the team

I get to work together with amazing team of people. People that challenge me and inspire me to become better. Down below you will find a sneak peak (in random order) of the team that you will meet during a visit to our restaurant or external event.

sanne achtien

Hostess

My lovely wife since 2021. The last couple years have been a rollercoaster, and I couldn’t have done it all without her. She is my backup in things I’m not good at and vice versa. We think alike, but that does not hold her back to be critical towards me.

She is also critical towards her team, but in a respectful way where she pushes people to grow and become the best version of themselves.

Sanne always creates the best atmosphere and knows how to keep the team motivated, no matter how hectic it can be. An underrated skill that is often overlooked.

jasper rijkers

Sommelier

Jasper Rijkers worked at the restaurant of Ralf Berendsen, a fantastic two-Michelin-star establishment that unfortunately just closed.

Originally from Brabant, Jasper was thoughtful about returning to the Netherlands and looked for a place close to the Belgian border. He really enjoys working with Belgian guests, who have a strong culinary background.

Jasper has a more classic approach to wine, and we give him full freedom to bring his own vision. He approaches his work with great professionalism and makes very thoughtful decisions.

Our collaboration already feels natural, and that mutual trust is what matters most to me. Jasper’s calm energy, deep knowledge, and passion for wine make him a wonderful addition to Inter Scaldes.

gertjan tempert

Sous chef

Gert-Jan has been with us since day one. He applied while Sanne and I were still in Switzerland and was one of the first to join the team. Before that, he worked at Schanz in Germany, a three-Michelin-star restaurant, and also spent time at De Groene Lantaarn with Jarno Eggen. When I called Jarno for a reference, he told me, ‘Don’t hesitate—hire him right away!’ That said a lot.

Gert-Jan knows how demanding this profession can be, but also how much joy it brings. He has a solid foundation, excellent technical skills, and a very creative mind. When I share ideas, he always adds his own twist based on experience. We both prefer creating over copying, finding our own style that fits Inter Scaldes perfectly. For me, it was clear early on: Gert-Jan is true talent.

Nick van der heijden

Maître

Nick, our maître, has been with us at Inter Scaldes since day one. We first met him while he was working on Bonaire. During our holiday there, he told a friend of ours that if he ever returned to the Netherlands, this would be the place he’d want to work. And especially for us. He reached out for a conversation, and even though he was super nervous, the connection was instant. Nick is such a positive, fun person to be around.

At only 25, he already brings great energy and leadership to the restaurant. He moves through the dining room full of life, always smiling, and has a natural way of lifting the mood of both guests and the team. He’s humble, hard-working, and passionate about what he does. Nick is a real talent in hospitality, and I hope to work with him for many years to come.