Aston Martin Brussels has appointed Viki Geunes, of the three Michelin-starred restaurant Zilte, as its new Belgian Ambassador.
The collaboration unites two partners driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, precision, and world-class craftsmanship.
Viki opened Zilte, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, as a self-taught chef.
Without any formal training but with an unwavering dedication to his craft, he led Zilte to its first Michelin Star in 2004.
In the years since – together with his wife, Viviane, and more recently their daughter Gitte as Restaurant Manager and son-in-law Aaron as Head Sommelier – Viki has stayed true to that philosophy, building a legacy that now includes three Michelin Stars, a place on the World’s 50 Best Discovery List, and entry into Les Grandes Tables du Monde, all while retaining the warmth and attention to detail that which attracted the very first guests.
Beginning with a visual idea of the dish, working backwards to discover the ingredients and techniques needed to achieve his vision, Viki is devoted to beauty in all its forms. Flavours first, followed by art, and music.
Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin is a British luxury car manufacturer renowned for combining “timeless design with performance engineering and uncompromising craftsmanship.”
Synonymous with elegance, the brand has built its reputation on creating cars that are as much works of art as they are feats of engineering, a philosophy that finds a natural echo in Zilte’s own pursuit of culinary excellence.
A spokesman said, “This partnership fits within the broader development journey of Aston Martin Brussels, overseen by established automotive and Belgian motorsport professionals.
“Dealer Principal Freddy Loix brings a driver’s precision and technical insight to the dealership’s daily operations, while Strategic Shareholders David Eloy and Johan Ollivier lend the financial and structural foundation needed to carry that vision forward.
“Through this partnership, Aston Martin Brussels and Viki Geunes unite a shared commitment to uncompromising craft, precision, and design. Together, they look forward to curating extraordinary, highly exclusive experiences for their discerning clients and guests, setting a new benchmark for luxury and culinary artistry in Belgium.#2
About the partnership, Geunes said: “It is an honour to represent Aston Martin, and I am very enthusiastic about upcoming opportunities to showcase our common values and passion for heritage, precision, and relentless dedication to perfection.”
About Zilte:
Geunes and his wife Viviane opened Zilte’s doors in 1996. In 2004, the restaurant won its first Michelin star. Viki was named Gault & Millau Young Top Chef in 2005, a second star was awarded in 2008, and he was named Gault & Millau Chef of the Year in 2009. In 2021, he achieved his dream of the third star, becoming one of the most celebrated dining destinations in Belgium, situated above Antwerp’s prestigious Museum aan de Stroom building in Antwerp.
Zilte is above all a family affair. Since day one, Viki and Viviane have worked side by side on their dream. Now, with their daughter Gitte as Restaurant Manager and their son-in-law Aaron as Head Sommelier, the restaurant is a result of the family’s shared vision. Guests feel the harmony of the four through a seamless yet approachable service that naturally resonates throughout the wider team.
About Aston Martin Brussels:
Founded in 2004, Aston Martin Brussels is the official Aston Martin dealership in Belgium, located in Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, just 3 kilometres from Brussels Airport.
The dealership provides both Sales and Aftersales services and operates from a showroom and facility of more than 1,000 m². With its scale and expertise, Aston Martin Brussels is one of the largest Aston Martin dealerships in Europe in terms of both sales and aftersales operations.
The dealership is owned by David Eloy and Johan Ollivier, who have developed their activities around a strong commitment to the automotive sector and premium brands. Aston Martin Brussels is managed by Freddy Loix, former Belgian rally champion and a well-known figure in Belgian motorsport. With decades of experience in competition, automotive and high-performance vehicles, he brings extensive expertise and a strong understanding of the expectations of Aston Martin customers.
Aston Martin Brussels also has specialist knowledge of classic and historic Aston Martin vehicles. This expertise covers the maintenance, servicing and preservation of these cars, with a particular understanding of their specific technical and mechanical characteristics.
Today, a team of 12 employees supports customers throughout their entire Aston Martin journey, from the discovery and purchase of a new or pre-owned vehicle to servicing, maintenance and aftersales support.
Aston Martin Brussels combines the heritage and exclusivity of Aston Martin with local expertise, technical know-how and a dedicated approach to customer service.
About Aston Martin Lagonda:
Aston Martin’s vision is to be the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British brand, creating the most exquisitely addictive performance cars.
Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin is acknowledged as an iconic global brand synonymous with style, luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Aston Martin fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed luxury models including the Vantage, DB12, Vanquish, DBX and its first mid-engined hybrid, Valhalla. Aligned with its Racing. Green. sustainability strategy, Aston Martin is developing alternatives to the Internal Combustion Engine through a blended drivetrain approach and plans to have a line-up of electrified sports cars and SUVs.
Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates, and exports cars which are sold in more than 50 countries around the world. Its sports cars are manufactured in Gaydon with its luxury DBX SUV range proudly manufactured in St Athan, Wales.
- Photo credit: Aston Martin
Zilte Website: www.zilte.be
