The “pintxo” is pure traditional gastronomy in miniature. The are often served on a slice of bread. It is your perfect chance to taste the various local recipes in small doses.

In Brussels, the champion of Basque “pintxos” for the last 15 years is « Como Como » in the Rue Dansaert. Its formula consisting of unlimited “pintxos” and drinks within a period of 2 hours is a classic, as well as the conveyor belt in which “pintxos” are served.

If you want a more intimate place, an excellent option in Basque gastronomy is “On Egin” at Rue des Deux Églises, in the heart of the European district.

More than miniature portions like “pintxos”, in « On Egin » you will find copious dishes as the typical Basque ribeye (“Txuleta”). My suggestion: « txistorra » (typical sausage from Navarre) with « txakoli » (white Basque wine).

As you surely know, the Basque Country (“Euskal Herria” in local language) straddles the border between France and Spain on the Atlantic coast. The French component of the Basque Country is also represented with dignity in Brussels by its culinary ambassador: « Le Fils de Jule« , a charming restaurant located in fashionable Châtelain (Rue de Page). At “Le Fils de Jule” you can get 8 different “pintxos” and “foie gras” for less than 60 euros, and advantageous formula. Don’t miss the grilled « chipiron » (baby skid).

« Le Fils de Jule » has a small brother right across the street: « El Vasco », a cosy place acting as “Bar à vins”, “Bar à tapas”, “traiteur” and “Bar à sandwiches”. Groups between 20 to 40 people are welcomed in “El Vasco”.

If the Basque gastronomy excites your curiosity about Basque culture and traditions, do not hesitate to contact the cultural Basque association in Europe’s capital: « Bruselako Euskal Etxea » (The Basque House of Brussels),

“Bruselako Euskal Etxea” is organising for next Saturday 18 February a “txoko”: a tipical gastronomical gathering to which everyone can bring a homemade dish. This “txoko” experience will be embellished by the Basque singer lady Izaro, a good opportunity for you to become familiar with Basque language, maybe the most ancient in Europe since it preceded to the Indo-European ones.

Eskerrik asko !

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No one can explain the origin of this tradition. According to some historians, the” tapa” originated in the Middle Age by a Spanish monarch who ordered that wine should always be accompanied with some solid food covering the jug in order to prevent dirt or other objects from falling in. However, the true aim was to guarantee hygiene, but to combat the harmful effects of drinking alcohol without having food.

Since then, drinking good wine (or beer) accompanied with good “tapas” is a distinctive feature of the Spanish way of life which, of course, you can also enjoy in cosmopolitan Brussels. In fact, it is not difficult to find the mention « Tapas bar » in many restaurants and bars in Europe’s capital.

If you ask me about the best “tapas bars” in town I will point out two recently inagurated.

The best Spanish kept secret in Brussels is undoubtedly the « Hispania », located inside the newly refurbished “NH Collection Hotel” at Place du Sablon. If you expect to find a “typical Spanish » decoration, you will have mistaken, since its sophisticated ambiance is closer to an English Club than to a Spanish tavern. But for sure you will find traditional and modern Spanish gastronomy in their dishes since behind « Hispania » are the Michelin-starred chef Marcos Morán, the fifth generation of chefs at the helm of Casa Gerardo in Asturias, and Iván Ortiz, who worked in Spain next to great chefs like Ferran Adriá at « El Bulli ».

The « tapas to share » offered by “Hispania” allows you to transform the simple appetizer experience into an authentic meal and complete dinner. If you are looking for really consistent Spanish food – provided that you have free time ahead to digest –  ask for the signature dish of chef Morán: « fabada », the traditional Asturian bean stew with smoked “chorizo” and black pudding.

The second Spanish secret of Brussels that I warmly recommend is the new restaurant “Aragón”, located in the European district, specifically in Place des Gueux 1.

Run by a young and motivated team, « Aragón » is a clear commitment to traditional and honest Spanish cuisine at democratic prices. Every noon they offer a Spanish traditional « dish of the day », the afternoon (and beyond) being devoted to wines and a large variety of classic “tapas” like Spanish omelette, Iberian pig meet, octopus, “empanada” (Spanish patty) …. They also prepare fresh homemade small bites with touches of vanguard. If we talk about the wines, they import directly from local Spanish producers which allow them a unique selection.

Now that you know where to enjoy the best Spanish “tapas” in Brussels you should know that “tapa” in the Basque Country is called “pintxo”. The most amazing “pintxos” were originated in San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque language).

Of course, you can also enjoy real “pintxos” in Brussels as I will develop it in another post. Until then, “¡salud, amigos!”.

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Among the pioneers, Dominique and Joseph Turkel are present for nearly a decade in the European quarter with their innovative “Be Posivite” store concept at Place Jourdan. “Be Positive” is a light-filled space with healthy food and a colourful, cosmopolite atmosphere. The midday lunch it’s a must. Don’t miss the upper space of the shop, devoted to relaxation and serenity.

But the real added value of « Be Positive » comes from the motivation and professionalism of its sellers. Undoubtedly, the success of this type of bio stores is explained by the quality of the contact with the customer.

Another actor in the organic sector in Brussels who has a great future ahead is the Färm cooperative chain. Their unmistakable establishments with functional loft atmosphere are present in Brussels next to metro or tram stations where they take their names: Tongres, Sainte Catherine, Hankar, Bascule.

Färm has a firm commitment with local organic production. When there is no choice but to bring products from other countries, as is the case of Mediterranean products, they privilege direct links with the producers. Belgium has only about 70,000 hectares of certified bio crop, which are insufficient to meet local needs.

Other interesting options to enjoy organic food in Brussels are Bio Market at « Les Ateliers des Tanneurs », nearby Les Marolles, and “Les Ecuries van de Tram”. The tram’s former horse stables in Schaerbeek became Brussels’ first indoor bio market in the winter of 2015.

Those who really want to support local trade and small producers located in the periphery of Brussels should join the « paniers bio » system organized by GASAP (Groupes d’Achat Solidaires de l’Agriculture Paysane): www.gasap.be . This initiative is a good example of a social economy project. It is run by “Agricovert”, a cooperative devoted to social integration of people in difficulty.

Individuals such as Hochul Chantraine, managing director of “Agricovert”, are the true guardian angels in the shade making possible that big cities like Brussels are able to enjoy healthy as well as social and environmentally friendly food.

One last tip: do you want to benefit from the incredible properties of organic Aloe Vera? In that case, don’t hesitate to pay a visit to Oussama El Bouzaidi, the boss of Planets Organic, a promising bio supermarket located at Boulevard d’Yser 2, nearby Saint Catherine. He will explain to you everything. Santé!

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« Masters of Luxury » is popularly known as the « Millionaires Fair ». The very first edition took place in the passenger terminal of the Schiphol-Amsterdam airport in 2002. In the years that followed it would become Europe’s biggest luxury fair, maintaining its prestigious and impressive qualities throughout the years. Masters of Luxury is indeed the fair at which the greatest names in art, interior design, jewellery, watches, travel, gastronomy, boats, helicopters and cars come together.

The latest edition of “Masters of Luxury” was held from December the 9th till the 12th. Those privileged could participate the night before the opening in the already classic VIP night with black-tie dress code both for the guests and exhibitors. The fair covered over 35.000 square metres at the modern and well connected RAI Exhibition Centre. Nearly 400 companies and brands presented themselves to a large international audience. More than 50,000 people visited the fair. That is 5,000 more visitors than the previous edition.

Among the novelties, participants had the opportunity to taste an Iberian ham certified by the Guinness World Record organization as the most valuable ham (4.100€ the leg) in the world, produced in Spain by Dehesa Maladúa and commercialised in Belgium by “BioGourMed”.

Ceaseless live entertainment and exclusive catering guaranteed enjoyment for the guests attending the fair. Those who were not lucky enough to receive an invitation, bought tickets online or at the fair itself. Prices for individual tickets are around €50 per person. The last day of the fair, the so-called Monday Business, is considered the biggest networking day in the Netherlands.

The next edition is styled as the “designers edition”, and will take place from December the 7th till the 11th, 2017, at Europacomplex Amsterdam RAI (Entrance: Elicium, Europaplein 22, Amsterdam).  Save the date!

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