Nightime in Brussels

Every night in Brussels, you are truly charmed. The warm glow of the street lights. The wonderful French foods served outside at the cafes. Essentially je ne sais quoi of French living. Brussels is surprisingly more French than we had first anticipated. We thought it'd be more 50/50 French and Dutch. Although we've never been to Paris, we imagine it being a close comparison to Brussels.

We enjoy walking the cool evenings and stopping along the way for treats and drinks. Eric found one of his favorite bottled Belgium beers, his Trappistes Rochefort 10, for 1 euro, essentially $1.50. Surprising since it is about $5 each bottle here in the U.S.

French wine is just about everywhere. And cheap. The smaller bottle formats are perfect for tucking into your purse or bag and enjoying it with a fois gras snack.

Along Rue des Bouchers, we ate at Chez Leon and had wonderful steaks with house beer and house red wine. For dessert, Cheryl ordered the cheese plate, which was divine with fresh goat cheese, a creamy aged cow, and a blue veined soft (not celiac friendly). Eric ordered their version of the Belgian waffle, wonderfully paired with ice cream, whipped cream, and spekuloos (traditional Dutch crisp cookie). Honestly, Eric said the street vendors whip up a better waffle for one-quarter the cost. Point is, have the waffles. Just don't add any crap to it. It's the best plain.

The weather was turning colder and the air becoming crisper. What a fantastic Belgian night.