'As soon as you enter our restaurant, you imagine yourself in the south of Europe. The interior is fresh and modern and the menu is simple but fresh. Exactly as you would expect from this kitchen.' That says Theun Heeg, one of the owners of the new restaurant Zeste in Groningen. October 30th opens at the location of the former Flinders Café, this new and third business of the entrepreneur (also operator of Florentin en Pachamama).

Concept change
Flinders Café was only acquired last year, but it remained exactly as it was. 'It was a nice place, but time for something new', says Heeg, 'That's why we started looking for something that better suits who we are.' At Flinders, guests often came for a sandwich and coffee, and in the evening for dinner. Heeg describes the place as a café.
'Of course the above can still apply, but more with our own application and vision.'
Truly Mediterranean, but different
The choice for the Mediterranean cuisine is a very conscious one. Heeg explains: 'We chose this because it is simply a very beautiful, widely applicable cuisine. We want to serve dishes that are simple in preparation, but not in taste.' 'Inspired by the sun-drenched south of Europe: Italy, Spain, Portugal and of course the south of France.
With influences from the sea, fresh ingredients and of course the freshness of the kitchens themselves. The dishes are characterized by the abundance of fresh products, beautiful flavors and the use of olive oil. That is really the basis from which we will work. The intention is that we get inspiration from the kitchen in terms of taste, but it absolutely does not have to be the same
are. We like to give it our own twist. This will also become characteristic of Zeste.'
Dinner and lunch
At Zeste you can go for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday they also serve lunch. 'We will, just like at Florentin and Pachamama, make our own bread. This also applies to all other pastries. An Italian chef will be working at Zeste who will make sure everything runs smoothly.' For dinner there is an affordable and large à la carte menu with something for everyone. Te
think of burrata with roasted grapes, balsamic and olive oil, ravioli with pumpkin, sheep cheese and apricot. And of course the home-made breads with a wide range of dips. 'We have deliberately chosen an à la carte menu, everyone can choose their own visit
fill in. No 5 courses, but choose what you feel like or what your heart desires.'
And anyone who knows the men knows that they are stars in infusing and making beautiful syrups, so that beautiful cocktails can be made with them. 'These will be cocktails that are recognizable and accessible, but certainly not simple in taste,' says Heeg. 'Of course there will be homemade limoncello that we like to pass around the shop and the
wine list will be completely Mediterranean.'
Trapped by the facility
The interior of Zeste will be fresh, modern and timeless. Wooden racks with herbs and wine bottles, chairs in different heights and milk glass lamps. Lots of light colours and subtle use of terracotta. A well-thought-out lighting plan, with spotlights that can be adjusted per table. 'Our business is distinctive because of the large terrace that we have at the front
have, but we really want to create a different vibe', says Heeg. 'We want guests to come in here and be immediately captured by the interior, that will look really cool. We want to show that we have an eye for detail, and offer good service. So not just good food and drinks, but the entire experience has to be right,
that is what we stand for.'
Zeste Keuken & Bar is open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday from 18:00 PM and also open for lunch from 12:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
About the owners
Theun Heeg has worked at Smederij 1872, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam South and DOT. Thomas Bullinga is a chef and has worked at places like Merlet* and the Vlindertuin. Emile Bos has worked at The Jane* in Antwerp and De Librije*** in Zwolle.
The three of them own Florentin, Pachamama and Zeste.