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| Christmas preparations |
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It seems far away, but Hotel Okura Amsterdam is already in full preparation for Christmas! The chefs handed in their Christmas menus for the restaurants as well as the Christmas Take Away menu. For many people, Christmas is traditionally being celebrated at home with family and friends. Some people can't wait to start with the preparations of a multicourse Christmas dinner. For others it is quite a hassle to put together an impressive dinner. Okura's chefs are more than happy to assist with any culinary challenges!
Michelin stars at homeOnno Kokmeijer, Executive Chef and Manager from Ciel Bleu Restaurant: "For me it is hard to imagine that not everyone likes to be in the kitchen all day, especially during Christmas. In order to respond to the wish of our guests to present an impressive Christmas dinner at home and not having to cook, the idea of Okura's Christmas Take Away was created two years ago. A complete Christmas menu is available and also separate items from Ciel Bleu can be ordered from the menu. Okura's chefs have done the work for you so you can surprise your guests in a few simple steps with a delicious Michelin starred dinner. For the foodies who like to cook I would like to share one of my recipes, so you can prepare the famous Christmas Turkey Okura Style at home."
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Cooking rehearsalWhen still in doubt whether or not to prepare a home cooked Christmas meal, the cooking studio 'Taste of Okura' might be a good solution. A rehearsal can provide that extra confidence in preparation for an extensive Christmas dinner. In the Taste of Christmas cooking workshop, all advise is given for preparing a real traditional Christmas dinner.
Christmas Brunch BuffetAn appetizing start of the Christmas period can be enjoyed in Le Camelia, with a special Christmas Brunch Buffet. As Christmas is a time to spend with family, children are more than welcome to join. A kids' room with entertainment and movies is available. Be prepared for a special guest, as Santa Claus will appear early this year... |
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| OSHOGATSU | |
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Being a Japanese company in the western world, we sometimes experience cultural differences. Unlike western people the Japanese do not celebrate the end of the old year, but the focus lays on welcoming the New Year, called Oshogatsu. In Japan, this is the most important celebration of the year and the festivities typically last several days, beginning right before January 1st and ranging from three days to one week. Traditions
One of the most popular practices of the Oshogatsu celebrations is mochitsuki, or the making of mochi (rice cakes) by beating special sticky rice into a dough. The happening is very entertaining and it involves two or more people who take turns in beating the cooked rice with a large wooden hammer and flipping the pile of rice between the beats. |
Symbolism of foodThe thought behind food and the elements of the dishes are always very important in the authentic kaiseki ryori cuisine. Osechi ryori is the traditional, colorful Japanese New Year cuisine which originated in the Heian period (794-1185). Especially with Oshogatsu each dish is immersed with symbolism appropriate to the New Year, such as good health, fertility, good harvest, happiness, long life and so on. Good fortune and prosperityAya Kawamoto, Sales Representative: "Oshogatsu is Japan's most important festival and includes many traditions. The start of a New Year is traditionally celebrated with friends and family. Symbolic food, decorations, activities and other traditions are elements to wish for a prosperous year. A valuable custom in the New Year is to wish each person you speak to or meet a Happy New Year. The phrase to do this is pronounced 'akemashite omedeto gozaimasu'." The Okura offers a special Oshogatsu package to celebrate New Year Japanese style. |
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| Le camelia |
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Champagne, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit and pastries; is there a better way to start the day? Not only did we refurbish the breakfast area, also the breakfast experience is now completely improved. Arouse your senses in Okura's renewed breakfast restaurant Le Camelia.
Breakfast experienceFood presentation is an important element in the new design. With live cooking presentations of the Okura breakfast brigade, an experience like being inside a kitchen is being created. An à la carte menu with dishes inspired by Ciel Bleu and Yamazato is also be available. The new design with natural colors and materials such as different elements of wood, signature lighting fixtures and a camelia flower design, offers a relaxed atmosphere. |
New designBrenda Spaargaren, Restaurant Manager of Le Camelia: "I have to say that the new design is very appealing, we get a lot of compliments from our guests which make us feel very proud of our breakfast facilities! In addition, Le Camelia is not only accessible for hotel guests but everyone is very welcome to enjoy their breakfast here." Your own restaurantTo top it all, the complete restaurant can be rented after breakfast hours. Just a few restaurants in Amsterdam offer this feature. A great opportunity for groups as from 30 persons to have their own private restaurant for get togethers and celebrations! For more information you can contact us at events@okura.nl. |
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| Nagomi Spa & Health | |
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The last months of the year are already coming up. Living in a vibrant world, we sometimes forget to think about ourselves. By adding a spa to our facilities, we can soon offer an opportunity to slip out of the daily routine and take some moments just for you. In addition to sleeping, dining, cooking and exercising, relaxing will be added to the experiences you can choose from within the Okura. The construction works for yet another facility within the hotel are nearing its final stage.
NagomiThe perfect name for the spa was chosen: Nagomi. Meaning 'calm down' in Japanese, this embodies the essence of the spa as the 300 sq.m. area offers a retreat away from the bustling city of Amsterdam. Guests from our hotel as well as outside guests are more than welcome to enjoy the treatments dedicated to restoring balance to the mind and body. With special Japanese Shiatsu massages, a herbal tea lounge and a relaxation area, Nagomi Spa & Health invites to linger just a little longer. |
Look and feelFor the conceptual design, Jan Wilson, owner of RPW Design, was inspired when visiting the famous Kyoto Gardens in Japan. She became acquainted with Tsuboniwa, the Japanese word for the courtyard garden which provides peace and harmony in the city. "Tsuboniwa was part of the concept for the new spa. We want to create the Japanese sense of grace and ease that this form of garden embodies. I hope the spa will provide a uniquely Japanese spiritual experience." Dark wood, unique fabrics, art and a Japanese stone garden contribute to this feeling and create a mix of European style and Japanese touches. Wilson's professional relationship with the hotel is a long-standing one. Previously she designed the 385 sq.m. THE SUITE and the Superior rooms. Serre Restaurant, the lobby and the conference floor were also renovated according to her designs. Be patient...Nagomi Spa & Health is due to open at the end of November. Until then, just imagine yourself having a relaxing treatment with your friends. The Okura team can't wait to see the newest expansion of the Okura, making it one of the most complete hotels in Amsterdam! |
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