The familiar image of chef Jean-Michel Hengge behind his stove in the Ellebogenbuurt in Groningen is disappearing. Restaurant Muller will close on 1 July.
Jean-Michel Hengge turned 65 and sold his property to Sebastiaan Schokker (30) and Maeyke Schokker-Schooljan (36). At the end of August they will open their own restaurant Bellami's Bar à Manger at that location. A completely different concept than restaurant Muller, where Hengge cooked for a Michelin star for years.
Metamorphosis
The two are no strangers to the hospitality industry. Schokker attended hotel school and was behind the bar at, among other things, cafe Wolthoorn & Co† Schooljan was chef and owner of brasserie until three years ago At Van Boven en cafe Hooghoudt on the Grote Markt. Until recently they ran bed and breakfast together Icon Suite in Turftorenstraat. Their plan to start a hotel in Maastricht fell through.
"We have always said: if Jean-Michel stops with Muller, we would like to go there," said the catering company. Now it's almost time. Renovations will take place after 1 July, because the kitchen will have a few extra gas burners and the restaurant is also undergoing a metamorphosis. ,,The atmosphere is un-Groningen, but not necessarily luxurious. And no, Jean-Michel will no longer interfere, but who knows, maybe we can tempt him again next year for a special Muller evening."
Bistro and cheese bar
They will think further about the exact interpretation. But they can already say that Bellami's is becoming a bistro and a cheese bar, where you can have a drink at the bar seven days a week with a small snack and where you can have lunch or dinner with traditional dishes.
"With us, no dots on the plate, but sauces that suit a Burgundian meal."
Source: DvhN.nl
Author: Anita Pepping
