Antwerpen Proeft: The Biggest Culinary Show in Belgium
What better time to visit Antwerp than the weekend of the 28th. Antwerpen Proeft is an annual culinary festival that takes place in the uber-hip neighborhood of Het Eilandje. Over the last 10 years this part of Antwerp has seen stunning new architecture like Zaha Hadid’s Port House, The Dutch firm NRA’s Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), and David Chipperfield’s five new luxury apartment complexes. Now it will be hosting the biggest food festival in Belgium.
Over a period of four days, April 28th to May 1st, top chefs, local hot spots, and artisanal producers ply their edible wares. Experts conduct food workshops, and this year a children’s area and book market have been added to this all around festival of good flavors. The organisers are expecting 30,000 visitors over these four days, so there is never a dull moment.
The participant list ranges in everything from Top Chef Jeroen Meus’ hot dog stand in Leuven, Michelin starred restaurants doing Fritkot classics, to The Jane, Antwerp’s finest haute cuisine experience. Restaurants from all over Belgium and the Netherlands will be serving their personal creations. Plates average between 5 to 7.50€, and entrance is 7 euros for a one day pass and comes with a complimentary welcome drink. A host of artisanal producers will be there as well, showing off the latest in culinary innovation and culinary technology.
Belgium’s gorgeous second city is 35 minutes from Brussels by train or car, and this weekend is peak time to come on down for a visit.
Good to know:
