Careers

“It doesn’t matter where you come from in this kitchen team, it’s about skills, and I have those skills when it comes to sushi. It’s not as simple as just fish and rice. It’s about details, a lot of details. I was hired here for my experience as a traditional sushi chef, but restaurant Taiko is not just that: it is Asian with a twist. I know that it is very Dutch to be direct and it is not the Japanese style. But when it comes to the fish, I have no qualms about saying this salmon isn’t good, bring it back. I doubt I’ll ever go back to Japan. Amsterdam suits me well.”

“Almost every month, I’m awarded ‘room attendant of the month’. My secret? I take my time. I do everything with care. That has to be. Many rooms have a lot of glass, you can see every fingerprint. The only way to do it right is to do it thoroughly. I love it when it’s busy. If the hotel moves, I move with it. I’m proud of it when it’s neat. If the sheets are tight, the pillows are straight. It always has to be perfect, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“In the ten years I’ve been working here, I’ve really seen the level of Amsterdam as a city rise. In my job, I know what people want before they know it themselves. To find out, I ask questions and listen. Where are you from? How long have you been together? Are you tired? And meanwhile I sense. Then I’ll arrange it. Doesn’t matter, everything is possible, I’m here for the guest. Okay, and a little for myself. Every time I walk in here, it’s: Etan’s in, let the show begin. Best job in the world, absolutely.”