Belgian browser
Our pick of restaurants, hotels and the best events from cities across Belgium. Text Nina Lamparski
BED DOWN
Hooy Kaye Lodge
22 Quai aux Pierres de Taille, Brussels, tel. (0)2 218 4440, www.hooykayelodge.com
If you like your hotels cosy, quirky and luxurious, try this small bed & breakfast, which includes a junior suite with salon, a duplex-style double bedroom and a garden. Close to Grand’Place, it’s perfect for shopping and sightseeing. Double rooms from €95.
Monty Small Design Hotel
101 Boulevard Brand Whitlock, Brussels, tel. (0)2 734 5636, www.monty-hotel.be
The building dates back to the 1930s, but the 18 rooms at this boutique hotel have been fitted out in beautiful contemporary style. The breakfast room and lounge bar alone are worth a look for their exquisite decoration and art pieces. Rooms from €129.
Martin’s Klooster Hotel
22 Predikherenstraat, Leuven, tel. (0)16 213141, www.martins-hotels.com
This 16th-century convent is now a four-star haven in the heart of Leuven. Some of the rooms are equipped with a Jacuzzi and fireplace while all have internet access and stunning interiors featuring neutral, earthy tones. Rooms from €135.
EATING OUT
Rouge Tomate
190 Avenue Louise, Brussels, tel. (0)2 647 7044, www.rougetomate.be
With the arrival of executive chef Nicolas Rivière this establishment has sealed its reputation as one of the city’s culinary hotspots in 2009. Menu highlights include fine slices of salmon in ginger and lime with turnips and pink and black radishes.
La Cabane du Fou Chantant
176 Avenue de Fré, Brussels, tel. (0)2 374 3315
Enjoy champagne and fine French cuisine in a little cottage perched in a tree at what is possibly Brussels’ most original restaurant. This gem is located in the back garden of brasserie Le Fou Chantant and holds up to four guests. Booking is a must.
Gin-Fish
9 Haarstraat, Antwerp, tel. (0)3 231 3207
There’s no set menu at this tiny restaurant because chef Didier Garnich prepares his seafood dishes according to what he finds that day in the market. Book ahead because this Michelin-starred place is popular with locals and is only open in the evening.
DRINK UP
Pink Flamingo’s
55 Onderstraat, Ghent, tel. (0)9 233 4718, www.pinkflamingos.be
Sweet like bubble gum, this candy-coloured kitsch temple where Barbie dolls dangle from the ceiling is a girl’s best friend and a lot of naughty fun.
Bar du Matin
172 Chaussée d’Alsemberg, Brussels, tel. (0)2 537 7159
Wallpaper magazine listed this bar as one to visit in 2009. Recently opened by Brussels bar mogul Frédéric Nicolay, it has managed to inject some much-needed zing into the sleepy Forest neighbourhood.
Goupil le Fol
22 Rue de la Violette, Brussels, tel. (0)2 511 1396
It’s a tad difficult to find, but that makes this magical place all the more special. Sink into comfy leather couches as French troubadours sing of love and loss as time drips as slowly as the wax off the lovely chandeliers.
DON’T MISS
Multimedia
7 March Museum Night Fever www.museumnightfever.be
For one night 14 museums give free reign to young artists for exhibitions, concerts and multimedia installations. The event is crowned with a wicked after-party featuring DJ sets.
Contemporary music
10 March – 10 April Ars Musica Brussels, www.arsmusica.be
Held at various venues around the city, this huge festival showcases the best in new contemporary music, from classical to avant-garde and electro.
Film
9-21 April
Fantastic Film Festival
Tour & Taxis, www.Brussels. bifff.org
“The stranger the better” is the motto at this event, which screens more than 150 movies celebrating all things horror, sci-fi and weird. A highlight is the Vampire Ball.
Exhibition
13 March – 31 May Steinlen: The Eye of the Street Ixelles Museum, Brussels, www.etebelleepoque.be
A major figure around 1900, belle epoque artist Steinlen became famous for his representations of Montmartre and Parisian life. Also check out the Toulouse Lautrec collection.
Trade fair
20-29 March Eurantica Brussels Expo, www.eurantica.be
From archaeology to the modern arts, more than 130 antique dealers bring their finest pieces to this large-scale fair.
Pages: 1 2