Regional and sustainable local produce is transformed into works of art on guests’ plates. In the restaurant, guests take their seats under an imposing glass roof. Overlooking the sky, guests experience the sun, rain, clouds and onset of night very closely.
Hospitality and pampering guests: this is what Jonnie and Thérèse stand for. Hospitality is about welcoming guests with warmth, as if they were at home. Making them feel at home, putting them at ease and yet surprising them. This is what Jonnie and Thérèse see as their daily challenge. They put their heart and soul into demonstrating the loving relationship between wine and food. Savour, taste and experience. Wild and creative. Award-winning, admired and coveted. Guests expect a lot. But they are getting even more.
Nature is the source of inspiration for Jonnie Boer to prepare unique taste experiences. Together with the hospitality of Thérèse Boer, this ensures an unforgettable experience for the guests.
How it all started
Jonnie and Thérèse grew up in Giethoorn. At the age of twenty-four, they moved to Zwolle when Jonnie became the head chef at De Librije. At that time, De Librije was located at Broerenkerkplein in a listed building.
The first Michelin star
In 1993, Jonnie and Thérèse Boer took over De Librije, and shortly thereafter, Jonnie received his first Michelin star. Meanwhile, Thérèse had developed into a respected wine connoisseur and hostess. During the 1990s, the culinary couple laid a solid foundation for the De Librije of today.
Awards for their work
In 1999, the second star followed, making Jonnie Boer, at the age of 33, the youngest two-star chef at that time.
The great move
The former women’s prison in Zwolle, known as the Spinhuis, was purchased by Jonnie and Thérèse in early 2000. They started their hotel there, offering luxurious accommodation for their guests. The Spinhuis also housed Librije’s Atelier, the cooking and wine school they had established. Librije’s Zusje, Jonnie and Thérèse’s second restaurant, was also located in the prison. When Librije’s Zusje moved to Amsterdam, it was the perfect moment to relocate De Librije from Broerenkerkplein to the women’s prison. Everything under one roof: dining and sleeping. The tables in the restaurant are set in the former prison courtyard, providing a view of all weather conditions.
The third Michelin star
Since 2004, De Librije has held a third Michelin star, and it is now the restaurant with the longest continuous tenure of three stars.
Sustainable gastronomy
The green star, an award for sustainable gastronomy, was added in 2021. De Librije has its own greenhouse and vegetable garden, and sources products from the local area. Additionally, Jonnie forages for wild ingredients throughout the year.
A glimpse behind the scenes
Jonnie and Thérèse’s latest concept is called ‘De Librije Backstage.’ The couple offers guests a unique behind-the-scenes experience. Fine dining in an intimate private setting, where guests sometimes even get involved in the process. The refined techniques from the kitchen can be admired up close. Taste and experience. Backstage fits with De Librije: innovative and mysterious.
De Librije 30 years
To ensure the future of this beautiful establishment, the next generation is being prepared. In July 2023, Jimmie and Isabelle, Jonnie and Thérèse’s children, and head chef Nelson Tanate were added to the company. They received the Next Generation Keys, the keys to the prison doors. With these keys, they have access to De Librije, ensuring a secure future for you as loyal guests and ambassadors of De Librije. All three share the Librije DNA, guaranteeing continuity and quality, which is paramount.
Together with Jimmie, Isabelle, and Nelson, Jonnie and Thérèse are looking forward to a sparkling future, and De Librije is stronger than ever!
Uncharted paths
“Expanding the Librije family was not an objective. It is not a preconceived plan. Timing is important, so when something comes our way, we examine whether it is feasible. We have great people and together we have grown into the company we are today. We find training and mentoring young people incredibly rewarding. Doing business on this scale suits the phase we are in,” Jonnie and Thérèse said. Meanwhile, Jonnie and Thérèse have four restaurants in Zwolle: Brass Boer Thuis (1 Michelin star), Senang Restaurant & Lounge, Brasserie Jansen and De Librije. Brass Boer also has restaurants in Bonaire and Curaçao.