Zeeuwse Mussels: The Rolls Royce of Mussels

I'm a big fan of mussels, but when it comes to mussels I can't get no satisfaction in American restaurants. First of all, most of the time the mussels aren't fresh or else they are just mediocre. But worst of all, the portions are small. Either you get about a dozen as an appetizer or else you get small and unsatisfying portion as a main course. 

One Happy Daughter

 So if you're a mussel lover, you haven't lived until you've had  Zeeuwse mussels. They are from the Dutch coastal region Zeeland and are of the very best quality. Zeeuwse mussels are just a whole different ballgame than any mussels you've ever had. But be careful, once you've had Zeeuwse mussels, you'll never by happy with any other mussels again. It's like the difference between a round steak and a filet mignon.

You can get Zeeuwse mussels in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. The best place to order mussels are in mussel houses. Two things to look for:

• The outside menu must specifically state they feature Zeeuwse mussels

•  That the menu offers all you can eat mussel orders. 

 
There are good mussel restaurants that offer all you can eat Zeeuwse mussels and all you can eat french fries for between 20 euros and 30 euros.We were in Zeeland with my cousin Roger from Belgium and we had incredible all you can eat Zeeuwse mussels and fries for 20 Euros. However, Zeeuwse mussels aren't available all year round.  In the old days mussels were in season in each month that had an 'R' in it. Now the season runs from July until April for the 'Zeeuwse' mussels. So don't expect mussels in May or June.

Joanne's Disappointing Meal

A word of caution, mussel restaurants offer other dishes besides mussel for members of your group that aren't into mussels. From our experience these other alternatives are either pedestrian or flat our disappointing. My wife Joanne has had that happen twice. After tasting our mussels, she vowed from now on she'd order mussels too (in fact, she's been converted into a mussels lover!)

Let us know if you've gone to any exceptional mussel houses and where they were.