We have fantastic news to share: Het Kook Atelier is in the top 100 of the We're Smart Green Guide! And not just anywhere: at number 77, amongst the best plant-based restaurants in the world. As if that weren't enough, we've also been nominated for the title 'Best Discovery NL'. Together with Restaurant De Kas and De Tuinkamer van Priona, we're in the running for this special prize, which will be awarded this Tuesday in Valencia.
The We're Smart Green Guide is the guide for anyone interested in sustainable gastronomy and plant-based dining. Each year, they assess restaurants worldwide on creativity, use of local seasonal produce, and innovative sustainability. The Netherlands has really put itself on the map in this guide in recent years. Last year, De Nieuwe Winkel (number 1), De Kas, Basiliek and Triptyque were all in the top 100, amongst others. This year, we're proudly part of that list.
A step forward
Het Kook Atelier is now in the guide for the second year, and we've grown from 4 to 5 radishes, the highest recognition a restaurant can receive within this platform. In the description of our restaurant, the guide writes that we create a "perfect balance between nature and innovation". That means so much to us: it confirms that our work, where nature and our island are central, doesn't go unnoticed.
Joram:
"It's an enormous honour to be in the top 100 and to be nominated as 'Best Discovery NL'. For us, gastronomy isn't just about taste, but also about the stories behind the ingredients and the impact of what we do. Being recognised in this way is wonderful motivation to continue sharing our story."
What does a Green MICHELIN star mean to us?
As we take our seats in the MECC theatre in Maastricht, the tension quickly builds. Whether you want to or not, you get completely swept up in it. The room fills with energy, joy, tears, sound and anticipation. In total, we were able to attend the ceremony with 4 team members, so we could experience this special ceremony together with Youri and Daniël. Fantastic to be able to share this moment with them. Together we watch in admiration as all our colleagues are called forward. And then suddenly.....
"And now we're going to Oosterend. Het Kook Atelier on Oost. Joram Timmerman, come forward!"
Tuesday in Valencia
The coming week will be exciting, because on Tuesday it will be announced in Valencia which restaurant gets to take home the title 'Best Discovery NL'. Whatever the result, we're mainly grateful for all the support and for our wonderful place in this guide. This is a milestone we've reached together with our team and our guests.
Thank you for your faith in us and in our mission to give sustainable gastronomy a platform. Together we're making an impact!
With love,
Valerie & Joram