Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte hotel in Brussels, hosts the third edition of Bel’Œuf exhibition from 10 to 21 April, in partnership with the City of Brussels and the Saint-Pierre Foundation. This exceptional event showcases the art of chocolate through giant chocolate egg creations. This year, the creations of chocolatiers are inspired by the timeless elegance of Art Deco, an artistic movement that emerged in the 1920s, marking 100 years since it was officially named after the International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925.
Honored Guests and Exceptional Creations
The Bel’Œuf event features prominent Belgian chocolatiers such as Pierre Marcolini, Marc Ducobu, the hotel’s pastry partner, as well as Belgium’s rising star, the talented Louise Henriques from Namur, who was named Belgian Chocolate Star in 2024 for her spectacular chocolate violin, which has since become her signature piece.
During the opening ceremony on 10 April, thirty-five renowned Belgian chocolatiers revealed their chocolate eggs with geometric and ornamental lines typical of the Art Deco style, thanks to the generosity of Valrhona, the chocolate partner. Handmade pieces are displayed in the hotel’s Ambassadeur room, allowing visitors to admire these unique creations that blend the tradition of Belgian chocolate with the elegance of Art Deco design. To celebrate Brussels’ excellence and craftsmanship, the Mayor of the City of Brussels also welcomed the thirty-five chocolatiers at the Brussels Town Hall.
Launched by the renowned chocolatier Marc Ducobu, a member of Relais Desserts, in collaboration with Hotel Amigo, the city hall, and Valrhona, Bel’Œuf is an annual event that combines the art of chocolate and visual arts. As mentioned, this year the event stands out with its Art Deco theme, paying tribute to an era defined by refinement and innovation. Also, Bel’Œuf continues to strengthen its commitment to charitable projects, supporting essential causes through art and gastronomy.
An Excellence Award and a Charitable Commitment
This year, each edible egg is offered at a price of 750 euros and proceeds will be donated to the Saint-Pierre Foundation. The goal is to continue supporting the projects of the Pediatric Service at the CHU Saint-Pierre Hospital, which began in 2024 thanks to the involvement of patrons. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a delightful moment at the Magritte Bar with Art Deco-inspired cocktails or savour the special Pranzo della domenica (Sunday lunch) in honour of Bel’Œuf on April 12 and 19 in the hotel’s Italian restaurant Bocconi.
List of Participants:
Among the chocolatiers participating in this exceptional edition are Marc Ducobu, Jean-Philippe Darcis, Nicolas Arnaud, Cédric De Taeye, Célina Kittel, Othmane Jaber (St Aulaye), Michael Lewis Anderson, Pierre Plas, Raphaël Giot, Sasaki, Alexandre Druart, Didier Smeets, Chocolaterie Painture, Pierre Marcolini, Grain de Vanille, Laurent Gerbaud, Arnaud Champagne, Marijn Coertjens, Vandender, C comme, Jérôme Grimonpon, Geert De Coster, Louise Henriques, Chantal Florent, Patrick Aubrion, Alexandre Porsont, Bernard Schonmacker, Arnaud Arnold, Antoine Dynastie, Nathan pluvinage and Arnaud Stoffel.
The exhibition will remain open in the Ambassador Room, Rotunda of Hotel Amigo until April 21, 2025.
Check our Instagram video for more inspirations from this event!
