A new campaign is underway to help bring much-needed support to the horeca sector in Belgium.
Data shows Belgians are eating out far less often than they did five years ago and are increasing opting for fast food rather than restaurants.
The new initiative, called “J’aime mon Horeca” asks the public to imagine life without the catering sector.
One thing that appears to be stable, though, are people’s tastes with figures showing people in Belgium prefer Belgian and French dishes.
One place that features both prominently is “Argan” restaurant, part of the Dolce Hotels and Resorts complex at La Hulpe, on the outskirts of Brussels.
It makes a point of specialising in good, reliable and hearty Belgian food such as marrow bone gratin, croquettes, made with both with Belgian cheese and also North Sea shrimps.
These are among the customers favourites at this very pleasant resto, along with a starter, appropriately called the “Belgian plate” which consists of Chimay pate from the Ardennes, Liege sausage and Cobourg ham.
For desserts you may well be tempted by the selection of Belgian cheeses.
Also worth noting is that there are some fab Belgian beers such as St Hubertus (along with fine wines) served to accompany an excellent meal. If you are visiting as a family the little ‘uns will be spoilt for choice from a great kids menu.
Considering the top notch quality, the prices are remarkably reasonable, such as just €19 for the Belgian plate which is best shared.
Indeed, pricing is more a consideration these days than ever, not least as the same Edenred “restaurant barometer” survey reveals that Belgians have a lower budget to spend on dining out with many citing a much bigger need nowadays to watch their spending.
Of course, there’s much more besides Belgian classics served at this resto with food from all over the world represented, including that British favourite, fish and chips, along with chicken and shrimp wok dishes and pizzas.
Imaginatively, some of the dishes are named after the hotel itself, including the Dolce Burger and Dolce Caesar salad chicken.
With the summer now well underway – and the sun finally making a real breakthrough of late – many of us are after that relative rarity here in Belgium: terrace eating.
If so, you will not find a better place that fits the bill than the quite enormous terrace here.
It can seat about 250 people and, as well as being one of the largest in the country, also enjoys a location that surely cannot be beaten anywhere in Belgium: the always beautiful Forest Soignes which directly backs on to this sprawling complex.
Unlike a lot of restos connected to hotels this one, spread over 1,000 square metres no less, does not have to rely on its hotel guests as there is an approximate 50/50 split between residents and non-residents.
That is a good sign as it reflects the popularity of the restaurant for its customers, some of whom probably travel a distance to eat here (it is conveniently located just off the Brussels Ring).
And, unlike a lot of such places, it remains open throughout the summer (and entire year).
The team here are particularly hard working, some starting as early as 6.30am (to serve breakfast for hotel guests), and who reflect the multi-national makeup of much of Brussels.
These include Kamel, who hails from Tunisia, Cynthia, a Spaniard, Algerian Brahim and the newest addition to the team, Callum, an intern from Ireland.
Head chef is Jacques-Olivier Charles, a French national, who joined a few months ago and is responsible for serving some very tasty and mouth watering dishes.
The modern and relaxing décor makes for a very pleasant dining experience and, with up to 250 seated inside, there is plenty of space. All this is backed up some wonderful views (via enormous windows) onto the adjacent forest which is also ideal for a delightful walk before or after eating.
The many business clients who frequent the hotel for seminars and meetings often avail themselves of a lovely meal here but the resto is also perfect for others, be it couples, families or singles.
According to latest data, some 6per cent of Belgians eat at a resto only once a year.
Whether or not you fall into that category, you’d do well to consider this place: it really is the perfect antidote to the doom and gloom surrounding horeca right now.
Argan
Chau. de Bruxelles 136, La Hulpe
02 290 9800
https://www.dolcelahulpe.com/
