Kromkommer crowdfunding
13-1-2014
Around 5 – 10% of the Dutch vegetable and fruit produce is wasted because the products don’t fit the ‘common appearance’. Kromkommer wants to use these weird shaped vegetables and fruits for an alternative series of soups. Therefore Lisanne van Zwol, Jente de Vries and Chantal Engelen started a crowdfunding campaign to raise € 25. 000,- and produce the soups themselves. Their goal is to motivate 20.000 crazy vegetable heroes in 2014. According to the ladies, someone is already a vegetable hero after buying one of the soups, because the content would otherwise be wasted. The collected donations will be used for purchasing vegetables from growers, transportation to the factory, production of the soups and design and print of the labels. Donators can choose from a range of rewards like tickets to the launch event (€ 10,-), a visit to the factory or one of the growers and a fair amount of soup packages (€ 500,-).
In 2013 Kromkommer collaborated with hospitality industry wholesaler ‘Zegro’ to reduce waste. With their Kromkommer concept the ladies are nominated for the ‘Horecava Innovation Award’ 2014.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Magazine for food related allergies
7-1-2014
Between the 74th and 98th floor of the Guangzhou IFC building in China the Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou opened with 344 luxe rooms. It is the eighth hotel by Four Seasons in China, were this number stands for prosperity and wealth. The presidential suite on the 97th floor has a stunning 336m2 living area. See the video for an impression.
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.
