Sightglass Coffee

Picknick is one of Rotterdam’s best brunch spots. Well known by the locals, people swing by for good food and coffee in a comfy space. Outfitted with picnic tables in the back and beautiful wooden bars at the front, it’s clear that the owners are cognizant of the many details that go into making a good restaurant.

Picknick’s approach to food and drink is also quite special: they only use regional ingredients. Their bread comes from exclusively from local bakers, dairy and vegetables from farms in Linden, and, of course, their tap water is sourced directly from Rotterdam’s local water main.

The water arrived, cool but not chilled, alongside a slice of caprese toast. While any serious tasting competition requires water to consumed at room temperature—our tongues are less sensitive to the subtle tastes as water gets colder—out in the real world things are a bit fuzzier. In fact, the right temperature can make all the difference between a poor or a great water experience.

Despite coming straight out of the faucet, the water was surprisingly even. It carried a flat taste, as though it was distilled. But like the soft foggy air of Rotterdam that day, the water had a notable roundness and character.

It was a sublimely subtle sip.

Worth noting: Dutch tap water is some of the best in the world. The Netherland’s low elevation, dense cities, and large agricultural sector have made them experts at water management systems. They are very conscious of how they treat and store water.

For instance, Dutch water is never treated with chlorine—a rather unique quality. Instead, the Netherlands uses primarily groundwater wells supplemented with treated surface water. Through ozonation and activated charcoal the water is virtually iron and manganese free—part of what helps it taste so smooth.

Sitting in a 12-ounce Picardie, the glass was a bit of an odd touch. For a French design, the glass is suprisingly robust. More about the glass…

one more paragraph about the water

Despite a few hiccups and a generally crowded space, Picknick left me with delightful water experience. Highly recommended to any water fans visiting the Netherlands.

Cover image courtesy of Lady of the Lowlands