Chambre Séparée, Ghent, 4/24/19

exterior
exterior

Chambre Séparée is a u-shaped counter for 16 around a large open kitchen dominated by wood fired grills, which do all the cooking.   There is a comfortable space out front where you wait for your seat at the counter.  They invite you to come early to enjoy the space and a cocktail.  Our reservation ran a little late so they started with the snacks out there.  I don’t know if this was usual or not. Two seatings fill the spaces for this surprise tasting menu.  Wine pairings are available but we chose our own bottles of wine to accompany dinner.  Vintage rock records are played on a turntable, smoke fills the air ( which will also permeate your clothes by the time you leave) and lighting is pretty dim at the counter.  They have been in this location for two and a half years and hope to move the restaurant to the country in another year and a half when it would be time to remodel the building.  It is a several hour meal with good pacing, no lags, and great portion control.  At the end of the evening they have a written copy of the menu for you as well as a parting gift of housemade bread and butter.  Kobe Desramaults is the chef and he and the other chefs presented the food and described it well.  They were all very friendly, spoke good English and didn’t mind questions. Continue reading

Hof van Cleve, Kruishoutem, 4/27/17

front door
front door

Hof van Cleve is in an old house outside of Ghent, using several of the rooms as dining rooms.  The wide wood plank floors and white painted ceiling give it the feeling of a farmhouse.   The house windows look out on to the meadows and farms around it.  It has a comfortable and welcoming feel.  The tables are well spaced  and service is friendly but the pacing is variable.   We started with the house aperitif which was a sparkler mixed with elderberry.  It rang up at 30 euros a glass, but was a good pour and nicely refreshing.   Continue reading