Belgium,I miss your chocolate

There are two things I really miss now that I live in London:Ricore (an instant coffee and chicory powder) and affordable good chocolate.

YuMe – asian fusion lounge bar & restaurant

YUME Tervurenlaan 292 B-1150 Bruxelles http://www.resto-yume.be (picture from lalibre.be)

I had been wanting to go to Yume since this summer, when I tasted their beef teriyaki at the EAT Festival. However, I never made it until now because I have been too lazy to go that far (ok, it is not that far, but outside my usual quarters let’s say).  Now that I am about to leave, I realize there are so many things I had been wanting to do, and never did. So I am trying to catch up before it is too late!

Brussels sprouts – a tribute to Brussels

As you might know if you have been following this blog for more than 2 weeks, I am about to say goodbye to Brussels. I have had an amazing time here, and though I am really glad to be finally moving to London, I am also sad to leave. So I thought my last recipe cooked in my Brussels kitchen should pay homage to the city. I had many possible dishes in mind, the one more popular than the other: fries, waffles, mussels, speculoos …

But then I realized that these were already very popular among many of us: people who come to Belgium, and Brussels in particular, can’t wait to put their hands on a cone of crunchy fries with mayonnaise, or a warm waffle dripping with chocolate.

But there is one delicious dish people tend to avoid. It is suffering from a bad reputation, though I find it tastes great when well prepared. Ladies and gentlemen, let me present you: Brussels sprouts! (Of course, you’ve guessed it already, since it’s on the picture above…) This is my tribute to Brussels: the rehabilitation of Brussels sprouts, with an easy and tasty recipe

Ars Vinorum – an Italien hidden jewel

Ars Vinorum – Rue de la Reinette, 6 – 1000 Bruxelles
Picture from website http://www.ars-vinorum.com

This charming Italian trattoria has nothing to do with your basic pizza place! I cannot believe I have been in Brussels more than 2 years and just discover it now. In my favour, Ars Vinorum is well hidden between Place Royale and Porte de Namur in Brussels. The place is small, but cosy, and you feel transported into an italian wine cave. The ideal place for a romantic night out!

Tea & Eat – perfect brunch on a sunny sunday

Already July and summer does not seem to start yet in Brussels. I used to make fun of the people here, strolling the street in their shorts & tees at the first ray of light. But then I realized I did not want to lose even one occasion to sit in the sun myself when I had the chance, as it does not happen that often here!

So this week-end, when chosing a place for brunch, a garden or a least a terrace was a must have! And I found the Holy Grail: Tea & Eat!

Place is lovely, they have a shady garden that protects you from the noise in the streets, waiters are nice & helpful, and food is delicious. What more could I ask for? Oh yes I forgot, it is not even overly priced!

We had a brunch composed of toast bagels with cream cheese and salmon on a green salad and roasted vegetables, soft scrambled eggs, a biiiiig scone with strawberry jam and whipped cream, freshly squeezed orange juice and a choice of hot beverages.

If you don’t have time to sit and enjoy the athmospere, you can also stop by their little shop and get some of there numerous and flavorful teas.