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!
Trends we spotted | Week 50
19-12-2022
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 a Gaming Suite in the W London, till April 2023 gamers can indulge themselves in luxury and games in the WOW Suite of the hotel. And Marriott International expects to introduce more than 35 luxury hotels around the world in 2023.
Organic restaurant Pianeta Terra in Amsterdam is named the best Italian restaurant in the Netherlands, it is number 19 in the list of the world’s 50 best Italian restaurants. And the Dutch beer brand Hertog Jan has a specialty beer subscription, The Tasting Garden, which is a great gift for beer lovers.
On Instagram we spotted a simple way to serve Christmassy cocktails for in bars, restaurants and at home! And we bought Christmas ornaments from our local baker of a couple of Dutch sweet treats, inspiration for your restaurant, next year? The Red Lobster® limited edition holiday collection sets the example.
And for those traveling to California in 2023, Visit California invites visitors to explore major new attractions and openings.
Dubai-based DAMAC Group signs contract with Mandarin Oriental to manage luxurious resort in The Maldives, which will open in 2024. And Tasty Carrot Corporation launches ‘Eco Carrot’, the world’s first caffeinated carrot juice.
Coffee Free Coffee | A cup of hot coffee without the coffee beans
16-12-2022
At the end of September 2022 the Dutch start-up Northern Wonder launched Coffee Free Coffee. The new product has the taste and smell of coffee, contains caffeine, and is even brewed the same way as regular coffee but does not contain any ingredients grown in a tropical environment. Northern Wonder has used patentable technology to successfully create a hot coffee product without coffee beans.
Back in 2019 we wrote about the startup Atomo from Seattle, they launched a similar product, molecular coffee made without coffee beans. They launched a cold brew in a can in August this year. This is made from date seeds, grape skin and chicory root and theine. Very different ingredients from those of Coffee Free Coffee. As colleagues, we discussed this product and we were very curious, fortunately we can now taste Coffee Free Coffee. And if you want to serve a real sustainable coffee in your coffee shop – we advise you to taste this product too!
Nexus Reset offers a concept for the sustainability issue in the hotel industry
15-12-2022
Sustainability in business is an issue that is rarely as pressing as it is now. Sustainability is also high on the agenda within the hotel industry. Not only because of the need to reduce emissions due to climate targets. Definitely also to save costs and keep margins going. To assist hotels in the sustainability process, Nexus Hospitality has developed a new branch under the name Nexus Reset.
Restaurant The Dining Room Oisterwijk opened in the Balcony Room of former restaurant De Swaen
15-12-2022
Entrepreneurs Gerdine and Bart van Hal opened Restaurant The Dining Room in Oisterwijk on 4 November 2022. The fine-dining restaurant is located at De Lind 47A, above mooR Wining & Dining. The restaurant offers creative modern cuisine that takes a deep bow to classic French cuisine. Furthermore, guests can count on good value for money and convivial Brabant hospitality at a high level.
Non-hotel guests can also enjoy breakfast at Boutique hotel De Salon van Fagel
15-12-2022
For many people, it is secretly the best part of their stay at a hotel: the extensive breakfast you get in the morning. Now, at boutique hotel De Salon van Fagel in The Hague, you no longer have to book an overnight stay to enjoy this. Guests from outside are also welcome to join them daily between 08:00 and 11:30 for a delicious breakfast. The breakfast platter consists of fresh products such as Gaasterlands farmer’s ham, organic yoghurt, freshly baked croissants, delicious Alpine bread and fresh eggs or pancakes. All this, of course, in the beautiful monumental building on the Noordeinde, where there is plenty to marvel at. So you can start the day off right and explore the cosy streets around the hotel full of energy.
Made with Maude | Fair wine from female winemakers
12-12-2022
Did you know that only 15% of winemakers are women? The traditional wine industry is still in its infancy when it comes to inclusivity. Made with Maude aims to change that. This Dutch start-up unites the very best female winemakers and offers them a platform. Why wait with good intentions until January when you can already make a difference in December? The holidays are the time to toast with honest wine.
Great idea for female-led restaurants to put these wines on their menu and in the spotlight!
Cannabis beer ‘De Groene Buizerd’ introduces its walking pub
12-12-2022
From 09-12-2022, cannabis beer ‘De Groene Buizerd’ (The Green Buzzard) from the Dutch region ‘De Achterhoek’ has really embodied going completely green with their walking pub: sociable walks in nature with a beer in your hand and friends by your side. You have a choice of four routes. Starting points are Uitspanning ‘t Peeske in Beek, Het Wapen van Heeckeren in Hummelo, De Heikamp in Ruurlo and Berenschot’s Watermolen in Winterswijk.
Trends we spotted | Week 49
9-12-2022
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 Sindalah, the first island development in NEOM in Saudi Arabia has been announced. And in Qatar the Raffles Doha & Fairmont Doha made their debut. Both are located in the Katara Towers.
ProVeg released a newsletter in which they signal the beginning of a big change in the field of plant-based catering. Interesting newsletter for those looking for plant-based alternatives. And ThermoPro launches a new innovative meat thermometer, The Lightning.
The Heathrow Express has recently launched the Festive Express with an emotional ad! We see a lot of those! And KFC® launched a Sharemobile Tour to share fried chicken with families in need, this holiday season.
Nobu Hospitality and Aldar Properties announced a Nobu Residences, Hotel & Restaurant on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. And the Dutch Cheese shop Bourgondisch Lifestyle Beverwijk continues as franchise outlet.
Trends we spotted | Week 48
5-12-2022
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 some inspiring Instagram posts like the one about the Dog Afternoon Tea at the nhow hotel in London, among others. And Father Christmas has been spotted flying over Montreux!
A French Hamburgé from the Big Fernand chain for the Christmas period. Sounds pretty tasty though: Le Big Tartuffe. And how to make a translucent pumpkin pie, a reel from chef Grant Achatz of Alinea restaurant.
The Colonel’s Arms is KFC UK’s first pub, football fans in London could watch some of the England team’s matches here and enjoy the chicken of KFC. And Rotterdam gets a real coffee hotel. Man Met Bril Koffie (Man with Glasses Coffee) will open its roastery, hotel and terrace in Crooswijk, summer 2023.
Check out Sushi Way’s ‘bullet train delivery system’ in Créteil, Paris. Extraordinary sushi express! And McDonald’s in Ustron, Poland, got a knitted makeover!
Win recipes for at home in the Orangerie De Pol-app
5-12-2022
Restaurant Orangerie De Pol in Doetinchem has developed an app that allows guests to play games to win recipes to cook at home as well as an appetizer to enjoy in the restaurant. Participants in the game in the Orangerie De Pol app must cut as many ingredients as possible for a chance to win a reward.
Reading time: 1 minute
World’s first footlong cookies by Subway | Only available on National Cookie Day
2-12-2022
Where we in the Netherlands are preparing for our traditional visit of Sinterklaas on December 5, those living in the USA have National Cookie Day on December 4 to celebrate, with footlong cookies at Subway. Inspiration for other products?
Subway®, the brand that sells more freshly-baked cookies than any other restaurant company in the United States, is taking its iconic cookie to a new level with the debut of the footlong cookie to celebrate National Cookie Day on December 4. One foot of Subway cookie goodness, piled high with decadent toppings ranging from indulgent and sweet, to savory and totally unexpected. The ‘footlong cookies’ are only available in the USA. For those who love the cookies of Subway outside the USA, check out the video in the article!
The legendary McGold Card | The gift that keeps on giving
2-12-2022
The weather outside may be frightful, but the spirit at McDonald’s is sooo delightful. This December, they are kicking off the holidays and inviting fans to celebrate the season with friends and family in the best way – by sharing McDonald’s. They introduce the SZN of Sharing, a first-of-its kind holiday celebration happening exclusively on the McDonald’s App. From Dec. 5-25, McDonald’s USA are bringing you (and your crew) daily deals on your favorite menu items, cozy-yet-cool merch drops, and even the chance to win the iconic McGold Card (iykyk).
We think that fans all over the world are a bit jealous of the American fans who have the change of winning the McGold Card!
Mystery flavor at Yogurtland | Inspired by the White Elephant gift exchange game for the Holidays
2-12-2022
It’s the holiday season and Yogurtland is celebrating with a flavor that’s inspired by the popular gift-giving game, White Elephant. This year, Yogurtland invites you to try the mysterious White Elephant flavor, just like how you’d pick a surprise gift during a White Elephant gift exchange! Yogurtland’s limited-time offering is ever-changing, which allows guests to delight in the magic of the season with a delicious and unexpected flavor from the White Elephant handle.
We didn’t know about the White Elephant gift exchange but it’s quite simple, if you don’t know it either, check it out here! But here in the Netherlands we have a similar Sinterklaas game.
Mama Q | New Asian food web shop from top chef Kelvin Lin and his mother
29-11-2022
Top chef Kelvin Lin and his mother have opened online web shop Mama Q. The range consists of authentic Asian comfort food, dim sum and dish components. The range allows consumers to enjoy delicacies from the award-winning kitchen of the former top restaurant Nayolie in Voorschoten (near The Hague in the Netherlands) at home.
Trends we spotted | Week 47
28-11-2022
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, a culinary Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) at The Entourage group’s restaurants and reusable plastic trays at McDonald’s France. Also about Washington D.C.’s first ready-to-drink Espresso Martini that was launched and sold out on the same day and about the Gourmet Market Central Station in the city of Tilburg in the south of the Netherlands.
Furthermore, Jaeger-LeCoultre, the watch brand is opening a pop-up café in Manhattan and you were able to take a special ride on the Ferris wheel in Vienna last weekend. With the introduction of Apartments by Marriott BonvoyTM, Marriott International, Inc. they announced its expansion into apartment-style accommodations and a link to an article about the recently developed intelligent order management system TouchKitchen.
The Dutch restaurant chain ‘De Beren’ launches ‘Taste the Excitement’ World Cup campaign and Brewdog scores its own goal with ‘anti-sponsorship’ ads for World Cup Qatar.
Sint-Olofskapel transforms into Saint Soif
25-11-2022
The well-known Amsterdam based restaurant De Kas and 5-star hotel NH Collection Barbizon Palace are joining forces for a pop-up in the historic Sint-Olofskapel.
From January 4 up until 22, you can enjoy a glass of wine, casual service and good food in the oldest chapel in the Netherlands at the head of the Zeedijk. Chef Jos Timmer of Michelin star restaurant De Kas: “For a while it looked like the pots and pans would remain untouched for a month. After all, our kitchen is being remodeled, but of course we wanted to continue cooking.” Starting January 4, the entire staff and all their belongings will move to NH Collection Barbizon Palace where the doors of the Saint Olof Chapel will be opened for pop-up wine bar Saint Soif. The patron saint of sailors makes way for Saint Soif which will be run under De Kas signature.
Reading Time: 1 minute.
Victor Fielmich and Elvira Kemman open Bistro ElVi in Bergen
25-11-2022
Bistro ElVi has opened in Bergen, North Holland, with chef Victor Fielmich and hostess-sommelier Elvira Kemman. The couple serves French classics with a modern twist and primarly makes use of regional ingredients. The concept of a gourmet level French bistro together with a wine bar is unique for Bergen. The couple formerly managed the Utrecht restaurant ElVi, which was mentioned in all of the major restaurant guides and was the only restaurant in Utrecht to get a Michelin Bib Gourmand award at the time.
Reading time: 3 minutes.
Christmas inspiration 2022 | Christmas around the globe
22-11-2022
We are almost in one of the busiest and, in our opinion, one of the coziest periods of the year for the hospitality industry. And we can finally welcome guests for Christmas again!
Most hotels and restaurants are already busy thinking about the decorations, we have even seen the most beautiful Christmas hotel of the Netherlands on Instagram, ready to receive their guests! We have also seen a lot of newsletters with delicious menus and it’s great to notice that ordering Christmas dinners to go remains possible at many restaurants in addition to reserving a table! Last year we created a digital Christmas inspiration booklet with the biggest trend of that year; the ‘Christmas drive thru’. Of course we had to create another list this year, including the recurring ‘tree lighting’ ceremony, looking on Pinterest for your decorations, Christmas atmosphere in your hotel room, an ‘Electric Bingo’ in Christmas atmosphere and much more Christmas inspiration.
Reading time: 4 minutes.
Restaurant YANO | Rotterdam has a new fine-dining restaurant
18-11-2022
Opening – On 2 November 2022, host Britta and chef Yuri Wattimena opened the doors of their restaurant YANO in Rotterdam. The fine-dining restaurant is located on the Straatweg 114 in Rotterdam’s Hillegersberg district. It is the (married) couple’s first business, they have extensive experience in working at high-end Rotterdam restaurants. The restaurant stands out for its quirky, worldly style of cooking, combining international flavours such as those of the Indian archipelago and South America with French cuisine.
Horecava | The Netherlands’ biggest hospitality trade show returns in January
18-11-2022
It’s already back to normal, but isn’t it great that after two tough years for the hospitality industry, the Horecava will take place at the RAI Amsterdam as before?
From 9 to 12 January, professionals from the hospitality industry will once again gather at the fair. Since January 2020, the Netherlands’ largest hospitality fair has not taken place in physical form. This makes the return of Horecava extra festive. The upcoming edition will focus on three themes: sustainability, personnel and innovation. The organization has not been idle in recent years. Because in addition to the exhibition days, the dynamic hospitality industry needs a place where they can meet like-minded people 365 days a year. Horecava has developed a successful online platform where supply and demand come together and current news is shared. Both hospitality companies and interest groups now know how to find each other there.
The Greanery | The world’s first green electricity-charged dining experience
17-11-2022
From 24 November to 24 December, The Greanery, an exceptional December special, will be held in Amsterdam’s impressive Transformatorhuis. After two corona years where everything was built up and did not go ahead, this year the historic building on the Westergasterrein will be the setting for a 360-degree dining experience where sustainability is high priority. Reservations can be made through their website.
Trends we spotted | Week 45
14-11-2022
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’s links to articles about among others the Netherlands’ most beautiful Christmas hotel, Restaurant & Hotel Hoog Holten. And IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar in Amsterdam celebrates 10 years of high-end hospitality!
Great example of crossovers! The mochi muffins, mochi donuts and other chewy desserts from Asian-American bakery, Third Culture Bakery. And News on cultivated fish from Forsea Foods (Israël) and from Bluu Seafood (Germany).
Overwhelming enthusiasm for investment round of the Dutch fast casual chain SLA and you can still invest! The first ‘Meal Deliverer of the Year’ in the Netherlands has been chosen; Anthony Monte of SushiPoint. An election organized by the NLVVM.
An interesting blog on Retailtainment, FunFairCity, among others, reports the arrival of a new multi-activity complex: Brussels Indoor Games Center. And McDonald’s Germany and Shirin David are making prices rain with Monopoly until 4 January! So if you’re driving through Germany towards winter sports….
We already wrote about the ‘Golden Girls Kitchen’ pop-up restaurant in California last summer and now it’s coming to New York City and more cities in the USA are next in line!