#BrusselsInview: #BanksysBites

Tenshi
1134 Chaussee de Waterloo, Uccle
Japanese cuisine has, in recent years, become rather fashionable and, in Brussels, there’s probably no better exponent of the art than this pleasant restaurant.

Located close to the popular Foret des Soignes, it is part of a mini-chain, with others situated in Stockel and Brussels’ docks complex. Each of the three have the same menu and similar stylish/informal décor.

Anyone in search of good quality and freshly-made food from the Land of the Rising Sun will not be disappointed.

Like its sister restaurants, the emphasis at the Uccle venue is very much on freshness, a vital ingredient in Japanese gastronomy.

Indeed, this - the authenticity and quality of its kitchen - forms the basis of the restaurant’s success since opening in this leafy suburb a couple of years ago.

The menu is, in fact, a nice blend of Asian food generally including, for example, Chinese specialities such as Yu Juan (fish and vegetable rolls) and the Vietnamese Banh Cuon (small crepes).

Thailand is also represented on the nicely-balanced a la carte with, for example, Pad Khi Mao Nua (a Thai speciality). There are plenty of sushi offerings, of course, plus other, equally tasty, Japanese dishes such as Makis (rice rolls).

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If grilled beef, chicken or salmon is your thing, that’s also available and it all goes down well with some great Japanese beer (or something from the excellent wine list).

For lunch, there is a very affordable 2-course menu, a snip at €13. The prices for everything are actually very reasonable indeed and there’s also a takeaway and home delivery service.

Born out of a partnership between Ben Zheng, a Chinese chef, and Michel De Bloos, the Tenshi concept could be sub titled as “sushis, noodles and wok” and all three are well represented here. Tenshi means “angel” in Japanese and the food here really is heavenly.

Risorante BoCConi
Rue de l’Amigo, 1000 Brussels
Tel. +32 (0)2 547 4715

Are you a lover of Italian cuisine? If so, check out the new buffet at BoCConi’s in Brussels.

Every Sunday, it serves authentic Italian dishes – a real treat for connoisseurs of a great world cuisine.

Occupying what was previously a quiet part of the week, the buffet has really caught on, both with guests at the adjacent Amigo hotel and non-residents.

Served from 12-15h, “il Pranzo della Domenica” consists of a great selection of cold and hot starters, plus a choice from the main menu and a glass of prosecco as an aperitif.

The self-service buffet includes specialities from different Italian regions, such as Fregola, a pasta with fish and veg (typically Sardinian), couscous and seafood (Sicilian) as well as other equally sumptuous offerings, such as a carpaccio of fish and sautéed mussels.

There's several different salads and a choice of traditional cheese.

The overall idea is to replicate a typical Italian Sunday lunch during which family and friends gather to eat different dishes. It’s a bit like the typical English roast and, indeed, there is roast beef with roast potatoes on the main-course card.

Other hot mains include a nice range of pasta, veal and fried fish. There’s also a fabulous choice of very good Italian wines (served by the glass or bottle) with expert wine matching advice on hand.

Everything is very professionally overseen by Jean-Francois Delaunay, the restaurant manager who used to work with Gordon Ramsay in the UK, and his welcoming team.

The fixed price (excellent value) will also appeal to those who may be dining on a budget.

The recently introduced buffet concept is not the only thing that’s new here: so too is the delightful décor and even the colour of the staff uniforms.

This is a lovely, 20-seat terrace (ideal for the summer) allows you to watch the world go by