Christmas and New Year: a chef at your table

By Frédéric Barthels · 22/10/2026

At the end-of-year dinner, everyone wants to be at the table, including whoever is cooking. Having a chef come to your home means entertaining as in a restaurant, without leaving your guests.

Winter produce

Chicory (endives): raw, braised or gratinéed, a Belgian classic.
Root vegetables: celeriac, parsnip, Jerusalem artichoke, beetroot, as a purée or roasted.
Leeks and cabbages: stewed, in soup or as a side.
Festive produce: foie gras, salmon, scallops, lobster, festive poultry, beef.

Fish tartare, lobster and green apple, plated — Seafood tartare, a fresh starter to open a festive meal.

A festive menu to put together with you

Hot and cold bite-sized starters during the aperitif.
Starter: salmon gravlax, seafood tartare or foie gras.
Main course: young pigeon, beef Rossini or festive poultry, with winter vegetables.
Dessert: yule log or iced dessert, coffee and petits fours.

My gastronomic menu includes foie gras, young pigeon, beef Rossini and lobster, from €78 incl. VAT per person (from 8 guests).

Homemade salmon gravlax

Serves 6 · 10 minutes prep, 36 to 48 hours resting

Ingredients

600 g very fresh salmon fillet, skin on
50 g coarse salt
40 g sugar
1 bunch of dill
Coarsely ground black pepper, zest of one lemon

Method

Mix the salt, sugar, pepper and zest.
Place the salmon skin-side down on cling film, cover with the mixture and the chopped dill.
Close the film, place the salmon in a dish, cover with a light weight and refrigerate for 36 to 48 hours, turning it once.
Rinse quickly, pat dry, then slice thinly with a sharp knife.

Tip: serve with a tangy dill cream and toasted bread. It is made two days before the party.

Getting organised

End-of-year dates are in high demand: it is best to ask for a quote early.
Plan your wines: no corkage fee, you drink your own (a wine package is available as an option).
Mention allergies and diets when requesting a quote.

A festive dinner without spending the evening in the kitchen?

Shopping, cooking on site, service and clearing up: you enjoy your guests. Reply within 48 h, free quote.

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