charmed by ixelles

Early on Sunday morning, Lara and I hopped on a Compèigne-bound train to meet her French aunt and uncle. After a brief meet and greet, we hit the road for their home in Ixelles, a charming Brussels commune, where they so generously hosted us during our stay.

I fell in love with the treelined streets, townhouse architecture, and art nouveau accents. It's diverse, too, with a vibrant student population, buzzing African quarter, and expat families (case in point). Had there been better weather, I'd have many more photos.

Sunday brunch at Portrait de Famille: Ciney Brune beer, vegetable soup, quiches, assortment of salads, tarte tatin)

(Morning run through Bois de la Cambre)

(Les Brassins lunch: Bon Secours ambrée, shared Flemish meatballs, carbonnade, fries, stoemp (potato stew with seasonal veggies)

Waffles for dessert from a truck similar to this one

As you can see, we had many meals à la maison. Monday's dinner, for instance: a wine from Bourgogne, pumpkin purée on toast, cous cous, baked fish over leeks, green salad, gruyère cheese, and brownies. The following morning, Lara's aunt and uncle put out another thoughtful spread. My breakfast: a Belgian croissant and plain yogurt with baked apple; a strong Italian café alongside it. The lovely international feel continued throughout my stay in the EU capital (and in more than just that which we ate). More to come!