Villa Empain

I discovered Villa Empain during a photo shoot with my friend, Laurent, on a cold November day. 

It is difficult to put into words the beauty of this place. The Art Deco jewel is owned by the Boghossian Foundation, belonging to a Lebanese family with Armenian roots. It hosts amazing exhibitions, concerts and conferences. 

An oval pool in the rear seems to have a decorative role. But my favourite element in the whole building is a former bathroom on the first floor, covered in mosaic of different shades of green and turquoise. 

Address: avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67

COS

I am not a shopaholic. But I have to hand it to COS: it represents a unique combination of minimalism and elegance. Everything at an affordable price.

Even better than the clothes are the accessories (in my humble opinion): shoes, jewelry, lingerie. 

I had a very interesting discussion about clothes with an artist friend. She reckoned that COS were a brand for right-wing people, self-centered, snobbish. I was quite dumbfounded by her statement, since I would certainly not consider myself right-wing. "Disenchanted with politics", someone used to call me. 

Do you think that clothes reflect someone's political beliefs? Feel free to leave a comment below...

Address: 32 avenue Louise. 

Chez Franz

I couldn't stand Chez Franz the first time I went there. I did not feel at ease there, maybe because despite its modest appearance, it seemed to be a favoured meeting place for high-brow ucclois.   

But I changed my opinion. It's a bar for everyone: students, kids, old guys, writers, ladies of ages impossible to guess, daydreamers...  

The cuisine doesn't look bad either. I like the tiles on the floor and the wooden window frames. I would call it typically Belgian, without being too shabby. 

The nicest thing about it is that if you ask the bartender for limes for the caipirinha you want to prepare at home, he won't say no...

Address:
30 av. du Haut Pont, 1050 Brussels

Le Rouge Cloître

I have already published this already, but it sounded so dry and I didn't think it reflected the magic of this place. 

The Red Cloister and its domain are breathtaking in any season, but my favourite is autumn.  I like the shadows cast by the slim trees over the path. The squirrels who don't shy away from photographers. And the ice cream van, selling waffles with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. The deserted house, overgrown by weeds. And the grey wall, with dry ivy hanging on it. 

It's a lovely place for meditation and closeness to nature. For being in the moment, for losing oneself. 

Unfortunately quite crowded during the weekends. 

You may want to take a look at my photographic diary for further pics.

Address: 
Rue de Rouge Cloître 4
1160 Brussels

Roby Lakatos

Roby Lakatos prides himself on being the world's fastest fiddler. Gipsy of Hungarian origin, his music is one of a kind.

Ranging from classical, jazz, Klezmer to folk, his repertoire will most certainly give you goosebumps or even bring tears to your eyes. For me, Roby's music is one of the only things capable of seizing me from my daydreaming and bringing me in the very moment. 

Here some samples of the virtuoso's talent.

You can see him perform at Marché aux Vins (rue du Belvedere 14, near place Flagey) on most Fridays and Saturdays and sometimes at Archiduc. 

Lord Byron

Lord Byron (Art Café) is the perfect venue for meeting your friends in the centre of Brussels. 

Its name is apparently due to the fact that the owner resembles the famous Romantic poet.

The place is not vast, but cozy and charming. The light is dim and the music discreet, so you can actually hear what the others are saying. 

The owner is there almost all the time, with his grey hair and melancholy eyes. He genuinely seems to come from a remote place and time. 

Address:

8 Rue des Chartreux

1000 Brussels

Le Corto

Le Corto is a student bar/ café near ULB and the Ixelles cemetery. Its slightly kitsch, but cozy interior is inspired by the world of the comics, i.e. Corto Maltese.

Drinks are original and at a reasonable price. You can enjoy for example a submarine, a shot of strong drink (possibly rum) immersed in a bigger glass of beer. Or a delicious kir, a mix of white wine and cassis syrup. 

The bar has kept its appearance since the eighties. On Saturdays, it can be booked for private events.

Take a look at their site, it's unique...

Address: 
Chaussée de Boondael 485
1050 Brussels