Two restaurants join Michelin elite

Brussels seafood institution L’Ecailler du Palais Royale and Bistro Racine (pictured) in Braine-le-Château in Walloon Brabant have each been awarded a coveted star by Michelin inspectors.

The culinary mark of distinction, an international benchmark, rewards fine cuisine.

In other gastronomy news, two-star chef Éric Fernez of d’Eugénie à Émilie near Mons was named chef of the year by the 2018 Belgian edition of French guide Gault&Millau.

The chef saw his rating rise to 17.5 out of 20. His restaurant’s name honours his grandmother and daughter.