“Am I drunk yet?” I mentally ask a passing duck this question while tasting yet another mouth-watering dish in the midst of a sparkling lake. The answer is no, but having diner on a floating platform does add a little touch of tipsy to an already otherworldly experience.
Dinner On The Lake’s The Floating Table concept has been navigating its way through Belgian summers for a few years now. The idea is simple: you board a beautifully decorated restaurant-platform and take off for an hour or three of delicious cuisine surrounded by nothing but water, the occasional duck and the gentle babbling of your fellow passengers. Trading hectic city life for a few idyllic hours and a delicious three-course dinner ranks high on many Belgian bucket lists, unsurprisingly, and proves to be the perfect surprise date too -judging by all the love-struck couples aboard- as well as a great opportunity to test one’s duck communication skills.
The experience doesn’t stop there: Glamping At The Lake consists of a little tented camp on the shore, equipped with very Pinterest-friendly tents that will cater to every need. A perfect, plush bed filled with even plushier cushions: check. Little writing desk with drawing manual and other cool books: check. House plants for the urban jungle vibe: check. Colorful lanterns for a cosy atmosphere: check check check. Honorable mention for the amazing breakfast in bed too (including miniature marmelades, which I somehow find very important): as tasty and perfect as the dinner itself!
The only downside would be the surroundings. The whole Lake experience unexpectedly had to move earlier this summer and found refuge at De Schorre, the recreation area that usually hosts Tomorrowland. While the parc in itself is cool (and provides guests with a great and unexpected trail run opportunity, don’t forget your running shoes), it isn’t exactly the middle of nowhere and that much sought-after sound of crickets comes as a little remix with the distant noise of the highway… So while this experience may not impress die-hard outdoor fans, it still provides city boys and girls (as well as exhausted young parents) with a relaxing taste of camping life and a good night’s sleep. Foodies will be over the moon regardless, so don’t hesitate if you’re in for the food. Bon appétit!
