From August 15, Groningen will have a new catering concept. Pachamama The restaurant is called, or Mother Earth, and is inspired by the cocina nikkei. Owners Emile Bos and Thomas Bullinga bring a unique concept to Groningen, the Nikkei kitchen. A combination of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.
With the opening of the new business, the entrepreneurs, who also own Florentin and Flinders Cafe, want to get guests excited about this Japanese fusion kitchen, which is slowly conquering the world. With exciting combinations such as corvina with leche de tigre, wasabi and passion fruit or deep-sea shrimp with nashi pear, dashi and fermented cashew, Bos & Bullinga want to surprise guests with the beauty of this gastronomic cross-pollination.
The best of both worlds
'We want to deliver good quality for a reasonable price,' says Bos. 'Cooking the way we do best. Finely coordinate twelve dishes and serve them in five courses. Shared dining, just like we do at Florentin.' 'Here at Pachamama we serve dips like a nice salsa or a mole, in combination with seaweed crackers and tortillas,' says Bullinga. Nikkei cuisine calls the two "progressive" and "challenging."
As for the combination of the two kitchens, Bullinga says: 'They are two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly. Japanese cuisine is very pure and pure, contrast with the rich Peruvian cuisine with lots of fish, fruit and peppers and you have a fantastic combination. It makes Japanese cuisine a lot more exotic.' Bos: 'The experience will be the same as in Florentin; the service and music are complementary to the food.'
New concept, in a familiar place
Pachamama will move into the building on the Nieuwe Markt, where Donna's Social Club, also owned by the duo, will be located until August 1. Bos & Bullinga started this business in 2022. 'The idea behind this was an over-the-top American dinner, but after more than a year we are ready for another challenge,' says Bullinga. The reason? Bos: 'We found out that the concept is too far away from us. In addition, we doubted whether this is what the place deserves'. Bullinga: 'It was our second case and we were enthusiastic. We notice that the concept does not deliver what we expected. This might have been different in the Randstad, but that is looking a cow in the ass. Ultimately, you are an entrepreneur in Groningen and you have to act accordingly'.
The two have no regrets. 'We see it as a learning process,' explains Bos. 'This is also part of entrepreneurship. It has been a tough year, with the opening of Flinders and Florentin's success.' 'But', says Bullinga, 'we both noticed that Donna's was also at the expense of our private lives, and then we thought carefully about whether this was it'. Bos: 'So turn the knob and go. The beautiful memories of Donna's will remain, because they are certainly there. But now we're going to do where our hearts are'. Bullinga is sure: 'This will not happen to us again.'
Japan interior
Where the interior is still candy pink, it will be a lot quieter in the new restaurant. With lots of wood and light, natural colors in Japandi style. Colorful elements give the whole a South American touch. 'We deliberately kept it very neutral,' emphasizes Bos. 'We want to receive guests in a quiet environment, in the end it has to happen on the plate in this concept.' At the entrance there will be a lounge where guests can be received with an aperitif or enjoy a digestif. Pachamama can accommodate 78 guests. That includes a chef's table in the beating heart of the business, from where you have a nice insight into the kitchen.
About Emile Bos and Thomas Bullinga
Thomas Bullinga is a chef and has worked in businesses such as Merlet* and the Butterfly Garden*. Since 2019, in addition to being a co-owner, he is also a chef in Florentin. Emile Bos is the other owner of Florentin and has worked in The Jane** in Antwerp and De Librije*** in Zwolle, among others. Bos and Bullinga also jointly own Flinders Cafe.
Pachamama is open Tuesday to Saturday from 18.00:24.00 pm to XNUMX:XNUMX am.
New Market 7
9712 KN Groningen
050-2053126
website: pachagroningen.nl