The pork fillet glazed in soy sauce was a daily special on Aug. 27, 2024, at L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium. Served with the meat was a medley of vegetables that included potatoes, cauliflower, green beans, tomato, radish and a carrot. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

My intuition hasn’t failed me yet when it comes to choosing restaurants during various stops in Europe.

A recent reporting trip to Mons, Belgium, kept that streak going thanks to an establishment whose very name was validation.

Advance scouting for eateries led me to L’intuition in the village of Houdeng-Aimeries, just 20 minutes away from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. I missed my rescheduled reservation time by 10 minutes, though, so I figured the restaurant would tell me to buzz off.

Yet when I showed up, the hostess welcomed me as if it were nothing. That warmth foreshadowed the rest of the evening at L’intuition.

L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, has three large rooms that allows it to host up to 80 people, according to the restaurant's website. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

A bar sits in an intimate room with one table and various chairs at L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, on Aug. 29, 2024. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

The restaurant opened right before Christmas last year, which explained why I couldn’t find too much information on it, and the menu changes every month.

The hostess allowed me to explore the restaurant and grounds, which she said can hold banquets and other celebratory events. L’intuition has three seminar rooms accommodating up to 80 people, and the back of the property consists of a spacious lawn.

My French is nonexistent, making it a relief to know we could communicate in English. With the hostess translating the menu and specials, I didn’t have any problems picking my dinner.

Behind the main seating areas of L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, is an arched bush that leads to a green space. The restaurant can host banquets and other parties. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

The outdoor patio area at L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, proved to be a great place to spend a warm August evening. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Originally, I had planned just on getting a croquette and the daily special, a pork fillet glazed with soy sauce. Yet when she pointed out that the feta cheese in a pasta dish came from a dairy farm 3 miles away, I decided to add that.

I first received a slice of bread with local butter and a zucchini soup, which was good but perhaps a bit warm for a late summer evening.

The shrimp-filled croquette came with a few slices of lettuce covered in a raspberry vinaigrette dressing. The croquette was the right blend of crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, and the dressing was a nice surprise.

The fresh pasta with seasonal tomatoes and red berries at L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, comes with feta cheese made at a local dairy farm. The meal is a part of a restaurant's menu that is updated every month. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

The shrimp croquette served at L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, on Aug. 27, 2024, was served with lettuce and a raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Patrons also could order two croquettes as an appetizer. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Next was the pasta with tomatoes, feta cheese and tomato sauce. I was hesitant because I’m not normally a fan of the usual grocery store tomatoes. But the yellow variety that night were so sweet that I enjoyed them for the first time in my life. It went well with the tartness of the berries.

I was pleased and already full. The pork fillet was left, and when it was placed in front of me, I struggled to start.

The host came out to ask my opinion a few minutes later and saw that I hadn’t touched the pork or the vegetable medley of potatoes, green beans, a carrot, cauliflower and a section of a radish whose name got lost in translation.

Eventually, I managed to lift my knife and fork to start, and suddenly I had room to spare. The first bite clinched it as the best piece of pork I’ve ever eaten. The fillet was so tender and juicy that I inhaled it.

The vegetables made me feel a little less guilty about my choice. I at least had a few healthy items to consume while acting like gluttony personified.

L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, seen here from the restaurant's private parking lot, opened Dec. 20, 2023. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

I had to send my compliments to the chef, and that’s when the hostess told me he’s 23 years old. He’s a can’t-miss talent.

I’m glad I trusted my gut instinct, and I cannot suggest L’intuition enough. Whether you go there just for a regular meal or a special occasion, it is fantastic.

L’intuition

Address: Rue de l’Hospice 59, Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium

Hours: 12-2 p.m. and 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday; 12-2 p.m. Sunday

Prices: Between 10 and 34 euros ranging from appetizers to main dishes.

Information: Phone: +32 470105104; Online: lintuition.be