These Belgian restaurants have gained a Michelin star
Yesterday was an important day for the hospitality industry in Belgium: the Michelin stars were awarded. And it turned out to be quite a spectacular award show, because one restaurant even managed to gain two stars in one fell swoop. Incredibly impressive; Hof van Cleve in Kruisem managed to do it.
Floris Van Der Veken is the new chef there — only at the beginning of this year did he take over as Peter Goossens’ right-hand man. Chef Goossens ended his career there with three stars. Because of his departure, there are now only two three-star restaurants left in Belgium. No new one was added this year, so that honour remains with Zilte in Antwerp and Boury in Roeselare.
Michelin stars in Belgium
Eight restaurants received their first star this year, including the lovely Pont Neuf in Antwerp. It was already a real must-visit in Antwerp, so as far as we’re concerned, that star is more than deserved — definitely worth visiting if you’re in the city! Menssa also received its first star; it is located just outside Brussels. In addition to Van Der Veken’s remarkable achievement, Sir Kwinten also gained a star — making them the only new two-star restaurants in Belgium.
Best sommelier
But even more prizes were awarded: Mathieu Vanneste, from Boury, received the award for best sommelier. The jury praised his ‘extraordinary knowledge of wine and his personality.’ This year’s best young chef was Julien Malaisse of Pré de Chez Vous, in Bouge. According to the jury, ‘he respects recognisable flavours, but also enjoys venturing off the beaten track.’
It’s not good for my bank account, but I’ve immediately added quite a few restaurants to my bucket list. One Green Star was also awarded this year, to Nils Proost of Neon (Lier). Yesterday, he also received his first Michelin star — so it was a particularly wonderful day for him too.
Not just winners
But, as every year, stars were also lost, and for Château du Mylord in Ellezelles it was a significant blow; they lost two stars yesterday and are now left empty-handed. ‘t Overhamme in Aalst, La Villa Emily in Brussels, L’Impératif in Roucourt and Le Pré des Oréades in Spa also all lost one star.
By the way, did you think that eating at star level always has to be expensive? Definitely not; these are the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe — and Belgian Bistro Racine is on the list too!
Also read:
- Go to a Michelin-starred restaurant sometime
- I asked Michelin-starred chefs about their ultimate guilty pleasure
- How to make cheap meat delicious
Image: Zilte
