Rolling landscapes, picturesque towns and lots of green, that is all it takes to make us feel we are on the other side of the language barrier. You don’t even have to drive that far and BAM, you will get an instant holiday feeling. As relaxation and delicious culinary enjoyment are the perfect combination, today’s final destination is the renovated restaurant ‘Le Coq aux Champs’* in Soheit-Tinlot. Hungry and curious? Check!
Restaurant Le Coq aux Champs*, in Soheit-Tinlot
From ‘bergerie’ to classy restaurant
Since the beginning of 2017, after a thorough renovation, Le Coq aux Champs is ready for a new adventure. Even though the property’s authenticity has remained well-preserved, the restaurant got a thorough facelift. And successfully if you ask us, because as soon as you enter you will immediately feel the right vibe. Past the stylish reception and via the cloakroom you are led to the dining room, where you will be seated in an elegant interior decorated with many white and wooden elements. The harmony between the original elements and the contemporary interior design immediately stands out. The eye-catcher is the state-of-the-art open kitchen: this is where the magic happens. And almost just like in a real theater, you will get the chance to enjoy this spectacle during the entire meal while being seated at round tables.
Christophe & Catherine Pauly, nothing but enthusiasm and passion
Hostess Catherine Pauly will receive you at the restaurant with a natural flair that makes everybody feel at ease straight away. The rest of the team too is perfectly tuned to each other to ensure that each guest will have the perfect fine dining experience. Behind the personalized high tech stove, you will find a busy chef Christophe Pauly – who is present as much as possible. Refined, creative signature dishes, prepared with regional and seasonal top products, that is what Christophe Pauly stands for. At Culinaria Autumn 2016 – more about that in this article later – we were able to taste some of the chef’s top creations for the first time. That was more than enough to guide us towards Soheit-Tinlot, to discover the kitchen at its home base.
Seasonal dishes full of simplicity and refinement
In addition to à la carte dishes, Le Coq aux Champs offers two menus: the 4 or 5-course seasonal menu and the weekly menu. We opt for the Menu de saison, with the slogan “La simplicité est la sophistication.” (L. de Vinci). Such a statement makes us excited about trying the first taste sensations.
A nice beginning of just about every menu is a glass of champagne as an aperitif. There are three types to choose from here, which immediately feels like a touch of indulgence.
A series of amuses get us off to a flying start. Firstly, we are served something host-like (or actually a little crystal disk) based on sweetened and salted porcini mushrooms. This bite is presented in a beautiful bowl with forest garniture, which is almost too beautiful to take away.
In addition to that, we taste a sweet-sour tartelette with eggplant and pistachio.
Oyster, cucumber, and a cream with lovage and mint follow, a true delight!
Then an amuse of sourdough toast melba with half salted salmon and wild cabbage.
Our last starter is poultry nuggets with black garlic.
The first appetizer is a real treat, loyal to the seasons. The asparagus from Mechelen with cockles and yellow wine are particularly tasteful and sophisticated.
We keep the right rhythm with wild North Sea fish with peas, verbena and agrum.
Breton lobster (pêche de casier), red butter, black olives (taggiasches), sweet red peppers (piquilos) and Colonnato bacon follow.
Then a dish with meat, based on saddle of lamb from Aveyron. The intense meat flavor combines really well with morel and Mousseron mushrooms, ramson, sorrel and panisse.
The dessert menu consists of a series of sweet treats, because choosing is losing.
We start with Gariguette strawberries with yogurt and infused ice cream based on herbs and flowers.
Next there is baba-nane au rum.
Then an ice-cold bonbon violette is served.
For those who cannot get enough, there is even a cart full of mignardises and a citrus-flavored financier.
We conclude with an overview of the menu based on the wine line-up.
Le Coq aux Champs in short…
At restaurant Le Coq aux Champs in Soheit-Tinlot, you will enjoy refined cuisine, with both creativity and simplicity, in an elegant, contemporary interior. You will be able to follow the activity in the kitchen closely, while the team is pampering you. Every moment of your dinner is a real experience.
Practical information
Le Coq aux champs, Rue du Montys 71, 4557 Soheit-Tinlot Belgique | +32 85 51 20 14 | www.lecoqauxchamps.be | lecoqauxchamps@skynet.be | Le Coq aux Champs op Facebook