The change in Ronald's career to work in the kitchens of other restaurants and become a 'Private Chef' was not just a career change, but a heartfelt response to his son Stan's enduring passion for hospitality. 'Stan's passion was great,' Ronald says, remembering his son who passed away from cancer in 2021.
'Stan shone even in the most difficult moments, and his soul guided me to this path. He started studying hospitality between his cancer treatments. Quickly, he became one of the best students, earning the ‘pineapple award’ at his school. After he passed away, one day at my job at a company in the hospitality industry, I received a message that entered my mind. I knew it was from Stan, telling me to quit that job and become a 'Private Chef'. This had never crossed my mind before. I listened to this message and quit my job, and thus my journey to work for myself as a 'private Chef' began.
No matter how hard it may sound, leaving a stable job and starting something without any guarantee, Ronald's certainty that it was a message from Stan was more than enough for him to place all his faith in this new step in his life. 'I started by just selling soup from my house. It didn't take long for me to start cooking for a tourist in a house in Savaneta (I still keep in touch with them, and I have been invited to cook their Christmas dinner in New York.) Today, his company called
BITE OF HEAVEN ARUBA has become a sought-after choice for many tourists, where Ronald is the main protagonist, cooking for people from all over the world who visit Aruba.
Ronald's unique way of creating culinary experiences involves including his clients in the process. "They are part of the creation," he explains. "I am always in direct contact with each client. From the menu, to dietary restrictions like gluten or allergies. Once the menu is agreed upon, I begin searching for the freshest ingredients to create the dishes, like a promise. While I cook, my guests are always part of the experience too; they can always come into the kitchen, ask me questions, and sometimes even help. For groups up to 10 people, I do it alone so I can be closer to my guests."
Guided by Stan's motto "do what makes you happy," Ronald's service is a mix of authenticity and understanding. "It's very important to be true to yourself," he emphasizes. "To provide the best possible service, you just have to be who you are and understand the needs of your guests. In his introduction bio that guests encounter, they get an explanation that answers the question; "Why biteofheaven?", inviting his clients into his culinary world."
Ronald's culinary skills as an officially registered 'Private Chef' are constantly evolving. He is constantly adapting to the variations of kitchens and equipment. "Each kitchen brings a new adventure."
Ronald feels Stan's presence in his work at all times, from the constant butterflies he encounters when he arrives at a house to start cooking, to the tattoo with Stan's eyes that is with him at all times. It's like a constant guide in his culinary adventures; a spiritual connection between father and son that fuels his passion for the job every day.
Certainly, one of the most gratifying parts of Ronald's job is the invitations he gets from his guests to cook for them in their countries. In February now, he has to make a trip to cook in Chicago for a guest. These gestures of trust and appreciation are of immense value. But more than anything, after 5 very hard years that include the illness and loss of his son, he never gave up and continued to fight, as he continues to do today.
"For aspiring chefs, register yourself as a professional chef. Stay true to your passion and yourself,"
I am still thinking about the message I received from heaven and I would like to say to everyone; If you receive a sign from someone who is no longer there, embrace it with open arms.
My son, it's been 2 and a half years since you left us, but I know you are with us, just in another form. Your brother is doing very well at school in Holland and Claudia has given me all her support in this new journey. Thank you for your message and I will make sure all my guests are happy with their culinary experience from A Bite Of Heaven.
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