Self-taught to the top

With three Michelin stars, chef Viki Geunes is at the top of his game. And it is fitting that his restaurant, Zilte, is also to be found at the very top: on the highest floor of the Aan de Stroom Museum, with a breathtaking view over the city of Antwerp. Viki Geunes is the best proof that a natural talent can make it to the top of the catering industry even without attending culinary school or doing high-profile internships. He decided to venture into the world of gastronomy as an autodidact after his studies in industrial sciences. Through self-study and iron discipline, Viki Geunes trained as a chef. His hard work and preparation culminated in the opening of his restaurant ’t Zilte in the centre of Mol in 1996.

In 2004, Viki Geunes was awarded his first Michelin star for his creativity, his personal approach to cooking and keen sense of the interplay between taste, temperature and texture. Around the same time, Gault&Millau named the up-and-coming talent Young Chef of the Year in Belgium. A second Michelin star in 2008 marked another important milestone on Viki Geunes’s road to the culinary elite. Once again, Gault&Millau added to the list, honouring him as Chef of the Year 2009.

Martin Klein meets Viki Geunes at Zilte, Antwerp, Belgium

Since its opening, the restaurant has moved three times before arriving at its current location in 2020. At the same time, the “’t” was dropped from the name. By continuing under the name Zilte, which translates as salty, Viki Geunes wanted to make it clear that he would be cooking even more to the point. In 2021, he finally received the accolade that only few chefs in the world can claim: the Michelin Guide awarded Viki Geunes three stars, praising him as “a fastidiously meticulous chef who delicately plays with each texture and flavour, conjuring up food that is complex and gutsy, yet free of fussy frills.”

The autodidact’s creative genius reflects his Burgundian origins as well as his dedication to top-quality products:

I look for harmony in my dishes, but at the same time I need contrasts. However, the most important thing for me is the product.
Viki Geunes

The 51-year-old presents the highlights of his dishes in a purist manner, bringing together the individual elements of his compositions with unerring certainty.

Restaurant Ikarus will be showcasing Viki Geunes’s immaculately cooked dishes in April 2024. Guests will be able to witness a demonstration of the self-taught chef’s consummate skill and the resulting masterpieces of culinary excellence. Look forward to a gourmet encounter where sophisticated compositions meet surprising taste experiences and a wide repertoire of textures.

Menu of Viki Geunes

Snacks

Nori tartelette – Mackerel – Beetroot – Labneh
Pastrami – Miso – Oxtail – Wild garlic – Sea urchin
Irish mor oyster – Green gazpacho – Daikon – Cucumber

Scallop – Jerusalem artichoke – Smoked eel – Foie gras – Pine
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Imperial Heritage Oscietra caviar – Roscoff onion – Squid – Hazelnut
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Brill – Breton lobster – Broccoli – Yuzu Kosho
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Hinohikari rice – Cockles – Iberian pork – Papaya – Green curry
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Bresse pigeon – Lentils – Buckwheat – Asparagus – Vin jaune
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Rhubarb – Almond – Yogurt sorbet

€ 265,00

Shortened menu EUR 225
(without Oyster and Pork)

* Wine Pairings EUR 225,00
Please be advised that the menu can only be ordered per table

Vegetarian Menu

Snacks

Curry mashed potatoes – Shimeji – Black cabbage
Fermented silken tofu – Kaffir lime – Fried rice
Thai dumpling – Pak choi soup – Perilla
Cabbage sprouts – “Khao Soi Nuea” – Vinegar jelly

Green papaya – Miso – White chocolate – Kombucha
***
Sourdough – Beetroot – “Gaeng Som-Sauce“
***
Palm hearts – Egg yolk – Black truffle
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Lime Bottoni – Uhudler – Chickpeas
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Gnocchi – Kale – Persimmon – Black truffle
***
Mushroom strudel – Carrot – Plum – Vadouvan
***
Thai-Basil – Sorrel – Lemongrass
***
Betel leaf – Strawberry – Coconut – Pineapple

EUR 215,00

Shortened Menu EUR 175
(without Gnocchi and Thai-Basil)

Please be advised that the menu can only be ordered per table.

Ikarus Menu

Snacks

Curry mashed potatoes – Shimeji – Black cabbage
Barracuda – Fermented fish espuma – Fried rice
Thai dumpling – Pak choi soup – Perilla
Braised beef – "Khao soi Nuea" – Vinegar jelly

King crab – Miso – White chocolate – Kombucha
***
Palm hearts – Black truffle – Egg yolk – Oxalis
***
Bacalhau Bottoni – Uhudler – Chickpeas – Smoked broth
***
Pikeperch – Beef marrow flambadou – Shallots – Beetroot – Autumn trumpets
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Gnocchi – Kale – Persimmon – Black truffle
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Iberian Presa – Carrot – Black beer – Plum
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“Gugelhupf” – Raisins – Honey – Ginger
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Chestnut – Porcini mushroom – Cranberry

EUR 265,00

Menu in five courses EUR 225
(without Gnocchi and Chestnut)

Please note that the menu can only be ordered per table.