Estée Strooker

About Estée Strooker

While her peers were studying, Estée Strooker was searching. She wanted to do something creative, started a degree in law and journalism, but after a shortened culinary training in Paris, she knew she wanted to enter the culinary world. Estée interned at various top restaurants but realized she preferred to start her own business. When the Masterchef program came to television in the Netherlands, Estée saw her chance and… won!

With the prize money, she opened her first restaurant when she was twenty. That was over 9 years ago. Currently, Estée runs not only ‘t Amusement but also a second establishment: Eetwinkel STROOM. Furthermore, she has three cookbooks to her name, presented programs on 24Kitchen, and regularly develops creative culinary concepts.

As is often the case with entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship goes hand in hand with a personal quest. For Estée, this has been the case in the kitchen. Because; how do you stand your ground as a ‘girl’ in a world that is predominantly male?

As a chef, you are also obliged to critically examine our food system. Estée works as circularly, locally, and seasonally as possible. Additionally, she is an advocate for Dutch Cuisine and our Dutch food culture (something to be proud of!) and is committed to combating food waste.

Corona has brought a shift in her vision of entrepreneurship. She has more peace, more time for movement and healthy nutrition. There is more balance. That can sometimes be hard to find in a restaurant kitchen, she can tell you.

Regarding these topics, she loves to inspire others. This can be through a presentation, but of course also in combination with a cooking demonstration or tasting.

Estée also enjoys collaborating with her colleague Rianne, who provides sports lessons. Together, they talk about the importance of movement, healthy nutrition, and balance. In a short workout session, Rianne will guide you through some exercises that you can then apply at home. A nice intense full-body workout, or a yoga class to de-stress.