Thursday, May 29, 2025

The White Room Festival at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam marked a spectacular ten year milestone by bringing together Europe’s most prestigious Michelin-starred chefs for an unparalleled culinary showcase. This extraordinary event celebrated a decade of excellence, innovation, and artistry, turning Amsterdam into the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts eager to experience the mastery of 18 elite chefs representing 36 Michelin stars. With a blend of historic elegance and vibrant energy, the festival set a new standard for gastronomic celebrations in the city, highlighting the lasting legacy and future vision of The White Room.

On Monday, 26th May, the Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam marked an extraordinary milestone, celebrating ten years of its prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant, The White Room. This landmark occasion was commemorated with a unique international festival, the first of its kind in Amsterdam, bringing together an elite assembly of 18 Michelin-starred chefs from across Europe, boasting a combined total of 36 Michelin stars. The event set a new benchmark in Amsterdam’s culinary scene, blending historic grandeur, fine dining, and vibrant entertainment to create an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s iconic Dam Square, the Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky opened its doors for an evening that reflected a decade of culinary innovation and artistic mastery. Guests arriving at the historic hotel were immediately immersed in a world of luxury and indulgence, greeted with a signature langoustine dish created by The White Room’s esteemed Chef de Cuisine, Tristan de Boer. This delicacy was perfectly paired with a glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne, setting an elegant tone for the festival ahead.

Every guest received an exclusive event guide, detailing the profiles of the star chefs, their specially curated dishes, and a layout map of the hotel’s stunning event spaces. The evening’s venue consisted of the lavish 19th-century Wintergarden and the majestic Grand Ballroom, where rich banners displayed the storied history and remarkable milestones of the hotel and its acclaimed restaurant.

The festival’s vibrant atmosphere resembled a bustling market filled with enticing aromas and lively conversations as guests mingled with culinary legends who skillfully prepared their dishes live.

The impressive roster of chefs underscored the event’s prestige, featuring renowned masters such as Jacob Jan Boerma, culinary advisor to The White Room and head of Fine Fleur in the Netherlands; Tristan de Boer, Chef de Cuisine at The White Room; Heinz Beck from La Pergola, Italy; Thomas Buehner of La Vie, Germany; and Christian Jürgens, a chef consultant from Germany.

Also participating were Christian Kuchler of Taverne Zum Schäfli, Switzerland; Tanja Grandits from Stucki, Switzerland; Julian Stowasser of Lakeside, Germany; Benoît Carcenat from La Table du Valrose, Switzerland; Peter Hagen of Ammolite – The Lighthouse, Germany; Giovanni Solofra, chef consultant from Italy; and Silvio Nickol of Gourmet Restaurant Palais Coburg, Austria.

Rounding out the lineup were Stefan Heilemann from Widder, Switzerland; Ricardo Costa of The Yeatman, Portugal; Benjamin Chmura from Tantris, Germany; Florian Stolte of 1789, Germany; Pavlos Kyriakis of The Polo, Cyprus; and Paul Gamauf from Edvard at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna, Austria.

These culinary experts hailed from eight European countries, presenting a remarkable array of gastronomic creations that blended local culinary traditions with innovative, avant-garde techniques.

A highlight of the festival was the mesmerizing live demonstration where chefs expertly filleted an enormous 180-kilogram bluefin tuna right before the audience’s eyes. This hour-long performance was both a culinary and artistic spectacle, held before an enraptured audience. The precise filleting was performed by expert chefs, allowing guests to savor some of the freshest sashimi, an indulgence reserved for those who stayed until the very end of the event.

Throughout the festival, guests had the opportunity to delight in a variety of innovative dishes. Highlights included exquisite dumplings, elevated takes on traditional Dutch frikandel, and luxurious caviar, all perfectly paired with an array of fine wines, select whiskies, and tailor-made cocktails crafted by bartenders from the hotel’s acclaimed bar, The Tailor.

The event was not just about food but also an immersive sensory journey. Stilt walkers and hoop dancers added to the carnival-like ambiance, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Musical entertainment ranged from refined classical string performances to lively jazz ensembles and soulful duos, paying homage to the hotel’s noble heritage while keeping the energy fresh and vibrant.

The 10 Years The White Room Festival was a resounding success, reflected in the impressive statistics behind the event:

Since its inception, The White Room has been synonymous with culinary excellence in Amsterdam. Its Michelin star status attests to the high standards of creativity, quality, and service that the restaurant consistently delivers. The 10th anniversary festival was not only a celebration of the restaurant’s past achievements but also a showcase of its vision for the future—a future rooted in collaboration, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

The festival underscored Amsterdam’s growing reputation as a global gastronomic hotspot. Known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, the city is increasingly becoming a destination for food lovers worldwide, seeking experiences that combine tradition with cutting-edge cuisine. The success of The White Room Festival further cements Amsterdam’s position on the map of must-visit culinary capitals.

Serving as the event’s venue, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky was instrumental in ensuring the flawless execution of the celebration. The hotel’s blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury provided the perfect backdrop for the festival’s ambitious program. Its commitment to exceptional guest experiences and hospitality made it an ideal partner for showcasing Europe’s top culinary talent.

The success of the 10 Years The White Room Festival has set high expectations for future editions. With the enthusiastic response from both guests and chefs, the festival promises to become an annual fixture, drawing Michelin-starred talent from around the world and offering guests an unparalleled celebration of fine dining.

The White Room Festival at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam celebrated its ten year milestone by uniting Europe’s top Michelin-starred chefs in Amsterdam’s most prestigious culinary event. This landmark occasion showcased unmatched expertise, innovation, and artistry.

The 10 Years The White Room Festival was a landmark event in Amsterdam’s culinary calendar, celebrating a decade of gastronomic excellence at The White Room and the Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Bringing together Europe’s finest Michelin-starred chefs, serving thousands of exquisite dishes, and creating a festive atmosphere filled with entertainment and elegance, the event was a true tribute to the art of fine dining. As The White Room looks forward to many more years of success, Amsterdam’s position as a premier culinary destination continues to shine brightly.