De Efteling

De Efteling, in the Netherlands, claims to be one of the oldest theme parks in the world. Hard to resist a visit, when it’s a public holiday, the weather’s fine, and you have three children to entertain. The entrance hall is suitable spooky and impressive. Equally impressive is the interior of the construction. This “flying” [...]

‘t Zilte

Restaurant ‘t Zilte (two Michelin stars) changed address almost a year ago, moving from the small Flemish town of Mol to its current position atop one of the newest and most striking additions to the Antwerp skyline: MAS (Museum Aan de Stroom). A clever mix of red Indian stone, rippling glass and signature “Antwerp hands”, [...]

Dressing up

Yesterday we made a return trip to the Japanese garden in Hasselt where they were celebrating Children’s Day. A local Japanophile cosplay organisation took the chance to come along and strut their stuff, dressed up as various characters from manga and anime. Not that I recognised any of them. The young lady in this photo [...]

Saudades do Brasil

I’d never tried Brazilian cuisine before last weekend, and it probably wouldn’t have occurred to me to seek it out were it not for the fact that I recently got talking to a Brazilian couple during our meal on the Brusselicious tram. Edi and Isa offered to show us what they considered to be the best [...]

Eau Vive

Eau Vive, 2 Michelin stars, is about an hour’s drive south of Brussels and sits halfway between Namur and Dinant. It’s partnered with a three-room mini hotel called Espace Medissey a few kilometres up the road, which is comfortable but very self-consciously designed with lots of stark, boxy, minimalist furniture, the better to set off [...]

Tables and walls and ceilings

Another Saturday morning browsing in Pele-Mêle bookshop. No purchases this time, but I paid a little more attention to the décor than the inventory. Although this display of French adventure novels caught my eye. I got to see some of the illustrated tabletops in more detail. This one is frankly unsuitable for minors and should [...]

A stroll and a browse

Saturday morning. I drop my daughters at their Italian cooking class and find myself with an hour and a half free. I head to a nearby café for a coffee, muffin and free wifi. I’m surrounded by laptoppers and breastfeeders, and I manage to concentrate on my book for about twenty minutes before conceding that [...]

The Brusselicious Tram Experience

As you are all no doubt aware, 2012 is “Brusselicious” year, meaning that a variety of gastronomic events are planned across the town and throughout the year. Perhaps in light of the fact that in any given year Brussels is full of foodie events, nosh festivals and more top restaurants than you could ever need, [...]

Sans Valentine at La Britannique

Initially we didn’t have any plans for last night. Then we saw the announcement for this event, and we pounced. La Britannique has been making waves in the Brussels catering scene recently, and they also hold regular weekend brunches. They’re due to open a shop/café later this year, but for the moment they host a [...]

Jedi Burger

Many of you will have seen news stories recently about French fast food chain Quick’s three themed burgers featuring on their menus in February to tie in with the 3D re-release of the Star Wars prequels. I make very occasional visits to Quick when I’m in the mood for a burger but not too fussy [...]