Brussels
1873 Granville St.
446-4700
brusselsrestaurant.ca
Hours: Mon – Thurs (11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.), Fri (11:30 a.m – 11 p.m.), Sat (11 a.m. – 11 p.m.), Sun (closed)

• Social lunch: Yes
• Co-worker lunch: Yes
• Client negotiations: Yes
• Quick solo lunch :?Yes
• Licensed: Yes
• Price range: $$$
• Rating: 4.5 out of 5    

A Valentine’s trip to Brussels sounds suitably romantic – if not the city, at least the restaurant.

The decor is European with murals, tile floors, a brasserie in the front and more formal dining inside. Service is charming and friendly.

Mussels are the specialty – large, tender and fresh.  The Congo ($9.95) has fabulous, full flavour of lemongrass, ginger and chilis in a coconut cream sauce. 

Salade Liegoise ($9.95) is a simple salad with pronounced bacon flavour.  The fresh baby spinach is served aside chopped tomatoes, green beans and bacon on chunks of boiled potato, with warm vinaigrette. 

The best deal is the 12-oz. Gare Centrale Angus Striploin ($12.95) with a delicious, rich mushroom ragout sauce.  The steak is medium rare as requested, and the accompanying veggies are tasty as are hand-cut frites – a real treat dipped into mayo, as the Europeans do. 

So it’s not Europe – but today let’s pretend.