Maison B replaces a venue well known to party-goers, the former Boos Café. Transformed into a club, the business failed and the previous operator eventually went bankrupt. When work began on the premises to clear it out, chef Clovis Degrave quipped to one of the workers that he might be interested in taking over the place. Except that the information reached the ears of the owner, who expressed an interest. And the wheels were in motion. “In the end, it was an opportunity we had to seize,” says an amused Degrave. “We already have the Hostellerie du Grünewald and Table, but this establishment has real assets that we were interested in exploiting.”
The forest as a neighbour
Indeed, the address enjoys a privileged location, just outside Luxembourg, but in the heart of nature, on the edge of the forest. The establishment, which has been in existence since 1910, has often been appreciated by local customers, particularly for its large terrace surrounded by trees. In 2016, Metaform designed a highly successful extension with a large glass wall that opens out like origami towards the terrace, providing a visual connection to nature all year round.
Inside, the couple took charge of the entire layout, with the help of Lisa Rukavina, interior designer with NJOY. They created two spaces with two different atmospheres. The first is the great room in the extension, which has a chic, yet very friendly industrial style. Large steel lamps line the walls, which are covered in laminated wood panels. There are round tables and banquettes, as well as a long bar and counter, and even a DJ corner, which promises some groovy weekend entertainment. The advantage of this space is its imposing volume and its relationship with nature and the terrace. There’s also a fireplace, perfect for the colder seasons.
The second space is more intimate, in shades of mustard yellow. Paintings by artists represented by the Valerius Gallery hang on the walls. “Here we have 40 seats, 50 even for a group,” explains Degrave. The advantage is that this space can easily be made private and is a little removed from the other room. A second terrace overlooking the front is also connected to this room. In the coming months, the couple plan to install a play area for children, who will be able to be supervised by their parents from the terrace. Ideal for families.
“When the weather’s pleasant, we;ll have an outdoor bar where customers can come and help themselves and have fun on the bowling green,” adds the new operator. And for cigar lovers, the establishment has a real smoking room.
A modern brasserie menu
But beyond the décor, Maison B is first and foremost a 160-seat brasserie, where the kitchen is run on a daily basis by chef Laurent Bonnarens, assisted by Emmanuel Jamet and a team of 10. “I knew the chef when I was working at the Le Sud restaurant. He used to work in another restaurant in the same group in Clausen, at the Ikki. I’m delighted that we'll be able to work together again here,” says Degrave.
Clovis Degrave and Aline Bourscheid are the new operators of Maison B. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
For the aperitif, they have prepared a few dishes to share as nibbles: small beef tacos, prawn croquettes or Corsican coppa. “For starters, we have a few classics such as beef gravlax, snails or the perfect egg, but they are always served with that contemporary touch that makes them even more desirable,” says Degrave. And, as in any self-respecting brasserie, there is also seafood. “The choice is deliberately limited to ensure optimum quality and freshness,” explains Degrave. The à la carte menu includes a “plateau de l’écailler” and oysters as starters. There are also great fish dishes such as sea bream crudo, rock fish soup and whiting Colbert.
Not forgetting, of course, the meat dishes (Simmental rib steak, veal chop, etc.) and the brasserie favourites such as beef tartare, Wainzoossiss and vol-au-vent. “We also offer dishes for two, such as free-range chicken with herb jus or paccheri and roast lobster. And, at the request of our customers, we have added salads and sandwiches such as a lobster roll or the unmissable club sandwich. Children also have their own special menu.”
The first service takes place on the evening of Wednesday 6 November. Thereafter, Maison B will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, initially in the evening, then for lunch and dinner, except on Saturday at lunchtime. The menu will be served continuously on Sundays. The bar will be open from 2pm.
, 31 rue Biergerkraeiz, Bridel.
This article was originally published in .