New culinary ventures launch in Valladolid and the Netherlands

New culinary ventures have launched in Spain and the Netherlands. In Valladolid, José Álvarez has opened ‘La Esclusa’ in Plaza de la Solidaridad. The restaurant offers a variety of menus, including daily specials, weekend options, and a la carte selections. Notable dishes include risotto, various rice preparations, and traditional meats such as entrecote and veal, alongside seafood options like octopus and squid.

In the Netherlands, chef Andreu Benítez has launched ‘La Despensa’, a takeaway-focused restaurant. Following his tenure at Botànic, Benítez is applying his ‘Plant Forward’ philosophy—where vegetables take center stage—to everyday cooking. The menu features contemporary adaptations of traditional stews, such as a modern version of Andalusian chicken in pepitoria. The business model utilizes optimized preparation to allow for quick service via walk-ins or delivery platforms.