Welcome to the new kid on the Eurotoday block …or should that be new “kip”?
The word kip in Flemish means chicken, and that’s the specialty of the newest resto to open in Brussels: the Poule et Poulette at Place Saint Catherine.
Chicken is all over the menu, but other things too, including even in the loo with a “kip it clean” message on the loo seats.
Actually, it should be a matter of celebration to report on a restaurant that is opening because current trends continue to show more and more restos in the city are either struggling badly or closing altogether.
All credit, then, to the owners of this wonderful business success story who have taken the plunge by opening the latest in what is a mini “empire” of restos, all of which go by the same name and, effectively, have the same menu and concept.
The newest opened just before Christmas while the city’s Christmas market was still in full swing right outside.
With a big influx into the city at that time of year, it was good timing, and the resto soon had repeat customers flocking back to enjoy its wonderfully tasty chicken.
It can seat 99 inside and also has a small terrace that, in better weather, can be extended onto the main square to accommodate about 50 people.
The idea, from the minute you enter, is to get you really in the mood for chicken, so they have a “chicken cage” (a sort of cozy cabin made up to look like a chicken hen) that seats up to four guests.
Hospitality is a big thing here as well, with diners considered as “guests” rather than just another customer, with everyone greeted with a beaming smile as soon as you arrive.
If the staff are happy to see you, so you will be to see the lovely chicken they serve, another secret of the Poule & Poulette success story.
Though it comes in various guises, many quite innovative, the chicken really is super succulent and tasty. One reason for that is that the meat is often marinated and left in its own juice. The result makes for a mouth-watering experience from something (chicken) that is a relatively simple food.
For first-time visitors, it is worth noting that some dishes are particular “guest” favorites, including (starters) the chicken nuggets and Korean fried chicken. The best-selling mains include the half chicken “classic,” vol-au-vent, and (from the combo deals) an equally delicious one called “Belgian Classic.”
The menu is tweaked 2-3 times per year, and the tikka masala (chicken with spicy Indian sauces) is the latest addition to an impressive lineup of dishes. The chicken is tender (skin flavored with herbs), the fries excellent (cut into an L shape, making them both crispy and tender).
You also get the choice of “side chicks,” such as apple sauce, green salad, dauphinoise gratin, or Belgian fries.
The menu also boasts some very nice desserts like coupe dame blanche, tiramisu, and caramel fudge.
And, to wash down a thoroughly agreeable and filling meal, you can choose from a good selection of Belgian beers.
If the food here is excellent, so too is the service provided by folk like the very pleasant Lars, a Belgian who has worked for the company for over three years.
“We don’t want it to be like a ‘factory’ but somewhere to go for good food and food fun,” he says.
Chicken, as he points out, is very much the main feature here, but he also says the aim is to “sell” good vibes, smiles, and experience (of producing great chicken).
If that is the case, then this place, lovingly transformed from what was formerly a burger joint, scores very well on each of these laudable objectives.
It was all started by three go-ahead Flemish friends, Inne, Frederik, and Filip, based in Antwerp.
With this new venue, there are now three P&P’s in Brussels and one in Antwerp, as well as in Ghent, Mechelen, Leuven, and Ostend. A tenth is planned soon for Bruges, which is nice timing as the business fairly recently celebrated its tenth anniversary—a great Belgian success story.
But, arguably, the USP about this place is the unique interior/decor, which is almost well worth a visit on its own.
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