THE HALLUCINATIE
LETTER
#3
THIS MONTH...
Dear Friends of the Ultieme,
As the spring light settles in, the house reveals details that we brush past without always noticing…
And yet, they wait quietly for us to linger a little. A subtle signature in the brass. Animal forms that emerge as we explore, without ever imposing themselves… So many fragments of history that remind us this place never reveals itself all at once.
With the arrival of warmer weather, the terrace reopens its doors. A separate, suspended space where time naturally slows down. On our plate, our chef Younes explores a different way of composing.
With the Vegetable Symphony, the cuisine becomes organic, vibrant and free. A dish designed to surprise, where textures and colours interact. In our glasses, Lindemans brings another form of expertise, blending tradition and character.
But the Ultieme isn’t just a place to observe or enjoy. It’s a place to experience.
This month, once again, the stage comes alive. The Zapéro-contes storytelling sessions continue their run here, driven by the same desire to share stories that are definitely not intended for children. The Jazz Weekend drops in for a Sunday, blending smooth sounds with improvisation.
And for those who want to step into the spotlight, other events open the door: grab the mic, try something out, make a suggestion, make your mark.
Because here, people come to listen… but also, sometimes, to take a chance.
So, the next time you walk through the door, take a moment longer. Look at things differently. Listen closely. Some stories begin exactly like that.
And until then, enjoy the read!
THIS IS HALLUCINATORY...
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Since January 2026, the series “C’est hallucinant” has been taking you, episode by episode, on a journey of discovery of De Ultieme Hallucinatie: the house in Brussels where every detail tells a story.
The concept? Short, fast-paced clips, crafted like mini-documentaries. Each time, a detail, an anecdote, a character or a mystery emerges from the past to shed light on a facet of the place.
Guided by the irresistible duo Suzanne & Philibert, viewers step into the story through the back door… Architecture, forgotten figures, urban transformations, memories buried within the walls: the series explores the many lives of this iconic Brussels house.
In this episode, Suzanne and Philibert marvel at the astonishing embossed brass radiator covers that “glisten” like freshly polished treasures. Between dreamlike creatures and golden sparkles, each motif seems to whisper its secret. It’s also an opportunity to take a closer look at the enigmatic signature “L. Rion”… with humour and an irresistible spirit of inquiry.
One thing is certain: what these walls have witnessed goes (far) beyond the imagination.
DETAILS
HISTORICAL FIGURES
The hidden bestiary
of De Ultieme Hallucinatie
The Rion family, or art as a legacy: Gustave, Lucien and Claire
At De Ultieme Hallucinatie, there is what we see… and what is watching us. Behind L. Rion’s discreet signature, a bestiary slips into the setting, almost silently, on the radiator covers throughout the house. Pheasants, pelicans, fish, peacocks… so many figures that accompany the visit, without ever revealing themselves completely. Here, nothing is purely decorative.
There are families in Brussels whose history is intimately bound up with the art of their time. The Rion family is one of them. Little known, almost forgotten, they nonetheless deserve our attention: they offer us a rare window into the way artists lived, breathed and shaped the mythical Brussels Belle Époque.
INSIDE THE MENU
Lindemans, the most Art Nouveau
of Belgian brewers
The Vegetal Symphony,
or the art of reinventing vegetarian cuisine
Some beers are meant to be drunk. Others are meant to be told. At De Ultieme Hallucinatie, we love a good story, and we’ve been wanting to tell you Lindemans’ story for a long time. A family-run brewery born in the fields of the Pajottenland, two centuries of expertise and a spirit surprisingly close to our own.
So, to uncover its secrets, we went to meet their account manager, Nico De Bell.
As spring begins, we invite you to step away from your usual routine for a moment and discover a creation born of the vision and talent of our chef, Younes: the Vegetal Symphony.
MEET THE TEAM
Dominique Brynaert:
the man behind the Zapéro-contes storytelling events in Brussels
At De Ultieme Hallucinatie, some evenings begin with a simple phrase:
“Once upon a time…”
For several years now, Dominique Brynaert has been bringing the Zapéro-Contes to life in our venue, every third Friday of the month. A former television journalist turned storyteller, he gathers around him established artists, newcomers and an ever-curious audience. With a blend of humour, emotion and imagination, he restores storytelling to its rightful place as a contemporary living art form…
EVENTFUL HAPPENINGS
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Brussels Jazz Weekend
The HalluCiné Club
24 May
28 May
Every year, during the Brussels Jazz Weekend, De Ultieme Hallucinatie opens its doors on Sunday. On the programme : a smooth voice accompanied by ethereal guitar. The duo will be performing a repertoire of timeless songs across two sets, blending swing, soul, blues and bossa nova...
Surimpressions, a Belgian film magazine, has teamed up with De Ultieme Hallucinatie to bring you a unique film evening. An event dedicated to film lovers and those curious to discover something new.
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De Ultieme Talent Show
Charity gala
for the film “l’Ivresse des livres”
6 June
29 May
On Friday 29 May at 8.30 pm, De Ultieme Hallucinatie will host a gala concert by the Nashville Rat Hunters in support of Philippe Reypens’ short film 'L’Ivresse des livres'. Food lovers can start or round off the evening with a meal at the Ultieme Hallucinatie brasserie, that iconic venue where art, storytelling and socialising have always come together.
De Ultieme Talent Show is not just a show : it is the culmination of a human and artistic journey, where voices, words and souls come together on stage. Led by Kreshen and the Supplément d’Âme Collective, the artists present their original creations, born out of the singing, poetry writing and music composition workshops held during the cultural season.
Zapéro-Contes
De Ultieme Golden Sessions
19 June
13 June
De Ultieme Golden Sessions is a monthly rendezvous for lovers of timeless songs and intimate atmospheres. On the program: jazz, soul, blues, bossa nova, and French chanson, delicately reinterpreted in piano–voice or guitar–voice formats.
A carefully curated repertoire chosen for its harmonies, emotion, and resonance, carried by the unique atmosphere of this iconic Art Nouveau venue.
Since its creation in 2010, the open stage the Zapéro-Contes has become a must-see event in Brussels, combining humor, emotion, and conviviality. It welcomes storytellers from Belgium and France and is aimed at adult audiences, because storytelling isn’t just for children!
BEHIND THE SCENES
The Nuits Botanique
Since 1988, the Botanique has opened its doors every late spring for one of Brussels’ most eagerly awaited festivals. This year, the 33rd edition of Nuits Botanique will take place from 14 to 31 May 2026, and, as is the case every year, the city takes on a slightly different atmosphere during those few weeks.
The terrace is open!
The sun is back, and with it, our terrace is reopening ☀️
Nearly 30 sunny seats await you, with a view of the music pavilion. A building steeped in history, built in the 19th century for Marie Pleyel, a virtuoso pianist who turned the heads of Chopin, Dumas and Nerval. A woman who used to give concerts in this very pavilion.
Are you an artist?
Are you looking for a venue in Brussels to showcase your work, test out a new piece or organise an artistic event? De Ultieme Hallucinatie offers its stage to artists, providing an independent yet well-organised setting.
Whether it’s a concert, a performance, a release party or a more intimate event: here are the terms and conditions you need to know.