Michelin-Starred Bozar Restaurant in Lasne Faces Transition After Chef’s Departure
Lasne, Belgium – Bozar Restaurant, formerly helmed by Michelin-starred chef Benjamin Laborie, is navigating a period of change following his departure in August 2024. The restaurant’s star has been suspended as a result. Laborie’s exit stemmed from what he described as “very elaborate relational” issues with his buisness partner, Daniel Cauwel.According to Cauwel,Laborie communicated his decision to leave via message,citing the pressure of maintaining the restaurant’s high standards. “Last August,Benjamin sent me a message to tell me that he stopped everything,” Cauwel told DH. “The pressure became arduous to manage. I wanted him to go get a second star,he clearly had the talent. But he had lost fire. Perhaps weakened by a personal drama…”
Laborie, though, offered a more direct explanation, stating, “There is a way of talking to people.” He appeared visibly affected by the situation but remains confident in the restaurant’s potential.
The restaurant is now undergoing rebranding, including a domain name change and the removal of Laborie’s name from the facade. Cauwel emphasized the priority of retaining the restaurant’s thirteen-person team.
Jacques Gogolewski, Laborie’s loyal second for six years, has stepped in as chef. He will launch his second fully personal menu on September 8, with plans for monthly renewals. Johan Quirin, a former pastry chef at Bozar Restaurant, has joined Gogolewski’s team.
Laborie is currently developing a new,undisclosed project.