Overnight on the Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry. It couldn’t have been easier. Parked the car, walked straight on, booked a table for an excellent dinner and then bed. We docked at 09:45 the next day and, contrary to last time’s interminable wait, were on the bus heading for Amsterdam Central station within 25 minutes. Very slick.

Breakfast hadn’t lived up to the quality of dinner, so we were ready for lunch at the Grand Café at the station. As well as the obligatory glass of Loire Sauvignon we had Caesar salad, partly in recognition of its hundredth anniversary (twice our 50th). It was…

First improvised in July 1924 at Caesar’s restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico on a day when the kitchen was overwhelmed and short on ingredients. It was originally prepared table side.

Generally attributed to the restaurateur Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant, though there are other claims (mostly from his staff). Whatever it’s a great way to make a dish out of about 93% romaine lettuce which must make it a great money spinner. Ours had anchovies, some grilled chicken and about 500 litres of dressing. Marked the occasion though. Next the 13:59 train from Amsterdam to Berlin… Don’t miss the talking parrot on the bar…assuming it’s still alive. 

Restaurant Grand 1st Classe Amsterdam Station – now closed – declared bankrupt. What happened to the parrot?