Maartje Boudeling
Maartje Boudeling | |
|---|---|
| Born | Maartje Hoogstrate January 29, 1939 Yerseke, Netherlands |
| Occupation | Chef |
| Years active | 1960s–2001 |
| Known for | Head chef of Michelin-starred Inter Scaldes |
Maartje Boudeling (born Maartje Hoogstrate on 29 January 1939 in Yerseke) is a former head chef celebrated for her leadership at the Michelin-starred establishment Inter Scaldes located in Kruiningen, Netherlands.
Before embarking on her culinary career, Boudeling trained as a hairdresser in Rotterdam and co-managed a prosperous salon. After marrying Kees Boudeling in 1962, she joined his family’s restaurant situated on the Rijksweg in Kruiningen. Utilizing cooking techniques inherited from her mother, she assumed control of the kitchen. To refine the restaurant’s offerings into fine dining, she undertook comprehensive training throughout France, acquiring expertise from regions such as Alsace to Brittany.
In 1968, the couple purchased a spacious villa previously utilized by the Royal Marechaussee and launched Inter Scaldes at that location. Boudeling became known for prioritizing local ingredients—procuring fresh fish, seafood, and vegetables daily—which contributed significantly to the restaurant’s distinguished reputation.
Under her guidance, Inter Scaldes was awarded its inaugural Michelin star in 1978, a decade after opening, and secured a second star in 1984. The establishment became a member of the Alliance Gastronomique Néerlandaise in 1980 and later joined Les Patrons Cuisiniers in 1992, with Boudeling standing out as its sole female patron-cuisinier.
In 2001, Kees and Maartje Boudeling transferred ownership of Inter Scaldes to Claudia and Jannis Brevet, previously proprietors of Helianthushof in Uden. Additionally, Boudeling founded the culinary contest De Zilveren Oester/Maartje Boudeling Trofee, presented annually since 2006.
Her contributions were acknowledged in 2007 when the food guide Lekker ranked her ninth among the "Most inspiring chefs of the past thirty years."
Awards
- One Michelin star: 1978–1983
- Two Michelin stars: 1984–2001
- Nederlandse Gastronomieprijs NCK Uncle Ben's Ring: 1999
- Awarded ‘Ladychef of the year’: 2000
- Honored as Lady Chef of the Century
- Escoffier Prize from the Alliance Gastronomique Néerlandaise: 2002
Bibliography
- 1998: Koken tussen de Scheldes. Featuring recipes by Maartje Boudeling with text by Fon Zwart.
- 1998: Zilt en Zoet. Zeeuwse zaligheden uit de keuken van Inter Scaldes. Recipes authored by Maartje Boudeling, accompanied by text from Jan Lagrouw and photography by Kees Hageman.