La Belle
Geel, Belgium
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Peter Vangenechten has made the small rural village of Bel a landmark of Belgium’s culinary landscape. The chef learned the trade in top establishments before returning to his roots, where he has entirely reworked the stables of a former farmstead. Bare timbers support the tall roof, while the elegant interior paints a cosy picture. The idyllic scene is set for chef Vangenechten to work his magic on regional produce, adding international notes, creative side dishes and a playful mixture of textures that enhances and underscores the main ingredient. Subtly balanced side dishes, such as slowly cooked sweet onions, marinated beetroot, fresh marinated fennel and frothy mashed potatoes, add a touch of perfection to tender, melt-in-the-mouth Holstein beef. A knockout Choron sauce unveils the chef’s knack for jus and gravies. Proud of its distinctive personality and character, La Belle is emblematic of its charismatic chef who is ever happy to pop out and give diners more ample explanations. We recommend the all-inclusive menu to best appreciate the full gamut of the skills of this accomplished chef!
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Transformation of a former farmstead's stables into a Michelin-starred restaurant: La Belle is uniquely housed in the reworked stables of a former farmstead in the small rural village of Bel, Geel, combining rustic architecture with an elegant and cozy interior supported by bare timbers under a tall roof.
Chef Peter Vangenechten’s return to roots with international flair: After 15 years working in top restaurants abroad, Chef Vangenechten returned to his native village to open La Belle, where he creatively blends regional produce with international notes and playful textures, showcasing a deep respect for local ingredients while adding global sophistication.
Signature dishes featuring subtle, balanced side dishes enhancing main ingredients: The menu is notable for its carefully crafted side dishes such as slowly cooked sweet onions, marinated beetroot, fresh marinated fennel, and frothy mashed potatoes that perfectly complement tender Holstein beef, exemplifying the chef’s skill in balancing flavors and textures, including a standout Choron sauce that highlights his expertise in jus and gravies.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Belle in Geel include:
Holstein beef: This is the main ingredient in many dishes, known for its tender, melt-in-the-mouth quality. It is often paired with creative, balanced side dishes to enhance its flavor.
Slowly cooked sweet onions: Used as a subtly balanced side dish, adding sweetness and depth to the main courses.
Marinated beetroot: Another side component that provides acidity and texture contrast, complementing the main ingredients.
Fresh marinated fennel: Adds freshness and a slight anise flavor, balancing richer elements on the plate.
Frothy mashed potatoes: A textural and comforting accompaniment, enhancing the overall dish experience.
Additionally, the chef’s knack for jus and gravies is exemplified by a knockout Choron sauce, which is a classic French sauce enriched with tomato and tarragon, elevating the dishes with its rich flavor profile.
These ingredients and preparations reflect the restaurant’s creative French cuisine style, focusing on regional produce with international notes and playful textures to highlight the main ingredient.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- 4 Course Summer Menu Choice: €75.00
- 5 Courses: €75.00 (no price specified)
- 6 Courses: €75.00 (no price specified)
- Chef's Menu: no specific price mentioned
Optional Add-ons
- Matching wines: €30.00
- BOB wines: €20.00
- Dessert wine: €14.00
- Selection of cheese 'Van Tricht': €22.00