ANTWERP: Sergio Herman and Syrco Bakker are bringing a taste of their restaurants in Cadzand Bad, Netherlands to Antwerp this summer.
As from June 5, they have opened a deli in the Belgian city of Antwerp serving dishes from restaurants Pure C, Air Cafe, Air Republic and Blueness in Cadzand, and Frites Atelier, as well as showcasing a number of small producers and startups.
The Deli is a concept that has been created by FoodFest, an annual culinary event that Sergio and Syrco organise in Cadzand Bad. FoodFest had been bringing a combination of food, drinks, music and talks since 2015 which is exactly what the focus of the deli will be.
“Foodfest is not going to happen this year, maybe it will not be possible to hold it even next year. We thought it would be a good idea to bring food to the city. People can enjoy casual, easy going dishes that they can get out of the fridge as well as a selection of good produce from farmers and new producers,” Sergio Herman told Food and Wine Gazette.
Herman, who is the owner of a number of successful concepts in the Netherlands and Belgium following his success at three Michelin star Out Sluis said these last few weeks have been difficult for everybody. “After three weeks at home, I wanted to be positive and think about what comes next. We first started to deliver food boxes from the restaurants. I live in Knokke, the restaurants are in the South of Holland and we were delivering our food to different cities. The response was very positive.”
The Dutch entrepreneur and chef said restaurants were important but on the other side not everyone will go to a restaurant every day and sometimes they might prefer to pick up something to eat at home. “The feedback we received from our food boxes was excellent which is why we are starting this. We might want to continue it in future if this is successful,” he said.
Syrco Bakker, chef of Pure C and also creator of liquor brand Hierbas de la Dunas told Food and Wine Gazette that while Foodfest was the main event, a few years ago they started working on six beliefs which focus on the five senses as well as proprioception which is the relationship we have with our bodies.
He said that this was exactly what the deli is, which is to create a platform where people can find quality food direct from farmers and producers as well as the items that were on offer at the food festival.
“The reason we chose Antwerp is that Sergio is also present here but moreover, there is a public that appreciates good food. They are ready to queue to buy good bread and drink a good coffee and this. We had the possibility to use this location and it is in a good neighbourhood so we are really happy with the result,” he said.
Customers at the deli will be able to find ready made dishes from all of Sergio’s restaurants in Cadzand, fresh vegetables, oysters from Zeeland, meat, pastries, charcuterie, a selection of alcohol, wines and beers among others, most from small producers and start-ups.
The concept is a collaboration between FoodFest and #Boerentrots.
Practical information
The deli is open to everyone. No reservations are possible and it works as a ‘walk-in’ takeout. In order to ensure the safety of customers, the necessary measures are being taken. A maximum of six people will be allowed at any one time. In addition, disinfectant gel, clear guidelines and a one directional flow will be in use.
The Deli is open from June 5 to July 31 from Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 10pm.
Address: Leopold de Waelplaats 10, Antwerp
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