Brussels foodies, rejoice: the Belgian capital will be gifted with a third food market before the end of the year.
Following the success of food markets Wolf in Brussels city centre and Fox in Watermael-Boitsfort, Pascal Van Hamme et Thierry Goor have decided to launch their third project 'Ratz'.
Ratz, located in an old car park on Rue Saint Boniface in Ixelles, will be spread over three floors and host 13 different restaurants, focusing on cuisine from the Middle and Far East.
Ten of the food stands will be permanent, and five will be run by Georges Baghdi Sar, owner of the Syrian restaurant chain MyTannour.
The 3,000 m² space aims to be an immersive experience, with interior design emulating the regions of the food on the menu. 1,000 m² on the second floor will be for hire as a private space. On the first floor, two caravans and a truck will be installed, creating a garage-style atmosphere.
The name 'Ratz' is a nod to the rodent's central place in other cultures. Viewed as a nuisance in western countries, the rat means something entirely different elsewhere.
"In Hindu and Chinese mythology, the rat embodies wisdom and intelligence. In Japan, the rat is luck. We want to show that it's possible to look at things in many different ways," Goor told L'Echo.
100 jobs
L'Echo reported that the project will result in the creation of around 100 jobs.
Food Brussels, the company belonging to Goor and Van Hamme, will earn a profit by taking a percentage of restaurant sales, as well as from beverage revenues – Ratz' own beer will be sold onsite but will likely be produced elsewhere "for practical reasons".
Food Brussels will lease the Ixelles car park for 27 years.
