Recommend September 2011 - (Page 46)

Jewish Heritage Jewish Antwerp is a self-contained entity, mostly on Pelikaanstraat and the surrounding streets, near the Central Railroad Station, just around the corner from Diamondland, the diamond center, where visitors can view the different preparation processes of diamonds. It’s no accident Jewish Antwerp shares this region of the city with Diamondland, because more than 80 percent of the city’s Jews are involved in the diamond trade. Here, too, you’ll find the Antwerp Diamond Museum, the largest diamond museum in the world where interactive displays showcase mining and cutting processes, and polishing demonstrations take place Saturday afternoons. On display you’ll find items dating from the 16th century to the present including a replica of the British Crown Jewels containing two of the world’s largest diamonds: the Kohinoor and the Cullinan. 48 HOURS IN ANTWERP Continued Belly up to the Bar This is Flanders and you really can’t leave without a visit to a beer bar—they may not even let you out if you don’t try at least one. In Antwerp, the Kulminator is the place to go for a varied selection of draft and bottled beers. And, like fine wine, there’s a surprising selection of aged beers, as well—all served in an unpretentious environment by the married couple owners. But don’t expect any special coddling just because you’re a visitor since Dirk, the husband, has a reputation for being a bit moody. For a friendlier environment, try Afspanning ‘t Waagstuk, where servers are happy to share their beer knowledge. Diners can select from five draft beers or 50 off the menu. ‘t Oud Arsenaal is another classic Antwerp beer bar with lots of locals enjoying the livingroom like ambiance. Here, you’ll find a half-dozen beers on tap, 50 on the menu and good beer food. The Groote Witte Arend has an open courtyard with tables as well as an interior bar, plenty of good beer food and a selection of about 80 beers including nearly a dozen on tap. Keep in mind, Belgian beer is not like the beer at the corner bar that comes in at around 3 or 5 percent alcohol. Here, it starts off at around 7 percent with many labels at around 11 percent or higher. of this 16th century printing and publishing house which was once the world’s most prolific producer of books, highlighting the printing offices, workshop, library and printing room in their original state, plus an extensive collection of printing equipment as well as an invaluable archive and important works of art, including works by Rubens and Van Dyck. Some of the museum’s highlights include an original Gutenberg Bible, the world’s two oldest printing presses, original typographical matrices by Garamond and the world’s first printed Atlas. Then make your way to ‘t Zuid. Originally built in the mid-16th century, ‘t Zuid (the South) is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Antwerp. The best way to get there is via the Kloosterstraat, a charming street lined with shops selling antique and second hand goods. Once in ‘t Zuid, visit the new museum for modern art (MuHKA)—which was opened in a former grain silo—several art galleries, and a new photography museum. The area is now one of the most trendy neighborhoods in the city with a variety of popular restaurants, clubs and bars. Before heading back to the hotel to change for dinner, head on over to Vlasmarkt for a stop at the Stamineeke pub, a 2-story, 17th century house in the classic Antwerp style. The beer selection is impressive and the draft beer selections will be familiar to North Americans such as De Koninck, Hoegaarden and Stella Artois. If you need a little caffeine fix before starting off your evening, try Caffenation. Its unique decor and garden patio make for an idyllic setting, and for true coffee aficionados, they use a house blend, an Anfim Barista grinder and a La Marzocco Linea machine. Now that’s serious. Evening—Day 1 Head back to the city-center for some authentic fare at Hungry Henriettas, if no other reason than its great name. Menu favorites here include F4 / www.visitflanders.us http://www.visitflanders.us

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend September 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: Abercrombie & Kent
Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West
Can't Get Enough of Jupiter Beach, Florida
Hanging Out in the Outer Banks
Aloha to Families in Hawaii's Resorts
Cruise Stockholm
Galapagos Islands- Cruising 101: Back to Basics
The Ultimate Family Adventure in Costa Rica
Flanders Travel Planner
Fabulous Family Voyages
China: A Wonderland for Kids
India: Pure Wonderment
An African Adventure
Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa, D.R.
The Bahamas: Islands of Adventure
Cayman Islands: A Home Away from Home
Mazatlan Reinvigorated
CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort

Recommend September 2011