Yes, several steakhouses in Nijmegen serve game on their menu, especially during game season in the autumn and winter months. Premium meat restaurants that focus on quality meat and artisanal preparation often expand their offerings with game dishes such as venison, wild boar, and pheasant. The expertise required for preparing perfect meat also comes in handy when preparing game, making this combination a natural match for high-end steakhouses.
Why would a steakhouse have game on the menu?
A premium steakhouse and game dishes fit together excellently because both revolve around quality meat, craftsmanship, and artisanal preparation. The expertise needed for perfectly grilling a steak on charcoal largely corresponds with the skills you need for preparing game. Both require knowledge of temperatures, cooking levels, and flavor profiles.
Game also fits perfectly within the philosophy of many modern steakhouses that focus on sustainable and local meat. Game meat often comes from the immediate region, is naturally grass-fed, and has a low ecological footprint. For guests who consciously choose less but better meat, game offers an excellent alternative that aligns with their values.
The seasonal nature of game also makes the offering interesting and varied. During game season, which usually runs from October to February, steakhouses can enrich their menu with special dishes that you won’t find the rest of the year. This creates a sense of exclusivity and gives guests a reason to return more often.
There is also a growing interest among meat lovers in different types of meat and flavors. Guests who enjoy a perfectly prepared steak are often also curious about the intense, natural flavors of game. Offering both options makes a restaurant more accessible to diverse groups.
What is the difference between preparing game and preparing steak?
Preparing game requires different techniques than preparing steak, mainly due to the lower fat content and different fiber structure of game meat. While a good steak often has marbling (intramuscular fat) that keeps the meat tender and juicy during grilling, game is much leaner. This means that game can dry out more quickly and therefore often requires shorter cooking times or different techniques.
The flavor profiles also differ significantly. Beef has a rich, full flavor that is well tolerated by high temperatures on the grill. Game, on the other hand, has a more intense, earthier flavor that can quickly become bitter if prepared too long or too hot. Many game dishes are therefore combined with sweet or acidic components such as berry sauce or fruit to maintain balance.
There is also a difference in cooking temperatures. A steak is often served medium-rare at about 55 degrees Celsius, which ensures a perfectly pink center. Game such as venison can also be medium-rare, but wild boar often requires a higher core temperature for food safety reasons. Wild pheasant or duck require completely different preparation methods, often in the oven or at lower temperatures.
The skills that kitchen staff need for game are therefore broader than just grilling. They must understand how to deal with leanness, which herbs and sauces work best, and how to optimally prepare different types of game. Nevertheless, the foundation of meat knowledge needed for perfect steak preparation forms an excellent basis for working with game.
What types of game can you expect in a premium steakhouse?
In high-end steakhouses, you typically encounter venison, wild boar, pheasant, and wild duck as game options. Venison is by far the most popular choice because it has a refined flavor that isn’t too strong and fits well with the style of a steakhouse. Venison steak or saddle of venison are often served in a similar way to a classic steak, sometimes even prepared on the same charcoal grill.
Wild boar offers a more robust, powerful flavor and is often served as roast, chop, or pulled meat. The flavor lies somewhere between pork and beef, with a nutty undertone. Wild boar is slightly fattier than venison, making it more suitable for slow cooking methods.
Pheasant and wild duck are the poultry options you can expect. Pheasant has a delicate game flavor and is usually served whole or as breast. Wild duck has a richer, fuller flavor than regular duck and is often served medium-rare to keep the texture optimal.
The availability of these game types is highly seasonal. The official game season runs from October through February, with most restaurants expanding their game menu during this period. Some steakhouses work with local hunters or game suppliers from the region, ensuring short supply chains and optimal freshness.
Each of these game types has its own character and fits in different ways within a steakhouse’s offerings. They give guests the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone while still remaining in the familiar setting of a meat restaurant.
How do you know if a steakhouse in Nijmegen serves game?
The easiest way to discover whether a steakhouse Nijmegen offers game dishes is by checking the online menu. Most restaurants update their digital menu regularly, especially at the beginning of game season when new dishes are added. Look for seasonal specials or a separate section for game on the menu.
You can also contact the restaurant directly by phone or email. The staff can tell you exactly what is currently available and whether game dishes will be coming to the menu soon. Many restaurants also announce their game season via social media, so following their channels can be useful.
The restaurant’s philosophy around meat and sustainability also provides clues. Steakhouses that are transparent about origin, work with local suppliers, and emphasize seasonal products are more likely to also offer game. These restaurants see game as a logical extension of their quality meat offerings.
At our restaurant in Nijmegen, you can always view the current offerings by taking a look at our website. We work with seasonal products and regularly expand our offerings with special meat specialties. For the most recent overview of all dishes, including any game options, you can visit our complete menu where you can see exactly what is currently available.
Game dishes in a premium steakhouse are a wonderful addition for guests looking for variety without compromising on quality. Whether you’re a regular lover of classic steaks or curious about the intense flavors of seasonal game, a steakhouse that offers both gives you the freedom to choose what suits your mood and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare game meat at home if I'm used to making steak?
Start with venison steak, as it most closely resembles steak in terms of preparation. Cook it at high temperature but for a shorter time than beef - about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let the meat come to room temperature before cooking and rub it with oil to prevent drying out. Combine with a berry sauce or cranberry compote to balance the intense flavor.
Is eating game safer than regular meat?
Game sold through official channels is strictly controlled and completely safe. Game meat even has advantages: it contains no antibiotics or growth hormones and the animals live in their natural habitat. Note that wild boar must always be cooked through well (minimum 70 degrees core temperature), while deer and red deer can be eaten medium-rare like beef.
What should I order if I've never eaten game before?
Start with venison steak or saddle of venison - these have a mild, refined game flavor that isn't overwhelming. The texture and presentation resemble a classic steak, making it less daunting for beginners. Avoid wild boar or pheasant initially, as they have a more powerful flavor that you can better appreciate once you've built up some game experience.
Why is game only available in certain months?
Game season (October to February) is legally established to protect animal populations during the breeding period. In spring and summer, wild animals have young and build up reserves, so hunting is prohibited. This seasonal nature also ensures sustainable game management and guarantees that the meat is of optimal quality, as animals have had the most food in autumn.
Can I pair game with wine in the same way as steak?
Game requires different wines than steak due to the more intense, earthy flavors. Choose full-bodied red wines with more complexity, such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, or aged Bordeaux. Avoid wines that are too heavy and tannin-rich, which can work with wild boar but may overpower venison steak. Ask the sommelier for advice, as the preparation method and sauce strongly influence the wine choice.
Is game meat healthier than beef?
Yes, game meat is generally healthier because it is extremely lean, high in protein, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids and iron. It contains no added hormones or antibiotics because the animals live in the wild. The lower fat content does mean fewer calories but also that you need to be careful during preparation to prevent drying out.
What are common mistakes when ordering game in a restaurant?
The biggest mistake is having game cooked too well-done - always ask for venison medium-rare unless you really like it well-done, otherwise it becomes tough and dry. Additionally, people sometimes expect game to taste like their familiar meat, but it has its own character that you should approach with an open mind. Also always ask about the recommended side dishes and sauce, as these are specifically composed to complement the game.