L'air du temps
Liernu, Belgium
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
L'Air du Temps is in a world of all of its own and the square farmstead tucked away in the Namur countryside is a picture of present-day elegance. The stripped-back edifice blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape and San Degeimbre’s immense cottage garden, where he finds much of his inspiration. A champion of the natural world, Degeimbre’s culinary repertory is coloured by his Korean roots. Fermentation and acidity are a common theme of his intricate recipes, as is his habit of serving each course in several small plates. For example, he may underscore Dieppe scallops with an intense roe sauce enhanced by citrus fruit notes. Another example is a large corn noodle rolled in green veggie sauce and a punchy creamy emulsion of roe on a bed of house XO loaded in umami flavours. Each mouthful and each detail reveal the chef’s philosophy and desire to create a global experience. The water menu, for example, and the wine-food and non-alcoholic beverage pairings, are emblematic of this approach. L’Air du Temps is the purest expression of the zeitgeist. Treat yourself to a night in one of the tastefully appointed elegant guestrooms to finish this amazing experience in style.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Green Michelin Star Award: L'air du temps is not only a two Michelin-starred restaurant but also holds a green Michelin star, recognizing its commitment to sustainability and the use of outstanding regional produce, which is relatively rare among Michelin-starred establishments.
On-site Vegetable Garden and Farm-to-Table Philosophy: The restaurant is situated on a 12-acre property with its own vegetable garden producing a wide variety of herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Chef Sang Hoon Degeimbre draws inspiration directly from this garden, emphasizing purity and complexity in his dishes through the use of hyper-local, fresh ingredients.
Architectural and Culinary Integration with Nature: Located in a renovated white farmstead built around a square courtyard in the fields of Liernu, the restaurant features an architectural design dominated by wood and glass, offering panoramic views of the garden. This design brings the natural environment into the dining experience, creating a seamless connection between the cuisine and its surroundings.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant L'Air du Temps in Liernu include:
- Vegetables: The restaurant emphasizes an abundance of fresh, seasonal vegetables, often sourced from their own farmstead, reflecting a strong farm-to-table philosophy.
- Pork belly: Used innovatively, for example paired with a frothy espuma of potatoes and coffee, showcasing bold flavor combinations and modern techniques.
- Potatoes: Featured notably in creative forms such as espuma, highlighting texture and subtle flavor contrasts.
- Caviar: Incorporated in dishes to add a salty, luxurious touch, often balanced with delicate greens and vinaigrettes.
- Asian influences and herbs: Korean/Asian elements and special herbs play an important role, adding unique flavor dimensions to the dishes.
These ingredients are significant as they represent the restaurant's signature style of combining local, seasonal produce with innovative techniques and global influences, particularly Asian, to create bold yet refined dishes. The use of vegetables and herbs from their own farmstead ensures freshness and sustainability, while ingredients like pork belly and caviar elevate the dishes with rich textures and flavors. The creative use of potatoes and espuma techniques exemplifies the modern culinary approach at L'Air du Temps.