Somewhere in the Poseidon-building, a billboard for a Belgian radio station says 'Nostalgia'. That about sums up what this ice skating rink does to me. The faster I skate, the more my chilly childhood sensations come blowing back.
Ice rink Poseidon started in 1966. Belgium's current king, Filip the First, skated here as a little boy. Today, children and grown-ups impatiently stand along the rink and watch an ice resurfacer machine gently spray hot water on the carved-up ice. A teddy bear is sitting on that machine (passenger, not driver). Pretty neat.
Surface smooth again, skating begins. Parents tow their child as if it's a broken-down vehicle, experienced speed devils zigzag past Sunday skaters, while clumsily arm-waving windmills try to avoid twirling figure-skaters. Surveillants make sure that no accidents happen. Their authority is enhanced by a cute teddy bear logo on their backs. Some lovely, trashy 90s dance music keeps everyone going. On Fridays, everything turns into a disco. To get the full experience, you must top off your visit with candy and hot cocoa in the cafeteria!
Before I forget: sometimes the roof is opened. Under a starlit sky, you can then skate in Romantic poet (and ice skating lover) William Wordsworth's tracks, as he carved out in his 1850 poem 'The Prelude':
"Not seldom from the uproar I retired
Into a silent bay, or sportively
Glanced sideway, leaving the tumultuous throng,
To cut across the image of a star
That gleam'd upon the ice"
Find your way with 294 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Tatar was born with the intent to bring together a fine cuisine that mixes Mediterranean and Japanese tastes and mixology. Cocktails wise, I chose Osaka!
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"Le Petit Train de Forest" in Brussels is a miniature railway run by passionate volunteers, complete w/ real 1:8 models of locomotives! It makes me happy.
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From side dishes like dumplings to main dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi, all are served with freshly cooked vegetables, steamed rice & homemade sauces.
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Do you just want everyday dishes that you would eat at home in Japan? Then "Tokidoki" in Brussels is what you are looking for. No sushi or noodles here!
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"Certo" in Brussels is a tiny Italian restaurant on a corner just behind Place Saint Boniface and one of my favorites. Federico Mazzoni is the perfect host!
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"Tero" in Brussels is so much more than a restaurant - it's a philosophy. It offers tasty, natural cuisine that follows the seasons!
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"Rambo" in Brussels will make you feel like you're in LA. Loud music, an open kitchen and three amazing types of burgers!
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"Les Petits Bouchons" is a typical Brussels bistro with a lot of wood, some mirrors and old-skool lighting. Zwanzers love it!
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Ziever’Art in Anderlecht is a buzzing, volunteer-run hub mixing art, fun, and community. From concerts to kids’ workshops — there’s always something happening!
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"Belga & Co" in Brussels is one of the city's great coffee places. Everything made in-house, friendly service, big window, no frills - just good coffee.
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Even though it's a little out of the route for most, Glacier Zizi is definitely worth the detour! Ice cream, waffles, crêpes, smoothies... Your pick!
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Come at any point of the day and have a fresh drink, a burger, salad or chill and let your kids/dogs run in the park while you chat with your friends.
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294 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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