Put up the tree last night

Follow the path

It starts

Autumn is peeking around the corner, now. But only just.

A nice local

The Pottekijker, on the Kaasrui, is a cheerful place to eat at. And just 'round the corner.

Roughly translated, I think it means 'one who looks at pots'. Which we've all done at some point in our lives, I imagine. Look at pots, I mean. Some can be quite remarkable in design. Which is why we would choose to look at them in the first place. But I digress.

Give this restaurant a try, if you're hungry. Or feel like looking at a pot. Well, actually, come to think of it, I can't recall seeing any pots around. Perhaps except for the mayo pot. I wonder why they called it that? Not the mayo; the restaurant. Keep up.

I'd suggest trying the 'Brochette "de pottekijker"' (roughly translated as 'kebab of the one who looks at pots'. Strange, isn't it?

Really generous, huge portions. And tasty. Nice cheerful wine, too. Well, it made me cheerful, in any event.

Pretty cool piece of design...

... for a sign.

Strange markings

Found this tag at three different points around Antwerp. Anyone know who, why and wherefore?

Antwerp's first Chinese restaurant...

... is, if I got it right, Wah Kel. Stepping inside is like going back in time, with lacquer wood panelling, gold tassels and a doorbell over your table, which you can ding (or dong) if you want, for attention.

It's an adventure! Snug in the heart of Antwerp's red light district, you'll be one of a truly varied clientèle hailing from in and around the nearby streets. Sailors, pretty girls, pretty used-to-be-a-boys, families, sons and daughters who eat plates and plates of delicious fare, Chinese in nature. But whatever you are, you'll get the same delightful, friendly service.

It's fatty, it's greasy, and I love it!

Enter the Dome

Here's the first-ever Michelin Star restaurant I've been to. I'd give you their web address, but it appears to be down. Grand enjoyment. On a grand scale. And then some.

We stayed eating, drinking and enjoying for four hours straight, excluding toilet breaks. Pretty bloody fantastic.

A cup of the good stuff

Starbucks opened their doors in Antwerp Central Station a few months ago, to much fanfare. So I know that Starbucks is this hugely successful brand and that blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. But my. A cuppa of their freshest is the price of a small mortgage .

Deli France is my favourite at the station. For but a few coins (no paper money is involved), you can, would you believe, ask for a cup of coffee using those exact words, and they will understand what you mean. They will also produce one without having to use a machine that sounds like it is spitting or throwing-up into your cup. Highly recommended.

The Godfather of Soul on Wolstraat

Try not to look up all the time.

The floor can look pretty, too.

I know it's disgusting. But I like it.

I don't know what amazes me more...

... the fact that there's a guy playing a violin sat at the bar, or that my glass is empty (and I'm still having fun).

Roger plays the piano. With Rosé.

Working hard at Lambermontmartre on Sunday: part deux

Followed by a(nother) drink in the most civilized fashion at Amuse. Good fun.

Fantastic, friendly and French

I tried this restaurant in Antwerp Old Town (Zirkstraat) last week.

Scrumptious (which is a difficult word for me to spell, without the aid of a dictionary. But I looked it up. That's how good).

Here's a really lovely restaurant

It's called Raven, and you'll find it on the Grote Markt. Dee-licious food, with even more dee-lightful wine. Certainly worth a visit.

Waiting for Tram #15

Beer cans aren't mine. Honest.

Tall Ships Races hit Antwerp

Saw some ships yesterday evening that are part of the Tall Ships Races docking in Antwerp this weekend.

No news yet on when the Short Ships will arrive. Assuming anyone spots them, of course.

New finds on Klapdorp

Unique little bar on-slash-off Klapdorp:

And another, whose name I forget, but with a whole lot of chandelier: