Creating a healthier planet while having fun with the Scale Down Challenge

6-10-2015

The Scale Down Challenge allows you to play around with your habits and choices concerning food, energy, waste and water. Thirty simple and surprising challenges can be found on the giant interactive grocery scale that travels around to schools, festivals and public spaces. The device does not weigh people, nor products, but the choices made as a consumer.

The Scale Down Challenge

Small actions can make the world a better place. Here’s a selection of the sparkling challenges the Scale Down Challenge offers: Veggie on vacation, Peanut Butter Boost, WTFridge, Supermarket Selfie, Chili sin Carne, Bring a Bottle and Bye Bye Plastic. With the last you be challenged to buy nothing out of plastic for one whole week!

Merel Mirage designed the scale with the young designers of the Design Academy. As participant you have to step on the scale and push one of the buttons. On the output ticket is written what has to been done and a special code to login and upload pictures on Instagram. The HOLY foundation of Merel Mirage is travelling to schools, conferences and museums with the scale to challenge as many people as possible. You can even enter as participant to devise your own challenge and compete for the Scale Down Challenge trophy which will be announced on Earthday 2016.

It could work in our restaurants and hotels as well: small gestures to create less waste and having fun trying to achieve the challenge!

Pancake Art

5-10-2015

Barista’s could learn to manage new skills and become an expert on the pancake griddle as well. Pancake art is a new trend, spotted in Japan.

In the beginning of 2015 we’ve spotted the ‘PancakeBot’ that allows you to ‘print’ out pancakes into about any design you can imagine. Especially easy and fun for kids and a great gimmick at your breakfast buffet. But now there is another emerging trend: Pancake Art.

Pancake Art from Japan

In an article at Eater.com, a couple of American celebrity chefs have been immortalized in pancakes. And the Italian restaurant ‘La Ricetta’, located in the city of Zama in Japan, is making high end pancake art as a part of their trademark. Although for the most part, La Ricetta seems to be committed to preparing classic Italian dishes in the traditional way. As their website is only in Japanese, check out their Twitter account for examples.

Inspiration

Who is going to be immortalized in pancake art in your country? Would guests want to pay for eating pancake art of their own pictures? It would be great to be able to serve real prince and princesses pancakes or famous iconic characters for the little guests of your restaurant. When will be the first pancake art competition next to the well-known barista competitions?

Preparation is a key component of Restaurant C

2-10-2015

Restaurant C opens early October in Amsterdam. It’s a restaurant initiated by Michiel van der Eerde and his brother Lucas where different cooking methods are an important part of the menu.

Restaurant C: Michael and Lucas van der Eerde

In 2012 Chef Michiel van der Eerde opened the pop-up restaurant BAUT at the same location on the Wibautstraat 125 in Amsterdam. After the huge success he came with a sequel called ‘BAUTZUID’ a pop-up restaurant that’s a hit as well. Next to that, the Dutch public might know Michiel from the television program ‘Masterchef Holland’. Lucas has over twenty years of experience in the media, he was for instance commercially responsible for MTV Networks Netherlands.

Menu in temperature zones

The menu with small dishes is divided into temperature zones from 0 to 200 degrees. The method of preparation is more important than the products. One and the same product can vary completely depending on the cooking method at different temperatures.

Interior design Restaurant C inspired by L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

The open kitchen is located in the middle of the restaurant. It is the heart of the restaurant and inspired by L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in London. The interior design is done by architect Ronald Hooft from &PRAST&HOOFT in collaboration with Sandra Shelves / Studio Noun and Donald Beekman / DBXL. It is a blend of sophisticated comfortable elements and raw materials. Brass, concrete shell, velvet, wood, leather and steel alternate.

Furniture and decoration

The barstools are made of steel and leather and finished with a leather belt and were custom developed by WDSTCK, Studio Noun and C. Bar lamps made from old gas cylinders are hanging above the kitchen. On the side of the restaurant there are green velvet sofa booths with round wooden tables. A melt lamp by designer Tom Dixon hangs above the tables. The acoustics are taken care of as well, there are acoustic panels fitted throughout the restaurant. The capacity is 120 persons, of whom twenty people are able to sit at the kitchen bar.

Reservations are already available: c.amsterdam

Foodpairing with olive oil ice cream

1-10-2015

Bertolli celebrated its 150 years with foodpairing on the store floor of Albert Heijn supermarket. Foodpairing with special preparations and surprising demo mobiles. Amongst others they served the first Italian caprese ice cream with Bertolli olive oil, tomato, mozzarella and basil prepared on a cold teppanyaki plate.

Caprese with olive oil ice cream

Recently we wrote an article about ice cream that tastes like Greek salad and ice cream with pizza flavor. In addition, many chefs are experimenting with preparation methods and savory flavors of ice cream, which often taste great! Patrick Peeters sent us a link to this video with a special method to make ice cream. At several Albert Heijn supermarkets this ice was made and people could watch the preparation and taste it ….

Dutch Tappies at the Mart Café in the Market Hall in Rotterdam

30-9-2015

The Mart Café serves Dutch Tappies in the Market hall in Rotterdam. The café celebrates the Dutch cuisine with the common sense the people of Rotterdam are known for with its own twist.

The Market Hall in Rotterdam (opened October last year) has a very international variety of restaurants. And in the midst of all the great international food restaurants, Mart Café from the Dutch Dudok Group, shows all the great treats from our Dutch cuisine.

Dutch tapas or as they say in Rotterdam: Dutch Tappies

Mart Café is an oasis of sobriety among all the exotic possibilities the Markt Hall offers. They offer coffee, beer and bitterballen (our famous small, round croquettes), picks with pickled onions and Dutch liverwurst, toast with mackerel mousse and ‘Kibbeling’ – our fried cod. Next to that Rye bread with cheese and of course the famous Dudok apple pie, and a matching Jenever (Dutch gin) menu with special Jenevers from the area. Café Mart wants to put our own homebrew spirits on the international map again!

The design of the Mart Café

Mart Café is located right next to the main entrance of the Market Hall, on the ground floor with a private terrace and entrance. The decor is minimalistic with raw concrete walls, wood and black and white tiles on the floor. The middle part of the ceiling is open so that a pleasant spaciousness is created between the floors. The arrangement of gleaming ceiling lamps is topped with a huge chandelier of Meccano.

Sleeping on a Dutch lake in VIP houseboats

29-9-2015

23 September was the official opening of the new Center Parcs VIP houseboats in the old Marina De Eemhof. The luxury houseboats offer fantastic views at the Eemmeer.

Last summer, we wrote an article about the catamaran hotel rooms from design studio Salt & Water from Serbia. The design of the catamaran hotel had just won the Millennium Yacht Design Award. This project was developed with the aim to promote tourism on inland waterways in Serbia, which offers a stunning untouched nature. Such a project would also be great on the Dutch lakes. At the same time Center Parcs was busy with the realization of the VIP houseboats in the old Marina De Eemhof, with the southern French atmosphere of the port town Port Grimaud. The houseboats have been build by the local craftsmanship of ABC Arkenbouw to Urk.

What do the VIP houseboats offer?

Always wanted to experience what it’s like to live on a houseboat? The new, modern equipped VIP houseboats Center Parcs offer this possibility. The VIP houseboats have two floors, a total floor surface of 120 m2, can accommodate up to six people, have two bathrooms, two toilets, a private terrace, are located in the marina and offers a place for a private or rented boat. Guests can also make use of all the facilities Center Parcs De Eemhof offers. Great way to enjoy the Dutch lake, the Eemmeer!

Inspiration

Like we wrote about the catamaran hotel rooms, projects like these fit perfectly on our Dutch lakes! So if you run a hotel or a park, look at the opportunities to expand on the water!

Kebab 2.0, the next big thing in food?

28-9-2015

The first European location of Baba Rafi opened in Alkmaar. In Asia, the chain has more than 1,300 locations. Kebab 2.0 adapted to the European market.

In June 2015 we wrote about plans for the initial European establishment of Baba Rafi in Alkmaar. We then wrote about how 176 private investors invested € 250.000,= in the company via Collin Crowdfund. On September 24, the entrepreneurs Sinan Gul, Hans Gradient, Baris Kürkcü and Herman de Haas opened the doors of their Baba Rafi at an AA location in the center of Alkmaar. We saw in Paris that Kebab, if adapted to local customs, can become hugely popular. There Grillé serves ‘un Kebab quasi Gastronomique‘!

Kebab for the modern, conscious consumer

Baba Rafi is the largest franchise chain in the world in the field of kebab products. With more than 1300 locations in Asia the concept is very popular. The Asian concept is fully adapted for the European market where respect for food, the customers and the environment play an important role. Baris Kürkcü: “Every niche in the food industry, from French fries-, hamburger- and chicken formulas to sandwiches, has seen a trend towards more sustainable and responsible food in the recent years. With Baba Rafi we introduce a kebab concept that is tailored entirely to the needs and desires of the modern, conscious consumer. The dishes are freshly prepared with a minimum of E-numbers and maximum sustainable and organic ingredients. In addition, we have worked closely in the development of the food with a culinary consultant and nutritionist. Thus, the dishes are suitable to eat for lunch. For everyone, even for women and children.”

With Kebab 2.0 they want to realize the largest kebab chain in Europe

Along with financial expert Hans Verloop and former McDonald’s CEO, Herman de Haas the Baba Rafi team want to realize the largest kebab chain in Europe. There is no comparable franchise concept in Europe and in total more than 10 billion euros is spend on kebab. Hans Verloop: “We can apply our experience in Alkmaar to future franchisees in many other comparable cities. From the North of Holland we want to expand Baba Rafi all over the Netherlands and after the start-up phase also start in other countries in Europe.”

Bouzy, Wine & Food at the Denneweg Hague

25-9-2015

Bouzy, Wine & Food opened at the Denneweg in The Hague. The wine & bites bar was founded by Martijn Verbruggen and Stefan Verleer and is a place where wine lovers will feel at home.

Bouzy

Co-owner Martijn Verbruggen: “Bouzy is an accessible place with a tough but warm vintage look and natural light from the many windows. The wines are the heart of Bouzy, we have over 100 wines, including 25 open wines of which several champagnes. We serve wines that we get from wine specialist suppliers who share their gems for us. In addition, we import champagnes from small producers ourselves via our company G-Bubbles.”

The name Bouzy

“Bouzy is named after the French Grand Cru area ‘Bouzy’, which is known as one of the best terroirs of Champagne. Next to the wines Martijn and Stefan serve snacks and bistro-style dishes like bruschetta, flammkuchen, bites of fish and meat, charcuterie, salads, cheese, desserts and coq au vin.”

Wine events

Bouzy will be a place where special wine events take place. Recently Lucas Payà was at the restaurant to present the new innovative wine system Coravin of catering professionals. He was sommelier at the former Spanish three-star restaurant elBulli for five years.

About Martijn Verbruggen and Stefan Verleer

Martijn Verbruggen (34) worked as a master-sommelier in (star) restaurants as Savelberg, Seinpost and Catch by Simonis. Stefan Verleer (34) worked as a manager and maître-sommelier at restaurants Zoute Zoen and South of Houston.

Opening hours

Bouzy, Wine & Food is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 to 23:00 o’clock. Next to the regular opening days there will be regularly activities on Sundays.

Build peace while eating at the Conflict Café

24-9-2015

The pop-up Conflict Café brings people together over a meal in London. It’s part of the second ‘Talking Peace Festival’ which is taking place in London from 3 September to 3 October 2015.

The Conflict Café is organized for the second time by the NGO International Alert. The café serves food from the areas where it runs peace-building projects, like Syria, Nepal, Colombia, Armenia and Turkey. The pop-up café has one goal, showing that good food can help to resolve international conflicts.

The Conflict Café

The café is near Waterloo station in London. In the article in the Independent, Charlotte Onslow, who works for International Alert, explains how it works. “We want to make sure you don’t talk only to the person you came with, so we have long tables and materials on them that generate questions; there will be specialists who explain a bit about the conflicts.” Different chefs with ties to specific kitchens from these areas, will be cooking in the Conflict Café.

The Talking Peace Festival

The festival, which coincides with the UN’s International Day of Peace on 21 September, will bring together art, food, photography, talks, comedy, music and technology to showcase the power of words and creativity in resolving conflicts. This year’s festival theme focuses on ‘peace in our cities’, and will look at the new challenges that urbanisation poses to peace. This goes from organised crime to civil unrest, and identifying possible solutions. There are Peace Talks panel discussions on 21 September. There will be an ART4PEACE program with an exhibition and auction of urban and street art by leading international talent. A ‘music strand’ is introduced this year, with internationally acclaimed musicians coming together in a unique online creative collaboration.

Inspiration

In 2010 we already spotted the Conflict Kitchen in Pittsburgh, which serves food from countries with which the United States is in conflict with. With all the refugees coming to Europe at this moment why not create more understanding over a great meal? Please #steelmyidea! ^Marjolein van Spronsen.

German-style drive-through deli in Zeddam

23-9-2015

Zeddam will have a unique drive-through deli in the beginning of 2016.

Drive-through deli in Zeddam

People from the Zeddam region regularly drive to the other side of the border to get tasty and healthy sandwiches in Germany and drive back again. Daphne Kempers (21) was inspired by this and initiated an innovative deli in Zeddam with so-called “German pastries” that will be ready early 2016. The new deli-concept will be open seven days a week from seven o’clock in the morning until seven o’clock in the evening. Next to the German sandwiches the deli also offers cakes, coffee and wine.

Convenient, quick and healthy

The innovative sandwich shop is convenient, quick and healthy. With these three key features Daphne addresses important trends that are relevant today and in the near future. The price / quality ratio will meet German standards, so expect good and affordable sandwiches. Guests can order and pay through an app to prevent standing in line.

Crowd sourcing for the name

To come to the perfect name, Daphne calls out to the public. A competition has been started for the best name of the future deli. Creative people can participate via the Facebook page Broods.

Online click-and-collect service for Germans?

We hope the Germans will visit the drive-through deli for a sandwich in the near future, instead of the other way around which happens now. Perhaps an online click-and-collect service for Germans that order products through Dutch web shops can contribute to this. It may be an additional reason to pick up a sandwich on the go. Armand Sol has recently written a blog (in Dutch) about integrating online click-and-collect points in the hospitality industry.

Happy birthday! How to surprise guests

22-9-2015

The Refinery hotel in New York City gives guests that celebrate their birthday at the hotel a special gift. They receive a complimentary personalized birthday cake designed by the Magnolia Bakery.

All the ladies who loved to watch ‘Sex and the City’ are familiar with the Magnolia Bakery with its great looking cupcakes, cookies and lovely stores. And if you’d ever visited one of the stores, you probably had to wait in line to get in the shop. Just like I once did with my daughters. So what better way to celebrate the birthday of your girl and surprise her with a night at a great hotel and a birthday cake from Magnolia Bakery to top it off? The Refinery hotel knows how to surprise its guests!

Inspiration: How to surprise guests on special occasions

What’s a really attractive and special product from the surroundings of your restaurant or hotel? And I don’t mean a jar of jelly or a box of chocolates, but something special which makes celebrating a birthday at your hotel or restaurant a must for a special group of guests. I once went to restaurant La Coupole in Paris to celebrate my birthday. There waiters will sing ‘happy birthday’ a cappella at your table! And you would be surprised how many people are celebrating their birthday at this restaurant, every day! If you have found a special celebration gesture… don’t forget to let your future guests know!

The Refinery Hotel

The Refinery Hotel is located in New York City’s Garment District. The Refinery hotel used to be a high-end tea salon in 1912 but is now a modern hotel with loft-like guestrooms and an industrial-chic design. Check out their website for a look and feel of this high-end hotel. They even blog at least once a week and use social media in a refreshing way. Great to check out as inspiration for hoteliers all over the world.

Magnolia Bakery

A well-known bakery which originated from New York City’s West Village where they started in 1996. Magnolia Bakery has been cherished for its classic American baked goods, vintage decor and warm, inviting atmosphere. Nowadays Magnolia Bakery has locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Mexico City, Tokyo, Moscow City, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Kuwait City and Doha. They’re franchising the concept worldwide. ^Marjolein van Spronsen

An amazing Greek salad!

21-9-2015

Inspiration from restaurant ‘Funky Gourmet’ in Athens, the signature dish of chefs Georgianna Hiliadaki and Nick Roussos: their Greek salad!

Recently I have read that Coolhaus has started selling scoops of pizza ice cream. The ice cream isn’t made of the same ingredients but according to the website of Munchies they’ve created the same flavor with ingredients like mascarpone cheese, olive oil, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil and some salt. Coolhaus, which I now from their food trucks in New York City, has more strange ice cream flavors, what do you think about ‘Avocado Sea Salt’, ‘Beer & Pretzels’ or ‘Brown buttered candied bacon’? But we recently ate an ice cream more strange but also great in taste, in Athens.

Chefs do create an amazing Greek salad

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Athens and eating out at Funky Gourmet (** Michelin). The chefs Georgianna Hiliadaki and Nick Roussos created an excellent menu full of surprises. One of the most special items was their Greek salad, an ice cream halfway the menu. It’s their signature dish and we were really surprised by the taste of it. You don’t expect ice cream based on the taste of lettuce, cucumber, tomato and feta cheese to be that delicious!

Inspiration from Athens, Funky Gourmet

Although this article is mostly about their signature dish, I highly recommend to make a reservation at Funky Gourmet if you do visit Athens. Hidden away in one of the older parts of Athens, the chefs and their partner Argyro Hiliadaki created a restaurant well worth the visit. We enjoyed their cuisine, the hospitality and next to that the sublime wine from the island of Santorini which the sommelier advised us…

KOST event to promote a healthy Dutch cuisine

18-9-2015

KOST is an event about the Dutch food culture for everyone who cares about our daily foods. The first edition will take place on 21 September.

Dutch cuisine

Chefs, producers, scientists, farmers and policymakers explore the possibilities to put the Dutch food culture and Dutch cuisine firmly on the map and make it healthier. They will do that together with speakers like Kobe Desramaults, Robert Kranenborg, Julian Baggini, Linda Roodenburg and Martin Caraher during the KOST event on 21 September at the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam.

Platform ‘Van Moeder Natuur’

KOST is an initiative by the ‘Van Moeder Natuur’ platform (freely translated as the ‘Mother nature platform’). The platform focuses on a healthy Dutch food culture. This includes enjoying healthy, delicious and natural products packed with nutrients. Next to that, it means making time for food again by home cooking and enjoying meals together.

Day program

During the day program interesting topics are addressed. The program is compiled by various well know curators from the Dutch food culture like Mac van Dinther, Joris Bijdendijk, Joris Lohman, Samuel Levie and Helen Kranstauber).

Kostelijk dinner

In the evening there is a Kostelijk dinner (translated: Delicious dinner). The chefs responsible for the dinner are Joris Bijdendijk (RIJKS®), Albert Kooy (Dutch Cuisine), Luc Kusters (Bolenius), Benny Blisto (BAK), Sander Louwerens (Citroen), Willem Schaafsma (Eindeloos), Jonathan Karpathios (Vork en Mes), Geert Burema (Merkelbach), Nel Schellekens (de Gulle Waard), Dick Soek (Piloersemaborg) Eef Bolado (As) and René van der Veer (De Veldkeuken). Drinks are arranged by Niek Beute (De Klepel) and Ard Muntjewerf (The Lobby).

A delicious program. Unfortunately, it’s merely in Dutch and both the day program as well as the dinner are completely sold out.

Amstel Hotel Amsterdam reveals Van Gogh Suite

17-9-2015

From 7 September to 5 December the Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam has a special presentation about Van Gogh. Visitors can express their own creativity on a canvas as well, with pastels, oil paint and brushes.

Honouring Van Gogh

This year marks the 125th anniversary of Vincent van Gogh’s death. Several museums and other institutions in Europe honour the Dutch artist with special exhibitions and events. Recently there was a labyrinth of sunflowers at the Museumplein, referring to one of his famous paintings.

Van Gogh Museum Relievo Collection

The Amstel Hotel launched a special Van Gogh suite and paintings from the Van Gogh Relievo collection on 15 September. The Van Gogh Museum Relievo Collection is barely distinguishable from the original paintings that are on display at the Van Gogh Museum. This is realized with a combination of the most recent 2D and 3D technology, craftsmanship and handicrafts.

Van Gogh Suite

The special Van Gogh Suite is available until 1 January 2016. The comfortable suite is located on the fourth floor of the hotel and is furnished in the atmosphere of his paintings. On a weathered wooden table in the sitting room, a bottle of absinthe welcomes guests. This is the drink where Van Gogh was fond of. On arrival, guests get a plate in the shape of a paint palette serving typical Amsterdam snacks. For guests who are inspired by Van Gogh there are pastels, oil paint, brushes and a canvas available. Guests can take their creative works home. Getting inspiration is easily done at the suite. At two locations in the suite paintings from the ‘Van Gogh Museum Relievo Collection’ hang on the wall. The view is magnificent as well.

Grocery store Christmas Festival in Utrecht by Albert Heijn

16-9-2015

The grocery store chain ‘Albert Heijn’ organizes a Christmas festival by the name of its instore magazine.

Allerhande Christmas Festival

Albert Heijn is organizing a major food event in Utrecht on 11th, 12th and 13th of December. The food festival is called ‘Allerhande Kerstfestival’ and is located at the Railway Museum in Utrecht. The event is scaled to 40,000 visitors and is a logical continuation of the recent food festivals popping up all over the country.

Workshops and inspiration

Visitors can inspire themselves by tasting food and drinks and get help from experts during various cooking workshops. Saskia Egas Reparaz, director of marketing & format of Albert Heijn explains the choice of the food festival: “Christmas is an old festival where every family has its own traditions and customs. We celebrate Christmas for 128 years already and help our customers every year again with new ideas, inspiration and lots of special Christmas products. This year, we want to offer our customers something extra with the ‘Allerhande Kerstfestival’. It’s the tastiest inspirational event for the holidays. In preparation for Christmas, anyone can gain additional ideas to create his or her own special Christmas.”

From drinks to dessert

With the Allerhande Christmas Festival, visitors of all ages can get in the mood for Christmas and inspire themselves for the Christmas dinner. They can literally walk through the menu from starter to dessert and taste, participate in workshops, watch live cooking sessions by renowned chefs and get tips from experts.

Christmas Shop

Everything at the festival can be bought at the special Christmas store or can be delivered home or pre-ordered at Albert Heijn grocery stores. Besides inspiration, the event is meant for entertainment and fun. The Winter Wonderland stage includes a ‘wish tree’, a winter barbecue and market stalls. Furthermore there is live music, an ice rink and mulled wine.

Ticket Sales

The tickets are for sale from 5 October and cost ten euros per person. Registration for the cooking workshops is done online via allerhandekerstfestival.nl.