Jonnie Boer, Renowned Dutch Michelin-Starred Chef, Dies at 60

Jonnie Boer, the acclaimed Dutch chef and co-owner of the three Michelin-starred restaurant De Librije in Zwolle, Netherlands, has passed away at the age of 60. He died on April 23, 2025, from a pulmonary embolism while vacationing on the Caribbean island of Bonaire .VRT+8thetimes.co.uk+8Wikipedia+8NRC+4DutchNews.nl+4Wikipedia+4

A Culinary Pioneer

Born on January 9, 1965, in Giethoorn, a village in the Netherlands, Jonnie Boer began his culinary journey at the age of 17. He worked his way up through various kitchens, eventually becoming the head chef at De Librije in 1989. In 1993, he and his wife, Thérèse Boer, purchased the restaurant, marking the beginning of a new era .Nednieuws+3Wikipedia+3nos.nl+3thetimes.co.uk

Under their leadership, De Librije garnered its first Michelin star in 1993, a second in 1999, and a third in 2004, making it the only three-star Michelin restaurant in the Netherlands. Jonnie Boer was known for his innovative approach to Dutch cuisine, emphasizing local ingredients and sustainability. He often foraged for wild herbs and used techniques like fermenting and preserving to highlight the natural flavors of his dishes .thetimes.co.ukNRC

Expanding the Culinary Legacy

Beyond De Librije, Jonnie and Thérèse Boer expanded their culinary empire with several ventures. They opened Brass Boer restaurants in Zwolle, Curaçao, and Bonaire, offering a more relaxed dining experience while maintaining high culinary standards. In Zwolle, they also established Librije's Hotel, a boutique hotel housed in a former women's prison, and Librije's Atelier, a cooking school. These establishments allowed them to share their passion for food and hospitality with a broader audience .VRT+8Nednieuws+8ZwolleNu+8NRC+1ZwolleNu+1thetimes.co.uk+1Wikipedia+1ZwolleNu

A Legacy of Mentorship

Jonnie Boer was not only a chef but also a mentor to many aspiring cooks. Several renowned chefs, including Sidney Schutte and Jeroen Achtien, honed their skills under his guidance at De Librije. He was known for his dedication to excellence and his ability to inspire those around him .NednieuwsNRC

Tributes from the Culinary World

The news of Jonnie Boer's passing has sent shockwaves through the culinary community. Many chefs and restaurateurs have expressed their condolences and admiration for his work. Chef Rik van de Laar, who worked at De Librije for seven years, described Boer as "a giant from whom I learned the most." He praised Boer's deep connection to nature and his commitment to working with pure flavors .nos.nl

Michelin also paid tribute to Boer, acknowledging his significant contribution to the development of Dutch gastronomy. The organization highlighted his use of regional products and wild herbs, which set him apart as a unique personality in the culinary world .thetimes.co.uk+4Nednieuws+4DutchNews.nl+4VRT

Family and Future

Jonnie Boer is survived by his wife, Thérèse, and their two children, Jimmie and Isabelle. In recent years, the next generation has taken on more responsibilities at De Librije, ensuring the continuation of the family's culinary legacy. Jonnie Boer had expressed his satisfaction in seeing the restaurant remain within the family, stating that it was time for him to step back after years of hard work .Wikipedia+7thetimes.co.uk+7ZwolleNu+7VRT+8ZwolleNu+8strrn.nl+8DutchNews.nl

Jonnie Boer's passing marks the end of an era in Dutch cuisine. His innovative approach, dedication to local ingredients, and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the culinary world. As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that his influence will be felt for generations to come.