Master Chef Maurice Caerdinael devoted years to developing refined cuisine leading to perfection of his art. His illustrious wine cellar boasts over thirty thousand bottles of wine, many receiving numerous awards. After a two-year training tour in prestigious restaurants in Paris, Nice, and London, his son Frederic, now a Master Chef himself, returned to the Sanglier to take his place along side his parents.
The Dining Room at the Hostellerie le Sanglier des Ardennes is located on the street level of the hotel and overlooks the River Ourthe. There is also an outdoor terrace for dining. (weather permitting). The Terrace has an excellent view of the Durbuy Castle, which is privately owned and not open to the public.
We were welcomed warmly and seated at a window table and had a perfect view of the River and the Topiary Park. It was early evening and the sun was still illuminating the beautiful surrounding area.
It was suggested that we order a "wild game" menu as that is really a specialty of the Sanglier (English translation- Wild Boar). However, we asked if we might substitute a different type of meat such as beef for the main course. Our waiter, who appeared to be the manager of the restaurant, said he would have the Chef prepare something very special for our tastes. Anticipation now became the name of the game!
We started with a small tray of appetizers, which included a small thin glass of cold white bean soup - unique and very tasty. Our main course was tender, succulent steak, surrounded by petite vegetables such as green beans and carrots. It was marvelous. Dessert was a beautifully presented array of pastry, raspberries, and sorbet.
Coffee was served in the sitting room along with a tray of bite-sized cream filled pastries and small dishes of mousse. Actually, we were the only guests in the sitting room and it was very peaceful. The Manager, who we had enjoyed talking with during dinner, joined us in the Sitting Room to finish our conversations. I think he really enjoyed practicing his English.
The next morning, after our wonderful buffet breakfast, we had the honor of meeting Chef Maurice Caerdinael who joined us in the Sitting Room. He was interested in where we had been and what our impressions were of his home, Durbuy.