BI'JO'GRAPHY
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Jo Bussels first saw the light of day on 29 October 1975 in Maaseik, so Limburger and automatically citizen of the world, meanwhile nestled in Antwerp for more than 25 years.
Over 2 decades supporting husband of Valerie Olieux and very proud dad of Magali, Mathis and Manou.
Everything he does is understated, non-conformist and topped with a rich sauce of (dry) humour.
He describes his character as optimistic, enthusiastic and many a socialite.
For a delicious fries with stew, he invariably dares to say, ‘Ça vaut le détour!’
He enjoys life with an open mind and if possible with a pair of skis strapped on or his running shoes laced on.
After a Latin-mathematics education in Maaseik, he ended up on the other side of the country at the renowned hotel school “Ter Duinen” in Koksijde followed by years of intense training in top restaurants in Belgium and Switzerland.
Due to the hierarchical structure present at the time, the arrow pointed very clearly towards independence and restaurant Rimbaud was born in 2001, the first brainchild of Valerie and Jo, an intimate charming restaurant where you had to eat what the pot calls.
Restaurant Radis Noir followed 3.5 years later in a very toght setting where Valerie and Jo during 15 years have claimed their gastronomic place in the Antwerp culinary scene.
Fast food concept LoveFish came in between as well as Bistrot Magali after it.
In 2023, Sunny Pocket crossed his path, blown away by its unlimited possibilities and applications, he became the exclusive and gifted distributor of Sunny Pocket in the Benelux. His current customer base consists of food trucks, beach and summer bars, restaurants, brasseries, hotels, hospitals, gas stations, catering companies, etc.
Today, Jo is also active as a chef at restaurant Lilium in the prestigious Small Luxury Hotel De Witte Lelie. He gives a “one man show” in his open kitchen where you can and may almost touch him while cooking.
Jo Bussels is known for his layered and emotional cooking style where minimalism and depth are the protagonists. He is appreciated for his inspiration, apparent simplicity and personal integrity.
When Jo is not at home with his family, you will find him at Lilium either on the road in the Benelux with a pair of Sunny Pocket appliances in his suitcase or at friends' homes at the table where he likes to pamper and accompany them with comfort food, wine and lots of fun, the latter 2 can also be reversed.
Passion is his common thread. At all times.
