Classic unboxing experience at McDonald’s | Adult Happy Meal
5-12-2023
Last year McDonald’s gave their now adult fans the change to relive the feeling of opening a Happy Meal® box to see the surprises inside. The Cactus Plant Flea Market Box in the U.S. was the first Adult Happy Meal, this year they sparkle the nostalgic joy with the help of the visionary artist Kerwin Frost and some very special Buddies.
Heavenly dining in the unique church interior of restaurant G7 in Sittard
30-11-2023
The G7 restaurant in Sittard (in the south of the Netherlands), located in the Gruizenkerkje (church) from 1634, has a new interior. With a mix of old church elements, modern comforts and international allure, is the interior unique for Sittard and matches the cooking level and ambitions of the owners Danny Meijers and Rik Opstals better.
Great idea to eat out in a church during the festive month of December, otherwise I’m sure too but the ambiance in the church is probably magical now. There are many more little churches where you can eat, like for example: Noor in Groningen, Bunk Amsterdam and Utrecht (you can also stay overnight here) and, for example, De Kleine Toren in Baarland and many more.
Celebrate Christmas in a church | Bunk Amsterdam and Utrecht
30-11-2023
The festive season at Bunk Amsterdam and Utrecht is about to kick off. Both locations will host events and Christmas dinners throughout December, adapted to the festive time of year. You are guaranteed a warm, cosy and lively atmosphere at both Bunk’s churches. The original cultural program perfectly complements the December month and holiday period. What remains unchanged is the typically approachable Bunk vibe. Everyone is welcome to experience the creativity and sense of community.
Trends we spotted | Week 47
28-11-2023
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 article about among others:
- A beautiful cake; a great idea for shared dining dessert for your Christmas dinner.
- The Christmas tree of the Pulitzer hotel in Amsterdam has been decorated by ROKSANDA.
- We wonder when the first branch of BelChicken, a fast-growing Belgian chain, will open in the Netherlands.
- For the seventh edition of Hertog Jan Grand Prestige Vatgerijpt, the four variants pay tribute to the shared craftsmanship behind distinctive Latin American distillates.
- In the US, autonomous robotic kiosks powered by Blendid technology selling smoothies with Thor’s Skyr will soon open.
- Sodexo, a global leader in quality-of-life services, is expanding its partnership with Bear Robotics to facilitate patient care.
- Mandarin Oriental hotels are taking their wellness to the next level while promoting mindfulness, silence and a digital detox. On 13 December, they will celebrate their ‘Silent Night’.
Enjoy reading!
Latte Art socks | Heartwarming socks promotion from Bagels & Beans
27-11-2023
During the month December, Bagels & Beans in the Netherlands will be sharing their warmth in a very special way. In addition to bagels, coffee & happiness, they will now also literally share ‘warmth’. They will do so with something that many take for granted: a pair of socks.
For the heartwarming campaign ‘Who will you give warm feet? Share the warmth!” Bagels & Beans has joined forces with ‘Let’s do Goods’ and created unique Latte Art socks. For every pair of Latte Art socks sold, Bagels & Beans and ‘Let’s do Goods’ will donate a pair of socks to someone who desperately needs them. The goal is to work together with all bagel fans to provide as much warm feet as possible to homeless people in the Netherlands.
Update January 15: As a result of the December campaign ‘Who do you give warm feet? Share the warmth!’ Bagels & Beans has donated 5,000 pairs of new socks to homeless people in the Netherlands. In the week of January 8, the special donation socks were handed over to the Salvation Army locations in Utrecht, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
ROAM & Desert Inn Pub opens at Carlton Oasis Spijkenisse
24-11-2023
Reopening – During the grand opening of the completely renovated restaurant ROAM & Desert Inn Pub, Carlton Oasis in Spijkenisse welcomed guests and locals to a renewed hospitality experience where everyone is welcome.
Pop-up Vogue Café on national day against violence against women
23-11-2023
Vogue is opening Vogue Café for the first time ever in the Netherlands, in collaboration with ‘StandUp’ by L’Oreal Paris. The two are joining forces on National Day Against Violence Against Women to draw attention to street harassment. The café will open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on November 25th and will feature special performances such as a performance by spoken word artist Zaire Krieger and singer Bente.
Art of Travel | Louis Vuitton X Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2023
23-11-2023
We love the tradition of Claridge’s, London’s legendary Mayfair hotel, to have their Christmas Tree decorated by a, as they call it, long-time friend of the hotel. We have articles on many of their Christmas Trees decorated by famous designer friends, like for example Christian Louboutin in 2019 and Karl Lagerfeld back in 2017. This year it’s Louis Vuitton and we love their Art of Travel theme!
The Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2023 by Louis Vuitton brings together two illustrious names who have long celebrated the Art of Travel and crossed paths throughout their respective histories after both being founded in 1854.
Maison ELLE | Trendy French life in the heart of Amsterdam
21-11-2023
Located in the Anna van den Vondelstraat, in the heart of Amsterdam, the hotel Maison ELLE Amsterdam will receive its first guests mid-December. This is the second worldwide establishment of the prestigious and successful Maison ELLE and the first outside of France.
After5 | Women meeting women during a fun night out
21-11-2023
After5 brings together women who have never met before at some of the hottest restaurants in the city in an effort to ease the friendship-making process. Whether you want to meet up with new people in your city or just want a girls night out, it has never been easier to do so! Via the platform After5, you book a seat at the table, the rest will be arranged by them!
Is your restaurant or hotel offering a ‘Black Friday’ deal?
21-11-2023
Is your mailbox also filled with a flood of ‘Black Friday’ deals? Your social media feeds and the internet probably as well. However, there are very few ‘Black Friday’ deals from restaurants and hotels among them. Too bad! We have searched for some examples of how, as marketing for restaurants and hotels, you and your guests can benefit from real ‘Black Friday’ deals.
Thai Kitchen to the World | 4-hands dinner by Chris Naylor and Keng Vichianrat
20-11-2023
On Tuesday evening December 5th, Thailand’s top chef Keng Vichianrat and master chef Chris Naylor of Restaurant Vermeer will join forces for a Thai-Dutch dinner. It is an initiative of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand and part of the three days of Thai National Day festivities. The event is part of Thai Kitchen to the World, a long-term project promoting Thai cuisine, gastronomy and ingredients worldwide.
Trends we spotted | Week 46
20-11-2023
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 among others:
- McDonald’s X Crocs – a collaboration resulting in very special crocs.
- ‘Ravioles du Dauphine’, the recently opened Café Chelsea, which belongs to Hotel Chelsea in NYC, decided to put this classic dish on its menu.
- The Disney Treasure is Disney’s sixth themed cruise ship, with touches of well-known classics like ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Star Wars’ on board.
- It’s the season of perfume commercials! Absolut and Kahlúa launched an espresso martini perfume in collaboration with Imaginary Authors, and Nestle Toll House decided to launch ‘freshly baked biscuits’-skincare products with skincare brand Beekman 1802.
- The first location of restaurant Kernel is opening in New York next year. They will use robots to serve meat-free dishes.
- Fletcher Hotels in the Netherlands adjusted its policy on action vouchers in consultation with the Dutch Consumers’ Association.
- A new flavour combination from Heinz – Pickle Ketchup. Available in early 2024.
- The Connaught hotel in Mayfair has unveiled its legendary Christmas tree, decorated this year by the British artist and sculptor Rachel Whiteread.
Enjoy reading!
The Beersecco from Lowlander | A sparkling blend
17-11-2023
Good news for all the beer and wine lovers: Lowlander launches world’s first ever Beersecco (6.8%) and mixes beer and prosecco in the same bottle. A sparkling blend, brewed with botanicals. The result? Fresh, dry, a prominent grape flavour, herbal, citrus and a fluffy foam layer. A perfect alternative for a festive toast!
Hotel Kapellerput participates in Clean the World’s Global Hospitality Program
16-11-2023
With a focus on recycling, waste reduction, energy efficiency and ethical sourcing, hotel Kapellerput is a beacon of eco-friendly practices. They are now participating in the Clean the World’s Global Hospitality Program. A sustainable partnership for positive change.
Bols Cocktail Academy | Reopening after renovation
16-11-2023
Bols known as the world’s first cocktail brand is reopening the Bols Cocktail Academy in Amsterdam after a renovation. With the expansion to 21 high-end cocktail stations, ambitious, driven bartenders and entrepreneurs can improve their knowledge and skills in a brand new, professional and international academy. The Academy is ready for the future!
Trends we spotted | Week 45
14-11-2023
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’.
- ‘Cheers without tears’ – Sisters Kaat and Marie of The Mocktail Club make it easier to choose an alcohol-free alternative this New Year’s Eve.
- Too Good To Go also provides Magic Packages. Read on to see what’s in them!
- Dutch chef Ties van Oosten is cooking ‘Futuristic’ at Eatrenalin at the Europa-Park Resort.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Central Station provides shelter for economically homeless people in cooperation with ROOM FOR CHANGE.
- The Coca-Cola Christmas truck will tour the United Kingdom again. Seems like a lot of fun, we would love that in the Netherlands too, right?
- Frostys Christmas Pop-Up is a spectacular bar with a cozy and enchanting Christmas ambiance. With 4 locations in America. Looks top notch with DJs, sexy Santa Clauses and elves.
- FLOWERBX, a luxury floral brand, is the new creative floral specialist in the lobby of the Corinthia hotel in London.
- Dinner overlooking NYC’s premier ice rink: the ‘après skate chalets’ at Rockefeller Plaza by Balsam Hill.
- We previously wrote about the cobots Flippy and Chippy and now we came across another revolutionary cobot. This one is called Hyphen and is currently being tested at Chipotle.
Enjoy reading!
Unwrap the holiday magic at the Omni Hotels & Resorts | ‘Ticket to wonder’ package
10-11-2023
Omni Hotels & Resorts helps to unwrap the holiday magic by giving away five-night stays to 50 lucky guests who book their ‘Ticket to Wonder’-package and unwrap a winning Periwinkle Ticket hidden in special-edition chocolate bars, created in partnership with Kate Weiser Chocolate.
Winter magic at the restaurants of The Entourage Group
10-11-2023
We often feature examples of winter magic from abroad on our website, like this week about the ‘Countdown to Christmas’ themed suites at a number of Hilton Hotels and the Christmas initiatives on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate museum. But a lot is happening in the Netherlands around Christmas too! If you are doing something special send a press release to the local press! Hopefully potential guests will read an article about what they can experience at your place. Of course, we always enjoy receiving special press releases as well. From The Entourage Group, for example, we received an overview of what their restaurants are hosting for each holiday. Hopefully their ‘winter magic’ press release will be picked up by the local press in Amsterdam as well. Check out what they organize during the holiday season below.
‘Countdown to Christmas’ themed suites | By Hilton and Hallmark Channel movies
9-11-2023
When you want to be surrounded by the magic of the holidays in a home away from home, it matters where you stay. Hilton and Hallmark Channel are teaming up to give travelers, fans, and viewers the chance to immerse themselves in a festive dreamscape inspired by Hallmark’s beloved ‘Countdown to Christmas’ movies. The ‘Countdown to Christmas’ themed suites are located at select Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in New York, Houston and Chicago.
Restaurant and bar Ms.Chelin in Amsterdam | Good food without a fuss
7-11-2023
Opening – On November 6th, the restaurant and bar Ms.Chelin opened in the iconic Hans Brinker hostel on the Kerkstraat in Amsterdam. With a playful nod to the culinary guide, they aim to provide good quality without the frills and at an affordable price. The menu features homemade comfort food and original cocktails.
Don Papa Rum Tay Tay | Collaboration Frank Haasnoot x Don Papa Rum
7-11-2023
Top pâtissier Frank Haasnoot truly knows how to combine flavours and creativity with an eye for detail and innovation. His roots are in Rotterdam, but he mainly finds inspiration while working abroad. Through his cooperation with Philippine company Don Papa Rum, Frank discovered, among other things, that the typically ‘Dutch’ treat taaitaai, which is extremely popular during the Sinterklaas period, is not so Dutch at all. This inspired Frank to develop a premium taaitaai, with caramel based on Philippine brown rum and a crackling layer of milk chocolate. Instead of the traditional taaitaai pop, it now became Don Papa Rum Tay Tay.
Urban Bistro by AMI now open in Rotterdam and The Hague
6-11-2023
The second location of restaurant chain BY AMI has just been opened in The Hague, Prinsenstraat 5A. The first location can be found on the Wilheminapier in Rotterdam. BY AMI has created a blend of a modern and urban bistro with an international ambiance. Both locations entertain a unique modern and very Instagrammable design while allowing you to enjoy their international menu filled with sustainable/local products.
Trends we spotted | Week 44
6-11-2023
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 named ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
With this week links to articles about:
- Chefs’ Table Top, in distinctive tableware, glasses and cutlery.
- The recipe for joy this Holiday Season by KFC.
- The Shaken Cacio e Pepe served in a cocktail shaker, is on the menu at the new cocktail lounge The Ruby in New York.
- November 14 is National Pickle Day and as mentioned before, the USA has ‘National Days’ for everything you can imagine. We spotted The Original Pickle Shot which consist of pickle brine, dille and vodka.
- Get a free medium Fries every Friday with any $1 minimum purchase, only in the McDonald’s app* in the USA for the remainder of 2023. Free Fries Friday sound like a great plan for all McDonald’s worldwide, don’t you think?
- Recently the Balloon Museum opened in New York City at 299 South Street and they have a lot of locations in the planning!
- We came across ‘It’s Good’- a platform for positive restaurant reviews only! Good idea?
‘Christmas at Biltmore’ Estate starts today
3-11-2023
Biltmore House in North Carolina is ready for Christmas 2023. This museum where guests can experience America’s Largest Home®, as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Your self-guided house visit spans three floors and the basement of the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. Explore the stories of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees through displays of vintage clothing, accessories, art, furniture, and more. Like Christmas decorations inside and outside as their Christmas season starts today!
At the Biltmore Estate they know how to create the ultimate Christmas ambiance, it must be great to visit their estate this time around! Check out how they decorated the estate and the possibilities to visit it. You can stay at The Inn and as from November 26, the movie ‘A Biltmore Christmas’ will premiere on Hallmark Channel.
DOJO 2.0 Antwerpen - chef Dennis Ekisola
DOJO 2.0 Antwerpen - Dry-aging vis
DOJO 2.0 Antwerpen
DOJO 2.0 Antwerpen
DOJO 2.0 Antwerpen
DOJO 2.0 Antwerpen - Keuken & bar
DOJO 2.0 Antwerpen - Restaurant
DOJO 2.0 Antwerpen - Restaurant
