Meet the team: sous chef Brandon Andriessen
Behind every dish at Spice by Blake is a team with a passion for flavour, spices, and conviviality. This time, we speak with Brandon Andriessen, sous chef and for many years chef Axl's right-hand man in the kitchen.
From dishwasher to sous chef
Brandon’s career in the hospitality industry began at the age of 15, far removed from shared dining and Balinese spices.
“I started in the kitchen as a dishwasher when I was 15, in a pizzeria. I often had to run errands there, and that's how I got to know someone who worked at another restaurant. I started there as a dishwasher and slowly moved into cooking. I love food.”
A love for food proved to be a driving force that only grew. Brandon completed his culinary training and gained experience as a freelance chef at Putaine. But it was that first period in the kitchen where he met someone who still plays a big role in his career: Chef Axl.
Eight years of friendship, and now colleagues
“That’s how I met Axl. Axl and I have always remained friends, and when Spice by Blake came along, he asked me to join him. I’ve known Axl for 8 years now.”
What began as a chance encounter in a kitchen grew into an eight-year friendship. And now, into a collaboration in the kitchen of Spice by Blake. Brandon, as sous-chef, works alongside Axl daily, and together they translate Balinese and Indonesian flavours into the menu that guests enjoy in Rotterdam.
Satay, barbecue and the flavours of Bali
Ask Brandon his favourite part of the job and he won't hesitate:
“I think it's great that we work with satays and the BBQ. That we can incorporate Indonesian and Balinese flavours. And also the spare ribs.”
The combination of fire, spices, and technique is precisely what energises Brandon. And it's also exactly what Spice by Blake stands for: authentic flavours, with a modern and social twist.
A small team, a close-knit team
Behind the scenes at Spice by Blake, everything is about collaboration. The team is small, but that makes them extra close.
“Working with colleagues is also super. We have a small team, but that means we’re very close to each other. We often do things together on days off.”
Would you like to try the dishes that Brandon and the team work on with passion every day? Pull up a chair at Spice by Blake and taste the flavours of Bali yourself in the heart of Rotterdam.