Dining in a cave might not sound like something a modern human would do but on 30 August, Belgium’s Caves of Han will open up to offer a gastronomic experience, with food prepared by renowned Belgian chefs. Into The Caves, as the event is called, is organised by the Belgian organisation Dinédit, which specialises in uncommon locations for their pop-up gastronomic experiences.
“It is a sensorial and immersive experience which will wake your senses. Imagine being submerged in a mysterious underground world, surrounded by spectacular rock formations, all while enjoying an 100% Belgian gastronomic menu prepared by two renowned cooks, a cheese monger and a patisserie maker”, Dinédit explains.
As far as the menu goes, chef Curtis Mulpas will supervise the first course, a small tartlet inspired by Van Gogh’s paintings. Arnaud Delvenne, known from the Belgian version of Top Chef and his restaurant Nono, will be in charge of the main course, consisting of a poultry preparation with coffee flavours. World-famous Pierre Marcolini will undoubtedly provide an unforgettable dessert while cheese mongers Pascal and Maude Fauville from ‘À table! Maison fromagère’ will be in charge of the cheese platter.
After the dining experience, guests will be transferred to the Mercure Hotel, where they will be able to enjoy a small concert by DJ Julien d’Aléo and a performance by magician Maxime Croisé. A tombola will be organised as well, all profits going to the Télévie organisation, facilitating cancer and leukaemia research.
Prices start at 370 euros per person for the dining experience (drinks included), while an all-in weekend with stay at the Mercure Hotel in Han-sur-Lesse costs 460 euros. For those wanting to make a group weekend out of it, the 5,100 euro VIP package for up to eight people might be something to look into.