Resto: La Petite Production

With food, like with everything else, a little goes a long way. In Elsene/Ixelles, La Petite Production is proving this with talent.

For many Brussels food enthusiasts, 5 Gangstraat/rue du Couloir is a place of pilgrimage. It was here that Jean-Yves Pletsier once presided, the meat-loving ogre whose locally-based cuisine made a lasting impression on more than one palate. As one door closes, another opens… Yet some food-lovers have decided to turn their backs on La Petite Production.

Big mistake. We have no doubt that the previous owner would have approved of the food that's made here, even if it is a great deal lighter. We can comfortably make this claim on the basis of a few details: the drinks selection (beers from the Brasserie Dupont, wines by Marie Lapierre or Laurent Cazottes) and the fact that more or less everything is made in-house by a young chef who knows her business.

The decor, stripped-back to precision, adds to the charm of the place, with colourful Formica chairs and pale wood panelling surrounding the open-plan kitchen. La Petite Production has already made a name for itself with its weekend brunches. However, we chose to test the place out at lunchtime on a weekday. And we weren't disappointed.

Having arrived too late (1.15 pm) for the lunch, we selected the Pimp My Eggs option (€11.50 for the vegetarian version). It consisted of two eggs, which we chose scrambled, served with the vegetable of the day, mushrooms, and a salad. Sounds simple enough, except that this particular salad was exquisite, made up of rocket, watercress, bittersweet golden beetroot, radishes, and different kinds of mustard leaf.

The harmony in this dish, between the creaminess of the eggs and the tartness of the salad, was perfect. The beetroot contained coffee notes which softened our attitude to this often overly-earthy vegetable. Also worth a mention is the fluffy brownie (€5.50) with custard for dessert.

di/ma/Tu > vr/ve/Fr: 08.00 > 17.00
week-end: 10.00 > 16.00