How great! This new restaurant cooks with unsold supermarket products
A remarkable restaurant has opened in Utrecht, where sustainability is a top priority and combating food waste is an important theme. And on top of that, they cook delicious and healthy food! Curious about this brand-new concept?
We’re talking about restaurant LEFT on the Amsterdamsestraatweg in Utrecht, where supermarket food that would otherwise go to waste because it isn’t sold due to cosmetic imperfections or its (too-near) use-by date forms the basis for tasty soups, salads, juices and sandwiches.
That way, nothing is wasted, and these products, which are still perfectly usable, aren’t thrown away for nothing. ‘Eat right’ is central to LEFT: by offering delicious, healthy meals and through its sustainable character.
Close connections
LEFT was conceived and founded by Arjan and Jolanda Konincks, who run two Albert Heijn franchises as well as two fitness centers. They like to make conscious food choices and also want to combat food waste. From their stores (one of which is located directly beneath the restaurant), they use unsold products, as well as surplus stock from growers and producers in the area.
“Driven by our passion to make a difference, we set out to find a new way to combat waste. With LEFT, we want our guests to experience that ‘eat right’ has an impact on themselves and on the world around the corner. We also want our guests at LEFT to taste that quality isn’t linked to perfection,” says Arjan. Hear hear!
Working behind your laptop with something delicious
LEFT is a self-service restaurant where you can visit from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sundays, and where guests can also quietly work flexibly or study for a while. We think this concept is an excellent idea, because every step that can be taken to make our food system more sustainable is welcome, right? We wish Arjan and Jolanda every success!
Also read:
- 5 simple tips for sustainable cooking
- These are the 5 most delicious one-liter bottles of supermarket wine under €5 (!)
- 9 bizarre things chefs have in their freezers
Image: Albert Heijn & Anne Harteman
