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Wine in the City Closes Doors After two Decades: “We Can’t Be in Two Places”
After twenty years as a culinary cornerstone of Jette’s Koningin Astridplein, Wine in the City is set to close at the end of December. The acclaimed restaurant, which began as a wine trade before evolving into a celebrated dining destination, is closing to support the career of the owners’ son.
Co-operator Isabelle Tillemans, recently named Brussels sommelier of the Year, explained the decision stems from their son Arnaud‘s success on the French television show top Chef. “He participated in Top Chef a year ago, lasted about ten weeks, adn was offered the opportunity to join a new project,” Tillemans told BRUZZ.
Arnaud is now working as a chef at a hotel located in the historic castle of Sancerre, France. The hotel is currently undergoing expansion, including the addition of rooms and a future restaurant, with Arnaud’s father, Münster, set to join him as head chef. “And because we simply cannot be in two places at the same time, our restaurant closes here,” Tillemans stated.
Wine in the City’s journey to prominence included earning a Bib Gourmand after a few years, followed by a Michelin star in 2016. “Our story was given a size that we never dared to dream,” Münster shared in a farewell message posted on social media.
Despite the closure, the owners remain optimistic.”We hope to get another Michelin star within two to three years,” Tillemans expressed.
The wine trade portion of Wine in the City will remain open for another month while the owners seek a suitable transferee.”We are looking for a transferee, and hope that we can make it a nice thing for the square. As in addition to all the positive reactions on Facebook, we are also told that people hope it will not be the umpteenth kebab shop,” Tillemans added.
Münster reflected on the past two decades, acknowledging both joyful moments and challenges: “for the past twenty years, countless laughing legs, unforgettable parties, moments of sharing and intense emotions, but also with challenging periods: the COVID crisis, three years of work on the square, and the period of the attacks.” he also extended gratitude to loyal customers, staff, suppliers, and the organizations Michelin and gault & Millau for their positive reviews.
