Bites in Brussels
One is unable to survive on beer, chocolate, and waffles, trust me I tried. Here are a few places you can pop into if you are craving something more on the savory side.
Ricotta and Parmesan: Opened in 1999, Ricotta and Parmesan is serving up some of the best Italian food in Brussels. Lucky for me, this gem was only a few steps from our hotel, The Dominican. When you walk into the restaurant you feel as if you left Brussels and walked into a Sicilian cafe. The walls are covered in the warmest of Italian plaster and interesting kitchen trinkets are placed throughout the restaurant. If it's comfort food you are looking for, look no further. Ricotta and Parmesan serve up pizza and pasta that compares to anything that you could get in Italy. Most of the staff is from Sicily and take their food seriously. They are more than happy to steer you in the right direction if you can't make your mind up.
Knees to Chin: If you are looking for something on the lighter side or perhaps something that is Vegetarian-friendly, look no further than Knees to Chin. Most of their dishes are Lactose-free and have very little gluten. They have a wide variety of rice paper rolls and some of the best Coco Curry Lemongrass Soup this girl has ever tasted. Pop in during lunch and you can enjoy their roll special, which is sure to refuel your tank for your next adventure.
Chez Leon: Chez Leon has been serving up mussels since 1893 to the people of Brussels. While it can come off a bit touristy, it's a great location for people watching. Of course, I ordered the mussels and not only did they serve a huge portion ( 2 or more people could have shared an order) but they were quite tasty, so I may or may not have cleaned out the entire bowl. If you are ok with a little tourist flare, I would recommend stopping by and grabbing a bite.
Featured: Mussels in a warm curry sauce at Chez Leon
Balls and Glory: I admit, I had to check this place out based on the name alone. The chance to hashtag #ballsandglory? Um, done. With locations throughout Belgium, Balls and Glory in on the radar. On the menu? You guessed it, it's all about the balls. When you order, diners can select from pork, chicken or veggie balls stuffed with yummy goodness like cheese or herbs served on a bed of stoemp with sauce or with a side salad. Balls vary by day and once they are out they are out. When you approach the counter, the menu and all of the juicy details are written out and placed on the wall near the register. If you are in a hurry, they have a cooler where you can grab assorted balls to-go. They have an assortment of Belgian beers and even some pretty tasty cocktails. The balls are rolled fresh daily and made with 100% local ingredients.
The cusine options are endless. These are just a few of the highlights that we hit during our adventure. If you have suggestions, feel free to include them in the comments below!