About me
I am Joan, a French software engineer and web developer based in Rotterdam. By day, I write code; and sometimes by night (and on weekends), I apply the same kind of passion to exploring local restaurants, and food cultures.
Growing up in Tahiti, French Polynesia, my early relationship with food was framed by a unique blend of cultures: fresh Polynesian seafood, French cuisine, and local Chinese dishes. Despite being surrounded by incredible traditions, I was a light eater and mostly kept to simple, home-cooked meals. I never quite understood the grand passion surrounding food in movies or books.
You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces - just good food from fresh ingredients. - Julia Child
Back then, I took that simplicity for granted without realizing how profound a thoughtful meal could be.
Everything changed in September 2019 when I moved to Montpellier, France, to study IT. I came for a degree, but I walked away with an entirely transformed perspective on food culture. Moving to Europe opened my eyes to the sheer diversity of ingredients, regional techniques, and flavor combinations. Step by step, I trained my palate: discovering what I love, identifying what I prefer to avoid (like heavy spice, which was entirely new to me coming from Tahiti), and learning to approach new menus with an analytical, open mind. Subsequent travels through Asia deepened that fascination even further.
Funnily enough, despite all the incredible dishes I have tasted across the globe, my mom's cooking is still the absolute best. A restaurant can use the finest, rarest ingredients in the world, but there is one ingredient most commercial meals simply cannot replicate: memories.
Being an "outsider" who grew up far from the traditional European dining scene gives me a unique advantage. I don't carry rigid regional biases; instead, I look at every meal with fresh eyes, evaluating food according to my metrics.
I created this blog because I know what it feels like to be on the outside of food culture looking in. Perhaps you, too, are still figuring out what you like and dislike, or maybe you are just starting to realize how much more the world has to offer beyond your immediate surroundings.
Through my travels across the Netherlands, France, Italy, and back home to Tahiti, I invite you to join me as I slowly discover hidden culinary gems and share honest, thoughtful reviews along the way.
Latest reviews

Café Marseille
Café Marseille in Rotterdam offers a classic French monthly menu and relaxed drinks on a breezy roadside terrace beside the tramway tracks.

Trattoria Sofia
Review of Trattoria Sofia in Rotterdam waterfront: fresh beef tartare, rich rigatoni al ragù, and tiramisu. Score: 85/100 pts (Good / Recommended)

Indochine Café
Indochine Café in Rotterdam's Markthaal. Read my breakdown of their peppery rice, terrace vibe. Score: 75/100 (Good & Recommended)
Looking for reviews in Rotterdam?
FAQ
What will you find here?
How do I chose the restaurants I write about?
If a restaurant has a dedicated review on this blog, it means my visit left a strong impression: either good (doesn't really have to be excellent... just good) or very bad. You will see it directly in the score. Ultimately, I write about places that offer something I wish I had known before visiting, whether that is a unique experience, a spot worth a detour, a genuinely great place to eat, or a warning for a restaurant I know I will never return to.
Now, as to how I know where I will eat? That depends on my stomach to be honest... It usually starts with curiosity and a craving or a desire to explore a new pocket of the city. So, I don't really have a very strict criteria... but if I selected it, that means I found it pretty easily either by walking, or looking on Google Maps.
Most important: I skip the ultra-expensive, fine-dining spots. If a place serves microscopic portions with a massive price tag, it is off the list immediately. I'm sorry if you are into that... Instead, I look for neighborhood places, local spots with strong character, or places with menus that offer enough variety to keep things interesting. Basically, a place that "normal" people would chose.
I wouldn't go as far as saying places where locals go, because I do sometimes go to what you could call "tourist traps" or places where the price tag is on average higher. Just so you don't have to. And sometimes the food is pretty good! More than not, you could get cheaper though... (eg. Gastrobar).
If a restaurant catches my eye, it generally has to meet a few practical mental checks. I look for places that promise a novel experience, a reliable spot for a comfortable solo meal, or a destination genuinely worth a small detour. Ultimately, I choose places where I hope to find good food, a welcoming vibe, and an experience worth sharing.
How do I write my reviews?
I am not a professional food critic. This is a personal blog, and every write-up reflects how I personally understand, taste, and feel a meal. Predicting whether you will agree with my taste is as precise as forecasting the stock market. I share my background, likes, and dislikes so you can gauge how closely your palate aligns with mine and decide if my recommendations will work for you.
In order to give each restaurant a fair evaluation, I try to keep a routine and follow a flexible protocol: I arrive with a neutral appetite, find a "meal of the house" (or something that fits best if none), taste individual ingredients separately before taking a combined bite, and judge dishes as the kitchen intended without adding extra condiments. This allows me to evaluate core cooking quality and give every restaurant an equal playing field.
You can read more on the protocol here.
Do I revisit restaurants?
Yes, I do! When I go back to a place, I write a new review, then update and aggregate my previous reviews so you always get the most current picture.
I usually revisit a spot if the menu has changed dramatically or if they offer a wide variety of dishes I am eager to try. When I accumulate enough visits and data points for a single restaurant, I will write an updated, comprehensive review that synthesizes all my previous experiences into one definitive guide.
What do I write in my reviews?
My reviews go far beyond just what is on the plate. I look at the whole experience, incorporating atmospheric comfort, service, physical pacing, and overall value into every evaluation.
What will you NOT find here?
Sponsors
I do not accept sponsorships. Everything reviewed here is paid for out of my own pocket with zero outside influence.
Fine-dining gastronomy
You will not find ultra-expensive, fine-dining gastronomy posts here. I prefer satisfying, well-executed meals... there is simply not enough: food on those tiny plates for me; money in my wallet.
Technical jargon
I aim for clear, descriptive, and honest language, so I don't use much in terms of technical culinary buzzwords. At the end of the day, I am not a trained chef or even someone who works in the hospitality industry; I am just a person who truly loves good food.
