The Jane, Nick Bril’s restaurant up in Antwerp, and Cuines 33, run by Edwin Menue in the jet set resort of Knokke-Heist (West Flanders), can now display two Michelin stars. In addition, 10 new restaurants have been awarded one star. In the top category, that of three stars, no new restaurants have been added.
As is the case every year, the Michelin stars that feature in the French hospitality guide were awarded at the Handelsbeurs in Antwerp. A Michelin star remains one of the most prestigious accolades in the international culinary world.
Originally created to encourage motoring, the Michelin Guide is now a leading authority on fine dining, awarding prestigious stars based on inspector reviews of ingredient quality, mastery of flavour, and consistency.
“Several of our inspectors visit the restaurants,” says Michelin. "They look at technical mastery, the quality of the ingredients used, the harmony of flavours, and the chef’s signature style and personality, but consistency is also very important. That consistency on the plate, throughout the year, throughout the day, and throughout the seasons also carries weight."
Which restaurants are being awarded a star?
1 star
This year, 10 restaurants get a Michelin star for the first time:
Bloesem in Borgerhout (Antwerp), with chefs Brend Geudens and Nebo Schamp
La Table-Lasne by Alain Bianchin in Ohain (Lasne - Wallonia), with chef Alain Bianchin
Atelier Noun in Leefdaal (Bertem – Flemish Brabant), with chef Bert Castermans
Agnes in Sint-Martens-Bodegem (Dilbeek – Flemish Brabant), with chef Thomas Locus
Komaf in Wommelgem (Antwerp Province), with chef Anthony Stoop
Le Lys in Luxembourg, with chef Kim De Dood
Moscou by Danny Horseele in Gentbrugge (Ghent – East Flanders), with chefs Danny Horseele and Nicolaï Vanquickelberghe
Subtiel in De Panne (West Flanders), with chef Stéphane Buyens
Vintage in Kontich (Antwerp), with chef Cyril Moulin
Est in Heverlee (Flemish Brabant), with chef Abel Demeestere
2 stars
According to Michelin, a restaurant awarded 2 stars demonstrates exceptional skill and creativity, taking gastronomy to a new level. The two restaurants receiving 2 stars for the first time this year are:
The Jane in Antwerp, led by chef Nick Bril
Cuines 33 in Knokke-Heist, led by chef Edwin Menue
Nick Bril brought his entire team up onto the stage with him. He found himself struggling a little during his speech. “I’m very good at handling stress, but the last few weeks, the last few months, the last year have been extremely stressful. Without my team, it would have been impossible.”
Bril was implicitly referring to the court case that concluded earlier this month regarding a tragic accident at The Jane, in which his sous-chef Joe Claridge was seriously injured. Bril was sentenced to a 12-month suspended sentence.
Edwin Menue was also particularly emotional. ‘We are very happy to be standing here now. We’ve had a tough year. My wife has been ill. The fact that we’re standing here now is incredible.’ He, too, thanked his small team.
3 stars
Once again this year, no new restaurant has been awarded 3 stars. Michelin has confirmed the 3 stars of establishments Zilte in Antwerp (Viki Geunes) and Boury in Roeselare, West Flanders (Tim Boury).
‘It is an incredible achievement to be awarded 3 stars. To manage to retain them is truly a major achievement, year after year,’ they say.
These are the other awards
Young Chef
Thanks to the Young Chef Award, Michelin aims to give a helping hand to the up-and-coming, promising chefs of the future. Abel Demeestere of Est in Heverlee (Flemish Brabant) wins the award this year. A double honour, then, for the young Demeestere, alongside the first star awarded to his restaurant, which has been open for barely seven months.
Green stars
The green Michelin star recognises chefs who are consciously committed to a sustainable future. This year, Instroom in Antwerp, Màloma in Rixensart (Wallonia) and Nova in Sint-Niklaas (East Flanders) have been awarded a green star.
Opening of the Year
Michelin is launching a new award, ‘Opening of the Year’, to recognise a restaurant that has recently opened or an existing restaurant that has been refurbished, but which is generating a whole new buzz.
The winner falls into the latter category: La Villa Lorraine in Brussels has been around for over 70 years, but there is a new lease of life, particularly with the arrival of head chef Rueben Christiaens.
Service Award
Viviane Plaquet and Gitte Geunes from the Antwerp restaurant Zilte have won the Service Award. This prize recognises the hospitality and service provided by front-of-house staff in restaurants.
Sommelier Award
The Sommelier Award honours the best drinks expert in a restaurant over the past year. This award goes to Nicolas Campus from restaurant Les Gribaumonts in Mons (Wallonia).
Bib Gourmand
Finally, the Bib Gourmand Awards were also presented. This year, seven new restaurants have been awarded the title of Bib Gourmand restaurant.
Alley Mian in Brussels
ÔNGBÀ in Elsene (Brussels)
Stone Dial in Ukkel (Brussels)
Basta! in Wanze (Wallonia).
Restaurant Coquo in Bierwart (Wallonia).
Den Bourgondiër in Wilrijk (Antwerp Province)
Ching Ching in Emblem (Ranst – Antwerp Province).
The Michelin Guide inspectors designate restaurants as Bib Gourmand restaurants on the basis of their ‘excellent value for money’. Neither cooking style nor concept is a factor in this recognition.