A few steps from the Coque, the Kyosk has established itself over the last few years as a trendy family meeting place where you can play pétanque while sipping an organic rosé. And this modern guinguette never stops innovating, with more and more events like this weekend’s 10th anniversary celebration thanks to the enthusiasm of owner Manu Da Costa and his team including Vanessa "Chacha" Gourdange, who has been present at his side since the opening.
What do you remember from these 10 years of Kyosk? What have been the most memorable moments?
Manu Da Costa. - One of the most amazing things is how, from an almost ephemeral concept, Kyosk has become a central element, a real meeting point for communities and for the neighbourhood. We have many fond memories here, such as the sports events and match broadcasts, which are packed with fans and electricity! Pétanque tournaments and electronic picnics, with great sets from our DJ friends, are also among my favourite moments. I also remember a famous Elton John concert at the Coque, with thousands of fans arriving hours in advance... You could say that we were really rocked that day! And just recently, the Japanese soul food festival showed how much people like to come and discover things. Finally, on a more personal note, I met my partner there, who will soon give birth to our second child..."
10 years after the opening, what are your desires and your projects on the spot?
The desire is still the same, especially to bring people together. I think that this should involve even more collaboration and integration of the park space itself in the months to come. The amphitheatre has been a place that has almost been revealed following the pandemic, thanks to the festivals organised by the Gudde Wëllen and the Atelier; there are clearly things to be done by connecting the two places, just like with the Coque, our big neighbour! More concretely, for the coming season, things are going to change quite a bit as it will be the first winter season of the Kyosk, with new heated infrastructures that will allow us to stay open and welcome people in a winter guinguette spirit!
What is the programme for this 10e anniversary weekend?
Lots of music, with no fewer than four DJs coming to mix throughout the weekend: Ben Andrews, Rice Krispie, Gustavo Morales and Zé Eduardo! Lots of good food prepared by our chef Nuno, and at least as much good stuff to drink... And then, lots of memories too, with the screening of photos collected from our customers over the last 10 years... You'll surely be able to see some pictures of the man who made this project possible and who is no stranger to you, since it was thanks to Mike Koedinger that I had the idea of taking over the Kyosk at the time…
Finally, if you could work for a day with a personality of your choice, who would you choose?
The chef would be Florent Ladeyn from Lille, whose work I really admire. And I would love to serve drinks with Bruce Springsteen!
is celebrated on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 October, from 12pm to 10pm.
Kyosk: 10, rue Léon Hengen, Luxembourg (Kirchberg) - access via boulevard JFK and the Coque.
This article was originally written in French for and has been edited and translated for Delano. Not yet subscribed to the weekly Paperjam Foodzilla newsletter?