Pierre Wynants, Belgian chef

The Culinary Legacy of Pierre Wynants

Born on March 5, 1939, Pierre Wynants stands as a towering figure in the annals of Belgian gastronomy. This esteemed Belgian chef is best known for his long and illustrious tenure at the helm of the renowned Brussels establishment, Comme chez Soi, a restaurant that became synonymous with exquisite fine dining under his masterful guidance.

A Star-Studded Reign at Comme chez Soi

Under Pierre Wynants' ownership and visionary leadership, Comme chez Soi achieved and maintained the pinnacle of culinary recognition: an extraordinary three Michelin stars. This remarkable distinction, a testament to consistent excellence and innovation, was held steadfastly from 1979 all the way through to 2006. For decades, Comme chez Soi was a pilgrimage site for gourmands worldwide, establishing Wynants as a true culinary legend.

The Ostend Queen Controversy and Michelin Guide Recall

In 2004, Wynants lent his expertise to design the menu for a new venture, the Ostend Queen establishment. What followed, however, became a notable incident in the culinary world. The 2005 Benelux edition of the prestigious Michelin restaurant guide controversially featured a "rather good review" for the Ostend Queen, despite a glaring fact: the restaurant had not yet opened its doors to the public at the time the guide was published. This unprecedented breach of the renowned guide's stringent rules, which typically mandate anonymous visits to fully operational restaurants, ignited a significant scandal.

The incident created quite a stir within the Belgian press, with leading newspapers like Le Soir extensively reporting on the perceived lapse in the Michelin Guide's integrity. The controversy underscored the immense trust placed in the guide's recommendations, and the premature review was seen as a profound blow to its credibility. In a rare and dramatic move shortly after the scandal erupted, the managers of the France-based restaurant guide made the unprecedented decision to recall all fifty thousand copies of the newly published Benelux edition, seeking to mitigate the damage to its sterling reputation.

Passing the Torch: A New Chapter for Comme chez Soi

In 2007, reflecting a thoughtful transition plan for his cherished restaurant, Pierre Wynants gracefully passed over the control and culinary direction of Comme chez Soi to his son-in-law, Lionel Rigolet. This ensured that the legacy of one of Belgium's most celebrated dining institutions would continue under a new generation, while Wynants' monumental contributions remain etched in the annals of haute cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pierre Wynants

Who is Pierre Wynants?
Pierre Wynants is a highly acclaimed Belgian chef, born on March 5, 1939, renowned for owning and leading the prestigious Brussels restaurant, Comme chez Soi, for many decades.
What is Comme chez Soi?
Comme chez Soi is a celebrated fine-dining restaurant located in Brussels, Belgium, famous for its exquisite cuisine and for holding three Michelin stars under Pierre Wynants' leadership.
How many Michelin stars did Comme chez Soi achieve under Pierre Wynants?
Under Pierre Wynants' ownership, Comme chez Soi proudly maintained an exceptional three Michelin stars from 1979 until 2006, solidifying its status as a world-class culinary destination.
What was the Ostend Queen scandal involving Pierre Wynants?
The "Ostend Queen scandal" occurred in 2004-2005 when the Michelin Guide Benelux published a positive review for the Ostend Queen, a restaurant whose menu Pierre Wynants designed, even though the establishment had not yet opened. This breach of Michelin's review protocols led to a public outcry in the Belgian press, particularly in Le Soir, and resulted in the recall of all 50,000 copies of the guide.
When did Pierre Wynants retire from Comme chez Soi?
Pierre Wynants passed over control of Comme chez Soi to his son-in-law, Lionel Rigolet, in 2007, marking the end of his direct leadership of the iconic restaurant.