Robert Poel

I literally grew up in Jacob Jan Boerma’s kitchen! Right after I finished school, I joined the kitchen of De Leest*** in Vaassen, NL. It was an amazing opportunity to learn great things. Not only did I learn the tips and tricks of the culinary arts, I have also had the opportunity to kook abroad in other amazing restaurants.

A food festival always has a magic touch. You can taste the energy of the chefs, the guests and the ambiance. I always experience a “now or never”-feeling. It is extremely exciting to participate in this event because you get to learn so much from other prestigious chefs from all around the world!

In December 2018, I was completely overwhelmed with the fact that our Restaurant Voltaire* received a Michelin star. Our restaurant was still young, but this star gave me an extra boost to prove myself! At the same time, I felt the extreme need to show to everyone how much potential there is within the Dutch (star)kitchens. The International Gourmet Festival Chefs at the Parc is a perfect platform to showcase all the talents and I am extremely proud to be allowed to be one of the hosts.

Of course, it is also exciting to participate in the organization of such a great event. Some nights, I can’t get any sleep because I cannot wait for the adventure to start again! I cannot wait to look over the shoulders of all the other excellent chefs. I travelled around the world to meet them, but now they come to us, and I couldn’t be happier about it!