Gala Dinner at "De Lokeend" (Antwerp, Belgium)

Last month, I had the pleasure to participate in a meeting of a European research group on sleep apnea - ESADA (European Sleep Apnea Database) that was held in Antwerp, Belgium. We were treated with some very nice Belgian food and treats during the conference, but the biggest highlight was the last night. We were invited to a Gala Dinner at "De Lokeend" with a tour through the historical city of Antwerp preceding the dinner. We started our tour at the harbor with the fortress, went through the old town with the Grand Market, and stopped at "De Lokeend".

De Lokeend

This is not a usual restaurant, you can only dine there as part of a group reservation. It started back in 1986, when the owner organised dinners for friends on Saturday evenings. This hobby of hers grew to the restaurant it is now. The atmosphere is very familial, more like a country home style. The restaurant has two dining rooms. Another nice highlight is the winter garden.

The Dinner started with some prosecco and appetizer in the winter garden. The little quiches were just delicious! The Dinner had several courses, all tasted amazing and homemade:

• Crepes with spinach and cheese
• Creamy celery soup
• Chicken with anchovies, roasted chicory, tomato, and potatoes
• Poached pear with ice cream and homemade biscuit cookie
• Tea or coffee with more homemade little cookies

Little Belgian treats during the conference :)