Restaurants in Brussels

This Blog Moved

2007-07-09T10:19:00.001+02:00

After long and many hours of work, updating, checking and tweaking I have finally taken the plunge: Glorious Food and Wine will be now at http://www.onfoodandwine.com/
I apologize for the sudden move and short notice. I also apologize for any inconvenience caused in updating your bookmarks with my new address. See you soon!

Welcome to Youssef

2007-06-16T19:04:00.000+02:00

Welcome to Youssef. This place has been a mystery to me. Our local newspapers have been raving about this place. Every other add was referring to Welcome to Youssef. A mystery as the restaurant was completely unknown to me.

The story so far
We didn't actually mean to go to Welcome to Youssef. Looking for a last minute restaurant on Ch. de Waterloo, we sort of stumbled across Welcome to Youssef. More like 'Oh, that's the restaurant we have been reading so much about. Should we give it a try?' 'Eh, why not?'. And voila, us in Welcome to Youssef.

First impressions
Hello 1001 nights. Apart from the fact the walls look more like cushioned couches, the restaurant is everything an upper market Moroccan restaurant should be. Big communal tables, nice, simplistic design (probably to balance out the cushioned walls) and a very big terrace in the back.

We were showed to our tables, and oddest of all - no menu. Well actually, that's wrong. Big paper sheets were put in front of us and the waiter arrived with the biggest stamp I have ever seen, and stamps (literally!) the menu on the paper in front of us. Original to say the least. I should have probably taken a photo 'in action'.

The food
Some of it you can read on the photo ... the rest of course, more Moroccan food. A very simple menu, with limited choice, but just varied enough to satisfy all tastes.

Mezze, which we ordered to share - delicious. Houmus (I love houmus!), aubergine paste, beetroot with some spices, carrots and cumin, vegetable salad. Our mains were solid portions of - meat ball tagine on the one hand, and lamb and chicken skewers on the other. Both came with delicious cous cous. The tagine was gorgeous. The chicken just a little on the dry side.

A shared mezze, three mains, 4 beers, 2 glasses of wine came to just little of 70euro. Not too bad for 3 people.

Service with a smile
No complaints there. The waiter made an effort to speak English (always a bonus), and overall the whole place exudes a very warm Mediterranean atmosphere. Quite interesting was also the little belly dance interlude later in the evening which added just a touch of welcomed exoticism.

The verdict
A very pleasant restaurant with an inviting atmosphere and good food. Go again? For sure as I have the impression that we did not really pay attention to the restaurant details, or the food. As we didn't actually plan to go to Welcome to Youssef, I felt we were not prepared for what we got.
Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Mundo Pain

2007-06-16T15:54:00.000+02:00

I have mixed feeling about Mundo Pain. On the one hand I like the sleek, trendy feel and look of the place. On the other hand I always feel it's more of a show off place where I am (usually) being ripped off. Don't get me wrong: I do like the coffee, the open sandwiches, and the pastries. And they are delicious. But they are also very over priced.

Some of it might be linked to the fact that Mundo Pain is located in the upper-market shopping area of Avenue Louise. Then of course Brussels doesn't have many places like this, so showing off here has become something of a Brussels sports.

Overall? Stop for a coffee, for a sandwich or pastry, and decide for yourself. I probably go to Mundo Pain about 2 times a year and that about satisfies my show off desire.

You can find this blog also under www.onfoodandwine.com
Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Nominated for Best Food Blog

2007-05-31T16:42:00.000+02:00

Ok, ok, ok. A very small step for mankind, and given I am just at 1 vote ... a very small step for me too. But if you enjoy this blog, and occasionally its content (o vice versa) then please go ahead and vote! Then vote again, and again. I'm feeling almost part of a mini presidential food campaign :) .

There will be cookies. And cake (virtually or not!). Thank you!

Museumbrasserie

2007-05-26T14:40:00.000+02:00

The Museumbrasserie. A restaurant everyone has been mentioning since it opened as the 'new' thing: TV, media, guides. Which can only mean one thing - we had to go.

The story so far
Behind the Museumbrasserie, is culinary star and one of the two 3 Michelin starred chef in Belgium, Peter Goossens. High expectations then for a museum brasserie, located in the Musee Royal des Beaux Arts and promising Belgium specialties and casual dining. Given that we probably won't be going to Hof van Cleve anytime soon, this is as close as it gets to a three star Michelin chef.

First impressions
Cool (steel) design, some art on the walls, and indeed casual diners. Reservations are recommended, so we made ours online, in we went. Given that the restaurant insists on reservations, I was expecting the restaurant to be fully booked. It wasn't, so I assume going in spur of the moment can work out just as well.

We were shown to our table, at the mezzanine, great view on the open kitchen down stairs. Only down side? The size of the tables. Small is an understatement. The tables are more than small and sitting comfortably without breaking anything is a challenge. Thus if going there, I would suggest asking for a table with the armchairs/ couches which did seem just a little bigger.

Our 'giant' menus arrived. Imagine hard covered A3 menus, which again are difficult to master in combination with the tiny tables. But we were there for the food ...

The food
The menu offers a wide range of Belgian dishes which amazingly, is not that common in Brussels. There are traditional dishes, Belgian dishes with a twist and some classics I didn't know about. Overall though a very well conceived menu. There is of course the option of a Menu Terroir Belge (Belgian Menu) at 32,00euro including Belgian classics such as shrimp croquettes, Flemish stew, or flan caramel. For anyone not familiar with Belgian food, a very good start.

We decided though to go deeper into the menu. Starters are from 8,00euro with langoustines at 24,00euro. Mains are from 16,00 to 28,00euro. We also asked for the wine menu, which again was a very pleasant surprise. Wines start at a very reasonable 17,00euro and are conveniently divided into whites, fruity reds, medium reds and powerful reds. The choice of wines (and prices!) is though incredible and there is something to suit every budget and taste. Again not common for Brussels restaurants which tend to put the wine prices through the roof. There is also a decent choice of Belgian beers on offer.

The choice being so varied, I stayed away from old favorites such as mussels soup or goose liver terrine, and ordered the pigs trotters with a gribiche sauce. Mr. O (as he would like to be known as) ordered the oxtail with poached duck egg.

Both starters arrived on time, unfortunately our wine didn't. Finally though we managed to fit plates and wine on the tiny table, and dinner started. Delicious. There are some very talented people in the kitchen and that shows. Starters were flawless. The oxtail (on the left) as well as the pigs trotters (right) were melt in your mouth delicious. So was the sauce, up to the point were we even considered the salad to be useless. But a nice green touch.

Mains. Again, off the beaten track orders: O. ordered anguilles aux herbes vertes (eel in green herb sauce) which is an ultimate Belgian dish. Having had a really bad anguilles aux vertes recently, I had my doubts about this dish.

Personally, I ordered the pig cheeks in kriek sauce. The dishes arrived in small little pots, with Belgian frites on the side. We tried both dishes and besides going just a little easier on the herbs for the eel, again this was flawless cooking. Absolutely amazingly soft, tender meat, a great sauce, the eel was delicious (so I am glad to re-discover this dish!) and the frites were pure Belgian perfection.

Sounds like a lot? The portions are well designed, and there is very little to keep one away from the desserts. Have I not been living in Belgium, I know I would order the Fromages Belges, a very tempting offer of 4 cheeses and their respective chutneys/ jams. Divine. Instead we ordered the creme brulee with raspberries, and the selection of fruit with whipped cream.

A small incident: my first bowl of fruit came, a disappointingly small bowl for 10,00euro. However it seems this was a mistake, so the real deal arrived - probably too much fruit now :). Great seasonal fruit, whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. A perfect end to a true culinary delightful dinner.

Service with a smile
Well, yes, smile was there. A little less efficient service though. At times the service was very slow or non-existent (the wine incident at the beginning), then just a little too fast (mains came immediately after starters). Overall though an attentive service and a very efficient (although non-smiling) maitre d'. And I'm sure he has it in him.

The verdict
Flawless cooking and real Belgian food. You rarely come across this well cooked food (and not Michelin starred!), and such an interesting choice of Belgian food. A must for Belgian food lovers, a must for tourists wanting to discover more about Belgian food. Probably not the cheapest place in town - our bill came to 125 euro, including 2 starters, 2 mains, 2 desserts, 2 glasses of white wine, 1 bottle of red wine, 1 bottle of water - but a winner. Definitely a restaurant I will recommend further, and probably go back to myself. The lunch could always be a cheaper option at 22,00euro.

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Fifteen Amsterdam

2007-05-22T16:37:00.000+02:00

Well, well. Fifteen Amsterdam.

The story so far
Ever since the overall Jamie Oliver craze (TV, books, restaurants, etc) I wanted to go to Fifteen. My initial aim was to go and eat at Fifteen London. Proximity, opportunity and budget made it possible to go and eat first at Fifteen Amsterdam. A long weekend in Amsterdam, biking along the canals, and dinner at Fifteen. A dream come true?

First impressions
Warehouse. Bar on the left. Trattoria on the right. Open kitchen behind. Restaurant in the back. What I was expecting was long ques, impossible reservations and dressed up diners. What we got was plenty of space (although it was difficult to find a bike-parking, oh so very Dutch!) and a laid back atmosphere of jeans/T-shirts/trainers mixed with make-up/dresses/high heels. All very cool, extremely friendly and with that certain buzz I like in restaurants. I almost expected Jamie Oliver to greet us and show us around.

The food
Well they say you can't go wrong with Italian food. And they are right. We opted to eat in the Trattoria, located just in front of the open kitchen (an absolute delight to watch the chefs at work). The Trattoria menu is offering just enough choice on antipasti, mains and desserts to give an idea of what Fifteen can cook and serve.

Our choice was: the Fifteen Antipasti - a beautiful platter of Italian meats, spicy broccoli, pumpkin chutney, beet root with horseradish, buffallo mozarella and honey glazed fennel. What I found particularly nice about this dish was that the waitress took the time to explain each ingredient in detail so we knew exactly what we were tasting. Wonderful.

In a non-Italian style we skipped the primi, and dived right into the secondi. I had a delicious white wine, broad bean and peas risotto. Very smooth and silky, a real mealt in your mouth experience. My partner in crime had the shell fish stew with an absolutely delicious toasted bread with lime aioli. Delicious!

Being not quite full yet (remember we came on bikes - lots of calories got burned) we also had dessert. The special of the day was a semi freddo with strawberries, as fuzzily photographed above.

A starter shared between the two of us, two mains and two desserts together with 3 glasses of wine each (suggestions of the day white and red) the bill came to a very round figure of 100euro (including tip).

Service with a smile
Yes, yes, and again yes. A restaurant like attitude, but without the 'breathing-down-your-neck' characteristic. Friendly and very informed staff, which when you have a lot of questions on the food is always welcomed.

The verdict
So very happy we went. I would most definitely recommend Fifteen Amsterdam, even (maybe?) more than Fifteen London. What you miss with the semi-stardom status of the London restaurant, you gain with the relaxed atmosphere, the great food, the great service and most of all - no waiting list! A little bit of Jamie Oliver magic dust ... in Amsterdam.

You can find this blog also under www.onfoodandwine.com
Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Le Jardin de Nicolas

2007-05-14T22:28:00.000+02:00

There is very little else I can add about this restaurant. A classic in Brussels, Le Jardin de Nicolas has been a constant since my very first restaurant days. I doubt the menu has changed ever since. I could not tell you either that it is the best brasserie ever.

But it serves decent food (though a little overpriced) and the restaurant has a great terrace. Worth a detour just to eat at Le Jardin de Nicolas? Probably not. But if you happen to be in the neighbourhood they serve a great Americain / Frites, and their salads looked delicious too.

Le Jardin de Nicolas: Ave. de Tervuren 137, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/ 732 24 49

If you come across this post, read it, like it, find it useful, please let me know ... and do recommend it further. You can also find this blog under www.onfoodandwine.com

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Amadeo

2007-05-12T13:40:00.000+02:00

Complete madness. And the best ribs in Brussels.

The story so far
This particular part of Brussels is known for its Asian shops (THE Asian supermarket can be found here), as well as Asian restaurants. Which explain why passing by a restaurant in this area claiming to serve the ‘best ribs’ in town is little short of surprising. Intrigued, we never went to Amadeo, but promised we’ll eventually have to give it a try. And we did. Last night.

First impressions
Madness. Complete and utter madness. The entrance to the restaurant resembles a western country style bar, all wooden chairs and table, ribs highlighted by a neon sign above the entrance. Going in, a shock: massive (I am talking giant!) Buddha statues on one wall, a full library (?) on the other and in the background, of all possible alternatives … French chansons (a la Edith Piaf). Where is what? But the restaurant is full and although I have just discovered it am sure a classic hit with many tourists. (You can read more on the history / chain Amadeus, on their website).

The food
The neon sign kind of suggests that already: ribs. And meat. And more meat. Vegetarians, what can I say? Simply look away. This is no place to take the faint hearted meat eater. (Oh, right, there are some shrimps on offer as well ... )

After sitting down and waiting for our menus, obviously being so new to the place, we were pointed in the ‘direction’ of the menu. A long bar shows all the possible options, which are meat, meat and meat. The food consists of BBQ food, served (very cool this!) on long wooden chopping boards, with a jacket potato and just enough lettuce to kind of justify your greens for the evening.

I opted for ‘ribs a volonte’ (as much as you can eat ribs), and my other half for the ‘BBQ variety’. The ribs? Delicious, sticky enough to make a mess, and more than enough for one person without going for the ‘volonte’ option. I doubt there is any need to talk about the potato or the greens, as they were a little on the ignored side.

While waiting I also had the chance to take it all in and I have to admit the place has as much character as it has meat. It smells like one giant BBQ, but as long as you know you are in for meat you’re fine. Oh, something else which goes against the usual norms: the wine. There is of course a decent choice of Belgian beers available, but the wine ‘system’ is simply great. After asking for some wine, we got no more, no less than a 1.5l bottle (!!!) brought to our table. The wine is measured by the meter (well, more by the cm). You serve yourself, and you pay what you drink. I am still intrigued on how exactly they measure (weigh) your consumption, but I couldn't find out.

The prices: 14.50euro for the first one, 16.50euro for the second. Wine (for whatever much/ little we had) 9euro.

Service with a smile
Well the place is already odd, so the waiters (very uncommon) address you with ‘tu’ instead of ‘vous’ (you … instead of ‘polite’ you) but you get used to that. And they are so speedy at first I was dizzy looking out for one but you get used to that too.

The verdict
Difficult to say. Would I go back? Definitely. But only to take friends, family to experience Amadeo – as the place really only serves meat and I do like to have options. But for a night out (perfect big group kind of place!) it’s a great, odd, alternative to the more classic down town restaurants.

Le Point . Bar

2007-04-04T16:54:00.000+02:00

In Le Point Bar, Sex and the City meets Brussels. There is no better way to describe this newly opened restaurant. If like me you have been religiously following Sex and the City, then entering Le Point Bar will feel like starring in your very own version of Sex and the City, the Brussels episode.

The story so far
I have been eyeing this restaurant since it opened, just waiting for that occasion to go and eat there. After the initial hype when the restaurant was fully booked for weeks on end (most of last year), we finally got together and had a girls night out (what else?) in Le Point Bar.

First impressions
Besides the Sex in the City vibe? Well, first of all the restaurant is kind of pink. And kind of girly. Kind of modern, kind of sexy. Trendy, hip and again, let me stress: girly! I don’t say this just because I am a fan (addict?) of Sex and the City. I stress this because very few guys I know would be up for a night out in this restaurant. Perhaps one tiny explanation is in order now: Le Point Bar is first and foremost known for serving ALL their food in … glasses. Remember the episode in Sex and the City when the girls go out to the newly opened Raw restaurant? Well Le Point Bar would classify as the Glass restaurant.

The food
The food comes in glasses. I am not kidding: everything you will order, be it a soup (usually in a glass/ bowl) or a hamburger (usually not) will come in a glass of a certain shape and definition. Somewhat difficult to eat, but very entertaining.

The overall concept: very straightforward. There is a choice of ‘fraicheurs’ (let’s call them starters), pasta, ‘inedits’ (the unusuals) and the ‘after’. You order one glass each of the fraicheurs, pasta and the inedits – all for 24euro.

Not sure what to expect, I chose the Gros Tin Tin de Chavignol, the L’Autre Risotto and the VIP Burger. I have to admit that the cheese, the salads, and the burger were pure explosions of flavors. The dressings which come with the food? Heaven. However I was disappointed with the risotto which was more pilaf than anything else.

The downside to this glass eating experience? All three dishes come at the same time which tends to slow down the conversation and to speed up the eating. Yet, three glass dishes later, you will have had the Brussels version of Sex and the City.

Service with the smile
Are you kidding? With so many girls around it has been only smiles. Objectively though, the waiters are friendly and helpful, taking their time to explain the concept. The only difficulties encountered? Trying not to laugh too much when ordering the Ricotta Tralala or La Clementine de Greg. Did I mention this is not exactly a guy’s night out kind of place?

The verdict
Well, if nothing else at least the place is unique. On the downside there are only that many dinners you could eat out of a glass. However when enough time has passed by I am sure it will be again time for a Sex and the City meets Brussels night out. Which makes me wonder? Why is there only Le Point Bar which reminds me of the SATC – isn’t this what they call a gap in the market’? Anyone?!

You can find this blog also under www.onfoodandwine.com
Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Roxi

2007-03-29T16:06:00.000+02:00

This time around, not the usual review. Not because Roxi does not deserve it, but because I have been thinking for a while to change the review style. Any thoughts on that? What would you like to read on restaurants in Brussels? Any particular restaurants I should look out for? I would love to hear!

But back to Roxi. If you don't already know it, then this is a place worth discovering.

Roxi is a small resto/ bar on the corner of Place Chatelaine and Rue Bailli. Probably as close as a resto/ bar in the area comes to hip and trendy. I have been a regular of this place since it opened - more so when I was living in the neighbourhood, than now. Primarily a great place to have a drink (or two).

Roxi does not entirely classify as a restaurant. But do try the food. Ideally if you are out for a girls night or a lazy weekend brunch. Roxi is an ideal brunch spot! I like the combination of 'brunch' and an almost 'club'. The people, the music, the fact everyone stopped for just a short while to take it all in, have some food, a glass of wine, move on ... Next!

Order one of their many salads, or opt for one of the platters (both small and big). Waiters speak English, so no worries there. There is also a decent choice of Belgian beers, wines, and cocktails. Not the cheapest place in town so count on 50euro for two for lunch. But you'll see - the place rocks!

You can find this blog also under www.onfoodandwine.com
Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Ventre Saint Gris

2007-03-08T16:30:00.000+01:00

A small break in Rome (wonderful Rome) and it’s back to Brussels. Granted going out to eat in Brussels after a week of gorgeous Italian food is a little difficult to get used to. We made an effort though and following the current mantra 'new places only!' we found ourselves in our new neighborhood, trying out another new restaurant. The Ventre Saint Gris. Specifically the Jeudis du Ventre Saint Gris. I did wonder what the Thursdays have to do with the Ventre Saint Gris, but we soon found out.

The story so far
We moved from one wonderful commune, Ixelles, to another, less known to us, Uccle. Both offer an incredible variety in terms of restaurants. However whilst we knew the restaurants around Ixelles, Uccle is all new territory for us. Which means every restaurant we go to is an adventure: we don’t know where they are located, the type of food served or the people who go there. Talk about living on the edge!

First impression
Recently I saw an ad in our local paper (they have a local paper in Uccle!) advertising the Ventre Saint Gris, and their Thursday menus. It seems the restaurant has a special formula offering a different menu every Thursday, all for 35euro (wine included). An offer we could not refuse so we decided to try the Bieres Belges et Gastronomie.

The restaurant is what they call around here upper class traditional (I think). Don’t ask me what that means. I’d guess, that crisp white linen, chic table ware and the service make for a nice and elegant restaurant. Probably not what I would call a cozy restaurant but the place was absolutely buzzing. Full, full, full. It seems Thursdays tend to be fully booked and some menus they offer (like the Asperges en folie - Crazy asparagus) get booked months in advance. So if you are planning to go to the Ventre Saint Gris, booking is advised if not required.

The food

The food changes every Thursday but we were impressed and delighted with the service and the quality of the food. First for the price we paid, a full three course menu is quite unusual in Brussels. Secondly, the food was delicious!

We started with a pre-starter of ham terrine a la Gueuze; then a cod with Blanche de Bruges sauce; a beef fillet with cheese and Chimay sauce; and to end pancakes with a Kriek sorbet. Delightful although maybe just a little bit too much. (More on Belgian Beers)

Service with a smile
The service was both prompt and discreet. I guess just what you'd expect.

The verdict
Well, there are a couple of menus I don’t want to miss so I will most definitely go back. The Tartares in August; the Baby Homard (lobster) evening in September; or maybe the Ouverture de la Chasse (opening of the hunting season)? Ah, the options are endless. And all for just 35euro!

You can find this blog also under www.onfoodandwine.com

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill

2007-02-22T17:00:00.000+01:00

It was time to go to London again. Escape the weekend in Brussels and spend a self-spoiling weekend in London. We planned this weekend way in advance. Hotel, places to visit, restaurants to eat at – everything to the (almost) last detail.

As we’re literally addicts, be it for food, beer, or wine, it is not difficult to guess that we sometimes have very exact ideas of what and where we would like to eat. One such place was the Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill.

The story so far
Very briefly: Richard Corrigan cooking on the Great British Menu. A pro vs punter review by Gregg Walalce on the Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill. Masterchef, and seeing Gregg every day – well you do the math. We were convinced. So what do normal people like us do? Book a table reasonably in advance and then wait.

First impressions
I am not sure what my expectations were. I don’t think I had any. The photos on the website give you an idea, but places always look so different in reality.

The restaurant is quite tight and felt crammed at the entrance, but then opens up in the back. The famous oyster bar is on the ground floor, however our table was on the first floor where it looks very much like an old fashioned, elegant restaurant.

Busy, busy, busy. Good thing we booked! To my relief, people were relaxed wearing the whole range from jeans to say dressed up evening wear.

The food
Here is where expectations and reality start disagreeing. The menu, a fine and reasonably high choice of starters, mains and desserts. The specials of the day were all around truffles.

First a wonderful basket of home made breads arrives. All delicious and very different to the usual choice of breads available. After taking it all in for a while – no stress, nor pressure from the staff – I opted for: stuffed baby squid with chorizo and feta; lemon sole Normande; and the special dessert, home made ice cream with rhubarb.

My choice of food was based on ravings from Gregg Wallace in his olive review, and personal taste. After reading that the baby squid will melt in your mouth and will be unforgettable, I could not wait for this dish to arrive.

You have to understand: I love squid. I love chorizo. I love feta. What arrived though was nothing close though to the melt-in-your-mouth memorable dish I was expecting. Granted, a very nice little dish but the feta was lost between the other flavors, and overall it all seemed a little mushy. Not too impressed.

My main course was ok’ish ... The fish was a little soggy but that I assume came from the filling. And cucumbers are not my favorite, yet the fish was covered with them. But that is all down to personal taste. I did ask what the filling is, got an answer – wild mushrooms (well, girolles) – yet I am convinced those were not mushrooms as long as I live! A nice dish overall, not very much my style though.

Dessert – heaven! Nothing more I can add to this.

We also had some water and an unusual (recommended) bottle of wine which was a pleasure. You can imagine the bill was not a breeze, it never is in places like this (somewhere around the 150GBP). What I really don't like though is that it seems accepted procedure in the UK to just 'add a discretional 12.5%' service fee. Is this legal? At all? I really don't like being told to pay extra for service when how I feel about the service should be my choice entirely. Where do these 12.5% go to btw?

Service with a smile
Very much so. The maitre d’ was great and a real professional , the waiters, everyone knows their stuff (well except the filling – but that is forgivable, given it was the guy’s first day!) – and they make you fell welcome, looked after without interfering, absolute perfection.

The verdict
Hmmm…difficult one. I know people rave about this restaurant, yet my expectations were probably too high for the overall impact. I will probably not go back to the actual restaurant, yet I would love to try the oyster bar. I think a simple selection of oysters with a glass of champagne, or a crisp white wine at the bar – pure perfection. And I am very much up for that .

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Stanley

2007-01-21T19:40:00.000+01:00

With Christmas and New Year eating ... and more eating, restaurants were the last things on our minds. Time was spent setting resolutions and eating light food. Very light food!

The story so far
It didn't last long. Back to work, and I am off to my first business lunch. The venue, far from the usual European quarter lunch spots. We went to Stanley, as in Dr. Livingstone I presume? Stanley, an African restaurant is located just at the exit of the Yzer metro stop in the Flemish governmental area of Brussels.

First impressions
Hello Africa. We left grey and rainy Brussels outside, and entered sunny and warm Africa. The restaurant is painted in warm earth colours, and massive paintings depicting African scenes cover the walls. All for sale btw. A long bar on the left, heavy dark wooden tables all around, and oh boy, does the place get busy!

The food
This is a difficult one. You're either prepared for it or really adventurous. The menu offers zebra, antelope, crocodile, all kind of fish and very few 'traditional' dishes. All served with rice, saka-saka, bananas, and a lot of other foods I don't know.

Not being the squeamish type I opted for the 'business lunch', which included: a (very) strong exotic fruit cocktail; a shrimp, banana, coconut milk soup (that in itself could have been enough for lunch); the piece du resistance - zebra and antelope steaks; and well, coffee to end. All for 25euro. You understand I simply skipped dinner that day ...

I'll definitely go back though for the crocodile. Might just as well.

Service with a smile
Very much so. I guess the owner and staff are quite used to puzzled looks so they'll take the time to explain you the options and choices. Service is prompt, which for a lunch is very important.

The verdict
Well, I for one will definitely go back. I have already convinced a couple of friends to join, so that should be a fun and exotic evening out. Booking might be necessary as the place with its unusual offers tends to be very full lunch and evening.

Would love to hear if anyone has been or plans to go now, after reading this post. Always good to get some feedback on these restaurant posts. Or suggestions which other restaurants we should try out next?

Stanley: Boulevard d'Anvers 46-47, 1000 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/219 08 92 - closed on Sundays

You can find this blog also under www.onfoodandwine.com

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Palazzo Trabucco

2006-11-27T23:35:00.000+01:00

We love wine. We love food. When we get the chance to combine the two, pure bliss follows. Sicily (Palermo) was such an experience. Great wines, great food and wherever you look, restaurants waiting to be tried out.

Two foodies going to Palermo. What to do? This time around the recommendations for restaurants came from Chowhound and our own travel guides. Some hits, some misses.

The story so far
Several like minded travellers pointed us out in the direction of Palazzo Trabucco. The advice: if you want real Sicilian food then go to Palazzo Trabucco. The reality was: we could simply not find it or locate it on any map (no, we did not try the GPS). But luck sometimes works better than maps and directions and one afternoon without realizing it we were sitting down in … Palazzo Trabucco.

First impressions
Past glory, present mix of grandeur and a welcoming trattoria. I can not say the restaurant impressed us in any way from a design or decoration point of view. The fact we were the only ones inside didn’t help either, but you can’t have it all.

The food
Divine. The best we had in Sicily (Palermo to be exact) and we did try our fair share. We went all out for Sicilian specialities and tried a little bit of everything. The antipasti rustica, the spaghetti al nero, the cannolo siciliano and the panacotta out – with the main courses being just as delicious. And filling. Something I always forget is that primi piatti is the main dish and the secondi are just the fish or the meat on its own. And then of course who can resist the dolci? Mostly when Sicily offers the fantastic cannoli! All this and some local Nero d’Avolo came just a little under 60euro for two.

Service with a smile
I mentioned we were the only ones in the restaurants. There were 4 waitresses. You do the math…

The verdict
A Sicilian delight which I am very happy we stumbled upon. The only regret? That with so much choice we had to go for the obvious option, Sicilian specialities, and could not try some of the other dishes on the menu.

Other restaurants which we tried and tested in Palermo were:

HIT - the Osteria Cavalieri di Malta. A great find, by chance, which was a delight. Great food (too much food!) and very friendly staff. Vicolo Pantelleria 30, Palermo, Tel: +39 91 586 595

MISS - the SantAndrea, which despite the ravings and good reviews it got by foodies and guides, was quite a dissapointment.
Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Hana

2006-11-08T21:21:00.000+01:00

And it’s cold again. No matter what I try, comfort food, red full bodied wines or the occasional weekend trip south it stays cold. The winter is coming and there is nothing I can do about it. Well, except go out and try new restaurants which cook for me! I guess that is for me and everyone else.

The story so far
Do I need to repeat the closeness I have to the St. Boniface area? I think not. Although I am starting to think this closeness is very much linked to proximity. Of course the constant source of restaurants in the area is helping as well. Thus I continue my weekly discovery of new restaurants around St. Boniface. This time the Hana was up, a new Korean-Japanese place I haven’t noticed before. The explanation is of course that it only recently opened. A breath of fresh air amongst the established oldies.

First impressions
Just what you would expect. Clean and clear lines, Japanese influence and a view on the kitchen. The restaurant is quiet at lunch time and I am sure the whole zen like atmosphere is inducing calm.

The food
The menus are somewhat puzzling, but help is on hand. Discovering the occasional French word I ordered a one egg noodle dish with spicy beef. On the house, we also received a soup to start with. The dishes are all beautiful in their simplicity and the chef took his time to explain us the ingredients and the different sauces. I hope that will continue, as usually chefs tend to be very enthusiastic at the beginning and then you never see them again… We skipped dessert but had tea, tea and more tea as again, tea is complementary at lunch time. Lunch came to 15euro a person, a little expensive but worth the money once in a while.

Service with a smile
Very much so, although a little shy. Probably that has changed in the meantime as more customers go to Hana and they get used to the whole St. Boniface busy vibe.

The verdict
Given that Korean-Japanese combinations are quite unusual I would like to go to Hana again. I liked the feel of this restaurant, as well as the food. the menu also offers variations and combinations I am not familiar with, so definitely another try for another lunch.

Hana: Rue Saint-Boniface 21, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel:02/502 52 41

If you come across this post, read it, like it, find it useful, please let me know ... and do recommend it further :). You can find this blog also under www.onfoodandwine.com

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Aglio e Olio

2006-10-20T13:24:00.000+02:00

When did the time pass by? Already October, done a move, went abroad, back in Brussels, preparing new culinary adventures in the autumn.

I wasn’t sure if Aglio e Olio should be classified under Restaurants or Wine Bars. But I’ll go ahead here, and just make sure I’ll give the wine the attention it deserves.

The story so far
I recently moved. Before I used to live in Ixelles, a part of Brussels I just love. Usually buzzing with young people, it is a constant source of new restaurants. Such as the recently opened Aglio e Olio. How did we come across it? Imagine a rainy Brussels evening, us hungry, rushing home, realizing there is no cooking with no food, so the first restaurant we saw we went in.

First impressions
Italian trattoria style restaurant, perhaps (at that stage) not as busy as I would have liked it to be. Tables, wine, smell of good food, wine everywhere you look – what more could you ask for?

The food (and the wine)
The food is mainly Italian. A little of this, a little of that. Antipasti, pasta, meat and fish. Deserts (tiramisu anyone?). Everything inviting and sounding so delicious. The wine list: endless, as the restaurant also claims to be a ‘enoteca’, wine bar. Wine can be bought by the glass or bottle, and the choice goes through the better known Italian wines as well as some interesting surprises. Both food and wine are just a little bit overpriced, for what tries to be a low key trattoria and not fancy Italian restaurant. But leaving the antipasti out, a decently priced meal with a bottle of wine for two came to 60euro. Granted, we did opt for the truffle lasagna …

Service with a smile
Si, si, si. Combine Italians with a newly opened place and you get extra service and attention. A very friendly waiter/ owner made sure to explain us the food, the wine list in broken French, and so much Italian.

The verdict
I would not go as far as to say ‘a must’, but if I’ll be in the neighborhood (which I hope will happen soon) I might go there again. A comfortable local, friendly place.

Aglio e Olio: Chaussee de Vleurgat 25, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/648 40 25

If you come across this post, read it, like it, find it useful, please let me know ... and do recommend it further :). You can find this blog under www.onfoodandwine.com
Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Mano a Mano

2006-09-10T17:10:00.000+02:00

We are back to the St. Boniface area. After trying out the Port d’Attache, the L’Ultime Atome and recently the Cuisine, I now went for a girlie night to the Mano a Mano.

The story so far
Mano a Mano is an established Italian restaurant, which caught my eye a while ago. However it is only recently that we decided to go and eat. Actually we were looking for a simple Italian, and thought (rightly so) that Mano a Mano will fulfil our expectations.

First impressions
Busy, busy, busy. That was my first impression. Relief as well, as we had a table booked. The place is buzzing lunch and dinner. During the day time, working people, eurocrats and locals alike mingle over plates of pasta. For dinner it is a mix of families, all three generations, people who obviously worked late and are too tired to go home and cook, friends, lovers, you name it. The place is absolutely packed day and night.

The food
The food is very simple, yet it impresses exactly through this simplicity. The dishes are divided between pizzas and pasta. There are also some suggestions for the day, but the menu as such fulfils even the most picky of us. Dishes range in price from 9euro to 15euro (for the one and only meat dish). All food names are in Italian, which I have to admit sound a lot sexier than in French (yet for the un-instructed, like me, translation is available as well).

The choice includes Linguine alla vongole veraci 11euro, Papardelle alla boscaiola 11euro, or the pizzas at 9euro to 10euro. The wine list is sufficient, Italian, and the house red very drinkable (a Nero d’Avola), and affordable. Desserts include tiramisu (did you ever go to an Italian restaurant that does not have a tiramisu?), and ice creams.

Service with a smile
No. As simple as that. With all the points Mano a Mano scores with the delicious Italian food, the busy atmosphere, it loses them all with the service. Service is erratic – probably because the place is over-busy. Service is slow – again, because all orders are placed at one time. Never go to Mano a Mano with a group bigger than 4 if you want to enjoy dinner together. Service is unfriendly – we had to wait a long time to order, then were left with our plates finished on the table for a long time, and no one came to take our orders for dessert.

The verdict
It remains a mystery why everyone (me included) is attracted to Mano a Mano. The food is great, but not exceptional. The service is close to non-existent which leaves me wonder why does everyone go back? I guess it might be the fact that food satisfies all tastes, and as people we are attracted to crowds. The moment we see a restaurant fully booked, it becomes a mission to go to eat there as well. Ciao and buon apetito.

Mano a Mano: Rue Saint Boniface 8, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/502 08 01
Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

La Cuisine

2006-08-26T13:23:00.000+02:00

I have mentioned before my love (attachment?) for the whole St. Boniface area. A good thing about this square is that restaurants don’t change. A good thing about this square is that restaurants … do change. There are new ones opening, old ones becoming more hip and trendy.

I could easily pass by this square every day. Being afraid of routine, I try to avoid that. Yet I do not miss the changes taking place there. Like a new restaurant opening perhaps?

The story so far
La Cuisine. A simple name for a straight forward restaurant. I passed by La Cuisine the first time one evening when it was just absolutely packed. Ever since I have been telling myself: one day soon …

First impressions
The picture above shows about 80% of the whole of the restaurant. You walk into one decent sized room. Kitchen on the right. Table and chairs on the left. One cook (Dorian). I think the French term for such a restaurant is a table d’hôte. One long table, chairs around, sit where you can. La Cuisine can sit about 20 people at the most. Bringing people together around food. Cozy, intimate, inviting.

The food
The food uses the best of Italian ingredients. The menu is in the style of black board/chalk , where you chose the type of flat bread hot sandwich you would like. DOC products, ranging form Italian cheeses and hams, to fresh vegetables, all simply delicious. All cut and mixed to perfection by Dorian … on whom more in service with a smile. Prices vary between 8,00euro to 10,00euro for one sandwich.

Service with a smile
Dorian, is the cook and only person serving in La Cuisine. Dorian, I overhear, is part Croatian, part Italian and there is a third part I forget. He is also not in the best of moods – all due to the Belgian weather. I can totally understand that! But otherwise I bet it’s all about fun, and jokes and service with a smile. Great taste in music.

The verdict
I am so booking the place for an office lunch. And then I’ll go again in the evening one day. And probably again for lunch?

La Cuisine: Rue Francart 9, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 0495/51 09 66

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Athenes

2006-08-23T16:28:00.000+02:00

Brussels is blessed with an incredible choice of restaurants. Amongst these are the ones I call ‘loyal friends’. These are the restaurants we have been going to while in university, where friends and family had good times, where we kept going even after we discovered the more sophisticated side of dining out.

The kind of restaurants that show signs of age, slight wrinkles, where the people are still the same as when you were young(er), where you can feel that time and real life have left a positive mark. One such place, which I keep very close to my heart, is Athenes.

The story so far Easy. Whilst in university I met a whole range of international people, amongst them a Greek, to become one of my best friends. Her dad? Owner of a restaurant. The restaurant? Athenes. That’s where I spent my university years, late night feastings, hangovered Sunday afternoons (don’t tell!), and a lot of affordable relaxed dinners with loads of friends.

Do we go back? Not as often as we used to, but it is still one of my favorites, a place which almost feels like home.

First impressions When you walk into Athenes, you walk into a Greek style taverna. Three long rows of wooden tables, wooden chairs, and checkered red/white tablecloths. The place is always buzzing so don’t even think of going there on a Sunday after the Marche du Midi, as it is close to impossible to find a table! You can also be assured to always find a Greek sitting at the very end of the restaurant, slowly sipping his Greek coffee, watching life go by. Perhaps smoking as well.

The food What you see is what you get. The restaurant has a winning formula: you are invited into the kitchen to check out what is cooking (or still available) and decide what you want to eat. Usually plates are composed of one meat dish and vegetables on the side. There is a choice of 12 dishes, which have not changed ever since I first went to Athenes. All home cooked, foolproof Greek dishes which you will long to go back to eat again. Moussaka (my all time favorite!), lamb and lemon, Greek pasta, stuffed pepper or aubergines … and I will let you discover the rest.

There is also a choice of mezze as a starter and Greek desserts and coffee at the end. With some exceptions, all main dishes cost 8,00euro,. There is Retsina and Ouzo, but all other usual drinks are served as well. And after having tried all these delicacies, you’ll vouch not to eat so much ever again – till the next time you’ll go to Athenes.

Service with a smile Always. You might think I am biased, yet the service is always friendly, always efficient and will make you feel at home. Guess going to their kitchen to chose your meal adds to that feeling. If you’re lucky, there might even be some digestive on the house.

The verdict Do I need to say more? Try it out for yourselves, go there and have a bite of the Moussaka or/and some Greek feta, try the Retsina and … you too will become an Athenes regular.

Athenes: Rue de l'Argonne 22, 1060 Bruxelles , Tel: 02/538 21 13

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Ars Vinorum

2006-07-04T22:33:00.000+02:00

If I were to be very honest, then my life in the past few weeks has been divided between: avoiding the heat and the sun as best possible and the World Cup. Some might say this is not a life. I beg to differ. Keeping away form the sun in Brussels, means trying out cafes and restaurants, terraces and bars. The World Cup means trying out Belgian Beer without once feeling guilty, cause you’re drinking one for the team!

And so the story goes on. I realized if I manage my time right, there are plenty of days and hours in one week. Starting Monday. With no game in sight, we decided the best way to spend such a beautiful hot afternoon was: cocktails and then trying out a new wine bar/ restaurant, Ars-Vinorum. Cocktails were courtesy of Pablo’s (happy hour between 18:00 – 20:00, all cocktails at 4euro!). Then we moved on for dinner.

The story so far
I am now on a mission to try out new places in Brussels. One particular neighborhood got my attention. Three new places opened there almost at once: The Flat, the • bar, and the Ars-Vinorum. The idea is to try them out, one by one. So far two down, one to go.

First impressions
Ars-Vinorum was set up by Marco and Renata Melloni, Italians with a love for food and wine and connections to Piemonte. When you enter, the restaurant shows just that: a cozy Italian enoteca atmosphere, an incredible choice of Italian wine, and delicious looking antipasti on the counter. A small terrace is also available, sitting no more than 10 people yet very welcome in the current heat.

The food
When faced with an Italian restaurant/ wine bar – with an emphasis on wine – I tend to more indulgent. The menu and the choice of food in Ars-Vinorum disappoints. Not only by the choice available, with 9 starters, 7 mains and 5 desserts (including coffee as one). The starters are more than overpriced. We chose a plate of mixed Italian cheeses which was very minimalist compared to other similar offers in wine bars around Brussels.

On the other hand, I like the idea of Ars-Vinorum to combine the mains with matching wine, however the combinations on offer are not the best. Again the prices do not justify the food, or the wines served. Overall a quite poor menu for a dinner out, however a perfect menu for lunch. Still the question of the price remains valid, even more so for a lunch.

Yet the main reason I wanted to try out Ars-Vinorum was for the Italian wines on offer. I love Italian wines. We started with a glass of Nemorino 2005 and a glass of Morellino Suberli to go with our cheese. Good wines, but not great. Then however to match our food we had a glass of Primitivo S. Barbara and a glass of Salice Salentino (to go with the Mezzelune). The first didn’t disappoint, as it is one of my favorites. However the Salice Salentino was a revelation. An absolutely gorgeous wine which we will most definitely go back to buy.

Service with a smile
The service was all smiles, yet you could sense the ‘newness’ to the job. I would expect a little more knowledge on the food and the Italian translations thereof. Most importantly though, as Ars-Vinorum labels itself as an enoteca, a better understanding of the wines on offer. Basic information such as where the wine comes from should be a must.

The verdict
A lovely, yet pricey place for a summer evening. The food was good, but didn’t inspire or justify the prices. The wine was great, and a perfect excuse to go back. Otherwise I’ll probably give Ars-Vinorum another go during my lunch breaks.

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Chez Oki

2006-06-30T19:53:00.000+02:00

You know the times when you have just that one particular memorable dinner? When all you ate was different, raised questions and afterwards, difficult to forget. I rarely come across restaurants which offer such food. Of course there are the favorite restaurants you visit over and over again. There are the restaurants which assure with quality dishes and never disappoint. There are the fast food (and by this I don’t mean McDonald’s) restaurants, where you go in, eat, happy, out. And then there are the new discoveries.

I recently embarked on such a new discovery, by going to Chez Oki.

The story so far

Chez Oki is located in what is fast becoming a very young and trendy area in Brussels. For ever changing, I have been living in this neighborhood for the past 6 years. Yet never got bored of it. Somehow the vibe of the neighborhood realizes when its locals feel a slight tinge of boredom and then something happens. In this particular case something like the Chez Oki happened!

First impressions

Chez Oki calls itself a French – Japanese fusion restaurant. This particular combination is new to me, so I was very excited to try it out. After an evening of wine tasting at the Chai&Bar, we finally made it to Chez Oki. The place looks great from the outside. What I first noticed upon entering was the wine – covering a whole wall. The rest of the restaurant is all white walls and Zen feeling. Not more than 15 tables, the place probably sit around 30/40 people but I can only advise: book in advance. We went there on a Wednesday when you think people stay home (!) yet the whole place was booked up.

The food

The food of course was my biggest question mark. French and Japanese in one? Not sure what to expect, we looked at the menus with the same attention you’d look at a high tech manual. A lot of it though was … well … Japanese to us.

Always a safe option when trying out a new restaurant, go for the tasting menu. At Chez Oki this comes to 30euro, including a starter, a main and a dessert. No drinks. Looking around the food on other people’s plates looked great, so expectations growing, we ordered our wine and waited. The wine list covers quite an extensive choice of French wines, as well as other European and non-European countries. Then again wine choice was never a problem in Brussels.

The food, the reason we went to Chez Oki, finally arrived. Foie gras sushi. Never heard of something similar before, it was a delight to discover it. Lightly caramelized foie gras with soya sauce on a maki roll. Then the main course: pink lamb with a ginger and soya sauce and Japanese roasted vegetables. And to end a combination of chocolate cake and green tea and ginger ice cream. An absolute explosion of flavors. Now all I am waiting for is to try out the other French Japanese combinations on offer.

Service with a smile

Personally I can not complain about it. The waitress was very helpful and talked us through the menu, the sommelier helped us chose a wine – for once not only proposing the most expensive wines on the menu.

The verdict

Easy. I’ll be going there again the first chance I get. Perhaps not on a weekly basis, as my budget won’t permit that (count on 100euro for two with wine). But a must for future culinary experiences.

If you come across this post, read it, like it, find it useful, please let me know ... and do recommend it further :). You can find this blog under www.onfoodandwine.com

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Vismet

2006-05-06T22:24:00.000+02:00

I am an avid reader of food magazines; Olive, Delicious, Good Food, Elle a Table, Essen und Trinken, you name it. Be it English, French or German I’ll buy it and read it in one go. I had my attempt at Italian cooking magazines as well, but they are little more difficult to follow and I usually want to get my ingredients right.

Olive is a regular read (which reminds me, I have to buy the June issue) . Of course there is the disadvantage that the magazine relates mostly to the UK, and not all products described can be bought in Belgium. The wines tend to be different, the restaurants not located abroad (except occasionally), and still Olive stays a source of inspiration.

One of the column I love reading is the Pro vs Punter. I like reading on the restaurants (who knows, one day I might get to eat in one of them), and I like the way the column is structured. Hence I will try to use the same format for the restaurant reviews on this blog as well. Starting today!

The story so far
Place St. Catherine in Brussels is known for its specialized fish restaurants. It seems all the best (and pricey) fish restaurants in Brussels decided to open in Place St. Catherine. One of these restaurants, and the last one we tried, is Vismet.

First impressions
Unlike many fish restaurants in the area, Vismet has a very modern and fresh feel to it. It is considered to be a hip and trendy restaurant, and once you enter, you are not disappointed. The restaurant resembles a canteen, with plenty of wooden chairs and tables and an open kitchen in the back where you can see the chefs at work. The whole layout is simple and modern, inviting you to focus on the food rather than the décor.

The food
The choice of food can satisfy both meat and fish lovers. There is a choice of over 10 starters, same for mains fish, and 3 choices of meat. There are a couple of desserts on offer, and a friend swears on the mouelleux au chocolat (a dish that takes about 20min). Prices for starters vary between 9euro and 16euro, mains fish are between 16euro and 26euro, main meats between 15euro and 22euro and desserts are all 9euro. There is also an extensive wine list of white and red French wines. Prices for wines range from 19euro for a house wine and 50euro for a Chateuneuf du Pape 2003.

Whilst everyone opted for the fish soup as a starter (11euro), I had the haring with a yoghurt sauce and red beat salad (9euro). As I am not a big fan of fish soups I can only rely on the reviews of my friends who thought it was delicious. I can vouch for my starter, which was fresh and very tasty.

As a main I had pollock with rosemary, capers and anchovies and steamed vegetables. The dish itself was very tasty yet I lacked the ‘wow’ element, the impression it is a stunning fish course.
For dessert everyone opted for the chocolate pudding (9euro), yet again personally it was a disappointment. I love my desserts and I thought that 20min of cooking will give us the best chocolate dessert ever. Yet the outside was quite dry, and the liquid chocolate too sweet.

Service with a smile
Service was efficient and helpful, with a good knowledge of the menu. The highlight of the dinner is of course sitting close to the kitchen watching the chef cook up the dishes ordered.

The verdict
It stays a very good and nice fish restaurant. If I would ever go back? Perhaps if it will be a joint decision. As a personal choice: no. There are a lot of other fish restaurants at the same price which I would like to try out, and Vismet did not impress me that much to go a second time. Yet it seems it is one of the favourite restaurant of Jonny Dymond, the Brussels based BBC correspondent – so maybe worth another visit just to spot him out!

Vismet: Place Sainte-Catherine 23, 1000 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/218 85 45

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

La Main Dans la Poele

2006-05-04T22:45:00.000+02:00

Imagine a really rainy and cold evening. About 9:00pm, and you are really hungry. Then, finally, when you get to the restaurant of your choice a very busy waiter tells you it’s all full and they don’t think they’ll have a table free before 11:30.

Back in the rain, you think, now what?

And this is when the best discoveries are made. Wet, hungry and pretty much ready for to have a kebab and fries (haven’t done that since college!), we came across a tiny restaurant ‘La Main dans la Poêle’ which translates to ‘The Hand in the Pan’. It will all make sense soon …

At first I was sure the restaurant was either closed or fully booked as well but no-ho-no: a table for two? Yes, please!

After regaining all senses and the blood started flowing again, I took the restaurant in. A cozy restaurant, with not more than 10 tables, the bar in the front and an open kitchen in the back. To my account only tow people seemed to keep the restaurant going: the chef and the help. Italians, with all the passion about food you imagine. The menu is written on a black board only, a choice of about 5 starters, 8 main and 2 desserts. The wine list, a choice of about 10 Italian wines. We chose a Primitivo … and after a short inspection of the menu, I opted for lasagna.

Little did I know. We are so used to the fancy, Frenchy restaurants which serve a little bit of this and a little bit of that, three peas on the side that the shock was real: my lasagna could have easily satisfied about 4! And (this is where I am getting back to the name) it came straight from the oven, in a pan for me to eat it. Real home cooked Italian food.

Finally, after finishing the lasagna, I opted for dessert as well (why?), and had sabayon. Now I have to tell you, whilst everything else was close to Italian perfection – and I know by now my fair share of Italian food – the dessert was just pure alcohol. Not my thing.

So skip dessert, and you’ll love the place. It is a little pricey with starters between 8euro and 12euro, mains between 16euro and 24euro, but worth a cozy and relaxed evening.

La Main Dans la Poele: Rue Lesbroussart 122, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/ 648 90 32

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Le Port d'Attache

2006-03-28T22:30:00.000+02:00

The best ever bouillabaisse? The best red snapper? The best shrimps salad? Oh, the best ever home made ice cream? And all this in Brussels you ask!

Well I have found the answer to all these questions. All in one place. You’d think they pay me for such a publicity. But no! The food was actually that good.

Again it amazes me how much I still have to discover in Brussels. I pass by St. Boniface on a weekly basis. I tried out all the restaurants on the corner except maybe for two or three. And somehow till recently I always missed Le Port d’Attache. How, is beyond me.

The restaurant is specialized in fish and seafood. The prices are so decent you wonder is you are not somewhere on the Spanish coast and not actually in the heart of Brussels. Prices vary from 6euro to 18euro (the most expensive item on the menu – a saffron bouillabaisse). The staff – so kind and so nice it’s amazing. And the food: just pure heaven.

The restaurant doesn’t open for lunch, which is a pity, cause it would be a perfect lunch spot in the area. It is open every evening though from 19h. We ordered a fish dish, with baked potatoes and a bouillabaisse, then homemade ice-cream (oh-my-god!), and with the bill came two complementary (again, homemade!) shots of limoncello. What exactly would you need more?

Le Port d'Attache: Rue St. Boniface 34, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/502 34 31

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

La Maremma

2006-03-28T22:19:00.000+02:00

Initially we thought of continuing the birthday – Michelin star combination (well more like a celebration). This time around it was my turn to blow out the candles. And Florence was my birthday present.

The problem – or not depending on how you look at it – is that Florence doesn’t have a Michelin star restaurant. It has a three Michelin star restaurant.

We passed by, we checked the menu and decided that this time around we’ll just skip the Enoteca Pinchiorii. The cost of our whole trip (x2) was less than the price of one menu. Go figure!

Don’t think my birthday went on without a dinner. I got to choose any other restaurant in Florence for my birthday dinner.

Discovering Florence whilst looking for different wine bars I knew exactly where I wanted to go: La Maremma. The restaurant looked cozy, yet modern (I like that combination), and the menu was full of Italian delicious suggestions.

So we went there and I had a wonderful time, and a wonderful Italian dinner. My first time trying marsala and cantuccini. Yummm.

If ever in the neighborhood, looking for great Italian food which won’t break the bank, go to La Maremma. Trust me on this one.

L'Ultime Atome

2006-02-21T22:23:00.000+01:00

One place I just adore is L’Ultime Atome. I am not kidding. I spent some of the best – and worst – moments of my life in this place. It is the kind of place that accompanied me through college, then later through my stage (internship to you and me), and now through work. I go there to be ‘at home’, to meet friends and catch up. And all my ‘abroad’ friends, when they come to visit, suggest we meet here. It has become sort of a cult meeting point in St. Boniface.

I have been through their menu at least twice and back. So I practically know what is on offer, and I rarely am surprised by their specials.

At the moment my best friend from Greece is visiting. Her first suggestions: can we go for lunch, or an after work drink at l’Ultime Atome? We decided on lunch today, drink tomorrow. Albeit being known as the place where waiters are good looking, but arrogant, waitresses good looking and non existent service wise – we still go back every time we have the chance.

Lunch today was fast, and conversation was animated. One of their signature dishes is the warm goats cheese salad, so that’s what my Greek friend ordered. I had the soup du jour, which was good, filling and most of all – hot! As it is practically an institution in Brussels, I am sure you will not miss L’Ultime Atome. So I will let you discover your favourite dish (and favourite beer) on your own.

L'Ultime Atome: Place Saint Boniface 14, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/511 13 67

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Wagamama

2006-02-13T12:46:00.000+01:00

No doubt about it, I seem to be in my Asian eating-out phase. There were Citizen and then Suki Noodles in Brussels. I am off to London for the weekend, where do I eat? At Wagamama.

I assume most of you know Wagamama. I knew about it long before it opened in Belgium (more about that later). I saw the book, I heard about it from friends who consider it to be the best, fast and cheap option in London, so I was ‘drilled’. But I was missing my own opinion. Checking their website, subscribing to their newsletter helped, yet the real deal was still missing.

And then, one day the news came: Wagamama opens its first restaurant in Belgium, in Antwerp. I kid you not, I booked the opening day in my Outlook. And waited, and waited, and waited. Once open, and that’s where you’ll understand the extend of my Wagamama obsession, I took the train to Antwerp especially to go and eat there. Very few restaurants have been graced with this much commitment!

Wagamama opened in Belgium in January 2005, and I assume it has been a success ever since. We went out there for lunch, but that was a while before I started this blog. So now I get the change to write about Wagamama London, Leicester Square. I was impressed how full the restaurant was, as in Antwerp you still had a choice of seats. The concept of course is the same: positive eating + positive living, or in my own words fast service, tasty food, and no guilt when you leave. I always love the feeling I haven’t overdone it on the calorie side.

As a starter we had ebi katsu (deep fried king prawns) and I opted for the chicken chilli men. My Japanese a bit rusty, I mixed it up with the ramen and hoped for a spicy soup, which of course it wasn’t. Delicious noodles with spicy chicken though! A blurry red picture (the chicken), here you can see the other half of the dinner, a green curry rice dish (on the specials list for that day).

So when in Belgium, Wagamama Antwerp is absolutely worth a visit. Wherever else, I can only say I envy you have Wagamama so closely by!

Suki Noodles

2006-01-29T20:43:00.000+01:00

Asian food seems to be the theme for the moment. Maybe the cold outside, the need for slightly healthy food and the promise that spicy food will get me warm makes me chose Asian food be it for lunch or dinner.

Out shopping and making the most out of the last days of sales, we stopped for lunch down town. A new place made its way just off the main area and it seemed the right choice: a Japanese bar style soup/ ramen little restaurant – Suki Noodles. Packed (so probably just a novelty for me) but so perfect for a quick lunch stop over.

We ordered a mixed entrée to share and then two different soups: a pork ramen and a seafood one. The absolute perfect lunch when out shopping. Quick, tasty, not too heavy!

So me and Suki Noodles will definitely meet again.

Suki Noodles: Corner Rue Poissonnieres and Rue Paul Devaux no. 4, 1000 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/512 83 71

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Citizen

2006-01-23T15:53:00.000+01:00

I have been eyeing this Asian restaurant, Citizen, for a while now. A regular of St. Boniface, a quite hip and young area in Brussels, I like the vibe there and have so far tried and tested most of the restaurants around.

Citizen opened a while ago, offering Asian cooking in a very modern setting. The restaurant is all black and chrome, the entertainment? A projector showing classics such a Star Wars on the wall.

The menu is too long to mention, taking you through India, Thailand, Vietnam and China. There is a wide choice of starters, main courses, desserts and for the picky ones, Chinese and Thai beers are on offer as well. The service fast and pleasant, the food delicious. We shared Vietnamese rolls, and I opted for seafood with Thai basil.

For a no fuss Asian dinner out, Citizen is most definitely worth a visit. Reservations might be useful, as the restaurant tends to be full in the evenings.

Citizen: Rue Saint Boniface 4, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/502 00 08

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Tea & Eat

2006-01-20T15:42:00.000+01:00

This is a place I enjoy very much. I think it has just the right balance between a fancy lunch place and a cozy café. Ever since it opened, I try to go there every year a couple of times for lunch.

All very zen, green and red, with a wide range of teas on offer, Tea & Eat is a place where you can eat healthy, slightly sophisticated lunches. I usually opt for their cheese salads, but this time around I had scrambled eggs, with a grilled vegetables salad and bruschetta.

At lunch time I can guarantee the place is full, however I have so far tried their brunch – which sounds very appealing. So next time I might skip a lunch and give that a try over the weekend ( glamour magazine, and a strong cup of coffee included).

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Touch & Go

2005-12-15T19:41:00.000+01:00

Looking for a quick lunch, with a twist? Then I suggest going to Touch&Go. There are several branches across Brussels, all happy places.

The food is good, usually stuffed pitta breads or salads, definitely not pricey, and the atmosphere is young. The menus: a mix and match of pictures to fit the food you are eating.

Touch&Go: Rue Saint Boniface 12, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/513 85 02

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Brunch a la Rocco

2005-11-27T21:29:00.001+01:00

photo rocco website

I hate last days in cities I loved visiting. I hate the idea that my holiday is over and reality awaits in Brussels. Or I might just be a little overdramatic.

Our last day in Berlin was spent between the Alexanderplatz and Rocco. Alexanderplatz was yet again another Christmas market. But the cold outside did push us to look for a cozy, hiding place, till time came to say good bye to Berlin, hello to Brussels.

Taking the first tram at random, we came across a quiet square (probably due to the fact it was Sunday) and what looked from the outside as a big warehouse, but still a bar, Rocco. Going in the first thing you see is the massive bar – and the meter long brunch buffet. Who could resist that?

We sat down, enquired about the brunch ‘system’ – a all you can eat formula, every Sunday, for 12euro – and we tucked in. the food was just amazing. Either we were cold, tired and nostalgic to leave such an amazing city, or the food was indeed the best brunch I ever had in a restaurant. Yummy. Cold meats, smoked fish, cheese, dips and veggies, eggs and bacon. Once these were digested, we moved on to the warm food. And then in the end there was dessert. Needless to say we stayed in Rocco for about 4h, up to the point were we risked missing our plane.

If ever on a Sunday in Berlin, this place is most definitely worth a visit. It is welcoming, it is cozy, it is full, and the atmosphere is just what you expect from Berlin.

Lutter&Wegner

2005-11-27T21:29:00.000+01:00

Lutter&Wegner seems to be considered somewhat of an institution in Berlin. Dating all the way back to 1811, the restaurant attracted over the years poets and thinkers, royalty and celebrities alike. Among them Marlene Dietrich and Josephine Baker Close to the Opera, you are also sure to see dancers and actors, directors and opera singers.

Destroyed during the Second World War, the restaurant and its famous and impressive wine cellar have been reestablished to their old glory in 1997.

And we got the chance to get a glimpse at the past and enjoy the present while in Berlin. The restaurant was buzzing the first night we went there. Impossible to find a table, we booked one for the next day, after 22:00. Finally seated, I took in the décor. Back to the 20’s, big paintings decorate the walls, and a certain feeling of a French brasserie with the German exactness is in the air. Loved it!

After taking in the surroundings, we decided to order (this after our waiter approached us at least three times wondering why it is taking us so long?). I opted to have corn salad, with grated goats cheese and pumpkin seeds oil. A very simple dish but, oh, so delicious. As main meal I went for tradition, and an award winning dish. I had the Lutter and Wegner’s Sauerbraten (roast), with mash potatoes, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage and bacon. The dish won first place in the German Roast Competition. Ha!

Heavy, I have to admit, but with the cold outside and the buzz inside, the perfect Berliner dish. To accompany the food we kept the regional influence and had an Austrian 2002 Rotspon Reserve red wine.

There was no space left for dessert, but if ever in Berlin (and I know how much of a touristy place this seems to be – as it indeed it is!), don’t miss dropping by the Lutter&Wegner for dinner.

Angels in Berlin

2005-11-27T21:28:00.001+01:00

Berlin is totally freezing at the moment. That didn’t stop us tough from visiting the abundance of Christmas Markets, from experiencing the cultural life, and of course the food and beer. Such an unbelievable city.

Besides the Currywurst and the Glühwein, we also tried out three German restaurants. The name of the game was looking for authentic German cuisine. Known for potatoes and usually pork, German cuisine is what I would call stodgy. However the best you can have when it gets cold.

After visiting Berlin and walking for hours, we finally decided it was time to look for a place to eat. Our guide throughout our dining and wining experiences in Berlin was ‘Berlin Essen und Trinken’, a brochure we found at the Tourism Office.

Every day is a busy day in Berlin. But Friday tends to be even busier. We tried to avoid the centre (still we booked a table at the Lutter&Wegner for Saturday night) and ended up going to the Schiffbauer Damm. Arriving there we stopped at the Engelbrecht restaurant.

Under new ownership since 1995 and assumingly a place were politicians and journalists eat next to stars and starlettes. In the summer I can only imagine the view on the Spree, which quietly rushes in front of the restaurant.

As an entrée we had (on the house) a small roast beef and roquette salad. But the main course made our senses rejoice.

A plate full of aromas and tastes: I had lamb fillet with pear chutney, Brussels sprouts with bacon, and glazed chestnuts. On the side roasted potatoes. An incredible feast for my taste buds. But of course the eye eats along – so I couldn’t help but peak at the dish across where venison was mixed with a dark chestnut sauce, served with filled mushrooms and a carrot and pumpkin mash.

All accompanied by a French syrah wine and I can assure you the dinner was nothing less than excellent.

My first Michelin star

2005-11-27T21:27:00.000+01:00

I love birthdays. They are something special, and every age should be celebrated. Since I am a little, I love celebrating my own birthday and making the day special for others.

So as a birthday treat (not mine this time around), and while being in the Algarve, I thought going to a nice restaurant might be just about the right birthday gift. Not any restaurant. After some research and phone calls from Brussels down south, I finally managed to reserve a table for two at Sao Gabriel.

What is so special about Sao Gabriel, you might wonder? Well it is the first Michelin star restaurant I have ever been to. We all know about the Michelin stars, the Michelin withdrawn stars and the suspense and anticipation of the Michelin guide every year. Not being part of the business I am not sure what the detailed criteria are when awarding a restaurant a Michelin star – but if Sao Gabriel is anything to go by, then I wonder what restaurants with two stars and up have to offer?

Sao Gabriel is a one star Michelin restaurant. The restaurant was named after a gorgeous old exemplary of traditional art, the hand painted blue tiles “Azulejos”, the angel Saint Gabriel. Located between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Loba, the restaurant is owned by Rudi Märkle, a Swiss hotelier who retired in the Algarve. Opened in 1999, the restaurant combines modern perfection with the warmth and the wonderful Portuguese tradition and art.

Upon entering the restaurant we were greeted by Susy Luginbühl, an incredibly dynamic woman who knew exactly who we were, and made us feel at home within the first 5min (magic or what?). The décor is all blue hand painted Portuguese tiles, while cozy corners and tables offer the necessary privacy to enjoy a relaxed (and romantic) dinner.

After being seated, we decided the best way to taste and get the feel of a Michelin star restaurant will be to opt for the ‘menu degustation’ – a choice of 6 signatures dishes of Jens Rittmeyer, a young and very talented German chef. While deciding which Portuguese wine to go for, Vitor Lourenço Filipe d’Avo, the Sommelier came to greet us ... and the rest as they say is history.

He advised us on some of the bottles of wines, however offered as well to match each course with a specific glass of wine. An offer we could not refuse, and such an amazing learning experience.

We started with quail egg soup and dry white wine.

On to a goose liver terrine with apples and goats cheese and Sauternes. Absolute heaven. Every bite we took was followed by a sip of wine, and I can honestly say that was the highlight of my culinary experiences so far. I still have the taste in my mouth and have not been able to recreate that combination so far.

A truffle soup followed of topinambur (Jerusalem artichokes). Grilled scallop on lemon risotto. The lemon risotto was pure heaven. We tried to recreate it back in Brussels, but haven’t so far found the right balance between the lemons and the risotto. However I will keep trying and once successful, the recipe will be written down.

Next a regional specialty, oven roasted shoulder of tender black pork with sautéd herb potatoes, artichokes and shallot-thyme sauce. Having tried Alentejo pork the evening before in Cais i, it was interesting to notice the difference between cooking styles. While one was pure tradition, the pork in Sao Gabriel was adapted to the modern taste, a little lighter and more flavored than you would expect.

The pork was followed by caramelized quince mousse with an unique lemon pepper-orange ice cream and a glass of Porto.

A feast of smells and tastes, of textures and combinations. Incredible. And to make sure the evening will be unforgettable, the restaurant prepared a surprise birthday cake as well, which totally blew us off. To end the chef came as well to greet us and ask how we liked his cooking (what a superfluous questions. It was DELICIOUS!)

A six course menu and 4h later, our Michelin experiences ended. Happy? I couldn’t have been more. Birthday? A success and I hope unforgettable.

Cais i

2005-11-27T21:26:00.000+01:00

While in the Algarve, with all the rain, trying out restaurants became a daily hobby. So the first evening we went to an amazing place, Cosi i. Why I say amazing? Because both the setting and the food were incredible!

A very modern restaurant, the whole place was decorated in orange and brown. Seems orange is a current trend among restaurants. Warm colors, they definitely gave Cosi i a very cozy feeling.

The food was equally delicious. The cuisine follows in the steps of great restaurant cuisine: innovation and presentation were the key ingredients. That’s why I am sorry they didn’t have the mozzarella/strawberry available anymore, due to seasonal reasons. It must make an interesting dish! Instead I ordered as entrée apple, grilled goats’ cheese with house made marmalade. All with an old time favorite, the Planalto white wine.

And as main course I had what I never thought I would: sole fillet with fried bananas. Ask me before Cosi i to combine fish and banana, I would have shuddered and dismiss the idea. But somehow it made for a very interesting and tasty, albeit heavy dish.

The wine was recommended by the restaurant’s sommelier, a red Pegos Claros, Palmela 1999 which gave jus the perfect balance to the food. And dessert was a selection of Portuguese cheeses. All in all a perfect gourmet evening.

So if you ever happen to pass through Vilamoura I can only recommend you stop at Cais i.

Cais i: Loja J, Marina Garden, Marina de Vilamoura, Tel : +351/289 314 637

Volle Gas

2005-11-17T23:46:00.000+01:00

Before taking off on our four day great Portuguese adventure, one last truly Belgian dinner was in order. There are a few places I know about in Brussels which offer traditional Belgian cuisine, and Volle Gas is one of them.

A little set aside form your mainstream restaurants, Volle Gas takes you back to times passed, to brasseries where food and music were one. I personally like Volle Gas as it is one of the few places where you really feel in Belgium. There is something about the waiters that says: Belgians! There is something about the décor that gives it a flair of French mixed with Flemish. The menu – all beer and game, Belgian frites and mussels. What more could you ask for?

With temperatures now dropping to zero, it was very easy to decide on one of the game suggestions, namely saddle of hare. So I ordered my hare with arlequin sauce and a cheese garniture.

An experience. The meat was tender, but most of all the vegetables served were delicious and the cranberry sauce made the dish perfect. Quite heavy as a dish, but oh so delish. And at the suggestion of our waiter, we combined old world, Belgian game with a new world Argentinean wine, a Bodega Jacques Francois Lurton – Valle de Uco, Malbec, 2004.

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Les Salads aux Herbes Sauvages

2005-11-16T23:05:00.000+01:00

I work in an area where there are restaurants at every corner. There are Thai ones, there are Belgian ones, further down Indian and Congolese ones, there are Japanese and Chinese. So can’t complain. And occasionally I swap my sandwich for a nice little restaurant.

Today though I discovered the new ‘Les salads aux herbes sauvages’ (The salads made with wild herbs). A very long name for a small and cosy restaurant. But what is in a name?

Together with another foodie friend, we went in and decided it is a very nice place to have lunch. The place is just big enough to have an office lunch, but also offers the necessary privacy to have a quiet lunch. So we sat close to the windows (by the looks of it, in summer I am sure there is a little garden terrace available) and ordered.

I had one of the three suggestions of the day, baked potatoes topped with chilli con carne; my friend had the giabatta with brie, bacon, honey and herbs. I can assure you both meals were delicious. Fresh and flavoured, just big enough for lunch, simply delicious. I resisted the temptation of having cherry crumble for dessert, and we ordered two coffees instead.

That makes two Diet Cokes, the lunch and two coffees for just 18euro which I think all things considering, a very decent price for a really good lunch. Well worth your lunch time.

Les Salades aux Herbes Sauvages: Rue du Stassart 118, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/ 513 75 85
Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Coco

2005-11-16T17:03:00.000+01:00

After learning a lot on wine and food combination at Mmmh, we went out for dinner. A late dinner it is true, but Brussels is convenient like that: you can eat at almost any time. One restaurant or the other will be open for business.

Driving through Place Luxembourg, spot on in the middle of the European quarter, we stopped at COCO. A very orange place.

Entering, you find a very modern, minimalist restaurant mainly decorated in orange. My first reaction was, way too much orange, but it works. It actually works really well. A restaurant with a modern feel to it, made almost for the expat community in Brussels.

The menu is varied and covers most of the continents so we decided on a green curry chicken, recipe from the Pat Pong in Bangkok and 350gr steak from the L’Entrecote in Paris. The chicken and the rice were just what I wanted, spicy but not too, and very flavored. But if you are in the mood for meat the steak was the best piece of meat I have ever tasted: it practically melted in your mouth. And at 350gr there was a lot to go for. absolute meat heaven. Loved it!

The wine card is not too bad either, mainly French though. If you look at the suggestions though, there are some Italian and Spanish wines.

Overall a very trendy and young place, which if expat experience in Brussels is anything to go by, must be absolutely fully booked on a Thursday night.

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Pasta, pasta, pasta

2005-11-12T17:05:00.000+01:00

If you are a group (we were eight), up for an easy evening out and not too fussy about food, then Italian food is usually the way to go. And this is just what we did.

A group of eight, on a rainy evening, went to Le Macaron. A small place off Place Chatelaine, Le Macaron is specialized in pasta dishes ranging in price from 9euro to 15euro. Which might explain why the place is fully booked, all the time.

The pasta – the best I have ever had. And so far I had my fair share of paste. Plus I also love to cook it. I personally ordered pasta with bacon, creamy sauce and basil (mostly because I could not decide among the pasta dishes on offer), while friends took pasta with wild mushrooms, salmon spinach, or the traditional Bolognese.

The wine was red. The atmosphere priceless. And at 1:30am we were still there … If in the mood for an easy evening, and up for simple Italian food which will not set you back too much, then Le Macaron is your answer.

Le Macaron: Rue du Mail 1, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/537 89 43

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

In't Spinnekopke

2005-11-09T13:57:00.000+01:00

If you are looking for a truly Belgian experience, and a really funny one on top of it, then the In’t Spinnekopke is your answer. A restaurant located in the center of Brussels, it exudes Belgian atmosphere and the food is all about Belgian beer.

We went there last night, by random chance. Once in, our waiter was a cross between a stand up comedian and a skilled waiter. It seems our French didn’t convince him, so the conversation continued in English.

The menus are huge (and I mean that in the literally sense, they are actually very broad and very big). Being in a restaurant which specializes on beer cuisine, we made the most out of it. As a starter we ordered Coquilles St-Jacques à la Trappiste de Rochefort (a sauce made out of Rochefort beer with cream) and then I continued with the suggestion of the day, pheasant. Delightful.

Unfortunately there was no room for dessert anymore, but I think next time I will try the sorbet a la Maredsous – which can at least be surprising.

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Bofinger

2005-11-02T17:38:00.000+01:00

The highlight of my long weekend in Paris was most definitely having dinner at Bofinger. Unlike Le Comptoir, a small and cozy place we passed by, Bofinger transports you back to the beginning of the 1900s.

A French brasserie, all you see and hear is waiters screaming, rushing, carrying huge trays of seafood, people smoking, laughing, joy and drama, all in one. I felt as if I stepped into a forgotten time, where the Paris underworld mixes with politicians and artists, and we are in the 1890’s. Everything about the restaurant is surreal and so Paris.

Entering the restaurant you are greeted between waiters rushing in and out of the kitchen, and depending on your luck you have to wait for a table between 45min (the group in front of us) or 20min (us). We sipped wine at the bar, looking up at the dome ceiling illuminating the main dining room, a masterpiece by Néret and Royer. We enjoyed watching Paris in front of us: people stepping out of Dumas novels came in, youth wearing jeans and snickers, posh ladies with pearl earrings, tattooed men and families. It was a joy only to sit at the bar.

At the table we didn’t know where to look first and get a glimpse of the other dinners. Giant plates of seafood were carried around, food revealed that took our breath away. All masterpieces of Chef Georges Belondrade.

And then it all got better. We finally decided that sharing a plate of seafood would do as entrée. We had oysters (again, according to the R rule), we had mussels, snails, and a crab. Accompanied by a bottle of white Sancerre. And we loved every bit of it.

I continued with venison, with a black and red berry sauce and mashed potatoes – and I could have died happy there and then! A fantastic main course. The meat was perfectly cooked, the berry sauce brought the right zing and bitterness to the food, yet slightly sweet, just amazing. For once I almost ignored the wine.

The grand finale was a mille feuille (a thousand layers!) which I think everyone including me thought how or if I will ever finish it. Brave though in front of culinary challenges, the mille feuille was finished one layer at a time - all thousand of them.

Bofinger is Paris. And Paris is part of Bofinger.

Trés French: St. Germain

2005-11-02T17:35:00.000+01:00

Staying close to St. Germain, it was easy to combine a long evening stroll with our search for a suitable dinner restaurant.

Laurent at épicurien suggested, if in Paris, I should definitely try Le Comptoir. The new restaurant of Yves Camdeborde, formerly of La Régalade, is located at the Carrefour de l'Odéon 9, Paris 75006, and an annex to the new hotel Relais Saint-Germain. A very cozy restaurant, it sits a few people inside, but has a very open and breezy terrace on the street, which makes a perfect people-watching place. I also really like the sign above the restaurant. Combining modern with traditional.

Unfortunately what we didn’t take into account was the Indian summer and the love of the French to eat out. The restaurant was fully booked!

In search for option number two, we came across La Brasserie Saint Benoit. A small place just off the main street, the terrace was fully booked but we managed to find a small table for two inside. So at 10:30pm we finally started dinner.

It was a feast of French food and wine. We started with snails in garlic sauce and home made foie gras. Following, the main course is a blur … because then we had dessert. There are no words to describe the dessert, so I will let the picture talk. We ordered a Ile Flottante, which means floating island. A fluffy meringue like ‘island’ in a ‘sea’ of custard, which must have been the most impressive dessert I ever had. A paradise! It made us almost regret the food before, as we couldn’t finish it, but all the effort was worth it.

And if anyone can suggest a foolproof recipe for Ile Flottante, please don't hesitate.

La Brasserie Saint Benoit: 26, rue Saint Benoit, 75006 Paris, Tel: 01/45 48 29 66

Food and art

2005-11-02T17:31:00.000+01:00

Visiting for hours the art and culture of Paris. Walking up and down the Seine. The Musee du Louvre on one side, Musee d'Orsay on the other. Art galleries in between. The Indian summer. You can guess we were hungry and thirsty.

Imagine our joy when we came across a small restaurant, La Fregate facing the Louvre and offering, simply, lunch.

Difficult to say what the food would taste like if you are not hungry. But for us it was simply delicious. I think I never had a better salad, a better Quiche Lorraine, or a nicer glass of red wine.

Rational tells me I did (nothing beats a home made quiche). But the memory of the lunch is as being the best one I ever had. So if you ever look for a place to have a quiet lunch with a view on the Louvre, and two steps away from d'Orsay, enjoy traditional French food, then La Fregate offers all this.

Another kind of lunch

2005-10-21T17:52:00.000+02:00

It is Friday. And when working in an office, after what was a long and very busy week, we usually tend to feel like no frills, filling lunches. Just plain good food.

‘Le vieil Ixelles – The old Ixelles’ is such a place. Perhaps for clarification, Ixelles is one of the 19 Communes of Brussels. The Commune is one of the most central and easy accessible ones. However reaching the restaurant is an entirely different story. You either need a very good map or a guide. We had the guide.

The restaurant is a surreal little Portuguese place, where the owner greets you with ‘ne t’énerve pas’, which means ‘don’t stress’. Why, I will never understand. But instead of hello, you get don’t stress.

If you expect a menu or a price list, this is not the place. The tables are always covered with Christmas inspired table cloths (not that far off now …), and the owner seems to be Portuguese only. When asking for fish, you might get a steak. And one waiter will tell you there are no fries to go with your meal, while the other is bringing you the fries.

It is all about getting in the mood. Because as far as atmosphere is concerned, I think it is the kind of place where no one feels uncomfortable, and where food and wine always meet your expectations. A table of 8 we ordered mixed calamari and fish calderades (the closest I can link them to is a mix between the English stews and the French bouillabaisse). And it seemed as if lunch will never end.

One thing you can be sure of in this restaurant: you will never run out of food, or leave the restaurant hungry. A hidden, almost secret place, I truly recommend this place if you are looking for a different experience to your usual restaurant visits.

Le Vieil Ixelles: Rue van AA, 36, 1050 Bruxelles, Tel: 02/513 38 97

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Under the spell of Saint-Amour

2005-10-17T16:09:00.000+02:00

Spending a weekend in romantic Brugge, it seemed almost wrong to overlook the Saint-Amour. Set in 16th century caves, this little restaurant has all the right ingredients for a romantic evening. However plan to spend quite a long evening there, as the restaurant is usually fully booked and timely service quite poor.

The specialties are following the seasons, so keeping up with the spirit of the evening, we decided to order a Menu Saint-Amour. At 25euro the menu offers foie gras and roasted quail as entree, steaklet of duck and vegetables as main course, and a choice between cakes or a cheese platter as dessert. Presented in a very modern way, which makes an interesting contrast to the setting, the food is delicious.

I would strongly recommend ordering the cheese platter at the end (although it is 6euro extra) as the variety of cheese is incredible and each one is a tasty discovery in itself.

Watering-cans on the ceiling

2005-10-17T12:16:00.000+02:00

10 years of living in Brussels, and there are still restaurants to be discovered. Last Friday we decided it is time for something new, it is time to escape the restaurant ‘routine’. So we looked for a cozy place, with decently priced cuisine and came across the L’Arrosoir. A new place in the center of Brussels which I am sure I must have passed by at least a 100 times (literally so!).

Arrosoir in French means watering-can. A name which soon made a lot more sense, as the restaurant resembles a greenhouse, and the ceiling is covered with watering-cans. An interesting décor, which gives the place a special touch.

The food tends to be fusion cuisine, and there is a very nice wine list (mainly French wines). Skipping the entrées, I had steaklet of duck with mango chutney and without a doubt it was one of the most delicious meals I ever had. Maybe the atmosphere, or the nice red wine are to ‘blame’ but the meal was absolutely incredible. Definitely something I will have again and will recommend further.

Desserts were a hit and miss (but then again taste is very personal): at first I ordered a Colonel, which is lime sorbet with vodka, however it was a little too strong for me. So I decided to have a cheese platter, which fulfilled all my expectations and beyond.

A small place, but as it seems very well known, reservations in advance are advisable. And don’t forget to look up to admire the arrosoires.

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Lunching and brunching

2005-10-12T16:58:00.000+02:00

Imagine entering a place where you can smell the fresh bread and the coffee, where people sit together at long pine tables and the only buzz is that of animated conversations? Enter the world of Le Pain Quotidien.

I have been dividing my Sundays between the restaurant on 11 Place Sablon and the one on Ave Louise 124. To me, Pain Quotidien offers the best solution to a brunch: a wide choice of bakery, croissants, and home made jams, the best bread ever, really generous coffee mugs, fresh orange juice – heaven. Then you have the lunch options, where you can chose between sandwiches where you can actually see the flavor before you taste it. And their salads, delicious! Fresh ingredients, a mix and match of food you would not normally imagine, fresh bread to accompany it and if ever the need be, red and white wine is on offer too.

So yesterday it was lunch in Pain Quotidien. I had a part of Italy on my plate, mozzarella di bufala, Parmesan, Parma ham, grilled aubergines and courgettes, sun dried tomatoes, you name it. And to end, what else than their world known chocolate cake (I know people in DC who travel to NY for this one …).

My love for Pain Quotidien can be summed up like this: I have been known to spend Sundays with a friend brunching, reading glossy magazines and discussing life for hours on end. Starting with breakfast, then taking long coffee breaks, deciding we can not possibly resist the salads, and maybe end with a glass of red wine? Average time: 5h.

An experience to be repeated.

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Oyster in the months with ‘R’

2005-10-03T14:11:00.000+02:00

Don’t ask me why, but start August and I wanted to eat oysters. Given Belgium has a lot of sea food restaurants, and is generally know for fresh (albeit expensive) sea food – I wanted to eat oysters.

However an old French saying says that you can only eat oysters in the months with an ‘R’ (ApRil, SeptembeR, OctobeR, etc). So last week we – finally! – went to eat oysters at Brasserie St-Georges.

Personally I didn’t know the restaurant (although I live in Brussels for over 8 years now), but I loved the French brasserie atmosphere, and the great choice of sea food and French wine.

We started with 9 Bondeuses, for you and me - classic oysters. No surprise there. The craving satisfied, I decided to have a Perigord approach to the entrée and the main course, ordering a Sarladaise salad and Perigord steak.

Word of advise: the salad alone makes for a very filling and delicious meal, all on its own. To go with all this? A glass of dry white wine with the oysters, and a very nice Chateau Puy-Blanquet, St. Emillion Grand Cru 1997 to go with the meal. And go it did.

Tagged with: Restaurant Resto Review Eating Out Dining Bruxelles

Two different Spanish experiences

2005-10-03T12:11:00.000+02:00

Leaving Brussels behind in rain and fog, I landed in Granada at 30 degrees in the sun. If you think eating outside on a terrace and enjoying Andalusian food would be the first thing to do – think again. Too hot!

So we looked for cover. One of the best kept secretes of Granada must be the El Ventorrillo, a nice little place with a covered terrace, where you sit isolated from the outside world and can enjoy some of the best grilled fish. I personally chose a grilled Dorada (gilt head fish) and steamed vegetables. The best place for a lazy sunny lunch. Unfortunately they don’t have a website, but they are located on Paseo del Violon 17.

For evening I would recommend the El Huerto de Juan Ranas, where the view on the Alhambra is matchless. It is a very romantic place, high up in the hills of Granada, serving a combination of traditional and modern cuisine. Booking in advance is advisable, because once there it is very difficult to leave, hence why we spent about 4 hours, admiring the view, and deciding at each course what to order next.

I started with a warm shrimp salad, then moved on to a delicious grilled pork with caramelized onions and to finish, a chocolate and mint cream dessert, served with passion fruit and lemon ice cream.

Being in Andalusia, and Granada, we also chose a local wine (Calvente 2002) which accompanied the food perfectly – however was difficult to find afterwards in the shops.