Michelin chefs Thomas Groot and Richard van Oostenbrugge open their new restaurant on Curaçao
Richard van Oostenbrugge and Thomas Groot opened their restaurant ‘020’ named after Amsterdam’s area code in a 16th-century estate on Curaçao. Inspired by their restaurant 212* in Amsterdam, they bring a whiff of city to the shore. 212 provides the kitchen team, interactive bar set-up and culinary qualities. The island takes care of the rest. With its breath-taking ocean view, light dishes and relaxed à la carte menu, 020 is the cool, younger brother of 212*.
The last 1,5 years have been a wild ride for Richard van Oostenbrugge and Thomas Groot. A farewell at Bord’Eau**, the opening of 212* in Amsterdam and Table 65 in Singapore. But the ride isn’t over yet. The culinary duo’s newest restaurant opened its doors on Curaçao.
‘Nultwintig’
When approaching the colonial mansion, a glimpse of bright blue water flaunts through the open shutters while a soft ocean breeze caresses the skin. The 16th-century estate of 020 – in Dutch pronounced as ‘nultwintig’ – is miles away from big brother 212, though he was the biggest inspiration. With 212, Van Oostenbrugge and Groot rid high-end food of all avoidable etiquettes. Fewer rules, more adventure. On Curaçao, they push it even further. The new restaurant translates its tropical location in a relaxed à la carte menu with light dishes, summery cocktails and a price tag just as friendly as the island’s inhabitants.
The culinary duo’s ingenious creativity and refined French techniques also found their way to the island. And they even took some old friends along. Like the iconic apple dessert from Bord’Eau making a return appearance. And the ceviche with passionfruit, coconut and lime that moves effortlessly from 212’s menu to that of 020. The rest of the food follows the flow of the tropics. Groot: ‘A different place needs different products. The warm weather asks for light dishes loaded with veggies.’ These come in four starters, mains and desserts complemented with several (grill) specialities like local langoustes or a Tomahawk for two. A three-course menu starts at €42.
020 design
020 is located on Penstreet, a popular restaurant area overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The impressive 16th-century estate is hidden behind the old tamarind tree. For this new chapter, the estate got an olive-green exterior and a brand-new interior by the Dutch design agency concrete. Just like 212, the countertops are made of stainless steel, and for every guest, a handmade cutlery tray slides out of the oak wood bar. Warm rays of sunshine peek through the white wooden shutters. They reflect against the white interior, making the space appear bright and modern. Just like in Amsterdam, the walls are decorated with the artwork of street artist Sliks. The French doors lead guests to the beach with its palm trees, sun loungers and an infinity pool. In a couple of months, the beach bar opens and allows guests to sunbathe and sip cocktails all day. Until then, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
Experience some tropical ‘020’ on the island of Curaçao. Book a table at Restaurant-020.com.
