The story
L'empreinte offers refined cuisine in Vielsalm, combining Belgian and Italian heritage with techniques drawn from around the world. A 13-point score from Gault & Millau underscores the balance found in Manu Fievet's work, where textures and daring combinations define the menu.
Manu Fievet builds upon family roots in both Belgian and Italian cooking while learning from respected chefs across diverse establishments. He opened his first venue in 2013, gradually moving away from traditional brasserie fare toward a more inventive approach. A turning point came through a collaboration with a local market gardener, whose sucrine du Berry pumpkin inspired him to incorporate vegetables into desserts. This decision solidified a focus on regional artisans and products, shaping a cuisine dedicated to quality and sustainability.
The current menu features compositions like quail accompanied by peas, medlar, and vandouvan, or a summer salad mixing watermelon, tomato, and kohlrabi with leche del tigre. Substantial plates include sweetbread with lobster and melon, followed by a noodle dish inspired by ramen served with beef tataki and ginger broth. Desserts highlight roasted fruits and almonds set in a crémant sabayon. Visitors may also choose from a selection of local cheeses as a final course.
The restaurant originally opened as Au Gré des Saisons before a full renovation in 2019 aligned the interior with its new gastronomic trajectory. Renaming to L'empreinte ten years later reflected a commitment to leaving a positive ecological and cultural footprint in the area. Mélanie Louche leads the front-of-house team, ensuring service matches the creativity of the kitchen. The dining room displays ceramics crafted by local partners, reinforcing the connection between tableware and terroir.
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