What to do?

How about a relaxing day with the two of you? Away from the daily hassle, you can take time to really enjoy each others company. Okura's brand new Nagomi Spa & Health offers a special Valentine's package; an original way to show your lover your appreciation. With the Nagomi Valentine's Day package, you are welcomed with a glass of champagne, after which both of you are treated to a pampering hot stone massage with rose oil. Linger a little longer while sipping from a refreshing drink, before entering Nagomi Health to extend this reposeful day with a visit to the sauna, Jacuzzi and swimming pool.

Valid until 14 March

Ps. Do you prefer a more classic approach with dinner, an overnight stay and breakfast in bed? Then the traditional 'Wanna be my Valentine?' package might be just what you're looking for!

A strong team

Onno and Arjan proved to be a great team. Although they are opposites, they complement each other perfectly. Chef the Cuisine Arjan is creative and concentrates on combining flavours. The approach of Executive Chef & Manager Onno is more practical: he makes sure that any dish can be prepared every night, even when the restaurant is fully booked. Arjan provides the general picture, while Onno refines the recipes and focuses on the visual aspects – the arrangement on the plate, the type of tableware and the way of serving. This difference between Onno and Arjan's way of thinking results in the most creative recipes.

Changes

The chefs came a long way since their appointment in 2003. Onno Kokmeijer: "Ten years ago when Arjan and I came to the Okura, the restaurant looked different than it does nowadays. Our ambition was to bring innovation to the culinary concept of the former classic French restaurant.

Culinary concept

Not only the restaurant got a complete makeover; the culinary concept also got a new boost. The chefs let go of the classic French cuisine and introduced a more innovative way of cooking. Because many international guests find their way up to Ciel Bleu, it is important to keep track of culinary developments outside The Netherlands as well. Therefore, Onno and Arjan sample many different cuisines and get inspiration from travelling to other countries, including England, Spain, France, Italy, Japan, China and the United States. They spend a lot of time together in the kitchen and try to continuously innovate to overwhelm their guests. It's not just the food that has to be surprising; it's about the total experience. Pasquinel Kolk and Noël Vanwittenbergh are responsible for the restaurant. With lots of enthusiasm and flair, they know how to catch the attention of the guests with sharing knowledge for their profession. Surprising, innovating and an eye for perfection have been the basis of Ciel Bleu in the past and will be in the future.

What happened?

Nowadays, the location looks totally different than planned back in 1969. It soon turned out that there was a difference in the financing of both buildings. The budget of the opera became a much debated subject in the following years. Therefore the opera could not directly be materialized. The construction of the Okura on the other hand, started immediately. In the end, the opera was never build, the development plan of the once 'cultural area to be' changed. Instead the hotel was surrounded by a retirement home, a petting zoo, a youth center and a sport center, none of them higher than the adjacent buildings. This way the tower of Okura is an unexpected contrast in the neighborhood. A great side effect is the breathtaking panorama over the city. From Ciel Bleu Restaurant, the Twenty Third Bar and THE SUITE as well as most rooms, spectacular sights of Amsterdam can be admired without any other tall buildings obstructing the beautiful view.

Ronald McDonald houses

It promises to be an unforgettable evening with a sparkling entourage, spectacular performances, a Michelin starred dinner and exciting auction and raffle prizes. In addition to the festivities, this will be an evening where you can be of significant importance to someone else. Thanks to the Ronald McDonald houses, parents can be close to their children when they are in hospital. This way, parents can always be near their child to read a bedtime story, comfort them and to give a loving hug. By reserving a table for the Ronald McDonald Kinderfonds Gala, you can contribute to children and parents being together during illness. After all, a sick child should not be alone.

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Be pampered

Impression

Would you like to have an impression of last year? On YouTube you can see an overview of the 27th edition of the Ronald McDonald Kinderfonds Gala. Are you enthusiastic and would you like to make a reservation for a table? Please contact Linda Landman via +31 6 523 713 25 or send an e-mail to l.landman@kinderfonds.nl.