Menssa
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Belgium
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Take a seat at the undulating counter, beneath the striking carved wooden tree, a tribute to nature, and enjoy the show as you admire the handiwork of the painstaking kitchen team. Menssa offers an all-round global experience and Christophe Hardiquest endeavours to share his vision of sustainable gastronomy, respect for producers and nature with diners.The experienced chef harnesses his knowhow and inventiveness to promoting his region. His knack for pairing mushrooms with a subtle blend of bitter coffee, smoked and marinated egg yolk and a vegetable emulsion demonstrates both his ethos and character. However, he also astounds by dishes like a fillet of Ardennes venison, which melts like butter in the mouth, that he flanks with a subtle game sauce and a truly outstanding and unexpected tempura of sweetbread. The insightful tips of the sommelier hit the spot every time as he finds just the right wine-food pairing – even better at prices that make sense. An establishment that is going from strength to strength.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Unique / Unconventional Aspects of Menssa, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
1. Interactive and Communal Dining Experience
Menssa features an interactive dining setup where guests are seated around a large circular, undulating walnut wood counter beneath a striking carved wooden tree centerpiece. Diners sit side-by-side, watching the chefs prepare dishes in the middle of the table, fostering a sense of community and connection between guests and the kitchen team. This arrangement transforms diners from mere spectators into active participants in the culinary journey.
2. Strong Emphasis on Nature and Sustainable Gastronomy
The restaurant’s design and culinary philosophy pay homage to nature, symbolized by the carved wooden tree overhanging the main dining space. Chef Christophe Hardiquest integrates local and regional ingredients such as Sonian Forest herbs, Limburg Grevenbroecker blue cheese, and seasonal vegetables, promoting sustainable gastronomy and respect for producers and the environment. This ethos is reflected in innovative pairings like mushrooms with bitter coffee and smoked egg yolk, and the use of forest-inspired flavors.
3. Unique Culinary Creations and Regional Focus
Menssa offers unexpected and refined dishes that highlight regional specialties with creative twists, such as a fillet of Ardennes venison paired with a subtle game sauce and tempura of sweetbread, Zeeland oyster ice cream, and Brussels waffle with malted barley and bitter chocolate ice cream. The chef’s inventive approach combines classic techniques with local ingredients to deliver a truly distinctive gastronomic experience.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Menssa in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre include:
Mushrooms: Used in a signature dish paired with a subtle blend of bitter coffee, smoked and marinated egg yolk, and a vegetable emulsion, reflecting the chef's ethos of sustainable gastronomy and inventiveness.
Ardennes Venison: Featured as a fillet that melts like butter, served with a subtle game sauce and an unexpected tempura of sweetbread, showcasing regional promotion and refined technique.
Large Green Leeks from Huy: Highlighted as a notable vegetable ingredient, emphasizing local and seasonal produce.
Zeeland Oyster Ice Cream: An innovative ingredient that adds a unique seafood element to the menu, demonstrating creative culinary artistry.
White Asparagus from Jurbise: Another seasonal and regional vegetable ingredient, underscoring the restaurant’s commitment to local sourcing.
Limburg Grevenbroecker Blue Cheese: Recognized as the best regional cheese in the world in 2007, used to add depth and regional character to dishes.
Sonian Forest Herbs: Used to infuse dishes with local forest flavors, enhancing the connection to nature and terroir.
Brussels Waffle with Malted Barley, Bitter Chocolate Ice Cream, and Vanilla Stracciatella Emulsion: A dessert that combines local tradition with innovative flavor pairings.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect Menssa’s focus on sustainable, regional, and seasonal gastronomy, blending tradition with inventive techniques to create a unique dining experience.