July 26, 2023 · Team HG
As of August 15, Groningen has a new hospitality concept. Pachamama The restaurant is called Moeder Aarde (Mother Earth) and is inspired by cocina nikkei. With this, owners Emile Bos and Thomas Bullinga bring a unique concept to Groningen: Nikkei cuisine, a combination of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.
The entrepreneurs, who also own Florentin and Flinders Cafe, aim to get guests excited about this Japanese fusion cuisine, which is slowly conquering the world, by opening the new establishment. With exciting combinations such as corvina with leche de tigre, wasabi, and passion fruit, or deep-sea shrimp with nashi pear, dashi, and fermented cashew, Bos & Bullinga want to surprise guests with the beauty of this gastronomic cross-pollination.
‘We want to deliver good quality for a reasonable price,’ says Bos. ‘Cooking in the way we do best. Beautifully coordinating twelve dishes and serving them in five courses. Shared dining, just like we do at Florentin.’ ‘Here at Pachamama, we serve dips like a beautiful salsa or a mole, paired with seaweed crackers and tortillas,’ says Bullinga. The two describe the Nikkei cuisine as ‘progressive’ and ‘challenging’.
Regarding the combination of the two cuisines, Bullinga says: ‘They are two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly. Japanese cuisine is very pure and clean; contrast that with the rich Peruvian cuisine with lots of fish, fruit, and peppers, and you have a fantastic combination. It makes Japanese cuisine a lot more exotic.’ Bos: ‘The experience will be the same as in Florentine; the service and music are complementary to the food.
Pachamama is moving into the premises on Nieuwe Markt, where Donna’s Social Club, also owned by the duo, is located until August 1st. Bos & Bullinga started this business in 2022. ‘The idea behind it was an over-the-top American diner, but after more than a year, we are ready for a different challenge,’ says Bullinga. The reason? Bos: ‘We realized that the concept is too far removed from our own style. Additionally, we doubted whether this is what the location deserves.’ Bullinga: ‘It was our second business and we were enthusiastic. We notice that the concept isn't delivering what we had expected. In the Randstad, this might have been different, but that is hindsight. Ultimately, you are an entrepreneur in Groningen and you have to act accordingly.’
The two have no regrets. ‘We see it as a learning process,’ explains Bos. ‘This is also part of entrepreneurship. It has been a tough year, with the opening of the opening as highlights.’ Flinders and the success of Florentin.’ ‘But,’ says Bullinga, ‘we both noticed that Donna’s was also coming at the expense of our private lives, and then we thought long and hard about whether this was really it.’ Bos: ‘So, we turned the page and went for it. The beautiful memories of Donna’s will remain, because they are certainly there. But now we are going to do what our hearts desire.’ Bullinga is certain: ‘This won’t happen to us again.’
While the interior is currently bubblegum pink, the new restaurant will be much calmer. Featuring plenty of wood and light, natural colors in a Japandi style, colorful elements give the whole a South American touch. "We deliberately kept it very neutral," emphasizes Bos. "We want to welcome guests in a peaceful environment; ultimately, in this concept, it has to happen on the plate." At the entrance, there will be a lounge where guests can be welcomed with an aperitif or relax with a digestif. Pachamama has seating for 78 guests. That includes a chef's table in the beating heart of the establishment, from where you have a nice view into the kitchen.
Thomas Bullinga is a head chef and has worked at establishments such as Merlet* and de Vlindertuin*. Since 2019, in addition to being a co-owner, he has also been the head chef at Florentin. Emile Bos is the other owner of Florentin and has worked at The Jane** in Antwerp and De Librije*** in Zwolle, among others. Bos and Bullinga are also co-owners of Flinders Cafe.
Pachamama is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to midnight.
New Market 7
9712 KN Groningen
050-2053126
website: pachagroningen.nl
