Community News

My Kitchen opens in Windwardside

Story and photo by Suzanne Nielsen and reprinted with permission of the Daily Herald.

January 26, 2005

Zealander Willem Pleune chose the name "My Kitchen/Mijn Keuken" for his latest addition to restaurant choices in Windwardside. The new eatery is located in the space previously occupied by Carl Buncamper and Rudolph Hassell's popular YIIK.

New owner/operator Pleune said the Saba he read about several years ago in a Dutch publication had appealed to him: the island was described as peaceful, Dutch, no beaches and no cars other than taxis!

Despite the disappointment at so many automobiles, Pleune was enchanted with the island when he arrived for the first time last summer when his stepson became manager of Queen's Gardens Resort. Pleune put out feelers that he was interested in doing business on the island. YIIK, which was on the market, seemed the perfect solution. The business deal went smoothly: papers were signed just before Christmas, and "My Kitchen" opened on January 8th.

Pleune is enjoying his new endeavor: especially since he is able to combine two hobbies.... cooking and riding to work on his motorcycle, a Virago 525cc machine, which he brought to Saba as soon as possible!

Are transformations in store? Pleune recognizes the value of his purchase and the expectations of the devoted YIIK clientele. "Small changes are best," he says. He will change the menu only gradually, using management tools such as a computer database to determine guests' favorites. He has painted the deck and the walls now exhibit local artists work, which are for sale. He is working on an idea to embellish the entrance across from the Trail Shop by creating a reception area, where guests may have a drink and review menu choices. Rattan chairs are on their way to replace the current plastic ones, and Pleune is planning to do something about protecting terrace guests from wind and rain.

"Management and making people feel comfortable: those are my strengths," says Pleune, whose career in Holland was in construction industry marketing and management. "In the end, it's always about construction...building businesses, building relations," he explains.

Pleune is most happy when people linger because they are enjoying themselves. "I love being the host and meeting people who have the time to get acquainted," he explains, delighted to leave European stress behind him.

Speaking of relationships, Pleune said the transition has been easy, particularly with the support of previous owner, Carl Buncamper, who introduced him to St. Maarten suppliers. Pleune also uses local businesses as much as possible, particularly for fresh produce. He has not yet lit the ovens for the commercial bakery that YIIK operated, but is already experimenting with different breads, which he uses for tapas. The bakery will probably come back to life, because Pleune, ever the marketer, realizes its advantage as on-going trade rather than seasonal.

Pleune also retained two YIIK employees and has taken on Vic Phaiton, formerly of Queen's Gardens, as the new chef. "With Vic's expertise in Caribbean cuisine and my knowledge of European cooking, we will gradually work towards a 'fusion' to serve the international guests coming to Saba," he said enthusiastically.

Pleune will soon be joined by his wife Sonia, who is busy in Holland organizing pets and packing up the container, and will arrive to help out in "My Kitchen."

Photo (top): Guests enjoy the cooking of new chef Vic Phaiton (standing left) while owner Willem Pleune (standing right) looks on.

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Photo (middle): My Kitchen owner/operator Willem Pleune.

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Story and photographs © Suzanne Nielsen, 2004.