2_5_DiscoverBenelux_Issue15_March2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 20/02/2015 15:08 Page 19
Discover Benelux | Special Theme | Dining among the Stars
Where culture and cuisine collide A visit to the Wereldmuseum in Rotterdam (World Museum) can be much more than a cultural trip. Located in the same Victorian building is its restaurant, crowned with a Michelin star, that is of equal appeal as the museum’s global collection. TEXT: MYrIAM GWYNNED DIJCK | PHOTOS: WErELDMUSEUM rESTAUrANT
restaurant manager Ingrid Buikema is keen to point out that the restaurant is open to all: “We keep the threshold low. The aim is the experience – to let guests enjoy a great meal accompanied by beautiful wines. A Michelin star is wonderful but people don’t have to know this. It is all about being comfortable. We try to present our dishes in plain language without using expensive words.” Chef Wim Severein takes an original approach to his menu, instead of beginning with the meat, he creates his meals with seasonal vegetables and fruit from around the world as a starting point. “Wim is always talking to growers and suppliers to find the best possible ingredients that are produced with care and have the most flavour,” she says. Museum visitors who only want a quick bite can go to the recently opened sandwich bar. Buikema: “We cater for every type
of visitor. We also have a museum gift shop where people can buy certain products we use in the restaurant, such as our olive oil.” Upstairs from the restaurant are three beautiful rooms that can be rented out. The smaller room is perfect for business meetings and private parties, and the grand ballroom and salon – complete with magnificent chandeliers – can hold up to 450 people. Events manager Fenna van Beurden, says: “Both halls have a wonderful classical look, they have the same historical atmosphere as the rest of the museum building.”
The permanent collection of the museum comprises of fascinating objects from the Asia-Pacific region including a full sized Tibetan temple that was blessed by the Dalai Lama last May. Currently the Wereldmuseum has a special exhibition on called Gold of the Gods (until 28 June), showcasing the world’s most extensive collection of exquisite Javanese gold from the seventh to the eleventh centuries. www.wereldmuseum.nl/en/restaurant
With the museum, shop and restaurant all in one place, these can be combined into exciting packages. “During a business convention, the museum can be visited as a break; we can organise private guided tours outside of opening hours; and through the shop we can arrange for original gifts,” Van Beurden says.
Issue 15 | March 2015 | 19