Hi there, we’re the Antoines!

We’re Lisa and Mirko, the proud owners of a cozy restaurant in East Belgium. Our story began in 2017 when we opened our doors, fueled by a shared passion for food, creativity, and connection. It didn’t take long for life to throw us its typical curveballs—family plans, balancing work with raising our two wonderful kids, Noémie and Thibaut, and the constant quest to keep the flame of inspiration alive.

Over time, we found ourselves at a crossroads. The routine of running a restaurant while managing family life started to feel like a series of rational compromises. The adventurous dreams we once had seemed to be buried under layers of responsibility. We began to question: Were we living our dreams or just managing to get by?

That’s when „We Are The Antoines" was born.

Why "The Antoines"?

Our restaurant, which we opened in 2017, is named "Antoine" as a tribute to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of lost things, travelers, children, and—most importantly for us—bakers. This connection is deeply personal: Lisa’s grandfather was a baker and in so many ways, we feel blessed by this connection.

Eight years ago, when we opened the restaurant, we were searching for a new path. "Antoine" gave us an anchor and direction. Today, with our two children by our side, we feel that same pull toward discovering something new—this time through travel.

For us, Saint Anthony symbolizes the rediscovery of things we thought were lost—whether it's a misplaced item, a life goal, or a sense of purpose.

This blog is our way of documenting that journey. It’s a space where we share our experiences, the challenges we face, the lessons we learn, and the joy of seeing the world through our children’s eyes. From running a restaurant to traveling the globe, "The Antoines" is a celebration of life’s possibilities.

Why This Blog?

We created this blog because we believe in the power of storytelling. Over the years, we’ve drawn so much inspiration from other families, creators, and communities online. Now, we want to „give something back“. By sharing our journey, we hope to inspire others to dream big, question the status quo, and find balance in their own lives—whether that’s running a business, raising a family, or simply seeking more adventure.

We’re still at the beginning of this new chapter, but we’re excited to see where it takes us. Whether you’re here for the recipes, the travel tips, or the family stories, we hope you’ll find something that resonates with you.

Join us as we navigate this beautiful, messy, and unpredictable journey called life.

Welcome to The Antoines!