By Grant Buchholtz
Traditional Brussels cuisine
Brussels is often an overlooked dining destination. Though home to the European Union and painter Rene Magritte, it has also made certain culinary contributions to the world. It is where French fries are thought to have originated, chocolate has been mastered, and beer comes in 600 varieties. Restaurants incorporate French cuisine, while offering their own regional dishes that reflect their unique melding of cultures.
Comme Chez Soi
With three Michelin stars and recommended by " The New York Times" and Fodor's, guests will be delighted by the cuisine here. In an Art Nouveau style, the dining room has a warm wood decor in which to enjoy the meal. The ever-changing menu is French with both a regional and international inspiration. There is even a chef's table to watch Chef Pierre Wynant at work. His dishes range from sauteed lobster with truffles and chanterelle mushrooms, a roast saddle of lamb, sole stuffed with crab, or a green pea soup with oxtail and Chimay beer. Reservations are needed, though lunch is more accessible.
Comme Chez Soi
Place Rouppe 23
Brussels 1000
Belgium
+32-02-512-29-21
commechezsoi.be
Aux Armes de Bruxelles
For over 80 years this restaurant has offered real Brussels cuisine. Diners can enjoy some of the freshest mussels, served with french fries and mayonnaise. As a family-owned restaurant, it offers a casual, relaxed ambiance with traditional regional specialties. The menu features a range of styles of mussels, eel, beef stewed in beer, and steak with a pepper and cream sauce. It is in the heart of Old Town, only steps from the Grand Place. Lunch features a three-course meal at a special price. It has also been recommended by "The New York Times."
Aux Armes de Bruxelles
Rue des Bouchers 13
Brussels 1000
Belgium
+32-02-511-55-98
auxarmesdebruxelles.be
Au Vieux Bruxelles
Since 1882, this brasserie has been specializing in mussels. Served in a variety of ways, guests can enjoy mussels with beer, curry, and blue cheese or cooked in white wine. As mussels are a staple for Belgians, this restaurant prepares them 15 ways for diners. The menu extends beyond just mussels and includes a flamed pepper steak, steak tartare, escargots (snails) and crepes. A popular dessert is a crepe with caramelized apples. The ambiance is traditional with checkered tablecloths, wooden walls, and oil paintings and mirrors on the walls.
Au Vieux Bruxelles
Rue St-Boniface 35
Brussels 1000
Belgium
+32-02-503-31-11
auvieuxbruxelles.com
About the Author:
Based in Boston, Grant has been writing on issues of faith, leadership, and personal growth since 2000. He has written for the "Journal of Evangelical Homiletics Society" and "theooze.com." Grant won the Parish Pulpit Scholarship in 2009. He received both a Master of Theology and Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and has done further graduate work at Harvard Divinity School and the University of Edinburgh.
Photo Credits:
Pot of Mussels image by Joseph Borg from
Fotolia.com
