EVERYTHING WTC AMSTERDAM - SPRING 2017 INTERVIEW We want Zuidas to become a culinary hotspot, says We Canteen s MAAIKE DE REUVER INSIDER INFORMATION Mobility matters and key diary dates AT YOUR SERVICE Part 1: From new suits to keeping fit CAUGHT IN THE ACT Business club events, plus the Mylk and Ox & Bucks launch party
OVERVIEW WTC CATERING: WHO IS WHERE? SUSHI TIME Sushi Time has been part of the WTC furniture for the past 16 years. With a take-away counter and two conveyor belts stuffed with the best in Japanese food, Sushi Time offers lunch, dinner and deliveries for that late night at the office. WWW.SUSHITIME.NL WE CANTEEN FOOD COURT We Canteen has brought a fresh and international approach to in-company catering with a constantly-changing selection of great food firms - from hotdogs with a difference to pasta and Spanish seafood. WWW.WECANTEEN.NL BLAUWE ENGEL The WTC s own brown café with that welcoming Amsterdam atmosphere. The Blauwe Engel is famous throughout Zuidas for its June summer party. The menu ranges from the classic Dutch tosti to a Black Angus steak. WWW.DEBLAUWEENGEL.NL MAIN ENTRANCE ZUIDPLEIN MAIN ENTRANCE BO NAM STACH MYLK OX & BUCKS Vietnamese restaurant Bo Nam will replace Corso Como later this summer and is the most recent addition to hospitality tycoon Casper Reinders portfolio. Open for both lunch and dinner. TASTEWTC.AMSTERDAM Stach Food was founded in October 2011 by Stach Schaberg and now the neighbourhood deli concept has outlets across Amsterdam. Stach offers fresh soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch on the go. WWW.STACH-FOOD.NL The Mylk approach is raw, organic food and drinks with a creative, Californian twist. Think locally sourced, sustainable ingredients great grains, crisp veg and the best dressings. TASTEWTC.AMSTERDAM Good coffee and classic bistro food, such as the perfect Caesar salad or satay. Lots of different wines and beer and a warm, welcoming vibe - perfect for after-work drinks. TASTEWTC.AMSTERDAM 2 WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017
CONTENTS 4 WTC NEWS Bikes and blue angels 6 WHAT S FOR LUNCH? WTC workers on the new food 8 INTERVIEW We Canteen founder Maaike de Reuver 10 12 14 15 HELPING HANDS Personal and company service CAUGHT ON CAMERA Out and about at WTC events ZUIDAS NEWS From art to sustainability DIARY DATES What s on this spring ALL CHANGE Spring is a time of new beginnings and that is certainly the case with the WTC this year. The switch to new catering concepts has been a major operation and one which has not yet been completed. We Canteen has brought a new dynamic to lunch within the WTC and your initial reactions have been extremely positive. And with 350 different catering companies on their books, who knows what will be on the menu next? You can find out more about We Canteen founder Maaike de Reuver, who launched the company when she was just 22, on page 8. Within the WTC itself, our plans for the new tower are moving on while the plans to overhaul central hall are still being finalised. In the meantime, one WTC Servicepoint has moved from the ground floor to central hall in the main building; and the second is moving from the entrance of H tower to the lobby of H and I tower in the last week of April. The glass-fronted space above Stach has become a popular haunt, particularly for table tennis fans, and SPRING Christiaan Huijg, Managing Director World Trade Center Amsterdam we are still working on a final design for the former office space. More news on this next issue. Of course, the road works are ongoing as well and we are looking forward to the work on the Strawinkskylaan drawing to a close. Until then, the WTC s ebike rental scheme and the Zuidaspas will hopefully help reduce the problems. And I d also like to remind tenants that we have 36 charging stations in the car park for electric car drivers. Of these, 12 are on level P1, where visitors park and the rest are in P2. You can t miss them, thanks to the new bright green signage. If you are a fan of physical activity, you might like to sign up for the annual Zuidas run, which this year will include an urban running course taking in the WTC s central hall! The run takes place on June 11, so you ve plenty of time to get into shape. The WTC is, as usual, a gold sponsor. and entry is free to people who work at WTC Amsterdam. Keep an eye on the website www.zuidasrun.nl for details. This issue we are also highlighting some of the many service providers within the WTC, which are there to make your life a little easier. We like to think of the WTC as a sort of mini city and it really is surprising what a wide range of companies you can find within the complex. Get fit, get your dry cleaning done and book a business trip it s all completely possible. You can even have your new shoes delivered. Find out more on page 4. WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017 3
WTC NEWS You ve got mail If you need to post a letter or parcel, the MYPUP service in B2 offers a convenient way of dealing with your mail within the WTC complex. The locker-based system allows you to receive, return and send post (including express deliveries and registered letters) all over the world. You can also send insured parcels and use Freepost numbers. You can find the MYPUP (My Pick Up Point) lockers on level B2, opposite the showers. Once you ve registered via WWW.MYPUP.NL, you can start using the system. More on the options next issue. WOOD WORKS Carla Rump s warm wooden sculptures take centre stage in central hall until May 25. Wood has a history. It tells us something about our vulnerability and the power of a tree is so overwhelming and inspiring, she says. Carla studied in Utrecht and she has exhibited at indoor and outdoor shows all over the country. This year, her work will feature at the Biennale in Venice. Her pieces feature in the collections of lots of local authorities and companies, including broadcaster NOS. www.carlarump.nl. For more on WTC art, contact WWW.ARTANGELS.NL BUSINESS CLUB UPDATE WTC Amsterdam Business Club is holding a special meeting on April 18 to look at the impact of the first 100 days of Donald Trump s presidency. Businesswoman, radio presenter and author Marianne Zwagerman leads the late afternoon meeting which will look at Trump s economic policy as well as his strategy towards Russia, China, immigration and the environment. The five-strong panel of experts includes Wouter Paardekooper, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, and Telegraaf newspaper s deputy editor and former America correspondent Jan Kees Emmer. There is a change of pace for business club members on June 8, when we follow a guided tour of the new Art Zuid sculpture route. WWW.WTCAMSTERDAMBUSINESSCLUB.COM 4 WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017
WTC NEWS A NEW ANGEL WTC Amsterdam s very own brown café De Blauwe Engel has a new angel at the helm. Frances Fransman is busy updating and renovating the café with new furniture and lighting. But regulars need not worry she has no plans to dispense with that cosy, brown café feeling. The menu is also being spruced up with better quality meat for the classic Blauwe Engel burgers and a great new wine list. But of course, we have no plans to make changes to our famous spicy chicken soto soup, with its fans all over Zuidas, Frances says. Start your weekend every Friday with drinks and a DJ from 7pm. Next on the Blauwe Engel agenda? The traditional summer party, which will be held on June 30. WWW.DEBLAUWEENGEL.NL Electric avenue It s a year ago that WTC Amsterdam expanded its charging stations in the car park, taking the total from six to 36. Of these, 12 are on level P1, where visitors park, and the rest are in P2. You can t miss them, thanks to the bright green signage. We would ask electric car drivers to please move their cars once they have been fully charged so that others can access the bays. And please don t park in them at all if you are still powered by petrol! Travel toogethr A new car-sharing platform and app has been developed to help WTC workers to commute to work with their neighbours and cut down on traffic congestion. Toogethr was developed by several Zuidas firms, including Accenture and Arcadis, to boost mobility and reduce the traf- CYCLE INTO SPRING Summer is on its way so you have a great excuse to make use of the e-bikes now stationed at the Beethovenstraat and Zuidplein by mobility startup Urbee. The cost is from as little as 1 per hour, 5 for a day, or 10 for a whole weekend. You can reserve a bike in advance as a private individual or via your employer using the Urbee app. Company subscription schemes are also available. WWW.URBEE.NL or contact info@urbee.nl fic problems in Zuidas. We re using a crisis to solve issues, says Accenture s Joost Brinkman. Companies sign up to the platform and then their staff can use it to find a match. Look out for the promotional car in the WTC in the coming weeks. WWW.TOOGETHR.COM Urban running This year s Zuidas Run involves a new element: an urban running route which includes a race through the WTC s central hall guaranteed to be mud-free! The WTC is once again a gold sponsor of the run, which takes place on June 11. Entry is free to people who work at WTC Amsterdam. Keep an eye on the website for more information. WWW.ZUIDASRUN.NL WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017 5
Food glorious food LOIS VAN DEN OCHTEND, ANKIE LÜTTER AND CLAUDIA VAN TUIJL EXPATCENTER Ankie: I don t eat in restaurants! I have a special diet so I like to manage what I eat myself. Lois: Most of the time I bring my own lunch, but sometimes I get a sandwich at the station. Or I go to Julia s Pasta. It s nice to have pasta in the afternoon. Claudia: I usually bring my own lunch with me. It s very luxurious and there s lots of choice but it is too expensive for me to buy food there every day. When the weather is nice, like this, we just enjoy sitting outside. You can t have missed the major shake-up in the choice of places to eat in the WTC. We asked workers having lunch in the sun what they thought of the changes. NARIEM CHOTKAN, JELMAR WEVER AND DONOVAN KERNKAMP MICHAEL BAILEY ASSOCIATES Nariem: I think it was more impressive before [the changes]. It s more rustic than before with a lot of warm colours, but I miss the old restaurant, Fitch & Shui. It was a really good set up. Jelmar: I m not sure of the name, is it Ox and Box? Ox & Bucks, or something. I liked Fitch & Shui too. To be honest, I don t think the new set up is better. It s about the same, price wise as well and they ve kept the same employees. They ve put in new couches and new tables, so they ve changed the style. It s alright. Donovan: I just started working here. Maybe some more Asian food, Indonesian, Surinamese food, that might be good. TANNE VAN WISSEN AND JET DE GRAAF GEMEENTE AMSTERDAM Tanne: We just got lunch at the canteen. I haven t been here that long so I m not really sure how it was before but I can tell you that the salads are really good. Jet: I don t notice that much difference to be honest, only the new coffee corner, but that s about it. I m very happy with the choice on offer though. I guess that the most important thing is that it keeps developing the right choices at the right time. 6 WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017
VOX POPULI ELINE HOOGENDIJK HELLO ZUIDAS I really like it, the food is very nice. I see a lot of young people coming in who did not used to eat here. There s a good selection of food, you really have to walk around first, or you might miss this or that. I eat away from the office a lot - twice a week or so and it s really improved. ATTIQUE SALEEM CREDITACCESS ASIA I like the fact that there s something new everyday. I haven t really checked out the new places [Stach, Mylk and Ox & Bucks] but I did go to the opening and it looked really good. Do I eat out of the office a lot? More than I should! For both the waistline and the wallet. HODA FARHANGI AND INGE PIETERS MICHAEL PAGE Hoda: We just ordered salads, and they re really good there. We re very happy with it. Price wise it s about the same, you can get a salad for about 5. I never bring anything with me, I always eat out. Inge: I think it s really great that the new We Canteen has different stuff every day. So you can always go back and get something else if you re not in the mood for the same thing as yesterday. I m really enjoying the new concept. It s healthier too. MARC VAN KOOTEN GREENBERG NIELSEN I think they need to get their bearings and see what they can do to make it even better than before. Fitch & Shui was fine, not great, but fine. We re big fans of Corso Como and are sad to hear they re leaving as well. Basically if our office is full then we go downstairs to have a cup of coffee with either clients or candidates. If it s good enough for that then I m happy. On Friday nights we usually start at Corso Como and there s the Blauwe Engel of course. I guess the service could be faster, if I had one thing to say about improvements. RAYMOND KERSSENS SAXO BANK A/S, NEDERLAND I ve been to Stach and grabbed some salads and some meals there. And the big restaurant [We Canteen] it s a significant improvement, it s much better with the salads and a wider variety. The price is better as well. DINO CARBUTTO SAIPEM I like the new set-up very, very much, it s healthy and not the usual salad bar stuff. The food is made with care and attention. It feels more modern, more up to date, fresher. I m using the canteen more and more. I like the salads very much, the sun s out, the good weather is coming and they offer what I like so I m satisfied with the change. WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017 7
INTERVIEW Maaike de Reuver WANTS TO CHALLENGE YOUR TASTE BUDS Enjoy more than a cheese roll and glass of milk for lunch. WE CANTEEN is shaking up WTC lunch habits and bringing in an international twist. PHOTOGRAPHY: ANNE LAKEMAN Maaike de Reuver says she still can t believe that a company she began at the age of 22 is now serving up hundreds of lunches a day in the WTC. It is just after midday and a steady stream of people are heading past the light bulbs spelling out We Canteen. It is particularly busy round the salad bar, there is queue for stuffed pita bread and the smell of bread drifts over the counter. Six years after the launch of the company and two months after the start of operations in the WTC, Maaike is checking out progress so far. She stepped down from active involvement earlier this year, but remains focused on scouting for new ideas and culinary inspiration. It s all about choice, and quality and taste, she says, gesturing around her. YES WE CAN The idea for We Canteen came about by chance. Maaike and friend Charlotte van Leeuwen were both students at the University of Amsterdam and, while travelling, ended up in Singapore where they became fans of the food court concept. When they got back to the Netherlands, they decided ring up the university and tell those in charge that they knew how to improve the catering. We rang up and told them what we wanted to do and amazingly they agreed we could do it for a week, in between contracts, says Maaike. Things moved very quickly from then on. We were phoned by people who wanted to join in. Since then, we have never looked back. The name comes from former US president Barack Obama s famous yes we can campaign slogan. We didn t have a name for a while and then someone came up with Yes we canteen. We were big Obama fans at the time, she laughs. The name, changed after a year to We Canteen, also illustrates the enthusiasm and determination with which the company came into being. On graduating Maaike and Charlotte set up in business and moved in with the Rockstart startup team. The concept developed further and created considerable waves within the sector. That drew them to the attention of D&B The Facility Group, which took We Canteen over three years ago. Maaike s five tips to start up in business Believe in yourself Tell your story Make that phone call Take it step by step Choose your advisors carefully Today We Canteen counts TomTom, BinckBank and shared office provider BrightOffices among its clients as well as the WTC. STRICT CONDITIONS The companies which provide their services to We Canteen range from Japanese sushi to super food salads, from Mexican wraps to hotdogs with a difference. There are, however, strict conditions to qualify as a We Canteen company. Most importantly, you have to work with local products as much as possible, says Maaike. Take a Vietnamese caterer, she says. It would be daft if they brought their bread and chicken in from Vietnam, but of course, the herbs and spices you might have to buy there or you might hurt the concept. But key to the We Canteen concept is the choice. I like Asian food but I don t have to eat it every day, Maaike says. Some days all you want to eat is bread, on another day soup. The great thing about our offering here at the WTC is that you have such a choice. You can try out new things every day. The international approach at the WTC is a great match with the concept, she says. We have the basics fresh, locally made soup, plus bread and the usual toppings. But every day you have choice of two or three other concepts. There is something for everyone. It s a really low threshold way 8 WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017
THE WTC IS A BUSINESS HOTSPOT AND WE HOPE TO HELP TRANSFORM IT INTO A CULINARY HOTSPOT to try something you might not think about if you are going out for dinner. Always wanted to try Mexican food? Here you can. And of course, if you think of a type of cuisine we don t yet have, we are always open to suggestions. We Canteen is also supplying the banqueting for the new look Conference Center, run by the Office Operators, and will also provide the catering for inter-company business meetings. We ve got 350 different companies on our books, so if you have clients coming over from Costa Rica, we can provide a South American lunch, she points out. We Canteen is, of course only one of the five new concepts here in the WTC since the catering overhaul began earlier this year. Ultimately Maaike hopes that We Canteen will draw people from the rest of Zuidas and from Amsterdam at large. We want everyone in Zuidas, everyone in Amsterdam, to come along and taste what we have on offer, she says. The WTC is a business hotspot and we hope to help transform it into a culinary hotspot. Everyone should know about the exciting things going on here. And as for lunch? Maaike checks out the soup of the day, the fresh salads, the tasty stuffed pita breads provided by the Pita Queens and Vietnamese delicacies courtesy of the Banh Mi Girls. A bit of everything, she says. WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017 9
The WTC as a high street There is a lot more to the WTC complex than offices and great places to eat. Here s part one of our round-up of WTC service providers, guaranteed to help make your life just that little bit easier Next issue, part two of our round-up of all the facilities and services on offer within the WTC, from a dentist to daycare. SLFMD For a sharp new suit, the latest in dress shirts, or even a luxury tie, SLFMD Tailoring in the I tower lobby has the answer. Company founder Rafaël Antón van Wezel is on hand from 9.30 to 19.00 Monday to Friday, and by appointment on Saturday, to make sure you look your best. Trained at Amsterdam s prestigious fashion institute, Rafaël knows his suits. (Lobby, H tower) SLFMD.COM ASUNARO HOLLAND INTERPLAN Asunaro Holland Interplan boasts years of experience in offering top-notch accommodation for people who have been relocated to the Netherlands on a temporary basis. From a smart apartment in Amsterdam to a fivebedroom family home, the team helps international workers find a home away from home. (Central hall) WWW.HOLLANDINTERPLAN.NL MULTICOPY MultiCopy The Communication Company ensures that your marketing communications, direct mailings, exhibition materials, designs, promotional campaigns, presentations, and all the other graphic productions you need, are made perfectly. Everything is under one roof and managed by just one supplier: your guarantee for worry-free and ground-breaking work. (Central hall) WWW.MULTICOPY.NL 10 WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017
SERVICE PROVIDERS ZUIDAS TRAVEL ZuidasTravel.nl specialises in business travel from booking tickets to hotels, trains and cars. Travellers can compare prices on ZuidasTravel.nl and either book directly online, or if their flights are complicated, send an email to the multilingual staff who will draw up the perfect itinerary on the spot, saving valuable office time for busy secretaries and business travellers. (Central hall) WWW.ZUIDASTRAVEL.NL FIT20 Want to get in shape and stay that way in just 20 minutes per week without sweating and changing outfits - and under the guidance of a personal trainer? Fit20 offers the ideal workout for WTC employees who see their fitness aspirations undermined by their busy schedules. No sweating, no need to shower, and off to your next meeting in less than half an hour. Schedule your free trial session now. (Central hall) FIT20.NL/NL/STUDIOS PHISAGE BEAUTY & WELLNESS The WTC s own spa, Phisage Beauty & Wellness, is an oasis of calm and relaxation in the heart of the business bustle. The salon s founder, Ruth Jansen, is a beautician specialised in facials and massage. Her popular Neck n Back massage is particularly relaxing for people who use computers. (Central hall) PHISAGE.NL VAN ROOIJEN DRY CLEANERS Make sure your business suits and shirts are always clean by using the services of Van Rooijen Drycleaners. Van Rooijen offers a 24-hour service: clothes dropped off before 13.00 can be collected the next day after 13.00. The company also carries out clothing repairs and the customer card gives regulars a 10% discount. (Main entrance) WWW.STOMERIJVANROOIJEN.NL WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017 11
EVENTS SQUASH IS IN PHOTOS: FREDERIK JACOBOVITS. WTC Amsterdam Business Club members took over 10 courts for March s afternoon of top-notch squash complete with five former champions as coaches. Before picking up rackets and ball, members listened to an inspiring talk by Joseph Oubelkas, who spent 4.5 years in a Moroccan jail for a crime he did not commit and who then led the participants in a prematch warm-up, prison style. NEW YEAR DRINKS PHOTOS: FREDERIK JACOBOVITS. Trendwatcher Adjiedj Bakas was the keynote speaker at the traditional WTC Amsterdam Business Club New Year drinks in January. Some 160 members came along to hear his views on the future and get down to some serious networking. After all, says Bakas, in the business world in particular, it is crucial to go with the flow. 12 WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017
EVENTS GRAND OPENINGS PHOTOS: JONNA BRUINSMA. The WTC s new grand café Ox & Bucks and vegetarian food bar Mylk opened to a packed house in early March as downtown Amsterdam hit Zuidas - great food, great vibes, and cocktails galore. WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017 13
ZUIDAS NEWS Zuidasdok next stage A consortium made up of Dutch construction group Heijmans, Fluor of the US, and Hochtief of Germany have won the preliminary contract for the 1.9bn project to redevelop the roads and railways for the Zuidasdok development. The massive project involves widening the A10 ring road and placing it underground and boosting railway capacity at Station Zuid. Work is due to start in 2019 and be completed by 2028. Find out more via WWW.AMSTERDAM.NL/ZUIDAS GOING GREEN So how green has Zuidas been in 2016? The latest edition of the Zuidas sustainability report, put together by the Green Business Club Zuidas, Hello Zuidas, and the city council will be presented on April 12. This fifth edition of the report will focus on mobility, public spaces, buildings, energy, waste, water, and society. Download your copy via WWW.GREENBUSINESSCLUB.NL/NL/ZUIDAS GETTING ARTY The fifth edition of the Art Zuid festival kicks off on May 19 and runs until September 17 over a 2.5 kilometre route from the Apollolaan to the Gelderlandplein shopping centre. The exhibition is being put together by former Stedelijk Museum director Rudi Fuchs and will include 50 sculptures. This year s theme is Van Mondriaan to Dutch Design and focuses on the De Stijl art movement. WWW.ARTZUID.NL Celebrating tulips The Gustav Mahlerplein is once again about to burst into bloom as part of the annual Amsterdam tulip festival. For this year s festival, over 500,000 tulip bulbs have been planted in pots and in open ground all over the city. 14 WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017
WTC EVENTS DATES FOR YOUR DIARY TUESDAY, APRIL 18 WTC BUSINESS CLUB A panel of experts look at the impact of the first 100 days of Donald Trump s presidency. FRIDAY, APRIL 28 SERVICEPOINT The Servicepoint moves from the entrance of H tower to the joint lobby between I and H. THURSDAY, MAY 11 SUITS & STILETTOS RUN Warm up for the Zuidas Run with this 50-metre race high heels and briefcases are essential. FRIDAY, MAY 12 ZUIDAS BUSINESS RIDE The first edition of a fund-raising bike road race (40 or 60 kilometres) which starts and ends in Zuidas. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 WTC BUSINESS CLUB A guided tour of the new Art Zuid sculpture route, which this year focuses on abstract art. SATURDAY, JUNE 11 ZUIDAS RUN Put your best foot forward at this year s 10 mile Zuidas road race, or simply cheer on the runners. FRIDAY, JUNE 30 BLAUWE ENGEL Dance the night away as the Blauwe Engel s traditional summer party gets you into the holiday spirit. FRIDAY, JULY 28 CIAO CORSO COMO Your last chance to enjoy pizza or pasta at Corso Como before the metamorphosis into Bo Nam. WTC TODAY is published quarterly by World Trade Center Amsterdam. You can also download WTC Today from the website www.wtcamsterdam.com. WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO WTC TODAY? Please email management@wtcamsterdam.com. CREDITS TEXT Zuidas Text and Translations PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY Anne Lakeman, Wendy Hereijgers, Jonna Bruinsma, Frederik Jacobovits DESIGN Vindustries, Ouderkerk a/d Amstel PRINT Drukkerij Aeroprint, Ouderkerk a/d Amstel. WTC Today is produced in a CO 2 neutral production process and printed on 100% FSC certified paper. WTC TODAY - SPRING 2017 15
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