Brussels Sprout

It was a tough and busy week due to manpower shortage at my company. Michael, Dony and me has to cope with all the problems that we have on hand that Mike eventually suggesting a nice meal to chill out after the week's hard work. Michael came up with a nice cosy Belgian Bar and bistro with high stools and stylish flooring alongside Singapore river for the evening. Dony gave it a miss and thus only Mike, Vanessa, Muriel and me was there for the evening.

As its now pretty close to christmas, the walls of the restaurant was beautifully decorated with christmas socks. I however strongly believed the decorations were meant for the celebration of 'Saint Nicolas Day'. A brief explaination of Catholic and Orthodox religous beliefs in Belgium: Saint Nicolas was a model of compassionate life and known for his generosity to those in need, his love for children and his concern for sailors and ships. Commonly linked to the story of Santa Claus, it is widely celebrated in Europe on 6th of December each year. As told by Michael, the kids usually place carrots, sweets or sugar cubes in their socks or shoes, in which they will find presents the next day. Aren't it going to smell? Hee hee.

Back to the restaurant and food for the night: 'Belgian cuisine'. I would say it is a must to try their thick cut fries with different mayonnaise dips. Their signature dish would be none other than Mussels. (well... ever heard of mussels from Brussels?) Mussels lovers will be spoilt for choice with 14 different home cooked styles, some of which are catered to Asian taste. Another not to be missed Belgian delicacy would be Beef tartare... and their love of beef is extraordinary. Something that I learn from my Belgian friends is that they like to have their beef raw. Spending my evening with 3 of them, I could not escape the fate of not trying it...

• One of the dish was called 'Toast Cannibal' - Crispy toasted bread topped by a generous layer of raw minced beef and a slice of pickle. Taste? Its unexpectedly unique and I could hardly taste the meat. Conscious of the fact that I'm chewing on raw flesh, I could only savor the spices and herbs used to prepare the beef and the palatable toast.
• The other dish is called 'Filet Americain' - Belgian version of Beef tartare. A slicling of slick raw beef marinated with wine and spiced to taste. Honestly no offence, but I am glad not having to try this dish as I was never a fan of eating Moos Moos.

The orders for the night were a plate of Grey shrimp potato croquettes, 2 plates of Toast Cannibal with Steak Tartare, Frites and of course, belgian beers. I had 2 glass of hoegaarden and Vis en Frites*. Muriel ordered a pot of Vin Blanc*, Michael had Homemade Pork Sausages and Vanessa had Braised Meatballs. I was totally stuffed for the night and the bill totalled S$250/++ for 4 person.

Beautiful evening, fantastic delicacy accompanied by nice cool breeze along the scenic Singapore river... its a place not to be missed.

Anyone who is interested to try this restaurant, they are located at The Pier@Robertson at 80 Mohammed Sultan Road. Image taken from Streetdirectory.com.

1. Vis en Frites - Belgian way of Beer battered Fish n Chips

2. Vin Blanc - Mussels cooked with White wine, celery and onion