IN CONVERSATION WITH THIJS BOERMANS: MARTINI’S AMBASSADOR, ACTOR AND NONNA’S OWNER
Although the warm days were still on their way, summer at Nonna had already begun quite hot. Especially in a country like the Netherlands, where the weather can be quite unpredictable, we could use some extra warmth.
MARTINI organized a dinner at one of Amsterdam’s newest hotspots, Restaurant Nonna. This dinner was a cozy get-together in honor of MARTINI’s latest "Dare To Be" campaign, a celebration of your authentic, most outspoken self.
On this beautiful evening, guests were immediately set in the right mood with delicious MARTINI cocktails. As if that wasn't enough, they were also treated to tasty Italian snacks. The evening was hosted by MARTINI Ambassador, restaurant owner and actor Thijs Boermans. The event was further attended by MARTINI Ambassadors and entrepreneurs Anna Nooshin and Yeliz Çiçek, as well as well-known Dutch personalities like Winonah de Jong, Selma Omari, singer Sherefa Yorks, and actor Alkan Çöklü.
What made this evening extra special was that Thijs Boermans hosted the dinner as both ambassador and restaurant owner. His dual role added a unique and personal touch to the event. We had the opportunity to speak with Thijs about his ambassadorship, his new venture in the restaurant industry, and more. He shared his passion for creating authentic dining experiences and his vision for Restaurant Nonna, blending traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
You recently opened Nonna, and it’s already taking the city by storm. Can you tell us more about this new adventure, what inspired you to start it, and why you chose Italian cuisine?
This was a childhood dream. I've been talking to my friends about wanting to do this for as long as I can remember. It’s also a romantic ode to the city of Amsterdam, which I've known all my life. The choice to focus on Italian cuisine was driven by what I like the most and what makes me happy: big portions and a full meal. You can never go wrong with the simplicity and warmth of Italian cuisine.
Nonna and MARTINI recently organized a dinner together. Can you tell us more about the evening and the atmosphere?
Nonna was adorned with MARTINI for the evening, which I find to be such a beautiful and romantic brand. It’s a very classical, logical, and nostalgic fit. It just worked so well, with Drea’s name cards and the interior, the people, the Vitello Tonnato, the Focaccia, paired with a MARTINI Bianco or the Tiramisu paired with the Americano. It just works.
How does MARTINI's slogan "Dare To Be" fit into your professional and personal life? Can you share some examples? And can you also tell us about your journey to becoming the new MARTINI ambassador? What attracted you to this role?
The brand's iconicness, magnitude, and warmth resonate deeply with me. It’s also very daring, which aligns perfectly with the current campaign and my lifestyle. Starting a new restaurant, launching a podcast, shooting a movie, and embracing fatherhood have all made the past 12 months incredibly daring.
What are some of your favorite Italian dishes and what do you pair them with?
Pasta Limone and Pasta Della Nonna, our signature dish with champagne sauce and a secret blend of herbs. I’d pair them with a MARTINI Rosso Americano. Our Pollo alla Diavola, which isn’t necessarily Italian but so good, marinated for over 24 hours. Or the Melanzane, something you can wake me up for in the middle of the night.
Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced in balancing your career and fatherhood? How do you overcome these?
You have to be more selective, and social activities need to be minimized. The amount of responsibility shifts to what is important in this phase of your life. I've made such a huge change in the last two years, making me a better dad and a more mature individual. Especially compared to the version of myself I was two years ago, who thought he had more freedom. Now, there's more purpose, which gives even more direction and, in turn, freedom.
What advice would you give others who are trying to combine multiple roles and responsibilities in their lives?
You need to be more responsible and more selective with your time. Make social engagements less of a priority. Don’t get pressured by your surroundings too much; focus on your own path. I believe that if you're honest with yourself, and give yourself the time you need, everything you do will stay true to who you are. You’ll only come across as your most authentic and honest version.
What are some of the highlights or memorable moments you’ve experienced so far as a restaurant owner?
Bringing everyone together at the opening, where everyone really came to support someone who wanted to build something from the ground up. Starting with an idea but manifesting a warm and loving, classical Italian restaurant for someone who does this for the first time is a huge milestone. Following that, we almost always have a full house, and now we’re creating the space to work with a brand like MARTINI, which is a wonderful recognition.
