Just an hour from Paris, bubbling Brussels opens its doors to you. Behind red brick facades and old-fashioned cobblestone streets, new trendy neighborhoods are blooming, seducing families on vacation. Young designers, new gourmet restaurants and places 100% kid friendly: let yourself be guided in the neo-Bobo district of Ixelles for a tribe trip to the Belgian capital.
ICI, the ultra-gourmet neo-canteen
Chocolate fondant cake, butternut cake, salted butter caramel pie—it’s simple, the sweet selection of ICI is to die for. Fresh and natural products, home cooked food, organic groceries: for brunch, lunch or afternoon tea, healthy, seasonal dishes (autumn quinoa, organic mozzarella salad, fresh figs, roasted beets, arugula) are followed by irresistible delicacies on the tables of this neo-canteen. Feeling full or tired? Take home a little smoked eel, fresh juice or gluten-free cake preparations from Marlette frenchies.
Les Louves loves to curl up on the couches for tea time, dip their chocolate cake and finish with some rich chocolates.
(Ici, Rue darwin 35, 1050 Bruxelles – Find it on Google Maps)
3 shopping spots around Brugmann Square
In this very French district, the vintage shops compete in the square with many windows dedicated to children. Push open the door of the pretty shop Claude Hontoir, where you’ll discover a sharp selection of clothes for kids and infants. New Belgian designers (Aymara, Gold Belgium, Morley, Simple kids) and beautiful French brands (Ketiketa, Bonpoint, Finger in the nose) are arranged by color, for an inspired shopping trip. (Claude Hontoir, Place Brugmann, 14, 1050 Brussels)
A few minutes away, in the heart of the Châtelain district, discover the two favorite shops of Brussels moms who are passionate about fashion and decoration: Boucle d’Or and Mercredi, two concept stores with assertive choices, both on the side of accessories and clothing for children only furniture. A detour is needed, at least to feast on the creative windows that appeal to small tourists. (Boucle d’Or, Rue du Tabelion 12, 1050 Brussels, Mercredi, Rue Armand Campenhout 48, 1050 Brussels)
For a 100% shopping for you, take a leap into the chic Cachemire Coton and Soie boutique, where the selection of designer pieces is meticulously reflected by Sophie Helsmoortel, lover of noble materials and impeccable cuts, and who unearths secret brands we love (L’autre chose, Cédric Charlier, Didier Ludot…).
Les Louves loves tostroll through the very elegant avenues of the district, and settle at the end of the day at Franz’s, have a drink and share a gourmet croque monsieur for the aperitif on the terrace.
(Chez Franz, Avenue du Haut-Pont 30, 1050 Brussels)
Kid friendly dinner at Le Garage à manger
We suggest that you have dinner here, but you will certainly want to go back for a lunch or a brunch, as the plates are appetizing and the welcome is friendly. The Garage à manger is the restaurant of Joel Geismar, head of the famous food truck El Camion. The result: a family atmosphere, a delicatessen and organic, different fresh dishes every day, seasonal vegetables cooked with love… The brunch is buffet-style, and breakfast is served every morning of the week. As a bonus: a spacious place that’s good for both strollers and children.
Les louves loves the history of the location, an old car repair and maintenance shop, which has retained its industrial atmosphere, with its vintage furniture.
(Garage à manger, Rue Washington 185, 1050 Bruxelles, +32 (0)2 880 67 74 – Find it on Google Maps)
Translation: Ashley Griffin
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