Macaron ice cream | Häagen-Dazs X Pierre Hermé
9-2-2023
An unique collaboration between luxury ice cream maker Häagen-Dazs and world-renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé. They created a new macaron ice cream range and it’s hitting the shelves now starting with UK & France. Pierre Hermé is celebrated for his exquisite macarons and together with the iconic ice cream of Häagen-Dazs, a new era of magical indulgence is here.
We tasted Pierre Hermé’s delicious ‘macaron framboise’, imagine a taste like that in ice cream, mouthwatering!
Trends we spotted | Week 5
7-2-2023
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 Valentine’s Day inspiration! Like the Taylor Swift breakup bar in Chicago and who’s serving the first heart-shaped croissant for Valentine’s Day? We spotted a lot of heart-shaped pizzas like at Pizza restaurant Toni Loco in Amsterdam and donuts like the Ispahan donut at ROLADIN Bakery & Café.
The ‘I Said Yes’ Valentine’s Day Contest at Cracker Barrel will award five lucky couples who ‘pop the question’. And a great classic location to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Amsterdam: THE DUCHESS.
At STARR restaurants, Le Coucou (NYC), The Love and Talula’s Garden (Philly) guests will receive a special gift at the end of their meal, a necklace and more! It inspired us with the idea to give a lock after dinner that guest can hang at the entrance of your romantic restaurant?
We also spotted a special Valentine’s Day dinner at fast food chain White Castle or as called on Valentine’s Day, Love Castle. The even have Love Castle merchandise! And at IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar in Amsterdam you can enjoy special cocktails and desserts for your Valentine’s Diner.
Skydeck Chicago, the breathtaking observation deck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, has launched its annual Valentine’s Day social media contest, ‘Love on The Ledge’. And speaking of high altitudes: check out the Valentine’s Day deal at MR PORTER in Amsterdam! They serve a love themed Baked Alaska.
Emily in Paris Afternoon Tea at WSHS Gouda
7-2-2023
Emily in Paris fans, still looking for a cosy to do during the grey February month? Then this is a great tip. Since January 29, WSHS Gouda, a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Gouda, has launched an Emily in Paris Afternoon Tea.
Second ‘STER’ in Rotterdam | Restaurant STER
3-2-2023
Opening – Rotterdam-Kralingen got a second STER. Mid-January 2023, chef Terry Priem and Esther van Otterloo opened their Restaurant STER at the Honingerdijk 265. The fine-dining restaurant, located on the former site of restaurant Fred, is the second business of the couple, who also own Gastrobar STER. Guests can enjoy high-level cuisine with bold flavour combinations. Graffiti art and azure table tops make the interior cool and exciting.
Valentine’s campaign by restaurant chain De Beren | ‘Taste the Excitement’
2-2-2023
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for many couples to pop ‘the big question’. Because love should be celebrated, the Dutch restaurant concern De Beren has decided to give a helping hand to couples who are ready for the next step. The Valentine’s campaign “Taste the Excitement” starts today. Here is what you can win: a fully catered marriage proposal with all the trimmings. From a luxury dinner with live music to the ring and a connecting hotel stay; the winner can count on an unforgettable evening.
Parkzuid opened in the Vondelpark in Amsterdam
2-2-2023
In January, Parkzuid has opened its doors in Amsterdam’s most popular park: the Vondelpark. In the former Filmmuseum, locals, athletes, tourists and families can enjoy a good breakfast or a chopped salad, but also a wide range of comfort food. Everyone has been thought of.
Postillion Hotels invests in DISC analysis to create strong teams
2-2-2023
As of January 1st, Postillion Hotels has expanded the application process with the DISC analysis. This personality analysis charts people’s behavior and presents the results in an interactive way. The hotel chain wants to select from the start on the behavior of future employees in order to put together more diverse teams. That’s why the company has chosen to make MapsTell’s DISC analysis part of the first round of every application. With this investment in the application process, Postillion Hotels expects to be able to assess even better whether applicants are suitable for vacancies and whether the personality style complements the other personalities within the teams.
Friesdrank | the creamiest drink of the Dutch region Friesland
31-1-2023
Friesdrank is the tasty result of the collaboration between a Frisian wine specialist, a Frisian cheese maker and a Frisian beer brewer. This new Frisian soft drink is made partly from whey, a residual product from cheese-making. The whey gives Friesdrank a sustainable touch as well as a special flavour. The introduction will take place at the upcoming HorecaEvenTT in Leeuwarden.
Johnny’s Burger Company X O’Tacos
31-1-2023
A first for the Dutch food industry. Burger take-away and delivery company Johnny’s Burger Company will get exclusive rights to franchise the originally French fast food brand O’Tacos. The agreement between Johnny’s Burger Company and O’Tacos clears a path for a new type of franchise formula. During the pilot, some 30 locations of Johnny’s Burger Company will launch a so-called virtual kitchen for O’Tacos.
Proeftuin Noordwijk | Restaurants in Noordwijk serve dishes of the future
30-1-2023
Recently nine restaurants in Noordwijk started serving dishes of the future. The chefs in Noordwijk are inspired by local and sustainably grown seasonal products, recognisable on the menu by the stamp of ‘De Tuin van Holland – Proeftuin Noordwijk’ (the garden of Holland – trial garden Noordwijk).
Trends we spotted | Week 2
17-1-2023
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 amongst others the new brand by Hilton, Spark by Hilton, they will provide a simple, reliable and comfortable stay for every guest, all at an accessible price. And a reel about the square croissant by Le Deli Robuchon in London.
News from the culinary world: chef Dominique Crenn will open restaurant Golden Poppy in the new Fantaisie hotel in Paris and Massimo Bottura will open a Torno Subito in Miami. The latest will be located on the rooftop of Julia & Henry’s.
You could book the night of new yearseve at hotel Clarion Copenhagen Airport with your dog! Great idea for airport hotels or other hotels who are located away from the noise of fireworks?
Harriet’s Polar Lounge at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge created an icy pop-up. We’ve read this on the blog ‘Guest of a Guest’, if you’re going to the USA, check this account for inspiration on where to eat.
Grippo cup holder | Plastic cups return for recycling at events
16-1-2023
Grippo has developed a patented cup holder that is reusable and can carry different types of plastic cups and bottles. In addition, Grippo managed to develop the product in such a way that the transition from disposable plastic can be converted to recycled plastic. With the Grippo cup holder, you can combat a lot of plastic litter at events and festivals!
By 2024, every event in the Netherlands must collect 75% of plastic waste in a clean way for recycling. With the Grippo cup holder, we can start practising in 2023!
Frietboutique wins the ‘Dutch Loaded Fries Championship’ with ‘Fries from the future’
16-1-2023
Fries from the future, is the name of the winning fries made by the Frietboutique during the Dutch Loaded Fries Championship. A classic Dutch ‘sour meat fries’ turned vegan: the meat does not come from a cow, but from a 3D printer. Served on homemade fresh fries, topped with vegan mayonnaise, pickled onions, parsley and you get ‘high-level innovative plant based streetfood’ according to the jury of the ‘Dutch Loaded Fries Championship’.
Lievergoed Collectie expands with Kasteel Bijstervelt in Oirschot
16-1-2023
In January 2023, the Lievergoed Collectie has expanded to include Kapel Montfort and Brasserie Jacob V, both located on Landgoed Groot Bijstervelt in Oirschot, the Netherlands. Kapel Montfort is suitable for weddings, gatherings, condolences and meetings for up to 150 people and the Brasserie is open five days a week for coffee, lunch and drinks. After Kasteel Maurick in Vught and Kasteel Dussen in Dussen, it is the third location of Klaas van Leengoed and Niek van Lieverloo’s company.
Soof Drinks wonders if you know what you drink?
13-1-2023
“Know what you eat”: you’ve probably heard this from your mother, grandmother or even your personal trainer. Or otherwise you heard it in commercials, from fit boys or read it on packaging on the shelf or in health blogs. We are becoming more critical and wiser when it comes to what is on our plates, but do you actually know what you are drinking? Research shows that as much as 98.5% of the soft drink shelf consists of products with unrecognizable and unpronounceable ingredients. You don’t want to drink that! Soof Drinks thinks it’s time for a revolution in our soft drink glasses.
Besides choosing for a soft drink with no mess, Soof Drinks also have a great taste!
Restaurant Soirée opens its doors in the Dutch city Velp
13-1-2023
Opening – Once built as accommodation for a baroness then a bookshop, museum and finally a garage. But the historic building on Velp’s main street has finally found its final destination: restaurant Soirée opens its doors there this week. Completely immersed in the ‘roaring twenties’ style, which guests will see both in the interior and on the menu.
Dry-aged fish
12-1-2023
Marjolein van Spronsen blogs about the ancient Japanese technique of dry-aging fish, there are even fish shops in New York and Australia that specialize in dry-aged fish. She would love to be able to buy this fish here in the Netherlands.
This blogs was previously published in Dutch at the website of our organization Van Spronsen & Partners Hospitality Consultancy.
Trends we spotted | Week 1
9-1-2023
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 other things, the ‘broeduurtje’ (translated: breeding hour) at Bagels & Beans, in honor of the launch of their new menu and in Dubai, the high tax on alcohol for 2023 will be canceled as a test.
Coffee pods without pods – a sustainable product from CoffeeB that can prevent a lot of ‘cup’ waste. In the Netherlands, ‘De Koffiejongens’ also sell biodegradable cups.
On 29, 30 and 31 January 2024, the completely new trade fair, Horeca Expo Hardenberg, will take place in the Evenementenhal Hardenberg. And next January 16 – on Blue Monday – the third edition of the National ‘Week of Good Snacking’ will start in the Netherlands. An action that you can respond to as a restaurateur by serving healthy homemade biscuits with your cup of coffee.
At the Horecava in Amsterdam, Redefine Meat was named overall winner of the Horecava Innovation Awards. And the winner of the ‘Beer of the year 2022 election’ in the Netherlands has been announced: The Don from the DAVO brewery.
The American chain White Castle, together with a New York artist, has turned distinctive artwork into a puzzle.
Hotelnacht 2023 | Culinary and cultural tour at Carstens Brasserie and art’otel Amsterdam
6-1-2023
Hotelnacht celebrates its 10th anniversary with an extra vibrant edition at Carstens Brasserie and art’otel Amsterdam. During Hotelnacht, Amsterdam’s finest hotels open their doors to experience what they have to offer in their own city for one night only. Enjoy fried chicken for one time only at Carstens Fried Chicken Snackbar and awaken your senses among the beautiful works of art at art’otel Gallery with Portuguese-Asian delicacies from ARCA Restaurant.
Opened in New York |Charcuterie Concept Kured
5-1-2023
Charcuterie concept Kured with a first location in Boston, Massachusetts, opened their New York City location in December. Kured has been dubbed the ‘Chipotle of Charcuterie’ and their shop’s Greenwich Village location is a few blocks south of Washington Square park at 218 Thompson Street. The innovative concept is inspired by the food markets of Europe, where getting a cone of salami is as quick and easy as grabbing a slice of pizza on the streets of NYC. New Yorkers will be able to customize their own to-go charcuterie spreads with artisan salamis and cheeses, as well as sweet and savory sides.
Even though most Dutch people enjoy charcuterie and cheese on their bread during breakfast and lunch, we’re not really familiar with charcuterie/cheese boards like the French, Spanish and Italian people are. And we love it when we’re on holiday in one of these countries. So we think a Charcuterie concept like Kured might work in the Netherlands as well!
Conservatorium Hotel x Café Nol | Five-star Dutch ‘gezelligheid’ during Hotelnacht
5-1-2023
Five-star Dutch gezelligheid (a word hard to describe but cosiness comes near) during the tenth edition of the Hotelnacht in Amsterdam, on 14 and 15 January 2023 at the Conservatorium Hotel in cooperation with Café Nol, the most famous café in the Jordaan neighbourhood in Amsterdam. For this ode to the capital’s nightlife, the hotel will transform its Taiko Bar into an Amsterdam pub. Hotelnacht visitors and hotel guests will enjoy Dutch hits, culminating in a performance by Café Nol’s regular folk singer. Chef Schilo van Coevorden will present his variation on the old Dutch bittergarnituur this evening: a langoustine frikandel with green curry and caviar, a wagyu beef frikandel and his award-winning cheese soufflé with black truffle. At the bar, too, guests briefly imagine themselves in the Jordaan with a cold glass of beer, a kopstootje or a special Jenever cocktail provided by the world’s oldest cocktail brand Lucas Bols (from Amsterdam).
Fletcher job taxi comes to you | For jobs at Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Marknesse
5-1-2023
You can even board the job taxi without an appointment for a job interview on 19, 20 and 21 January at three different locations and go home with a contract. They can’t make it any easier at Fletcher Hotels! Within weeks, the doors of the brand new Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Marknesse will open.
Sustainable snacking | Sustainability in the fast food industry
3-1-2023
A list of examples of sustainable initiatives in the fast food industry. From details like sustainable ketchup from The Ketchup Project to fast-food chains that have built their identity around sustainability like HoneyBee Burger and the German chain ‘Hans im Gluck’. Here in the Netherlands we have small sustainable concepts like Pomms’ Rotterdam and the chain Vegan Junk Food Bar. These sustainable initiatives range from putting new sustainable tech in place to climate-neutral burgers and fast-food brands that solely serve vegetarian & vegan food.
With #VeganJanuary, #TryJanuary and the importance of sustainability for our future, a list of concepts worth to try! And as you will read, many of these initiatives have been reported on our website for years. We don’t really get why large companies like The Crown, The Clown and The Colonel have not played a larger part in this development.
Kumasi Drinks | New natural soft drink made from the tropical fruit juice of cocoa pulp
19-12-2022
Kumasi is a new fruit drink conceived while making a documentary about the cocoa industry in West Africa by Lars Gierveld and Jochem Pinxteren. In the pulp product of cocoa, they saw and tasted a great opportunity. The drink is named after the capital of the Ashanti region in Ghana, Kumasi. Many farmers there are totally dependent on the sale of cocoa, but they live below the poverty line. Lars and Jochem therefore started collecting the cocoa fruit juice near Kumasi with a group of farmers.
We are going to try the drink soon and it is quite an original beverage made of 100% natural ingredients and no added sugars, to sell in a coffee shop or restaurant!
World’s first ‘yes’ in Kebab shop | Karma Kebab Utrecht
19-12-2022
Bumper cars, disco balls and kebabs at a wedding. It is a given nowadays that there is a queue of years at almost all wedding venues. That is why engaged couples sometimes resort to less conventional venues. But one couple took the definition of a wedding location very liberally last weekend. They said yes on Saturday in a kebab store, Karma Kebab, in Utrecht.
An extraordinary location to get married, isn’t it? Would you like to get married here and enjoy a plant-based kebab as dinner? Unconventional anyway!