uccle - Brussels Exclusive Labels

RESTOS IN THE CITY
6 great bistros
step up to the plate!
They are not members of BEL... And what of it? They are still unmissable bistros in
the Belgian capital. These Brussels establishments form part of our gastronomic
heritage and I have asked Aurélie to help me share with you some of my favourites.
By Jean-Pol Piron and Aurélie Schoonjans
1. Les 2 Frères,
an institution
This address ran by Patrick Roth developed its winning
formula already thirty years ago. First it was a night bar,
then a café-théâtre and finally a restaurant. Les 2 Frères is
one of those places where everyone wants to come (again).
And this for more than one reason: the smiling welcome by
Laurence, the cozy atmosphere, the choice wines and the
classic but creative cuisine of chef Paulo Botelho and his
team. The place is sought after for its lovely meat dishes,
but you can also enjoy tomatoes or shrimp croquettes here,
a Belgian tartar sauce called "américain" or a house-made
ice with crispy speculoos. There’s no cheating here: not
with products, not with prices.
>> Closed on Saturdays at noon and on Sundays.
Avenue Vanderaey 2, 1180 Uccle. Tel. : 02 376 76 06.
www.les2freres.be
2. La Branche d’Olivier,
totally bistro
This Uccle bistro has kept its tavern decor virtually
unchanged for decades: old leather seats, period tiles,
beveled mirrors and old woodwork. For starters, a
poached egg with shrimp and a mousseline sauce. After
which our eye is caught by a beef undercut with shallots
or a roasted lobster with vanilla and spices, flambé with
brandy. As for desserts: they are irresistible! Pascal Gragre
and his accomplice, chef Jean-Claude Demurger put us
in a good mood with strong-charactered dishes, with a
touch of classicism and a touch of imagination, served in
a friendly atmosphere.
>> Closed on Saturdays at noon and Sundays.
Rue Engeland 172, 1180 Brussels. Tel.: 02 374 47 05.
3. Le Pigeon Noir,
a place that goes coo
Since being taken over seven years ago by Henri de Mol,
Le Pigeon Noir is filled to the brim every night. Nestled
in a tavern where pigeon fanciers once came to meet,
the address surprises with its decor and convinces with
its cuisine. And you can count on Mimo and Luc for a
warm welcome. The menu leans toward preparations
of old, such as herrings with apples in oil, or toward
classical dishes like pig's trotters stuffed with Burgundy.
The specialities of the house are Anjou pigeon with sage
or the “Pigeon Noir” sabayon. When the restaurant is full,
you can eat in the bar, but we strongly urge you to book.
>> Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Rue Geleytsbeek 2 , 1180 Uccle . Tel.: 02 375 23 74 .
www.lepigeonnoir.be
4. Au Repos de la Montagne,
hearty and well-deserved
Another tasty address nestled in a former hideout of
pigeon fanciers, perched above the Place Saint -Job!
Hailing from the worlds of art and business travel, Gaetan
and Michel Mathieu Doumier dreamed of a brasserie. And
here it is, open since three years and always absolutely
packed. It must be said that the menu makes your
mouth water: fillet of beef loin, fried calamari, tartare
with ground beef. And there’s also the atmosphere of
the place: its walls covered with old posters of pigeon
competitions and with plates touting Uccle beers. It’s a
success, so make sure you have booked!
>> Closed on Saturdays at noon and Sundays.
Montagne de Saint-Job 39, 1180 Brussels.
Tel.: 02 375 30 53
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