Tuesday 7 september 2021
Havana – The European Metropolis of Lille – Kinshasa – Istanbul – The Brussels-Capital Region
On this evening, the Brussels-Capital Region will showcase the culinary scene in partner cities and regions with which it has concluded bilateral agreements. On the menu are the Havana, Kinshasa, Istanbul and the European Metropolis of Lille, which will take your taste buds on a journey through their authentic and local cuisines. Brussels will not be outdone in this culinary getaway since our region can count on its local ambassadors to offer you the cheese selections from Hauts-de-France and the dessert on the menu.
Doors open at 18:00. Service starts at 18:30 sharp.
Havana, Cuba
Cuban cocktails are among the most popular in the world. The mojito, the daiquiri and the Cuba libre are certainly the most well-known. Their success is due to the delicious Cuban rum that forms their base. There are infinite varieties but they always bring to mind the tropical sun of the Caribbean.
Kinshasa, DRC
Brussels is lucky enough to be home to a large community of Congolese origin. Matongé, one of the neighbourhoods of Ixelles, owes its name to a neighbourhood in Kinshasa. Kino-Congolese specialities are therefore not difficult to find in the capital. Goat meat, grilled plantain banana, moambe (palm butter) chicken, mitaké (fried doughnut) and many other dishes are common there.
The European Metropolis of Lille, France
Gastronomy in Lille is made up of six Michelin-starred restaurants, iconic and renowned chefs, young talent, extraordinary pastry chefs and a unique way of blending cultures in an urban and pleasant environment. What about its cuisine? Creativity, terroir and a love of good food. These three things sum up the dishes finely cooked by chefs. The gastronomy of Lille, with its boundless generosity, is perfectly aligned with the values of the location, which are conviviality and sharing. Lille and, more generally, the department of Nord can pride itself on its production of excellent cheeses. The cheese specialities of Hauts-de-France will be presented by Le Comptoir du Samson.
Istanbul, Turkey
The Turkish community has a strong presence in Brussels. Moreover, it is not uncommon to common across a restaurant or stall serving the famous kebab, doner and lokum. These specialities are only a very small part of what this country has to offer. Dolma (stuffed vegetable), borek (filled pastry), pide (type of pizza) and baklava (dessert filled with nuts), are also just a few other examples of the range of culinary delights from Istanbul.
Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium
We will not insult you by introducing you to Brussels and its specialities. Or should we? However, Vincent Denis Dessert Bar will be the ambassador of Brussels for this evening. Vincent Denis, named Best Belgian Chef 2014, does genuine gastronomic patisserie served “à l’assiette”, or as individually-sized dishes.