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Redhot showcases things of interest in Belgium
Resto Marina
Albert Promenade, Oostende 8400, Belgium, tel: 0032 059 703556, www.resto-marina.be
Resto Marina is a top quality restaurant and one of the few in Oostende that can be classed as a genuine Italian restaurant, using as far as possible only the best in Italian products to create their culinary delights.
Owner Claudio Acquaro is an experienced master restaurateur and as a result Resto Marina attracts local gourmands who appreciate a truly authentic Italian kitchen. There is also an excellent choice of Italian wines available. When in Oostende it’s the perfect choice for a cosy lunch or dinner.
Camea Fine Jewelry
Hoveniersstraat 30, 2018 Antwerp, tel: +32 (0)3 226 45 50 www.camea.be, info@camea.be
If visiting Antwerp be sure to visit Camea Fine Jewelry, which commissions some of Belgium’s finest artists and designers to create the ultimate in high class Jewelry. Its creations – ranging from the classic to the very original, contemporary and audacious – will not fail to enchant you. All of Camea Fine pieces are crafted in-house to suit every personality, and to exude glamour and exclusivity. All of these exceptional items of Jewelry are made in 18ct gold with the finest diamonds, pearls and semi-precious coloured stones. Camea also offers you also the opportunity of designing customised pieces to your specifications.
Villa Natka
Chaussée de Waterloo 1020, 1180 Brussels, tel: +32 (0)2 374 93 63 www.vilanatka.be
The Villa Natka in Brussels – styled by Daniel Hechter – is an elegantly decorated restaurant, bar and lounge that you won’t want to miss. Be it for cocktails or dinner, time spent in the hip but convivial atmosphere at the Villa Natka is always a pleasure. Belgian culinary specialities such as brandade of cod-fish à l’ancienne, pan-fried squid or beef simple face mustard sauce will delight taste-buds. When the weather is fine, enjoy dining alfresco on the terrace, overlooking the swimming pool and the spectacular garden – one of the prettiest in town. And guests might just spot the odd celebrity or two.
Wilmart Stores
7 rue Xavier Debue, 1180 Brussels (Uccle), tel: + 32 (0)2 332 3230
Wilmart interior design store has existed for over 20 years. Two years ago, young interior architect Deborah Bollmann took over as Creative Director and it’s her aim to continue to expand the range whilst satisfying the needs of her customers.
Bollmann specialises in the design and decoration of window accessories, and Wilmart offers a wide selection of Venetian blinds, canopies, awnings and curtains from very classic styles through to contemporary designs. Under Bollmann’s direction Wilmart are stocking new and original fabrics such as Japanese paper, raffia, bast and velvet. Pre-purchase services and consultations are without charge and all curtains and blinds are custom-designed to meet the specific needs of customers. In addition Wilmart offers carpets in a large variety of different materials from leather to felt. Wilmart guides customers into making the right choices for their home… its the only place where you should feel 100% comfortable.
Chocolate by Thérèse Leduc
www.thereseleduc.com
Belgian chocolates are famous the world over, whether you want to win someone’s heart or woo a demanding client, what could be a better gift than these stylish chocolates by Thérèse Leduc. Available online worldwide www.thereseleduc.com has fast become a favourite website for discriminating gourmands.
Thérèse Leduc guarantees impeccably fresh products of the finest quality. The chocolate made by the “Maîtres-Chocolatiers” is highly refined, with the rare quality and taste that comes from the finest cocoa beans and the well-guarded secret of the art of the Belgian praline. Visit the website and discover a collection of Ballotins and Luxury Boxes that will delight all. Once ordered your chocolates are despatched along with your personalised message to anywhere in the world by express delivery. Orders within France and Europe are usually delivered in 24 hours. As a Virgin Express customer you can receive a 10% discount by visiting the site and entering the code: VIRGINVIP
The English House
Rue marché aux Herbes 95, Brussels, tel: +32 (0)2 513 35 86
Rue de la Montagne 46, Brussels, tel: +32 (0)2 511 40 11
The English House was established in 1946 and now has six stores in Brussels, Stockel, Knokke, Ostend and Antwerp. Catering to men and women, The English House stocks high quality labels including the refined Burberry collection and traditional, famous cotton wax Barbour range and accessories. In addition the boutiques feature Daks, Viyella, Grosevenor and Peter Scott, plus the softest, luxurious 100% cashmere and geelong lambswool knitwear. Smart city and country gents will find plenty to tempt them from suits and blazers to Harris Tweed sports jackets, ladies will adore the selection of skirts, blouses and fitted jackets in soft tweeds.
Dod
www.dod.be
Dod has expanded into a popular, value for money, high street brand since its first shop opened in a narrow Brussels street 20 years ago. They now have several stores throughout Brussels, individually devoted to menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, shoes and lingerie. Dod relies on one single concept which still makes a difference today: great brands for a small price.
Pauline B
Avenue du Japon 41, 1420 Braine – l’Alleud, www.paulineb.com
Pauline B’s womenswear 2006 winter collection is characterised by great restraint. Tops are full and voluptuous and the overall silhouette is beautiful and delicate. The colour palette is soft and muted with a return of grey and blues combined with warm browns. Fabrics are sensuous; cashmere is curled around silk, wool muslin twirls under mohair – everything is combined with the same grace and charm. Pauline B’s children’s collection features irresistible velvet and wool dresses for little girls.
Le Méridien Bruxelles
3 carrefour de l’Europe, 1000 Brussels, tel: +32 (0)2 548 47 16 epicerie@lemeridien.com
Ideally situated at the crossroads of Europe, the 224-room Le Méridien Bruxelles is located in the heart of Brussels opposite Central Station with direct access by shuttle to the international airport. Le Méridien Bruxelles offers lavish hospitality to an international clientèle of business and leisure travellers. The gastronomic restaurant, L’Epicerie, serves the very best Mediterranean and international cuisine. Three intimate suites accommodating up to 12 people are ideal for private gatherings. Also, on Sundays, the Family Brunch offers a generous buffet. In La Palmeraie and in the casual elegance of the Jermyn Street bar, guests can sample a selection of cocktails and discover a unique ‘Cuisine de bar’ concept. Every month, a different Champagne brand is introduced, which can be tasted by the glass.
Guru Bar
Chaussée de Boondael 8, 1050 Brussels, tel: +32 (0)2 644 54 34 www.gurubar.be
Just a few steps away from Place Flagey, the Guru Bar offers enchanting decor with designer furniture and an incredible zebra-striped bar. Guests can sip delicious cocktails perched at the central bar, and if they get hungry there are exquisitely flavoured mini-dishes, costing around €7-8 each. All served by dynamic and friendly staff and accompanied to a soundtrack of cool lounge music. Thursdays-Saturdays, from 11pm, the premises transform into a nightclub with the top three DJs in Brussels providing the best tunes that are likely to get patrons dancing on the tables.
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