I stumbled upon this outdoor seafood tapas joint while exploring the neighborhood with a local in…read moresearch of a spot to sit and chat. Even though there were no seats available we switch gears as soon as we spotted this place, planked our elbows on the bar and got down to businesses testing some of the exciting tapas items on the hand-drawn menu.
I had been in Brussels for over 24 hours and had yet to have anything fried, so fried was on my eating agenda. Cod fritters and fried mussels (which neither I nor my Brussels-born companion had ever seen) sounded like the perfect late afternoon snack to accompany our chat (as well as a glass of crisp white whine, what the hey?!).
Since our spot at the bar was smack in front of the outdoor kitchen we were able to see everything prepared before our eyes. The mussels were steamed on the grill to get them out of their shell, then each one was coated in a light bread crumb mix and fried up fresh. Served with homemade tartar sauce they were beyond perfection: juicy, slightly spicy, crisp. The cod fritters were equally delicious in their tempura crust, but the mussels stole the show for sure.
Who knew that you could have an authentic seaside experience in the heart of Brussels? Not me! But now that I've discovered this place you can guarantee I will be back every chance I get!