HERTOG JAN - A new kind of simple restaurant

"At the end of 2010 Joachim and Gert took the next step in the execution of their philosophy by buying their own farm in Zedelgem, close to the city of Bruges. This allowed them to grow a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and flowers for use in many of Chef Gert De Mangeleer’s signature dishes. The long-term vision was to transfer the entire restaurant to the same location and integrate it with the historical farm and its surroundings. The garden, which can be experienced while dining, is the departure point for the guests’ journey of discovery and changes, like the dishes, with the seasons. The new location was opened in July 2014, our photo album displays part of the evolution of the last four years.

The 180-year-old barn has been completely renovated and refurbished to host the beating heart of the new Hertog Jan – the kitchen. The new addition hosts the actual restaurant with a view over the surrounding garden and landscape. The full concept was created by the office of Architect Dries Bonamie."

This post via http://www.hertog-jan.com/en/

Au Vieux Saint Martin - a Brussels landmark since 1968

Near the heart of Brussels, in the Sablons, this gem of an eatery has opened its door in 1968 and been busy ever since! So busy in fact that, growing up, the wait was made bearable only because of the Bandes Dessinees (Graphic Novels) lining the entrance/lobby. As an adult, it is the richness of Belgian cultural icons quietly intermixing in this buzzing environment.

Au Vieux Saint Martin consists of a dining room on the ground floor decorated by designer Christophe Gevers (1928-2007) which includes furniture, lighting and coat hangers by Jules Wabbes.  The walls are adorned with works of contemporary Belgian artists (Alechinsky, Bervoets, Swennen and Reynhoud). Upstairs, a beautiful room is available on reservation for your meetings, cocktails or dinners. The walls are decorated with lithographs of the movement of young Cobra painters (1948-1951).

When in Brussels, I am not satisfied until I eat there at least once or twice. Some of my favorite dishes are:

Radis, Fleur de sel de Noirmoutier

Tomates aux crevettes grises d’Oostende

Salade de crevettes grises d’Ostende

Fondus au parmesan maison

Boudins noir et blanc, purée terre et ciel (I always ask for white only)

Saucisse fraîche, stoemp de carottes

And ALWAYS ask for a side of fries (with mayonnaise) if you want the true Belgian experience!

Grand Sablon, 38
1000 Brussels
http://www.auvieuxsaintmartin.be/en/
Tel: +32 (0)2 512 64 76
Fax: +32 (0)2 513 71 87

Open 7/7 from 10 AM
Non-stop kitchen from 12 AM until 12 PM except on Sundays and holidays until 11 PM
Closed on 24/12 and 31/12 from 3 PM.

Roji Restaurant

  

Roji is a Japanese restaurant located in the cellar of a medieval building (check out the stunning arches) in the city of Antwerp, Belgium. Inspired by Wabi-Sabi and decorated by world-famous designer Axel Vervoordt, the food is served on beautiful Japanese-inspired pottery by Belgian ceramicist Patty Wouters.  Dining at Roji is an experience and an atmosphere you will never forget. Romantic and cozy, it's practically a spiritual awakening for all your senses.  Reservations are highly recommended!

The "roji", the garden path, which leads from the machiai (waiting room) to the tearoom, signified the first stage of meditation: the passage into self-illumination. One who has trodden this garden path cannot fail to remember how his spirit, as he walked in the twilight of evergreens over the regular irregularities of the stepping stones, beneath which lay dried pine needles, and passed beside the moss-covered granite lanterns, became uplifted above ordinary thoughts. 

 

- Kakuzo Okakura "The Boof of Tea"

Restaurant Roji

Oude Koornmarkt 26

2000 Antwerpen


(+32) 03 296 61 33

info@roji.be

http://www.roji.be

Devaere Interiors

Need I say more?

http://www.devaere-nv.be/

Boulevard Leopold Bed & Breakfast

Going to Antwerp? In such a stylish city so full of life, creative stores and delicious restaurants - why not stay in a stunning Bed & Breakfast such as Boulevard Leopold. Situated in a 19th Century house, located in the old Jewish neighborhood of Antwerp, this charming location was renovated with flair, warmth and typical Belgian minimal elegance. They do not accept credit cards so bring cash or organize a bank transfer before you go - other than that little hiccup for international travelers, if you can get over that, check them out!

boulevard-leopold.be

LE COUP DE COEUR - Hospitality Redefined

Going to Brussels? Instead of going to a traditional hotel, try renting an apartment or a guest room in the heart of the city, in a private 19th century house - completely renovated in 2009 - LE COUP DE CŒUR welcomes you in its guest rooms of charm. Affordable luxury is at your fingertips ... With various possibilities, it is best to check their website for pricing, pictures and locations.

http://www.lecoupdecoeur.be/

 

Japanese Influence - Belgian Style

 

East meets West at an entrepreneur’s historic estate in the Belgian countryside, with interior design by Axel Vervoordt and grounds by landscape firm Wirtz International. Via Architectural Digest.

Growing up in Belgium (in my early years) and being exposed to the work of both Axel Vervoordt and Jacques Wirtz on a regular basis, I never realized the impact it would have on me as an adult, and how staying in beautiful places designed by these two men had profoundly influenced my sense of style. Any time I see the work of Jacques Wirtz - for example - the open and minimal landscapes bring me back to the summers spent in my grandmother's garden amongst others.  I just love the pictures because I read images better than I read text, but you can read the whole article here.

Photography by Jean-Pierre Gabriel

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2011-08/axel-vervoordt-wirtz-international-belgian-estate-article

http://www.axel-vervoordt.com/
http://www.wirtznv.be/en/intro/

Ann Van Hoey Ceramics - Social Clay

 

Ann is a Belgian ceramic artist who transforms clay into highly modern pieces while still retaining the raw and simple aspect of this humble material. This series has a deep message but also tons of humor!

"As ceramist we practice one of the oldest professions in the world, yet we live in a fast changing society in which technology controls our daily lives.

Nowadays the existence of smart phones and tablets allows that the digital world and its social media to intrude upon the inventive live of the artisan. It is a challenge to integrate the modern, very fast, technological lifestyle into the slow, meticulous craft of ceramics. I made a series of work, attempting to reconcile the two worlds."

This post via Ann's website

http://www.annvanhoey-ceramics.be/social-clay.html

Hotel Hotelo

With three locations in the North of Belgium (Antwerp), HotelO offers travelers a sophisticated, warm, hip, minimalist and totally Belgian Design experience in one of the country's most eclectic and creative cities - Antwerp.

www.hotelhotelo.be/

Discovered via http://zangra.com/

BELG'CHIC and more now on PINTEREST

If you like Belg'Chic, you will loooove my new PINTEREST which combines all my blogs ... and more! More images, more videos, a better overview ...

http://pinterest.com/AustereChic/