Xp Bonaire IslandLife Feature Story
Maarten and Marleen Marchal are two passionate entrepreneurs transforming the island’s food culture with their latest ventures: MAXX Catering and BOXX Webshop & Delivery. Through these innovative businesses, they aim to bring gourmet dining experiences and the convenience of home-delivered food to the people of Bonaire.
Maarten and Marleen: Passion, Persistence, and Creativity
Before diving into their culinary journey on Bonaire, Maarten and Marleen lived in the Netherlands, where they first ran a successful restaurant and always dreamed of creating something special in the hospitality industry elsewhere. Maarten is a self-taught chef with a deep love for cooking, while Marleen, once a truck driver, brings a creative spirit of determination and practicality to the partnership.
Their story on Bonaire began with Restaurant Hofí, a shared dining concept focused on bringing people together over high-quality food. While the restaurant’s innovative approach was a hit with food lovers, the fine dining aspect didn’t completely align with the island’s dining preferences. Undeterred, Maarten and Marleen transformed Hofí into Meet & Eat, a more casual and approachable restaurant that quickly became popular with locals and tourists. This ability to adapt to the island’s unique tastes laid the foundation for their future success.
When rising costs made it difficult to keep Meet & Eat running, Maarten and Marleen chose not to give up but to reinvent themselves once again. Their latest ventures, MAXX Catering and the BOXX Webshop, reflect this same spirit of resilience and passion.
MAXX Catering: Curated Culinary Experiences for Every Occasion
Launched in June 2024, MAXX Catering is becoming the go-to choice for those seeking a personalized and unique catering service on Bonaire. Whether it’s an intimate dinner party, a lavish wedding, or a corporate event, MAXX Catering tailors its menus to suit any occasion.
What makes MAXX Catering truly special is its commitment to providing a unique experience for every client. Maarten personally works with each guest to craft a custom menu that showcases the freshest and finest ingredients available. Their offerings range from multi-course gourmet meals to top-tier BBQs, featuring items like king crab, veal cheeks, and other premium delicacies for up to 20 guests.
The flexibility of MAXX Catering means that you can host your event anywhere—be it a beachfront gathering, a romantic dinner at home, or even a unique location like a lighthouse or shrimp farm. MAXX turns any setting into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Their attention to detail extends beyond just the food. Wine pairings are carefully curated in collaboration with The Wine Factory, ensuring that each dish is complemented by the perfect glass of wine. From start to finish, MAXX Catering is all about making special moments even more memorable.
BOXX Webshop and Delivery: Convenience at Your Fingertips
Recognizing the growing demand for high-quality, convenient meal options on Bonaire, Maarten and Marleen also launched BOXX Webshop and Delivery in November 2023. This online platform allows residents and visitors alike to order fresh, gourmet meals from the comfort of their homes, with delivery available to private residences and vacation rentals.
BOXX is all about convenience without compromising on quality. The Webshop offers a wide selection of meals, from healthy salads and gourmet sandwiches to more substantial dishes like grilled meats and seafood. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients, ensuring that customers always have something new to try.
While the Webshop’s payment system is still being finalized, the service will soon be fully operational, with meals delivered fresh and ready to enjoy. BOXX’s focus on freshness and flavor has quickly made it a favorite among locals looking for a quick yet delicious meal.
Food & Wine Tasting: The Art of Food – Friday, October 25th
For those looking to experience the culinary magic of MAXX Catering firsthand, Maarten and Marleen host a monthly Food & Wine Tasting event at their new location on Kaya Korona. The next tasting is scheduled for Friday, October 25th, and will be an intimate affair, limited to just 20 guests. Held in collaboration with The Wine Factory, each course can be paired with carefully selected wines to create a harmonious dining experience.
These events are designed to showcase the finest ingredients on the island and beyond, with each dish highlighting Maarten’s culinary creativity and expertise. Tickets can be reserved through MAXX Catering or The Wine Factory, and updates for future events can be found on their social media pages.
If you’re a food lover looking to enjoy an evening of exceptional flavors, this event is not to be missed—and remember, this is a reservation-only event!
Get in Touch with MAXX Catering and BOXX Webshop
Location: Kaya Korona 47, Kralendijk, Bonaire
Phone: +599 796 6606
Website: www.maxxbonaire.com
Facebook: maxx catering & boxx
IG: maxx.bonaire
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