My first stop is Taisa, the newest restaurant of Benoit Vanho and Anaïs Droeven. A power couple you may already know from Col – their meat restaurants in Fort Jaco and on Avenue Louise. Classic, luxurious, meat culture at its best. Prime cuts, no frills, everything right.

But with Taisa they do something completely different. Taisa lies right across from Colonel Louise, and as soon as you step inside, you feel it: tranquility. A Japanese inspiration that doesn't shout, but whispers. The place is not big, but perfectly balanced. Places at the bar, large windows to the street, a open kitchen where chefs are busy cooking - I like that. And yes, that one too playlist it may be said: very, very on point.

Benoit and Anaïs often travel with their three children, and Japan has clearly stolen their hearts. You feel that in everything. The interior exudes serenity. You're gone for a while. Not in Brussels anymore.

I had made a reservation for one person (always a good idea anyway 😉) and as luck would have it Benoit himself was also having lunch at the counter. He ate the noodles Ramen Tonkotsu. I was spontaneously offered an aperitif and asked him: “What should I taste?”

His answer?

• Mimosa eggs
• Sweet potato
• Eel – and yes… it was normal crazy good
  

And if that wasn't enough, I was also allowed one dessert in test phase taste. I was actually already full, but hey... some things you can't refuse. Roasted pineapple, coconut cream, crumble – a combination that was perfect. The place was full in no time, and that says enough. 👉 Reservations are really a must here.

Second stop: MUG Coffee Studio, a project by Jens Crabbe, the man behind MOK Coffee (Dansaertstraat & Leuven). This studio is located in a less obvious area, just below the Marolles, but believe me: this is a destination in itself.

Jens started with a small coffee roasting company in Leuven and has since grown into a real one pioneer. Not only in terms of coffee, but also in terms of... machinery and equipment. Jens does not follow trends and is an entrepreneur through and through. He is critical. On himself, on his product. And you feel that. As soon as you enter, you forget again that you are in Brussels.

MOK Coffee Studio is a listening bar. Pure music. Pure coffee. A place where everything revolves around experience and tranquility.

Jens is the partner of Jocasta Allwood, which is fantastic Night shop has in the Vlaanderstraat (that street was recently declared one of the trendiest streets in the world, just saying). You can feel their collective style and vision very strongly here: minimalist, pure, without fuss.

I had an appointment with Jens – he is a friend – and he let me taste coffee as you would with wine. Different origins, different flavors, even the most expensive coffee in the world. You will hear that in the interview. Unbelievable what you can taste in one cup. Then: sit back, relax. Letting music in.

I finished with a cappuccino – and no, you can't call that “ordinary”. Blessed. What do I like so much about this? This is a place for that purists of coffee and music, but great at the same time accessible. You feel welcome. No stress. No attitude. Only quality. 👉 Every three weeks on Sunday (check this) you can by the way Bring your own vinyl records. Love it.

And then… my third stop. A place you almost miss if you don't know it's there.

The new gem of Sang-Hoon Degeimbre, the chief of L'Air du Temps (2 Michelin stars + a Green Star), known for its pure, thoughtful cuisine and its incredible respect for product, people and planet. I love this chef. Being humility, his knowledge, his serenity. And here you feel it all coming together.

The case is in the hip Flanders Street, but is almost completely black. Black door. Black curtains. Only the red velvet rope posts reveal that there is something to experience. Upon arrival they kindly ask you to turn off your flash. The light is dimmed inside. Calm. Intimate. Almost meditative.

There is room for it twelve people at one counter, plus a separate room for smaller groups. Two services: an early one and a late one. I was alone – and honestly? That was perfect. I let everything come in completely.

The kitchen is one ode to Korea, but with Sang-Hoon's own signature. The flavors made me genuinely happy. And those sauces… whether they are vegetables, meat or fish: you can taste them boiled down, built up, well thought out are. You want to lick every plate clean. And if they're not looking? Then you just do that 😄

Highlights:

• Being own version of cacio e pepe with Japanese wheat noodles, daikon juice, butter, pepper and caviar – wow
  
• Crispy chicken, street food style
  
• Pumpkin from the garden of L'Air du Temps, richly smoked, full of umami
  

Appropriate drinks, with or without alcohol. A service that is strict, disciplined and warm at the same time. Sang-Hoon is everywhere. You feel his vision in every detail. You end up upstairs, with tea or coffee, small pousse cafés and a final dessert. You even get the full menu to take home. This is no ordinary dinner.

This is you pampering on a different level. Alone, with friends or with your loved one. I will definitely come back here – with my hubby.