Thijs Meliefste brings cooking at the very highest level to Wolphaartsdijk. If you have worked at several star restaurants and had internships at The Fat Duck in London and the Maaemo in Oslo, it is safe to say that the culinary world is at your feet. How lucky that Thijs decided to translate all this international experience into Zeelandic. On the marina of Wolphaartsdijk, he settled in a beautiful spot and opened the doors of Meliefste on 1 March 2015. Back to his roots because this is where he finds his inspiration to connect flavours and regional products. Going out into nature to source the finest products from his suppliers is something he does with love. Because you can only improve yourself if you are really willing to go that extra mile every time. And that is what Thijs loves doing most. As a young man, he instinctively knew that the very last step brings the most because many are not prepared to go that far. And if you keep that up long enough you start to stand out. It sounds simple, but it requires a top-class sports mentality, which is why Thijs trains four times a week with a personal trainer. You have to be in top form to always be able to take that last step. Fortunately, Michelin also noticed this, because in 2021 Thijs secured the coveted star. Not a game-changer but certainly recognition he greatly appreciates. His wife Anuschka and daughter Noa are an inspiration of a different kind because without their support and love, the picture would not have been right. With hard work comes hard enjoyment. The fact that Thijs is regularly flown in to cook in the most exotic places on earth helps not to forget that taking a little rest is also very nice. And then, of course, it’s great to go with the whole family. But anyway East, West, Wolphaartsdijk best….