Why not serve water this way!
22-4-2014
Today, Earth Day is celebrated around the world. This day positive attention is requested for global issues surrounding nature, the environment and climate change. With the main focus on reflection and enjoyment. In the hospitality industry, we are seeing more and more examples of less food miles, organic and local products, but also the processing of ‘forgotten’ vegetables and meat such as rooster, goat and goose. In addition, we have the debate about whether or not to serve tap water (in Europe). Yet we still see that ‘special’ water is served from glaciers from the other side of the world ….. But you can also make “special” water in a simpler and more sustainable way. Last weekend I served my ‘special’ waters at our Easter dinner. Several courses, with each course another water. I just used tap water and added herbs, lemon , rhubarb and beetroot, depending on the taste of the dish. Nice and simple. And just like wine, it’s nice to see if the taste actually blends well with the food. The water with beetroot / lemon and mint tasted great with the starter of smoked eel and the water with rhubarb was very subtle which combined well with dessert. A nice sustainable gesture; the water from the tap and the herbs and vegetables from nearby! And even for those who do not drink alcohol, it’s a party! My suggestion for Earth Day.^Marjolein
Hotel offers guests unlimited access to newspapers
22-4-2014
Traders Hotels has launched its digital newsstand ‘PressReader’ in 15 hotels in Australia, Asia and the Middle East. Guest only have to connect with the Wi-Fi network and don’t need an account or log in. Through the ‘PressReader’ they get unlimited access to more than 2,500 global newspapers and magazines in 60 languages from 100 countries. They can read a newspaper or magazine at any time of the day, from anywhere in the hotel: a great gesture from to hotel to its guests.
Real WINE gums: wine in edible form
18-4-2014
The real WINE gums: no sweets for children but adult luxury food. Vinoos by AMS introduces edible wine in the shape of a wine gum. The real WINE gums are invented at the art academy and are now being produced. In July 2013 Vinoos AMS was selected as finalist of the Rabobank Entrepreneurship Award for ‘Best business plan in the Netherlands’. This innovative product contains natural ingredients, no animal substances and are vegetarian. The sweets come in two flavors: Merlot and Chardonnay. Nice to serve on a cheese platter in a restaurant, instead of a glass of wine. The real WINE gums will be available from May at the ‘Bijenkorf Flagstores’, the Bijenkorf web shop and through the web shop of 9-straatjes in Amsterdam.
Pay with your fingerprint
17-4-2014
From tomorrow it is possible to carry out mobile payments with your fingerprint. Consumers can use the fingerprint scanner of the new Samsung Galaxy S5 to pay through PayPal. The fingerprint is converted to a key that has been encrypted and gets access to PayPal. To activate the fingerprint, consumers must give permission once via an e-identifier. A lot easier for the consumer, it’s not necessary to fill in any data or remember the passwords, but simply swipe a finger across the screen.
Connecting coffee machine
16-4-2014
At many companies the coffee machine is the place to socialize with others. Conferences often lack this social moment because of the abundance of coffee. The Coffee Connector by the ‘Economic Development Board (EDB)’ from Singapore brings back the social moment in coffee drinking during networking meetings. The impressive machine only works if two people order a coffee at the same time. With a few short questions you get to know your fellow drinker over a cup of coffee. Watch the video.
Hotel Droog at Bijenkorf Amsterdam
16-4-2014
A special Droog design pop-up store opened at the Bijenkorf on the Dam Square in Amsterdam. The store on the 3rd floor of the warehouse is open to 4 May and offers various products for living room, kitchen, bedroom and garden. Most of the items are known from the Hôtel Droog at the Staalstraat. Here all activities by Droog Design come together and are the services focused on care and hospitalty instead of spending the night. The additional services in a regular hotel like a dining room, bar and tea room, gallery and store cover the majority of the hotel. The 700 square meter building only has one bedroom: The One and Only Bedroom. In addition to the pop-up campaign, it is possible to win a night at this room by sending in a slogan.
TonTon Club at Hotel Bloom
15-4-2014
Warsteiner celebrates the introduction of the brand at the Hotel Bloom! in Brussels in a special way. The beer brand provides a platform for art projects in the hotel under the name ‘Warsteiner Art Space’. The first project is a Blacklight Air hockey Room in cooperation with the TonTon club from Amsterdam. Warsteiner will start a (secret) project with pop artist group ‘De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig and in September 22Tracks comes along with three events.
Hospitality game for Utrecht
15-4-2014
Utrecht Tourism has developed an online game for the hospitality industry. Entrepreneurs can train their personnel more easily with this game and track their progress. Utrecht had an average score at the ‘Most Hospitable City’ research last year, with an 11th place from the 21 cities studied. Watch the video by Shapers for an impression.
Food pairing with cookies and cheese
15-4-2014
In November last year, we’ve written about food pairing by biscuit manufacturer Jules Destrooper. The Belgian cookie bakers have consulted cheese specialist Betty Koster from fromagerie L’Amuse to create new flavor combinations. One of the combinations she has created are the ‘Virtuoso Chocolate Cookies with goat cheese’. The recipe combines chocolate cookies with roasted peppers and goat cheese. We are huge fans of the open minded taste approach from our Belgian neighbors and will definitely try the recipes.
Contactless payment at NS retail stores
14-4-2014
Starting this week, it is possible for the consumer to pay contactless with a Maestro debit card at the NS retail stores in the Netherlands. Tomorrow, NS retail introduces the contactless payments in collaboration with MasterCard in the NS retail stores like ‘Broodzaak’, Smullers, Kiosk and Julia’s. The consumer can pay by holding the mobile phone or the debit card against the payment terminal. For an amount below € 25,= there is no PIN required. This method of payment saves time, particularly at the stations, where consumers are often in a hurry.
