La Rigue in Knokke-Heist, the luxurious restaurant in five-star hotel La Réserve by Marc Coucke and Bart Versluys, continues without top chef Peter Goossens (60). He puts Tom Wazian in charge of the kitchen. “All the foundations have been laid.”
In the summer of 2023, La Rigue opened its doors for the first time, although this did not happen without a fight. The first reviews and experiences turned out to be mixed. “But the criticism has made us stronger,” top chef Peter Goossens said earlier.
He was recruited by entrepreneur Marc Coucke and building developer Bart Versluys to manage the start-up of the restaurant in the kitchen. So that assignment is now over. “All the foundations have been laid and my work is done. So it is time for others to further expand La Rigue,” says Goossens.
Called for help
La Réserve, the five-star hotel where the restaurant is located in Knokke-Heist, announced the arrival of chef and successor Tom Wazian in October. He had been responsible for the day-to-day management for some time. “Marc and Bart had asked for my help to get La Rigue up to standard as quickly as possible,” Goossens continues. “It has been a privilege to be part of this wonderful project and see La Rigue grow into what it is today. We worked very hard with the entire team, in the kitchen and in the hall, and I am proud of what we have achieved together.” Today the restaurant gets 14.5 out of 20 in the restaurant guide Gault&Millau.
Goossens spent a total of three years working on La Rigue, including a year and a half of preparation. “Peter has undeniably helped put La Rigue on the map,” says Marc Coucke. “He is the greatest culinary professional I know, and his passion is boundless. It is incredible how Peter has transferred his recipes, his approach and his sense of perfectionism to the team. Our recognition for him is very great.”