Table d'Amis

The self-portrait of Francis Bacon hanging on the wall is no coincidence: the self-taught chef Matthieu Beudaert, who runs this old, traditional Kortrijk presbytery with chic, bright interiors, also happens to be an art historian! And back in 2018, he brought his famous Table d’Amis back to life, as always accompanied by his other half Sofie Delbeke, a sexologist and sommelier. And what exquisite taste: sacred green asparagus, slightly grilled and crowned with pistachios, sautéed chard, mustard and a rhubarb vinaigrette – enough to make you forget that meat exists; followed nonetheless by some irresistible veal sweetbreads prepared “Havana-style,” i.e. smoked over tobacco leaf and served alla milanese, with wilted leeks and a vermouth and espresso jus; delicately tender cod all pearly to perfection, topped with a polenta croquette, morel mushrooms, to-die-for fresh peas and a vin jaune sauce; before a sublime milky dessert – butter ice cream with dulce de leche and milk meringue. All under the gaze of a black stingray sculpture by Johan Deschuymer… The art of cooking is not dead! // Casimir

FEELING THIRSTY? As most of the contents of the wine cellar were sold off during the Covid pandemic, it’s currently under (re)construction: Alte Leben 2022, a riesling from Carl Loewen in the Moselle department (€10 a glass); a sublime Burgundy aligoté from the Boyer Martenot estate, the chef’s personal favorite (€65 a bottle); or a gamay vieilles vignes from Thibault Liger-Belair (€55).

PRICE: Lunch €60 (three courses), dinner €95-115-135 (four, five or six courses).