Happy Bunny Times

Brussels, known as home of European Parliament and the statue of peeing boy, conceals its free-spirited inhabitants and their bohemian lifestyles. The city exposes architectural treasures leaving corners vacant for music, art and adventure.

The Brussels generation of talents secretes its true nature to tourists and only a few lucky ones are introduced to the social circle of artists and musicians. Most of the youth in their late 20s, early 30s earn living working in bars and cafes and spend free time playing gigs at different venues.

To meet new friends chatting with waiters and bartenders is essential – they work hard and party even harder. The staff of Ethiopian restaurant Kokob is one of a kind – Haile, Lionel, Lucie, Norma and others take great care of their guests. ‘People leave drunk and happy,’ Lionel comments.Kokob offers a unique Ethiopian experience as people are ought to eat with their fingers. Only tourists ever dare asking for cutlery, which is slightly sneered upon. The menu offers traditional African meals and wide selection of wines, Belgian beers and cocktails. ‘I make the best mojitos in the universe,’ Lionel proudly adds.

The restaurant regularly organises live music events, including experimental jazz. However the best place for jazz in Brussels is L’Archiduc – one of the rare bars open until early hours. Visitors must ring the doorbell to enter and be greeted by serious-looking but very kind-hearted bouncer.No matter how much fun one has during the opening hours of L’Archiduc, real entertainment starts after the doors shut to public. The bartenders and their friends indulge in adventurous cocktails and musical performances even after sunrise.

Parisian Camille Provost, who has been living in Brussels for five years, names Booze’n’Blues as one of her favourite nights out. The place is decorated with comical interpretations of Belgian history and its owner Hafid is a thoughtful host offering delicious food, quality ‘booze’ and inspiring atmosphere.

When it comes to dinking Belgians take pride in their beers. Luize Ratniece from International Planned Parenthood Federation describers Brussels as a place where ‘you can sip one of more than 2000 available beers in the infamous Delirium Café while chatting up at least whole European Union if not United Nations’.Delirium Café, included in World Guinness Record 2004 book for its collection of lagers and ales available, traditionally serves half-pints served in individually designed glasses for each beer, e.g. Kwak is poured in funnel-shaped goblet. Delirium also attracts customers with weekly live gigs from reggae to electro.‘I haven’t met a single person who doesn’t like Belgian beer so I guess it’s a well-earned status of the best beer in the world,’ Natalija Rasseino, independent wellness consultant and frequent visitor in Brussels, adds.

Perhaps Belgian passion for beer has encouraged the statue of peeing boy to become one of the national symbols. Now the peeing family of Manneken Pis is complemented by Jeanneke Pis (peeing girl) and Zinneke Pis (peeing dog). The crouching young lady spends her days observing Delirium’s clients while the puppy is located in the Brussels China Town, just a few minutes walk from the popular meeting point – Beurs.

Brussels offers choice. ‘Those who dare to ignore classical tourist sites like Atomium and hideous peeing boy can indulge in presumably best chips, best chocolate and best beer,’ Luize concludes.

Text: Marina Scukina