Luzine restaurant

Luzine is the restaurant of TV personality Jeroen Meus. It is located in Wilsele, near Leuven next to the canal. 

You reach the entrance, which is hidden in a dark hallway with candles, after climbing a large, high concrete staircase that looks like it belongs in an industrial site.

We made our reservations months ago and had huge expectations.  Aside from the fact that we did not get to see the Master himself - as we had all hoped of course, we were not disappointed: the food was exquisite, the wine was excellent and the personnel were helpful, knowledgeable and welcoming, making us feel very comfortable.

I did not take pictures of the food as other bloggers have done that:

http://charleat.blogspot.be/2014/02/luzine.html

Not just a flea market

The photo ops at the Brussels' flea market are proportional to the exposed ware.  Accompanied by the winter (yes it is still winter, in astronomical terms) sun of the past few days, I would love to be able to  visit every day. As you can see, it is possible to even get in a portion of daily exercise.....I recommend a visit to everyone, locals, tourists, photographers etc. Put it on your to do while in Brussels list! 
"....the flea market on place du Jeu de Balle is more than just a flea market, it's an atmosphere" 
Flea market, antiques, collections,... in a very typical and friendly atmosphere in Brussels, 365 days a year!

Regulars say that the best days to go are Thursday and Friday. However, on Saturdays and Sundays you might find more specific or rare pieces that are only available at the weekend"

http://www.opt.be/informations/events_bruxelles__marolles_flea_market_on_place_du_jeu_de_balle/en/E/20774.html

Belgitude at the flea market

Gerard Mortier, in memoriam

Belgian Gerard Mortier was one of Opera's most famous personalities. "... a visionary opera company leader whose bold theatricality and updating of the canon helped define the art form’s modern history, died on Saturday at his home in Brussels. He was 70".
Picture and excerpt from The New York Times
full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/10/arts/music/gerard-mortier-opera-visionary-dies-at-70.html?_r=0

End of carnival in Brussels

There are always, ALWAYS interesting things to see in the Brussels Marolles Flea market area. More about the market in the next posting.

Spring in the air

Sharing my neighbors tree with you today! Sun in Brussels, spring in the air!

Art deco in Brussels

"A stone's throw away from the shops on rue Neuve, the Art Deco façade of the tavern Espérance attracts the attention of passers-by. Léon Govaerts, who also designed the Vanderborght shops on rue Fossé-aux-Loups and the home of the banker Van Buuren in Uccle, was its architect. With quite severe lines, it was built in 1930 and given a facing in veined marble. The entrance, slightly off centre, was topped by a metal canopy with a vertical illuminated sign shooting up from it. This breaks with the continuity of the fanlight windows whose geometrical stained glasses give a little touch of colour to the whole".

http://visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_en/minisite_monument/heritage_place/11385/esperance-tavern-and-hotel.do