Question? How many restaurants or such places are still going strong four decades after opening?
The answer, surely, is very few, especially after the recent twin ravages of the health pandemic and economic crisis.
Both episodes have seen many eateries in Brussels, as elsewhere, sadly go to the wall.
One very notable exception is Les Freres Romano which should not be too surprising as it has one of the finest reputations in the city for the excellence of its cuisine.
After a summer break it will soon be reopening which, for those looking for a bit of a treat to banish those return-to-work blues, should be great news.
It opened way back in June 1985. Lest we forget that was the year of the Live Aid concerts, when the Titantic’s wreck was found and the world’s first portable cell phone was launched
Yes, it was that long ago……
Located on Avenue De Fré, a particularly pleasant neighbourhood in Uccle, this is an address of real passion. Don’t be fooled by the name, though.
Romano is not an Italian restaurant even if the chef does, rather masterfully, create some jewels of transalpine cuisine.
The name refers to the two brothers, Pierre and Pascal Romano, who launched it way back in 1985.Sadly, Pierre has since passed away but Pascal has continued to run what is a fabulously successful business. For the past decade this has been done with the full support of his Vietnamese-born wife Yen.
Pascal himself was just 27 years old when he took over the resto (at the time called “Calvados”) with Pierre. He admits to “finding it quite by chance” but, over the years, it has been gradually extended and can now seat about 40 inside with a small terrace at the back (overlooking a lovely garden).
The cuisine is mouth-watering and if you are one of those who still appreciate elegance and refinement, from the decoration to the plate itself, this is just the place for you.
The restaurant occupies a quite magnificent space, and, a sort of “cherry on the cake” there is the aforementioned veranda overlooking a pretty garden where you get the feeling of being suspended in greenery….. just the thing to gladden the heart on a balmy summer’s evening.
The welcome, always a rather understated but valued criteria when it comes to eating out, is very friendly and Pascal and Yen ensure that you have a delicious time from the moment you enter this beautiful resto.
Pascal and his wife still maintain a family spirit, which gives the restaurant its warm character (which also extends to the tasteful furnishings and wall art).
The a la carte is wonderful with the house speciality, a quite delicious sweetbread, being one of (several) highlights.
The chef doesn’t seek elaborate flourishes but, rather, puts the emphasis on showcasing fresh produce and the menu evolves seasonally. The new one for the autumn will feature game dishes (oysters later in the year and asparagus come the spring) but regular favourites like the beef and lamb, along with langoustines and St. Jacques, remain a constant throughout the year.
Pascal hails from Lake Maggiore in Italy and first came to Belgium, as a 16-year-old, back in 1973 and has been here ever since. But, given his Italian heritage do not be surprised if you find some delicious Italian inspired dishes also available as a bonus.
Here, everything is homemade, right down to the sauce bases. Great attention is paid to the cooking, which, for Pascal and his wife, who first arrived in Belgium in 2003 and has known Pascal for 16 years now, must be perfect. This is cuisine that is both creative and based on fundamentals but one which the chef also sometimes like to reinterpret. No chance of the same tired old dishes here.
What a great opportunity, then, to celebrate this remarkable 40th landmark at a lovely eating establishment? It’s no coincidence that Les Freres Romano has long been regarded as something of culinary “legend” in both Uccle and Brussels.
The restaurant’s highly eclectic clientele has, for four decades now, attracted loyal locals, lovers of fine dining, as well as businesses and an international clientele. “There has been no shortage of prominent figures and even heads of state, but out of discretion, we won’t name any of them,” said the owner.
At first, it was Pascal who was in the kitchen (and Pierre front of house) but that gradually changed and it is now Pascal who, backed by what he calls a “very good team,” takes charge of things front of house.
So what, one wonders, is the secret of such longevity?
“Work, work, work” answers Pascal.
He goes on, “When we started it did not take off straight away but we worked, my brother and me, almost 7/7 and, for the first five years, took no time off at all.
“Our first and abiding priority is to strive to give the customers what they want and make them leave feeling happy.”
The couple live above the resto so you really can say that their lives literally revolve around the whole building.
Be warned that is best to book ahead if you want to taste the great food here.
The chances are that, once you sample both the delicious dishes and the rather swish surroundings you won’t just come the once.
Les Frères Romano
Avenue De Fre, 1180 Uccle
