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Go JRE-Inside+Interview with Laurent Smallegange
Chef Laurent Smallegange of restaurant Spetters in Breskens knows that it takes a good team to reach a certain level of success. He believes that only together, you are able to come up with great ideas and reach the top. It shows that he knows what he’s doing because in 2013 restaurant Spetters was awarded a Michelin star. Then in 2015, Gault Millau declared chef Laurent 'Promise of the Year', and in 2017 restaurant Spetters won the international JRE Heritage Award. The award-winning chef's culinary signature emphasizes refinement, presentation, and flavour balance.
Laurent, can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I spent a lot of time in the kitchen of my family’s restaurant when I grew up. I studied at the Belgian Hotel School. After this, I gained experience at restaurants that operate at the highest level in the culinary world. I was only 22 years old when I took over restaurant Spetters in 2011.
How would you describe your cooking style?
My cooking style is pure, with the main ingredient starring in the lead role. I like to use lots of fish shellfish.
I like to work with mostly regional small businesses from the area.
Spetters
What's your favourite dish to make?
Sweetbread and langoustine with carrot, miso, and sunflower seeds. A tasty dish with two top products and great flavour.
What is your favourite ingredient to work with?
Oysters and langoustines are two beautiful products that I like to work with.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your culinary career?
Every challenge is a big one, but the biggest by far was keeping a restaurant up and running during the last lockdown.
Which gastronomic trend are you excited about the most?
Trends come and go. We invariably cook in the same style. Nowadays you notice a lot of vegetables and fewer fish and meat dishes, but we don't participate in that trend.
If you could only eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would that be?
That would be fruits de mer.
Thank you, Laurent.
Book your table at restaurant Spetters
Pamper your palate with the outstanding Dutch cuisine of chef Laurent Smallegange at restaurant Spetters in Breskens. Book your table through our website, for an unforgettable culinary experience.