Frank

Making the jump from the classroom to the kitchen was frankly rather easy for thirty-something Eline Gheysens (a former teacher and trained illustrator), who swapped the blackboard for this cool little café with retro red and Klein blue tones, in a century-old traditional Kortrijk house. The day we went, the lunch menu kept things vegetarian – but can often be customized for carnivores: mushroom, leek and carrot gyoza with a sesame oil and soy sauce dip; droolworthy sweet potato stuffed with spinach, goat cheese, cranberries and pecans, topped with a tahini mustard sauce; followed by a trio of homemade baos that were a tad flat, offset with the generous shredded oyster mushroom, cabbage and carrot stuffing, boosted by a peanut sauce. Through the kitchenette serving hatch, we caught a glimpse of: homemade bucatini with creamed spinach, artichoke and lemon; plus bright pink beetroot borscht with parsnips, potatoes and horseradish cream. For dessert (or for teatime), we ogled the pastries of the day on display: apple cake, pear frangipane tart, cheesecake, chocolate almond tart or even some seriously delicious carrot cake chokka with walnuts. Added bonus: every first Sunday of the month, lunch turns into brunch with an all-inclusive set menu. //Alba Nebbioli

FEELING THIRSTY? A few classics: homemade lemonade (€4.50), Jarr raspberry kombucha (€5.50 for 330 ml), 3 Fonteinen Oude Gueuze (€12.50 for 375 ml) or wine from Vinogradoff.

PRICE: Starters €9.50 to €13, mains €17.50 to €20, pastries €4 to €6.