Nocturnes - Belgian museum of freemasonry

Short days, and cold evenings are definitely not a big source of inspiration for me. I haven't been writing for a while, even though I still have few topics waiting in the queue since the better days - guilty as charged. Let's try to break that stagnation a bit.

If as me, you're not a big fan of outdoor activities when temperature leans towards 0, but you still want to do _something_, and unlike me you have free Thursday evenings - why not go to the museum?

Now, museums in Brussels have pretty mean opening hours. You'd have to skip work or get up early on Saturday (but Saturday is already occupied with shopping, which you can't do on any other day either!). Fortunately, there are ways.

Brussels Nocturnes are organized every year by Brussels Museum Council. Every Thursday couple of Brussels museums are open until late evening, often providing special guides or other events. This year edition is almost finished already, so if you haven't notice that in my calendar, you missed it! Check out details at their website:

http://www.brusselsmuseumsnocturnes.be/

We managed to visit one (yes, only one) museum. I really wanted to see more, but as much as some of the evenings are very kids-friendly, none of them are really baby-friendly, which is usually a show-stopper for us (but not for long!). The one visited was the Belgian museum of freemasonry.

http://mbfm.be

I was interested in freemasonry for some time now, especially when I started investigating Brussels for this little blog here and I saw what impact the fraternity had on the city.When I saw that the museum has open days it was already decided.

Museum is placed on rather quiet street and doesn't really catch your attention if you're not looking for it, with fits the discretion that Freemasons are known by. At the same time though, it welcomes the visitors with big transparency statement on the wall.

There are several groups of freemasonry all over the world, not all of them recognize each other as "true" ones. The museum is run by all the Belgian lodges (at least all the big ones), which I find to be a nice touch, since they generally don't go together well.

Entrance is pretty neat. You have to wait to the door to be open in a small room, surrounded by freemasonry symbols. Behind the door you enter the corridor with sky-like ceiling, traditional to freemasonry. Very impressive!

The excitement wears off pretty quick though. Museum, even though small, contains quite some amount of items, but is definitely missing more organization and explanation. I found it was lacking some general introduction where the freemasonry came from, what it means, what is it today. It felt a bit like all the items were just thrown inside to be watched, but there was no, or little story behind them. That's unless you have a guide.

During the Nocturnes there were several guides in place, as far as I understand Freemasons themselves. They were all very nice and helpful (and one was pretty drunk, too! :)) We rather quickly acquainted one of them and spend most of the time not only asking questions in context of the museum, but also having general discussions of life, universe and the rest. He was the one to point few items in the museum and say some story about them.

Unfortunately, for the sake of the exhibits taking photos is forbidden, only general "ambience" pictures are allowed, with no flash. Fortunately, my camera deals pretty well with darkness so I could photograph a wall with names of famous masons. According to the story of our guide, the stain on the wall, which they tried to get rid of by any means, turned out to be horse piss! The room used to be stables in the past.

I was expecting the museum to be rather empty, but it turned out to be really busy! The legend of Freemasonry attracted many people, so it got crowded and loud, for such a small place. Not the way I want to contemplate such a topic. I am therefore hoping to come back there, in some better circumstances and get to know more about it.

Generally, if you're interested by the topic, it's a great museum as long as you get a guide. Without a guide, you'll probably be bored after 15 minutes, but with a proper one - you could spend hours there going through all the exhibits.

Remember the Brussels Nocturnes for the next year. It's a nice way to pass the time, maybe see friends, and afterwards go to a nice resto nearby to warm up (we chose the La fin de siècle, which Chris described in his last post). And there's so many museums to choose from, everyone will find something interesting.

La fin de siècle

Today I will be continuing the tour of my favorite restaurants with "La fin de siècle".

This restaurant is a classic for nightcrawlers in Brussels: good food, correct prices and the kitchen is opened until 1 AM.

Don't expect chips with the dishes, here it is potato or rice

To locate the place, it is in the rue des Chartreux, next to the Greenwich café (this bar also deserves a visit, especially if you like chess).

I know this restaurant for more than 10 years now and nothing changed there since (not even the prices!). For me it is filled with memories of endless conversations, big laughters and all that happens on an improvised night out with friends.

It is also the place I show to people visiting Brussels to explain how we live here: simplicity, warmth and amiability.

The place has more to offer than meets the eye (yes, I saw Transformers just before writing this.) because when you'll enter you might think "what is so special about that place? The tables and the chairs don't match,it is noisy, crowded and the crew look like 4 hobos and a bear..."

To explain, I would say that it is all about the food.
I was once said that when the bread they give you is good, the food will be good too.
Well, they have the best bread in Brussels.
And the rest follows of course. The last time I went there was the première for Agata and the magic operated, she tasted all the dishes (we were 3, our friend Jonathan joined us) and loved it all!

The black board, only menu available here. It will keep you busy while waiting for your table

On the menu my favourite dishes are:


Le jambonneau à la moutarde à l'ancienne (Ham with mustard) to eat only when you are REALLY hungry.

La tranche de gigot d'agneau sauce au porto (grilled lamb with porto sauce)

And the traditional Stoemp saucisse (Mashed vegetables and potatoes with sausage).

The rabbit in cherry beer sauce, a belgian classic

If you prefer something lighter, you have salad with grilled chicken, rabbit with cherry beer sauce or the scampi brochette. Or you can just pick randomly, anyway it will be good (just don't take anything you are allergic to. I don't want to be sued by a potential Darwin award winner).

light and tasty, how scampi should be (don't forget to spread them with garlic butter)

I will just finish with some advices:
- first, they don't accept plastic so be sure to have enough cash (you don't want to piss off the grizzlie).

- second, be there early. I said it for the tapas locas but it is twice an advice for the fin de siècle, especially if you are a group, you might never have a table and you'll have to end up eating thaï next to the O'Reilly (I'll give you addresses later!)

- third, just enjoy, don't hesitate to engage conversation with your neighbours and to try every drink, especially the shots.

First Rodenbach for Agata, teenagers in Brussels drink it with grenadine syrup  as an introduction to beers

Le grenier d'Elvire

Touring our best places in Brussels would not be thorough without a pit-stop at Grenier d'Elvire.

The restaurant is located nearby the University at Chaussée de Boondael 339 in Ixelles.

Let's first talk about the neighborhood: the Cimetière d'Ixelles is the student's neighborhood of Brussels. It is famous for its many restaurants and bars. You will find every possible cuisine at every price (but still affordable).

You'll find many bars around so let's name some of them (we'll write about them later... Eventually):
The trendies:  "Waff", "Tavernier" and the new "Bar d'Ixelles"
The "students": Gauguin, Montmartre and Ratabar
The classics: La Bastoche, La Bécasse and L'Atelier (a very interesting list of beers there)

But we should go back to Boondael. The Chaussée starts on place du cimetière d'Ixelles but be careful, if you just go down the street, you'll never find the grenier d'Elvire. Chaussée de Boondael has the particularity of being composed of two parts on parallel streets linked by a small segment starting at Gauguin and finishing at Montmartre.

As you can see, the restaurant is not huge, so making a reservation isn't a bad idea.

The decoration really looks like the stuff you could find hidden in an attic (grenier in french) but it gives you a peaceful sensation of warmth.
Unfortunately the noise of the place chases the peace away


Let's make a proper review point by point.

First, the place itself: well situated, nice deco, a bit too loud.

Second, the service: it might not be a three star restaurant but the team is a real asset of the place. They work well and are really helpful.
The second time we went there, Agata was pregnant and ordered some food she finally could not eat. They remained helpful and didn't want us to pay even if it was our complete fault that she didn't eat (pregnancy cannot be commanded)

Third, the drinks: we don't often order wine while eating so we won't be of much help on this but I don't recall anyone complaining about that in Grenier d'Elvire. What I LOVE on the other side are their fruit punch, it is rhum marinated in fruits or spices and it is gorgeous.

That day it was pineapple, badiane or violet

Their other specialty is the homemade iced tea. Not too sour nor too sweet, perfectly refreshing!

Just try it!!!

(we'll take a better picture next time)

And last but not least, the food: one word - GREAT.

My favorite is the mixed grill and the marinated ribs are amongst the best in Brussels. (Both served with salad, great chips and homemade mayonnaise)

Mesdames et Messieurs : Le mixed grill: 

Chicken wings and natural ribs. 

So simple yet so difficult...

They also serve pasta and salad plus a really great board of suggestions that changes too often for me

 (I can't come every week to taste everything!)

tiropitakia (crunchy cheese pastries, for those who believe that fat means life!)

Scampi diaboliques (they are hot as hell !!!)

The tajine is as tasty as colourful...

The desserts are great too. Especially the cheese cake and the mousse au chocolat but you must be really hungry to achieve having one after an entrée and a main dish.

Once again, I can only recommand going there. To try it is to love it!

http://www2.resto.be/grenierdelvire/reservation.cfm?langue=FR

Stand Up World

Judging from crowds at every single show, I didn't think there is an English-speaking person in Brussels who did NOT know about StandUp World. Well, there was at least one, so maybe it is worth to write about it after all.

Done by expats and for expats, StandUp World invites best stand-up comedians from all over the world to entertain Brussels audience on a (almost) monthly basis.

If you don't care about my "yadda yadda" you can just go at http://www.standupworld.com and sign-up for their next show.

Now, for my friends and family (who are obliged to read further, because they later have to face awkward "so, what do you think" questions).

The show takes place at Theatre 140, in Schaerbeek, Avenue Eugène Plasky 140. As I mentioned before, it looks pretty crowded most of the time, so I always suggest reserving a ticket before hand, and you can pick it up one hour before the show.

Show is usually done in English, but expect many different accents as guests come to Brussels from all over the world. True Belgians never exceed 10% of the audience, but you can find lots of other nationalities from all over EU and beyond. Actually, the "what nationalities do we have here tonight" is a usual start of the evening.

If you're shy and take offence easily, you might want to choose a seat in the corner of the back. Or maybe just don't come at all. The host of the show, as well as some of the guests, take no prisoners. They make fun of everything and everyone. On the other side, if you're open-minded, relaxed, and with good, sometimes a bit black sense of humour - you'll have a great time! If you're not sure, check on the website who will be the next guests, and just see on youtube if you like this kind of humour.

Always before a show you can have an Indian meal (which I never tried) and some basic drinks at the bar. Watch out though, most of the time you're not allowed to take drinks with you for a show. I hate that rule, so sometimes I still manage to illegally import a glass of wine with me under a coat (oh sue me!). There is break in the middle of the show, to refill your cups and empty your bladders. Watch out girls though, it's highly unlikely you'll actually manage to get to the toilet due to huge queues.

Show usually consists of an intro done by splendid host, and three guests. There are exceptions though, when special show takes place. After a show (or before, or both) many people meet at a close-by pubs to drink beer, have a snack and chat until late hours.

Last time we went it was special show time - The Umbillical Brothers. And I recommend them with my whole heart!

I saw their show on the internet ages ago, and I can still come back to it every now and then. I never even expected to see them live, but amazing thing do happen, and they came to Belgium, to Theatre 140! 3 people on stage, and a backstage voice, no props (apart from one green plank) - what can you expect from that? Everything!

With mimes, sound effects and proper lighting you will be transported to other worlds. But you just have check it out yourself. Go for one of their DVDs (Speedmouse being, I think, the most famous). It's worth gold!

After the show there was some selling DVDs, hugging and signing posters time. Roadie won't let himself be a background.

To sum it up. If you like comedy and understand English (well, you're reading this, it's enough) - definitely go and see the StandUp world!

If you ever come by The Umbilical Brothers - just buy the tickets before they're gone.

Bulex!

Recently I celebrated another year of my life turn into past tense. Fortunately, I find my life pretty awesome these days, so I could pass the day with a smile on my face.

On the occasion we met with friends to have a tasty diner, few drinks, and whole evening of chatting.

We visited two places which surely deserve post on their own. And it will come. But it was my birthday, we focused on enjoying ourselves and spending time with friends so let's leave the reviews for next time.

What I absolutely have to share with you already now, is the party we went to afterwards - Bulex!

I think Chris started talking about Bulex on our first date, and he never really stopped. Great parties, unique locations, funky music. It was the ultimate party, at least so it appeared in my imagination. And there was always a reason why I couldn't go and see for myself. One being, they had a long break in throwing those parties, then the holidays, then pregnancy. You can imagine how thrilled I was to finally go and see - and how scared I was to have my expectations growing out of control.

So after having a diner and few drinks, our friends decide to go home, and we turned on our night owls mode and seeked a party. Like the old days. We arrived at the address, in front of the fancy entrance of the Marivaux hotel, and looked around, but there was no party there. We were pointed to go around, to the street Saint-Pierre. And there - the party was everywhere!

There was a bit of queue to get in. But who cares, when you have a wind orchestra playing in the street and people are having fun! Bulex took over the backstreet completely. 

The idea of Bulex was to have parties for everyone, no selection. The parties are thrown in unusual places in Brussels, abandoned buildings, old stadiums etc. For some time Bulex was travelling around, for some time it had its permanent location, then for some time it was gone. Now it's back. At the ancient cinema Marivaux (I do believe it's a permanent location for the parties, at least for some time).

View Larger Map

The cinema, as you can see, is abandoned. I am surprised it is even allowed to get people in (but i wouldn't be surprised, if it really wasn't). What is interesting, the cinema itself is a protected monument of Brussels! Build in 1924 by the company PATHE, it was designed in Art Deco style and could seat 1500 people.

In the 60s the place was renovated and lots it balconies, gaining two additional rooms.

In the year 1991, due to Kinepolis setting in place, PATHE decided to quit its business in Belgium and left the building abandoned. There's been plan to restore it, which was supposed to be started in 2000, but as we can see - it never really happened.

Now the building lost most of its glory. And it's a great place for a party with an underground feeling.

There was main stage playing music called "Gypsy electro". And was really that. Play the song Kalashnikov over and over again with added beat, and you will get the feeling. It was fun though, and I much more prefer it to pure dance/electro whatever else. Gypsy, oldschool, kitch parties - rings my bell.

There was a smaller stage playing some other kind of music. We didn't stay long there, so i don't know. But there's choice - so it's nice. Of course there are bars organized to get some drinks, but strangely, we didn't get anything. I guess we're officially old.

About that. It's a great party. Before our lives changed we would probably stay until we could feel the morning breeze on our faces as we go back home. But we didn't. We had to drive home, so we couldn't drink (at least one of us, and alone it's not fun). We had to get up in the morning, and be responsible and everything. We also don't care about picking up people of different (or the same, whatever rings your bell) sex  And I am not saying parties are all about drinking and flirting.... Somehow still, bouncing on the old cinema rows, I felt like I don't fit there that well any more.

We moved a bit, shot some photos and set direction home. We're a bit more household animals these days. 

I still recommend that party for anyone who looks for something else. Something different. Party with no selection, where everyone is having fun together. Party where you can wear your favourite party dress, you can go in jeans and sneakers, or you can wear a bunny costume. And just have fun!

Check out Bulex website and, if you want to know about next party, like them on their Facebook page. To all the night owls out there - live long and prosper! And have a drink sometimes to your old comrades who retired to a family life :)

Picnic in the park - Parc de Mariemont

For some weeks now, I think we're being really lucky with the weather. No matter how miserable the week days can be, weekend comes bright and sunny. It's how the life should be, if you ask me. 

We managed to use this luck to enjoy the last picnic in the park this year. This time in the Parc de Mariemont.

View Larger Map

As before, you can see information about park itself here, but check out also website for the Mariemont Museum which lays just in the middle of the park.

Despite the colder air outside, it was definitely more crowded than the last time. It's also only half an hour drive from Brussels.

It's hard to stand a competition to lovely Parc de Beloeil, really. This park is different, so maybe I shouldn't even compare them at all. What I found most stunning in it was.... the trees! There's amazing amount of beautiful ones, each in its own way. Half of them could make the main attraction of the whole smaller park somewhere else.

There is quite some amount of grass fields both at the entrance and in the middle of the park. It was perfect place to lay a plaid, since it was a bit too cold in the shade already - it was end of September after all.

If you go for a walk you'll find some wilder parts and a bit hidden treats - like the beautiful florarium and the altar of the Buddha.

Some parts are so wild you can come across dangerous trees. We didn't dare to come closer. It might bite.

The site was created as a royal estate and a hunting park for Mary of Hungary (so says Wikipedia). The castle build for her, is long destroyed. The remains are very picturesque. I yet have to complain on lack of artistic skills to catch the spirit of the place - because it really looked more magical than on those poor pictures.

There is Orangerie in the park, which, I sadly admit, we were too lazy to see. It was so comfy on the blanket...

As for activities, this time I managed to take a picture of the games that are available for kids. There's a crowd surrounding them all the time.

Besides that, there were of course kids running around, rolling down the hills, climbing up the trees, playing, laughing and yelling. 

And while kids where at it, their parents were enjoying beer in the pub or at the temporary stand. If you gather plastic cups you get your beer in, you could exchange them for a strawberry plant! Apparently this was the same on the last picnic - it just missed my attention.

People craving for some more quite could always go for a walk into deeper parts of the park mentioned before - these were mostly kids free.

I don't think I was the only one to appreciate the trees of the park. There was an orchestra on one of them! Really, they hanged themselves on the branches and played. Quite impressive.

Altogether, I really enjoyed the event again. Great way to spend a Sunday, everyone will find something for themselves - whether you come to have a family day with kids, enjoy lazy afternoon drinking beer with friends or go for a romantic walk with your love (and I had it all!).

It will definitely go into my calendar for the next year. And while I'm on the topic, check out the calendar I have shared on this very blog. Even though the idea for the blog is to write about the places I've seen and events I have already attended, I figured it might be nice to share some of them in advance, so whoever reads it - can decide to join. I only added it today with the schedule of Nocturnes, but I hope more will come soon. If you know any nice places to visit and events to attend (we're especially craving for cold-weather kids-friendly kind of stuff) don't hesitate to share it!

Winter is coming!