Bite: Culinary Carousel
A walking and eating tour is a surprising way to eat out in Mol, taking in three courses in three brasseries
Robyn Boyle on Flemish food and drink
The three brasseries are each unique: Belle Vue is centrally located, close to Mol’s surprisingly lively nightlife district. Chapeau is close to the best shopping streets, while De Onthaasting, true to its name (The Relaxation) is an oasis, tucked away inside an Art Deco house in a quiet pocket of town.
Every season, a different brasserie acts as starting point on the culinary carousel. Here, guests receive the first course, along with a map of the walking route and tickets for the next course and dessert. While the menu also changes with the seasons, one constant is that guests have the option of a meat, fish or vegetarian main course.
The Spijkers met koppen (Nail heads) walk is 2.5 kilometres long, but it is perfectly possible to go directly from one brasserie to the next, as they are no more than 500 metres from one another. The walk comes highly recommended, however, as it immerses guests in the history, architecture and culture of Mol.
Just follow the “nail heads” along the footpath. They lead the way along a number of historic and otherwise noteworthy sites, including the protected Wolwashuisje (wool house) from 1879, a reminder of Mol’s industrial past, the Sint Pieter and Pauwel church, famous for its ability to attract lightning and now home to the Tower Museum, and the fully restored Old Watermill on the river Nete, which dates back to 774.
Culinary discovery
“We believe very strongly in the concept,” say the three brasserie bosses (pictured) on the event’s website. “We see it as an original way to discover Mol in all its facets. Mol has an attractive and compact centre that’s ideal for discovering on foot, especially the part along the river Nete. It’s the perfect thing to do as a couple or with a group of friends, but just as well, too, as a team-building or after-work activity among colleagues.”
The current spring menu features a starter of cod with rhubarb compote, caramelised tomatoes and shallot butter sauce at Chapeau. A short walk away, at De Onthaasting, the main course awaits. It’s your choice of baked salmon with asparagus and white wine sauce, guinea fowl with cream of peas and port sauce, or the vegetarian asparagus, Flemish style.
And finally, you’ll be glad you walked the entire route when you see the dessert at Belle Vue: fantasy of white chocolate, with creamy mascarpone and coffee.
The €39 price tag covers three courses plus an after-dinner surprise; drinks not included. Reserve at least 14 hours in advance via email.
Starting points
Until 20 June: Chapeau, Voogdijstraat 8
21 June to 20 September: Belle Vue, Corbiestraat 22
21 September to 20 December: De Onthaasting, Laar 14
Tuesday to Friday, afternoons and evenings, latest departure at 19.30
About the author
Beer & Food Writer
