No such unpleasant surprises await, however, at Le P’tit Troquet which prides itself not only on the quality of the food, but the transparency of its pricing policy.

Each of the starters are priced €15,the mains all come in at a very affordable €20 while a desert will set you back just €8.

It’s all very clear and “above board” with the same applying to the (very pleasant) wines which are available in four price categories: €20,€30, €40 and €50.

This also means that a very fine 3-course dinner at this lovely restaurant, which is located in the heart of the Ardennes, costs as little as €43 (an absolute snip compared with prices at Brussels restaurants) while a 3 course lunch is a mere €37.

You may not know it from the modern, stylish exterior but there’s actually been a restaurant here for no less than six decades although the latest reincarnation is largely the inspiration of owner/chef Gaetan Colin, who opened it about eight months ago.

Having worked in some notable Brussels restaurants, Gaetan brought an impressive CV and reputation as a brilliant cook to the Ardennes. He built his reputation as a chef at starred restaurants and has taken his talents and experience to a new and impressive level here.

The food, as ever the main thing, is top notch and, albeit it with a heavy French influence, reflects the emphasis Gaetan places on sourcing everything from local and regional produce (the vegetables, for instance, come from a local grower).

One example of this « go local » policy is found in the choice of starters and the snails from Namur (only a few kilometres away) which are served with smoked bacon and parsley.

Another recommendation for starters are the homemade croquettes de parmesan maison – delicious!

The mains list is relatively small but nonetheless a lovely balance of meat and fish and includes that old Belgian/French favourite, rognons served with mustard. The quality of this tasty dish can easily differ from one restaurant to another but, here, a lot of time/effort is invested (as with other dishes) in ensuring it’s perfectly cooked and presented.

The same criteria goes for the deserts which tend to be “more local” and include a very pleasant dame blanche.

Overseeing things in the kitchen (along with Gaetan) is Nathalie Tihon, the head chef, whose aim is to offer gourmet-standard cuisine but at very affordable and democratic prices.

Looking after things front of house is Quentin, another of Gaetan’s close collaborators who has himself worked at starred restaurants and, coming from Godinne, the nearby village, brings his local knowledge and expertise to proceedings.

As well as the restaurant, Gaetan himself is very much preoccupied with running a guest house just round  the corner (where he also lives).

Formerly the holiday home of Paul-Henry Spaak (one of the EU’s founding fathers no less!), the 5-bedroom B and B (“Le Richmond”) is ideally situated for a short break.

Gaetan used to serve just breakfast there but can now offer residents (as well as non-residents, of course) the opportunity eat lunch and/or dinner as well at P’tit Troquet.

The restaurant has, in the past, been known for being a great place to eat and its new owner is doing a great job in more than upholding that hard-earned reputation.

Both the restaurant, which has been tastefully refurbished with warm and welcoming interior colours, and guest house (less than 100m away) are both located in an enviable position on a bend of the sedate river Meuse which twists and turns its way through this part of Belgium’s French-speaking community.

Surrounded by the gorgeous foret de Profondeville, both of Gaetan’s businesses are a mere 15km from the centre of Namur, the busy regional capital, and a relatively easy drive from Brussels.

If you are new to Belgium – or just wanting to rediscover the charming landscape of this particularly peaceful area – you’d do well to give this excellent eatery a try.

It is a very good example of the fine culinary traditions that are available outside of Brussels and, unlike lots of places in the capital, you’re guaranteed a lovely meal without breaking the bank!

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Name: Le P’tit Troquet
• Address: 48 rue Grande, Godinne
• Contact Info: 082 611522
• Website: http://le-ptit-troquet.be

The post Le P’tit Troquet offering delicious and pocket-friendly meals appeared first on Brussels Express.

The wild game’s comeback every autumn and winter is a hit among hunters, butchers and consumers in Belgium.

For many, it is a keenly-awaited seasonal chance to sample some sumptuous regional cuisine, sourced direct from the glorious Belgian Ardennes.

The open season for hunting is a treat for those who enjoy the strong flavours of wild game.

Wild dishes pop up at restaurants at this time of the year too, of course, and one of the best places in Brussels to treat yourself to some great game is Le Repos des Chasseurs.

Its authenticity is already well known here, something that is reflected by the fact that it is the only restaurant in Brussels to be listed by Logis de France, the famous quality label for restaurants and hotels.

One of the reasons for its inclusion for the past 20 years is its wonderful rural-like setting. Despite being located just a stone’s throw from one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares (avenue d’Auderghem) you could be forgiven for thinking you are, well, in the deepest Ardennes.

Surrounded by ancient trees and the nearby forest, it makes for a great place to eat at any time of the year, including during the game season.

Among the most popular dishes hare and deer (available from October) while wild boar and guinea fowl are also customer favourites. Pheasant, while less popular than in the past, is also a game mainstay on the menu, of course.

All the game served here is sourced from the Ardennes while the delicious truffle – served with some of the dishes – comes from Piedmont in Italy, the homeland of the owners.

If you’ve room, you really must try to commence things with a seasonal starter: wild mushrooms on toast – terrific!

The restaurant, along with other businesses in the area, has had to cope with the closure nearby of insurance company Axa’s office which employed over 5,000.  It is a sign of its enduring popularity that the restaurant has not only survived such a blow but gone from strength to strength.

Apart from the game now on the menu, there are a couple of excellent value-for-money set menus: one which offers a choice from six starters and six mains, plus desert and another  four-course menu.

An extensive a la carte has a lovely range of dishes, ranging from sweetbread in a creamy mushroom sauce (an old Belgo-French classic) and veal kidneys to seafood and some fantastic pasta offerings.

In the unlikely event of none of this tickling your fancy, there’s also a daily suggestions  board to tempt you.

This is mouth-watering food and is best accompanied by something from the equally fine wine card which contains some great reds and whites sourced from the winery in the south of Italy which is owned and run by the same family.

The 70-hectare winery, located not far from Naples in what is said to be one of the beautiful settings in Italy, produces between 500 and 600 bottles per year. It has acquired a reputation for the quality of its produce and the wines are also available via a Belgian outlet

Aside from the nice cuisine and old charm decor, there are more than ample spaces here for conferences, banquets and private functions.

Weekends are particularly popular with families for birthday parties and suchlike while business-oriented events are more typical on weekdays.

Worth knowing that one room has space for up to 20 people, another two have capacity for 40-60 while a fourth room, the biggest, can accommodate between 80-100 people. There are also facilities for people with disabilities, plus a delightful terrace.

There is also a pleasant 11-room hotel attached to the restaurant and access is no  problem with ample parking spaces nearby and the whole complex situated pretty close to the Brussels Ring and motorway network.

Angelo Pepe, the proprietor, first arrived in Belgium way back in 1974. He actually owns four restaurants, one at Zaventem, another in Ixelles, Le Repos des Chasseurs and one very close by.

More than ably supported by his family, the very welcoming and friendly Angelo has worked hard to build up a much-deserved excellent reputation on the Brussels culinary scene.

He says his motto is “work is the hobby that costs the least” and, in a way, it aptly sums up his family’s admirable work ethic.

This restaurant also has particularly poignant memories for this writer: it was the venue chosen by one’s late father-in-law for his last family meal before, very soon afterwards, being consumed by cancer having just turned 70.

GOOD TO KNOW: 

• Name: Le Repos des Chasseurs
• Address: Av Charle Albert 11, Watermael Boitsfort
• Contact: 02 660 4672  or info@lereposdeschasseurs.be

The post Le Repos des Chasseurs: for those who enjoy wild game meat appeared first on Brussels Express.

…Besides one. Le Sanglier des Ardennes is a hotel and home to two restaurants, led by Wout Bru, a chef famous throughout Belgium, known for his innovative cuisine. One restaurant is called La Bru’sserie and the other one is Sanglier des Ardennes, the first one being more tapas style, the second being the tasting menu type.

When we went there, both were closed due to renovation, but luckily a Pop up, taking the best from the two has been set up just until the maintenance work is done. We were certainly not disappointed. A lunch menu of four courses cost each of us 45€ and it was definitely worth it. Generous portions and tastes and textures mixed that made it an interesting lunch full of new discoveries. You can also order a la carte and the menu is grouped in tapas from Spain, Asia, France, South America and Belgium.

We started with a lovely Hamashi ceviche that was served with Passion Fruit, Mandarine and a cream from Estragon. Fresh, very nice texture and a mix of sweet-sour-ish tastes together with the soft and buttery flavours of the raw fish.

The second dish, a salad from spinach, surprised me as well; a Nobashi shrimp that was incredibly tender and soft was mixed with little Foie Gras pieces and smoked Eel in a salty salad dressing.

The third dish following, was a perfectly creamy potato puree with a slow cooked egg, Iberian ham and of course, truffle. A mix between creamy, a bit crunchy, umami and salty made this a very special – and filling – dish. I loved how it all came perfectly together and how the textures were different and matched so well.

Finally, a medium-rare piece of American Prime Beef, served with thin potato fries, a mustard foamy-sauce and a grilled shallot. I liked this one a lot, the meat was perfectly cooked, glazed with a spiced sauce, but lacking a bit in taste, so maybe a happy cow from France of Spain would’ve done an equal or even better job.

Dessert is not included in the menu, but we ordered a coffee and got some fresh (they were still warm) oven-baked Canelés Bordelaises with it; those little French pastries that are crunchy on the outside, gooey and soft on the inside and highly addictive.

Overall the interior is very nice, characterised by forest colours, dark brown wood, fir green walls, dimmed light, nice details. It is a very cabin like, homey atmosphere but retaining that certain “chic”. The waitresses and waiters are very nice, but could be slightly more attentive.

Only one thing that I would criticise is the bread. I know, I know, that’s complaining on a high level, but usually if I get good bread with my starters, possible homemade, I know it’s going to be a great experience. Here the bread seemed like a more than simple frozen bun, put in the oven and served with those little butter packages that you get in hotels for breakfast. Nothing major, but a small thing I observed.

The post A hidden treasure – Le Sanglier des Ardennes appeared first on Brussels Express.

A great spot for this is the area around Vielsalm, located in the province of Luxembourg in the Belgian Ardennes. The town is part of the Arrondissement of Bastogne and the place of origin of the House of Salm. There are several skiing stations located nearby, all ideal (weather permitting) for having a go at cross-country (not as easy as it looks!) and even some Alpine-style downhill skiing. Vielsalm, located between Malmedy and Houffalize, is, in fact, a great holiday destination for nature enthusiasts, perfect for mountain biking or a hike in the woods.

Ideally, it’s good to stay overnight to get the most from the area’s many charms, and an excellent option is one of the rented properties managed by Ardennes-Etape. Its huge range of holiday lets, ranging from relatively humble abodes to luxury villas, includes a charming three-bedroom property just on the outskirts of Vielsalm which comes complete with all the home comforts and boasts great views of the pleasant surrounding countryside from a large terrace. It even has an indoor sauna which is just the job after a day hiking or cross-country skiing. This property, located 1.5km from Vielsalm, is the last building on a dead-end road and has internet access. It was completely renovated in 2016 and transformed into a cosy cocoon for a family or two couples.

Ardennes-Etape employs a multi-lingual workforce and is a recognised leader in providing holiday homes in the Belgian Ardennes. It also produces a useful “Guide Ardennes-Pass” which comprises discounts on more than 140 activities in the Ardennes, a detailed touristic map, cycling and hiking routes and must-sees.

The company is based at nearby Stavelot which is home to Abbaye de Stavelot, the site of one of Belgium’s oldest monastic foundations and a listed heritage site. It now houses a museum illustrating the history of the principality and also (located in its vaulted cellars) another museum dedicated to the history of the famous Spa Francorchamps race track just up the road.

After enjoying the Great Outdoors, you may have worked up an appetite and a good spot to sate your hunger nearby is La Ferme de la Reine des Prés at Petit-Their. What used to be a mill in the 18th century, it’s been run for many years by a pleasant couple, Sonja and Jean-Paul Henquet-Minguet. It boasts a fine menu, but the “star” dish has to be the trout for which the restaurant is famous. Indeed, people are known to travel some distance, including from Brussels, just to sample it. Little wonder as the trout, benefiting from the crystal-clear Ardennes waters, is great. There are 13 different trout-based preparations, ranging from being served with almond to seafood and white wine.

Sonja hails from nearby Recht, actually part of Belgium’s 700,000 German-speaking community which is also home to a fine visitor centre telling the story of the long-defunct Schieferstollen slate mine. The area is famous for its geology and for producing the best natural sharp stone in the world. For many years, bluestone from Recht used to be quarried in open-cast mines. The Schieferstollen Recht mine was utilised for hundreds of years to extract slate from the earth. The mining is no longer active, and the mine is maintained as a museum. Covering a circuit of 800 metres, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of blue rocks and stunning stone-mining halls.

There’s certainly no shortage of things to do to keep you busy in the area, and other attractions include Parc Chlorophylle, a terrific creative, artistic and educational forest/park. Created from the remains of an old safari park, visitors can discover the world of the forest in a unique way. The park has a walkway to walk right up to the treetops and thanks to a number of fun activities and games, you learn everything you need to know about the forest and nature, and what you can do to protect them.

It boasts 30 attractions “on the mysteries of the forest” and is a true paradise for children and nature lovers. Another fascinating place to visit is Parc A Gibier at La Roche-en-Ardennes, a 100,000 square metre wildlife park featuring some of the inhabitants of the Ardennes forests along a 1.2km trail. It’s as close as you are likely to get to the natural environment of the animals.

Back in Vielsalm, which makes for a good base to explore a wide area, visitors should certainly to try squeeze in a visit to Aqua Mundo, a tropical swimming pool at Centre Parcs Les Ardennes which offers the little ones and grown-ups alike water games of all types. The water is maintained at 29°C throughout the year, so it’s great even if (as now) it’s bitterly cold outside. As very little chlorine is needed in the pools (thanks to biological filters and UV) the company is also doing its bit for the environment and good health. The aqua centre, also open to day visitors, is set amongst lovely forestland and features slides, Jacuzzi and a children’s pool.

Eating out is always a pleasure when travelling, so if you plan to venture furtherover the Belgium-Luxembourg border, then Bistro 1865 at Clervaux is well worth the short excursion. It is part of Hotel des Nations that has existed on the present site since 1865 (hence the name), and its reputation as a good place to eat has been recognised by no less an authority than the Michelin Guide. The restaurant has been a recipient of Michelin’s prestige Bib Gourmand label for three successive years. Look out for the dishes marked with the label “Sou Schmaacht Letzebuerg”. For the uninitiated, this is a national label which, this time, reflects the emphasis on local products used in the kitchen. It is allocated only to those establishments proven to showcase good, regional products.

The Luxembourg province makes for a great visit at any time of the year, not least in July when the witches of Vielsalm are celebrated and everybody dresses up as a witch. The statue, proudly displayed in the town centre, is of the most notorious witch named « Gustine Maka ». The legend goes that she tricked a few youngsters into eating blueberries which turned them into Macralles (the local term for witches). This slightly strange regional celebration takes place every year on 20 and 21 July while in nearby Gouvy there’s another one – a “Raspberry Day” – plus a jazz festival, both in August.

So, if you are looking for a short break – maybe for the upcoming Easter holidays (April 1 and 2), you’d do well to give this lovely part of the country serious consideration. Winter, spring or summer, there’s always plenty to do so you are unlikely to be disappointed.

The post Inspired by the Winter Olympics? Visit the Ardennes! appeared first on Brussels Express.