Hof der dingen - Vintage food mill

We know—us West Flemish people aren’t exactly the chatty type. We tend to repress our emotions and are masters of putting things into perspective. Some might even call us ertefretters – people who are guarded and withdrawn. 

Kind of – as if we just put all of our worries through the food mill and then happily carry on. This particular food mill probably brings back some fond memories for you too. 

The world passe-vite has become so deeply rooted in our West Flemish dialect that many people have no idea what the proper Dutch word even is. Well, here’s a hint: roerzeef – doesn’t have the same ring to it, though. 

Food mills are a Belgian invention, patented in 1928 by Victor Simon. Decades ago, the passe-vite was especially beloved in rural regions like ours—because let’s face it, “We don’t just throw food away, do we? Worst case, we run it through the food mill and freeze it for later.” 

This lovely passe-vite – a family heirloom - was gifted to us by Kurt Van Eeghem.