Culinary dining at Essenciel

It's a tradition that I started 3 years ago when we were childless thanks to the boys' scouting camps: we go out for a culinary date in Leuven.  Two years ago, we went to Taste, last year to Barba and for this year I had managed to book a table at Essenciel. 

Essenciel would be my first Michelin starred restaurant visit.  We walked downtown and were a little early so we had to wait 10 minutes on the sidewalk before the restaurant doors would open together with some other families.  

I was surprised to see that most tables filled up along with us not too long after opening. I had assumed that they'd spread arrivals (and hence kitchen demands) over time to ease the pressure on the kitchen.  But I had a view on the open kitchen where 3 chefs worked in silence like an oiled machine and much to our surprise most tables followed the same dish of the menu.   I could track the progress of each table (and which drinks menu they had chosen ) on the whiteboard.  Interesting to observe their organization. 

Some appetizers

The food was excellent, so were the wines.  

Diepzeegarnaal, Aji Amarillo, avocado

Kreeft, tomaat variëteiten, verse amandel

Bouchot mossel, Carnaroli, pecorino, algen

Kalfszwezerik, jonge courgette, erwt, sherry

Barbarie, rode biet, zwarte sesam

Aardbei, kokos, platte kaas, roos

And some last snacks

After 3 hours of getting spoiled, we were ready to walk home.

I do think I loved Taste as much though.  Their service was a bit more personal.