Q&A with Thérèse Boer
As always, Thérèse Boer is busy with all sorts of things. She has her own wine (Kus van Thérèse) and, together with Astrid Joosten, a wine website. There is also a project underway in Dubai to open a restaurant there. At the moment, they are working hard to find a suitable location. And then, of course, there is her ‘regular’ job as sommelier and hostess at De Librije.
Which food trend should we stop immediately?
I don’t follow food trends. I eat what makes me feel good and gives me energy. In my opinion, that’s the most important thing.
Most memorable dining experience?
An acquaintance of ours lives in Panama and knew that Jonnie and I wanted to get to know the country and the Indigenous tribes. So he put together a fun trip for us. We went into the jungle, sailed across the rivers and visited the San Blas Islands. We slept in an open hut there; everything was very primitive. As part of the holiday, we visited the Indigenous people and ate rabbit liver there. That was very special, mainly because of the unique setting.
Favorite drink
I only drink tea, water and wine, and very occasionally, after we’ve had a good meal, a grappa to aid digestion. But wine is definitely my favorite. I drink a variety, but preferably white. I love Chardonnay, a white Bordeaux or Burgundy.
Essential kitchen gadget?
A sandwich maker, because I make toasted sandwiches for the children. But when cooking is involved, Jonnie does it, and during the week we eat the staff meal at home. We live close to the restaurant, after all. I set the table, and that’s about all I do.
Wine is definitely my favorite. I drink a variety, but preferably white. I love Chardonnay, a white Bordeaux or Burgundy.
What would you never eat again?
In 2007, we went to Limoux in southern France. We catered a dinner there for two thousand guests. While we were there, we were also invited to a dinner ourselves, where we were served a ragout made from sheep’s stomach. It was so disgusting! It was a slimy mass and the smell was awful. I tried a very small bite, but I really never want to eat that again. If it’s prepared differently, it might be tasty. For example, I once ate duck intestines in China, and those were actually very good.
Which country is your favorite when it comes to food?
I absolutely love Thai cuisine. The flavors, fresh herbs, curries and salads really appeal to both Jonnie and me. We love traveling toward Asia.
What should everyone try at least once?
Langoustine cooked in kombucha vinegar, a dish by Jonnie. He made vinegar from kombucha and lets the langoustine cook in it for a few hours. This natural cooking process gives it a very refined, beautiful freshness. Every guest who tries the dish thinks it’s absolutely fantastic.
What is the best product from the supermarket?
I don’t go to the supermarket myself, but our babysitter does the shopping. She doesn’t buy products such as vegetables and meat there, but mainly household items like toothpaste and detergent.
What is still on your culinary wish list?
We would really love to go to Korea and Vietnam, because we’ve never been there. The cuisine of those countries is supposed to be truly fantastic. This summer we’re heading to the Caribbean, because we’ll be catering another dinner there, but next year we’re definitely going to Asia.
Which cookbook should everyone have on their shelf?
We went to San Francisco and ate at Bar Tartine by Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson. Together, they have created three simple cookbooks with wonderfully fun recipes. And they look beautiful and trendy, as is often the case these days. But most importantly: everything is truly delicious.
What do you like to make at home when you want to eat quickly and well?
Jonnie can quickly make a piece of fish with a salad. It’s very tasty.
Which dish do you have no self-control around?
I think oysters are incredibly delicious, but I also love chocolate, especially Valrohna and Callebaut are my favorites.
Text: Nora van den Heuvel
