Discover Benelux | Highlights of Utrecht | The Beating Heart of the Netherlands
New grandeur in Utrecht TEXT: CHARLOTTE VAN HEK | PHOTOS: JAEZZ.NL
There is a new cool kid in town: PK Bar & Kitchen. By mixing a grand-café atmosphere with an industrial touch, it is the perfect spot for every occasion in one of the most charming streets of Utrecht. From the large stairs creating a vintage allure, to the beautiful brick wall adding a New York loft feeling, every aspect of the venue on the corner of the Oudegracht embodies a unique atmosphere. “When stripping down the interior of the previous site, we decided to bring back some of the old beautiful characteristics of the building: plenty of light, original brick walls, and high ceilings,” concept creator Corine Rasker explains. When you are done admiring the interior and atmosphere, start on the culinary treats. PK Bar & Kitchen’s menu consists of pure dishes, created by chefs who work exclusively with fresh ingredients. The two Big Green Eggs are the pride
of the kitchen. This ceramic charcoal barbecue cooker creates flavours as they should be: smokey and pure. Alongside the menu proudly stands an extensive cocktail menu (with six kinds of gin and tonic), fully completing a night out in the heart of Utrecht’s bustling nightlife. Perhaps the best of it all: PK Bar & Kitchen welcomes everyone for everything – from shoppers popping in for a cappuccino pit stop, to birthday parties and first dates. Even the needs of companies and large groups are met by the meeting room and upstairs bar. “PK Bar & Kitchen speaks to the real ‘Utrechtenaar’, yet is approachable for all: families with kids, groups of friends, business partners… PK Bar & Kitchen is for everyone.” www.pkutrecht.nl www.facebook.com/pkutrecht PK Bar & Kitchen is open seven days a week.
Gourmet hotdogs in historical surroundings TEXT: STIAN SANGVIG | PHOTOS: DOGMA HOTDOGS
Dogma Hotdogs is Utrecht’s only premier hotdog bar, and is located in a historical building in the heart of the city centre. Formed only six months ago by Hugo and Jeroen, the concept’s success is demonstrated by the growing number of guests, and word is spreading rapidly on social media. “We felt that the city needed a new concept that stood out from the crowd,” Hugo explains. Dogma offers hotdogs made using locally produced beef, chicken, pork and lamb sausages accompanied by homemade bread, sauces, cheese; toppings of seasonal vegetables and hand-cut fresh fries made from organic potatoes. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available too. Guests can also see the chef and cooks in action, as there is an open view directly into the kitchen. Fittingly, Dogma is located in the former building of butchers Van Hilten, which 56 | Issue 34 | October 2016
in turn was located next to Utrecht’s historic largest meat distribution centre. “Our motto is making the ordinary extraordinary,” Hugo continues as he explains what inspired the idea behind the hotdog bar. The name was carefully chosen too as it comes from Greek, meaning ‘that which seems to one; opinion or belief’ and is often used in a religious context. In the restaurant, customers will experience cool references to that theme. Dogma is going from strength to strength. While it may be early to talk of expansion, Jeroen and Hugo appear to have found a place in the people of Utrecht’s hearts. Oh, and do not think of a hotdog as a snack. These hotdogs are meals suitable for lunch or dinner – together with freshly cut fries and a cold beer, a perfect start for visiting Utrecht. For more information, please visit: www.dogmahotdogs.com