After a decade of culinary excellence, renowned chef Thijs Meliefste has announced the closure of his Michelin-starred restaurant Meliefste in Wolphaartsdijk, Zeeland. The beloved establishment, which opened its doors in 2015, will serve its final meals on September 1, 2025. Meliefste, 38, and his wife Anuschka have decided to step back from the demanding world of fine dining to focus on family and personal well-being.
In a heartfelt statement to Omroep Zeeland, Meliefste explained the couple's decision: "Anuschka and I consciously choose to take more time for each other as entrepreneurs and as a family." This choice comes in light of Anuschka's recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that has impacted her ability to participate fully in the restaurant's operations.
Reflecting on their ten years together, Meliefste shared, "It has been ten wonderful years, but they have also been long days with little free time." He expressed hope that the closure would allow them to finally enjoy some well-deserved time off, stating, "After the closure, we will finally be able to spend more time together and perhaps even take a few weeks of vacation." The couple's journey in the culinary world has been marked by numerous accolades, including Meliefste being named "Young Chef of the Year" by the culinary guide Gault&Millau in 2020.
Restaurant Meliefste has garnered a reputation for its exquisite dishes inspired by the local landscape, particularly the Veerse Meer, which the restaurant overlooks. The establishment earned its Michelin star on March 29, 2021, and has maintained a high ranking in various culinary guides, including a score of 17.5 points from Gault&Millau. It was also recognized as the fastest riser in the top 100 of Lekker500 for three consecutive years, currently holding the 14th position.
Despite the closure, Meliefste has plans to remain active in the culinary scene. He hinted at a promising international project in the works, although details remain under wraps. "There are beautiful things on the horizon that are very challenging and educational. I look forward to it, but I cannot say anything about it yet," he said. This new venture is expected to require less time than running a full-scale restaurant.
Meliefste's commitment to the culinary arts remains strong, and he does not rule out the possibility of opening a new restaurant in the future. He emphasized the need for a more sustainable approach to top gastronomy, stating, "We see it as a challenge to make top gastronomy more sustainable, so that staff do not have to work long weeks, yet we can still deliver the highest quality." This vision aligns with a growing trend in the restaurant industry, where work-life balance is becoming increasingly important.
The closure of Meliefste in September will leave Zeeland with six restaurants holding one or more Michelin stars, a testament to the region's vibrant culinary landscape. As Meliefste prepares to bid farewell to his restaurant, he reflects on the journey with gratitude and optimism for what lies ahead.
Since its inception, Restaurant Meliefste has been a beacon of culinary innovation, showcasing the best of Zeeland's local produce and flavors. The restaurant's menu has always been a reflection of its surroundings, with dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients sourced from the region. Meliefste's approach to cooking has earned him a loyal following and respect among peers, making the announcement of the restaurant's closure a significant moment in the local food scene.
Looking back, Meliefste recalls how quickly his restaurant gained recognition. Soon after opening, he was considered a candidate for a Michelin star, which he ultimately received six years later. Despite the anticipation and speculation surrounding his potential for a second star, it has yet to materialize. Nonetheless, Meliefste's culinary journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
As the final days of Restaurant Meliefste approach, both Thijs and Anuschka are focused on cherishing their time together and preparing for the next chapter of their lives. The couple's decision to close their restaurant reflects a broader conversation within the hospitality industry about the importance of balance and well-being.
In a world where the demands of the restaurant business can often overshadow personal life, Meliefste's story serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize family and health. As they prepare for this transition, the couple is excited about the opportunities that await them, both personally and professionally.
In the coming months, as Meliefste wraps up his restaurant's operations, he hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the culinary world, one that inspires others to pursue their passions while maintaining a healthy balance. The closure of Restaurant Meliefste marks the end of an era, but it also signals the beginning of new adventures for Thijs and Anuschka Meliefste.
