Hof Van Cleve in Kruisem (East Flanders) was recognised as the best restaurant in Belgium for 20 years. The establishment will have a new chef at its helm from next year, spurring a dramatic drop in prices.
The restaurant is currently still run by star chef Peter Goossens, under whose reign it was awarded the highest score (19.5 out of 20) by Gault&Millau for 20 years consecutively. The chef was recognised for his critical sense and eye for detail, product knowledge, expertise and drive for perfection.
Hof Van Cleve has also celebrated 19 years with three Michelin stars and has been included in the top 50 restaurants in the world 16 times. But from 10 January 2024, Goossens will be stepping down from his position, marking a massive milestone for the heavyweight in the country's culinary scene.
However, the restaurant will retain its name, and Goossens' right-hand man, Floris Van Der Veken, will start his own culinary adventure as the restaurant's new head chef.
"With a profound respect for the place that carries so much culinary history, Floris and his team are continuing the success story of Hof van Cleve from January 2024," the restaurant confirmed on its social media on Monday.
Slashing prices
The decision resulted in Gault&Millau briefly leaving the restaurant without points in the announcement of its guide for this year. Goossens is also expecting Michelin to take away his three stars on 1 January as well.
Perhaps more relevant for food lovers, this will also result in the current prices for the set menus at Hof Van Cleve dropping significantly.
From 10 January, the five-course meal will cost €165 (€65 extra for selected wines), and €195 for the seven-course meal (€105 extra for selected wines). The same dinner at Hof Van Cleve under Goossens' helm would see people fork out €490.
While the restaurant will be given a new look, Van der Veken has promised that its identity will remain the same, "offering gastronomy with the very best products."
2024 reservations for Hof van Cleve can be made on the new website from Monday 4 December.
