Viki Geunes welcomes leading lady chef Dominique Crenn to Belgium for a four-hands lunch and dinner.
The winemaker from Burgundy, Arnaud Ente, will present his personal wine selection.
Dominique Crenn: © Amanda Demme/ Viki Geunes: © Ian Segal
Zilte introduces another top chef in their Exquis series of 'four-hands experiences,' and this winter, the spotlight is on a female chef: French three-Michelin-star chef and leading lady Dominique Crenn from Atelier Crenn in San Francisco. Dominique Crenn and Viki Geunes are looking forward to merging their unique culinary styles into an unforgettable gastronomic experience that excites the senses at the highest level of culinary excellence. The setting: Zilte. The dates: December 4 (dinner) and December 5 (lunch).
Leading lady chef Dominique Crenn
The impressive Dominique Crenn became the first female chef in the U.S. to receive three Michelin stars in 2018 and was named one of TIME's 100 most influential people in the world this year. Crenn uses her artistry to highlight the profound impact of our food choices on the environment. With her farm in Sonoma County, California, she demonstrates that regenerative agriculture can be a delicious solution to climate change.
Wine Pairing Arnaud Ente x Aaron Moeraert
The wine selection for this four-hands event will be curated by none other than Arnaud Ente, a renowned winemaker from the Burgundy region, known for his organic and biodynamic wines. Together with Zilte's sommelier Aaron Moeraert, Ente will pair carefully selected wines with the culinary creations of this Exquis experience, making the gastronomic journey truly unforgettable. The fact that Arnaud Ente will be personally present is an exceptional honor, elevating the entire event to an even higher level.
Exquis, the Zilte family, and international star chefs
Under the name "Exquis," the Zilte family invites international star chefs throughout the year for unique and unforgettable collaborations. The harmony between different cooking styles and the energetic atmosphere in the kitchen come together to create a unique and exclusive menu. Each chef brings their favorite products to the menu in their style. Earlier this year, Zilte welcomed French three-Michelin-star chef Arnaud Donckele and Danish chef Eric Vildgaard from Jordnær. This winter, Dominique Crenn will showcase her artistic and innovative approach to gastronomy.
“In a world dominated by men, it’s important to showcase inspiring female chefs at the top level, like Dominique Crenn. It’s an honor to bring her to Belgium to cook together for the next session of Exquis.”
© John Troxell
© Ian Segal
Dominique Crenn and Atelier Crenn / Bar Crenn
Dominique Crenn is the co-owner and chef of Atelier Crenn in San Francisco. In 2018, Crenn became the first female chef in the U.S. to receive three Michelin stars. She has long drawn inspiration from her childhood and personal journey to create the story of her flagship restaurant, and her menus evolve with her. Born and raised in France, Crenn spent many summers in Brittany, where she developed a deep love and respect for the sea. Today, her menu at Atelier Crenn highlights the riches of the sea and the best locally sourced ingredients from farmers.
Crenn also owns Bar Crenn, a chic cocktail bar that serves an interactive Michelin-star tasting menu paired with carefully crafted cocktails. She continues to be recognized for her constant presence in the international culinary community, where she promotes innovation, sustainability, and equality through her restaurant ideals and participation in various panels and summits. In April 2024, she was named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the World.
Arnaud Ente
Domaine Arnaud Ente in Meursault, with a 4-hectare vineyard, produces wines of exceptional purity and intensity. Originally studying biology and working in physiotherapy, Arnaud Ente took over the family vineyards in 1990, encouraged by his wife, Marie-Odile.
Over 30 years, he has elevated his estate to one of the most sought-after references in Burgundy through meticulous work and eco-friendly winemaking. He strives for balance between the vines and their terroir, using traditional methods instead of chemical fertilizers.
His wines have refined through earlier harvests, gentler pressings, and greater precision. He has evolved to larger barrels and is now experimenting with wine amphoras. Arnaud Ente has become one of the most renowned winemakers of his generation in Burgundy, continually striving for cuvées with rare aromatic finesse and intensity.
Viki Geunes and Zilte
The kitchen of the three-Michelin-star restaurant Zilte is led by Chef Viki Geunes.
At Zilte, a pure and unique total experience is central. They present products in creations with attention to the essence that stimulate all your senses. This is all supported by a team with expertise and a focus on hospitality.
The comfortable setting, with its expansive view over the Antwerp skyline and warm atmosphere, accompanies your culinary journey in a unique decor where heritage and innovation are the guiding principles. Zilte strives to make the experience truly more intense. The refined materials and calming colors used in the interior make Zilte complete.
Chef Viki Geunes, hostess Viviane Plaquet, and their team invite you to a pure and unique gastronomic journey at unprecedented heights.
Info for press:
Saskia Neirinckx
The Wicked PR
saskia@thewicked.be
