Brussels

Introduction to Brussels

After three years living in Brussels I am still discovering great things to see, do, and eat in this town. As many will attest, Brussels is a pretty subtle place, where the average tourist may wonder what the 'big deal' is apart from the amazing Grand Place and a few other less grand attractions.

Here are some reviews on various attractions and eateries with more to come as we continue our life here in Belgium. For our Brussels mates, please comment on your suggestions or feel free to disagree with my assessments!

Restaurants

La Canne en Ville - (French/Belgian) in Ixelles about 2 mins walk from Place Brugman. This is my new favorite local restaurant which somehow we hadn't discovered yet after 3 years here even though it's only 10 mins from our front door. Here you will find a former meat market transformed into a cozy restaurant (in business since 1983 by the same lovely owner). Mel and I enjoyed a 3 course meal for 39 euros efficiently served up. The dame blanche dessert nearly pushed me over the edge.

Up North - (Scandinavian) located just off the Grand Place this small but tidy place has a friendly Norwegian chef and a great menu full of seafood options (trout cooked in sour cream!). We sampled a couple of varieties of acquavit with our meal rather than having wine.

Le Varietes - (Belgian) located in Place Flagey in Ixelles near the Ixelles ponds is taking decor cues from the art deco era building in which it is housed. Known for the rotisserie, they also serve the usual Belgian specialties.

Nuetnigenough - (Belgian) On Rue du Lombard 25 in the center, this venue has inviting art nouveau windows and an warm atmosphere. I would not say the food is the reason to come, but for a cheap meal, not bad. Seafood lasagna is good but anything stewed looks a pile of c**p on the plate and tastes just okay. Some reviewers on tripadvisor say the soup is good...

Ecco - (Italian) in Ixelles just off Place du Chatelain is this 'sympa' corner Italian where the chef and staff welcome you as you enter and the modern decor and good food at a reasonable price make for a nice weekday dinner. Across the street is a sister restaurant that is also Italian but traditional red check tablecloths and red sauces - also inexpensive and a good standard.

Gaudron - (brunch) in Place Brugman in Ixelles, this highly designed gourmet shop and restaurant offer a great weekend brunch in a cool and efficient setting. We've tried nearly all the several brunch options on the square and this one is our pick.

The Wood - (brunch) in La Bois de la Cambre tucked away is this former livestock barn that was converted to an old-on-the-outside, modern-on-the-inside bar/restaurant. Brunch here is buffet style and offers a diverse selection of interesting and standard options. After brunch, walk it off in the park.

Nea Genia - (Greek tapas) in Ixelles on Chausee de Waterloo not far from the Chatelain delivers an excellent array of Greek specialties on small plates meant to be shared (or not!). Very friendly and helpful staff in a more modern but cozy setting.

Sites

La Monnaie Opera Hall Tour - in the center of town, the opera hall offers a tour on Saturday at noon for a small fee. Our friends invited us to join them and, thanks to a terrific tour guide, we got the insider look at how an opera comes together. Fascinating and educational.

Hotels

Tenbosch House - (Ixelles) owned/operated by my Swedish colleague and her Belgian husband, this new hotel is about to open in April 2010 and, by the looks of the web-site, will be an oasis in an already lovely neighborhood. Congratulations Catarina and Cedric!