Brasserie Midi Station - Brussels

Brasserie Midi Station is a unique concept, we got that as soon as we entered this exceptional spot. It s huge on the inside still trying to maintain a cosy atmosphere though. You have different areas in the place. A bar area with comfy chairs n sofas, a restaurant area with an open kitchen and an oyster bar. I saw on their site that they also have a cigar lounge but I haven´t seen it. The restaurant is run by Dirk De Prins ( known to the general public as a jury member in the TV show ´My restaurant !´ ). He was present at the time and did his own quality check at the table next to us. ( read : He had a lonely dinner, although you re never alone at your own place right :-) ) 

As we just got out of a huge traffic jam we treated ourselves to an aperitif in the bar area. 

an inviting table awaited us, with design chairs and a table runner that disapears in the table !

A super begin I might add

 We could follow our plate as it was prepared with a lot of care. This only improved the dining experience.

A litl amuse to entertain us.

As entrees we had scallops and a vegitarian mix, both very tasty

As a main we tried the Jack O´ Shea Hereford Premium Grassland Beef . Stated to be top beef. Grilled on charcoal. It most certainly had a distinctive taste and was served with a mild bearnaise sauce.

I on the otherhand had the - very difficult to photograph - pork cheeks in Geuze beer sauce. Which was a first for me. Well prepared I m sure but I was a bit distracted by the texture and the image in my head combo. It happens, one has to learn right. Anyway very soft tender stew-like texture.  

As an extra you should check out their toilets ( especially the wash up area ) and you can also park in a private free parking around the courner in stead of the expensive underground parking lot of the trainstation - like we did. Check the site of the Midi Station to see their daily lunches or updates on the friday live music and more. I might go back to explore the world of oysters as I recently managed to eat one after previous failed attempts :). Until next time !



The Breakfast Club - London



To start the year right the first of January we went to the Breakfast Club in Soho London. We found the place thanks to a tip in a book of Tiany Kiriloff. People que outside to have their breakfast in this charming spot.



The friendly guy that served us certainly contributed to the charms of the place. In his white sheetlike dress and his remarkable Galliano high heeled shoes he does his commercial chit chat verry unforced and you feel a part of the scene there. Nice touch in the decoration btw is the ´hippies use backdoor´ sign.

I ordered ´THE FULL MONTY´ : Bacon, sousage, black pudding, poached eggs, home-style fried potatoes, mushrooms, beans, grilled tomato and toasted multigrain bloomer.

Also very appealing were the ´PANCAKES & BERRIES´

which are served with maple syrup and vanilla cream

 My capuccino told me what we already knew, we 2 had fallen in love with the Breakfast Club !
You can check their site here.

Till next time !



Restaurant De Kapelaan - Aalst (BE)

Restaurant De Kapelaan is situated in the chapel of a former abbey of the black sisters. It is monumentally protected since 1997. The building is one of the strong points of the restaurant. The inside is divided in three levels, which can be seen from the entrance thanks to the open architecture. The ground level has the original memorial stone for the monks in white marble in its decor ( which is where we sat ). The first floor which contains an open kitchen and the second floor which is situated in the dome of the chapel

The chapel

 Entrance

ground level

 

1st floor ( pic from site )

2nd floor ( pic from site )

Food wise De Kapelaan has - besides a regular menu - a tapas formula, they call ´´ de tapalaantjes ´´. It consisting of a variety of 10 small dishes ( they advise to have 3 to 4 as a meal ). The other dishes on the menu are rather simple but well prepared. While waiting for the dish we were surprised to get a little amuse-bouche of tuna sashimi and fat liver. The main itself was okay, nothing more nothing less. All in all it was with care prepared food in an unusual location. Till next time!

Restaurant Vapiano - Vienna

During our city trip in Vienna we encountered this dynamic vibrant pasta pizza bar. We soon discovered there were some particularities about this chain and a well thought out concept.

When you enter you immediately sense the great atmosphere by the enthusiastic staff. You ll get a card right away which will register everything you consume during your visit. Fresh is a key element in this bar, fresh pasta, fresh bread, fresh pizza dough, fresh herbs. At first we were a bit confused as you first go for your pasta and then look for a spot amongst the crowd. You can choose your seating freely and will share your table with others, which makes it a dynamic experience. While in line you can browse the menu for your favorite style of pasta and at the counter a variety of pastas is presented with photos of the shapes they stand for.

Each dish is cooked in a new wok ( afterwards they get picked up by the dishwasher ) you can choose for a spicy chili version of your pasta and if you like garlic added. At the end you can get a Parmesan layer on top or some fresh shavings of ricotta. At your table is a nice stand of pepper-salt-balsamic vinegar-olive oil-spicy oil and fresh basil and rosemary.

When you have had enough pasta you can end have a coffee and dessert in the lounge area. A variety of desserts where available with a funny "death by chocolate" to win the ladies over. This bar is versatile as you can go in for a quick bite or a long diner. A great and above all tasty experience. A well prepared pasta is always a hit right ?  

  So until next time !



Marc by Marc Jacobs Jersey Tee Punch Hole (graphics by Bäst)

Let´s highlight the collaboration of a street artist from New York, Bäst, and the creative director of Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs. The result is a line of Tees with big surreal prints. I got myself this one from the spring/summer collection. The collaboration was continued with a new line for fall/winter. I was attracted by the high art factor of the shirt and the out of the box print. The eye behind the white wall stares at you in an intriguing voyeuristic way ( interpretations may vary ). I got it at Bond - Hasselt. You can make a deal on it now if you browse the online shops, but I like to try em on before I buy em. I added some other Tees to give you a flavor of this artist. Till next time!

Also available :

Yves Saint Laurent high-top Malibu sneakers

My latest asset for the winter of 2012 are the YSL high top Malibu sneakers. I bought them at Amicis in Vienna. They are available in all kinds of colours and fabrics. Mine are charcoal anthracite with patent leather / suede / flannel. One of the more plain versions I must say. These signature YSL sneakers also comes more luxurious materials e.g. treated handwashed python skin, cowhide, deerskin or with a leopard print. Let me highlight some of the details while having a closer look.

A subtle mark are the Y shaped holes on the vamp.

On the backside of the shoe you can find a patted ribbed ankle,  

the script version of the name Yves Saint Laurent embroided on the heelcap

and the YSL logo on the heel.

                                              

At the front is a contrasting logo on the tongue.

The unavoidable shiny bag is included. ☺

All in all the abundance of logos present, aren´t distracting your attention of the iconic design of the sneaker which is why you buy em in the first place.

Till next time !

Tap here to Discover the YSL Sneakers