Zanzibar- the nostalgia of the fifties

I discovered Zanzibar on a rainy day last year, after visiting a photo exhibit at the art) & (marges museum in the lovely Marolles.

If you want to have a healthy and frugal lunch, this is the perfect place. You can enjoy fresh sandwiches, quiches and some basic French and Italian dishes.

The special reason why I feel so well here is the interior reminding of the fifties. 

It is also very close to Place du Jeu de Balle, hosting the best flea market in town. 

Exact address: 316 rue Haute, 1000 Brussels. 

RECYCLART

The best party venue in town, in my humble opinion. 

It used to be a railway station (Bruxelles-Chapelle) and some visionary minds transformed it into an alternative arts centre for the promotion of non-mainstream artists and musicians. More about their mission here.  

They even have a low-priced canteen with original menus every week. And they organise concerts, photo exhibitions, workshops and lectures on architecture and graphic design. 

If you have five minutes to spare, please check out Anno Stamm, who rocked at this year's Holidays festival. 

The exact address is:
25, Rue des Ursulines
1000 Brussels

The Ixelles Cemetery

I admit, it may sound macabre, but I am a big fan of cemeteries.

I have already seen the sinuous Père Lachaise in Paris, with its tombs of Jim Morrison, Chopin and so many other geniuses. The one in Vienna is not bad either. 

As an "ixelloise", I could not leave the Ixelles cemetery unscrutinised. It's a very green cemetery, with tall poplars and pines and it seems to contain the tombs of many famous Belgians. A complete list here. 

As an anecdote, in my home country there is even a Merry Cemetery, worthwhile visiting. 

DELECTA

Another cute place in Ixelles, a few minutes away from Place Flagey.

Recently renovated, it surprises the visitor through its vintage interior années 60 and the matching music. 

The brunch attracts many young people during the weekends. 

My personal favourite is this time the geometrical wallpaper, to die for:-)

The exact address is: rue Lannoy 2.

https://plus.google.com/109271283453421820161/about?gl=be&hl=en

ABAO

Book shop and tea house, Abao is a hidden gem in lovely Watermael-Boitsfort.

It has an incredible choice of teas, hot chocolates and coffees from all over the world. When asking for the menu, you will be presented with a mini-encyclopaedia containing culinary explanations and anecdotes.
My personal favourites are the ice tea maison and the moelleux au chocolat.

Probably not your cup of tea if you don't like "la chanson française":-)

Official site:
http://www.abaobxl.be/info/spip.php?page=sommaire

Marché du Midi

One of the places where I love having breakfast on Sunday mornings under the noisy train tracks and the vociferation of the "bargainers" is the colourful Marché du Midi, right next to the Midi station.

Behind a stand full of spices, dried fruit and olives, a numerous family of Arab origins serves the most delicious pancakes in the world, filled with a sort of cottage cheese, olives, dried tomatoes and amber-coloured honey. On top of that, you can taste a sweet mint tea and you will be all smiles.

Open on Sundays from 6.00-13.30. 

SOLEIL D'AFRIQUE

Crazy Matongé...

If you are in the neighborhood or waiting for your movie to start at Cinema Vendôme or Toison d'Or, try this place. African cuisine, delicious peanut sauce, cocktails with funny names.

My personal favourites are the chicken wings, à ne pas manquer!

If you don't believe me, try this site:

http://bienmangerabruxelles.blogs.lalibre.be/archive/2012/11/02/au-soleil-d-afrique.html

They also have great music, remember this one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6voHeEa3ig

OUPS

One thing hard to find in Brussels are really good soups. 

Coming from a country where soup is sacrosanct, I was ecstatic when I discovered this little jewel close to Place Flagey. They have warm and cold soups with exotic names and spices. They even bake their own bread every day!

The owner is a former advertising expert, perpetually smiling. 
For more info, please take your time and read this article.

Here is also the official website of this magical place.

Bon appétit!