With the World Chaîne Day theme “green in all its forms” - the colour of nature, luck, hope, vitality, ecology - Bellies, Stavanger’s only vegan restaurant, was definitely the right place for a champagne tasting and a green lunch!

Opened in 2019 Bellies has already received excellent food reviews both locally and nationally. The restaurant also became a Chaîne member recently and received their Chaîne Professionals plaque during our event!

Members and guests had been encouraged to wear something green, which most people did. To greet us, Bellies had prepared a beautiful, big display of vegetables in the shape of a heart!

Bailli Gisle Steffensen wished everyone welcome and introduced Oystein Ohma, Bellies’ Manager, who gave us a brief insight into the restaurant’s philosophy. Their focus is the use of sustainable, environmentally and climate friendly products, preferably from local suppliers. Passionate about their unique concept the menu is based on what is available locally in the season. They are keen at foraging and fermenting, too. The restaurant is spacious, with a warm and welcoming ambience.

Head Chef Tony Martin had been given a challenge: a green menu, not only as in the restaurant’s vegan spirit, but also the colour green.

MENU

Deep fried oyster mushroom
spicy sweet and sour sauce, sesame mayo
Champagne Jacques Lassaigne

Meze, hummus, baba ganoush
pita bread piping hot straight from a wood-fired oven
Champagne Marguet Shaman Rosé 2017

Grilled green asparagus
wild salad, mushroom broth
Champagne Rémi Leroy Brut Nature

Baked celeriac
garden lovage pesto, red wine sauce
Champagne Drappière Carte d´Or

Pistachio ice cream
pumpkin seed oil, winter currant flower

The food was not only delicious with great taste but also beautiful works of art! A comment from one of the guests was ‘I have never tasted mushrooms prepared any better’.

Lots of pictures were taken for the World Chaîne Day photo competition. A selection was sent in. Fingers crossed!

Ann Sandvold
Vice-Chargée de Presse