De Librije

Last week I travelled all the way to the tiny city of Zwolle in the north of Holland, the reason why was a meeting with the Dutch Pastry Team. Like always, we have our meetings at the workplace or home of one of the members. Nothing special you might think, and your'e probably right, but for me it was not just a meeting like any other because of my michelin star background.

We were invited by our follow team member Tom van de Veen, who runs the pastry brigade at the 3 michelin star "Librije" restaurant in the heart of this small city. Of course we didn't have dinner in the main restaurant but we had a beautiful tour of the whole place, some nice things to taste, and to finished of with our meeting. And I had to say I was amazed. Over the years the restaurant became more then just a Michelin star temple, they also have a hotel, shop, culinary school and a second, more formal restaurant called "Librije's Zusje".

While the Librije is located in the centre of the city in a beautiful restored 15th century library, The hotel, the culinary school and Librije's Zusje are all located a stone throw away in a 18th century women's prison. It's beautifully restored and they have managed to keep some of that prison's caracter without making it feel like only convicted woman can run around over there.

The hotel looks very nice. If I remember correctly they have about 19 rooms, but all of them are very tastefully decorated and have beautiful bed- and bathrooms. They have a very contemporary feel and relaxed atmosphere hanging over them. In the middle of the hotel, you have the old courtyard which has a huge tent over it and has a nice lounge feel to it.

The culinary school called "Librije's Atelier" looks just mind blowing. Its one of the most impressive kitchens I have seen and it looked a well organized space. They give cooking lessons but also have a wine atelier for wine courses. Funny anecdote is that always when a Michelin star chef comes to eat in the restaurant they give them a ceiling tile from Librije's Atelier to sign, so the half of the kitchen has signed tiles on the ceiling.

Librije's Zusje which is supposed to be Librije's little sister restaurant with a more relaxed and more formal restaurant but only six months after the opening in 2008 they already received a Michelin star, and last year they received a second star, which made the expectations only bigger and the costumers more critical.

We also got some little things to taste, like a strawberry, filled with elderflower gelly and strawberry mousse, and a selection of house made chocolates during our meeting. Although we did not have dinner there, I definitely know where I will be going next ;-) I was really impressed with the whole organisation of this culinary pearl in Holland and that is why I wrote this post today, cause I want all of you to go as well and be amazed, because this is one of those special culinary destinations that you don't come across often, I guarantee that.