Chef and artistic talent Syrco Bakker was born in Veghel in the south of The Netherlands on 14 November 1984 and grew up in Oisterwijk, a quaint town not far from his birthplace. A go-getter by nature, Syrco is always looking for ways to improve and create, especially in the culinary world.
Starting his career in the industry as a humble dishwasher, the determined young Syrco quickly moved up the ranks to become one of the kitchen staff at the 4-star Landgoed De Rosep in Oisterwijk. Born to cook, he got his degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management and poured his heart into becoming a chef. Holidays gave him the opportunity to gain experience. As a cooking “nomad”, Syrco travelled throughout Europe to learn under the culinary greats in some of the world’s best restaurants.
After working with Jonnie Boer and Gordon Ramsay, he came to work with Sergio Herman at 3 Michelin-starred Oud Sluis. Here Syrco really felt at home; the cooking style, way of thinking and the freedom to create culinary masterpieces with top quality fresh products was exactly what he was looking for.
Since the opening of 2 Michelin-starred Pure C in Cadzand alongside Sergio Herman in 2010, Syrco continues to raise the bar as head chef. Innovation and creativity drive this adventurous chef. With his team of 18 staff he bucks the trends and sets his own new standards.
Pure C brings an ode to Zealand, the world and life with sexy cocktails, magical food, superb wines, a spectacular lounge bar, a magnificent interior, great music and a wonderful panoramic view over the stormy sea. At Pure C it’s all about the experience of sharing and tasting.
His unique and pure style has already awarded this young chef many prizes and titles, including #31 at The Best Chef Awards, 2 Michelin stars for Pure C, 17,5 points in GaultMillau, a top 10 spot in ‘Lekker’, and top 50 in OAD Fresh List 2015 of Europe’s best restaurants. The real award for Syrco, however, is the one of a kind, extraordinary experience and enjoyment of his guests.
Syrco continues to look for new adventures. Author of the Pure C Kookboek, creator and owner of the exclusive herb liqueur Hierbas de las Dunas, with herbs from North sea dunes and founder and chair of FOODFEST, a platform to promote and inspire Zeeland as a food region. With an annual Foodfestival as the main event, the sky is the limit!
Describe your culinary philosophy:
Northsea, dunes, Indonesian roots, pure.
What is your greatest inspiration?
The environment of Zeeland, the dunes, the sea.
What FOUR things would you take to a desert island?
Hierbas de las Dunas, a good knife, my girlfriend, running shoes.
If you could take a plane ride to any restaurant in the world, just for one meal, where would you go?
Ultraviolet in Shanghai.
- 2 Michelin Stars at Pure C
- 17,5/20 Point Gault&Millau at Pure C
- #31 The Best Chef Awards
Strandhotel
Blvd de Wielingen 49
4506 JK Cadzand-Bad
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 117 39 60 36
Email: contact@pure-c.nl
www.pure-c.nl
Images © Pieter D’hoop