What is the best thing that I love about my work?
You know, I realized this the other day when I was walking on The Union Square Farmers Market to get products for a private dinner or something. The day before I sat down in a café, I imagined a menu or a dish, I could taste the flavors in my mind, what works, what excites. After this I go to the market and meet these really passionate farmers and I talk with them about what nature gives us. After that I get to work with this beautiful produce and at last I make people happy with it. It’s about finding your place in the world really.
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
I’m still figuring that out. I think that it usually takes a lifetime to find out.
What is my greatest fear?
I’ve been pretty much at the bottom of things. I don’t want to go back to that. That said, I think you can always get back on your feet, no matter how bad things get.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I wish I cared more for money. It would probably make me a better businessman. But I just don’t care.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
I admire more people outside of my profession actually! But I’ve been a fan of Sergio Herman, he really inspired me when I just started out. But nowadays I really admire Francis Mallman. I learned from him that I have to find my own voice in cooking.
What is my greatest extravagance?
I tend to spent a lot of money on food and wine
On what occasion would I lie?
When I have to be rude without it to be functional
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
That it is lots of work for just enough money to pay the bills
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I’m the happiest right now. I have total freedom in creativity and I can pay the bills.. and I get to sleep reasonable hours haha.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I want to be better at business, sell myself better, you know. I’m working on it.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
I baked my first cookie in September 2012 and I got hired at Eleven Madison Park (best restaurant in the world) as a pastry cook in May 2015. To go from nothing to work at that level, was sure an amazing but tough journey. It was a great start of my career.
Where would I most like to live?
Can I live in multiple places on earth?
1)In our little house in Leiden
2)In New York
3)On a quiet mountain in Tirol
4)In Italy
So far, that’s 2 out of 4 haha
What is my most treasured possession?
My house in Leiden. Besides from that, I don’t care so much about things.
What is my most marked characteristic?
People do not very often mark my characteristics..I recently heard that I am ego-less. I thought that was a beautiful compliment.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
The Farmers market I think.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
I love Ciccio. That’s our go to restaurant to celebrate.
What books influenced my life and how?
I’m not much of a reader. But I’m a fan of Effortless Mastery.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
I’m a huge Led Zeppelin fan, so I would wake up with that and after lunch switch to my wife’s music. I think it’s just lovely.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
James Bond. He always keeps his head cool. And he wears nice suits.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
I admire my parents for raising me, that must have been tough. But I think my wife is my hero for accepting me for who I am.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
To hard to choose: I thought Benjamin Button was a great work of art. But when we talk about my field of work everyone should see ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’ which is about a 91 year old sushi chef that has been working since he was 7 and still works every single day to come closer to what he believes is perfection.
What role plays art in my life and work?
A bigger one every day. I believe that art brings something unusual into everyday life. This activates the brain to think in ways that it never would. I need art in my life because it gives me a broader perspective on the world. Have you ever been to a contemporary art museum in the morning? And how did you feel the rest of the day? This is why I need art in my life.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My wife: all of the above. And I am hers.
Whom would I like to work with in 2017?
I really like to cook with people who aren’t necessary professionals but just love food. They always remind about the joy of cooking. So a whole bunch of those please.
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2017?
Francis Mallman. He looks like he is a very nice person. I would like to drink a huge bottle of red wine with him and talk about life.
What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on?
The ChocoJazz canvas project. It’s a free improvised pastry-artwork, live painted while my wife is improvising free jazz to my movements.
Where can you see me or my work in 2017?
We have a great event coming up June 11th in Leiden, Netherlands: ChocoJazz Meets De Stijl. We are going to make 4 of these pastry paintings with a string quartet playing to it. I am very excited about this.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
Wes Jackson once said: “If your life’s work can be accomplished in your lifetime, you’re not thinking big enough”
80 year old Mr. Jackson is still working, by the way.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
A friend and his wife here in New York are architects, they’re something like Charles and Ray Eames.
How can you contact me?
facebook, instagram, www.chocojazz.com and you get your tickets for the ChocoJazz meets De Stijl event on June 11th at https://shop3.ticketscript.com/channel/html/get-products/rid/HBFQXCHG/eid/345226/date/2017-06-11/tsid/261854/sid/0/language/nl
The Hero's Journey 