SOUS Stories: Ron Blaauw

Ron Blaauw: “A place where you can relax and a place where you can be yourself”

In the culinary search for what drives chefs, we join them at the table with ‘SOUS Stories’ and discuss their path to success. This week, we feature a true ambassador of the hospitality industry: Ron Blaauw.

Ron Blaauw is one of the Netherlands' most famous top chefs. With his restaurants, he managed to earn multiple Michelin stars. What does a restaurant mean to him? Everything! Being together, a place where you can relax and a place where you can be yourself," says Ron. “But also a place where I feel safe, but above all a place where people are enjoying themselves with a big smile. With the sound of cutlery and the murmur of conversation, because that really is the ultimate sound.”

When asked how Ron managed to reach the culinary top, he answers: “I think I got to where I am now by daring to make many mistakes, learning from them, but also by falling down and getting back up again. Sometimes you inevitably take a step back, but then it’s important to take two steps forward again. But above all: never give up and always keep enjoying it.”

And when you think of Ron Blaauw, you also think of his delicious Indonesian dishes. According to Ron, Indonesian cuisine is synonymous with a piece of history and the ultimate taste experience. “A rijsttafel is very versatile with all those different bowls on the table, you can see it as modern tapas. And the great thing is: if you order it, there’s hardly any preparation time.” But, Ron certainly invites enthusiastic home cooks to stir the pans themselves: “You can take courses with us to make your own rendang, sambal, and other things.”

And of course, Ron himself also has a favorite dish: “Definitely the nasi, from the recipe of our chef Agus. He knows exactly how spicy it should be, but also the use of trassi in the nasi is essential. The taste experience that Agus manages to create is unique.

Ron continues: “When I go on holiday to Thailand, I can’t wait to immerse myself in the local cuisine. But after two days of Thai food, I’ve had enough. For example, I don’t have that with Indonesian cuisine: I can’t get enough of it. Delicious!”

And which cookbooks should really not be missing from the shelf? Ron answers with a laugh: “10 years of Gastrobar, of course! And in addition, I can definitely recommend the book by Paul Bocuse or by Escoffier for anyone interested in classic cuisine. Here you’ll find all the classic French preparations, from making a salpicon ragout to a Beef Wellington. I think basic techniques are essential if you love cooking.” According to Ron, people often skip these and prefer to choose a modern or popular book by Ottolenghi or Jamie Oliver.

When Ron cooks at home, he enjoys his fried potatoes the most. When asked what makes these potatoes so special, he answers: “That’s a secret! I can’t reveal anything about that. In fact, there’s really a veto on that!”

The most special experience Ron has had outside the home was at Paul Bocuse. “I’ve had many wonderful culinary experiences, but this one stands out head and shoulders above the rest for me. I was there with my kids, and my son, who at the time didn’t like much, was served an amazing sole. He was enjoying it so much.” The service was also really top-notch, says Ron, “The kids were completely spoiled, and that dessert trolley was just incredible to see!”

Finally, we ask Ron what the collaboration with SOUS means to him. “The collaboration initially arose from an emergency situation during the corona period. But, even after this period, many people still wanted to dine at home. And understandably so, because how fun is it to bring a restaurant experience into your home?! And then it’s also on the table in no time, without having to go through all sorts of hassle.”

Did you miss SOUS Stories part 1? Then read it here back!

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