In the country to launch the world’s best tasting ultra-premium tequila, Avión, Aeroplane took five minutes out of his schedule to give us his guide for A Sweet Night Out in Belgium starting with dinner reservations.
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE A HOT DATE?
To Belga Queen. It’s a restaurant in an old bank in the city centre. It looks great if you’re trying to make an impression on a first date, still, it’s a pretty relaxed atmosphere. It isn’t too dressy but you still want to make an effort. The food is great and isn’t as expensive as the interior would make you think. They are specialised in seafood and oysters and have a whiskey and cigar bar in the basement for after your meal. The very first time I went there I was broke and I ordered the very cheapest meal on the menu, which are ‘Boulettes Liégoises’ – a Belgian specialty consisting of meatballs in a beer sauce and fries. To this day, it’s still what I order when I go there as they are really, really good!
BELGA QUEEN, BRUSSELS
Address: Rue Fossé aux Loups 32, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Email: info.brussels@belgaqueen.be
Phone: +32 2 217 21 87
Website: Belga Queen / Facebook
Photo: via Belga Queen on Facebook
WHERE WOULD YOU GO TO CHECK OUT LIVE MUSIC?
The cooler stuff usually happens at the Botanique; there are, I think, three or four venues in there of different size – it’s in an old botanical garden. Or also Ancienne Belgique, which has a good sound. Cirque Royal, with is round setting, is also great for more intimate concerts.
BOTANIQUE, BRUSSELS
Address: Rue Royale 236 Koningsstraat, 1210 Brussels, Belgium
Email: info@botanique.be
Phone: +32 2 226 12 11
Website: Botanique / Facebook
Photo: via Botanique on Facebook
ANCIENNE BELGIQUE, BRUSSELS
Address: Anspachlaan 110, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Email: info@abconcerts.be
Phone: +32 2 548 24 24
Website: Ancienne Belgique / Facebook
Photo: via Ancienne Belgique on Facebook
CIRQUE ROYAL, BRUSSELS
Address: Rue de l’Enseignement 81, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Email: info@cirque-royal.org
Phone: +32 2 218 20 15
Website: Cirque Royal
Photo: via Kmeron on Flickr
WHERE WOULD YOU GO TO REFUEL BEFORE AND AFTER A NIGHT OUT?
Before I would go to one of my favourite Italians called Dolce Amaro. They just do everything well – the Truffle Tagliolini specifically. Or Yamayu Santatsu, top of the list for sushi and Japanese cuisine, it’s really traditional and good enough for the King of Belgium who seems to be a regular there.
DOLCE AMARO, BRUSSELS
Address: Chausée de Charleroi 115, 1060 Brussels, Belgium
Email: dolceamaro@mail.be
Phone: +32 2 538 17 00
Website: Dolce Amaro
Photo: via Dolce Amaro
YAMAYU SANTATSU, BRUSSELS
Address: Elsensesteenweg 141, 1050 Elsene, Belgium
Phone: +32 2 513 53 12
Website: Yamayu Santatsu
Photo: N and Kanako via Kanannie
PASTICCERIA DA GIOVANNI, BRUSSELS
Address: Chaussée de Louvain 303, Brussels 1030, Belgium
Email: fc.messina75@hotmail.com
Phone: +32 2 733 73 64
Website: Pasticceria Da Giovanni
Photo: via Pasticceria Da Giovanni
YOU’RE SHOWING FRIENDS AROUND TOWN FOR THE WEEKEND. WHERE DO YOU GO?
I’ve done it couple of times when artists I know are in town, I take them around. I recall a nice afternoon showing Kimbra Brussel’s Peeing Boy, which wasn’t making much sense to her. Fair enough.
WHICH FIVE SONGS BEST SUM UP BRUSSELS?
Telex – “Moskow Diskow”
Electronic disco made in Belgium, an absolute classic with that Belgian humorous touch.
TC Matic – “Allez Allez”
This is the band of Belgian singer Arno, who is a bit on the crazy side – good crazy though. He is from the Flemish part of Belgium but sings in French with the thickest accent ever. The lyrics to this song are also very, very Belgian. Another classic.
Plastic Bertrand – “Ca Plane Pour Moi”
Probably the most known Belgian song? Licensed for millions by Coca Cola, covered by The Presidents of The USA (and probably thousands of punk bands) it is a go-to for drunk moshpit dancing at weddings. From the same artist, I suggest you also listen to “Tout Petit La Planète”, a great Italo track and a favourite of mine.
JJ Lionel – “La Danse Des Canards”
Actually this might be the most known Belgian song? Works every time. Doesn’t matter if it’s first degree, or ironic, you’ll end up shaking those arms of yours dancing like a duck. Belgian. Again.
Soulwax – “NY Excuse”
The brothers from Gent made a great classic with this track. I remember when it came out I used to have my record store and I managed to get white labels of it. I would walk into parties with 10 copies and leave after 5 minutes with none left. It was so cool like back in the days, no one knew I had them or even that I was going to come, I would just tell them what the record was and they would reach for their wallet straight away. Anyway, great singalong chorus, perfect party tune.
Confettis – “This is The Sound Of C”
I’m adding one more. This is the most known, commercial side of New Beat which was created in Belgium and that I cherish. There is a really amazing documentary that just came out called TSOB – The Sound Of Belgium which I suggest everyone who’s interested in electronic music in any way to watch. And from Confettis you can start digging deeper into the genre. Also, check the Soulwax New Beat mix from their iPhone App.
Main image by Yung Skeeter via Facebook.
