Discover Benelux | Brussels City | The Capital of Europe
Conviviality and fresh cuisine TEXT: BETTINA GUIRKINGER | PHOTOS: MAISON DU LUXEMBOURG
Opening its doors in 2009, the Maison du Luxembourg is located at the heart of the European quarter in Brussels. The restaurant offers a beautiful relaxing environment and fine cuisine to its appreciative guests. Starting from zero, owner Philippe Lecomte put all the chances on his side to build what is today known as the Maison du Luxembourg. Formerly a tavern, the house had to undergo several transformations to achieve the look and soul it has today. With a kitchen offering fresh produce of the highest quality, the menu is built around the offerings of the season: “This allows us to ensure that there is no loss of taste and texture in the dishes we offer,” says manager Vincent van Bockstaele. “The highlights of our menu include pork ribs with carrot purée and ginger, veal sweetbread accompanied with red onions ‘à la cardamome’ and sweet potatoes, or scallops with bacon and lentils,” says Van Bockstaele. With
a wine list to match, the menu is affordable as well as pleasurable. With the possibility to hire their private salon for a 25-guest dinner or their banquet room with seats for 60, the team at Maison du Luxembourg will happily host your most special occasions - from weddings and birthdays to business dinners over a hearty meal. In order to escape the buzz of the city and feel invigorated this spring, this is the place to keep an eye on - both for its cuisine and the warm welcome from the staff. www.maisonduluxembourg.be
A green setting for refreshing cuisine TEXT: BETTINA GUIRKINGER | PHOTOS: AU GRAND FORESTIER
Run by Albert Jean Niels and his son Frédéric, the restaurant Au Grand Forestier seduces both locals and tourists with its charming location at the edge of the Forest of Soignes. With a beautiful view on the Ten Reuken ponds and a menu full of mouthwatering signature dishes, this is an unmissable address. Open since 2015, the restaurant welcomes its guests every day of the week with its non-stop kitchen from 12pm to 11pm (from April onwards, it is open on Sundays for lunch). Under the expert taste of talented chef Pascal Goblet, you can expect some of the classics they also offer at their Sablon location ‘Au Vieux St Martin’, such as the Filet Américain (the original recipe invented by first generation Joseph Niels in 1924), the tomatoes filled with Oostende grey shrimps or the soles from Zeebruges. Everything here is fresh and homemade, from the seasonings to the sauces and the delicious desserts. 18 | Issue 39 | March 2017
If the food itself was not reason enough to book a table on the heated terrace, the setting is remarkable. Surrounded by beautiful nature and decorated with the works of renowned Belgian painters, the restaurant offers the perfect setting for business lunches, family dinners and romantic dates. With remarkable service and a friendly team, Au Grand Forestier has everything to please the eye and the taste-buds! For those looking for an alternative to the city feeling and buzz of the Belgian capital, this might just be it.
Find out more and organise private events by visiting the website below. www.augrandforestier.be