Those who frequently dine out in Antwerp will undoubtedly know who Davy Schellemans is. As a young chef, he opened a restaurant in a nearly invisible building in a less noticeable neighborhood, a place that would dramatically change the scene. With Veranda 1.0, he introduced a menu with bold combinations, almost exclusively featuring natural wines. What was a shocking experience for some guests was a revelation for others. Quickly, the restaurant became a staple in the city, and the location became too small.
Veranda 2.0 opened its doors on the other side of the city, in what was once the slaughterhouse district. A neighborhood that, at the time, seemed a bit dilapidated and forgotten, but that didn’t deter Schellemans. The new restaurant stuck to the familiar formula, but was able to accommodate many more guests than the previous spot. Over time, even stars attending the Sportpaleis discovered Veranda.
But because stagnation is regression, Schellemans decided to move forward once again. Not far down the street, ‘de Commercial’ became available. This pub had been a mainstay in the neighborhood for decades but had to close its doors due to the gentrification of the area. Schellemans didn’t hesitate and transformed the place into a casual bistro, keeping the interior simple. With a cold beer or a nice glass of wine, guests can choose from a concise menu featuring charcuterie, plates of fish and shellfish, and the best pasta dishes the city has ever seen.
The neighborhood is still undergoing change and renewal, but with the new incarnation of Café Commercial, the right tone has certainly been set.