Coralie Tilot visits a new restaurant lounge bar with a fusion approach and a zen vibe.
AUM is inspired by the ancient Sanskrit syllable ॐ or ‘Om’, a sacred sound and invocation in Hinduism. AUM creates its own aura offering a unique immersive experience.
Recently opened, it is located on the outskirts of Brussels, where the restaurant and bar offer the perfect place to dine, have a drink, or even dance. Add a perfectly oriented terrace surrounded by the Forêt de Soignes and you will guess why this new address located in Kraainem has become the place to be.
As you enter, you can sense the perfect atmosphere of a lounge bar restaurant with Its own musical identity. Both the interior design and branding developed by WeWantMore are conceived around the idea of a place to enjoy the here and now. The music can be described as minimal, ethnic, oriental. The lotus pattern parametric ceiling provides a mirrored centerpiece reflecting the atmosphere, colours and dynamic of the evening.
“AUM, is inspired by the ancient Sanskrit syllable ॐ or ‘Om’, a sacred sound and invocation in Hinduism”
On Fridays and Saturdays influential DJs are invited to spin the decks and the evening culminates in a ‘Bonfire’ moment – a ritual from Indian culture. There’s a zen vibe. You might prefer to enjoy the more informal food sharing menu for the bar lounge. Enjoy a mixture of Maki (smoked salmon, green papaya, cucumber, sweet chilli), Pani Puri (red tuna – lovage – lime, Croquettes (tandoori shrimp – black garlic – artichoke caviar) and many other small and extremely tasty dishes.
Resolutely in the spirit of the time, AUM joins the restaurant bars similar to those in London, New York and Singapore. The founder, Maxime Gillet, a Horeca entrepreneur who also owns Sanzaru in Woluwé, and Lucka Wahba, aims to offer a unique experience. Taking full advantage of an expansive ground floor of an office building, the space feels urban and yet it’s located in Quatre Bras. The kitchen is open to the diner’s view, so you can see the preparatory process.
“We were introduced to one of the many unique cocktails, the Jaipur Sour: a Venezuelan rum Pampero Blanco, infused with Indian spices”
Seated on a comfortable velvet sofa near the bar, we enjoyed our dinner looking out on the wider restaurant. We were introduced to one of the many unique cocktails, the Jaipur Sour, a Venezuelan rum Pampero Blanco, infused with Indian spices – turmeric and moringa, a plant traditionally used in Indian medicines and mixed with lime.
The meal was a stunning tasting experience. Starters of turbot, salmon, swordfish were served, with unusual toppings such as coral lentils, basil, vandouvan – a spice blend, celery, mint raita, granny apple, garam masala, cauliflower and iodized broth. Tandoori lamb as the main dish (for two) was tender and full of subtle spicy tones. The side dishes of Naan – garlic, cheese or Kashmiri pepper, vegetable tawa and red rice are among the plates you have to try.
Your reviewer wasn’t there to experience the more club like atmosphere on Friday and Saturday, but those in the know tell me there was a good vibe resonant with the atmosphere, or indeed the ॐ .
www.aumbrussels.be
