Three-Michelin Star chef Jonnie Boer dead at 60; Co-owned De Librije
Jonnie Boer, one of the top chefs working in the Netherlands, died on Wednesday at the age of 60 from a pulmonary embolism. Boer ran the renowned restaurant De Librije with his wife and partner, Thérèse Boer, who confirmed the death to the Telegraaf. Their Zwolle establishment is the only one in the country to hold three Michelin Stars, and frequently ranks as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world.
Boer died on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire, a spokesperson for the family said. Branches of two of their other restaurants, Brass Boer and Senang, are located on the island. The spokesperson did not say why the chef was in Bonaire, nor where he was when he passed away.
“We will not make any further announcements about that,” he said. “It is very sad for everyone.”
Recently, the family became the subject of De Opvolging, a television series following the development of the restauranteurs’ business as they brought their children in to help run the company. “We will make you proud!” wrote their daughter, Isabelle Boer, in a post on Instagram.
“Thank you for everything you have given me. I will make you proud even though you won’t be here to see it. See you soon, old man,” wrote their son, Jimmie Boer.
Jonnie Boer was known for running the restaurant’s kitchen, with Thérèse Boer running the front-of-house, and taking on sommelier duties. They took on the roles when working for the previous owner in the 1980s, before acquiring the restaurant in 1993.
They received the first Michelin Star that year, the second in 1999, and the third in 2004. The chef was also awarded a Green Michelin Star for De Librije in 2021 for the restaurant’s push towards sustainability, and procuring ingredients from local suppliers.
Over the years, they moved the restaurant to a new location, opened a hotel, a cooking school, and several other restaurants. Their more casual Brass Boer Thuis was awarded a Michelin Star in 2023, four years after it opened. They also launched Senang in their home city, which was handed a Bib Gourmand in 2023 for an excellent experience at a lower price point.
Both Brass Boer and Senang have locations on Bonaire. There is also a Brass Boer location on Curaçao.
