Belgium - sugar overload

You'd think a city called "Brussels" would be all about the greens, sprouts, and salads. Noooope, not the case. Instead, welcome chocolate fountains, candy shops, waffle houses, and buttered fish. And beer. Awesome beer in Brussels! (Note: Go on a diet before you come to Brussels). 

If you're looking for a real, traditional waffle house go here, The Dandoy Tea Room on Rue Charles de Buls. Dandoy has been around since 1829, and if you step inside you'll see why. The front has a whole section for take-away treats and goodies, and there's always someone making waffles right behind the counter to take upstairs to the antique tea room. If you check out their website you can see a really cool timeline of their history, and other shops they've since opened throughout Brussels.

And if you're looking for some amazing fresh caught seafood, head to the Rugbyman No.2, right on the water. Super casual, super delicious. Careful though, there are two Rugyman restaurants right beside each other, No. 1, and No. 2. Apparently they used to be business partners, split up, and decided to keep the same name. You want No. 2.

Some foodie photos from the rest of my time in Brussels:

One of the MANY chocolatiers in Brussels

I don't like chocolate and this looks appetizing

Dandoy Tea Shop - Go here

"Brussels" waffle with ice cream, icing sugar and raspberries

Nom nom nom

Home made chocolate syrup? Why not.

Some interesting looking baked goods

Rows of chocolate

Seafood chowder

The best fish I have ever ordered at a restaurant...

...likely because of the creamy butter sauce.

Belgian pilsner - Maes

Belgian style omelette

Croque monsieur

That's all for Brussels.

Happy Hump Day! (Wednesday, for those less humorous than I....because you're past the mid-week hump....?)

A.C

London - Harrod's

Well after about a month long hiatus I have decided to (briefly) come out of my study hole and continue with my European update. I figure it's about that time of year where people usually venture across the pond so maybe these posts will be useful to someone. If not, at least the photos are pretty.

Here are some photos from our trip to Harrod's, in London. Harrods is the department store of all department stores. The "elitist" of department stores. If department stores were socialites, Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton wouldn't even be make the guest list to Harrod's party. Not that Harrod's is overly pretentious, but it just has EVERYTHING. Obviously my main focus was on the incredible food displays, but for the fashion lovers - there are four HUGE floors dedicated just for you. And I must say it was pretty nice to sift through an entire floor of designer jewellery....

4.5 acres, and 4 floors of Harrod's

Tea Room (literally)

Tea wall

Tea Display

Produce

Sandwich bar

One of many bar-style eateries inside Harrod's

UK desserts!

School and work have been insanely busy as of late, but pictures of food and travelling never cease to make my day better.

Happy Tuesday!

A.C

London - An indian diner

For those that don't know, London is surprisingly famous for its indian cuisine. After browsing the web and scouring magazine ads for numerous overpriced and "touristy" dining spots, we took the advice of our hotel bellhop and headed to a small spot close by called "The Indian Diner" (good luck trying to find that). Although we were slightly hesitant to stay as we entered THE tiniest little restaurant filled to the brim with customers (mainly business men still suited up), we had no regrets after this authentic indian meal. Unfortunately, I can't remember what each dish was called, and since we were served about 8 times, you'll have to bear with my choppy food descriptions.

Indian beer - it's very smooth

Poppadoms! (aka giant rice cake)

Awesome stuff you put on the poppadoms

Beef and salad and a fried potato thing

Vegetables and meat and lentils

Noms and naan 

Stuffed..

Despite feeling full to the brim with different meat and vegetable mishmashes and sauces, it was one of my most memorable nights in London. Now on to finding something just as good in Toronto......any suggestions?

Happy Tuesday everyone!

A.C

London - the typical grub

Sooo I went to Europe! Five cities in two weeks and it was aaaamazing. We had a giant rain cloud following us for most of the trip (good thing I only packed flip flops and flats..), but nothing could put a damper on the culture, history, and beauty of these unbelievable places. And the food! Ahhh the food...I have no idea how Europeans have such great bodies because if I lived there I would seriously park myself at a cafe every day and enjoy all their homemade goodies - cakes, cookies, breads, crepes, pies, you name it. I'm not going to lie, I ate at some pretty great places - some of the best food of my life - and obviously took photos of everything going into my mouth (family and friends were likely annoyed with me by the end of the trip). But for simplicity sake, I thought I'd give you a post or 2 from each city so you can ogle and aw and drool over all of the deliciousness. On that note, enjoy!

First up: London 

Famous for: tea, beer, fish and chips, meat pies, and just general pub food.

TEA. So much amazing tea in London.

Cappuccino's, and more tea 

REAL pub food

When you're tired of beer...drink cider.

Eggs and ham - quite common for any meal of the day

Bangers and mash

Salad with cheese and bacon (ha.)

A meat pie!

Fish and chips

Nachos with guacamole and sour cream

I need to get me a good fish and chips recipe because I think that would make an awesome summer snack.

Happy Friday!

A.C