The EU has just gone through its traditional transitional phase that takes place every five years or so.
That involves, of course, a change of personnel at the top of the tree.
But it also means that at least some of the staff who work in the European Commission, Council and Parliament, leave their posts and move on to pastures new, with a new “intake” replacing them.
This can trigger a little-publicised spin-off effect – the impact on the businesses in and around the EU Quarter, or “bubble” as it is called by some, that rely, to some extent, on eurocrats’ custom for their livelihoods and businesses.
One such business is the Merode branch of the Manhattn’s burger chain which has seen its lunchtime trade, in particular, impacted somewhat by the EU staff changeover.
The problem is that many of the new arrivals to the EU institutions are, being new to the city and country, unaware of places like Manhattn’s and that is something its owners want to try and correct.
“They simply do not know about us and that is understandable but we obviously want to raise awareness among those who have recently arrived to work at the Commission and other EU venues nearby,” said a Manhattn’s spokesman.
The Merode venue is, it is worth recalling, a mere short, five-minute walk through the delightful Parc Cinquantenaire, which is lovely in its own right.
It is also directly outside the Merode metro station and bus and tram stops so very easily accessible from all parts of the city. In other words, very close to the heart of the EU.
Once you arrive at this venue you are unlikely to be disappointed by both the ambience, designed to replicate a typical/classic New York burger joint, and (most importantly) the quality of the burgers which are terrific.
Branch manageress Lola is well familiar with the sometimes transient nature of life in Brussels.
She used to work at a similar place opposite the EU Parliament and notes how trade could fluctuate dramatically when the MEPs travel to Strasbourg for their once-a-month plenary sessions.
Belgian-born Lolo has worked at Manhattn’s for just a few months but, along with other hard-working staff members like Anouchka, has already settled in and proved an intrinsic part of what is highly-successful business.
First launched by go-ahead Belgian brothers Jerome and Philippe Vandermeulen, Manhattn’s prides. The pair have, despite major obstacles like the health pandemic, really made a big, big success of their business over the last decade or so.
The “chain” prides itself on what they call a “fast-casual dining experience.”
Jerome himself once worked for a spell in a food truck in New York’s Central Park selling something that Belgium is well known for (waffles).He has sought to transport that experience to Brussels.
Their burgers, sourced from grass-fed Irish Angus beef, are probably the best in Brussels which, given the number of such outlets in the city, is rather saying something.
Belgium’s also known for its frites, of course, and they too do not come any better than here (nice names too: “Godfather Fries”; “Yankee Fries”).
There is also great range of Belgian beers, served either as small or a pint. If you have room, check out the lovely “Liberty” milkshakes. Also recommended is the black truffle mayo, a perfect accompaniment to both burger and frites.
The names are entertaining in themselves: Brooklyn falfel burger, Gotham burger, Empire cheeseburger, Flatiron spicy burger, Gatsby burger, Rockefeller burger, Harlem chicken burger and Tribeca chicken burger. All, of course, are famous New York landmarks and districts.
There is also a “Wall Street Deal” on the menu, comprising burger, fries, ice tea (homemade) and NY chocolate chip cookie.
Considering the quality, the prices are very reasonable, certainly when compared to similar places.
Nothing is left to chance and even the music, with Frank Sinatra belting out New York, New York, is carefully selected and a great, atmospheric decor.
With some better weather on the way (we hope), it is also worth noting that this venue has a great terrace, with views of the said parc, seating over 30 people (if it is cold, it is still perfectly ok as heaters are provided).
So, whether you are a newcomer to Brussels or not, if you love your burgers – and super friendly service to go with them – you really should check out this place – you will not be disappointed.
Manhattn’s
Avenue Tervueren, Brussels
02 424 0339
www.manhattns.com
