ROTTERDAM, 12 April 2024 – Maria & Pepe are set to return to OASE at the Maas this summer, offering a blend of culture and cuisine under the Rotterdam sun from July to August.

Pop-up restaurant returns to Rotterdam's OASE

For the second consecutive year, the pop-up Mexican restaurant and bar, Maria & Pepe, will reopen at the cultural hub OASE along the Maas river in Rotterdam. Following its successful inception in 2023, the venue will once again offer a space where food and culture intertwine from 11 July to 31 August.

A taste of Mexico on the Maas

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Maas, visitors can indulge in an array of Mexican dishes inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. The evenings will be filled with food, cocktails, and social interactions, alongside salsa dancing, musical performances, and tortilla-making workshops.

Maria, one of the founders, shared, "Mexico is incredibly rich in colours, scents, and flavours. At Maria & Pepe, we aim to showcase this diversity through our responsibly sourced, plant-based menu that prioritises organic and local ingredients."

Born from love and sustainability

The concept for Maria & Pepe was born from a romantic encounter between Maria and Pepe (formerly known as Joost) in Rotterdam's Bergse Voorplas area. Their shared passion for authentic Mexican culture and sustainable living led to the creation of this unique dining experience.

Maria & Pepe (Joost). Photo credit: Michelle Urbiztondo

Commitment to transparency and community involvement

Maria & Pepe is more than just a dining destination; it is a community-centric project that embraces transparency and participation. All team members share in the revenue, reflecting their roles and hours worked. This model fosters a sense of responsibility and unity within the team.

A crowdfunding campaign will kick off in early May to gather the necessary start-up capital. The restaurant also aims to host at least 50 Rotterdam residents for whom dining out is not a common occurrence, with crowdfunding support helping to achieve this goal.

Important dates and opening hours

Crowdfunding starts: Early May
Reservations open: Mid-June
Open: 11 July to 31 August, Wednesday to Sunday.

The restaurant will operate from 17:00 until late, with the kitchen open from 17:30 to 21:30. Sundays will feature finger food and early dining options starting from 14:00, with the kitchen closing at 20:00.

Maria & Pepe restaurant returns to Rotterdam

Directions to OASE at the Maas

Situated at the vibrant cultural hub OASE along the Maas, Maria & Pepe is easily accessible via public transport and offers ample parking nearby. The area is known for its artistic atmosphere and stunning river views, making it a perfect spot for a summer evening out.

ROTTERDAM, 14 March 2024 – A new culinary venture enriches Rotterdam's dining scene. The Fat Fox opens its doors, offering a unique blend of hospitality and gastronomy in the Witte de Withkwartier.

New gastropub arrives in Rotterdam

On 14 March, the gastropub The Fat Fox (De Vette Vos) was inaugurated in the Witte de Withkwartier area of Rotterdam, marking a significant addition to the city's gastronomic landscape. This establishment is introduced as a sibling to the well-known restaurant The Iron Lady, expanding the culinary diversity within the city.

Designed by Horecasfeermakers, The Fat Fox showcases a modern interpretation of the traditional gastropub, boasting a warmly designed interior that invites guests into its comforting embrace. Faruk Dervis and Darryl Peijnenborgh, the duo behind The Iron Lady, are the minds behind this new establishment, bringing their vision of a hospitable and high-quality dining experience to life.

A collaboration born out of adversity

The inception of The Fat Fox comes from a serendipitous partnership between Dervis and Peijnenborgh. Dervis, who launched The Iron Lady in February 2020, faced the challenge of closing down shortly after opening due to the pandemic. It was during this tumultuous time that Peijnenborgh, with a background in fine dining and a dream of owning his own establishment, joined forces with Dervis. Their shared appreciation for the English pub culture, known for its convivial atmosphere and exceptional food, was a significant driving force behind the creation of The Fat Fox.

The Fat Fox: A modern twist on the English pub in Rotterdam

A menu that celebrates sharing

The menu at The Fat Fox pays homage to classic pub grub with a refined twist, featuring a selection of visually appealing dishes intended for sharing. The emphasis is on quality, with options available for vegetarians, fish lovers, and meat enthusiasts alike. 

Upon entering The Fat Fox, guests are greeted by an imposing bar, setting the stage for a vast selection of cocktails, beers, and over a hundred varieties of whiskey. The establishment aims to capture the essence of a modern gastropub while maintaining the spirit of traditional English pubs.

Directions to The Fat Fox

Nestled in the vibrant Witte de Withkwartier, The Fat Fox is situated at Schiedamse Vest 30, a prime location for those seeking a cozy and intimate dining experience. The area is known for its dynamic cultural scene and easy accessibility, making it a preferred destination for locals and visitors alike.

ROTTERDAM, 8 February 2024 – Festive Restaurant Grace celebrates its first anniversary with a month-long celebration.

Festive Restaurant Grace is set to mark its first year of operation with a month-long series of celebratory events, beginning on 1 March with a vibrant 'festive night'. The restaurant will once again become a place where extravagance is the norm, featuring live shows, dancers, entertainment, fireworks, and complimentary shots. These flamboyant evenings will recur throughout all the weekends in March, culminating in a grand finale on 31 March with a performance by Wolter Kroes, accompanied by an extensive Easter brunch and festive bubbles.

Festive Easter brunch

The celebration at Grace will conclude in style on Easter Sunday with a delightful Easter Brunch starting at 12:30 pm. Guests are invited to enjoy a sparkling afternoon filled with delicacies and entertainment by Wolter Kroes. For those looking to indulge, a special Easter Brunch package is available for €75 per person, which includes a 3-course shared menu, a delicious amuse-bouche, champagne on arrival, and live entertainment. Alternatively, tickets for just the show, including a drink, are available for €25 per person.

A month of treats

Grace's anniversary celebrations are not limited to evenings and afternoons. Early birds will also find something special, as the restaurant lives by the motto, “Whoever's birthday it is, treats.” Throughout the month, guests can enjoy a special 1+1 free breakfast offer (by reservation). Additionally, a festive Celebration menu is available for €35 per person (excluding Friday and Saturday).

A place of elegance

Inspired by world-famous restaurants in Paris, London, Barcelona, and Madrid, Grace opened its doors a year ago in a large corner building on Coolsingel, opposite the majestic city hall. After years of vacancy, the building was extensively renovated by seasoned hospitality entrepreneur Herman Hell. A year later, Hell's vision for Grace has been realized. “With Grace, we wanted to give something beautiful to Rotterdam. A place where being yourself is celebrated and where we celebrate life together. Whether it's a Parisian breakfast, a relaxed lunch, or an elaborate dinner with champagne, cocktails, and dancing. Everything at Grace is done with style, or as we say: It's about how.”

Hell’s Kitchen Hospitality Group

Hell’s Kitchen Hospitality Group, an ambitious hospitality company founded in 2001 by entrepreneur Herman Hell, includes several renowned restaurants and cafes in the Rotterdam area, such as Loos, Zalmhuis, Sijf, Nieuw Rotterdams Café, and Wester Paviljoen. Over the years, Hell's Kitchen Hospitality Group has grown to become one of the leading hospitality companies in the Netherlands.

Directions and location

For those planning to visit Grace, the restaurant is located on the bustling Coolsingel, directly opposite the city hall. This central location is easily accessible by public transport, with several tram and bus stops nearby. The area is known for its mix of historical architecture and modern amenities, making it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy.

ROTTERDAM, 6 February 2024 – A new culinary destination has arrived in Rotterdam's bustling centre, offering a genuine taste of Vietnamese cuisine amidst the city's dynamic dining scene.

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine arrives in Rotterdam

Madame Saigon, a family-run restaurant located in the heart of Rotterdam, is set to open its doors on 1 March. Positioned in a side street off the lively Witte de Withstraat, Madame Saigon offers an opportunity for diners to experience the rich flavors of Vietnam in a stylish and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's decor is thoughtfully designed, creating an authentic Vietnamese ambiance.

The menu at Madame Saigon features a variety of dishes that have been passed down through generations, crafted with seasonal ingredients to ensure each meal is fresh and flavorful. Diners can look forward to starting their meal with traditional appetizers such as spring rolls and Vietnamese baguettes, followed by hearty mains like Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) and rice dishes meant for sharing. Additionally, the restaurant boasts a selection of classic cocktails with an Asian twist.

Discover Vietnamese cuisine at Madame Saigon, Rotterdam

A space for celebrations and events

Madame Saigon is more than just a restaurant; it's a venue where memories are made. The first floor is designed to host celebrations, whether it's a private gathering, a corporate event, or a cocktail workshop, providing a unique setting that combines exquisite food with a warm atmosphere.

Visit Madame Saigon

Madame Saigon stands as a testament to the authentic Vietnamese kitchen, reminiscent of the flavors found in a traditional Vietnamese home. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday, starting at noon, offering lunch, drinks, and dinner options. For those looking to host an event, the upstairs space is available for private dining and special occasions.

Located at Schiedamse Vest 56, Madame Saigon is easily accessible from various parts of Rotterdam. Nestled near the Witte de Withstraat, the area is known for its vibrant nightlife, art galleries, and eclectic mix of cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect backdrop for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience.