How did you find yourself working as Concept Chef at Carstens? My path crossed with Carstens and I loved the location of the restaurant. The team and I created the entire concept from the dishes to the furniture and I am really proud of the end result.
What can we expect from the menu and dining experience at Carstens? It’s an experience where you can sit with your loved ones, family, children and simply enjoy eating good food made with excellent ingredients. The menu
is built around Dutch produce and the food is based on traditional dishes but with a twist.
What do you think will make Carstens special and make people return? We created a cosy Brasserie where locals and businesses love to come and enjoy great, tasty food. The ambition is that Carstens will also become a household name in Amsterdam with a homely atmosphere, and I hope, of course, great food and a good glass of wine.
What would you choose for the perfect meal from Carstens? I think my favourites are the Dutch versions of the Caesar Salad and the Steak Tartare. You can wake me up for these dishes.
Tell us a bit about the area in Amsterdam around Carstens. It’s situated across from the Central Station so one of the busiest places in the city. It’s also slightly hidden, the entrance is tucked in a small lane behind the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love thinking about flavours. Is this the best combination? Can I make this dish even better by adding something else? Creating a dish is a process, and I guess I’m in love with this process.
“I THINK MY FAVOURITES ARE THE DUTCH VERSIONS OF THE CAESAR SALAD AND THE STEAK TARTARE. YOU CAN WAKE ME UP FOR THESE DISHES.”
Is there anything about your job that you think people would be surprised to hear about? At home, I don’t feel like cooking anymore because I am busy cooking all day. So my wife does all the cooking for our family.
What do you like to cook for yourself at home? I love it when my wife cooks comfort dishes like her chicken ragout.
Visit the Carstens website for more information www.carstensbrasserie.nl.