October 29, 2024 · Team HG
‘As soon as you step inside, you imagine yourself in the south of Europe. The interior is fresh and modern, and the menu is simple yet fresh. Exactly as you would expect from this cuisine.’ So says Theun Heeg, one of the owners of the new restaurant Zeste in Groningen. On October 30, opens at the location of the former Flinders Café, this new, and third business of the entrepreneur (also operator of Florentine and Pachamama).
Flinders Café was only taken over last year, but it remained exactly as it was. ‘It was a nice place, but it was time for something new,’ says Heeg. ‘That is why we started looking for something that aligns better with who we are.’ At Flinders, guests often came for a sandwich and coffee, and in the evening for dinner. Heeg characterizes the establishment as an eating café.
Naturally, the above can still apply, but more with our own application and vision.
The choice of Mediterranean cuisine is a very deliberate one. Heeg explains: ‘We chose this because it is simply a really beautiful, versatile cuisine. We want to serve dishes that are simple to prepare, but not to taste.’ ‘Inspired by the sun-drenched south of Europe: Italy, Spain, Portugal, and of course the South of France.’
With influences from the sea, fresh ingredients, and naturally the freshness of the kitchens themselves. The dishes are characterized by an abundance of fresh produce, beautiful flavors, and the use of olive oil. That is truly the foundation from which we will work. The intention is to draw inspiration from the kitchen in terms of taste, but it absolutely does not have to be the same.
be. We like to give it our own twist. This will also become characteristic of Zeste.’
You can visit Zeste for dinner from Tuesday through Sunday, and lunch is also served on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. ‘Just like at Florentin and Pachamama, we are going to make our own bread. Naturally, this also applies to all other pastries. An Italian chef will be joining Zeste to oversee this.’ For dinner, there is an affordable and extensive à la carte menu with something for everyone.
One might think of burrata with roasted grapes, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, or ravioli with pumpkin, sheep's cheese, and apricot. And, of course, the homemade breads with a wide variety of dips. ‘We deliberately opted for an à la carte menu; everyone is free to celebrate their visit as they see fit.’
fill in. No five courses, but feel free to choose whatever you feel like or whatever your heart desires.
And anyone who knows the men knows that they are stars at infusing and making beautiful syrups, which can then be used to create wonderful cocktails. ‘They will be cocktails that are recognizable and accessible, but certainly not simple in taste,’ says Heeg. ‘There will naturally be homemade limoncello, which we love to pass around the place and the
The wine list will be completely Mediterranean.’
The interior of Zeste will be fresh, modern, and timeless. Wooden racks with herbs and wine bottles, chairs of varying heights, and frosted glass lamps. Many light colors and subtle use of terracotta. A well-thought-out lighting plan, with spotlights that can be adjusted per table. ‘Our establishment is distinctive due to the large terrace we have at the front.
'we have, but we really want to create a different vibe,' says Heeg. 'We want guests to come in here and be immediately captivated by the decor; that is going to look really cool. We want to show that we have an eye for detail, and offer good service. So not just good food and drinks, but the whole experience has to be right,'
That is what we stand for.’
Zeste Keuken & Bar is open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday from 18:00, and also open for lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00.
Theun Heeg has worked at Smederij 1872, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam South, and DOT. Thomas Bullinga is a chef and has worked at establishments such as Merlet* and De Vlindertuin, among others. Emile Bos has worked at The Jane* in Antwerp and De Librije*** in Zwolle, among others.
The three of them own Florentin, Pachamama, and Zeste.
