JOLIJN MIDDELHOF, PASTA E BASTA

At Pasta e Basta, guests enjoy sublime wine and delicious pasta while the staff sings their hearts out. The restaurant is located in Amsterdam and has been a household name at home and abroad for 25 years. The young Jolijn Middelhoff took over from Hans Duijf two years ago. Who helped this nightingale sing an octave higher? Text: Mical Joseph
Image: Milan Kaine and Pasta e Basta

What was your very first job?

“My first part-time job was at a pastry chef. I lived with my parents in Bergen and sold ice creams. At one point I was allowed to sell in the pastry section, which was a great honor. I did this from the age of 14 until I started working at Pasta e Basta.”

How did you end up in your current job?

“In addition to my studies in Communication Sciences at the VU, I completed the preliminary training at the Conservatory. A singing teacher advised me to go into practice. I also sang in various bands, but that was more on request. On the advice of those around me, I applied to Pasta e Basta, for the singing ministry, and was accepted!”

Who was your wheelbarrow in that?

“I believe that you need to have a wheelbarrow in both your private and business life to succeed. Entrepreneurship is in my blood, my father has always been an entrepreneur. My partner Carsten Klint (LXRY TV presenter) is also an important factor in my life. He has always supported and motivated me. Carsten showed me that I can do anything, as long as I let it happen. He also assisted me when I took over the restaurant in 2017.

Former owner Hans Duijf was of course the one who gave me the opportunity to do what I do now. He created the concept of Pasta e Basta and took me along in his wheelbarrow. In the process that followed, taking over the business, I had two other wheelbarrows: wine supplier and good friend Bert de Boer and financial advisor Clemens Boevink. Through these gentlemen I have learned so much about entrepreneurship in a period of two years.”

What is your greatest passion in your profession?

“I never worked at Pasta e Basta for the money, but because I have a huge passion for music and entertainment. I want all guests to leave happy afterwards. I don't know any restaurant where guests give the staff hugs, kisses and tears every day. I also love seeing how the staff goes above and beyond. I enjoy other people's success and focus on ensuring that the quality of both the food and the singing is as high as possible.”

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career?

“Patience is a virtue and staying firmly in my shoes. This was the only way I could realize my dream. The takeover has been a long process and my patience has helped a lot.”

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

“Dream Big! Nothing is too crazy, follow your heart and don't get too carried away by what other people think of something. Believe in yourself and believe in your own strength. And also see their own strength in people around you. If you see that, you can rise to a higher level together.”

Have you been a wheelbarrow for someone?

“Pasta e Basta is a wheelbarrow for many people, because it is a breeding ground for talent. Many people who work or have worked with us have major roles nationally and internationally in major musicals, operas or on other major stages. As an entrepreneur, I have a wheelbarrow in a sense with Pasta e Basta.”