Eldo

Covered in mirrors from floor to ceiling, the entrance hall brings to mind, take your pick, either an ultra-exclusive members’ club or a 21st-century brothel. So, you’re half-tempted to turn on your heel when you spot the remote control lying on a side table. Your own startled reflection in the mirror hesitates a moment before pressing the button. Nice touch, right move. A sliding door then opens onto tables laid with crisp white cloths.Eldo is, first and foremost, the creation of Bart Roman, that great instigator of Belgian nightlife who has partying in his blood - he’s run several clubs and now organises WECANDANCE, the summer electro-and-beyond music festival in Zeebrugge, on the coast. With him, the boundaries between sound, design, gastronomy and art happily blur. At Eldo, he has gathered around him the sommelier Daan Guelinckx (formerly of Veranda) and chef Tomas Dhooghe (previously at Pure and the starred Pristine). The latter works over a charcoal grill, employing fine-dining techniques. The result: Zeeland mussels with sambal; free-range chicken ; or a (succulent) steak served with hand-cut chips. For two? A turbot with a butter, lemon and thym sauce. At the end of the meal, you lay down your cutlery and swipe your mouth on the napkin, which reads: “Can I stay a little longer, I am so happy here.” As if someone had read your thoughts…