Iconic hospitality couple Cathy Moerdijk and Imko Binnerts bid farewell to PUUR ZEE

After more than three decades together in the hospitality industry, Cathy Moerdijk and Imko Binnerts (SVH Meesterkok and Herbergier) are bidding farewell to the daily management of their beloved restaurant PUUR ZEE in Wijk aan Zee. This marks an important milestone in their impressive career, characterised by both highs and lows, but above all by their relentless passion for gastronomy and hospitality.

After a long and eventful career, the iconic hospitality couple says: "After a long working life, it really is over. Fortunately, you can hardly see it on us, but it's really true, we have reached retirement age. It has been a long road with many highs and, no human being is foreign to us, also some violent lows. But what is on our minds is not about highs or lows. This is mainly about the more than 30 years we spent spoiling our guests, the fun we had and the appreciation we experienced."

"The always uncompromising pursuit of gastronomy, the finest products, the tastiest wines, a fine atmosphere and always the full 100% - both from ourselves, but especially from the super fine brigades who have shared our passion over the years," adds the torque.

Although PUUR ZEE now entering a new chapter, Cathy and Imko remain active in gastronomy. Cathy Moerdijk continues her successful wine businessPURE WINE continue, and both will undoubtedly make themselves heard on special occasions. For instance, there is already a "6 hands dinner" scheduled at Nazka in Amsterdam, where she teamed up with Lady Chef Jean Beddington EN NAZKA's Chef Koosh Kothari will prepare a culinary masterpiece. Preparations for this event are already in full swing, and the date will soon be announced through their mailing.

"Will it be completely quiet in our lives then? No, definitely not. Cathy remains fully active with PURE WINE and we will definitely be heard from again," Says Imko Binnerts. "There have also been some rumours about our, now more than 35 years old,  Truffle lunch in 2026, so that promises something more."

Cathy Moerdijk, who was named 2016's Wine Woman of the Year, looks back on a career in which she was recognised for her exceptional contributions to the world of wine. She was in 2009 Wine buyer of the year and was ranked number 9 in the 2010 Top 50 most influential people in the wine world. In 2022, Cathy and Imko together received the Diamond Award from Thesis for their contribution to gastronomy.

Imko Binnerts already gained fame for his creative fish dishes during his time as Executive Chef at Hotel de L'Europe in Amsterdam. His great love for fish continued in his own businesses Imko's in IJmuiden and Restaurant Imko Binnerts in Rijswijk, both awarded with a Michelin star.