On December 2 it was time for the Entree Awards, the professional prizes for the best new bars, restaurants and hotels. In Rotterdam several restaurants, bars and professionals once again won prizes. Below you will discover the award-winning hotspots and professionals of this year!
An independent professional jury of trend watchers, restaurant entrepreneurs and foodies, among others, visited 54 nominated food and drinks companies in recent months, 49 new businesses and five businesses that are not new, but are at the top. Two personal prizes were also awarded: the Restaurant Entrepreneur of the Year and Best Bartender.
Bar Bù in Rotterdam was declared the winner in the Best Dine & Drink Concept <100 guests category. At the helm are Robin Bravenboer, Merijn Sips and Christiaan Bergers, the team behind the successful River Bar in Rotterdam.
Since the opening in April, this hotspot has impressed visitors with their unique combination of Cantonese and French cuisine. The menu offers a surprising selection of shared dining dishes, such as Chinese ham, frog legs, sea bass and wagyu. The interior exudes a refined mix of classical Chinese elements and contemporary design. Think of imposing temple lions on pedestals and antique ornaments, combined with a modern twist.
The jury is full of praise for Bar Bù: "With its international appeal and perfect execution, Bar Bù is a valuable asset and the rightful winner in this category."
1NUL8 Basement in Rotterdam was crowned winner in the Best Dine & Drink Concept >125 guests category. Restaurant entrepreneurs Fabian Loveriks and Floris van der Sluis opened this modern cocktail bar and restaurant in Rotterdam Centre in September last year. The former Vandal restaurant was completely transformed into a modern cocktail bar and restaurant.
The interior, designed by Dennis Koeslag, is inspired by the surrounding water. This is reflected in the green-gray-beige colour scheme and the carpet that reflects the wavy movement of water. An eye-catcher in the room is the large 3D-printed bar, also with a wavy design. The walls are enriched with striking murals, created by artist Laura Hersée.
The jury is enthusiastic: "The service was, in one word: fantastic! The food and drinks were also completely on point. The overall picture of this place is perfect."
Café Kiem in Rotterdam has been declared the winner in the Best New Restobar category. René Cogenbach and Co Kossmann are the owners of Café Kiem and work together in the kitchen.
Café Kiem exudes a warm, homely atmosphere and offers a daily changing menu, supplemented by an extensive wine list that includes both traditional and natural wines. Cogenbach and Kossmann, also known from Matroos en het Meisje, have also personally designed the interior. They were inspired by the style of the sixties and gave it a fresh, contemporary look.
The jury talks about an inspiring example within this category: "It is an intimate business that stands out for its pure dishes and homely atmosphere. The whole is an ode to local and organic products, combined with a modest but attractive interior."
Duke of Tokyo in Rotterdam has been declared the winner in the Best New Entertainment Concept category. It is the third and largest location of karaoke bar Duke of Tokyo. Owners are Has Peters Sengers, Wessel Kruyt and Ben Warren. The jury: "You are in a completely invented world, but the nice staff makes it all feel genuine."
In Duke of Tokyo, guests can rent a karaoke booth together with friends, colleagues or family. This concept also has branches in Amsterdam and Utrecht, but the one in Rotterdam is extra special. In addition to private karaoke rooms and a bar, there is also a restaurant here: Izakaya Duki. The menu includes classic, homemade dishes such as yakitori, takoyaki, sake clams, agedashi tofu and salmon tataki.
In addition to the above four hotspots, two professionals from Rotterdam also received prizes: restaurant entrepreneur Robin Bravenboer and bartender Sebastian Cichowlas.
Robin Bravenboer, named Restaurant Entrepreneur of the Year, is a well-known name in the Rotterdam food industry and has been putting unique concepts on the map since the 1990s with, among others, the Baja Beach Club. Today he owns an impressive number of businesses, including Bar Bù, River Bar, Horse Center Pirouette, Restaurant Three, Golfcenter Seve, Café Van Eijck and Café Lebbink. The jury was full of praise and stated: "Bravenboer has many concepts, but it's not about the quantity. It's about the quality. And they have it."
Sebastian Cichowlas, who provides the cocktail programme for the Duke of Tokyo branch in Rotterdam, among others, is Best Bartender 2024. The jury praised his qualities: "His calmness, creativity and ability to entertain, in combination with his technical skills and thorough understanding of the profession of bartending, make him an exceptional all-round bartender and a real standout in the competition."
Pay a visit to one of the above!