It has not been an easy week for Brussels. From Saturday morning, the capital city has been in lockdown because of a heightened risk of terrorist attacks. It has meant closed shops, schools and metro amid the highest threat level for the Belgian capital city.
But from today, the situation has slowly started to return back to normal with the reopening of schools and the metro despite this heightened threat level.
Large scale events have been cancelled. But last night, the organisers announced that the Nocturnes du Sablon, which has been organised for more than 20 years, will take place as planned between Thursday 26 November and Sunday 29th November with increased security.
Since four years, this event is organised with the participation of the Culinaria Agency which is famous for the annual Brussels Culinaria event.
Some of the top names in Brussels and beyond have confirmed participation for this weekend’s event. The chefs taking part are Alex Joseph (Rouge Tomate), Axel Colonna-Cesari (Centpourcent), Bart de Pooter (Pastorale), Broes Tavernier (t’ Vijfde Seizoen), Carl Gillain (L’Agathopede), Clement Petitjean and Monia Aouini (La Grappe d’Or), Eric Martin (Lemmonier), Gilles Joye (Marcus), Giovanni Bruno (Senza Nome), Jean Philippe Watteyne (iCook!), Olivier Massart (O de Vie), Pascal Devalkeneer (Le Chalet de la Foret), Pierre Balthazar (The Restaurant), Thomas Troupin and Marie Charlotte Portois (Le Menuiserie) and Yves Mattagne (Sea Grill).
Every evening, there will be four chefs presenting their dishes. For details of the programme you can visit the link here.
The organisers Patrick Mestdagh, president of the Sablon Committee and Cedric Allard , director of Culinaria Agency have been in constant contact with the Brussels authorities to ensure added security for the event.
The organisers have confirmed an increased presence of police officers this year as well as a military presence. “Thanks to the authorities, we are very pleased to be able to organise the Nocturnes du Sablon as planned,” the organisers said.
The area of Sablon in Brussels is known for its shops from those selling antiques to contemporary art stores. But it is also home to some of the best Belgian ‘chocolatiers’ and established traditional Belgian restaurants.
Place: The Grand Sablon and surrounding roads
Dates: 26 to 29 November
Times: Thursday 7pm to 11pm, Friday 7pm to 11pm, Saturday noon to 11pm, Sunday noon to 5pm
Leave a Reply