Discover Benelux  |  Flemish Brabant  |  Top Food, Drink & Sleep Spots

The amazing tastes of Hageland at Restaurant L’Oh TEXT: MICHIEL STOL  |  PHOTOS: RESTAURANT L’OH

When you are in Flemish Brabant, a visit to Hageland, with its beautiful landscape of rolling hills, is an absolute must. “We have so many great local products here,” smiles Leen Weckhuyzen of Restaurant L’Oh in Tielt-Winge. “That is why we use them in our kitchen.” Restaurant L’Oh opened its doors in September 2017. “Within a year we redesigned the building into this magnificent place, where people can enjoy our gastronomy.” Leen and her husband Simon, who is the chef, offer their

guests a menu of classically prepared dishes with a twist. “L’Oh belongs to the Disciples Escoffier society, which honours traditional cooking,” explains Leen. “That is what we do. But we give the food our own special twist, with local and organic ingredients playing a key role. The wines we serve are also classic wines, from small, eco-friendly wine makers.” The restaurant is an open and light place, and the furniture was made by carpenters here in Hageland. “The tables are old wooden floors from freight wagons,” Leen reveals. The restaurant also has a separate glass room, with a

view of the kitchen. “We rent this to parties of eight and upwards. Being closed off from the rest of the restaurant, it is perfect for business meetings or family parties where privacy is desired. And the view of the kitchen is amazing.” So if you want to meander in this beautiful region and enjoy the incredible local food, be sure to stop by at Restaurant L’Oh. “We guarantee you will be amazed by the culinary delights Hageland has to offer.” Web: www.l-oh.be

Nestor takes pride in local Belgian products and arts TEXT: CATHY VAN KLAVEREN  |  PHOTOS: BRASSERIE-RESTAURANT NESTOR

Is fine dining something you only do when there is something to celebrate? BrasserieRestaurant Nestor in Flemish Brabant does not think this should be the case. Its modern venue invites anyone to enjoy not only classic dishes, but also its own distinctive style for any occasion. The interior is light and open, with references to Belgian artist Hergé’s comic figure Tintin. “Something to be very proud of,” says chef Bart Lardinois. This same idea is valid for other aspects of his business: products he uses for his menu like meats, fish, even the mustard, come from local suppliers. This means Lardinois can surprise his customers with seasonal meals, which they can find on his suggestion menu, in addition to his original classics.  “I have worked in the hotel and catering business for years, but always said to myself 18  |  Issue 49  |  January 2018

I wanted my own restaurant before I turned 50. I opened Nestor when I was 49.” He runs it together with his wife Mia. While he is in the kitchen with his staff, she is on the restaurant floor making sure every guest is attended to. It is a combination that has worked for six years now. Lardinois: “After all these years I still see my job as a hobby. I like pleasing people, it’s what I do best.” It seems the customers would agree: Brasserie-Restaurant Nestor is well-loved and well-known in Lubbeek. Inside Nestor there is seating for 85 people, but there is also a terrace that has another 85 spots. Everything is at ground level, wheelchair accessible, and there is parking space for 28 cars. Web: www.brasserienestor.be