Trends we spotted | Week 14
12-4-2022
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
With this week links to articles about amongst others a new series ‘Definitive and Doable’ on the website of Fine Dining Lovers. Great for foodies: in this series they show some very exciting recipes. And the James Bond’s studios at Pinewood are opening to the public in the UK
In 2019 the Dutch Bird Brewery started planting trees for every liter of their beer sold, recently the reached their goal: 100.000 trees. And the Prêt-à-Portea at the Berkeley features Gucci, Lanvin, Oscar de la Rente and more this Spring/Summer 2022.
New-Meat pioneer, Redefine Meat, recently announced that Selfridges London is the world’s first department store to feature New-Meat as part of its in-store dining experience. And D-Drinks starts selling a second taste of the NOCCO drinks – Mango Del Sol in the Netherlands.
San Francisco-based MeliBio has found a way to make honey that doesn’t require bees, bee free honey! And the French tea merchants Betjeman & Barton now also has a shop in the Jan Evertsenstaat in Amsterdam.
In Toulouse, France a retired A380 jet will be transformed into a luxury hotel with 31 rooms and a grand suite on the flight deck. An in Paris you can buy a box of ‘naughty waffles’ for Easter from La Quequetterie.
KFC Australia opened the first KFC fine dining degustation pop-up restaurant with a delicious 11-courses menu. Great idea for the opening of a fast food restaurant! And a special arrangement ‘Steal the Suite’ at the Prince Hotel in Melbourne from April 5th – May 31st!
Food Fighters Universe | The first NFT-backed restaurant group
11-4-2022
Andy Nguyen and Kevin Seo, the foodpreneurs behind the world’s first Bored Ape restaurant, Bored & Hungry, recently announced Food Fighters Universe (FFU), an NFT collection that will connect food and Web3. Launching in May, FFU will be a collection of 10,000 unique tokens on the ETH (Ethereum) blockchain. Each purchase will help to develop the world’s first NFT-backed restaurant group, focused on building gathering places in real life (IRL) and the metaverse, while offering utility and experiences for Food Fighters NFT holders. “I saw the Web3 space as a way to fix those problems and save the restaurant industry.” – Andy Nguyen.
Although we don’t see exactly what Andy Nguyen means with saving the restaurant industry, it’s an interesting development. They opened Bored & Hungry last Saturday and the 10,000 tokens will give members access to special events, rewards, and other perks. In January 2022 we wrote about the exclusive Flyfish Club, which is expected to open in New York City in 2023. A membership card for this exclusive club and restaurant is an NFT purchased with cryptocurrency.
3 minutes read
Claridge’s Afternoon Tea at the Maybourne Beverly Hills
11-4-2022
For the first time in its 150 year history, Claridge’s legendary afternoon tea will be served outside of its Mayfair home, and will take residency at sister hotel The Maybourne Beverly Hills – the first American property from Maybourne Hotel Group. Guests will enjoy the traditional British teatime ritual, but with playful twists in true Maybourne spirit, that will reflect the flavours of California and the vibrancy of the destination. Presented on the LA hotel’s sweeping outdoor garden terrace, guests will enjoy this alfresco service surrounded by a white jacketed team, a fragrant garden of wild flowers, accompanied by the sounds of a grand piano.
Although it doesn’t sound like a trend, we love the idea of being able to enjoy a real British Afternoon Tea in another place. Would you go to a Dutch hotel if they would for example serve the delicious Claridge’s scones and their British style sandwiches? Or any of the Afternoon Tea’s we wrote about? We think collaborations like this could work at many more destinations!
2 minutes read
Rococo des Fleurs | Gastronomy Extravaganza
8-4-2022
On May 13, 14 and 15, pop-up restaurant ‘Rococo des Fleurs’ will open its doors. An exclusive culinary, colourful experience styled by master florist Menno Kroon. In his ‘Oranjerie’ – hidden between the orchards of Cothen in the province of Utrecht – some of the best Michelin-starred chefs of the Netherlands, Ron Blaauw, Dennis Huwaë and Hans van Wolde will create ‘the taste of seduction’ pop-up dinners. Concert pianist Iris hond will enrapture guests with her grand piano music and a number of international club DJs will lace the evening with modern jazz, lounge and deep house. Rococo des Fleurs partner Bentley Leusden will facilitate pick-up & drop-off of guests.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
RoboBurger | The world’s first robot burger chef in a vending machine
7-4-2022
RoboBurger, the world’s first fully autonomous robotic burger chef, recently launched with a ribbon cutting at the Newport Centre, a Simon Mall in Jersey City, NJ. This restaurant in miniature cooks restaurant-quality freshly grilled burgers from scratch, and it will soon be heading to airports, malls, colleges, offices, factories, and military bases across the country.
2 minutes read
The Queen’s Ball | The Bridgerton Experience in Los Angeles
7-4-2022
The Bridgerton Experience is a 90-minute immersive experience that started March 24 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles and will continue through the Summer. An event that will be the talk of the town and mark the beginning of the much anticipated social season. Guests will be transported to England’s Regency-era London for a live concert by a string quartet playing Bridgerton’s memorable soundtrack. Alongside the music, attendees will interact with high society aristocratic characters to relive and participate in much-loved moments from Netflix and Shondaland’s hit series.
For fans of the Netflix series Bridgerton: if you’re traveling to the Los Angeles area, you could immerse yourself in the Bridgerton world… But they also invite you to visit the experience in Chicago, Washington DC and Montréal. The only requirement is that you need to be 21+ of age with a valid ID.
2 minutes read
Diego’s Burgers| Plant-based Chef’s Table pop-up at DGTL festival
5-4-2022
During the 8th edition of DGTL festival (16-17 April 2022) at the NDSM Docklands in Amsterdam, chef Diego Buik from Diego’s Burgers will provide an exclusive, fully plant-based Chef’s Table pop-up. This pop-up is made possible thanks to Beyond Meat, who will open a plant-based foodcourt together with Apenkooi events. Diego’s signature dish this day? The Smashed Burger, especially developed for DGTL. Think of a juicy plant-based patty, made of Beyond Meat mince, served on a bun with tomato, pickle, lollo bianco, Violife cheddar and of course a good burger sauce. Finger licking good and guilt-free for the festival visitor with a great appetite.
1 minute read
Win an overnight stay in the Marriott Bonvoy Suite of Dreams at Old Trafford
5-4-2022
The Marriott Bonvoy Suite of Dreams brings fans to the heart of the action at Old Trafford with an exclusive behind the scenes experiences and the chance to take part in the first overnight stay at the stadium.
Marriott Bonvoy, along with Manchester United, one of the world’s most popular sports teams, are offering fans the chance to win the first-ever overnight stay at Old Trafford. One lucky fan and a guest will have the chance to wake up in the legendary football stadium on match day from the comfort of a suite transformed into a Marriott Hotels guest room overlooking the pitch.
Check out how you can be the lucky one!
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 13
4-4-2022
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
With this week links to articles and amongst others three Instagram posts we spotted, the special branding of Mr. Charlie’s in Los Angeles with their red/yellow colors as well as the upside down smile. And Miss Crispy Rice who recently opened inside the Oasis Wynwood in Miami, serving crispy rice sushi!
Another Instagram post that we really love is one from Paris where restaurant La Bourse et la Vie hired 3 refugees from Ukraine and changed their cuisine and their name in Le Borscht et la Vie as of yesterday for 2 months.
Dubai is the 36th destination which will have its own Guide MICHELIN! The first selection of restaurants will be revealed in June. And McDonald’s USA surprises fans with unexpected Szechuan Sauce drop. Great idea a limited time offer of products from the past, which product would you bring back?
SALSA SHOP is a fast growing brand of fresh Mexican food restaurants, they recently opened the 10th restaurant in the Netherlands and they have big dreams for Europe. And a great initiative of Culinair Leiden in our hometown, a 6.5 km long festive ribbon of tables along the Singelpark route on 25 and 26 June 2022: Singelpark Dinner.
Restaurant commerce platform, GoTab, recently announced that it is partnering with Mastercard to transform the digital checkout experience in hospitality venues across the US with the implementation of Click to Pay.
Smullies Maastricht | Trendy patisserie shop and ice cream parlour
4-4-2022
Since 10 March 2022, Maastricht has been home to a trendy and special patisserie shop and ice cream parlour. Servais Tielman of Michelin-starred restaurant Beluga Loves You and his partners opened ‘Smullies Maastricht’, a unique and trendy shop with unique ice cream flavours, exceptional patisserie, smoothies, milkshakes and coffee. Smullies is located at Frankenstraat 198 and has a striking interior in pastel pink colours and gold. In May 2022 the second branch will open in the new Foodchurch in the Boschstraat in Maastricht.
A trendy new address to go to when you go to the most touristic city in the south of the Netherlands, Maastricht! Here you can enjoy a cup of slow roast coffee with a Big Boy Macaron from the Michelin-starred restaurant Beluga Loves You or an éclair or madeleines or….. Or ‘just’ an ice cream: the pink ruby chocolate ice cream with raspberry and rose water sounds delicious, right?
2 minutes read
Wendyverse™ | Wendy’s® opens first restaurant in virtual reality
1-4-2022
Wendy’s® is teaming up with creators in Meta’s Horizon Worlds to make (virtual) dreams come true with the grand opening of the Wendyverse™ in Horizon Worlds on April 2. Virtual reality becomes reality as Wendyverse™ gives fans all-new 3D opportunities to virtually interact with each other and the brand – as only Wendy’s can.
Another brand that seeks the Metaverse, recently we read that McDonald’s USA also has plans in that direction.
3 minutes read
Wilhelmus Orange IPA | Brewed for King’s Day in the Netherlands
1-4-2022
The Orange fever will rage through the Netherlands at the end of April when we celebrate King’s Day (April 27) and Bird Brewery created their newest beer Wilhelmus Orange IPA for this event. A fresh, fruity Orange IPA (6%) with notes of orange. The Elixer hop also provides a subtle bitterness and tropical aromas. Our Dutch anthem is called the Wilhelmus and Brid Brewery creates beers with bird names, the Dutch ‘mus’ is a sparrow. They even brew their beers at a location in a forest near Amsterdam, House of Bird in the Diemerbos.
Reading time: 1 minute
Eggshibition at Brouwerij ‘t IJ | Next level egg painting
1-4-2022
Just over thirty ostrich eggs and as many Dutch artists. These are the ingredients for the Eggshibition at Brouwerij ‘t IJ, which is being organized for the second time this year in Amsterdam. From cartoonist to tattoo artist and from rapper to illustrator – they all went to work, resulting in unique works of art. Certainly no eggs to hide and therefore they will be exhibited over the Easter weekend at Sissi’s Expo-Resto in Amsterdam. During this exhibition you can also enjoy a good glass of PaasIJ, the delicious hoppy spring beer that the Amsterdam brewery makes every year especially for Easter.
2 minutes read
First edition SHIT HOT FEST sets Amsterdam ‘on fire’ on April 9 and 10
31-3-2022
International hot sauce makers and pepper fans flock to Deus Cantina for the hottest event of the year. Amsterdam’s Deus Cantina restaurant will transform into a temple of hotness on April 9 and 10 during the first-ever edition of the SHIT HOT FEST. 16 international hot sauce makers, pepper fans and spice lovers will come together at the hottest culinary event of the year. ‘At the SHIT HOT FEST, the pepper takes the stage. You’ll meet the world’s best hot sauce makers and taste what makes spicy cuisine so hot. But: at this FEST it’s also mainly about fun,’ says Neil Roake, co-organizer of the event (and co-founder T-Rex Sauces).
Reading time: 2 minutes
Under The Sea by Ephemera Restaurant Group | The first immersive restaurant in Paris
31-3-2022
Recently opened in Paris, at the MK2 Bibliothèque on 160 Avenue France in the 13th arrondissement, the first immersive restaurant in France: Under The Sea by Ephemera. The three young entrepreneurs of the Ephemera Restaurant Group, Jade Frommer, Annaïg Ferrand and chef Loris de Vaucelles, created a restaurant where your taste buds will be surprised, without breaking the bank and where you will immerse yourself and your company in the theme of the ocean. Video projections on large screens, light and sound effects and a spectacular décor: everything to create a unique atmosphere within the place. The chef is Loris de Vaucelles and he works with high quality products and has a lot of creativity, watch the video later in the article.
So if you’re driving to the South of France this summer, a visit to Paris and a plonge in the ocean to discover its ‘majestic fauna and luminescent flora’ whilst enjoying real French cuisine for a reasonable price, might be a fun idea!
1 minute read
Vegan fast food chain in California | Plant Power Fast Food
29-3-2022
Another plant-based fast food chain, with 11 locations in California. Plant Power Fast Food, the country’s fastest growing 100% plant-based fast food restaurant chain recently announced the opening of its new Los Angeles location in the heart of Hollywood, California.
In this article one of the founders says that most of the guests are omnivores who know it’s better for the environment and for themselves if they eat vegan once in a while. Becoming a flexitarian is made easier by chains like this! In our opinion, there is enough space in Europe for this kind of vegan fast food chains that are a 1:1 copy of the well-known fast food chains. The Dutch Vegan Junk Food Bar also proves this by growing considerably with 7 branches already.
3 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 12
29-3-2022
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
With this week links to articles about amongst others the Bjarke Ingels Group, they unveiled a treetop hotel room in Sweden covered with 350 bird houses. And the 25hours Hotels introduce a 4-day working week in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Some openings: The Big Mamma Group will open Giorgia Trattoria in Munich this summer and today (March 28) the fourth Gucci Osteria will open in Seoul. In Berlin the new Café Camaleon opened, it’s an all-day casual dining concept at the Casa Camper Berlin. Camper is a famous shoe concept from Spain.
Come 2025, the way Parisians commute will change with the launch of Câble 1, Paris‘ first urban cable car. The new 4.5-kilometer line will connect suburbs in the city’s southeast to the Metro system. And a link to great images of the high-end breakfast all day concept in Berlin: Frühstück 3000.
Starbucks and Volvo will build an EV charging network from the Colorado Rockies to their Support Center in Seattle. And Portland in Oregon will get the first sports bar dedicated to women’s games: The Sports Bra.
Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center | Brand transformation revealed
28-3-2022
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands recently unveiled the renovated Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center. Over the past year the hotel has been through a major renovation to create a new environment that creates an intuitive and holistic experience with places for people to connect, be productive and feel part of a community. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is currently undergoing a brand transformation at properties across the world, and Sheraton Amsterdam now showcases this new vision as one of the very first hotels in Europe.
On 16 March, we enjoyed a tour of the hotel – with fun details for meetings such as origami plane folding and binoculars in the suites for spotting planes. And we enjoyed tasting some delicacies of what is served from Commune Restaurant, The Gate Bar & Stripes Restaurant. To celebrate the transformation of the hotel, Sheraton Amsterdam Airport created a special opening offer to experience the renovated Sheraton guestroom, including access to the Sheraton Club and a welcome drink in Commune.
Reading time: 4 minutes.
Ramen Restaurant Takumi is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
24-3-2022
The famous ramen restaurant Takumi is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and is organizing festive activities and moments throughout the year to celebrate. In 2007, they opened their first branch in Düsseldorf and by now there are already 41 restaurants to be found all over Europe. At Takumi you can enjoy authentic Japanese Sapporo Noodles which have become extremely popular in recent years. To celebrate Takumi’s 15th anniversary and to show gratitude to the loyal Takumi fans, several festive moments are set up in 2022. These include multiple live events in different European cities, a lottery to win a trip every quarter of the year, a ‘Create your own ramen’ challenge and the launch of a limited edition Takumi clothing collection. So expect an extensive and festive program to celebrate 15 years of love for Japanese Soul Food, of which the first event will take place in Rotterdam on April 30!
Takumi now has 41 locations throughout Europe. In Belgium they have locations in Brussels and Antwerp, eight in total. There is also a Takumi in Prague, Czech Republic, one in Vienna in Austria and one in Milan, Italy. Germany has no fewer than 14 locations spread over Düsseldorf, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Köln. Also in Spain you can enjoy the ramen at Takumi at five different locations in Barcelona. In the Netherlands you can taste Takumi’s specialties in The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Eindhoven. We will definitely visit soon!
Reading time: 3 minutes
Birds Festivalk | Three days full of nature, special beer, music and activities
15-3-2022
On May 13, 14 and 15, Birds Festivalk takes place at House of Bird – the official tasting room of Bird Brewery – at the Diemerbos. The entire area of 5,000m2 will be transformed into a free Festivalk for young and old for three days. Expect lots of music, foodtrucks, tastings, nature excursions, lounge spots, a silent disco, children’s theatre, live DJ’s, an air cushion and much more creativity!
2 minutes read
Summer bonus for the staff at Fletcher Hotels
15-3-2022
Fletcher Hotels foresees a great and therefore extremely busy year in 2022 and reserves 3.5 million as bonus for its hotel staff. “Both the spring and summer period will be very busy in the hotels and restaurants. It is important that we retain our people. Therefore, everyone who is employed after the summer will receive a summer bonus”. In addition, with their internal temping agency, the so-called FletcherGIG, they are committed to retaining staff by paying them more and offering them greater flexibility.
Reading time: 2 minutes
ORGANICS by Red Bull |New Innovative Flavors
15-3-2022
It’s finally time again to socialize with friends on the patio with a cocktail, spritzer or a mocktail. The demand for exciting drinks that don’t leave you hungover is growing and the #sobercommunity is on the rise. ORGANICS by Red Bull joins this demand: this spring, the alcohol-free and premium organic soda ORGANICS by Red Bull will be back in full force in the Dutch hospitality sector. In addition to the five existing flavors, three new flavors have been added, each with their own unique character: Purple Berry, Black Orange and Ginger Beer.
We recently tasted the three new flavors. Delicious, fresh and not too sweet. We love to picture ourselves with a cold glass in the sun on a terrace. The Ginger Beer flavor is nice and spicy and you can clearly taste the ginger. The ladies especially enjoyed the light sweetness of the Purple Berry.
Reading time: 1 minute
Corona Island | Beer Brand Corona and experts shape this immersive guest experience
15-3-2022
In advance of the highly anticipated opening of Corona Island, a destination designed to help visitors disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the natural world, Corona announced three global experts who will help shape the island’s immersive guest experience through food, design and lifestyle touchpoints. Corona Island’s design and programming will be led by an all-star roster that includes Jaime Gaztelu and Mauricio Galeano of James & Mau, Jairo Márquez, Chef Christopher Carpentier and Paulina Vega, Lifestyle and Culture Curator.
We’re a bit jealous here in Europe, only eleven countries (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru and South Africa) are running local promotions that unlock a once-in-lifetime all-expenses paid trip to the Island. Additional opportunities for the public to access the Island will be announced in the coming months, let’s hope we will get the chance to win that trip as well!
3 minutes read
The Spring Summer ’22 Collection by Frites Atelier | ‘Arabic Baba & Feta’ Fries
14-3-2022
Inspired by spring and summer, co-founder and culinary creator of Frites Atelier Sergio Herman has created fresh, summery taste sensations. The flavors will give you the feeling of a summer in Italy or deep into the Arabian fairy tale of a thousand and one nights. The influences of the various cultures and cuisines come to the fore in the new specials. The specials ‘Arabic Baba & Feta’ as well as the return of our seasonal specials: ‘Sea Nori’, ‘Parmasan & Basil’ and a whole new tasty snack, the ‘Fish Burger’. Starting this week, Frites Atelier will serve the very latest Spring Summer Collection.
Fries are the main snacks in the Netherlands, we have ‘snackbars’ where you can order a simple portion of fries with or without mayonnaise, or other sauces and of course other snacks like our famous ‘kroketten’. Since a couple of years we have the culinary expert, chef Sergio Herman (has and had several Michelin star restaurants), who creates culinary specials, for the fancy snackbar/restaurant chain Frites Atelier. His Spring/Summer ’22 collection even has a fries ‘Arabic Baba & Feta’! If you want to enjoy a culinary portion of fries, visit one of their locations in The Hague, Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent and Designer Outlet Roosendaal. Worth a detour!
reading time: 2 minutes
Trends we spotted | Week 10
11-3-2022
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
Featuring links this week to articles including the launch of North America’s 50 Best Bars, by Perrier and the presidential suites at some Ritz-Carlton hotels will be turned into First Lady suites, named after the series with the same name on SHOWTIME.
China is getting 350 new Accor hotels, divided among the various brands of Acccor. And if you are in Paris, drop by the Broadway Caffe where you can dine in an iconic yellow taxi and be seated a swings!
Fast Casual Restaurant Shake Shack is going to test whether letting people pay with cryptocurrency attracts more young visitors. And the Michelin Guide Germany this year has more stars than ever, a whopping 327 with a new 3 Michelin star restaurant, restaurant Schanz in Piesport!
DAD in London delivers vegan dishes for less than £5. All meals come in compostable packaging and are delivered by bicycle. And also in London, in Soho opened The Thin White Duke Bar, inspired by David Bowie.
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