Due to COVID-19, the world is adjusting its’ way of living with stay-at-home orders and business closures to stop the spread of the virus. A restaurant in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, came up with a solution for customers to enjoy dining out together, while still following the protocol for social distancing – greenhouses.
Back in mid-March, the Netherlands closed down schools, bars, restaurants, and various other businesses in the fight to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. As of May 8, 2020, the Netherlands has over 42,000 cases of the virus and 5,300+ deaths, according to worldometers.info (statistics may change after publication). However, some businesses have come up with creative ways to stay open whilst practicing social distancing.
Mediamatic Biotoop is an arts/science/technology centre as well as an affiliated restaurant named Mediamatic ETEN. This multifunctional Dutch organization is located on an island called Oosterdok and this is where they constructed 5 private greenhouse pods on the edge of the river. These pods can fit up to 3 people. The waiters and waitresses wear hand gloves and face shields while safely serving food and wine at a reasonable distance. Check out their innovative precaution in practicing social distancing while providing fine dining:
The size of these pods provides patrons a more intimate dining experience whilst enjoying the tranquil view of the island. These close-knit greenhouses are inspired by the French word, “chambre séparée,” meaning restaurants and bars with a separate room. A spokesperson corroborated this idea that, “It suggests a sexy kind of intimacy.”
Mediamatic ETEN took inspiration from that French coinage and came up with the concept of “Serres Sépparées,” or separate rooms. However, there is a catch – the only people allowed to dine in these pods are those who live in the same house (this is to ensure that social distancing is being practiced).
The restaurant is vegan that offers locally-sourced food and you can try its’ crafted Amsterdam brew, all while enjoying the view of the island whilst on the terrace. Their menu is entirely based off of seasonal ingredients. Their herbs are picked from their Aquaponics garden and they ferment their products in their Mediamatic Clean Lab. If you happen to be in the Netherlands, you should check out their menu or make a reservation (heads up, they’re booked until the end of June!).
The Coronavirus has, indeed, pumped the brakes on how the world goes round and businesses have either had to close or restructure how they interact with employees and consumers. However, restaurants, such as this one on the bank of Oosterdok, have found creative ways to continue to serve their patrons and protect their workers.
Mediamatic ETEN has definitely thought outside the box in creating a whole new experience in fine dining. Their greenhouse pods not only provide a scenic view of Oosterdok but also showcase human ingenuity in the fight against COVID-19. If you want to see more inventive eateries, make sure you check out Gordon Ramsay’s new restaurant.
