It was a very cold and windy day in Ghent - very atmospheric for visiting the dark and forbidding Castle of the Counts, but not the nicest day for sightseeing otherwise. I was cold, tired and hungry, which equates to grumpy.Luckily, just across from the Castle was a square called Veerleplein that had a couple of small restaurants. I chose the Neptune because its wooden trim and leaded glass windows looked warm and welcoming.
Inside it was just as cozy since it is actually an old house that has been converted to a restaurant. Linen tableclothes, candles, fresh flowers, heavy silver cutlery and crystal wine glasses made me wonder if it would be out of my budget but the lunch menu was surprisingly affordable. It was only 11:30 and it looked like they had just opened so it meant that I got very attentive service.
I started with gluewein, a hot mulled red wine flavored with cinnamon and lemon and the combination of spices helped to soothe my sore throat and put me in a much better frame of mind.
It was asparagus season and the daily special was an asparagus and crab omelette. Also on the menu were Belgian specialities like steamed mussels and waterzooi, a rich, creamy stew. Since I wasn't feeling great, I opted for a tureen of hot, cream of asparagus soup. It was accompanied by a basket of bread and rolls.
A small piece of moist, apple gingerbread was just what I needed to finish the meal and I was very surprised when the total bill came to under $9.00.
This is a very nice restaurant and a place that makes you want to linger over your meal. By the time I left, the restaurant was filling up and I think reservations would be needed for supper.