Michelin-starred restaurant Bruneau in Ganshoren has a new owner, following the decision of chef-proprietor Jean-Pierre Bruneau to retire. The acclaimed restaurant – one of only five two-star establishments in the capital, together with Sea Grill, Bon-Bon, Le Chalet de la Forêt and Comme Chez Soi – will be taken over by Maxime Maziers, the right-hand man of chef Bruneau for the last five years. At 39 years old, he has already earned his own Michelin star at L’écailler du Palais royal in the Sablon area of Brussels.
Bruneau announced his retirement in January, and the restaurant has been up for sale since then. Maziers intends to retain the spirit of Bruneau – the restaurant will retain its well-known name – while gradually introducing his own influences, he told La Libre.
“As far as the cuisine is concerned, I will bring in my own menu, while maintaining the classics of M. Bruneau, season to season.”
Meanwhile it was announced that the restaurant Aux Armes de Bruxelles in the Ilot Sacré area of the centre will be taken over by neighbour Chez Léon, best known for its copious servings of moules-frites and white wine.
Aux Armes, by far the poshest restaurant in the area best known for its kebab shops and tourist traps, was part of a wave of closures to hit a dozen city-centre restaurants in recent weeks after a bankruptcy declared by the Beyaz brothers.
The restaurant is situated directly opposite its new owner, the famed mussels restaurant owned by Rudy Van Lancker. Aux Armes will be renovated, and will open its doors again some time between 20 and 30 July, Van Lancker said.
Alan Hope
Brussels Times