This weekend we drove just a couple of kilometres from the city centre to a place called Tervuren. I’s a small village just at the outskirts of Brussels. You may have heard the name before, it is also a dog breed called Belgian Tervuren. This village can also be reached by tram #44 but for this excursion a car is needed to get to the magnificent Arboretum (http://www.arboretum-tervuren.be/ ).
Arburetum some strange ones
It covers an area of approximately 100 hectares and includes some 460 different species of tree (of which 305 leafy trees and 155 conifers). The altitude varies between 80 and 115 meters above sea level. The average temperature is 9.7°C and the average rainfall reaches 780mm a year (info from the site). The arboretum is covered by network of small roads and tracks which make it easy to get around inside the area. I strongly suggest a map, which is downloadable from their website, and a compass to get back to the car park. On the website there is a downloadable booklet with all the 460 specific trees.
Arboretum impressive trees
Take plenty of time for the stroll, there is also several beautiful glades perfect for a picnic.
Arboretum finished for this time
Back in town, a visit to another one of those old and genuine bars can be recommended; A La Becasse, a place not easy to find situated at the end of a narrow passage, close to the Bourse and Grand Place.
A La Bécasse entré
This 100 year old bar is famous all over the city for it’s “jeune lambic blanche”, a refreshing wit bier served in a stone jug.
Ardenne ham
If you are hungry try the house speciality – open sandwiches of sourdough bread with a choice of Flat Cheese, Holland Gouda Cheese, Potkaas (Brussels cheese and flat cheese), Kip-Kap (brawn, parsley, vinegar), Geperste Kop and Ardenne Ham.
A La Becasse at the bar
Lambic Blanc ( from Timmerman) “jeune lambic blanche” is a young lambic, this type of beer was mentioned in Week 9 blog.
Lambic Blanche
The Cantillon Brewery in Brussels (get back to this place later) has several Lambic/Geuze/Kriek beers on their repertoire. This particular beer has a sour taste with flavour of apples. It has a decent, quite nice taste but nothing for me. My wife liked it though.
Coming weeks:
- EU continued
- In search for the best beer (an on-going quest for the perfect pint)
- More seafood
- Cheese
- Parks
- Culture
- Markets
- Politics
Facts of the week;
Drink; Lambic Blanche (Timmermans) 4%,
Location; A La Becasse, rue de Tabora 11
Point of Interest: Aboretum in Tervuren
Food: Sourdough bread with Ardenner ham/cheese or herring
