Soft, chewy center

I tried a dessert dish at the Häagen-Dazs cafe franchise by the Louise metro, ever packed with patrons even in the winter.  They gave me a macadamia nut and white and dark chocolate warm cookie plated with one scoop of coffee-flavored fudge ice cream, a second of vanilla-caramel ice cream, and a dollop of whipped cream with chocolate sauce (~9 euros), along with a small cup of requisite water.  I smelled the rich and sweet aroma of the confection.  My expectations were high.

That cookie confounded me with the strangest pleasurable experience.  I had expected a different flavor, perhaps because of memories of other treats from Hawaii to New York City, but it did not taste like any cookie I had before.  It reminded me of extra-rich vanilla cupcake rather than a cookie because of its flavor and its fluffiness in the center.  At the same time the gradually denser and crustier outer ring concentrated so much interestingly bright flavor into its textures that I could not stop myself from reflecting upon each morsel in my mouth.  It contained sweetness, nuttiness, crunchiness from the flecks of roasted and crushed nuts coating the outside, nostalgic vanilla, and a tinge of saltiness that completed the circle.  I wanted a cookie that I remembered and instead got one that created an entirely new memory.

As for the ice cream, I did not actually know one scoop was coffee-flavored when I ordered it, and I do not like like coffee and must recuse myself from judging it.  My friend ate that.  The vanilla ice cream was respectable, though nothing out of the ordinary.  The cold of it contrasted well with the warm, sizable cookie.

I must try the chocolate fondue there when I have money to spare and the place is not crowded like a stable.  Many queued to be seated, the place seemed extremely hectic, and the time to get our bill from the waitress annoyed us.  However, if I can stand higher prices, corporate marketing, and an uncharming atmosphere that belies corporate chic, then some of the treats here really can satisfy some of my cravings.

Häagen-Dazs
Louise metro

Food: A
Price: B
Service: C
Languages: French

Bagel mania

We checked out this small bagel place in St. Gilles. The waitress was a bit rude but the food made up for it. If you love bagels, check it out:

This place is perfect for a small lunch.  Just don’t go here starving.  The combination of bagel sandwich, salad, and drink (together ~4-8 euros) can be quite satisfying, and much more so than the run-of-the-mill Belgian lunch sandwiches you can find everywhere.  For the record, the roasted red pepper cream cheese with smoked salmon and cress went down very nicely.

By all accounts the tuna salad tasted great, too.  The cinnamon cream cheese became too overpowering after eating about half of it, but its uniqueness still holds some charm.  Considering that bagels are not standard fare in Brussels, this place is worth checking out when you’re in the neighborhood, especially at off-peak hours.

Au Pays Des Merveilles
Avenue Jean Volders 42

Food: A-
Price: A
Atmosphere: B
Service: B-
Languages: French

The Coffee Company

The new cozy little cafe on 45 Rue du Midi that has won my heart is called, straightforwardly, The Coffee Company. They’re open all week from 8AM to 8PM, and they have just the right style to bring Americans and Brits back home.

Though messy and cramped at times, the light still is bright, the full plate glass windows open up the whole space, and the decor is very comforting.  I am almost tempted to buy a bag of marshmallows or a mixer from them.  Of the three baristas I’ve seen there, only one plays loud music.  All the rest of the time it is a great place for relaxing, chatting, or passing the time with some reading or writing.

What with their good mint tea (~€2.30), coffee to-go (~€2.30), sugar-rush caramel pecan fudge chunk brownies, and wireless internet access, I will try to make it a regular stop.  Take a pass on the too-sweet, unappealing hot chocolate (~€2.30), even though it stays hot.  However, I will vouch for the deliciousness of the morning muffins.

Extras:  Open on Sundays, wireless internet, couches

Language:  French, but English is sometimes OK