The best, most unique dining experience we had in Brussels!…read more
It's a 15 minute walk NW from La Grand-Place de Bruxelles. Once you've entered Place St. Catherine, you're completely out of the main tourist district which is nice if you want something more authentic as opposed to overpriced and themepark-like.
Viva M'Boma is small, clean and has an understated elegance in its simplicity. It's apparent once you see the menu that you are there to experience something you wouldn't normally get at most places that label themselves food-centric (they specialize in organs). Not only is the menu eclectic; they deliver hard core with flavors that are savory, intense and exquisite.
For the starter we had Kirr with cassis as an aperitif that accompanied an order of pan-seared calf's brain in a beef boullion with onion and garlic, and a fois gras in a very traditional presentation. Both were outstanding and a good prelude of what was to come.
We placed the second order once we finished our starters so that we could carefully select the next delicious offering as there were so many awesome things to choose from. I was tempted by the Pot-au-feu, essentially a stew of beef cheeks, oxtail and marrow, but was swayed by the waitress to the solomillo of horse, cooked blue and with a glass of St. Emilion. Yep, it was incredible! The meat was cooked expertly and the pairing showed of a true professional.
My better half had veal cheeks that were stewed in beer and fell apart when you so much as touched them with the fork. This dish exploded with flavor and left us wanting to lick the plate after it was done.
We finished the evening off with a house-made speculoos ice-cream (gingerbread) and caramelized apples... Pretty F'n awesome!
We really enjoyed the experience, hospitality and knowledge of this establishment. We never felt rushed and all our questions were answered kindly and consummately. If you are in Brussels and are looking for something truly special, masterfully prepared and unlike anything you normally indulge in, please visit this place and stay away from Rue des Bouchers.