We had reservations for dinner at 7:30, but the evening was so beautiful, we couldn’t wait to get out and walk around. The area between our hotel and the restaurant was quaint and historic, with parts of the old town wall still visible. We took a stroll around the Place Sainte-Catherine, also called the Old Fish Market. With beautiful buildings in the background, we strolled through along a park lined with small restaurants on each side. Down the center was a waterway with a fountain at one end. The park was filled with young families out for their nightly walk.
Owner/chef Tom Decross was busy in the open kitchen when we entered his restaurant, the Vismet. The tables were set with white linen, and the entire restaurant seemed to glow from the soft lights in the ceiling and the candles burning on the tables. The Vismet has been open for two years and claims to have the freshest fish available. Although we had a reservation, it did not matter for there were plenty of tables available and we were their first guests of the evening. It was nice not to have to wait in line.
Benjamin, our waiter, spoke excellent English, having lived in London for five years. We were immediately immersed in conversation about traveling. He told us that he works to travel--literally. He works for one year, saves every penny he can, travels for as long as he can--usually one year until the money runs out, and then it’s back to work.
Benjamin was a great asset that night. We were not familiar with the items on the menu and he recommended everything from the aperitif to dessert. We started with a delicious light fruity wine. For an appetizer, I chose the croquettes of shrimp with a light coating fried golden brown in a wonderful creamy sauce. Harry’s choice was fried sardines. Yes, fried sardines. Both choices were superb.
Our main course was turbot, a delicate white fish fillet grilled in a buttery stock sauce, served with small mushrooms and mussels; a small dish of boiled potatoes was served on the side. You MUST eat mussels in Brussels. Dessert was delicious crème brûlée, followed by a cup of espresso--a perfect end to a perfect day.
By the time we finished our desserts, most of the tables at the Vismet were filled; it appeared to be mostly locals. We had a great view of the cooking area from our table and the two chefs busy creating incredible dishes. Of all the plates that passed by me, none were alike; each presentation was beautiful and I wanted to eat all night.
Everything we ordered, without exception, was not only a joy to the eyes but also to the palate. Bidding Benjamin goodbye, we strolled back toward our hotel, taking time to sit on a bench in a small park and marvel at the excitement of our first full day in Brussels.