ENTERTAINMENT IN BRUSSELS 91À La Mort Subite is a famous drinking
place, given a Classical makeover in- Its unnerving name, meaning
Sudden Death, shared also with a brand
of beer, in fact refers to a working men’s
dice game that used to be played here.
La Chaloupe d’Or, the Golden Boat, in the Grand Place,
is a long-established café, bar and restaurant of time-
less refinement and elegance. This is an excellent place
for a light lunch, afternoon wheat beer with a slice of
gâteau, or a pre-theatre drink. The staff glide swiftly
among the tables, efficiently memorizing orders.
Le Cirio is a classic traditional café and
bar with wall-mirrors, gilding, woodwork
and an air of faded grandeur. Founded in
1886 and named after its owner, Le Cirio
is famed for its speciality, half en half – half
white wine, half sparkling wine.ON THE MENUThere is no clear distinction drawn
between a café and a bar. Most such
establishments offer coffee, tea and
hot chocolate, or beer, wine and
stronger alcohols. Many of them
also serve food of some kind. At
its simplest, this will be a plate of
rye-bread and cream cheese –
traditionally served with beer – or
a croque-monsieur (grilled cheese
and ham on toast). However, many
bars and cafés also offer a full menu
of substantial bar meals such as
steak and chips or mussels, as well
as more elaborate dishes.Steak and chips, a bar-food standard,
with a garnish of salad and shallots