The kickoff of 2011 for Okura, and for the team of Ciel Bleu in particular, has been spectacular. On the third day of the New Year already, the Serre Restaurant opened: a literally brand new restaurant on the ground floor of our hotel. A restaurant where you easily enter, whether for an extensive à la carte breakfast, a surprisingly complete (and fast!) business lunch or a romantic dinner for two, while overlooking the beautiful Amstel Canal. And all of that in a stunning contemporary and colorful decor.

Although Ciel Bleu is located on the 23rd floor of Okura Amsterdam and the Serre Restaurant on the ground floor, theboth restaurants have a close connection with each other. The menu of Serre is based on the roots of Ciel Bleu. Classic dishes which are still great, but can’t stay on our menu forever. These creations are now getting a second life, in a more simple form, but of the same quality. Because with Serre, in the first place we want to be easy: you can enjoy an invigorating meal or a good glass of wine, without being entertained for a full afternoon or evening. How wonderful the last can be though!

To make sure that the style of our Ciel Bleu-kitchen also reflects in Serre, we appointed a chef who knows the kitchen thoroughly: Marc van der Tang, he has worked for years in the kitchen on the top floor with us. One of the best, who flawlessly understands what is expected of him. So we are very pleased with him overthere.

Obviously, Marc and hostess Caroline will make overtime, you are welcome from 7: 00 a.m. for breakfast in our new restaurant, even if you don’t have a room in the Okura. That is also still possible in Le Camelia, our other ' early ' restaurant, there the breakfast buffet is available each morning. In the Serre Restaurant, as I already mentioned before, it can also be a delicious à la carte breakfast. Low profile, for modern business people who already have their first appointments at eight o'clock, a tailored business breakfast can be used. Or luxurious, including omelets with truffle, Belgian waffles with maple syrup and, of course, a glass of champagne. Admittedly, that's a little punishment for the business guest to start the day with. But of course it’s great for a loving couple, who arrive at half past nine in the morning in the serre or on our terrace.

Enough about Serre, because we also have our own Ciel Bleu, that also has a flashy start of the New Year. With a new winter menu, based on the season and with tasty ingredients as the wonderful Maas-, Rijn- en IJssel-beef. Plus a whole new Ciel Bleu-menu, with new creations around absolute quality-ingredients such as langoustine and caviar, wagyu and our golden box. What that last one is about, we will only tell when you are sitting at our table. We wish everyone a beautiful year!

Onno Kokmeijer and team