Page 97 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Belgium & Luxembourg

ENTER T AINMENT IN BRUSSELS  95

À La Mort Subite is a famous drinking place,
given a Classical makeover in 1926. Its unnerving
name, meaning Sudden Death, shared also with
a brand of beer, in fact refers to a working men’s
dice game that used to be played here.

Le Cirio is a classic traditional café and bar
with wall-mirrors, gilding, woodwork and an
air of faded grandeur. Founded in 1886 and
named after its owner, Le Cirio is famed for
its spec ial ity, half en half – half white wine,
half sparkling wine.

On the Menu
There is no clear distinction drawn
between a café and a bar. Most such
establishments offer coffee, tea and hot
chocolate, or beer, wine and stronger
alcohols. Many of them also serve food
of some kind. At its simplest, this will be
a plate of rye-bread and cream cheese –
traditionally served with beer – or a
croque-monsieur (grilled cheese and ham
on toast). However, many bars and cafés
also offer a full menu of substantial bar
meals such as steak and chips or mussels,
as well as more elaborate dishes.

La Chaloupe d’Or, the Golden Boat, in the Grand
Place, is a long-established café, bar and restaurant
of timeless refinement and elegance. This is an
excellent place for a light lunch, afternoon wheat
beer with a slice of gâteau, or a pre-theatre drink. Steak and chips, a bar-food standard, with a garnish
The staff glide swiftly among the tables, efficiently of salad and shallots
memorizing orders.

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