu
From the very first bite, the dinner set a tone of creativity and contrast.
After the amuses, the menu kicked off with an elegant dish of roast beef, gamba, orange, and curry: a creamy and harmoniously textured dish, though the orange essence, while mentioned as the cooking medium, remains subtle. The wine pairing, vibrant with orange aroma, brought an intriguing edge to the plate - though it leaned a touch synthetic for our taste, it added an unexpected note to this delicious first course.
However, it was course three that truly impressed us: a spongy carrot cake with spicy and creamy blue cheese and toasted hazelnuts on top. Unexpected, original, and oh só tasteful. The combination of rustic sweetness and sharp tang was mirrored beautifully by the original wine: nutty, powerful, with a wild-yeast finish that left a lasting impression. A mouthwatering course that really surprised us - and we now still have cravings for.
And of course, after the classical main corse of lomo with vegetables, no dinner feels quite complete without the comforting entremets of cheese and port, followed by a sweet merengue finale, beautifully presented and as pleasing to the eye as to the taste palate.
Interesting and surprising
From start to finish, the dining experience at Brasserie Jacob V kept us on the edge of our seats. The combination of daring dishes with an underlying comfort-food sensibility, the warm attentiveness of the hostess, and the tranquil setting blended into a relaxed yet culinary exciting evening. The whole menu, we were kept guessing what’s next. Looking for an exciting, informal culinary experience? Here you have it!
You can check out the restaurant and menu yourself here.
