Flanders Kitchen Rebels 22 EXCELLENT young chefs of flanders
VISITFLANDERS
We are happy to welcome you. Here’s how to get to Flanders.
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Nick Bril
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Dennis Broeckx
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Seppe Nobels
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Davy Schellemans
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The Jane — Antwerp P.8 2
C-Jules — Zottegem P.26
L’épicerie du Cirque — Antwerp P.9 3
Veranda — Berchem P.11
London - Brussels: 1hr 51min Amsterdam - Brussels: 1hr 54min Cologne - Brussels: 1hr 47min Paris - Brussels: 1hr 22min Eurostar/Thalys The Belgian rail system offers various special offers and packages. www.belgianrail.be
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volta. — Ghent P.29
Brussels airport (BRU): • The main international airport • Located about 20 minutes from Brussels city centre • Direct trains every 15 minutes to Brussels and Antwerp www.brusselsairport.be
Michaël Vrijmoed Vrijmoed — Ghent P.31
Tim Boury
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Frederik Deceuninck
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Jan Tournier
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Kobe Desramaults
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Koen Verjans
Vincent Florizoone
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Jan Wouters
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Wim Dejonghe
Sel Gris — Knokke-Heist P.15
In de Wulf — Heuvelland P.16 8
Grand Cabaret — Nieuwpoort P.17
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Cuchara — Lommel P.34 Innesto — Houthalen P.35 6 Zinnen — Hasselt P.36
Reinout Reniere Zeno — Bruges P.18
Brussels Airlines: Belgium’s national carrier operates flights between Brussels and Europe, Africa and the United States. www.brusselsairlines.com
Davy De Pourcq
Boury — Roeselare P.14
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Travelling by plane
Thomas De Muynck Karel De Stoute — Ghent P.28
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Travelling by train
Olly Ceulenaere Publiek — Ghent P.27
Graanmarkt 13 — Antwerp P.10 4
Julie Baekelandt
Matthias Speybrouck
Het Land Aan De Overkant — Leuven P.40
Va et Vient — Kortrijk P.19
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Thomas Locus
Bistro Margaux — Sint-Martens-Bodegem P.41 11
Alexandre Dionisio Alexandre — Brussels P.22
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Guus Van Zon WY — Brussels P.23
Amsterdam
London BRUGES
ANTWERP GHENT
BRUSSELS
HASSELT LEUVEN
Cologne
Paris Cover photo: Michael Dehaspe Dish: Matthias Speybrouck, Va et Vient
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Delicious Flanders Flanders is a fairy-tale destination where streets are paved with chocolate cobblestones and the air is filled with the smell of hot waffles. Or so they say. Are you ready to discover delicious Flanders? Gastronomy is part of our identity. Our love of good food is in our DNA. There’s no denying it - Flanders is a region of food lovers. Spending time over a good meal at home or out in a restaurant is part of our culture. Flemish wave The combination of fresh local products, talented chefs and the love of dining together are at the root of our indulgent dining culture. The Flemish Wave of young, talented chefs means that Flanders is set to become the new destination for fine food lovers. It’s remarkable how journalists from all over the world describe the cuisine they experience in Flanders. They’re full of praise for the affordable and quality-driven restaurants, often at unique locations. Despite the small surface area, there are a large number of excellent restaurants, bistros, brasseries and bars. Size doesn’t matter; it’s quality that counts!
going local There’s more to our region than the guilty pleasures of chocolate and beer. A huge variety of unique products is available. Think about the treasures of our North Sea shrimp, or think of hop sprouts, chicory, asparagus… Flanders’ cuisine is hard to define with just a couple of typical dishes. Although products from all over the world are readily available in Flanders, the chefs are continually searching for the best products within their region, from their own local growers and farmers. Loving the good life We also have a special gastronomic history, with many dishes from the Middle Ages that are still popular in our country’s folk cuisine. Modern chefs enjoy reviving them and putting their own stamp on them, and our epicurean nature means we are easily tempted by all of these delicious foods.
facts ABOUT FLANDERS
We are at the heart of Europe. Flanders is the northern region of Belgium, which is bordered by the Netherlands in the north, Germany and Luxemburg in the east, France in the south and Great Britain across the North Sea to the west.
We have 67 km (41.6 mi) of coastline.
Flanders is 13,521 km2 (5,221 mi); small but strong.
Brussels is the capital of the European Union, Belgium and Flanders.
Dutch, French and English are widely spoken.
More information: www.visitflanders.com
101 restaurants have at least 1 Michelin star.
Flanders Kitchen Rebels # f la n d e r s k i t c h e n r e b e l s
Flanders abounds with fine food, which makes it the perfect proving ground for Flanders Kitchen Rebels. The Flanders Kitchen Rebels bring together 22 top chefs, under the age of 35, with a great passion for Flemish gastronomy and pure products. Innovation, creation and a dash of rock ‘n’ roll are the top ingredients in these chefs’ kitchens. cuisine A Flanders Kitchen Rebel chef has respect and affection for local products, their producers and their growers. Although products from all over the world are available in Flanders, the chefs love sourcing products close to home, in their own area, or in some cases, from their own gardens. You can’t get any fresher than that. Rebel The young chefs do things their own way. That’s what makes them innovators in the world of fine dining in Flanders. They openmindedly seek out the best combinations of flavours, with an eye for detail and a powerful drive to reduce ingredients to their purest form.
Cutting-edge craftsmanship Powered by their knowledge and skill, the chefs are true masters of their art. They are often trained at the best hotel schools in Flanders. This training has sharpened their product knowledge, cooking techniques and discipline. So we dare you. Have a bite. Fall in love.
More information: www.visitflanders.com
Founding fathers, Gert De Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens, of 3 star restaurant Hertog Jan The sky is the limit for three-star chef and 2014’s best European chef, Gert De Mangeleer, and host Joachim Boudens. They form a strong duo and are internationally renowned for their superb culinary talent, wonderful hospitality and passion for home-grown products. “Gastronomic Flanders boasts a wealth of young talent. Innovative chefs that aim for craftsmanship and perfection while utilising cutting-edge techniques and home-grown products. The Flanders Kitchen Rebels push boundaries. Surrounded by their teams, sommeliers and hosts and hostesses, the chefs create a total experience that whisks guests away on a culinary journey.” Gert De Mangeleer & Joachim Boudens
Antwerp Antwerp succeeds in being a world class city without ever forgetting about the importance of being a pleasant and above all liveable city. There are many outstanding restaurants, bars and special venues. Antwerp has something to satisfy all taste buds.
For centuries, Europe’s second-largest port city has been at the forefront of innovative design, turning it into the diamond capital of the world and a veritable hub of some of the biggest names in fashion. “From vintage reproductions made just for you to avant-garde designs,” writes The New York Times, “this city can be a shopper’s dream.” Not to mention a food lover’s paradise, an art connoisseur’s nirvana and a clubber’s utopia.
Location • 45 km (27.9 mi) from Brussels • 35 km from (21.7 mi) Brussels Airport • Direct trains between Antwerp Central station and Brussels and Brussels Airport.
Antwerp by apps • This is Antwerp • Fashion in Antwerp
Get to know Antwerp: @Visit_Antwerp www.visitantwerp.be www.facebook.com/visitantwerp
Highlight MAs Located in ‘t Eilandje, Antwerp’s trendiest neighbourhood, this one-of-a-kind museum, a remarkable piece of architecture, will lift you up above the city. It is home to various travelling exhibitions and permanent collections. www.mas.be
Have a taste “Antwerps handje”
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Or the little hand of Antwerp, is a biscuit shaped like a hand. You will find all of Antwerp’s specialties in the Stadswinkel. www.antwerpen.be/stadswinkel
Elixir d’Anvers
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A spirit that makes your soul tingle. www.elixir-danvers.be
“Bolleke”
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A typical dark beer from Antwerp, brewed by Brewery De Koninck, the oldest city brewery, founded in 1833. Enjoy the typical beers and delicacies at Brewery De Koninck’s new visitors’ centre, opening in spring 2015. www.dekoninck.be
Cheese of Master Van Tricht A wide variety of cheeses available for purchase, with an adjoining cheese & wine bar. www.kaasmeestervantricht.be
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ANTWERP
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flanders kitchen rebels
FLANDERS 2
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R E S T AURA N T
The Jane Paradeplein 1 2018 Antwerp Tel. +32 (0)3 808 44 65 contact@thejaneantwerp.com www.thejaneantwerp.com facebook.com/thejaneantwerp Closed: Monday & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 43 km (26.7 mi) • Number of seats: 74
Cuisine For years, Nick Bril was Sergio Herman’s right-hand man at the Oud Sluis restaurant; he is now chef at The Jane, the restaurant he opened together with Herman in 2014. His meals are light and refreshing, exotic and accessible, elaborate and simple, but always extremely creative and surprising.
Nick Bril
30 yrs old
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The ideal chef cooks intuitively, is not too concerned about following trends, and relies on great products and the perfect preparation.
Antwerp \ Antwerp
CHEF’S CHOICE
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Mokatine
Coffee-flavoured sweets on a base of Arabica coffee, mocha and sweetened milk. They have been made in the vicinity since 1924. The recipe has remained unchanged for 90 years.
www.roodthooft.be
Lindner Hotel & City Lounge Lange Kievitstraat 125 2018 Antwerp www.lindner.de
R E S T AURA N T
L’épicerie du cirque Volkstraat 23 2000 Antwerp Tel. +32 (0)3 238 05 71 info@lepicerieducirque.be www.lepicerieducirque.be Check on Facebook
circleinstagram @comptoir27 Closed: Monday & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 43 km (26.7 mi) • Gault&Millau: 14/20 Michelin: 1 star • Number of seats: 40
Surprising combinations and remarkable flavours are Dennis’ trademark. For the last few years, he has been using vegetables, especially turnips, and herbs to create pure, balanced and fresh dishes.
Dennis Broeckx
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30 yrs old
A good chef is honest and solid as a rock. He’s tough when he needs to be, but he also understands that an upbeat team spirit is necessary.
CHEF’S CHOICE
Comptoir by L’épicerie du Cirque
Hotel O
www.lepicerieducirque.be
Leopold de Waelplaats 34 2000 Antwerp www.hotelhotelo.be
Buy hard-to-find goods from small producers and craftspeople, right next door to the restaurant..
Antwerp \ Antwerp
Cuisine
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R E S T AURA N T
GRAANMARKT 13 Graanmarkt 13 2000 Antwerp Tel. +32 (0)3 337 79 91 welcome@graanmarkt13.be www.graanmarkt13.be facebook.com/graanmarkt13 pinterest.com/graanmarkt13
circletwitterbird @Graanmarkt13 circleinstagram @Graanmarkt13 Closed: Mondays & Sundays
• Distance from Brussels: 43 km (26.7 mi) • Gault&Millau: 14/20 Michelin: 2 couverts • Number of seats: 50
Cuisine Seppe Nobels changed the root of his menu completely. No permanent menus; instead, they’re constantly changing twoand three-course menus with vegetables and herbs as the main characters. Many of these are grown on the rooftop terrace where Seppe also keeps his beehives.
Seppe Nobels
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32 yrs old
My mother can call me any time, day or night, and I’ll make her asparagus à la Flamande.
Antwerp \ Antwerp
CHEF’S CHOICE
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Hotel Les Nuits Lange Gasthuisstraat 12 2000 Antwerp www.hotelnuits.be There’s also overnight accomodation linked to the restaurant.
Masters of cheese
Cheese from Master Michel van Tricht and son. Some of the very best cheeses all under one roof.
www.kaasmeestervantricht.be/kazen
R E S T AURA N T
VERANDA Guldenvliesstraat 60 2600 Berchem (Antwerp) Tel. +32 (0)3 218 55 95 facebook.com/veranda Closed: Monday, Tuesday & Saturday at lunch
• Distance from Brussels: 53 km (32.9 mi) • Gault&Millau: 15/20 Michelin: 1 couvert • Number of seats: 24
Davy has an impulsive, fresh and seasonal cuisine. He innovatively combines refined and delicious products to craft inspiring dishes. A true rock ‘n’ roller.
Davy Schellemans
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34 yrs old
Good food should be created with love.
CHEF’S CHOICE
Domestic
A bakery and grocery store with authentic bread, classic pastries and other sweet delicacies.
www.domeweb.be
Hotellerie Le Tissu Brialmontlei 2 2018 Antwerp www.le-tissu.be
Antwerp \ Antwerp
Cuisine
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Bruges The heart of Bruges (Brugge in Dutch), surrounded by an almost continuous ring of canals, is the best preserved example of medieval Flanders.
The city centre is the best place for postcard perfect pictures. With the city centre closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot, by boat along quiet canals, or by horse-drawn carriage over cobblestone streets. Although Bruges is a small city, it will easily take more than one day to explore all of its architectural and artistic treasures, folklore, chocolate shops, lace boutiques, and local restaurants.
Location • 95 km (59 mi) from Brussels • Direct trains from Brussels
Bruges by apps • VisitBruges • iBruges
Get to know Bruges: @Visit_Bruges www.visitbruges.com www.facebook.com/visitbruges
Highlight CANAL CRUISE
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Take a tour on the canals of Bruges to get a good view of the extensive network of little waterways and ancient buildings.
Have a taste Brewery De Halve Maan A unique brewery in the centre of the city. Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik are brewed here. Tours are in Dutch, French, English and German. www.halvemaan.be
The Chocolate Line
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One of the few chocolatiers mentioned in the Michelin guide. “Shock-o-latier� Dominique Persoone creates exclusive and surprising pralines. Forget everything you know about chocolate and prepare to be amazed. www.thechocolateline.be
Choco-Story Learn about the sweet delights that make Belgium famous. You can also visit the chocolatiers nearby. www.choco-story.be
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BRUGES
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flanders kitchen rebels
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FLANDERS
R E S T AURA N T
Boury
Diksmuidsesteenweg 53 8800 Roeselare Tel. +32 (0)51 62 64 62 info@restaurantboury.be www.restaurantboury.be facebook.com/restaurantboury Closed: Monday & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 119 km (73.9 mi) • Gault&Millau: 16/20 Michelin: 1 star • Number of seats: 44
Cuisine Tim strives to achieve a perfect balance between classic and innovative cuisine. His philosophy is the need for products to be recognisable in shape and flavours. He carefully combines ingredients to create refined dishes.
Tim Boury
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31 yrs old
Products must remain recognisable and you should be able to taste the pureness of a product. That’s the essence of being a chef: good food!
Bruges \ Roeselare
CHEF’S CHOICE
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Brewery Rodenbach
An impressive brewery and even more impressive beer.
www.rodenbach.be
R&Breakfast Stationsdreef 151 8800 Roeselare www.rnbreakfast.be
R E S T AURA N T
sel gris
Zeedijk 314 8301 Knokke-Heist (Duinbergen) Tel. +32 (0)50 51 49 37 info@restaurantselgris.be www.restaurantselgris.be facebook.com/selgris Closed: Wednesday & Thursday
• Distance from Brussels: 115 km (71.5 mi) • Gault&Millau: 16/20 Michelin: 1 star • Number of seats: 50
Frederik Deceuninck strives for maximum purity in his dishes, eliminates where necessary and creates rich flavours and textures. His modern twist on traditional cuisine is becoming legendary.
Frederik Deceuninck
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32 yrs old
My dishes are a modern version of grandmother’s cooking.
CHEF’S CHOICE
Marie Siska Hotel La Réserve Elisabethlaan 160-B 8300 Knokke-Heist www.la-reserve.be
Fransisca Fincent’s heart-shaped waffles, made in Knokke since 1882, are world-famous. Four generations have been using the same recipe to make these unique waffles.
www.siska-marie.com
Bruges \ Knokke-Heist
Cuisine
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R E S T AURA N T
IN DE WULF Wulvestraat 1 8950 Heuvelland (Dranouter) Tel. +32 (0)57 44 55 67 info@indewulf.be www.indewulf.be facebook.com/In-de-Wulf Closed: Monday & Tuesday* *Lunch only on Friday and Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 131 km (81.4 mi) • Gault&Millau: 18,5/20 Michelin: 1 star • Number of seats: 40
Cuisine Modern, refined cuisine that harks back to the essence of products. Home-grown herbs and vegetables combined with local products.
Kobe Desramaults
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34 yrs old
My dishes have to be ‘authentic’ above all, sometimes shocking, sometimes gentle, always natural.
CHEF’S CHOICE Den Blinker
Hans Renders and Sue Smith’s herb farm is very close to In de Wulf.
Bruges \ Heuvelland
www.denblinker.be
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B&B In De Wulf Wulvestraat 1 8950 Heuvelland www.indewulf.be Next to the restaurant.
R E S T AURA N T
Grand Cabaret Kaai 12 8620 Nieuwpoort Tel. +32 (0)493 72 96 51 info@grandcabaret.be www.grandcabaret.be facebook.com/grandcabaret
circleinstagram @grandcabaret Closed: Wednesday & Thursday
• Distance from Brussels: 127 km (78.9 mi) • Gault&Millau: 14/20 • Number of seats: 62
Vincent combines new trends and techniques with a quirky interpretation of Mediterranean cooking. He calls this “happy food” or “feel good” cuisine. Vincent loves to pull stunts, like tattooing meat with beer-based ink.
Vincent Florizoone
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35 yrs old
I love the robust character of the cuisine in Flanders. Rich flavours without egos.
CHEF’S CHOICE
Brewery Struise Brouwers
Hotel Martinique
www.struise.com
Brugse Steenweg 7 8620 Nieuwpoort www.hotelmartinique.be
Beers at the top of their game. Have a taste of their many beers in the charming little brewery
Bruges \ Nieuwpoort
Cuisine
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R E S T AURA N T
ZENO
Vlamingstraat 53 8000 Bruges Tel. +32 (0)50 68 09 93 info@restaurantzeno.be www.restaurantzeno.be Check on Facebook Closed: Monday, Saturday at lunch & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 100 km (62.1 mi) • Gault&Millau: 16/20 Michelin: 2 couverts • Number of seats: 36
Cuisine Vegetables, herbs and local products are a constant in Reinout’s cuisine. He uses these ingredients to create interesting dishes that capture the pure flavours and aromas of the products. Time and time again, it is an overall experience full of seasonal goodies.
Reinout Reniere
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31 yrs old
I strongly believe in using seasonal vegetables and herbs. It keeps me inspired.
Bruges \ Bruges
CHEF’S CHOICE
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Bruges beer museum.
Relais & Chateau hotel Héritage
www.brugesbeermuseum.be
Niklaas Desparsstraat 11 8000 Bruges www.hotel-heritage.com
This brand new museum will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about beer.
R E S T AURA N T
Va et vient Handboogstraat 20 8500 Kortrijk Tel. +32 (0)56 20 45 17 info@vaetvient.be www.vaetvient.be facebook.com/vaetvient
circletwitterbird @VVient Closed: Monday, Saturday at lunch & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 94 km (58.4 mi) • Number of seats: 40
Rough yet refined is how Matthias describes his cuisine. He has a remarkable culinary reputation. Last May, he opened his own restaurant. Rustic cuisine is his trademark.
Matthias Speybrouck
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28 yrs old
My mentor, Kobe Desramaults, had a major impact on the person I am today: He instilled a respect for the product and honest, pure dishes.
CHEF’S CHOICE Viva Sara Kaffee
This café at the Grand Place is the place to be for coffee lovers. The place itself also exudes great atmosphere.
www.vivasara.be
D-hotel Abdijmolenweg 1 8510 Marke (Kortrijk) www.d-hotel.be
Bruges \ Kortrijk
Cuisine
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Brussels Bonjour! Goedendag! Even though French and Dutch are widely spoken throughout Brussels, don’t worry: English is widely spoken as well. It is the political heart of Flanders and Belgium, the capital of five hundred million EU citizens.
Brussels is an exciting city of one million inhabitants. It is a microcosm of the people of Europe, a metropolitan city. In fact, Forbes even called it one of the most unexpectedly romantic cities in the world: “The 17th-century cobblestoned Grand-Place is particularly romantic with its border of gilded buildings and gothic towers-so a tour here is a must“. Naturally, no trip to Brussels would be complete without indulging in (a lot of) its famous beer and chocolate.
Location • In the centre of Belgium • Direct trains from Brussels Airport (15 km or 9.3 mi from the city centre)
Brussels by apps • VisitBrussels • Spotted by locals
Get to know Brussels: @visitbrussels www.visitbrussels.be www.facebook.com/visitbrussels
Highlight The Royal Fine Arts Museums (KMSKB) Located next to the Royal Square at the top of the Mont des Arts right in the centre of Brussels, the Royal museums offer in a single location. Dive into Brueghel’s marvellous landscapes, visit the recently opened Fin De Siècle Museum or discover contemporary artist Jan Fabre’s works. The Museum has an impressive collection of fine art from many centuries ago up to now. www.fine-arts-museum.be/en
Have a taste Maison Dandoy
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The most famous biscuit maker in Brussels. Taste the “pain à la grecque” or the “Speculoos”. www.maisondandoy.com
A La Mort Subite
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A visit to this temple of Brussels beer specialities is an absolute must. www.alamortsubite.com
Le Cirio The Art Nouveau style instantly sets the mood. Order a “half en half”: half sparkling wine, half regular wine, a Brussels delicacy.
Cantillon
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A 15-minute drive from the city centre. Brussels is an endless source of beers. Family Brewery Cantillon, with its unique beers, is definitely not to be missed: Faro, Kriek, Geuze and Lambic. www.cantillon.be 1
FLANDERS
BRUSSELS
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flanders kitchen rebels
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3
R E S T AURA N T
Alexandre Rue du Midi 164 1000 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 502 40 55 info@restaurant-alexandre.be www.restaurant-alexandre.be Closed: Monday, Saturday & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: in the city centre • Gault&Millau: 16/20 Michelin: 1 star • Number of seats: 25
Cuisine Classic dishes transformed by modern techniques. Every dish tells a different tale. The main ingredient determines the story line. The other ingredients are the secondary characters that complete the story.
Alexandre Dionisio
33 yrs old
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Cooking is much more than just following a recipe. Cooking is telling a story.
BRUSSELS \ Brussels
CHEF’S CHOICE
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Bourse district
Bars, restaurants, the lively Saint-Géry square... This neighbourhood offers everything for a great night out, from typical local beers to cocktails from around the world.
Sandton Pillows Place Rouppe 17 1000 Brussels www.sandton.eu/en/brusselspillows
R E S T AURA N T
WY
Bodenbroekstraat 22-24 1000 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 400 42 63 Info@wybrussels.be www.wybrussels.be facebook.com/wybrussels Closed: Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: in the city centre • Gault&Millau: 15/20 Michelin: 1 star • Number of seats: 40
Guus has a modern, fresh and light Flemish/French cuisine that is further influenced by flavours from all over the world. His creations are works of art. The restaurant is located in a Mercedes Benz showroom.
Guus Van Zon
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29 yrs old
Beer is an amazing product: it is so versatile and easy to combine with any dish.
CHEF’S CHOICE L’abattoir
An early-morning market where butchers, fishmongers and farmers display their products. A must-see!
www.abattoir.be/en/markets
B&B Villa Sablon Sint-Annastraat 26 1000 Brussels www.villasablon.com
BRUSSELS \ Brussels
Cuisine
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Ghent “Here’s a secret within a secret: Ghent might just be the best European city you’ve never thought of visiting, in a country that continues to be criminally overlooked.” - Lonely Planet’s 10 places to visit in 2011.
If you’re the type who prefers exploring away from the tourist hordes, funky Ghent is definitely the place to go. Ghent is praised for its brilliant mix of a wonderful past and a vibrant present. Here hides one of Europe’s finest panoramas of water, spires and centuries-old, grand houses. But this is no place to simply kick back. It’s also Flanders’ biggest university town, which means linger-as-long-as-you-like cafés, well-priced restaurants and a laidback atmosphere.
Location • Direct trains from Brussels every 30 minutes • 60 km (37.3 mi) from Brussels
ghent by apps • Spotted by locals • Citypath Gent
Get to know Ghent: @visitgent www.visitgent.be www.facebook.com/gentfan
Highlight Mystic Lamb This major masterpiece by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck is the most influential painting in the history of art, and it is also the most frequently stolen artwork of all time. The Altarpiece is on display in the St. Bavo Cathedral. The parts under restoration can be seen at the Fine Arts Museum. With a bit of luck, you may get to see the restoration team at work on weekdays.
Have a taste ‘t Dreupelkot Over 200 genevers, some of which are homemade. www.dreupelkot.be
Tierenteyn Mustard
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The best mustard in town since 1790. www.tierenteyn-verlent.be
Roomer An aperitif based on elderflower. www.roomer.be
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GHENT
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flanders kitchen rebels
FLANDERS
R E S T AURA N T
C-JULES
Markt 15 9620 Zottegem Tel. +32 (0)9 279 11 18 info@c-jules.be www.c-jules.be facebook.com/c-jules Closed:
From May to October Monday,
Saturday at lunch & Sunday From November to April Monday, Tuesday & Saturday at lunch
• Distance from Brussels: 45 km (27.9 mi) • Number of seats: 32
Cuisine Julie cherishes the golden classics of the Belgian cuisine, but gives them a personal twist. She devotes much of her attention to finding pure, local products.
Julie Baekelandt
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28 yrs old
The restaurant is my kingdom, but at home the apron comes off. My boyfriend is the chef in our kitchen.
ghent \ Zottegem
CHEF’S CHOICE
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Hoorens Coffee
A coffee-roasting factory in the same village as the restaurant.
www.hoorenskoffie.be
Eyckenmolen Eikenmolen 13 9570 Sint-Maria-Lierde www.eyckenmolen.be This hotel is next to the restaurant
R E S T AURA N T
Publiek
Ham 39 9000 Ghent Tel. +32 (0)9 330 04 86 info@publiekgent.be www.publiekgent.be facebook.com/restaurantpubliek Closed: Monday & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 55 km (34.2 mi) • Number of seats: 41
Olly Ceulenaere demonstrates his knowledge of blending pure flavours together in his new restaurant as well, creating flavourful dishes in which vegetables play an important part.
Olly Ceulenaere
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35 yrs old
Ghent is really dynamic, I feel like anything could happen here.
CHEF’S CHOICE
Snooz Inn Ham 89 9000 Ghent www.snoozinn.be
“Cuberdon”
A sweet, cone-shaped treat with a soft, usually raspberry syrup-filled centre, called “neuzekes” (little noses) in Flanders. Delicious!
Ghent \ Ghent
Cuisine
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R E S T AURA N T
KAREL DE STOUTE Vrouwebroersstraat 5 9000 Ghent Tel. +32 (0)9 224 17 35 restkareldestoute@gmail.com www.restkareldestoute.be facebook.com/kareldestoute Closed: Monday, Saturday at lunch & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 57 km (35.4 mi) • Gault&Millau: 15/20 Michelin: 1 couvert • Number of seats: 24
Cuisine Through the careful selection of fresh ingredients, Thomas creates distinctive dishes with balanced textures and an eye-catching presentation.
Thomas De Muynck
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31 yrs old
If I wasn’t a chef, I’d be a drummer.
CHEF’S CHOICE
Ghent \ Ghent
Gruut city brewery
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Hotel Harmony Kraanlei 37 9000 Ghent www.hotel-harmony.be
Ghent was once the centre of brewing. Gruut is one of the rare beers still being brewed using the medieval spice mixture (gruut) instead of the usual hops.
www.gruut.be
R E S T AURA N T
volta
Nieuwewandeling 2b 9000 Ghent Tel. +32 (0)9 324 05 00 info@voltagent.be www.volta-gent.be Closed: Monday & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 57 km (35.4 mi) • Gault&Millau: 14/20 Michelin: 1 couvert • Number of seats: 60
Creativity and innovation are the strengths of Davy’s cuisine. He prepares refreshing flavours and light dishes using home-grown vegetables and herbs.
Davy De Pourcq
“
26 yrs old
A chef has to have discipline. It is a beautiful job, but you need to know what you want to achieve in order to set yourself apart from the others.
CHEF’S CHOICE
“Kop from Ghent”
Don’t pass up this local product made from pork head, tail and tongue.
Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof Hoogstraat 36 9000 Ghent www.sandton.eu/en/gent
Ghent \ Ghent
Cuisine
29
R E S T AURA N T
VRIJMOED Vlaanderenstraat 22 9000 Ghent Tel. +32(0)9 279 99 77 info@vrijmoed.be www.vrijmoed.be fb.com/restaurantvrijmoed
circletwitterbird
@m_vrijmoed
Closed: Monday & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 55 km (33.2 mi) • Gault&Millau: 14/20 Michelin: 1 star • Number of seats: 40
Cuisine The former right hand of three-star chef Peter Goossens, Michaël launched his own restaurant in 2013 and aimed for the stars right from the beginning. Michaël presents a modern, straightforward cuisine with great respect for the fresh products, pure flavours and a natural presentation.
Michaël Vrijmoed
“
33 yrs old
The business of eating and cooking is everlasting, timeless and enduring.
Ghent \ Ghent
CHEF’S CHOICE
30
B&B Hotel Verhaegen
“Mastellen”
A sweet, sandwich-like cinnamon-flavoured-pastry. Many bakeries in Ghent serve this sinful treat.
Oude Houtlei 110 9000 Ghent www.neooselonneo.be
31
Ghent \ Ghent
Hasselt A charming city known for its generous hospitality, Hasselt is the city of genever, a strong spirit that is required to contain at least one juniper berry.
You can taste all of its varieties during the yearly Genever festivities. It is a pleasure to stroll around the city. The region around Hasselt is known for all the sweet things nature has to offer: blueberries, appels, pears, blossoms in the spring,... Instant happiness.
Location • 84 km (52.2 mi) from Brussels • Direct train from Brussels, ± 1 hour
Antwerp by apps • Hasselt (iTunes)
Get to know Hasselt: www.toerisme.hasselt.be www.facebook.com/hasselttoerisme
Highlight National Genever Museum
1
In a 19th century agricultural distillery, the National Genever Museum tells the story of Belgian genever, from grain to drink, and lets you taste a large number of Belgian grain genevers. www.jenevermuseum.be
Have a taste The “Smaakwinkel” (= Hasselt Tourist Information Centre) This is a great starting point to get acquainted with all of Hasselt’s specialties (e.g. speculoos, genever, chocolate). www.hasselt.eu
Boon Homemade pralines, chocolates and unique ornamental pieces in chocolate. www.thechocolateexperience.be
Sky Lounge The top floor bar of the Hotel Radisson Blu Hasselt, with a panoramic view. www.radissonblu.be/hotel-hasselt
Discover the vineyards A short drive outside of the city centre takes you right into the vineyards. Discover wines from Flanders, including the Château Genoels-Elderen, Aldendeyck or Clos d’Opleeuw wineries.
1
FLANDERS
HASSELT
3
flanders kitchen rebels
R E S T AURA N T
CUCHARA Lepelstraat 3 3920 Lommel Tel. +32 (0)11 75 74 35 info@cuchara.be www.cuchara.be fb.com/RestaurantCuchara
circletwitterbird @CucharaLommel Closed: Monday, Saturday at lunch & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 122 km (75.8 mi) • Gault&Millau: 13/20 Michelin: 1 star • Number of seats: 30
Cuisine Jan’s cooking keeps evolving. He doesn’t rest on his laurels. After developing a style strongly influenced by cutting-edge techniques, he now focuses on the essence and pureness of his products. His trademark is the search for new textures and flavours.
Jan Tournier
“
33 yrs old
Customers are important to me, as is getting to meet them. I like to bring a dish to their table myself or add something special to a dish for them.
Hasselt \ Lommel
CHEF’S CHOICE
34
Sahara mustard
Local mustard named after a nearby nature reserve.
www.sahara-kempischemosterd.be
Casa Ciolina Zavelstraat 17 3990 Peer www.casaciolina.be
R E S T AURA N T
INNESTO
Grote baan 9 3530 Houthalen Tel. +32 (0)11 52 55 25 info@innesto.be www.innesto.be fb.com/Restaurant-Innesto Closed: Monday, Saturday at lunch & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 82 km (50.9 mi) • Gault&Millau: 15/20 Michelin: 1 star • Number of seats: 55
Koen’s dishes show his passion for herbs, flowers and vegetables that grow in the wild. Every dish displays his strong techniques. Authentic ingredients combined with precision to create an elegant and inventive final result.
Koen Verjans
“
29 yrs old
I discovered that my passion was cooking while working in restaurants every weekend as a kid.
CHEF’S CHOICE Achelse Blauwe
A creamy blue cheese that makes your taste buds beg for more. A visit to cheese maker Catharinadal, which created this treat, is definitely not to be missed.
www.catharinadal.be
Hotel De Barrier Grote Baan 9 3530 Houthalen www.differenthotels.com/en/hotels/de-barrier
Hasselt \ Houthalen
Cuisine
35
R E S T AURA N T
6 ZINNEN
Luikersteenweg 6 3500 Hasselt Tel. +32 (0)11 33 47 34 info@restaurant6zinnen.be www.restaurant6zinnen.be facebook.com/6-zinnen Closed*: Monday & Tuesday *Closed for lunch on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
• Distance from Brussels: 83 km (51.6 mi) • Gault&Millau: 13/20 Michelin: 2 couverts • Number of seats: 26
Cuisine Jan brings character, uniqueness and feeling to his dishes. His cuisine contains recognisable ingredients and pure flavours, making them a treat for the senses.
Jan Wouters
“
29 yrs old
If you need to recover from a good, long night out, then there is only one cure: slices of whole wheat bread with bacon, scrambled eggs and jam for breakfast.
CHEF’S CHOICE Vrolingen syrup
Handmade apple and pear syrup produced without any addition of sugars, colouring or preservatives.
Hasselt \ Hasselt
www.stroopvanvrolingen.be
36
6 Zinnen Luikersteenweg 6 3500 Hasselt www.6zinnen.be
37
Hasselt \ Hasselt
Leuven Whether you are looking to quench your thirst for knowledge or just your thirst, Leuven is the ideal place. This youthful town, just a stone’s throw from Brussels, is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities - and history is present on every street corner.
The university and its 28,000 students and professors have a special tie with Leuven. And naturally, where there are students, there is beer! Famous for Stella Artois, Leuven is Belgium’s reigning brewing capital - no small feat in a country that produces hundreds of delicious beer varieties. Centuries of Flemish tradition and craftsmanship lie behind its premium brews, so you will want to take your time and savour their flavours.
Location • 25 km (15.5 mi) from Brussels • Easily accessible with a direct train from Brussels
Get to know Leuven: @visitleuven www.visitleuven.be www.leuven.be/beercapital www.facebook.com/visitleuven
Highlight The Town Hall
1
A masterpiece of Flemish Gothic architecture, it is considered to be one of the most famous Gothic city halls in the world. Looking at the building, with all its decorations and 236 statues, is like reading a page from Leuven’s history, with a wide variety of characters, from local academics and professors to artists, historic personalities, patron saints, the counts of Brabant and, finally, biblical characters.
Have a taste Aperitif beer from brewery De Vlier Forget champagne and have an aperitif beer like Guldendelle, Ferme Framboos or Ferme Brut instead. www.brouwerij-devlier.com
Stella Artois Brewery
2
Discover one of the biggest breweries in the world. Learn about the brewing process while checking out the impressive mash barrels and watch the bottles and cans being filled. www.leuven.be/beercapital
Books and drinks De Dry Coppen Relax with a cup of coffee/tea, a delicious pastry and a good book. www.dedrycoppen.be
Rondou traditional butchery Fresh meat and large assortment of regional products. www.beenhouwerijrondou.be
1
FLANDERS
leuven
2
flanders kitchen rebels
2
R E S T AURA N T
HET LAND AAN DE OVERKANT Léon Schreursvest 85 3001 Heverlee Tel. +32 (0)16 22 61 81 info@hetlandaandeoverkant.be www.hetlandaandeoverkant.be Check on Facebook Closed: Monday, Saturday at lunch & Sunday
• Distance from Brussels: 31 km (19.7 mi) • Gault&Millau: 14/20 Michelin: 3 couverts • Number of seats: 50
Cuisine After trying his hand at molecular cuisine, Wim has now opted for honest and straightforward cooking, or as he calls it, cuisine filled with memories. He starts with a dish that holds great memories for him and then playfully transforms it into an elegant and light composition.
Wim Dejonghe
“
32 yrs old
Being a chef is more than a job or a hobby, it is my identity. I can’t imagine not being a chef.
CHEF’S CHOICE Koffiebar MOK
Handmade coffee, rich in flavours.
LEUVEN \ Heverlee
www.mokleuven.be
40
B&B Lodging at 8 Weldadigheidsstraat 8 3000 Leuven www.lodgingat8.be
R es t a u r a n t
Bistro Margaux Dorpsplein 3 1700 Sint-Martens-Bodegem Tel. +32 (0)2 460 05 45 info@bistromargaux.be www.bistromargaux.be Closed: Monday & Tuesday
• Distance from Brussels: 14 km (8.7 mi) • Gault&Millau: 16/20 Michelin: 1 star • Number of seats: 45
Thomas is inspired by classic cuisine, adding a modern and personal twist, using the utmost skill. His cooking is both luxurious and honest, which is what makes great cuisine according to Thomas.
Thomas Locus
30 yrs old
“
I love food. But it doesn’t always need to be high level. French fries from a ‘frietkot’ can taste so good!”
CHEF’S CHOICE
Brewery Timmermans
The oldest Lambic brewery (1702). The beer is still brewed according to traditional methods.
www.brtimmermans.be/en
Louis 1924 Lange Veldstraat 19 1700 Sint-Martens-Bodegem www.louis1924.be Next to the restaurant.
LEUVEN \ Sint-Martens-Bodegem
Cuisine
41
VisitFlanders The Flanders Kitchen Rebels represent the generation of talented young chefs. VisitFlanders promotes Flanders as a culinary destination and wishes to conquer the heart of foodies worldwide. PUBLISHER Peter De Wilde VISITFLANDERS, Grasmarkt 61, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Content: VisitFlanders and Marc Declercq Photographer chefs and dishes: Michael Dehaspe - www.dehaspe.com Pictures Hertog Jan: Kristof Vrancken Photography: Makani Photography, Roodthooft, VisitFlanders, Toerisme Provincie Antwerpen, milo-profi.be, Antwerpen Toerisme & Congres, Kaasmeester Van Tricht, Gebroeders Vercammen, Vlam, Abbatoir nv-sa, Sahara, Hannes Vandenbroucke, Michiel Stegen, Brouwerij Groenendael, Brouwerij Oud Beersel/ Luc Collet, Royal Belgian Caviar, Brouwerij De Vliet, Vlam, Toerisme Limburg, Visit Gent, Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaanderen Lekkerland, Straffestreek/Luc Collet, Sven Lambin, Alexandre Laurent, Tomas Kubes, Westtoer, Heikki Verdurme, Laurent Vermeersch, Patisserie Courcelles, De Schapenmelkerij, Kathleen Demey, Hugo Casaer, Arenberg, Johan Leon/Werner Van Obberghen, Tom Van Loock. Jury: Jan Buytaert (chairman), Stéphane Buyens, Marc Declercq, Denis D’hanis, Sofie Van Den Bossche and Hanne Grégoire Design: Absoluut - www.absoluut.be FLANDERS KITCHEN REBELS IS AN INITIATIVE of VisitFLanders. Thanks to: • H oreca Vlaanderen • Hertog Jan, Absoluut, Michael Dehaspe, the young chefs • Flemish provinces (Limburg, Tourism Province Antwerp, Westtoer, Province Flemish Brabant, Tourism Province East Flanders) • Cities of Bruges, Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, Leuven and Hasselt
This trade folder has been put together based on information that we requested from our partners. Over the course of time, some information could change. For this reason, we request that before you visit a brewery, museum or event, you kindly check the company’s website. VisitFlanders cannot be held responsible for errors that we might have missed or unintended omission despite various checks. All rights reserved. Save in the exceptional cases set out by law, nothing in this publication may be copied, stored in automated databases or published, in any form, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Legal deposit: D/2014/5635/37/4
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EXCELLENT young chefs Of flanders
Nick Bril Dennis Broeckx Seppe Nobels Davy Schellemans Tim Boury Frederik Deceuninck Kobe Desramaults Vincent Florizoone Reinout Reniere Matthias Speybrouck Alexandre Dionisio Guus Van Zon Julie Baekelandt Olly Ceulenaere Thomas De Muynck Davy De Pourcq MichaĂŤl Vrijmoed Jan Tournier Koen Verjans Jan Wouters Wim Dejonghe Thomas Locus