It’s the new kid on the block … or should that be new “kip” on the block?
The place in question is called Poule et Poulette and, as chicken is very much its speciality, the word “kip” (Flemish for chicken) really is most appropriate.
This casual and laid back resto, at Merode in Brussels, is possibly the very newest in the city – an encouraging sign at a time when the horeca trade here is still suffering badly.
This was underlined by a campaign called “J’aime mon Horeca” which calls on residents to support the restaurant sector by signing an online petition and sharing the campaign on social networks.
Latest figures show attendance in restaurants is down 10.8 per cent compared to 2019 but the opposite trend is noted for establishments like Poule et Poulette which have increased business from 9.4 percent to 17.1 per cent over the last 4 years.
Actually, this chain is not so new at all, with the first one opening in Antwerp way back in 2014.
In September, the chain will therefore celebrate its tenth anniversary and you could say that it really does “kip” on growing.
Its latest addition to the Poule et Poulette family is located next to the city’s lovely Parc du Cinquantenaire which you can admire over a meal or drink from its lovely terrace,seating over 50.
The real difference with this resto though is when you enter and discover its unusual interior.
This consists, partly, of “chicken cages” (cosy cabins), stacked on top of each other when up to four guests at each table can be seated. Worth noting: the “upstairs cages” are most popular and the outside terrace is the only one of those in the chain that also has a “chicken cage.”
Continuing the same theme, there is even an “egg table” for groups of up to ten people.
Maybe best not to give too much away as that might diminish the element of surprise but, suffice to say, the idea is to underline the “chicken theme”.
This extends throughout with, for instance, some clever messages doted on the walls. These include “kip smiling” and even a “kip it clean” in the loos. Guests are given a complimentary pack of playing cards to take away with them containing the message “kip playing” and, on Valentine’s Day, they even distributed their very own condoms which had “kip it safe” on them.
As can be seen, you really are left in no doubt about the concept behind this thriving business, started ten years ago by three go-ahead Flemish friends, Inne, Frederik and Filip who are based in Antwerp.
They came up with a very imaginative way of “reinventing” what is, after all, a staple part of the everyday diet.
The result of their musings was to offer good old chicken in all sorts of guises and different variations.
On the menu here, then, you will find a classic vol-au-vent, a tasty chicken burger but also chicken flambe with P&P sauce (this is flambéed at the table). It is one of the most popular dishes, according to Sikander, the very affable and welcoming UK-born assistant manager.
He says other customer favourites include the butterfly chicken “Greek style” (preparation time is 25 minutes) and the Taco’s pulled chicken.
So good was this one that, soon after the Merode branch opened in May, it won the chef and his team an award (a party on a yacht no less) from their bosses.
The green salad, rosemary potatoes and potato croquettes also go down a treat with diners.
Veggies are not forgotten, with over nine options on the menu while for the “smallest chicks” (children) there’s a nice offering.
There’s also three menus which are especially popular with its lunchtime clients (don’t forget trying the coffee which is also very popular)
Considering how tasty the food is the prices are very reasonable with some of the mains starting from just €13.50.
Each dish is prepared with halal-certified Belgian chicken, guaranteeing impeccable quality and full traceability.
Products are prepared in a central workshop before being distributed to the various restaurants which, as well as Brussels and Antwerp, also include Gent, Leuven, Mechelen and Ostend.
This new “kip” on the city’s eating out scene is very conveniently located by the Merode Metro station which can whisk people to/from the main rail stations in double quick time.
At a time when so many restos face an uncertain future amid skyrocketing costs, it’s also great to note that there are tentative plans to expand the P&P “empire” even further, with possibly two new branches opening before the end of the year.
The verdict? Without doubt a fun and friendly culinary chicken experience.
Poule et Poulette
Avenue de Tervuren 24, Bruxelles
02 895 5700
https://poulepoulette.com
