Magical Entrance
For Koen’s birthday dinner we visited Sir Anthony Van Dijck. I always do a bit of searching before deciding on a restaurant and I was so intrigued when I read that the chef, Marc Paesbrugghe, gave his two Michelin stars away.
Orso Pizzeria
Because my mom was celebrating her birthday in Antwerp, of course we wanted to go out for dinner. I feel like over the years my parents have really gotten to know Antwerp the city, but not really Antwerp the province, which comprises of many smaller cities. For the birthday dinner we decided on Orso Pizzeria in Berchem. Berchem is most famous for its art nouveau style architecture. On our way to dinner we were able to look at all of the beautiful houses!
Smoked salmon and caviar
One tradition that started a few years back, is that when my mom is in town we go out for a class of champagne at Café Impérial. It doesn’t matter what time of year, we always go to celebrate. Café Impérial is a beautiful café located in the Paleis op de Meir, the former Antwerp residence of Napoleon Bonaparte. So fabulously French! And this time we were lucky enough to celebrate on my mom’s actual birthday!
Plantin-Moretus Museum
Koen and I just celebrated 7 years of being married! We decided to spend our long weekend off together exploring Antwerp a bit more. Tourists in our own city!
Barrio Cantina Food Truck Festival
This summer there was a traveling food truck festival throughout Belgium – Barrio Cantina. Of course Koen and I didn’t want to miss out on the Antwerp edition!
The location was perfect. More than 40 food trucks organized on the Steenplein, so we could enjoy our food with a view of Het Steen and the River Scheldt.
Het Gebaar
When Koen and I hit the milestone of 9 years together, we decided to celebrate with lunch at the Michelin star restaurant Het Gebaar, from Roger Van Damme. I’m not exaggerating when I say this was the best meal I’ve ever had. My mouth is literally watering as I’m typing thinking about this delicious lunch. I dream of the steak tartare…
And now I can’t wait to go back in November to celebrate with my parents for my mom’s birthday!
One of my favorite things about Antwerp in December is the Christmas Market. There are lights everywhere – whether hanging from the streets or in the trees. I like to walk around and see everything that’s for sale and enjoy a warm cup of glühwein. I like to go every year!
Coffeelabs
Coffeelabs is located very close to my school, and it’s the perfect workspace for after class. There are plenty of tables and space to work on your computer. I decided on my day off to come by with a book and sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. I have to say that Coffeelabs is not the best location to come and read. There aren’t too many places to sit comfortably. But if you want to work or have coffee/lunch/snack with a friend, Coffeelabs is perfect. Great coffee and friendly staff!
Mont des arts / Kunstberg
A couple of weeks ago, Claire and I explored a bit of Brussels before class. We wandered the city discovering the Mont des arts, Magritte Museum, Parc de Bruxelles, and the Royal Palace. It’s shame we couldn’t take photos inside the museum! I’m a big fan of Magritte and it was so inspiring to see the world’s largest collection of his works. Because we started with his earliest paintings, it was evident how his work evolved. Before visiting the museum, I was only familiar with his most famous paintings and signature style. But it turns out he was always experimenting. There was an entire room with paintings from his Renoir Period! If you are in Brussels, you must visit the Magritte Museum!
An American in Antwerp 