A Dutch Eataly?

24-7-2014

Last weekend I read a blog by Ciao Tutti about the Mercato Centrale in Florence. Within approximately 3000 square meters above the Mercato Centrale you will find a selection of small restaurants, winebars and tasting rooms that are in place to allow you to try the best Italian delicacies. This in addition to the market where you can buy local products. A type of “foodhallen” that have been popular in South European countries for years. The owners of Eataly were able to also make this concept of a combination of restaurants + retail popular outside of Italy. The growth of Eataly locations seems unstoppable, right now they have 27 locations of which 10 in Italy, 13 in Japan and the others in cities like New York, Chicago, Dubai and Istanbul. Rumors say they are working on a Dutch location.
While reading I started wondering why don’t we have a “foodhall” with Dutch products?

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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

Lobster in a bird cage during reopening Diamond Horseshoe

3-1-2014

During New Year’s Eve, Paramount hotel owner Aby Rosen reopened ‘The Diamond Horseshoe’. The space is located under the Parmount Hotel and was originally opened in December 1938, but closed its doors in 1951. ‘The Diamond Horseshoe’ is a ballroom that not only serves the night life but also as a venue for theatrical performances. The space has undergone a renovation and features two bars, a kitchen and private rooms. During the reopening the show ‘Queen of the Night’ was played, a combination of performances, music, circus and food. During the show guests were served lobster in bird cages, whole roast pork and smoked ribs with cocktails, wine and champagne.

Cava Brutal

10-12-2013

The new ‘Cava Brutal’ is a non-traditonal, non-conformist bubble. The cava from Spain has a 18-month maturation (reserva) and is composed with the indigenous grape varieties Macabeo, Xarello, Parellada and Chardonnay. The ‘Cava Brutal’ is produced at winery DO Cava, located in the heart of the Penedés and Cava region, near Barcelona. Superrebel.com has developed this special cava in collaboration with Spanish winemaker Joan Rovira (agricultural engineer and oenologist). The bottle has a striking design, the bright orange color combined with black gives the bottle a clean look.

Naughty Stout dinner beer

30-10-2013

Beer sommelier Fiona de Lange has created a dinner beer together with De Leckere brewery from ‘De Meern’. Stout beer and Barley wine are combined for this special brew. Due to the composition the beer is expected to match great with red meat, game and stewed meat. Earlier this year the beer sommelier developed Royal Beer, especially made for the King.

Winter Warming Cocktails

14-10-2013

Wine brand Barefoot shows that you don’t have to drink cocktails during the summer months exclusively. For the cold winter period, the wine brand has introduced two Winter Warming cocktails; the Choco-tini and Mull-licious. The base for the Choco-tini is the Barefood Merlot, a wine with notes of raspberry, blackberry and chocolate. The Mull-licious is made with Barefood Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of ripe berries and currants. The ideal cocktails for the winter.

A fresh alcohol-free aperitif

22-5-2013

Grapedistrict introduced a new festive nonalcoholic drink. The new PasDuTout is an alcohol-free bubble from the Provence and made of Airen, Riesling and Rivaner grapes. During the winemaking process, the most of the alcohol vaporizes. At the end the drink contains 0.2% alcohol. The PasDuTout is a fresh and fruity wine with a strong bubble and can be served as an aperitif or as summer drink. The PasDuTout is available in restaurants, bars and beach clubs.

Spark The Hague opens its doors

17-4-2013

Today the new bar Spark The Hague opens its doors. The bar is part of the Hilton Hotel The Hague, but has its own entrance and address. The trendy bar is a location to relax with night entertainment like Funky Jazz Live, Ladies First and Sparks & Bubbles. At the Spark The Hague you can enjoy quality cocktails, wines and champagnes supplemented with Asian finger food and international snacks. The cocktails are made by bartenders Michael-John Straatmand and David van Panhuys who have a broad knowledge of cocktails and wines.

Urban Coffee Farm in Melbourne

15-3-2013

The Australian design firm HASSELL designed the ‘Urban Coffee Farm and Brew Bar’ for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. A total of 125 coffee trees have transformed the ‘Red Stairs’ (a popular public Amphitheatre in Melbourne) into a terraced coffee farm. Shipping containers, packaging crates and timber pallets have also been added to demonstrate the journey that coffee beans take. This will creates a unique experience while visitors sit among the trees sipping their coffee. More pictures at PSFK.

Urban Coffee Farm in Meldbourne

15-3-2013

The Australian design firm HASSELL designed the ‘Urban Coffee Farm and Brew Bar’ for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. A total of 125 coffee trees have transformed the ‘Red Stairs’ (a popular public Amphitheatre in Melbourne) into a terraced coffee farm. Shipping containers, packaging crates and timber pallets have also been added to demonstrate the journey that coffee beans take. This will creates a unique experience while visitors sit among the trees sipping their coffee. More pictures at PSFK.