“Let’s step back in time,” I say gesturing towards Au vieux Bruxelles. This beloved restaurant has steeped in Belgian culinary tradition since 1882. Au vieux Bruxelles is preparing its next chapter.
Au vieux Bruxelles is more than just a restaurant. It’s a journey into the heart of Belgian cuisine. Imagine old brown varnished benches and red-white squared tablecloths. Doesn’t that make you feel happy? I hope it makes you want to sit down and eat more than you can handle.
Some say that Au vieux Bruxelles is like going back in time. Its decor evokes a sense of nostalgia. The restaurant offers a comforting and authentic dining experience.
I took some American drummer friends to Au vieux Bruxelles once. They were touring through Belgium. Being on tour can be tough. So I wanted them to relax. I wanted to take their minds off the daily routine of travel and hotels. Brussels was the preferred place for their tour managers to choose hotels because of the highway access and nearby airport.
Brussels has hundreds of restaurants. I like to take my friends to eat typical Belgian food like Stoofvlees and Mussels. Au vieux Bruxelles was the perfect place.
One time I had Vol-au-vent at Au vieux Bruxelles. It was a small puff pastry filled with a white stew sauce with chicken. It also had little meatballs, mushrooms and a squeeze of lemon. The dish was topped with a sauce hollandaise. Some also put a bit of tarragon. Two of my friends took the mussels. It was the season for them. Another friend took shrimps with garlic butter and some vegetables. And of course all of this was accompanied by freshly made French fries.
The good thing about Au vieux Bruxelles is that it is not too touristy. Most of the people coming here are from Brussels. That’s usually my reference to know if the place is worth visiting.
Soon Au vieux Bruxelles will open its doors in a new larger and more accessible space. There you can discover exciting culinary experiences. Stay tuned for more details on their upcoming reopening by following them on Instagram and Facebook.
Au vieux Bruxelles is a place where tradition meets delicious food. It is a testament to Brussels’ enduring culinary heritage. From its classic dishes to its cozy ambiance, Au vieux Bruxelles offers a taste of authentic Belgian culture. As we continue our tour, remember the flavors and stories of this iconic restaurant. It will soon be ready to welcome new generations of diners.