Jan Tournier is a true Lommel native. In 2009, he opened Cuchara, Spanish for "spoon", in the Lepelstraat in Lommel. Four years later, Michelin awarded him his first star, followed by a second in 2019. He now lives in Pelt, surrounded by the whispering trees of National Park Bosland, the ideal ambassador to talk about taste, flavors, and pure enjoyment.
Glass tree on the ceiling
The name may be Spanish, but Cuchara’s cuisine is more Japanese-inspired. “I work with tasting menus of 8 to 12 courses. The focus is on purity and freshness. I find myself increasingly drawn to Japanese cuisine—without, of course, abandoning my roots.” That’s something you can take quite literally. The showpiece at Cuchara is ‘Root,’ a gigantic glass artwork that seems to shoot down from the ceiling like a root. “It’s an ochre-colored glass tree made up of 36 elements, all blown at the GlazenHuis. For the design, we measured a real tree in Bosland and recreated it in glass. I’m proud of my region, and I love to showcase that.”
Seasons on your plate
The changing seasons are also reflected on the plate. “In the past, I used to pick porcini mushrooms in the Bosland forests during autumn. That’s no longer allowed. But forest mushrooms still appear regularly on the menus of local brasseries in the fall.” The same goes for berries and brambles. “They grow abundantly here in the wild—blueberries, blackberries, raspberries... They’re packed with flavor and add vibrant colors to desserts. I love using them.” In spring, Cuchara’s dishes often get a white touch. “Asparagus is a wonderful ingredient to work with. It thrives in well-drained sandy soil, which is why it’s also cultivated in nearby Peer.”
Enjoying a Drink on a Terrace
Despite his well-curated wine list, Jan is a true beer enthusiast. “I really enjoy a stronger beer, like a tripel. That smooth, full-bodied taste. Every Bosland municipality has its own local variant. It’s fun to try them all—preferably on a sunny terrace, in a relaxed setting, with a view of the lush greenery. That’s pure enjoyment.”
City Terraces to Discover
Settle down at one of the four town centers, soak up the sun on a charming terrace, and sip on a local beer. Unwind as the world continues to move around you. Cheers!
Gourmet dining at Cuchara? www.cuchara.be