In a move that promises to redefine the culinary landscape, renowned Flemish chef Seppe Nobels is set to inaugurate 't Gasthuis, a revolutionary restaurant and refugee training centre, in the heart of Mechelen's Keizerstraat next week.
What sets this venture apart is its unique blend of haute cuisine and social responsibility, as refugees from diverse corners of the globe collaborate to create delectable dishes using locally-sourced ingredients. Notably, this gourmet haven is dedicated to serving the underprivileged at absolutely no cost.
"'t Gasthuis is a training centre for refugees," Nobels told Gazet van Antwerpen. "Here, they learn the art of cooking at the highest level. We have 20 participants from diverse backgrounds, including Vietnam, Iraq, Eritrea and Somalia. Ten of them are from the Ukrainian emergency village at De Nekker, some of whom have faced personal tragedies or battles in their home nations. Through their cooking, they pay tribute to their loved ones, and we aim to forge connections between them and the local community."
The culinary journey begins with students preparing dishes from local ingredients, showcased in a series of six artistically-decorated rooms that reflect the countries of origin of the participants. The grand finale unfolds in the monumental chapel of 't Oud Gasthuis, where the main course and dessert are served.
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Nobels sees the project as a catalyst for supporting Mechelen's hospitality industry. He emphasised to Gazet van Antwerpen that it is not about competition but about training individuals specifically for local restaurants.
"Staffing is a challenge, and I hope that the Mechelen hospitality industry, with whom I have strong ties, will seize the opportunity to provide these talented individuals with opportunities."
One of the most distinctive features of 't Gasthuis is the provision of a free gourmet restaurant for the underprivileged. In a designated room, a tasty, vegetarian and organic menu is offered daily. Nobels collaborates with various aid organisations to extend support to the homeless and those struggling in society.
Reunited with his roots
Requests from both domestic and international quarters poured in for Nobels to replicate his concept elsewhere, but his love for Mechelen compelled him to choose his hometown. "Being in Antwerp for a while has reignited my connection with Mechelen," he told Gazet van Antwerpen.
"Every day, I discover new sustainable projects, shops, and restaurants that I want to involve in this initiative. Connection and bringing people together are at the core of this venture."
The culinary experience, priced at €100 per person, contributes entirely to the operation of 't Gasthuis and supports the students. The funds assist them in various aspects, including legal matters and transportation. Nobels is actively seeking teachers willing to participate, providing valuable Dutch lessons in the workplace.
Reservations for this groundbreaking culinary experience at 't Gasthuis will be open at 11:00 on Sunday 7 January through the chef's website. Additionally, lunch is available from Wednesday to Saturday at noon.
While initially a four-month endeavour in Mechelen, Nobels envisions the project's continuation and potential expansion to other cities in the future.
