Stéphane Buyens, chef of Le Fox a La Panne, swears there is no connection, but the news of the downgrade by the Michelin guide comes at the same time as the closure announcement. "For 38 years I have sacrificed everything for this restaurant. Now I relax and make up for lost time."
The news
Stress, sacrifice, burnout. We forget too easily, that inside the chef's uniform are people perpetually exposed to the cutting remarks of celebrity. To remind us of this is the story of Stéphane Buyens, chef of the Two MICHELIN-Starred restaurant Le Fox at La Panne. One to whom life seemed to smile upon, until the phone rang...
@Benny Proot
"I think I know why we lost a star, I'm not dejected at all," he said after learning of the downgrade, the day before the guide's official presentation. "Maybe it will also relieve some tension because two stars are stressful. I have always cooked for my clients and not for the guides. I will never deviate from this philosophy."
But the news did not come alone, although he swears there is no connection between the two. "I am 63 years old and have been a Michelin-Star chef for 38 years. As of 2019, I am also a counselor for sports, local economy, tourism, and youth. I have become passionate about politics. Next year I will be most likely be re-elected. But performing both functions suck too much energy from me." His son Baptiste for his part, although part of the restaurant team, does not intend to take charge of the restaurant. "It's too big, too complex and the name Buyens too heavy. Our 16-year-old daughter prefers to continue with her studies. So, there is no successor, nor have I looked for a buyer. In 18 months, it will be over. It will end badly, but it is a deliberate choice."
@Kurt
"Together with our team we will spoil customers with Fox classics for a while longer. The sequel is not clear to us either. Will we launch into something more modest? Will we cook at people's homes? Who knows. First let's wrap this up. For 38 years I have sacrificed everything to this restaurant. No family parties, virtually no social life, I haven't even seen my children grow up. It's time to relax and make up for lost time."
"We know we have written a history, an institution of charm, elegance, and tradition. We know what we can and cannot do. Over these 18 years, we have been able to experience what it means to have Two Michelin Stars. I have been a starred chef for 38 years. The last 18 months should be just as important. As a team, we bring this beautiful story to an end by offering dishes from Fox's extensive repertoire, with a shining Michelin Star and a gracious 16.5 on the Gault & Millau guide," Buyens concluded on his social media outlets.
Source: 7sur7.be
