From the 16th to the 19th century this beautiful building was home to an inn.  Since 1890 it was the home of Edward Michiels who set up his clock tower workshop.  It was renowned as being one of the most advanced workshops in Belgium.  In addition, Carillons were also restored and to day this still continues – with restoration and also creating modern electronically controlled tower clocks.

Originally with baroque style facade and a historic cellar, this building now continues to be home to a Torenuurwerkmakerij which is located in the back yard.  Many of the original features of the house are still present.  Uniquely, this tradition of clocks and cafe still continues today with the recent addition of the gem – Gamine.

This cosy cafe with seating primarily indoors 17 seats and 8 outdoor seats delivers a uniqueness of being part of an extended and homely kitchen.  The philosophy is not having a fixed menu, as it is changed on a weekly basis. An emphasis on local and seasonal produce being used throughout all the cooking.  Traditional favourites do regularly return the chocolate brownies are delightful.

After a career in the communications and advertising industry,  a love of cooking soon turned into a business idea.  Having attended the necessary studies for food preparation and handling, Gamine was opened in May 2015 by owner Debby De Ridder.

Gamine is a breakfast and lunch cafe with honest, nice, homemade food Speciality coffee is available along with quality teas.  High quality ingredients that taste great sure ring true for Gamine.  The teas served are tasty and have been specially created to bring out the natural flavours – as well as being good for you. The sirups used are organic and the coffee beans are fairly traded.

Debby’s  vision for Gamine is serving “Nice, honest and homemade food and drinks, with a bit of an out of the ordinary touch.  I like to serve what I would like to eat and drink myself”.  One year on and Gamine has now it’s regular visitors, along with new found friends (me being one).

Whether you are a fan of the traditional Belgian bread breakfast – pistolet, croissant, ham, cheese, boiled egg and jam alas you won’t find this at Gamine. Explore the tastes of French toast, blueberry pancakes with caramelised bacon, eggs benedict, shakshuka or for a treat carrot cake with cream cheese icing.  All food is prepared and cooked by Debby (except for the Bread).  Seasonal ingredients also inspire the open menu board!

Be quick to arrive on a Saturday as when the sun is out – sitting outdoors is bliss.

Wondering what Gamine means: A gamine is a slim, boyish or at, elegant, wide-eyed young woman who is, or is perceived to be mischievous and teasing.

This sums up Debby as well as her Cafe. A must place to stop by when your looking for that something different! 

 

Where to find Gamine:
Korenmarkt 6
2800 Mechelen

Contact details:
t: +32 15 65 75 39
e: hallo@gamine.be
f: https://www.facebook.com/gaminemechelen
i: https://www.instagram.com/gamine_mechelen/

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00 am – 17h
Sat 8.30am – 17h
Sunda to Tuesday – closed