Three weeks into the competition for Mijn restaurant, the physical and operational strain on the participating teams has become increasingly evident as they face scrutiny from secret reviewers. During the latest round of evaluations, tensions flared when chef Gaetano encountered specific demands regarding his wine service.
Secret Reviewers Test Restaurant Teams
Following assessments in Halle, Oostende, and Ghent, restaurant teams were subjected to visits from secret reviewers Thomas Gellynck and Lara De Vlieger of the Ghent-based restaurant Commotie. The pair, tasked with evaluating the remaining establishments, arrived with specific requests that tested the staff’s composure. In addition to questioning service details and table stability, the reviewers requested half glasses of wine, a demand that prompted a blunt reaction from Gaetano. The reviewers also critiqued a spicy sauce served in an oversized container, while in Hasselt, they noted a fatal oversight when a chef forgot to strain a broth containing cloves. While the team in Oostende previously received a 7.5 out of 10, Hasselt struggled with a five, Blitz earned a six, and Lakhana secured a 6.5.
Escalating Pressure and Operational Challenges
The competition has taken a physical toll on the participants, with teams working grueling schedules. In Halle, Bas and Sarocha reported working six days a week from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m., leaving little time for rest. Meanwhile, other teams struggled with logistical failures. In Hasselt, the team led by Indra and Marco faced significant disruptions due to delivery issues, which forced last-minute menu changes. Marco’s kitchen operations in Hasselt reached a peak of stress as he struggled to manage the service. In Oostende, internal friction between Bahir and Clémence intensified after Bahir failed to appear for morning preparation.
Operational Pivot and Performance Reviews
As of November 5, 2026, teams were informed that a second exemption would be awarded following the initial approval granted to the Oostende team. In Mechelen, the team attempted a fresh start with a revamped kitchen staff, a new menu, and a revised approach. Meanwhile, the restaurant Blitz, housed in the former space of Marcelo Ballardin, attempted to offer elevated brasserie classics, though reviewers found their dessert lacking. It lacked creaminess, vanilla… Everything, really,
the reviewers noted. In Hasselt, the team faced a crisis on the very day they intended to reset their operations, compounded by a panic over a missing order. Despite these challenges, the competition remains focused on which duo will ultimately secure the second exemption, with the show airing Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:40 p.m. on VTM.
- Tensions arise as secret reviewers visit restaurant teams.
- Reviewers conduct covert evaluations while teams grapple with service delays.
- Competition intensity builds as teams strive for the winning title.
As the teams prepare for future assessments, the program continues to track which duo will secure the second exemption, following the initial approval granted to the Oostende team.