Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp announces collaboration with 3-star chef Viki Geunes

THE SHOWER OF STARS CONTINUES

Viki Geunes for Botanic brings culinary three-star service to Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp. The highest attainable culinary stars at the highest attainable hotel stars, that calls for unforgettable moments. Guests who will soon get to stay at a banqueting Making event of Botanic Sanctuary beloved memories along to never forget, provided by Zilte.  

"At Zilte, we work to the rhythm of the seasons, one with nature, and that now fits seamlessly with Botanic. Experience, like Zilte, will be paramount, with a great sense of excellent personal service. Botanic's events, whether it's brunch, lunch, or dinner, will now be served at three-star level: you don't come for a meal, you get carried away in a three-star experience" - Viki Geunes 

With five gourmet restaurants under one roof, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp has a unique position in the international hotel industry. In addition to Hertog Jan**, Fine Fleur*, Het Gebaar*, Restaurant 1238 and Bar Bulot, it also offers 14 event rooms used for a wide range of occasions, with banquet of the highest level by Silverpoon, the exclusive label of top Belgian caterer J&M Catering. From 1 September, they will be joined by renowned Antwerp 3-Michelin-starred chef Viki Geunes of Zilte restaurant. 

"It has always been our ambition to include on banqueting to achieve the highest possible level of quality. I am confident that the combination of the country's best caterer and a 3-star home-grown chef will fulfil that ambition," says Marc Alofs, managing director of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp.  

"We deliberately chose not to call on the celebrity chefs with whom we have been working for almost two years. They are focusing on their own business and I fully understand that. When Jan Jacobs of J&M Catering told me after an event that he had worked well with Viki Geunes in the past, it rang a bell with me and I invited both of them for an exploratory meeting. This was extremely constructive and led to an agreement whereby Jan and Viki exchange ideas once a week and develop proposals based on Viki's recipes adapted to the seasons. Viki's input and expertise adds great value to our offering. Both Jan and Viki are professionals and top in their fields. It has been agreed that all dishes will be prepared in-house in a separate kitchen under the guidance of a permanent Silverspoon kitchen chef who will guarantee continuity."  

Jan Jacobs of J&M Catering is delighted to be working with Viki Geunes. "We speak the same language and it may sound exaggerated, but it is true that we understand each other even without words. I have committed myself to propagate and live up to his name and renommee in gastronomy. With the finesse and creativity that characterise his dishes. Naturally, you cannot compare the cuisine of a 3-star restaurant with banqueting. At his restaurant Zilte, Viki cooks for a small number of guests; we cook for parties of 20 to 300 people, depending on the season. A permanent team from Silverspoon is present every day. This is a must now that the number of seminars, product presentations, corporate parties and weddings is rapidly increasing." 

A gift for the city 

3-star chef Viki Geunes is also upbeat about the collaboration. "I don't see this as an experiment but as an extension of my professional activity," he says. During the weekend, Zilte is closed anyway. For me, the arrival of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a gift to the city. On the one hand, there is the historical past of the site and, on the other, the new accommodation is top-notch and unique in the world. Moreover, by cooperating with a top caterer like J&M Catering, I have the guarantee that the DNA of my kitchen will not be touched and that the banqueting at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp will meet the high expectations of both management and guests. This initiative expands the city's culinary offerings and makes Antwerp a true culinary hotspot in Europe. Who is not happy about that?  

Marc Alofs has the final word: "By only working with top chefs, we ensure that Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp lives up to its status as a five-star superior hotel and that it remains number one. Only the best is good enough for our guests."