Doggie Dining, Dutch Style

Dogs are allowed in restaurants in Holland.  Small dogs, big dogs; inside, outside . . . it doesn't matter; dogs are allowed to hang out table-side in all types of restaurants.  

This is so different from the official and unofficial policy in most US municipalities that I was rather taken aback the first time I encountered a dog while dining out and seated inside a restaurant.

Even as a dog owner, I'm not sure how I feel about having animals (especially other people's animals) hanging out inside an establishment I hope is meeting at least the minimum of health precautions.  We've never brought Fiona (pictured above) to a restaurant in Amsterdam, partly to support health standards, but also because we're too nervous about disrupting other people's dining experience.  Even at outdoor cafes we're a tad reluctant because it's busy city life with really tiny tables crowded together.  Fiona usually seems like too much to handle, especially with two little ones in tow.

Well, last weekend we happened to bring our Fiona along on a drive touring windmills, and when we stopped at a restaurant (in the popular seaside historic town of Volendam in western Holland) we naturally tied her up outside.  However when we asked our server for a bowl of water, she implored us to bring her inside to be with us.  Hmmm, okay . . .

Fiona was great.  She was a puddle.  So much so that people tripped over her because she slept the whole time and blended into the brown floor beneath her.  And as accommodating as the Dutch are regarding dogs, there aren't that many dogs in Holland.  Fiona was quite a novelty, and Abby and Reese felt like celebrities on account of all the people stopping at our table to pet the dog and talk to us.

The restaurant was totally kitschy and delightful, with old  (and some new) paintings hanging all over the walls and the servers dressed in traditional Dutch clothing.  

A couple at the neighboring table told us artists have always flocked to Volendam because its so scenic, and they would give their paintings to the restaurant in exchange for a meal.

We're definitely going back, but next time for an overnight bike trip to Markaam (an island off the coast of Volendam) and then back to stay at the Spaander Hotel, home to this funky restaurant.  Thanks, SF, for the grand idea of an overnight bike excursion!