Icones Restaurant towards Bib Gourmand Michelin’s list?
Martin’s Brussels EU, located a stone’s throw from the European Parliament and in the heart of the EU quarter, is known as the place to stay for the those with dealings in Brussels as it caters and accommodates all needs for both business and pleasure. But this hotel’s accommodating nature goes further than that.
As is the case with hotels of this calibre, there is a real concerted effort in offering excellent cuisine. But this extension is not just for guest, no the Icones restaurant at Martin’s Brussels EU is entirely its own entity, one that tops hotel dining and strives for culinary excellence.
The restaurant beholds a soothingly spaced and dark wood dining area with many tables spaced along the areas within reach of the broad french windows overlooking the patio; allowing a soft light to emanate throughout the room.
With a recent arrival of the new head chef Fabrice van de Schoor directing the kitchen, Icones began offering acclaimed business lunch menus for those in the area, and after much success, is expanding its horizons and broadening its palette to offer a brand new selection that is this year vying to be on Bib Gourmand Michelin’s list. “A Bib Gourmand rating means the restaurant offers a 3-course menu of choice at maximum 37 euro. So people must have a choice between minimum 2 starters, 2 main courses, and 2 desserts. We offer 6 of each, however some with a supplement so we can work sometimes with langoustines, sole, foie gras, Saint-Jacques etc.” explains Chef Fabrice van de Schoor.
Having been schooled in Waterloo and worked several jobs before undertaking his current role (including sous chef), the young Fabrice has brought new twists to the dishes and aimed to reinvent many typical European dishes with a Belgian twist. “We brand European Cuisine with a Belgian touch. We are constantly creating new recipes, based on European cuisine, by working with local products” says Chef Fabrice van de Schoor.
Some of these fusions debut on their recently introduced set menu, where you are treated to an appetizer, main and dessert for €37. “We have 18 dishes on our menu. Two people can both pay 37 euro for a completely different dish. Total liberty.” continues chef Fabrice.
It’s exactly that what we don’t want to do. 2 people can both pay 37 euro
A brilliant and contemporary take on a traditional dish, paella is an example on this menu that is excellently fused. Using risotto instead of Spanish rice and adding battered Belgian mussels, the mussels coddle the rice and accompany a succulent chicken portion that is glazed with octopus juices and stuffed with chorizo.
For dessert, a typical Italian, semifreddo, but with a twist. cut fresh kiwi, creme circled within its green walls and a Belgian waffle base, reinventing the concept in a Belgian style.
There is a large beer selection, that of course, includes some of Belgium’s best, and a nice wine selection that even has wine from Belgium; not something you see every day. Icones collects both red and whites from a vineyard in Limbourg in East Belgium which boasts distinct flavours and rich nuance that pairs excellently with dishes both foreign and domestic.
So should you wish to broaden your pallet and taste truly new nuance within your food, it’s no stretch to see why Icones would be a good choice, regardless of your tastes.
Good to know:
- 80, Boulevard Charlemagne – 1000 – Brussels
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00-14:15 – 19:00-21:15, Friday: 12:00-14:15, Saturday: 19:00-21:15
- Booking: +32 2 235 17 28
