Recommend September 2011 - (Page 50)

Must-Do Coming up throughout 2012, is a gourmet odyssey—Brusselicious. Well-established Brussels culinary traditions are a solid foundation for creative cooking, capable of creating surprising dishes for every palate. With Brusselicious 2012, Brussels has decided to showcase every step of this gourmet journey—from product ingredients to the finished delight on the plate. Visitors will be able to dine in a tram that’s been converted into a restaurant, have champagne and caviar in the prestigious Art Deco rooms of the Villa Empain, or taste a roasted wild boar in the courtyard of the Town Hall. Visit www.brusselicious.be for lots of fun to-do’s during this gastronomic event. 48 HOURS IN BRUSSELS Continued has one of the largest and best art galleries in the world, which grew out of a collection first set up in 1797 and originally housed in the former palace of Charles of Lorraine. This was transferred to the newly established Musees Royaux in 1846 and 130 years later, it was enlarged and modernized with the addition of an underground extension and divided into two parts—the Museum of Ancient Art (works from the 15th to 18th centuries) occupying the old building and the Museum of Modern Art (mainly 19th and 20th century Belgian works) in the new section lit by a shaft opening onto the Place du Musee, with the main entrance on the Rue de la Regence. After lunch, hop on the metro out to the Heizel stop for a visit to The Atomium, an enormous iron atom enlarged 165 billion times built for the Expo 58 hosted by the city of Brussels. It’s comprised of nine silver spheres all linked and accessible by stairs or escalators and containing a variety of exhibitions. It’s a totally different experience and really one that shouldn’t be missed with great views from the top of the structure and a beautiful surrounding park. But plan for a full afternoon expedition because it’s rather far out from the city-center. Afternoon—Day 1 Before lunch, take some time to experience the Museum of Musical Instruments, headquartered in a magnificent Art Nouveau building erected in 1899 and exhibiting some 1,500 instruments. One collection centered on the 19th and 20th centuries sits next to mechanical instruments and a beautiful set of bells. Popular instruments from Belgium, Europe and other continents share the ground floor, while the first level offers a historical journey from antiquity to the present day. The next level highlights the development of clavichords, harpsichords, pianos, citharas and other stringed instruments. Visitors can listen to the sound of each instrument on display via an infrared audio-headset system. At lunch time, to complete the Belgian experience, you must head over to Place Jourdan with one of the most extensive collections of international restaurants in the city. But never mind them, for the best Belgian fries you’ll ever have, be sure and go to Maison Antoine, with the traditional Belgian fries. You can smell them from Parc Leopold. There are also sandwiches available but vegetarians should take note that these are traditional Belgian fries which means they are fried in beef fat. F8 / www.visitflanders.us Evening—Day 1 When you return to the city, take some time for a stop at one of Brussels’ charming cafe terraces like the Mapa Mundo located in the trendy downtown area near Place St. Gery, a multi-floor drinking den with Latin dance sounds thrown into the mix, and with mojitos and caiparinhas the house specialties. After a pre-dinner drink, head over to the Belga Queen for a truly unique dining experience, beginning with the restaurant itself. It was converted from an 18th century bank building in true belle epoque style to a multifunctional complex housing a restaurant, an oyster bar, a beer bar and a cigar lounge. The menu itself is based on traditional Belgian fare with a flair, adapted to today’s taste, lightened and given a very national touch through the addition of beer to numerous dishes. The wines come from Belgian producers and the Ponti coffee is from a selection of pure Arabica coffee beans from various continents and roasted locally. Linger after dinner at the beer bar or cigar lounge for after-dinner drinks. Morning—Day 2 The Bozar Museum is a good place to start after breakfast and this homage to the fine arts including painting, photography, sculpture, http://www.brusselicious.be 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