Brussels dining: Emile neighbourhood bistro and AMEN

1750
BRUSSELS DINING

In our Brussels dining pages we look at two more fine restaurants.

Emile
Located between Place Flagey and the Ixelles cemetery, this ‘trendy’ bistro of the Brussels Capital has kept all the old-world charm of the ‘old neighbourhood’ bistro, while maintaining the original setting and adding more contemporary notes – this place has a little bit of extra soul which makes it very attractive. With a wildly charming décor, it is a great place to meet for a drink or have a meal with friends. The south-facing town terrace is lined with old-fashioned bistro tables. Very popular from the first rays of the sun, there is a varied clientele. In the kitchen, the bistronomic menu offers home-made specialties, with generous plates composed of beautiful seasonal products that are taken care of so that they reveal all their flavour. You can also enjoy delicious cocktails, a selection of microbrewery beers and biodynamic wines.

Quality, friendliness and a good atmosphere come together so that everyone enjoys their visit! 22 Avenue Emile Beco, Brussels 1050 Tel: 02 642 96 29 Open 7 days a week. Monday-Saturday: 11h00 to 23h00, Sunday: 09h00 to 23h00. Brunch: 09h00 to 16h00 on Sunday.
www.emilebistro.be
info@emilebistro.be


BRUSSELS DINING AMEN

With his head chef, Hadrien Franchoo, it is Pascal’s aim in his restaurant, which goes by the intriguing name of ‘AMEN’, to offer elegance, refinement and relaxation. In fact, Franchoo was Pascal’s second in command at his other restaurant, the Chalet de la Forêt, and he is all about providing a precise, sincere and elegant cuisine As Pascal explains: “I wanted a small restaurant, but with a big ‘R’, namely a place of refinement – not ostentatious, but, instead, I wanted it to be sober but elegant.” Pascal considers himself to be a sincere bearer of Brussels gastronomy, while his designer, Pili Collado, has turned the restaurant’s location, on Rue Franz Merjay, into a simple, light ode to a love of fine cuisine. He has used very simple wooden furniture, and the bar, carved into a massive block of travertine, gives the restaurant charisma. In the evenings, white tablecloths and candles create an intimate, cosy atmosphere.

As Pascal explains: “When the opportunity of locating at 165 Rue Franz Merjay was confirmed, I did not hesitate! It is a place that is ideally located in a mid-bourgeois district, half Bohemian, full of history!” Anne-Françoise Tassin, who also worked with him at Chalet de la Forêt, is responsible for at-table service, and her room management is just the right balance between a caring presence and discretion in the spirit of the ‘casual elegance’ that characterizes the place. Seasonal menus are always available à la carte, and, every Saturday lunchtime, all year round, people keep returning for the delightful roast Lustin chicken. In a word, it’s all about elegance, style and truly mouth-watering cuisine. AMEN to that!
www.amen.restaurant