While many restaurants around the world remain closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a restaurant in Amsterdam, the Netherlands is experimenting with a unique yet romantic new way of serving.
Mediamatic ETEN, a vegan restaurant at the Mediamatic Biotoop arts center, has built experimental greenhouses that can accommodate two to three people. The purpose of these small greenhouses is to practice social distancing and minimize contact between servers and diners. The restaurant calls the project “Serres Séparées,” which means “separate greenhouses” in French.
"We are currently learning how to serve and clean as politely as possible while still ensuring minimal contact between staff and customers," the restaurant manager shared. Mediamatic ETEN calls this a new form of safety when diners dine in their restaurant. Accordingly, restaurant staff will wear face shields, wear gloves and use a long wooden board to serve dishes to customers inside.
During the initial testing period, Mediamatic ETEN was only open to friends and relatives of the restaurant staff. Janita Vermeulen, who had the opportunity to experience it, told Reuters: "It was cozy and wonderful. The food was delicious and the view was beautiful, and it was very safe. I was really satisfied and excited."
As the COVID-19 pandemic gradually comes under control, museums, restaurants and theaters are expected to reopen with limited capacity from June 1 across the Netherlands. Mediamatic ETEN said it began taking reservations online on May 21 to begin operations in June. However, the project is still seeking permission from local authorities and awaiting a decision to officially welcome diners.
With a new form of service and most importantly ensuring safety, Mediamatic ETEN's project has attracted a lot of attention and acceptance from everyone. The restaurant owner said that up to now, the place is fully booked until the end of June. If approved by the local government, the above model promises to help restaurants in particular and restaurant services in general overcome the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic this time.
