THE definitive Belgian countryside gastro-pub…read more
My parents live in this small, quiet, countryside town 35 min drive outside Brussels, which is quaint and pretty as a picture. It's very much an elite, privileged community, but which retains a certain rustic charm, and this very much describes La Tartine too.
La Tartine (which means "The Sandwich") is right in the centre of the village, both geographically and socially. This is where village life congregates: wealthy surgically-enhanced divorcées, families of British expats, and groups of (very well behaved) teenagers all come together on the giant covered terrace that overlooks the dreamy green fields.
The menu is small and simple, but yummy, the staff super friendly, and you basically can't help but have a smile on your face the whole time you're there. Every time I visit my folks, I insist on coming here, even if I have to pick up the tab myself (and I'm cheap as chips).
P.S. The €€€ price rating might imply this place is very expensive, but it's not. I don't know why Yelp think €21 for a meal in Belgium is expensive, but it's not! Especially for Lasne, it's damned cheap!