Inspiration
Refinement on all levels, that is what chef Wouter van Laarhoven and his partner Malou Hagenaars stand for. Their dream came true and the couple opened restaurant/bodega “Alma” in Oisterwijk. Moreover, they fell for the charm and background of the location. The property on De Lind in Oisterwijk has been known as “De Swaen” since 1631. Moreover, top chef Cas Spijkers once cooked the stars here. Space was created on the upper floor of the Oisterwijk property for a fine dining restaurant that seats 48 guests. It features a balcony with beautiful views of De Lind, where outdoor dining can be enjoyed in the summer. In restaurant “Alma,” everything comes together and they bare their souls. ‘Alma’ therefore means ‘soul’ in Spanish. That reference represents the high-level experience the couple wants to achieve in their guests.

Viva España
The interior of Alma features a hearty Spanish touch. Van Laarhoven fell like a log for Dekton®, the ultra-strong natural stone-look slabs from Spanish company Cosentino. Architect Jeff van Riel of Salt Design House drew the design. He created a homey, warm but also sleek and elegant atmosphere. Van Laarhoven visited the family-owned Cosentino factory in Spain during the design process. ‘What particularly struck me in Spain was the format of the plates. This gave me a good idea of the drawing in the matieral. It was wonderful to be able to visit the factory and see all the colors in large format. That eventually led to the choice of a different color than the one we initially planned.’

Cooking on Dekton®
Dekton® was chosen because of its rugged appearance but also the material’s durability – Dekton® is resistant to stains, scratches, impacts and extreme temperatures. Dekton® is used in several places in the restaurant, from the bar and table tops to cabinets and in the kitchen where cooking is also done directly on Dekton® and the material is used as an induction plate. This is a unique application for the professional kitchen. Because Dekton® is so heat-resistant, induction coils can be placed under the countertop. The induction process does not transfer any heat to Dekton®, only the heating pan provides temporary, localized heating of the top. Through a control system, the temperature can be increased. This application is not only beautiful but also offers practical advantages. It offers a larger work area without interruptions. In addition, the plate is very easy to clean; when you remove the pan, all you have to do is wipe it with a cloth and the stain AND the heat is gone.

Now nothing stands in the way of Van Laarhoven cooking the stars of heaven, assisted by his (guest) wife who is also a cheese master. Together with their team, they want to facilitate an experience at the highest level. ‘With the combination of high-level cuisine, warm decor, a high level of service and a high degree of Brabant hospitality, we want guests to feel so at home that Alma becomes their favorite restaurant.’

Project Details
Name: Restaurant Alma
Location: Oisterwijk, The Netherlands
Application: bar, tables, outdoor furniture, sinks, toilets, cooking on Dekton
Architecture/ Design: Jeff van Riel – Salt Design House
Material: Dekton in the colors Taga, Bergen and Kelya
Website: www.alma.nl