New: 27 private restaurants 50 meters up in the air
Chefs and restaurants are eagerly looking for creative new ways to welcome guests in these strange coronavirus times. The undisputed champion of headline-making collaborations is undoubtedly Joris Bijdendijk (RIJKS® and Wils), who regularly makes his presence felt with new initiatives that never fail to excite us. This autumn, too, he has another spectacular project.
Eating in a church, private dining (and sleeping) in a loft, a drive-through Michelin-star box for home with simultaneous live cooking instructions from the chef … Joris did it. New this autumn: enjoying a Michelin-starred meal with panoramic views across Amsterdam. In collaboration with Smakenrad, the highly acclaimed chef is serving his favourite dishes in the Netherlands’ largest Ferris wheel, which is being installed at the RAI.
Private restaurants
A total of 27 heated gondolas are being transformed into coronaproof private restaurants, rising up to 50 meters above the ground on the wheel. As Smakenrad co-initiator Bram Verleg puts it: ‘not wider, but higher’. At the highest point, you have a magnificent view over the city. A culinary Ferris wheel like this was previously set up in Groningen and Den Bosch.
Menu
The Smakenrad menu changes every three weeks and over the next three months will consist of various dishes from Bijdendijk’s restaurants Wils and Rijks. Dinner costs 42.50 euros per person (for two courses and a two-hour stay), while a ‘lazy breakfast’ costs 7.50 euros and can be enjoyed in half an hour. It is also possible to take a shorter daytime ride with coffee and patisserie (half an hour), or enjoy a high tea at the weekend (1 hour). There are also plans to organise special dinners in the coming months.
Practical information
Smakenrad opens on 13 October and is open until 3 January 2021. The wheel is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The heated cabins are suitable for five people from the same household. It is also possible for fewer people (from the same household) to take a seat in the wheel. The organisation says it will observe all applicable RIVM guidelines. Tickets can be booked here.
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