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Our pick of restaurants, hotels and the best events from cities across Belgium. Text Nina Lamparski
EATING OUT
Switch
6 Rue de Flandre, Brussels, tel. (0)2 503 1480, www.switchrestofood.be
With its monochrome wallpaper, wooden floors and open kitchen, Switch falls somewhere between a modern bistro and a high-end restaurant. The owner, food critic Marc Boutsen, clearly has his finger on the pulse – it’s a cool place with a well- executed menu and reasonable prices.
Restaurant Hof van Cleve
1 Riemegemstraat, Kruishoutem, tel. (0)9 383 5848, www.hofvancleve.com
If you’re in Ghent, don’t miss this place. Under the auspices of chef Peter Goossens, it’s once again been voted one of the world’s 50 best restaurants. The culinary experience will be more than worth the 20-minute cab ride from Ghent’s centre.
Cospaia
1 Captaine Crespel, Brussels, tel. (0)2 513 0303, www.cospaia.be
This super-suave bar- restaurant in uptown Brussels easily rivals New York and Paris establishments in terms of décor, service and cuisine. Make sure to dress up and book ahead.
BED DOWN
Sofitel Le Louise
40 Avenue de la Toison d’Or, Brussels, tel. (0)2 514 2200, www.sofitel.com
Completely refurbished in 2008, this boutique-style branch of the Sofitel chain has rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, espresso machines, high-speed wi-fi and a laptop-sized safe. Très chic! Check the website for special deals. Rooms from €134.
Royal Windsor Hotel
5 Rue Duquesnoy, Brussels, tel. (0)2 505 5555, www.royalwindsorbrussels.com The Fashion Addict package at this central hotel will amaze even the most jaded trend- spotters. The deal includes a night in one of 12 Fashion Rooms created by Belgian designers, a brochure of Brussels’ best shopping areas and high tea with pastries and coffee. From €229 for two sharing.
Home@Feek
52 Klapdorp, Antwerp, tel. (0)3 475 1765, www.feek.be
This brand new B&B from furniture designer Frederik Van Heereveld only has two suites. Sip hot wine under clear winter skies on your own private terrace after enjoying a rain shower or Jacuzzi. The city’s main square and shops are a five-minute walk away. Rooms from €125.
DRINK UP
Le Pain Quotidien
16 Rue Antoine Dansaert, Brussels, tel. (0)2 502 2361, www.painquotidien.com
After shopping on Rue Antoine Dansaert, regain strength with a coffee, hot chocolate or fresh mint tea at this cosy bakery-cum-tearoom. It was the first outlet of what is now a famous franchising chain stretching from New York to Moscow.
Motel
7 Luikstraat, Antwerp, tel. (0)2 216 9760, www.motel-antwerp.be
One of Antwerp’s coolest bars, this is where the city’s fashionistas and jetsetters come to compare jewellery. But it’s also a well-designed space with fantastic décor and friendly service. Thursday nights here are best.
Dali’s Bar
35 Petite Rue des Bouchers, Brussels, tel. (0)2 511 5467
Décor here is directly inspired by the grand master of surrealism, Salvador Dali – sit on gigantic red lips and listen to electro. Hidden amid the restaurants off Grand’Place, its arched entrance is easy to miss, so look for the blue neon sign.
DON’T MISS
Art sale
31 January – 1 February
Truc-Troc Bozar, 23 Rue Ravenstein, Brussels, www.bozar.be
The fair presents the work of 100 young contemporary artists. Visitors can offer an exchange (not money) and take home original pieces of art.
Festival
15–24 January
Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Botanique, 236 Rue Royale, Brussels, www.fglb.org
The annual Gay and Lesbian Film Festival includes unpublished documentaries, feature films, short films and an exhibition of photographs and paintings.
Rock and pop
22–23 January & 11–12 February
Tina Turner Sportpaleis, Antwerp, www.sportpaleis.be
Don’t miss your chance to see the grande dame of R ’n’ B before she retires – simply the best.
Tours
10 February
Brussels for Lovers Bike Tour Brussels, www.provelo.be
Rent a bike from Pro Velo and join this annual tour. The three-hour night-time ride takes in some of the city’s most romantic sights.
Photography
23 January – 19 April Robert Capa
Jewish Museum, 21 Rue des Minimes, Brussels, www.mjb-jmb.org
Robert Capa is regarded as the greatest war photographer of all time, with work spanning World War II, the Spanish Civil War and the liberation of Paris. This retrospective features 150 of his images.
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