Wine cellar Graham’s 1890 Lodge
10-1-2014
Graham’s 1890 Lodge, located in Portugal in Vila Nova de Gaia, was reopened after a renovation in March 2013. This stylish nearly 200 year old wine cellar was renovated by P06-Nuno Gusmão with the idea to create a timeless and total concept were it looks like some objects and spaces were already there from the beginning. History and modern are combined and the use of wood the wine cellar gives a quiet and clean look. Not only casks of Port are aged at the lodge but it is also a visitor center where you can see thousands port barrels, cellars and you can taste different types of port. The restaurant VINUM Restaurant & Wine Bar serves traditional Portuguese dishes with an international twist and because of a huge glass wall it looks like you sit between the vessels with port.
Start organic campaign
10-1-2014
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will kickoff the national campaign ‘Start organic’ on Monday, January 13. The campaign has been running since January 2 to January19 and stimulates people to buy healthy, natural and organic food. For each biological product bought, people get a sticker and with a full card (7 stickers) they can win various prizes such as a weekend in an organic Bed and Breakfast. For each full card sent, the organic sector will give ten pieces of fresh organic fruit, vegetables or potatoes to the children of the Giovanni van Bronckhorst Foundation.
Opening nhow hotel Rotterdam
10-1-2014
The first nhow hotel in the Netherlands will open in Rotterdam this weekend. After Berlin (2010) and Milan (2007), the four-star hotel with 278 luxurious rooms will open in the building ‘De Rotterdam’. The hotel is designed by renowned architect OMA/ Rem Koolhaas and combines contrasts with the latest technology. The hotel gives well-known artists, designers and local talents a platform to share their art. Nhow asked several local artist to show how they see Rotterdam, like the video above.
The sweet interior of Cioccolato
9-1-2014
The interior of bakery boutique Cioccolato looks good enough to eat. Cioccolato, located in Monterrey Mexico, is specialized in custom desserts and sweets for special events. The boutique is designed by Savvy Studio and derived from the existing Cioccolato but there is a clear differentiation. The interior is sleek and white with sweet brightly colored elements. Chocolate and pink sweetness is dripping from the tables and shelves.
World’s first burrito vending machine
9-1-2014
World’s first burrito vending machine is located at a 24 hours gas station in West-Hollywood. Customers can make a choose from five types of burritos: roasted potato with egg and cheese, uncured bacon with egg and cheese, chorizo sausage with egg and cheese, range chicken with beans and rice and beef with cheese. Customers can also add sour cream, tabasco or quacemole. The burrito is made in 60 seconds for $ 3,=. While waiting for the burrito, a music video is played on the screen.
Sushi with weed
9-1-2014
To celebrate the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado, the mini sushi chain ‘Hapa Sushi’ has introduced a special weed-food pairing menu to show guests that weed goes well with sushi. Sashimi that is normally served with wasabi is now served with a platinum cookie made of marijuana. In 2009 the sushi restaurant and TDA Boulder made a campaign to encourage smokers to come eat sushi to satisfy their munchies.
Amsterdam falafel in Washington
8-1-2014
People from Amsterdam aren’t impressed by the falafel shops in the city anymore. These shops were a walhalla for Scott and Ariane Bennett and it inspired them to set up a shop in Washington DC, because the city lacked proper falafel shops. They named it ‘Amsterdam Falafel’ and the shop grew into a franchise chain with 3 branches. People can choose from 21 toppings and sauces to create the ultimate falafel that can be served with French fries.
Press garbage together with bin
8-1-2014
Plastic waste is easily compressed to 50% of its original volume by the Plettum bin. This bin can help (small) restaurants, hotels and bars to save on waste costs. In the 25 liter garbage bag approximately 50 liters of garbage can be compressed. Do you have more tips to save on garbage? Send it to tip@spronsen.com.
Baby food in neighborhood restaurant
8-1-2014
Jorit Leijting from restaurant ‘Van de Buurt’ (translated as ‘From the neighbourhood’) recently started serving baby food for kids from 4-6 months, 6-10 months and 10+ months. The chef at the neighboorhood restaurant serves approximately 20-30 kids a week. Jorit Leijting: “It’s not a playground here, but we want to be hospitable to young parents.” The meals are produced by ‘De Kleine Keuken’ (translated as ‘The Small Kitchen’ ), contain no artificial coloration nor preservatives and can be stored for 3 weeks. The developer Kirsten Toeset offers the servings to restaurants and retail.
A guide for child-friendly hospitality industry
7-1-2014
‘Horeca Vlaanderen’ and ‘Vlaanderen Lekker Land’ have published an inspirational guide for a child-friendly hospitality industry named ‘Kinderen aan tafel’ (translated as ‘Kids to the Table’). The booklet provides a self-test for restaurant owners, practical checklists, tips & tricks for child-friendly service, menu suggestions, tips for plate decoration and additional services. Unfortunately it’s only available in Dutch.