Charismatic Peter Van den Driesschen elegantly and effortlessly welcomes guests, thus setting the tone as he ushers you into a smart, fashionably pared-back dining room, bathed in light and hung with works of art, while overlooking a manicured garden. And that is only the beginning! Kelderman’s front-of-house team bends over backwards to make sure you lack for nothing as they spoil you rotten. Seafood enjoys the lead roles here, but meat-lovers needn’t fret as there is something for everyone. The chef allows the pure, unadulterated flavours of ingredients to shout their name rather than indulging in showy gimmicks. His extensive know-how and consummate mastery of the finer points of classical cuisine shine through in recipes such as premium lobster straight from Normandy. After being pan-fried in butter and garlic, it is crafted into perfectly al dente ravioli and a creamy Nantua sauce, jazzed up with a splash of Cognac. Divine! Don’t forget to save room for the cheese trolley, the desserts or the sweet titbits served with coffee (among which a mille-feuille to die for!) that are far too tempting to pass up. Kelderman has been a culinary landmark of Aalst and the region for many years – all of which is more than justified!