A car with jury members, one with host Wim Opbrouck (56). Whoever was the first to visit was lucky: Marc Coucke (60), Shannah Zeebroek (40, Sarah Renson (31) and Marcelo Ballardin (44) were allowed to announce the winner of My restaurant. After top chef Peter Goossens (61) stated in the previous episode that Lucien was his preference, Gaëlle Six (36) – who won the program in 2009, alongside her then partner Claudio – also expressed her love for Lucien out.
They win ‘My Restaurant 2025‘: “Our victory confirms that we are ready to start our own restaurant”
With so many good omens, it hardly seemed a surprise that the jury got out in Kortrijk. There the explosion – including fireworks – was enormous. Charlotte and Aristide will not only walk away with forty thousand euros, they will also receive intensive guidance from HoReCa Vlaanderen for a year. “I am so proud of everyone who worked for us. I am going to cry,” stammered an emotional Aristide – with tears in his eyes – when he saw the jury. “I think my grandfather Lucien would be proud of us.”
Party in Kortrijk, when it turned out that they had won. © VTM
Beautiful ode and progressive optimism
A serious difference from Lucien’s very first steps. The jury then ruled that Charlotte and Aristide were ‘too well-behaved, too classic’. However, the couple did not let themselves be deterred and set to work to prove otherwise. Occasionally they made a few mistakes – think of sluggish communication or an invoice that was not always correct – but that did not stop them from winning. With their modern Flemish cuisine and ode to grandfather Lucien, Kortrijk seemingly effortlessly convinced the viewers. “You had the best concept from the start. This is the best duo,” jury member Marc Coucke summarized. “But also in terms of team and continuity. Congratulations to everyone on behalf of us as a jury, but also on behalf of all viewers. This kitchen is timeless. They have been able to pay a beautiful tribute to the grandfather.”
Charlotte and Aristide were tense for the final verdict. © VTM
Charlotte and Aristide with their late grandfather Lucien in the middle, after whom the business is named. © JOREN DE WEERDT
But where there are winners, there are – unfortunately – also losers. For Jonas and Maarten van VONK, the verdict is a bitter pill. After all, it was not the city, but the parking lot that won. Nevertheless, the Antwerp duo keeps their heads high. “We have won somewhere, for ourselves. VONK does not stop,” it sounds. “Never thought we would be here,” Jonas concludes a little later. “I’m going to miss it very much.”
For Jonas and Maarten van VONK, the verdict is a bitter pill. © VTM
