From Wolphaartsdijk to Antwerp: chef Thijs Meliefste cooks eight days across the border
“That is a bit contrasting, but we have to make a choice and that’s what it’s actually about”, Meliefste already knew in advance that he wanted to be in Antwerp for eight days with or without relaxation in the Netherlands. The fact that the catering industry in the Netherlands is open until 10 p.m. is good for Meliefste. But in Belgium is actually even better. “People come to us for the full experience. They drive from Groningen to Paris and they actually have to be outside again at ten o’clock. I think that’s a shame and not here.”
Healthy tension
De Zeeuw and his staff have been sitting still for a while, so such a first day is quite exciting. “There is healthy tension, but it has certainly started again. We have also experienced the last two lockdowns, but we are especially looking forward to it,” says the chef.
Future plans Belgium
Star restaurant The Jane is owned by chef Nick Bril, a good friend of Meliefste. In this way, de Zeeuw also ended up in The Upper Room Bar in The Jane. This concept is for eight days and after that Meliefste will open his restaurant in Wolphaartsdijk again. “For the time being, it is temporary, but never say never. I have lived and worked in Antwerp for years. It always beckons, let’s keep it there.”
It is actually too late for those who still want to book a table at Thijs Meliefste in Antwerp. Lunch and dinner were fully booked in no time.