Behind the scenes at Grand Café De Rooden Hoed
Author: Erik Verdonck / Published: 2015-02-18 20:47:07 +0100 / Last Updated: almost 4 years ago
Cas & Hans© BeerTourism.com
ANTWERP - Local legends are there to be cherished, whether they are strictly true or not. So, did an Antwerp Cathedral priest really patrol the neighbourhood in a red hat? Or does Grand Café De Rooden
Tiramisu with Bacchus Framboise
© BeerTourism.com
Hoed actually owe its name to the striking red roof tiles...?
It is certainly true that the painter Quinten Matsijs (1466-1530) lived in the building; the ironwork above the well in front of the cathedral was wrought by him.
And we also know that as far back as 1750 the oldest hostelry in Antwerp was used as a coaching inn.
Today you can still order a soep van de koetsier (a coach driver’s soup), a reminder of the days when carriages stopped off at the inn, the drivers almost becoming part of the family.
If you are a born Antwerpenaar, the name of this establishment will bring visions of mussels and fries served on a red-and-white checked tablecloth to your mind.
But times have changed. This brasserie has been owned since May 2013 by Hans Lachi and Cas Goossens, who quickly put their own stamp on the business. Hans manages the kitchen and is responsible for the commercial side, whereas Cas keeps an eye on the guests, showing his public what good service really means.
Time for the apéritif
© BeerTourism.com
Whether it’s pouring out two bottles of beer at the same time or whisking up a sabayon with Liefmans Fruitesse at the table, it’s all in a day’s work for this dyed-in-the-wool waiter.
There’s plenty of room. The indoor area seats 130 customers, the terrace adds a further 30 seats, and that’s before you consider the historic vaulted basement, where large groups are regularly hosted and parties go off with a bang.
The atmosphere is different wherever you go in the building. If you are seated at the back you enjoy a view of the picturesque Handschoenmarkt and the splendid cathedral entrance.
At the front, you overlook the bustling car-free Oude Koornmarkt, where you will never be short of a place to eat or drink. You’ll also find an oyster bar and an upstairs room in De Rooden Hoed.
Rabbit with prunes prepared in aspic with Liefmans Fruitess
© BeerTourism.com
Beerstronomy® in Practice
“We serve a typical brasserie menu,” Hans tells us. “This is where to come for fish, lobster, shellfish, various mussel dishes, for Antwerp classics like filet d’Anvers (smoked beef), a sorbet with Elixir d’Anvers liqueur
Choclate mousse with Liefmans Kriek Brut
© BeerTourism.com
or typically-Flemish stews made with rabbit or eel in a green sauce – paling in ’t groen.
We also like to expand our culinary horizons with more exotic dishes. However, we do want you to recognise the product on your plate, so if you are after a smear of this and a foam of that, this is not the place for you.”
The locals have certainly re-discovered the way to De Rooden Hoed. “We offer a good balance between price and quality and that works very well,” says Cas.
“This is not a tourist trap of the kind you so often find in city centres.”
Beer features prominently on the menu, and you are always welcome to enjoy a glass. Both wine and beer complement and are served with De Roeden Hoed’s excellent food, always with the appropriate advice on pairing.
Cas is a qualified beer sommelier and is now responsible for training the restaurant staff. The splendid beer menu is now an attraction in itself and an increasing number of guests from Belgium and abroad are seduced into trying beer pairings with their meals.
Elegantly poured at your table
© BeerTourism.com
Treading the boards
In addition to the regular menu you will find lunch menus, monthly menus, lobster menus, themed menus and plenty of tempting suggestions aimed at both individuals and groups. Customer suggestions and
Green Thaï curry with Vedett IPA
© BeerTourism.com
questions are always welcomed, and the best beer to have with your meal will always be recommended.
“We’re noticing that interest in Belgian degustation beers is increasing,” Cas says. “A beer that is perfectly poured and properly explained is an appealing proposition.”
The kitchen never closes during opening hours. Lunchtime diners and drinkers include business people, locals and day trippers.
The same business people return at weekends for quiet dinners with friends or family. The restaurant receives lots of group bookings, and if you want to eat here during the weekend it’s a good idea to book a table.
The impressive décor itself attracts many customers. There’s nothing better than sitting by the glass wall in the back, enjoying an opulent dish of shellfish, observing Cas prepare his sabayon with great aplomb…
This is no surrealist tableau, I saw it all myself - De Rooden Hoed is one big spectacle. And now you know who is behind the scenes at this spectacular restaurant you must go and meet them, they are ready to show you their latest and greatest creations.
Antwerp Blog Posts
Luc De Laet, the brewer's butcher...ANTWERP - Why would a butcher open a store at a brewery? The question doesn’t throw Luc De Laet, the man who has done just that at the De Koninck brewery. “We share our respect for traditional crafts, ... [ read more ]
Belgian beer and food pairing, what's the deal? (2)ANTWERP - Today, we are meeting up for a second tasting session in this beer and food pairing series at ‘t Zilte restaurant, the proud owner of two Michelin stars, perched high above the Flemish city ... [ read more ]
Brussels Beer Challenge 2015ANTWERP - The 4th edition of the Brussels Beer Challenge once again put Belgium firmly on the world map. After Brussels, Liège and Leuven, it was Antwerp’s turn to host this internationally renowned b ... [ read more ]
The De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery experienceANTWERP - The new interactive De Koninck brewery tour will completely immerse you in the world of the Antwerp City Brewery. In exchange for just €12 you can find out everything there is to ... [ read more ]
De Laet & Van Haver: Where beer meets meatANTWERP/HOVE - Last summer, thousands of visitors sampled Luc De Laet’s wares at the Tomorrowland music festival and in a pop-up restaurant in Antwerp. Next year, Luc will open his second ... [ read more ]
Comments
You must be logged in to leave a comment
SHARE:
ANTWERP
TRAVEL GUIDE
You Might Like
Everything you ever wanted to know about (Belgian) beer under one roof. You get to feel, smell and taste ingredients and discover the typical Belgian beer styles. Come celebrate Belgian beer culture in heart of historic Bruges! Shop and bar are accessible without visiting the museum.
The Duvel Moortgat Brewery caters to everyone’s tastes with 3 different brewery experiences. From complete novice to experienced beer lover, Duvel has the brewery visit package for you.
Kasteel Brouwerij Vanhonsebrouck, well known for it's "Kasteel" beer range, now offers their Bierkasteel beer experience; brewery visit, event location, restaurant, bar and shop.
Brasserie Dubussion prides itself on tradition and taste and has opened a brand new visitors centre, the Beerstorium. Learn about the rich history, beers and brewing at the oldest brewery in Wallonia. You can visit this authentic Belgian brewery, see brewing in action, as well as taste some of their delicious brews for yourself, including their legendary Bush (Scaldis) beer range.
This freemium App for IOS and Android lets you explore and find the best that Belgium's UNESCO recognised beer culture has to offer. Find breweries, bars, restaurants, festivals, events, experiences and beer shops; create you own beer trips and be your own tour guide!
BLOG
POSTS
Brussels Beer Challenge 2019, and the winners are...
BRUSSELS/MONS - We’ve made our way down to the historic city of Mons (Bergen) for the eighth edition of the international Brussels Beer Challenge. A 90-strong jury is busy tasting; there are four morning sessions in a ro... [ more ]
Brugge Tripel contributes to renovation of Burgundian chapel of worship
BRUGES - This city draws you back in time to the heydays of the Burgundian era. After years of renovation works the Gruuthusemuseum has re-opened its doors. This former city palace is the showca... [ more ]
Brewers of Europe Forum 2019: Craftsmanship on the old continent
ANTWERP - Brewers from 59 different countries flocked to attend the Brewers of Europe Forum 2019 in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall, right next to the renowned Antwerp Central Station building. ... [ more ]
Craftsmanship and balance at brewery Van Steenberge
ERTVELDE - To track down a brewer within his own domain is a high-ranking form of sports, or that’s the impression I get. After a bit of practice I spot Jef Versele, CEO of the Van Steenberge brewery, well hidden amongst... [ more ]
Brussels Beer Challenge 2018 - The results!
MECHELEN - The historic city of Mechelen, halfway between Brussels and Antwerp, is truly a hidden gem. The presence of the Dukes of Burgundy, who ruled here in the late middle ages, still permeates the ancient city centr... [ more ]
More Beer
This Antwerp classic, launched over a century ago in 1913, catches your eye straight away. That's thanks to its intense mahogany colour and its robustly frothy collar. De Koninck ... [ more ]
Beer Tourism Newsletter Signup
Enter your name and email address on the right and click "SignUp" to join.