Jury Ranks Five Restaurant Duos Ahead of Dress Rehearsal
Mechelen duo Elroy and Gaetano claimed the top spot in the opening ranking for the television culinary competition My restaurant, receiving praise for their fine dining concept from the show’s judges.
The initial evaluation established a baseline for the five participating teams before they opened their doors to paying customers. Sarocha and Bas from Halle placed fourth after serving a Thai main course without rice. Indra and Marco from Hasselt secured third place, while Bahir and Clémence from Oostende took second place.
Mechelen Duo Faces Backlash Over Reheated Menu Choices
Despite their first-place ranking, Elroy and Gaetano drew sharp criticism from judge Marc Coucke during their dress rehearsal when they served a degustation menu featuring largely the same dishes from the initial test. Fellow judge Shannah Zeebroek added that a dress rehearsal requires teams to take risks.
Other locations faced distinct operational hurdles during the test service. In Hasselt, Indra and Marco earned praise for their hospitality and venue, though tension flared briefly when Indra attempted to prepare kombucha just before service.
Gent Overhauls Concept While Halle Sticks to Spice
Gent abandoned its original plan following criticism and redesigned its menu around local classics including Gentse kop, fish waterzooi, and mastal bread. Meanwhile, Bas and Sarocha in Halle retained their Thai menu alongside Lakana, though their venue’s interior drew negative remarks from the judging panel.
The dress rehearsal required each team to serve twenty hungry guests alongside the four judges, marking the final hurdle before official openings. VTM broadcasts the episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 20:40, with episodes available in advance on VTM GO+.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the jury establish the first ranking for Mijn restaurant?
The jury established the first ranking on October 13, 2026, following the initial test where all five pairs made notable mistakes in the kitchen and service.
Which team finished last in the opening evaluation?
Kelly and Zeno from Gent finished in fifth and final place in the initial ranking, prompting them to completely overhaul their concept to focus on regional culinary classics.
Who are the judges featured in the television program?
The judging panel includes Marc Coucke, Shannah Zeebroek, Marcelo Ballardin, and Sarah Renson, who evaluate each duo’s cuisine, service, and hospitality.
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