Place Brugmann
A charming residential neighbourhood that artfully blends boutiqu
Walk across the Chaussée de Waterloo and go back up from Rue Fernand Neuray, to number 33. Discover on Saturdays, T.W.U. a unique concept of storage furniture created by Alain Chennaux. Opposite, the restaurant La Canne en Ville will seduce you with its warm welcome as well as its talented chef !
On Rue Franz Merjay, the boutique Cachemire, Coton & Soie displays Sophie Helmoortel’s sophisticated selection of exclusive clothes and accessories. A little further, on N° 131, a colourful corner : LuciaEstevez. and its personal universe, where its favorite ready-to-wear clothing pieces and decorative objects can be discovered by all. Opposite, his two other boutiques Mist et Moon stock house linens, homewear, and a unique range of ready to wear fashions and accessories made from luxurious fabrics: cashmire, mohair, silk and leather. A little further up, at 156, in a superb house tucked out of view from the main street, lies Et le bijou créa la femme..., a boutique with exclusive jewellery. At the end of the week, Joelle Van de Voorde, the designer, opens her workshop to the public.
At number 3 Rue Emile Bouilliot lies Bamboo, with it's beautifully crafted ethnic fair trade products of quality. Useful gadgets, art, tablewear, jewellery, home decor, smells and tastes : all made thanks to a healthy interaction between European designers, ethnic artists and responsable consumers.
On Rue Joseph Stallaert the fashion designer Pierre Gauthier presents his collection of unique designs that really show off his incredible talent. Opposite, Le Mâcon, a pub boasting trendy black wooden decor, offers Belgian cuisine : I would recommend its “américain” (Steak Tartare), served with its home-made fries.
On Rue Berkendael, Violaine Damien has handpicked original treasures in the form of clothes, objects and decorations from various corners of the world for her boutique Graphie Sud.
On number 52, Rue Darwin, a boutique that enchants you as well as invites you to travel, is Anne Marie Witmeur’s own universe, where she displays objects coming from all over the world. Next to it, 20th century Art enthusiasts will be more than pleased to discover the objects, that antique dealer and decorator Jean Claude Jacquemart has bargain-hunted over time.
Have a look around Place Brugmann, a charming square full of boutiques, antique dealers, restaurants and pleasant terraces. Feeling hungry? Try the Balmoral, an authentic American Milk bar where you can feast on its renowned hamburgers, muffins and cheese cakes. Just nearby is Les Précieuses, a boutique with sophisticated accessories displaying Pili Collado’s collection. Next door, the Winery has a wide range of wines from around the world and organises very popular tasting events on its terrace.
Steps away, be seduced by Wouters & Hendrix, a jewellery boutique where each piece has been lovingly crafted by these two designers from Antwerp. On the same stretch is Claude Hontoir’s adorable children’s collection. Next door, Anne Pascale Mathy Devalck, passionate about perfumes, has opened her somber boutique in shades of black and gold, l'Antichambre, which specialises in a range of unique made to order perfumes. Let Anne Pascale know what you are looking for, and she will be thrilled to create your personalised scent together with you.
On the other side of the square, why not treat yourself at Dandoy, the most traditional Brussels biscuit maker, who just opened a shop in the area.
Further away, a very modern food corner in which Gaudron re-opened its doors, a luxurious gourmet store as well as catering isle to its bakery counter has been added. Close by, Candide, a rather tiny bookshop that is almost a bit of a treasure room, even opens on Sunday mornings. On the corner, the windows of florist Catleya display its stunning and original flower arrangements. As for, Baroq’s Café it’s the sunniest terrace on the square, where locals usually swarm to in summer !
On Rue Louis Lepoutre, the restaurant l’Intemporelle serves up deliciously sophisticated dishes. Just next door, antique shop Faisons un rêve specialising in 20th Century Art, exposes and displays design furniture, vintage objects and Scandinavian jewellery from the 1950’s and 60’s. At the end of the road, you can stop off at one of the branches of Le Pain Quotidien, a "table d'hotes" and traditional bakery. At number 6, in a beautiful manor, head over to Tchop-Tchop for a quick lunch, but of quality : all of its home-made preparations can even be taken away as goodie bags. Over the road around the corner is Jean Michel Hamon’s new restaurant, the Toucan sur Mer, a pub that offers all sorts of seafood, in a refined decor and setting. When the sun is shining, take advantage of the sunny terrace in order to fully enjoy its savoury oysters, served with a nice glass of white wine. Two steps away, you'll find Le Toucan, a hip restaurant-bistro with a pleasant terrace of regulars.
At 563 Chaussée de Waterloo, Le Piano is the favourite haunt of many a fan of good home cooking: here you'll find kitchen utensils and accessories which will help you whip up your favourite dishes at home.
Opposite at number 572, succomb to Rouge Pivoine, as this florist has a great gift for discovering rare flowers and unusual decorations. At No 579, Parachute Jump presents a clothing collection that oozes classical elegance and refined luxury. Further on at No 587, you will find Fabrice Collignon, a gourmet cake shop thatmanages to blend unusual flavours harmoniously. His beautiful cakes are to take away or to enjoy on the spot in the modern tea room.Take my advice: try the macarons,.. they are simply delicious.
Walking down Rue Washington, you will arrive at a gorgeous little square, surrounded by a park. On Place Charles Graux, stop at Parachute Parc, for a succession of delicious tastes, all served as tapas. In the summer its terrace is heaven. Opposite is the Maison Felix : this caterer and restaurant is a fine example of the French cuisine tradition, and a place of delight : it is the only one in Brussels that carries the highly coveted ice-creams and sorbets from Parisian ice-maker Berthillon.
Going back to Chaussée de Waterloo, at number 719, is a very gourmet address that the people of Brussels generously hand out to friends, La Poissonnerie François. Located at the back of the GB store at the Bascule, Monsieur François, an enthusiast, will be more than happy and pleased to advise you as well as help you discover his wide variety of seafood.
