Description: This classy brasserie is on the second level of the Publiekstheater (Groot Huis), a building which was formerly the Royal Dutch Theater. Dating from the late 1800’s, this attractive facility was designed by Edmond De Vigne. The main dining room has a semi-formal quality to it befitting its location in the theater, and the piano adds to this impression. The most desirable seats are the ones by the windows, where you can enjoy views of charming Sint-Baafsplein, but as one might say there are no bad tables here. During the warmer months there is even seating outside on the terrace. There are also a few round tables located in the foyer (of course!) where overflow crowds can have a drink or a snack while waiting for a table.
The menu features many seafood dishes. There is a display tank filled with mussels, which are specialties in Ghent along with crevettes (shrimps). During our lunch one of my colleagues enjoyed tomate crevettes, a salad-like dish with little gray shrimps stuffed in a juicy red tomato. A side of Belgian fries goes well with this light entree (heck they go well with almost anything). I ordered another Ghent specialty, chicken waterzooi (a fish version is also a menu mainstay in Ghent). This dish is a bit of a cross between a soup and a casserole, as you get three meaty pieces of chicken (bones included) swamped in a delicious broth that is not too creamy or too soupy. Tender vegetables get to swim along with the chicken in the bowl. You will probably use all of your utensils to enjoy every morsel and drop of the waterzooi. Supposedly there is a more refined version where you get chicken chunks instead of whole chicken pieces, but this version seems very authentic and was the perfect tonic for a rainy afternoon. The menu includes perennial favorites like steak, lamb, salmon and other fish specials. The wine and beer list has many nice selections.
There are appetizing set menu lunch and dinner specials, and a breakfast buffet on Sundays. The dessert list looks particularly delectable, with typical choices including creme brulee, chocolate mousse, tiramisu, cakes and tarts.
De Foyer seems like a very fancy place to go for lunch, but during my visit there were several solo diners enjoying light fare and relaxing with racked newspapers that are provided for customers. The restroom facilities seem very low key for such a refined establishment, but the wall postings of upcoming events in the city is a refreshing touch. This is a lovely restaurant for a night-on-the-town dinner before or after a show, or on a special occasion.
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