“to Otomat or Notomat?” | At Belgian pizza chain Otomat
11-7-2024
Otomat serves ‘Heavenly pizza & glorious beer’ according to their website. It is a chain of pizza restaurants with branches in Antwerp (MAS), Ghent (with a view of ‘the Leie’ and a ‘Paddle in’), Bruges, Leuven and Mechelen. Otomat says it has reinvented the pizza experience and given it a unique Belgian twist. They create pizza with Flemish classics, the pizza bases have a local touch and, of course, the ‘beer pairings’! They have a special menu this summer and in addition they ask “to Otomat or Notomat?” upon entering. Curious?
1 minute read
Opening of Alma Bistro in ‘t Ginneken in Breda
9-7-2024
Opening – Chef Wouter van Laarhoven and hostess Malou Hagenaars opened Alma Bistro in the Dutch city Breda earlier this month. The gastronomic bistro is the couple’s third establishment after Michelin star restaurant Alma Fine Dining and Alma Bodega in Oisterwijk. Guests can enjoy high-quality bistro dishes and fine wines in a relaxed atmosphere with high-level service.
Salsa Shop celebrates 10th anniversary | Experience and innovation
1-7-2024
Salsa Shop celebrates its 10th anniversary! Friends Louis Wesseling and Steven Visser opened their first business on Amsterdam’s Amstelstraat in 2014 and it turned out to be a hit. Thanks to its fresh, Mexican dishes and fast service, Salsa Shop grew into a chain with sixteen Dutch branches. The ambition to expand in Europe is also great.
With a combination of common sense, drive, very hard work and gathering the right people, Salsa Shop has become one of the best-known Dutch fast-casual brands. The secret? Fresh produce, authentic, Mexican recipes, efficient work processes, fast service and an experienced team.
2 minutes read
Dolce by Wyndham Versailles opens in Domaine Du Montcel Park
1-7-2024
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has officially opened the doors to its newest hotel, the luxurious Dolce by Wyndham Versailles – Domaine du Montcel. Nestled in the outskirts of Paris in famed Domaine du Montcel Park, just minutes from the world-renowned Palace of Versailles, the striking 178-room resort sits on a charming estate in the heart of the beautiful Bièvre Valley and opens just as the world prepares to turn its competitive gaze to Paris this summer.
3 minutes read
Frank brunch, lunch & specialty coffee concept | Opens second location in Brussels
27-6-2024
Frank is opening a second location in Brussels, in the plinth of the new Citybox hotel on Stephania Square, in the Louiza neighbourhood. The new spot builds on the success of owners Mathias and Marianne’s first shop, next to the Monnaie. Frank’s philosophy will continue in the second establishment both during the day and in the evening. Frank and the hotel will open its doors in early September.
Boutique hotel The Diamond and Grand Café Heineken Hoek are opening in Amsterdam in August
27-6-2024
In August, boutique hotel The Diamond is opening its doors on Amsterdam’s bustling Leidseplein. This much talked-about hotel, designed by architect Robert Meijer, also brings back Grand Café Heineken Hoek, fully restyled and ready to make new hospitality history. The Diamond will open in phases, with more new concepts being introduced at the hotel after August.
Trends we spotted | Week 25
25-6-2024
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:
- The We’re Smart award ceremony for Best Vegetable Restaurant in 2024 will take place in Valencia on November 12, 2024.
- Restaurant Noor is ranked 155 in the top 555 restaurants in Europe, of Opiniated About Food (AOD). All the Dutch restaurants mentioned on the list in this article!
- Quality Lodges celebrated its 21st anniversary with a 21-year dinner at The Duke Suites in Nistelrode. The ‘QL Hotel of the Year 2024’ award was presented to Châteauhotel & Restaurant de Havixhorst.
- Hilton Amsterdam recently celebrated the arrival of the first keg of ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’ (herring) on their waterside terrace for the 29th time, with an Olympic touch and special preparations.
- Last Friday, June 21st, restaurant Soigné organised an ‘EK 3-course meal‘ and restaurant de Burgemeester (the Mayor) organised an ‘EK dinner for champions‘. A delicious meal and on time for the match of the Netherlands – France! Great idea?
- The Connaught recently unveiled an art installation by Alex Israel in London’s Carlos Place. They also sell ice creams inspired by the artwork.
- Seventh Brunch wins award for best brunch in Lisbon from Tripadvisor.
- Haarlem-based craft brewery Jopen has made an IPA with desalinated North Sea water from SEA Water.
- Reopening of sustainable restaurant Nolla in Helsinki, 2 special nights of cooking without electricity.
Enjoy reading!
The summer drinks we love to drink on a terrace
25-6-2024
At last we have warm, sunny weather here in the Netherlands! We made a list of the ultimate summer drinks that we love to drink on the terrace. Think of a Tomatini, an old-fashioned Pimm’s Cup, Negroni, Lychee Martini or a cocktail flight! But also the various non-alcoholic drinks – like a Santani organic soda or a small bottle of Crodino for those who love the Aperol taste! The latter is also orange, a great non-alcoholic alternative while watching the Dutch team during the European Championships. 
Brouwerij Gudzekop | Frisian beers
24-6-2024
The owners Diermar Laske and his wife Trea of Brouwerij Gudzekop (brewery) have been making craft beers since 2018. They value quality and stand out with authentic flavours. They incorporate local products into their beers, such as Frisian sugar bread, Frisian rye bread, Frisian gingerbread and this results in, among others, a ‘Opsteker’ – Blonde, a ‘Overseas’ – American Pale Ale, a ‘Opgedirkt’ – Raspberry Weizen, a ‘Voor de Wind’ – session witbier, a ‘Voortvarend’- Milkstout, a ‘Op de Helling’ – double bock and more beers with great Dutch names!
2 minutes read
Cocktail machine L’OUI Petit Pro | Handy, easy to use and high-quality cocktails
24-6-2024
Soon to be launched is the L’OUI Petit Pro, an innovative cocktail machine that opens up new possibilities for the hospitality industry in all segments. With this compact machine, L’OUI sets a new standard, based on the knowledge and success of the previously launched L’OUI Grand Pro. The Petit Pro brings the same high-quality technology in a more manageable size, ideal for business owners who want to combine efficiency with quality.
2 minutes read
