Weekender Brussels

Brisket platters with smoked-butter potatoes, smashable chocolate desserts and cocktails made with mandarin soda are on the menu in the Belgian capital.

- Emma Beddington

1 Tasting menu At lunchtime, the tasting room at new cheese shop La Fruitière offers mixed platters, fondues and inspired sandwiches (think warm smoked ham and raw milk tomme du jura or fresh Belgian goat’s cheese on sourdough baguettes) with well-priced wines by the glass. facebook.com/lafruitierebrussels

2 Choux polish Peaceful Chouconut serves rare leaf teas and jewel-bright miniature choux buns. Try delicate lemon and yuzu, pear and blackcurrant, or go all out with the indulgent chocolate, caramel and peanut Snickers version. Its chocolate and Guérande salt shortbread or mango and passion fruit caramels make perfect gifts. chouconut.com

3 Star pick Isabelle Arpin won a Michelin star at her last venture, WY. Now she’s cooking in the intimate surroundings of Louise 345, a beautifully restored 1870s townhouse overlooking a mature garden. The Asian-inspired tartare of shrimp, popcorn bacon and peanut sorbet is a stunning balance of richness and delicacy. louise345.com