Blueness opens 31.05.2022 in Antwerp
May 18, 2022
FASHION & FOOD TEAM UP IN THE GASTHUISSTRAAT
Blueness Antwerp, the culinary love-child of top chef Sergio Herman and the Italian Dheedene fashion family, opens its doors in Antwerp on 31 May 2022. The well-known concept from Cadzand, where modern French cuisine and Japanese influences team up and mutually enhance each other, has now evolved into a fine-casual concept. Sergio Herman's new culinary experience has all the room it needs to flourish under the roof of Verso, the luxury boutique where fashion and food form the perfect couple.
COME SPRING, COME BLUENESS
In the heart of the fashion district of Antwerp Blueness opens its doors on 31 May. It is a gastronomic hotspot where food, fashion and art blend together in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The inauguration of Blueness Antwerp marks the start of a brand new venture for the chef Sergio Herman. Under his mentorship, young, culinary talent can start to build a reputation in their chosen vocation.
"We have completely redesigned the concept of Blueness. It is contemporary and refined and its thoroughly cosmopolitan character expresses itself fully at this location. Immersed in the dynamic atmosphere of the unique Destroyers Builders’ bar, visitors can take in the buzz and activity of the open kitchen while the candle-lit restaurant offers a promise of a more intimate experience. Guests will enjoy the highly singular dishes of chef Jaclyn Kong while also being able to enjoy typical Blueness classics such as miso chicken from the Robata grill and langoustines with dashi beurre blanc and cauliflower. Jaclyn and Dorine have vast experience and enthusiasm and I am looking forward with great enthusiasm to the opening of Blueness Antwerp, the latest jewel in our crown!" — Sergio Herman, owner and founder of Sergio Herman Group
Sergio Herman and the Dheedene fashion family already embarked on a collaborative venture in the past with Le Pristine, which offered a total experience in which the top chef associated his culinary vision with the Italian sophistication of the luxury boutique. This new venture was not the result of a specific operation, but something that evolved organically.
"After the successful collaboration for Le Pristine, our family did not hesitate for a moment about inviting Blueness Antwerp into the hearth of our fashion city. Although Verso Café was undeniably a great success and will be missed, we are now very excited about this new adventure. Sergio knows all about serving up a dynamic, luxury and refined experience; the three characteristics that also reflect the criteria for the range of items on sale in our Verso boutiques. High-end fashion and fine dining under one roof at this level is something we feel very proud of." — Miguel Dheedene, co-owner Fashion Club 70
LADY CHEF & LADY MAÎTRE
The power duo Jaclyn Kong and Dorine van den Eynde enjoy the full confidence of top chef Sergio Herman and have been offered a magnificent stage where they can turn Blueness Antwerp into a leading dining experience. The shared professional history of this duo dates back to the days of Oud Sluis*** and The Jane**. Following these ventures, they both spread their wings throughout in the gastronomic world, both near and far. Today, they are back, together, in Antwerp to start a new chapter in their careers. This seasoned duo now share the helm of the unique Blueness Antwerp fine-casual concept where modern French cuisine teams up with Japanese influences.
"This collaborative venture is the most logical career move for us. We are buoyed by the confidence of Sergio's commitment and the support of the team of the Sergio Herman Group in Antwerp." — Jaclyn Kong & Dorine van den Eynde, chef & maître respectively of Blueness Antwerp.
DANISH DESIGN (AND MORE)
The contemporary and dynamic interior of Blueness Antwerp was designed by the Danish company Space Copenhagen that was also responsible for the interior design of the 11 Howard Hotel in New York, The Stratford in London and Noma in Copenhagen among others as well the interior of Le Pristine. The aim was to create the perfect balance of buzz and tranquillity. Guests can take in the buzz and activity of the open kitchen while the candle-lit restaurant offers a promise of a more intimate experience. Contemporary art adorns the walls for the aesthetic pleasure of diners and includes works by Germans Ermics, Mae Engelgeer, Destroyers Builders, Verilin and Valentin Loellman.
"This project was largely shaped by a series of very intuitive processes, from the first ideas for the design of the restaurant to the final result that we see before us today. An important driving element in the design process was the dialogue between the rich history of the 17th century Renaissance building and the contemporary creations of the different artists. The interior of Blueness Antwerp takes its guest on a tasteful and surprising journey within an eclectic atmosphere. In the kitchen Japanese influences rub elbows with modern French cuisine; while in the restaurant classical interior architecture is infused with a twist of modern Scandinavia." — Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou, founders of Space Copenhagen
Blueness Antwerp opens on Tuesday evening May 31, reservations can be made up to 4 people starting on Wednesday May 18.
