Aston Martin Brussels has appointed Viki Geunes, of the three Michelin-starred restaurant Zilte in Antwerp, as its new Belgian Ambassador.
The collaboration unites two partners said to be driven by “a relentless pursuit of excellence, precision, and world-class craftsmanship.”
Geunes opened Zilte, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, as a self-taught chef.
Without any formal training but with an “unwavering dedication” to his craft, he led Zilte to its first Michelin Star in 2004.
In the years since – together with his wife, Viviane, and more recently their daughter Gitte as restaurant manager and son-in-law Aaron as head sommelier – Geunes has “stayed true” to that philosophy, building a legacy that now includes three Michelin Stars, a place on the World’s 50 Best Discovery List, and entry into Les Grandes Tables du Monde.
Beginning with a visual idea of the dish, Geunes first works backwards to discover the ingredients and techniques needed to achieve his vision.
Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin is a British luxury car manufacturer renowned for combining “timeless design with performance engineering and uncompromising craftsmanship.”
Synonymous with elegance, the brand has built its reputation on creating cars that are as much works of art as they are feats of engineering, a philosophy that finds a natural echo in Zilte’s own pursuit of culinary excellence.
A spokesman said, “This partnership fits within the broader development journey of Aston Martin Brussels, overseen by established automotive and Belgian motorsport professionals.
“Through this partnership, Aston Martin Brussels and Viki Geunes unite a shared commitment to uncompromising craft, precision, and design.
“Together, they look forward to curating extraordinary, highly exclusive experiences for their discerning clients and guests, setting a new benchmark for luxury and culinary artistry in Belgium.”
About the partnership, Geunes said: “It is an honour to represent Aston Martin, and I am very enthusiastic about upcoming opportunities to showcase our common values and passion for heritage, precision, and relentless dedication to perfection.”
Geunes and his wife Viviane opened Zilte’s doors in 1996. In 2004, the restaurant won its first Michelin star. Viki was named Gault & Millau Young Top Chef in 2005, a second star was awarded in 2008, and he was named Gault & Millau Chef of the Year in 2009.
In 2021, he achieved his dream of the third star, becoming one of the most celebrated dining destinations in Belgium, situated above Antwerp’s prestigious Museum aan de Stroom building.
Founded in 2004, Aston Martin Brussels is the official Aston Martin dealership in Belgium, located in Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, just 3 kilometres from Brussels Airport.
The dealership provides both sales and aftersales services and operates from a showroom and facility of more than 1,000 m². With its scale and expertise, Aston Martin Brussels is one of the largest Aston Martin dealerships in Europe in terms of both sales and aftersales operations.
The dealership is owned by David Eloy and Johan Ollivier, who have developed their activities around a strong commitment to the automotive sector and premium brands.
Aston Martin Brussels is managed by Freddy Loix, former Belgian rally champion and a well-known figure in Belgian motorsport. With decades of experience in competition, automotive and high-performance vehicles, he brings extensive expertise and a strong understanding of the expectations of Aston Martin customers.
The dealership also has specialist knowledge of classic and historic its vehicles.
Today, a team of 12 employees supports customers throughout their entire “Aston Martin journey.”
