Brussels
, Belgium
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As the capital of Europe, Brussels is definitely worth a visit. With
its many old buildings and the truly magnificent Grand Place (or Grote Markt),
it has a character of its own. There are many nice restaurants and even in the
dark days of winter, there is still a bit of a bustle. It is an expensive place
to stay, even compared to other European capitals and it is absolutely freezing
in February. The beer does make up for this though.
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Le Marmiton
Galerie de la Reine 38
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Le Marmiton is charming little restaurant in the centre of Brussels. Food
is mainly classic French dishes and every one is cooked expertly by the chef.
Favourites include Sole Meunière, Slivers of duck breast with ginger & pink
pepper and Speculoos icecream. The staff are very friendly and this is one place
I will definitely go back to. 25-40 EUR for a two course meal.
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Ninja House
Rue de la Vierge Noire 16/24
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A slight oddity was finding a Japanese restaurant in the middle of Brussels,
but Ninja House is a cracking find. The menu has no less than 93
dishes, and the all-you-can-eat price of 27 EUR entitles you to 5 rounds of
as many dishes as you can finish from the menu, plus dessert. Drinks are extra.
We had some great food here, but it is not a restaurant I would go to on my
own, as the dishes are really made for sharing.
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Brussels Grill
De Brouckèreplein 19
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Brussels Grill was one of those places I was initially slightly sceptical
of, having its menu outside with big pictures of all the dishes, which normally
means "tourist trap". However, the food is really good, the staff normally very
friendly, and the beer very drinkable. A steak or grilled chicken is relatively
cheap compared to other Brussels restaurants, and this one was very handy on a
cold winter's night, being just outside my hotel.
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Brussels Grill
Avenue du Boulevard 21
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Another Brussels Grill restaurany is just off Place Rogier, and is
slightly larger than the one at De Brouckère. The menu is the same, but it
was nice to have a little walk up the pedestrianised shopping streets before
dinner.
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Hotel Métropole
Place de Brouckère 31
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The Hotel Métropole is an elegant 19th century hotel in the centre of
Brussels. It has had an interesting history, including being recquistioned
during the Second World War by both the Germans and the Allies. Many original
features remain, including an ancient cage elevator, which we nicknamed "The
Lift of Death". The rooms vary in shape and size, but all are clean and
comfortable. Whilst there are no "cheap" hotels in Brussels, this at least
seems to offer reasonable value for money and I stayed here for many weeks.
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Radisson BLU Royal Hotel
Rue du Fossé-aux-Loups 47
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The Radisson BLU Royal Hotel is somewhat more modern than the Metropole
and offers everything you could want on a business trip. A little expensive
if you are staying more than a few nights, but a nice place to be based.
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