'In ‘t Spinnekopke' estaminet and restaurant has received a Bronze Zinneke award for its contribution to the international influence of Brussels and its gastronomic culture, the office of the minister in charge of the image of Brussels, Sven Gatz, announced on Thursday.
The minister himself presented the award to Sven De Man, Esther Herten and Jonathan Smeyers, the restaurant’s owners, adding the establishment to the list of informal ambassadors of the Belgian capital.
The award is a miniature version of Tom Frantzen’s famous sculpture of a urinating Brussels mongrel, located in the Rue des Chartreux in the heart of the city centre.
The “zinneke” is a cross between different breeds of dogs, and thus symbolises the diversity of Brussels. It is awarded each year to a person or institution that the Region wishes to honour.
Former drinking establishments and bar-tabacs, estaminets are part of the cultural heritage of the capital. ‘In ‘t Spinnekopke,’ founded in 1762, is no exception to the tradition. Its menu features quality beers and typical Brussels dishes, reinvented in a contemporary version.
City residents and tourists mix naturally in the establishment. The locals emphasise its friendly and authentic character, while the visitors speak of it as a place that is both cosmopolitan and steeped in tradition.
Coincidentally, the restaurant is located a stone’s throw from the real sculpture by artist Tom Franssen.
The most recent Bronze Zinneke awards went to Angèle, Caroline Pauwels and Lous and The Yakuza.
In the culinary world, Michelin-starred chef Pierre Wynants and pastry chef Herman Van Dender – who supplies the Royal Court – were also named informal ambassadors for Brussels.
