Cas Spijkers
Cas Spijkers | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 January 1946 Tilburg, Netherlands |
| Died | 29 October 2011 (aged 65) Oirschot, Netherlands |
| Occupation(s) | Head chef, author |
| Known for | Head chef at De Swaen, culinary television series, cookbooks, Cas Spijkers Academie |
Caspar Henricus Augustinus (Cas) Spijkers (born 12 January 1946 in Tilburg – died 29 October 2011 in Oirschot) was a renowned Dutch head chef and author known for multiple cookbooks. He achieved fame through his culinary television series. In 1980, Spijkers took the helm as head chef at restaurant De Swaen, securing its first Michelin star in 1981 and elevating it to two stars by 1984. Following his departure in 1998, the establishment subsequently lost its Michelin recognition.
After The Swaen
Spijkers collaborated with "Princess Household Appliances BV" to endorse their kitchen products and received backing for his temporary dining concept Chez Cas held at "De Kersentuin" in Amsterdam during 2006.
The year 2007 marked the inception of the Cas Spijkers Academie, an elite culinary institute founded under his leadership. This Academy, created in partnership with various educational institutions, officially commenced in 2009 in Boxmeer.
Controversy
In 2005, writer Ronald Giphart released the novel Troost, which purportedly drew inspiration from Cas Spijkers and De Swaen. Spijkers reacted with astonishment at being associated with the decline of De Swaen, emphasizing that he had left well before the restaurant lost its Michelin stars.
Personal life
Spijkers received a diagnosis of esophageal cancer in November 2010.
On 6 July 2011, he was honored as a Knight of the Order of Orange Nassau in recognition of his impactful contributions to Dutch gastronomy.
He succumbed to his illness on 29 October 2011 at age 65.
Bibliography
- En Cas (2005); And Cas
- Cas kookt kunst (2004); Cas cooks Art
- Het basiskookboek (2004); The basic cookbook
- Leer koken met Cas Spijkers (2000); Learn to cook with Cas Spijkers
- Kerst met Cas (1998); Christmas with Cas
- Bijzondere hoofdgerechten (1998); Special main courses
- Bijzondere gerechten met kaas (1997); Special dishes with cheese
- Bijzondere voorgerechten (1997); Special entrees
- Bijzondere nagerechten (1997); Special desserts
- Mijn keuken (1997); My Kitchen
- Cas Spijkers en zijn Swaen (1986, 1998); Cas Spijkers and his Swaen (1986, revised 1998)