I don't eat dinner often enough in the Jordaan. I tend to just ride through, snap some photos, visit some shops, and go home. The act of sitting in a restaurant in Amsterdam's most beautiful neighborhood somehow slips by me.

Therefore last weekend, along with a dear friend from NYC, I headed over to Egelantiersstraat 122, to sit and have a meal at the Vrije Fork. The Fork came to my attention last spring as I was with friends, very hungry, and found myself at that magical corner. We went in, and were pleasantly surprised.. not because the food was good.. we expected some good food.

No, see... the Vrije Fork is special because, beyond their normal menu of gourmet dishes, some of which could knock your socks off.. they also have a scrumptious buffet that you pay for based on WEIGHT! Yes, the more you pile it on, the more you pay. And when you're up there looking at the Veggie Lasagne, wild rice, curry carrots, fish stew.. you get the picture.

Now I would not lie to you on issues of money; the Vrije Fork is not cheap. Especially if you do the weight thing.. but if you measure in your head and be careful.. you can get some quality food that hopefully doesn't weigh too much. Also the regular menu is average priced. So don't file it under a cheap-o option, but yes.. a delicious and unique way to eat.

Open every day, around 8am to 11pm. Sundays 9 to 10.