Unfortunately, due to the poor welcome, I insisted we have to share our experience with other readers.
After a long walk in the surrounding nature on a bright and warm springday, we wanted to reward ourselves and our 4 y.o. toddler with a hot chocolate and a portion of fries.
Please note, a "Baraque" usually being linked to a rough inn ("une auberge au confort rudimentaire"), which in Belgium stands for a sort of an improvised "baraque à frites" for frying and selling fries.
As we walked towards the inn, we barely noticed anyone sitting outside, except for three young men drining a beer. At the entrance, we realised the "Baraque" Michel offered a different kind of price range as usually linked to a "baraque," but we gave it a go, since we were thirsty travellers. The young men drinking their beers encouraged the thought, that we didn't have to consume big portions to be able to enjoy a warm beverage.
We entered and were immediately greeted by a man with glasses and grey hair that avoided eye contact and asked if we had a reservation, before adding "All tables are fully booked." "A reservation?" I looked to my wife and thought "... in an inn?" I looked around and realised half the tables were empty. Some customers looked at us like they would look at a movie scene to see what will happen.
As the waitor was waiting for our reaction, I briefly asked if we could have a few hot chocolates and a portion of fries--as usually requested in a "baraque à frites." The waitor cut us short, simply said "we don't serve dishes to go," added "sorry, but I have things to do" and went on his business. Stunned by what just had happened, I gave a last glaze around the empty tables, said loudly to myself "Ooookaaaay," turned around and explained to my wife we were not welcome here, so we will not consume anything here. On the way back to the car, surrounded by empty chairs outside, my 4 year old daughter asked me if that man was as mean man.
Perhaps all tables were indeed booked and that man didn't mean to talk us out of the restaurant like that, but even if we were to come back and hungry enough to eat a whole boar, my family and I will not step foot in that place again. read more