Hof der dingen - A royal dialogue in ink: chef Lieven Defieuw’s notebook

King Baudoin was a true Burgundian – he certainly enjoyed a good steak and fries (Belgian Fries – we don’t say ‘French Fries’ around these parts – that would be blasphemy.) His spouse Queen Fabiola wanted to keep an eye on his health, though and often requested to have specific dishes removed from the menu. 

Lieven Defieuw – born and raised in Wevelgem – had the distinct honour of serving as the private chef to Belgian monarchs King Baudoin and Queen Fabiola from 1977 to 1983. They reigned as King and Queen of Belgium from 1951 to 1993. Every day, he would handwrite a proposed menu, which the Queen would annotate by hand with adjustments – noting preferences, how many guests would be joining them for dinner, and several other details. 

“This very notebook went back and forth each day between the kitchen and the Queen. It gives you a charming glimpse into the royal couple’s life: from what was for dinner during a romantic tête-à-tête or what their favourite food was. You might notice that – every once in a while, – they enjoyed a good burger as well." 

"Over the years, this little book has become even more valuable. In essence, it’s a tribute to my father, who would have been so proud that it’s now part of this exposition. We did not eat like royalty every day, by the way. When he didn’t have to cook for the King and Queen, my father loved going for take-out such as Chinese food or fries from a local snack bar.”