October 7, 2014 · Team HG
On Monday, October 6, over 2,000 visitors came to the Martinikerk in the heart of Groningen for the third edition of the Groninger Horecabeurs.
In addition to fixed program elements such as the regional tap competitions and the North Netherlands Barista Championships, several new concepts were rolled out at this edition. A large number of exhibitors also presented their most innovative, cost-saving, or original products and services.
High-level professional competitions
New to the program were the professional competitions ‘Klaar af Kook’ and the ‘CKNN’. During ‘Klaar af Kook’, chefs from various Groningen restaurants competed against each other in an exciting cooking battle. The ingredients for the dish were announced partly in advance and partly on the spot by the professional jury; this required a creative culinary spirit! As an extra level of difficulty, a time limit was added to the dish to be cooked. The entire cooking competition was provided with live commentary, which further spurred the chefs on during the competition. A feast for the eyes of the spectator and beautiful taste creations for the professional jury as a result. The proud Sytze Greidanus from restaurant ‘t Feithhuis received the very first Golden Whisk around 8:00 PM. He expressed his praise for his fellow candidates and for the competition: “A good initiative to motivate and encourage especially young chefs to get the best out of themselves.”
The ‘CKNN’ (Cocktail Championships Northern Netherlands) competition revolved around the question: “Who will become the best cocktail master of the north?”. After two preliminary rounds in which participants were tested on creativity, speed, and efficiency, aspiring cocktail masters from various hospitality establishments battled it out: each finalist had to make and serve five different cocktails within a time limit, which were judged and tasted by a jury for taste and presentation. Jury members Fjallar Goud, Hessel Scheepstra, and Misja Vostermans, themselves at the top of their field, treated visitors to the fair to a cocktail workshop at the CKNN stand between the competitions.
Over 50 bartenders from Groningen and the surrounding area showcased their skills in tapping and serving the perfect beer at the ‘beer plaza’ during the regional tapping competitions. At the ‘barista plaza’, coffee serving was elevated to an art form with workshops by top baristas and competitions between hospitality professionals.
Knowledge and quality
The new Knowledge Square was also well received by the visitors and exhibitors present. Here, people could network to their heart's content and discover new services and innovations in the hospitality sector and beyond. The Municipality of Groningen was also represented at the fair as an exhibitor. A fine initiative that clearly demonstrates how important hospitality and quality are for the image of the city of Groningen.
Match results:
WINNERS Ready Set Cook 2014
1. Sytze Greidanus – City Café Restaurant ’t Feithhuis (Best Chef of Groningen)
2. Pelle Beekman – Restaurant De Vestibule
3. Mark Spekschate – Restaurant De Pijp
4. Dennis Brouwer – Eetcafe De Stadstuin
WINNERS Northern Netherlands Cocktail Championships (CKNN) 2014
1. Rogier de Haan – Mofongo’s Distillery (Best cocktail master of the Northern Netherlands)
2. Elsbeth Hoekstra – Mofongo’s Distillery
3. Archie Kasan – Kasan Events
WINNERS The Groningen Tap Competition 2014
through to the semi-finals of the Dutch National Tapping Championship on November 24 and 25 in Nijkerk
1. Joeri van de Vegte – Oblomov (Best bartender in Groningen)
2. Malou Reijneken –Grand cafe Time Out
3. Roos Brinkman – Cafe Soestdijk
4. Leon Hogenelst – Eatery de Stadtlander
5. Bram Stob – La Brasse
6. Mark Alkemade – Cafe Hooghoudt
WINNERS North Netherlands Barista Championships (NNBK) 2014
1. Joyce Voskamp – Tram track 8 – Oosterwolde (Best Barista of the Northern Netherlands)
2. Niels te Vaanhold – City Café Restaurant ’t Feithhuis – Groningen
3. Rik Breukink – Three Sisters – Groningen
4. Jordy Snuverink – Doppio Espresso – Groningen
5. Suzanne Diepstra – City Café Restaurant ’t Feithhuis – Groningen
6. Marian Osinga – PS! Coffee, art & chocolate – Groningen
Photo credits: Fotograafniels.nl ©
View all photos HERE from the Groningen Hospitality Fair
