Maastricht has long been considered the best city in the Netherlands for food, with a restaurant culture closer to neighbouring Belgium and France than to Amsterdam. The Vrijthof square and the streets around it are full of options, from casual brasseries to serious French-influenced kitchens. Regional specialities include Limburgse vlaai (a flat fruit tart), zuurvlees (sweet-and-sour stew), and a wide range of local cheeses. Pan-fried asparagus from the sandy soils of Limburg is a seasonal highlight in May and June.