Brasserie de La Presse is one of those busy, elegant and modern restaurants in Brussels with business oriented clientele and a menu with plenty to choose from. My husband used to work at Rue Royale so we would often go La Presse together to grab some lunch, since it was one of the best options around.
Waking up super hungry and envisioning a superb breakfast definitely sounds like me, so whenever I’m in Amsterdam my first thought for a breakie is Bakers & Roasters.
Finding a place to eat on a Sunday evening in Gent without having it booked in advance can be a very difficult task (Belgians are usually ahead planners). So not long ago, on a Sunday I was having a beer with my husband at Brouwbar that is also located in the heart of Gent at Oudburg street we decided to give Prince a try since it was just meters away from where we were sitting and had tables available.
It’s been a week or so since I came back from the humid and hot Philippine (is)land(s) and I couldn’t wait to talk about one of the best choices of the trip: The BirdHouse.
The BirdHouse is a self entitled Glamping Experience, and whether or not you are acquainted with the term Glamping, you need to hear this one out cause I’m here to talk about food.
If you my friend, is a burger aficionado like me, this name is more than familiar. But for those who never heard about Manhattn’s Burger, beware , this post contain spoilers!
As the name gives out Manhattn’s is a premium burger chain that started out in Brussels, but wisely sells burgers inspired in the New York Burger Style. The chain has 3 addresses, 2 in Brussels, and one in Antwerp. I’ve been to all of them but my last visit was to their fairly recent address in Antwerp.
The burger you get from Manhattn’s is born from a fast premium concept, but before the gourmet burger lovers out there start frowning upon the idea, let me tell you why this concept works.
Unlike countless Burger spots in Belgium, Manhattan’s uses the traditional soft and fresh brioche buns, very succulent, tasty and according to their claims Irish, grass fed beef patties that are (very important to say) flame grilled, and the also important Belgian style fries that are often very well made, accompanied to a tasty homemade mayo (because premium burger and fries can’t make it without homemade mayo!)
The burgers are very well performed, and with all these ingredients they become a melting-in-your-mouth kinda burger. Nham!
Last time I visited Manhattn’s I ordered the Gatsby Burger, that only to think of waters my mouth, and once again the burger was truly enjoyable. Its only downside, if worth mentioning, was that it wasn’t served with wild mushrooms, but instead regular ones. But hey, to be honest I’m not really complaining.
The place has a modern industrial decor, with lots of tables and a considerable turnover, so you can always find a seat. It is efficiently managed with a fair price and good drinking options ranging from Coke to the Belgian La Chouffe on tap (big fan). They also have desserts and coffee options.
In my opinion Manhattn’s serves very honest and tasty burgers, with a consistent quality, be it in Brussels or Antwerp. Too bad they don’t have an address in Gent (yet).
For more info : www.manhattn’s.com
This recipe is a culinary fast food! Scampi Diabolique is one of the most traditional Belgian dishes and definitely one of my favourite. I’ve had many different versions in the past and it took me some time to figure out my “ideal” recipe, but after trying some variations I finally nailed the ingredients and my Diabolique became a favourite with a Belgian’s approval (thanks hubby).
In my version I try to reproduce the silky creamy sauce where the ‘scampi’ can have all the attention, so unlike other recipes out there, I skip the bell peppers, carrots, curry and some other ingredients.
This dish is certainly effortless and flexible : you can serve it as an appetizer, or main dish and the side options couldn’t get any simpler: be it french fries (like Belgians do) fresh slices of bread, or rice, you choose! It is definitely a great choice in cold days since it has some spiciness to warm up and a fulfilling tasty sauce.
