with Mara van der Linden

Who are actually responsible for those perfectly set tables and serving the most beautiful dishes and matching wines? In this section, we put our hospitality stars in the spotlight! Today it's the turn of our restaurant manager Mara van der Linden.

When and how did you realize you wanted to work in hospitality?
"When I started my first job in retail at the age of 15, I quickly realized I wanted to do something more hospitable. Less than a year later, I landed my first hospitality job and I've never stopped since."

Can you tell us more about your background?
"Around the age of 18, while I already had another job, I came into contact with one of the employment agencies that Lumen was working with at the time. I wanted to gain some bar experience and through them, I became the bartender of skybox 4 during PEC Zwolle's home games for a few years. When I had to stop due to school commitments, I missed it a lot after a while. That's why I applied at Lumen (then still IJsseldelta) and luckily, I was back in my regular spot in skybox 4 for the next match.

Six months later, in 2016, my "steady" other hospitality job suddenly ended, allowing me to work more hours at Lumen. The first six months I worked in the event center and then I moved to the restaurant. Since then, I've been happily part of the service team. I've been an assistant and shortly after, a restaurant manager for about two years now.

I never completed a relevant education. But I have since obtained my trainer and first wine diploma. So I try to keep developing myself in other ways."

When are you satisfied with your work? What gives you energy and where do you find satisfaction?
"First and foremost, I am more than satisfied with my wonderful colleagues! We have a fun and friendly team and we can rely on each other. Additionally, I get energy and satisfaction from busy dinner evenings where you think beforehand: "I hope everything goes well…", and then at the end of the evening, everything has gone smoothly and the guests were satisfied!"

What makes it enjoyable for you to work at Lumen / Bluefinger?
"The variety of guests. The balance between business and leisure, but also the different nationalities, professions, and ages. So many people, so many wishes. Additionally, of course – as mentioned earlier – the great atmosphere and fun colleagues."

In which restaurant would you absolutely like to eat and why?
"Haha, do you have a moment: at the top is of course the Librije, as a resident of Zwolle, it really belongs there! But there's quite a list of places I'd like to visit!"

What are you proud of?
"Building the service team as it stands now. During the corona period, quite a few people said goodbye and in the period after that, hiring great new people sometimes turned out to be a full-time job. That there is now a stable and great breakfast and evening team, I find something to be proud of!"

In what would you like to further develop yourself?
"I will start my WSET2 (wine diploma) at the end of September. For me, my development in wines is currently my top work priority."

What advice would you give to someone considering working in the kitchen or pursuing a culinary education?
"Just do it! Don't be afraid that you can't do or know everything because you can learn everything! And if it's not for you, you'll find out!"

Mara's favorite…

• Culinary destination: "Every country has its culinary surprises, but I think the Moroccan cuisine surprised me the most when I was on vacation there a few years ago."
• Favorite restaurant: "In Zwolle, you can enjoy delicious food at L'église or Poppe, but also at Bistrobar Bodega, De Buik van Parijs, or Bar Senang. It depends a bit on my mood and the company I'm with. A few months ago, I was at FG** in Rotterdam, and that was really the most special culinary experience I've ever had!"
• Favorite drink and dish:  "I also find this a difficult question, haha… Wine often a Verdejo and beer a Weizen, but I also have a weakness for Coca Cola…
  Dishes are difficult. I think tuna tataki or something with burrata. If that's on a menu somewhere, I usually order it. But Doritos with homemade guacamole or a frikandel speciaal I also find delicious!"

Want to experience Mara's passion for hospitality and wines up close? 
Bluefinger Restaurant is open 7 days a week.
Come enjoy a relaxed lunch or a delicious 3-course dinner!