't Fornuis
Antwerpen, Belgium
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
’t Fornuis is a restaurant of which there are few and far between nowadays. The interior of the handsome 17C townhouse is rustic and authentic and the polished service is similarly old school, as dishes are theatrically presented at the table beneath a cloche in a charming nod to the establishment’s classical heritage. Chef Johan Segers has held a Michelin star since 1986, and his enthusiasm has not waned an iota. His passion for exceptional produce and traditional fare shines through when he describes dishes to diners. He also works with ingredients that are rarely found today, such as pig’s trotters and unexpected surf and turf combinations. Examples include white pudding, carefully and consummately cooked, with fabulously fresh langoustines and a delicate beurre blanc, or a juicy Bresse chicken in a rich creamy morel sauce. Both illustrate chef Segers high-flying flair for using sauces to balance a dish. He returns to the roots of Belgian gastronomy and regales his diners with a deliciously nostalgic and comforting culinary score.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique or unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant 't Fornuis in Antwerpen:
1. Use of Rare and Traditional Ingredients with Theatrical Presentation
Chef Johan Segers incorporates ingredients that are rarely found today, such as pig’s trotters and unexpected surf and turf combinations like white pudding with fresh langoustines and beurre blanc. The dishes are theatrically presented at the table beneath a cloche, reflecting the restaurant’s classical heritage and adding an element of old-school charm to the dining experience.
2. Exceptional Longevity and Consistency of Michelin Recognition
't Fornuis has held a Michelin star since 1986 under the same chef, Johan Segers. This remarkable continuity—over 35 years—makes the restaurant a rare example of sustained excellence and traditional culinary style that is increasingly uncommon in today’s Michelin-starred scene.
3. Nostalgic and Authentic Flemish Gastronomy in a 17th-Century Townhouse
The restaurant is housed in a rustic and authentic 17th-century townhouse, offering a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Chef Segers focuses on returning to the roots of Belgian gastronomy, delivering comforting, classic dishes with a personal touch that evoke a deliciously nostalgic culinary experience.
These elements combine to make 't Fornuis a distinctive Michelin-starred restaurant that stands out for its dedication to tradition, rare ingredients, and enduring quality.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant 't Fornuis in Antwerpen include:
- Pig’s Trotters: A rare ingredient today, used to showcase traditional Belgian gastronomy and add rich, gelatinous texture to dishes.
- Langoustines: Featured in a signature surf and turf combination with white pudding, paired with a delicate beurre blanc sauce to highlight freshness and balance.
- White Pudding: Carefully cooked and combined with langoustines, illustrating the chef’s flair for classic, refined flavors.
- Bresse Chicken: Served juicy with a rich creamy morel sauce, emphasizing luxurious, comforting Belgian fare.
- King and North Sea Crab: Used in a fresh and generous starter, often accompanied by foie gras and a light dressing, demonstrating the restaurant’s focus on high-quality seafood and elegant presentation.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect Chef Johan Segers’ dedication to classical, nostalgic Belgian cuisine with a refined, old-school approach, often enhanced by expertly crafted sauces and theatrical presentation.