Unforgettable memories have been created in it, beautiful adventures have been experienced with it, and dreams have been fulfilled through it. But with a sense of nostalgia and appropriate pride, it is time to say goodbye to “PH-DIN,” the legendary hot air balloon that housed CuliAir – the world’s highest restaurant – for so long. And with the farewell of PH-DIN, a brand-new hot air balloon is being introduced, aptly named “PH-EAT.”
The ‘Name’ of the New Hot Air Balloon
CuliAir has the unique privilege of being the only restaurant located in a hot air balloon. And while the restaurant’s name is well-known, not everyone knows that the balloon itself has an officially registered name. Though calling it a ‘name’ might be a bit romantic: think of it more like a license plate for a hot air balloon, but slightly different from the usual car license plates.
Registrations for aircraft are issued by the Dutch Civil Aircraft Register. At a convention in Paris in 1919, it was determined that the Netherlands would use the nationality letter “H.” In 1927, this became “PH,” following the Telegraph Treaty (1927) of Washington. Thus, the registrations of Dutch aircraft always start with “PH,” followed by a series depending on the type of aircraft. For gliders, for example, these are numbers like “PH-1444.” For hot air balloons and other aircraft, there are always three letters following “PH.” The old hot air balloon of CuliAir was named “PH-DIN,” where ‘DIN’ naturally stands for dining.
The Meaning of the Name
The name of the new hot air balloon is “PH-EAT,” where the last three letters hardly need any explanation. “Eat” is, of course, English for “eten” (to eat). With a wink, it is also an abbreviation for “Exclusive Altitude Tasting.” At CuliAir, flavors are central, especially at high altitudes. Because the way you perceive taste changes significantly at high altitudes, a dinner with carefully crafted flavors is prepared, and wines are selected that are beautifully accentuated at these heights.
Lastly, you see the word “heat” in the name. Just like food and flavors, hot air is central to CuliAir. The hot air is not only used to gain altitude but also to slowly cook meat, poultry, and chicken in the hot air balloon. “Heat,” “eat,” and “taste” are beautifully encapsulated in the name of CuliAir’s new hot air balloon.
The CuliAir Hot Air Balloon as a Symbol of Adventure and Freedom
The new CuliAir hot air balloon was built in the Czech Republic, in the heart of Europe, by Kubicek. The balloon flights will continue to be operated by Wiegers Ballonvaarten. When you look up and see an orange-silver hot air balloon majestically floating by against a setting sun, you might just be looking at the world’s highest restaurant. The colors orange and silver are no random choice; they were carefully selected. Orange is a vibrant ‘food color,’ a striking color of many types of fruits and vegetables. It’s the color of mid-spring and also the recognizable hue of a beautiful sunset.
Silver is futuristic, sleek, and modern. The addition of silver gives the hot air balloon an elegant, calm, and serene appearance. The combination of silver and orange provides the perfect mix between natural exuberance and elegant serenity.
Embark on a Journey Aboard the “PH-EAT,” an Experience You’ll Never Forget
A culinary journey with a CuliAir hot air balloon was already a grand adventure. But with PH-EAT, the new hot air balloon, the experience takes on a new dimension. Depart from a meadow and enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by a real SVH master chef, while the balloon offers an incredible view from great heights.
Endless views over Dutch meadows, forests, lakes, and ancient cities alternate. From various altitudes, you will enjoy flavors that are perfectly enhanced at the great height where the balloon majestically floats before the sunset. After a spectacular landing, there is a champagne toast to a safe flight. Would you like to share this unforgettable experience with your partner, friends, or colleagues? You can choose a romantic outing for two or, for example, a package for a group. Since you can take off from various locations in the Netherlands, such as Hilversum, Den Bosch, Utrecht, Amersfoort, and Arnhem, CuliAir is always nearby.