Innkeeper Florent Ladeyn: “The Michelin Guide has decided to withdraw our star.”

Some calls bring less joyful news than others, and last night the one I received before my shift was one of them… The Michelin guide has decided to withdraw our star.

Let's start with the surprise… It's enormous. For some time now, your feedback, both direct and indirect, has been very complimentary and touching, confirming to me that we're doing a great job. The Michelin Guide is, ultimately, simply a customer. So, we disappointed someone based on their rating criteria, and I regret that. But considering all your positive reviews, is it really such a big deal? In my opinion, I've always said that the best restaurant is the one that's full, not the highest-rated, and I want to thank everyone who has come to Vert Mont in such large numbers for so many years.

Then, my incomprehension… taking a step back from this news and trying to be as objective as possible, we've never been better than we are today. Our cuisine has evolved, our values ​​have become more defined, our daily commitment to ecological and responsible practices has strengthened, and this is driven not by marketing considerations, but by conviction, authenticity, and a love for the Flemish and Northern terroir. Our approach is sincere in every respect. And that's precisely why, even after the media attention, the enthusiasm for our restaurants, and the awards, we chose not to raise our prices, so we could continue to welcome those who want to enjoy themselves with us and share our values. We've always served, and will always serve, fries and beer, and we'll always crouch down to chat with you, on your level, without pretension or any ambition other than to make you happy.

Don't expect me to protest, revolt, or start yelling like a banshee. I don't understand this decision, but I respect it. When we received the award a few years ago, with the same surprise as today, I gave my team this example: in the countryside, when you're eight years old, one of your friends always brings you a rabbit for your birthday party. You didn't necessarily want it, but you got it, so you took care of it, fed it, gave it water, and cleaned its cage… I feel like we didn't mistreat the rabbit and that we even improved its living conditions quite a bit in recent years… But then the friend came and took the rabbit without telling us… and the rabbit, even though I hadn't dreamed of having one, well, I had learned to love it.

I'm not going to have to remove the enamel plaques or stickers from my facade or my website; I never put them up, not out of rebellion, just because the red brick walls of this inn are more beautiful bare, and as my father would say, "you don't put a sticker on a Ferrari." I'm not going to have to stop the #Michelin or other such obsequious gestures because I don't. My communication has always focused on independent, ethical agriculture, ultra-local consumption, and respect for the planet and people, not on promoting a guide. I'm not going to launch a media attack on this institution, which I respect. Just as I respect those who dream of Michelin stars, and I congratulate them now if they finally get them this year!!! (Well done, guys! )

I'm not sad about losing a star; I just feel incredibly foolish considering the investment my 15 guys have made, the fact that I can't explain why, and the pleasure you get from coming to us, which completely overshadows the loss of our star. I feel foolish considering the history of this family business, which now rests on my shoulders and which I hope will continue to thrive. Foolish, but I stand by my principles. I stand by what I see as an inn, a restaurant… We do what you love, what we love, and that won't change.

Actually, when you think about it, the Michelin Guide is only as important as you make it. Here, your enjoyment is our priority, not the ratings. I'd also like to remind you that I'm still looking for Gibson, my dog, so keep your eyes peeled, locals! We at the inn are big animal lovers…