My City, Your city: Brussels

I don’t usually follow up on those memes that tend to circulate from weblog to weblog but, after being told I don’t talk about Brussels enough, I decided I couldn’t pass up on Don Olivero’s invitation to describe my local favourites (it all seems to have started here).

My favorite ‘grab-a-bite’ : That would probably be Exki as there’s usually one in the neighbourhood, they have several veggie options and they don’t cover everything in mayo. It tastes good too and it’s not as expensive as it looks. If I’m in the Center, they make a mean veggie platter at De Pistolei (Rue de la Madeleine).

My favourite shops : for reading material, I enjoy Sterling Books, they always seem to have a selection compatible with my tastes, and the laid-back atmosphere with sofas for digging in before purchase is nice. I also regularly visit Peinture Fraiche (10, rue du Tabellion in Ixelles) for design books and pop in to Quartiers Latins for books about Brussels.

There are no clothes shops that really do it for me in Brussels, I usually make my purchases elsewhere or online. Music is also purchased online, in digital or analog format. I like Plaizier for odd little bits and pieces.

My favorite restaurants : Le Dolma’s vegetarian buffet, pure ecstasy. The seitan curry at Thai City is worth a visit too.

My favorite ‘take my friends when in town’ : The tavern at the Toone puppet theatre.

5 other things to mention : The Galler shop on the Grand-Place for reasonably-priced chocolate that still remains Belgian and isn’t overloaded with junk like certain other well-known brands.

The sewer museum, where you can actually go down into the sewers, guided by people who work there. Hopefully the recent renovations didn’t kill the atmosphere. Also, it’s free if you live in the city.

The Saint-Nicolas church , just off the Grand-Place in the center (Rue Tabora) – take a look inside at the fifth pillar on the left, there’s a cannonball wedged in there from a siege of the city in the 17th century.

The Plasticarium (by appointment only), home to the largest collection of plastic space age furniture in the world.

The Erasmus house in Anderlecht, it’s like stepping back in time.

I’m not sure I want to inflict this on others, but if they feel like playing the game, the following people can try: François, Xavier, Hans and Eric