In 2012, Emile Bootsma, the then manager of Kempinski Hotel in Budapest, heard Roy speak enthusiastically about Budapest, gastronomy, the family business and his plans at a lecture. He was particularly impressed by the fact that he also elaborated on economic and sustainability aspects, which was not typical of the Hungarian and perhaps even international scene at the time.
The Kempinski hotel was undergoing a complete renovation, and they were looking for a cool new gastronomic concept to replace their fine dining Italian restaurant on the ground floor. Emile saw the solution in bringing in an external partner with a background in gastronomy and convinced the Kempinski's top management. Back in December 2012, he approached Roy to sit down and talk.
The project started with a tight deadline, as the restaurant and the entire lobby had to be handed over by spring 2013.
The restaurant ended up being ÉS Bistro, which connects rather than divides. We don't have to decide whether Budapest or Vienna, Újpest or Fradi, Barcelona or Real Madrid - why not both?!
Almost 10 years since it opened, ÉS is still popular among locals and foreigners, offering the best Sunday lunch in the city centre every Sunday.
As the saying goes, "this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship", as not only did Kempinski Hotels and the Zsidai Group find each other, but Emile and Roy became true friends.
