Guido & Team
Excellence Is Never a Solo Pursuit.
The team at Create has been shaped over years, bound by trust, skill, and an unrelenting commitment to craft. From kitchen to dining room, every member contributes to the seamless harmony that defines the Create experience.
Guido Braeken
Guido Braeken (Maastricht, 1984) is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential chefs of his generation. His career is defined by an unwavering pursuit of excellence, a path marked not by shortcuts, but by an extraordinary commitment to craft.
What began in his family’s eatery in Maastricht soon became a calling. Years of rigorous training in distinguished kitchens forged a chef whose work is recognised for its elegant compositions, masterful sauces, and a profound respect for the ingredient.
In 2022, Braeken made culinary history as the first chef in the Netherlands to receive a direct ascent from zero to two MICHELIN stars, an achievement accomplished within nine months of opening restaurant Julemont at Château Wittem.
In 2025, he brought that same unrelenting standard to Create by Guido Braeken. Within six months, the distinction of two MICHELIN stars was awarded once more, a testament to the consistency and depth of his vision.
Braeken’s cuisine reflects a philosophy of balance: between innovation and emotion, precision and spontaneity, technical mastery and heartfelt intuition. He leads not with volume, but with clarity. His dishes speak with quiet authority, each one a reflection of a lifetime devoted to the art of taste.
Max van der Sterre - Chef de Cuisine
Max van der Sterren stands alongside Chef Guido at the heart of the kitchen. As Chef de Cuisine, he bears responsibility for the daily execution of every dish that leaves the pass, a role that demands precision, consistency, and an unerring eye for detail.
With deep experience in gastronomic kitchens, Van der Sterren brings a meticulous approach to every stage of preparation, from mise en place to final presentation. His work in our open kitchen offers guests a direct view of craftsmanship in motion, technique and dedication made visible.
His creative involvement and steadfast commitment have been instrumental in establishing Create’s identity: refined, technically accomplished, and quietly assured.
Mark Schellingerhout - Restaurant Manager
Mark Schellingerhout is the guardian of the dining room. As Restaurant Manager, he ensures that each guest is received with warmth and guided through an evening of impeccable service.
With extensive experience in luxury hospitality,
Schellingerhout possesses an instinctive understanding of how exceptional gastronomy and attentive, personal service must work in concert. He collaborates closely with the kitchen team, ensuring that every course arrives not merely as a dish, but as part of a complete and considered experience.
His conviction is clear: a truly memorable evening is shaped as much by the care in the room as by the artistry on the plate.
