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La Grappe d’Or was opened by chef Clément Petitjean on the Belgium-Luxembourg border just a year ago with his partner, Monia Aouini. The Belgian chef has already regained the Michelin star he earned at his previous La Grappe d’Or, 40 km away in Torgny.
The large modern building in which the new restaurant is housed was a floor-to-ceiling renovation project by fellow Belgian Clotilde Filipucci, also from Petitjean’s native Florenville.
This was one of Filipucci’s very first projects – she recently set up her interior design studio, Milkshake, in Luxembourg together with Sandrine Monteiro. “The final design is the fruit of many ideas and discussions. The concept for the restaurant’s dining room was to create a dream-like bubble; a plush, carefree retreat from everyday life. La Grappe d’Or is not somewhere to just pop into for a quick bite to eat; it’s a place to relax and unwind, to savour your meal, the company you’re in, and your surroundings,” explains the interior designer. “The lounge area has a more energetic vibe: it’s where you go for an aperitif or after-dinner drink.”
In this part of the restaurant, the emphasis is on fun and quirky contemporary design: the brightly coloured rugs on the floor (from Moooi) are otherworldly and the white ceramic Seletti wall vases are heart-shaped – anatomical hearts, that is!
On cloud nine
Above the reception area, a large floral arrangement by Arlon florists BöHö marks the transition between the lounge and dining room. On entering the dining room, you’ll find yourself in a large airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a garden. An overwhelming sense of serenity, softness and intimacy…an enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The high pile carpet, ultra-comfy chairs and deep, spacious custom-made benches epitomise luxury cosiness. The powder pink, soft turquoise blue and white colour scheme, not to mention the cloud-like ceiling lights, add to the relaxing ambience.
The crockery was handmade by ceramist Véronique Leukers, a former neighbour in Torgny, and the small vases by Eva Kengen in Vaux-sur-Sûre. Even the knives have a story to tell: Antoine Van Loocke, from Ghent, designed them, especially for La Grappe d’Or. “He reuses old blades and crafts the handles to suit the look and feel of the restaurants he works with,” says Petitjean. The cherrywood tables and cheese trolley were designed by cabinetmaker Kris Rabaut from Erneuville, north of Bastogne.
There is little doubt that the Michelin Green Star awarded to La Grappe d’Or this year is down to the fact that most of its design elements have been sourced locally.
Filipucci explains that the chef wanted “each and every element to have a story or designer behind it.” And this wish was granted.
LA GRAPPE D’OR
317, Rte de Luxembourg — B-6700 Arlon
Tel. +32 / 63 57 70 56
Pictures: Graphisterie Générale