Hof van Cleve
In a 19th century farm building in East Flanders which used to belong to a hermit called Mr Van Cleve, the distinctly sociable Chef/Owner Peter Goossens and his wife Lieve preside over one of Belgium's best-loved fine dining establishments. The elegant calm of the dining room extends to the kitchen where chefs and waiters collude in perfect harmony to deliver such exciting yet pure dishes as Scallops from Dieppe (Smoked Eel, Black Salsify, Foie Gras); Young Pigeon from Anjou with Truffles (Potato Mousseline, Mushrooms, Crunchy Bacon, Banyuls); and "Ecuador" Chocolate (Hammam Tea, Tonka Beans, Blackcurrant).
Behind the stove:
Peter Goossens and Michael Vrijmoed
What they say:
"Goossens is obviously from his stature and countenance a happy and generous chef and these traits become manifest in the food he serves," says critic Jancis Robinson.
New dish this year:
Lobster from the Eastern Schelde with Sea Asparagus, Basil and Bellota
Not a lot of people know that:
Goossens has a certain fondness for the talents of Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. His spokesperson explains, "because she's a very beautiful woman who has brains also". We believe you, Peter.
Riemegemstraat 1, 9770 Kruishoutem, Belgium+32 (0)9 3835 848
www.hofvancleve.com
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