Brussels
Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 July 2016
9Hotel Sablon
We loved the hotel. It was perfect for our city break. All the staff were nice but the guy who we met upon arrival was alway upbeat and very welcoming every time we saw him. Real credit to the hotel. He also gave some insight into my family name which was exciting to hear. Loved the reception foyer area, the art work was great and all amenities there were a cute tough. Only gripe was there was no latte in the coffee machine in the downstairs area. The bedroom was a good size, the shower was exceptional and easily accessed. No iron in the room but was not needed. The breakfast was a little mediocre with the breakfast being best in Friday. The other days it was a little tired, scrambled eggs were cold. No bananas which are essential but still there was enough to eat. More continental than a full breakfast I think. However, this was still a great hotel and I definitely recommend for a stay.
Musee Magritte Museum - Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
It always difficult seeing an artist whose work has a similarity to other artists in the same era. This was pretty good. But the stand out was the photography capturing his love for his wife and their love story throughout the exhibition.
Jardin du Petit Sablon
This was a peaceful place and sit and take in the sights. It has a wonderful garden The statues the surround the garden are its keepers. A beautiful garden.
Grand Place
We were just taking in the environment and walked into the square. It's funny how the restaurants always cater that awful food that tourists love. But I would rather stick to anything that is more authentic and away from the city However the square is pretty spectacular.
Angelina
We stumbled across this restaurant by accident. The pizza was fine and very reasonable. The venue is pretty cool and would be a great place to hang out with friends.
Lola
We wanted to stay local and eat in the Sablon area. I have to say this was not as good as some of the reviews make out. The restaurant was packed, so lucky to get a table. However watching the 3 staff coordinate their delivery was poor. They were rushing around and not coordinated. The restaurant needed another floor person and that the floor be split. I know each restaurant has there way of working but this was not good. Starter for me was ok but I think my friends starter was deep fried. THe main course was Asian prawns and I had Dover sole, not filleted which was disappointing. The Sancerre was perfect and balanced our meal but we were left to our own devices for pouring, as the waiter was rushed. You can in part see into the kitchen but this is only head height viewing so you can't actually see in really. One the the staff fell asleep whilst we were eating, we found this comical. Not the best but not the worst - found it chaotic and the food not to my general standard.
Los Ponchos
After reading the reviews thought this would be a great restaurant to visit. It was good but lacked a bit of finesse I thought. Although all dishes presented and eaten were fine, the finer point to detail was missing I thought. However it was a great meal and the wine cellar was amazing. I think this establishment is on a winner. Our waiter was great and considering he was on his own, he did a fabulous job to look after everyone there. My only downside, is that the bathroom needs modernisation.
La Buvette
This was not the first choice restaurant but I think I made a great choice. Made the booking via our hotel. We arrived and the waiter seemed a little stern but I think this was due to the language difference. But as soon as the food started to come we were on to a winner. Each course was superb and you were left feeling what could be better. My only let down was the spinach and ricotta plate, it was not that tasty but looked great on the plate. My travel companion loved his birthday treat and as menu I think it was superb. The price including a bottle of Pinot Noir and carbonated water was well worth it. Thanks to the chef here and the whole team that served us. 👍🏿 Well worth a visit for anyone wanting a interesting but nice meal - we had the 7 courses.