Quiz question: ‘What’s the name of the only Belgian victim of the 9/11 attacks in 2001?’
‘Patrice Braut?’
‘Correct! And for a bonus point: where is he buried?’
‘The Vogelenzang Cemetery in Anderlecht?’
‘Wrong! There you find his cenotaph!’
I’m mad about cemeteries. The Anderlecht municipal Vogelenzang Cemetery is one of my funerary favorites in Brussels (also check my Cemetery of Dieweg and Cemetery of Brussels articles). Why? Three reasons.
One: its eerie history. The Vogelenzang Cemetery opened for customers in the 1950s, but it has more than a 1000 graves from the 2nd half of the 19th and 1st half of the 20th century. How is this possible? These gravestones and the coffins were actually transferred from the old municipal cemetery 5 km away, which became today's Bospark. Locals call it ‘skeleton park’ because some bodily remains, well, remained. Find out more in the superb podcast ‘Ondergrond’ by Rina Govers.
Two: its natural environment. Located in the protected Vogelenzang valley reserve, the huge 19-hectare cemetery and its surroundings make for a perfect peaceful walk in nature. You’ll only be bothered by ‘vogelenzang’ (EN: ‘birdsong’).
Three: its testimony to Belgium’s best football club: RSC Anderlecht. Supporters can look for the famous Vanden Stock family grave or for the encased camera of the mythical house photographer ‘Jeanke Photo’ (1927-2006).
And Patrice Braut? He grew up next to Anderlecht’s stadium (check the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium article). You’ll easily recognize the Twin Towers miniature model on his ‘empty’ memorial stone. Indeed, that’s called a cenotaph!
Find your way with 292 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
A simple but still refined style characterizes this café, which at night becomes a warm wine bar with small plates to share.
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The Perché rooftop bar is on top of the JAM hotel, which is why not many people wander up here, but it's so worth it! It has a great view and comfy chairs.
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I haven't yet been able to identify all the villages/churches marked on the small stone wall but I'm sure I will at some point!
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With an extravagant vintage decore, the bar takes its name from Queen Fabiola, a Spanish noblewoman who was a very beloved Queen consort of the Belgians.
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With a cozy interior and a pleasant scent of toasted coffee beans, Caleo offers different options for brunch, from viennoiseries to delicious pancakes.
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The name Nenu comes from the Vietnamese concept of “an nhau”, a style of drinking and eating culture, sharing small and large plates with friends & family.
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If you come with a group, I suggest taking the “Moriawase” (Japanese for “assortment”), a larger plate that is easier to share and to try different things.
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Peaking at my neighbors' plates, I decided to try the bass with garlic oil, ginger, and furikake, and the tartare de boeuf with pepper mousse and pickles on the side.
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The stars of the menu are the homemade fluffy pancakes - an explosion of flavors, which come in different flavors, including a tiramisu and matcha version.
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As a meat lover, I absolutely enjoyed the dishes based on Iberic pork, including the spare ribs and the Jiang Rou Bao, which literally melted in my mouth.
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At Piola the specialty of the house is the “Siciliana o’ Cornicione” pizza, but it is only for the bravest: it comes with a ricotta cheese stuffed crust.
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