What (star) chefs think of other people’s cooking skills
Ever since I could talk, I’ve been asking questions. Good questions, stupid questions (because yes, those definitely do exist), strange questions and useful questions. I do the same in this column. Ask questions. To (star) chefs. A different one every week. Not a different chef, but a different question. This week: do your friends (who aren’t chefs) and your partner still dare to cook for you? And more importantly: can they?
Freek van Noortwijk (including Breda, Guts & Glory, Maris Piper): “Katja cooked for me just yesterday, but otherwise I don’t often find myself in situations where other people cook for me. When friends do, they often cover themselves in advance. Things like: ‘Yes, I probably can’t do it as well as you,’ I understand, but it doesn’t matter to me. Everyone is good at something different.”
Schilo van Coevorden (Taiko): “They always make a big deal out of it, but as long as it’s cooked with love, it’s not a problem. Sometimes it isn’t edible, but I always adapt. Keep it simple, don’t overcomplicate things, and it’ll be fine.”
Joris Bijdendijk (RIJKS *): “I sometimes hear that someone finds it nerve-racking, but it really doesn’t have to be! It’s actually nice to be invited.”
Sergio Herman (including The Jane**, Pure C, Frites Atelier): “Of course! Some are better at it than others, but I’d find it really sad if they didn’t. I’m definitely not the asshole who’s going to say something about it or anything. If you’re not a kitchen prince or princess, you don’t have to go all out for me either—just keep it simple.”
Edwin Vinke (De Kromme Watergang **): “Of course they dare. I always say, please keep it simple. As for whether they can cook? Everyone can cook something delicious.”
Pascal Jalhay: “I’ll never be critical when friends or family cook. Many of them really can’t cook, but it’s always genuinely gezellig, and that’s what matters!”
Onno Kokmeijer (Ciel Bleu**): “Absolutely! You’re guaranteed to eat well because they pull out all the stops. We’ll always appreciate it, because everyone can cook.”
Arjan Speelman (Ciel Bleu**): “As long as I keep quiet, yes.”
Jonnie Boer (De Librije ***): “Of course—don’t overcomplicate things.”
Jacob Jan Boerma (De Leest ***): “Absolutely! In fact, they want to make an extra effort to make something of it, and sometimes I’m genuinely mega-surprised.”
Also read:
- I asked (star) chefs about their hangover food
- These are the ready-made foods (star) chefs always buy
- What (star) chefs think of other people’s cooking skills
- I asked (star) chefs where they most like to eat out
- These are the biggest misconceptions about chefs, according to chefs
- I asked (star) chefs about their favorite food chain
- I asked (star) chefs about their guilty pleasure
- What do (star) chefs eat when they’re drunk?
