How about a restaurant inside a windmill? I will tell you the story of De Dikkert. This is no ordinary restaurant. It’s a place steeped in history and culinary fame.
De Dikkert began its life as a sawmill in Zaandam in 1672. Imagine the huge blades slicing through timber. Later, in 1896, the mill was moved to Amstelveen. There, it became a flour mill, grinding grain for local bakers.
But by 1929, De Dikkert’s working days were over. The windmill fell into disrepair. It stood silent and unused for many years. Then came a revival. In 1965, De Dikkert was renovated. In 1966, it reopened, ready for a new chapter. This time, as a restaurant.
De Dikkert quickly gained recognition. It became a fine dining establishment. In 1983, it earned a Michelin star. Arjan van Dijk was the head chef during this golden era. He created culinary magic within the windmill’s walls. For almost a decade, De Dikkert held its Michelin star. It was a destination for food lovers.
However, the restaurant faced hard times. In 1992, De Dikkert went bankrupt. Bob Goudsmit owned the restaurant then. During the settlement, Yen Ho Kai bought De Dikkert. He kept the restaurant running.
Although the original Restaurant De Dikkert no longer exists, the story of the building continues. Today, the windmill houses Restaurant De Jonge Dikkert. Since 1994, it has been awarded a Bib Gourmand. This recognizes excellent food at a reasonable price.
Marcel Bonda is the Chef de Cuisine at De Jonge Dikkert. Interestingly, his birthplace was very close to the original location of De Dikkert mill. He describes his style as pure cooking using quality products.
Restaurant De Jonge Dikkert continues to innovate. The interior is contemporary. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual. The restaurant offers private dining in the Molenkamer. It is a unique room in the heart of the mill.
So, while the Michelin-starred days of De Dikkert are gone, the windmill still serves as a culinary landmark. De Dikkert’s legacy lives on through De Jonge Dikkert. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of this historic windmill.