Audrey’s take on The Dominican Hotel Bar:

Since the pedestrianisation of Brussels centre, human traffic has increased considerably. There remains however a hidden gem tucked away behind the theatre in the heart of the city, which provides an oasis of calm in the bustling city. The Dominican Hotel is a member of the elegant Design Hotels of the World boasting heigh ceilings and cloisters incorporated into the design of the hotel, reminiscent of the Dominican Abbey located there in the 15th century. The site of The Dominican was also home to the well-known French painter Jacques-Louis David. After his death in 1825, the house he lived in was named after him.

David is well-known for his last great masterpiece ‘Mars disarmed by Venus and the Three Graces’ which he completed in this house. The original façade of Jacques-Louis David’s home has remained intact and was integrated into the design of The Dominican. The Dominican’s Grand Lounge provides a large selection of seating, in the form of high chairs at the bar, comfy sofas along the windows or plump chairs beside the ‘open fire’. The “Food Book” contains several pages of cocktails, priced between €11 and €15.50, and all expertly made by the talented barmen (who we hear have taken training in London for the job).

My ‘boy’ has recently taken to their Basil Smash (€13,00) and the other gents in the group were quick to follow suit, ordering this Tanqueray Gin, lime juice, fresh basil and sugar melange, barely shaken, and poured over ice (to protect that precious basil fragrance no doubt).

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About the Aperitivo at Fig and Olive DC

The Scene:  City Center DC is the new trending shopping area in the city with shops such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Ferragamo.  Luxury is the theme at City Center DC. Fig and Olive DC provides the perfect setting to rest your feet after shopping or in my case…. window shopping.  You will witness a range of people at Fig and Olive from wealthy international tourists to suited locals discussing policy.

The Aperitivo:  Don’t be intimidated by its luxurious neighbors.  The aperitivo happy hour at Fig and Olive DC is a great deal.  Upon ordering a cocktail, you also receive a beautiful plate filled with savory olives, cheese, and smoked salmon.  The aperitivo is available everyday from 4-7pm with specialty priced cocktails and wine by the glass.

The Food:  Whether it is brunch or aperitivo, I love the attention to detail of the dishes at Fig and Olive DC.  Aside from the gorgeous aperitivo plate, one of my favorite things to order are the crostinis.  The have a selection of interesting flavor pairings but my favorite is the manchego, fig, and marcona almond. I love the fusion of sweet and savory.  Another favorite are the truffle croquettes although I am sad to say they are no longer on the menu….

The Cocktails:  I cannot get enough of the delicious, beautiful colorful cocktails! Must order: Sweet red pepper a colorful concoction of tequila with  aperol, muddled strawberries, lime juice, passion fruit syrup and sweet red pepper.  Other must-order cocktails include “Summer in Provence” and the “Rosselini”.

The Verdict:  It’s all about the beauty at Fig and Olive DC.  Sometimes it is hard to keep a balance between beautiful and delicious food and cocktails.  Fig and Olive strikes that balance beautifully.  I have been there for the aperitivo and brunch several times and I am always happy and inspired by their offerings.

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Although the W Hotel brand is known for its nightlife, I decided to head to W Taipei Yen Bar for afternoon tea after spending the morning at the National Palace Museum.   When I arrived at Yen, I was smitten with the design, plush chairs, delicate glass fixtures, and boom! there it was, Taipei 101 staring back at me as I sat at my window booth.

Although the experience is labeled as “afternoon tea,” I was told about the extensive cocktail list and their variety of mojitos (the bartender, Jacky, told me they can make 100 variations!).  Needless so say, I went straight for the cocktails! I had a gorgeous mojito with Ti Kuan Yin, a traditional Taiwanese tea.  The blend of the bitterness of the tea, mint, rum, and simple syrup  sounds chaotic but went down like a beautiful melody.  Cocktails were paired with an intricate tower resembling Taipei 101.  It was a collection of sweet and savory treats.  When I went to bite into a sweet sesame ball, I noticed a hair.  I immediately called the server over, and he was horrified.  He notified the manager who took the time to apologize and send me a beautiful set of creme-filled sweet buns dusted with chocolate.  What I truly admire about an establishment is how they bounce back from embarrassing situations of this kind.  Although it was an unfortunate incident, the grace in which the management handled it reiterated the professionalism of their staff. 

I appreciated how the bartenders, Farrah and Jacky, took the time to chat with me and give tips about Taipei.  I visited the bar by myself (the perils of solo travel) and enjoyed how they made me feel at home in their space.  If you are in Taipei, make sure to add tea time at the W Taipei Yen Bar to your itinerary. Tip: tea time is way less crowded than their evening service. You won’t have to share the view with that many people, and the staff has the time to craft you the perfect cocktail.  Not only do you get the view but great service and cocktails as well. Reservations highly recommended.

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