A few months ago, to be precise on the 5th of February 2009, I came with the news that we had an idea to open our own culinary center in Hotel Okura Amsterdam. 7 months and a lot of discussions later, about how, what and were, are the Artist- Impressions from the architect are approved, the construction plans have been made and the demolition has already started with the removal of walls.

Yes, you are right, you have the scoop! Hotel Okura Amsterdam opens her own culinary center with wine/sake room. The location is the shoppingarcade on -1 where we have a proper space of 200m2 to realize this culinary center. The plan is open the doors this coming December.

Why our own culinary center? We are delighted to take you and all other food lovers into Okura’s culinary world. Varying for instance from the innovative French kitchen to the Japanese Kaiseki kitchen, but there will also be theme workshops varying from basic technique to making tapas, to preparing your own high tea. Also Noël Vanwittenbergh, Sommelier, will organize special tastings about various wines and our Japanese sommelier will introduce you to the Japanese Sake.

We are happy to be able to inform you that the culinary center is equipped with kitchen equipment of Miele Nederland. All ovens, refrigerators and cooking units are furnished by Miele. During the last monhts we have been looking for solutions for the culinary center. Fortunately we were able to learn from with Yves Mattagne from the Sea Grill** in Brussel who already runs cooking studio’s for 12 years. Recently he opened a new studio in Brussel. We visited, observed, learned and came back with many ideas for our own culinary center. Atmosphere, fun and experience will be the main ingredients of our culinary center. Our aim is to introduce you to the recipes, methods and techniques of Okura’s 4 chefs under the supervision and with guidance of the chef of the culinary center. Yes, the culinary center gets her own Executive Chef, a well known person! In my next blog more about this chef.

The culinary center can also be used as an unique venue for cocktails wit a’la minute prepared amuses. It is also possible to only have lunch or dine in the beautiful culinary center if you and your guest prefer that our chefs do the work. Soon more about this project and I will of course show you the first Artits-Impressions. The website of the culinary center will be online soon and van be reached via www.cielbleu.nl so keep an eye on use!

See you soon!
Q-linaire regards Onno