Adiós Kostas: The fine Greek restaurant in Kronshagen is closing after 11 years!

Adiós Kostas: The fine Greek restaurant in Kronshagen is closing after 11 years!

A well-known chapter in Cologne's gastronomy is closing: the “Kostas” restaurant in Kronshagen has ceased operations after eleven years. Kostas Papavlasiou and his partner Venetia Panti made this decision for health reasons and other considerations in order to give themselves a creative break. “Kostas” was known for its Greek hospitality and authentic cuisine, which focused less on typical meat dishes and instead emphasized lots of fresh vegetables. Guests could do without Metaxa sauce or gyros. Rather, they enjoyed dishes such as moussaka with a little minced meat and fried octopus tentacles on lentil puree, which were prepared with a lot of love. The restaurant offered 65 seats inside and 35 on the terrace and enjoyed high occupancy.

Kostas Papavlasiou, 57 years old, is a trained chef with almost 37 years of experience in the catering industry. In recent years he has consistently integrated his know-how into his restaurant. The closure of “Kostas” not only ends an era, but also opens up new opportunities. According to the KN Online the room is now under new management, the restaurant has already been renamed “Chapeau”. renamed, operated by Mariglen Guce and Megi Bici.

A new chapter: “Chapeau”

The “Chapeau” will stand out from its predecessor, but will also offer some popular dishes from the former “Kostas”. The new operators focus on Mediterranean cuisine with a selection of fish, vegetables and meat that is served ecologically and sustainably. Albanian dishes also expand the offering. The planned opening times are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., on weekends from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This information is important for anyone who wants to try out the new restaurant.

Kostas Papavlasiou remains an important part of not only the history of “Kostas”, but also of the new “Chapeau”. He actively supports the new operators in the first few weeks to ensure a smooth transition. In a changing gastronomic environment, such handovers and collaborations are of central importance.

Gastronomy trends: preparing for the future

The closure of “Kostas” could also be seen in the context of current trends in the catering industry. According to Hanni Rützler, a well-known food expert, there are some interesting future developments that restaurateurs should keep an eye on. The focus is changing from traditional meals to more flexible eating habits. More and more people are preferring smaller, healthy snacks to larger portions - a concept that could also be popular with the new “Chapeau”. The trend towards vegan and plant-based dishes is becoming increasingly relevant, which harmonizes well with Kostas' philosophy, which always uses fresh ingredients. The Gastro-Marktplatz reports that sustainable concepts such as zero waste and innovative food innovations are also increasingly becoming the focus of the catering industry.

The end of “Kostas” gives hope for fresh ideas and changes in the Cologne gastro scene. While guests say goodbye to nostalgic memories, they can be excited to see what new taste experiences await them in the “Chapeau”. The change of operators could be the beginning of a new, exciting gastronomic future in Kronshagen.