Just try ordering something besides mussels. I did and was denied. So an enormous, flavorful pot of moules it was and a side of frites that was almost as good as the five servings I had all over Belgium. When in France, just get the special. I was wrong to think I wanted anything […]
Sofitel Brussels (Or, Mike Ness & Us)
Where else might you spot Mike Ness in the flea market going on right outside the front door? Aside from housing musicians during the Rock Werchter festival, this hotel is a great value and incredibly comfortable. It had a nice roof deck, a stylish bar and a Neuhaus chocolate shop. Place Jourdan 1, Brussels
Eat This Pizza
Mamma Roma. Brussels. This pizza is shockingly, overwhelmingly outstanding. Angelo and I tried to think of better pizza we’ve had. Nowhere in the U.S., including NYC and that one place in New Haven. Nowhere in Europe, including Italy (although the owner learned pizza-making in Italy before modernizing it for this shop). The crust is sourdough-ish, […]
Rock Werchter
You and 79,999 other music fans, frites, beer, sunshine…what could be better? Held annually since 1974, this 4-day music festival has grown to one of Europe’s largest. Until the 1990’s, it mostly attracted Flemish attendees, but has recently grown more international in scope to include Dutch, British and Australian contingents. And at least two […]
Brasserie du Cercle
Fresh and seasonable food is the focus at this Place d’Armes brasserie. The menu includes regional specialties (quiche, meat and fish dishes), salads, pizzas, pastas and artisanal ice creams. The pizza and ice cream are delicious. Skip the pasta. There’s a good selection of wines from Luxembourg, France and Italy and beers from Belgium, Germany […]
Pavillon du Parc Bel Air
A great Luxembourg City al fresco dining spot: Pavillon du Parc Bel Air ‘s patio, which overlooks the pond in Parc du Merl. The menu offers regional specialties such as grilled meats with a choice of sauces, pasta, quiche and salads. A small selection of wines, Champagne and crémant from France and the Moselle Valley […]
Moselle Valley
Europe’s smallest wine-growing region stretches 42 km along the western bank of the Moselle River. Global warming has done its part in making this former up-and-coming region a true contender on the wine scene, contributing to the ideal microclimate and fertile soil. Most grapes are used to make whites and rosés, and a few […]
Bosso Brasserie
Yesterday, summer (or a heatwave) finally arrived in Luxembourg! Temps were in the high-80’s F all day long and the sky was an ideal blue. We enjoyed an al fresco lunch with our new friend Sophie at Bosso Brasserie in the Grund. This was the perfect spot for a steamy Sunday, since the back patio […]
Victor Hugo House, Vianden
I’m a sucker for viewing writers’ houses, so the Victor Hugo House in Vianden was a must-see. Hugo lived here for three months in 1871 during his exile from France as a political refugee. From his desk, he had a direct view of the Vianden Castle on the hill. The study has been restored […]
Vianden Castle
This castle is one of the largest medieval monuments in Northern Europe and the main sight in Vianden. Construction began in the 11th century and continued for more than 300 years. When it was finally completed, the Nassau family, who had inherited Vianden, didn’t care to move in and continued to rule from afar. […]
