The Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade is represented by both new and more experienced employees working together with passion as one team, to deliver great service and to depict the hotel’s values. In these monthly written pieces, there is a focus on their values and their approach to our international clients. Who are the employees as an individual? Allow us to introduce you to Gabor Balint
- Nationality: Hungarian
- Function: Employee
- Department: Food and Beverage
When did you start working at the Promenade Hotel?
June 2021
What was your first impression of the Promenade Hotel?
That it was a beehive, where everybody is a busy bee. It has to do with the fact that I have joined the Promenade Hotel during the peak of the summer vacation frenzy.
What makes the Promenade Hotel suitable for welcoming people from all around the world?
Allow me to name just a couple of reasons, first things first:
- All employees are fluent in English. They will provide every bit of necessary information to make our guests’ stay pleasant and optimize their convenience.
- The kitchen can cater to and satisfy the palate of even the most sophisticated guests. The menu mirrors the hotel’s philosophy where all-encompassing and inclusiveness are the main objectives. Inspired by International Food Festivals and traveling, the visitors will be taken on a journey full of flavors, where a variety of authentic dishes will be represented from all around the globe.
- Located in the heart of the Embassy district, the hotel provides the satisfaction to those who like to visit the beach at Scheveningen, or take a nice walk in next to the hotel.
- Our hotel is pet friendly. You do not need to leave your favorite pet at home. Traveling, taking care or walking your animal has never been so easy.
What do you value most in the organization of diplomatic events at the Promenade Hotel?
It is easy to answer: connections and learning. Establishing connections and meeting people from different countries and walks of life broadens ones’ horizon. Every event is a priceless possibility to get acquainted with cultures and customs that normally would be out of reach. It is therefore a valuable chance to educate yourself. Diplomatic events are the perfect opportunity to learn about essential trait for a modern inquisitive mind, such as: diversity, universal, across the board etc.
What did you learn so far by working with diplomats? Some tips, rules or values to share?
I have had the opportunity to work during several diplomatic events ever since I started working in the Promenade Hotel. According to my observations, diplomats value precision, punctuality and some ‘’sweet and short’’ conversation. I definitely had to push myself into rethinking and optimizing my time managing skills. Multitasking and flexibility turned out to be my most trusted aids. What does it take to work with diplomats, or what are the essential attributes of a well versed and skilled staff? See all of the above-mentioned skills and, of course, a pinch of humor.
Which Food Festival has been your favorite so far or would you like to experience?
So far, I only had the opportunity to witness the Peruvian Food Festival. Just in two days the Peruvian chefs transformed our kitchen into an exotic taste haven. They presented, colorful dishes with unusual spices, richly adorned in the most elaborate way, at our restaurant’s tables. It was a delightful sight to behold.
In terms of what I personally would like to experience, it probably would have to be the Japanese Food Festival. I have been fascinated by Japan and its culture ever since my young adult age. Every aspect of their gastronomic heritage has an air of sophistication and/or is accompanied by an elaborate ceremony. Here, food and history go hand in hand and testify about ingenious and innovative spirits of the people from the Land of the Rising Sun.
What local food(s), from abroad, have you tried already?
In terms of local, Dutch, food I have tried: stamppot, stroopwafel, patat, poffertjes, oliebollen etc.
From Japanese cuisine I have tasted sushi, mochi and matcha tea.
What is your favorite drink or dish at LEO’s International Flavors?
I really like our falafel. It is a tasty dish that can satisfy vegetarian and adventurous omnivores as well.
What sustainable development goal do you value most? Why this one?
For me, ‘’no poverty’’ is the most important development goal for the near future. Poverty is directly interlinked to a vast amount of other serious issues, such as: crime, corruption, hunger, healthcare, education etc. It is a complex subject that concerns the well-being of the whole planet. By practicing mindfulness everybody can contribute a little bit to the cause. Support the local, or fair trade strive to non-consumerism.
What piece of good advice did you receive, and from whom, that you would like to forward?
There is a valuable piece of advice that I received from Yuni, one of my former colleagues in the hotel. ‘’Don’t leave thing for tomorrow that can be cleaned today.’’
