Ridouan (37) was born in Brussels and lives in Neder-Over-Heembeek. He describes himself as hyperactive and eager to learn; he hates sitting still. That is why he left school at sixteen and started a series of different jobs: community centre worker, builder, gardener, supplier, warehouse worker, painter... Today, with the birth of his son Elian, the desire for stability is greater than ever. He describes becoming a father as ‘an intense feeling of having done something good’, an unprecedented emotion for Ridouan. With his mother he has a close relationship and in religion he finds ‘invisible support’. In 2024, he starts hospitality training at Groot Eiland, first at BelO sandwich bar and then in the kitchen of restaurant BelMundo. Working with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds is very enriching and the Dutch lessons are also enjoyed. He finds all aspects of working in catering unusually fascinating; the mise-en-place, working with local and seasonal products and, above all, the collegial atmosphere. He also appreciates the trust he gets from the chefs. In sport, Ridouan finds an outlet: he does fitness, football, basketball and swimming.