Established in a grand town house, EssenCiel is the lovingly created brainchild of youthful Niels Brants and Romina Charels. A smart contemporary style, mingling purity and elegance without losing sight of their casual hallmark vibe, sets the scene. A seat on the patio near the vegetable garden is heavenly in fine weather. Chef Brants rolls out the full gamut of his culinary know-how combined with a flair for unearthing fantastic ingredients. He avows a passion for vegetables and the intricate craftsmanship of his unorthodox recipes is part of his hallmark. Examples include a mind-blowing association of Barbary duck with a sweet-spicy crispy skin, paired with a compote and a cream of earthy red beetroot, a cream of black sesame and perfectly seasoned gravy. The extensive choice of bread rolls means that you won’t have to forgo the tiniest drop of the chef’s delicious sauces. Seasoned sommelier Luc Roelandt adds the final flourish with insightful wine tips. Today, more than ever, the quintessence of EssenCiel is subtlety.