About the Brussels Stephex Masters

This year’s Brussels Stephex Masters event, which ran from August 28 to September 1, celebrated its tenth anniversary in a big way. It was part of the prestigious Rolex Series for the first time, so it attracted some of the biggest names in the sport. Riders like Kent Farrington, Jessica Springsteen, and Marcus Ehning were all competing, along with world No. 1 Henrik von Eckermann and several other top-ranked athletes. It was amazing to see such a high level of competition in person, and the highlight of the week was, without a doubt, the Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi on Sunday. The course was stunning, with details like the replicas of the Atomium and Mannekin Pis adorning the horse jumps.

The Experience

What surprised me was how accessible the Brussels Stephex Masters was. I always thought these prestigious competitions would be expensive or difficult to attend, but the Stephex Masters is open to the public. You can wander around some stables, get close to the horses, and watch all the events. It felt like there was something for everyone—from serious equestrian fans to families with kids, all enjoying the unique atmosphere. There’s also plenty of food, drinks, and entertainment around. The vibe is casual elegance. You will see guests dressed to the nines and people in casual looks like shorts and sundresses. I advise wearing comfortable shoes to walk around and enjoy the fun installations throughout the venue.

VIP packages are available for those seeking a more upscale experience. They offer perks like access to an open bar, comfortable seating, and prime views of the competition. As a guest, I had the opportunity to experience the VIP area, and I think it’s an excellent investment, as you will have all the comforts during a busy event.

What stood out most for me was how immersive and welcoming the event was. Even as a newcomer to equestrian sports, I got caught up in the competition, cheering on riders I’d only just learned about. Seeing the horses up close between events added a personal touch to the experience.

The event occurs in Meise, a small Flemish town north of Brussels. From the Brussels city center, it takes around 45 minutes to get there by car, and there’s plenty of parking. Public transportation, which takes around 90 minutes, is also an option.

The Verdict

For a first-timer, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the world of show jumping by experiencing the Brussels Stephex Masters. I’m looking forward to attending again next year with my family and am excited to keep learning more about the sport. If you’ve ever been curious about equestrian events or want to experience something new, look into the Rolex Series events for their calendar of events.

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When I woke up the morning of March 22nd it was like any other morning-….until I reached for my phone.  I suddenly saw 45 of my friends have marked themselves “safe” on Facebook.  Then I noticed the notification on my BBC app:  Brussels had been a victim of a terrorist attack.  There was this uneasy feeling on the pit of my stomach.  I started to check my Facebook and What’s App for my friends.  All the memories of living in Brussels started to flash: dinners at my home in Ixelles, late nights sipping Duvel at Delirium, impromptu picnics at Bois de la Cambre, many trips taken from Zaventem Airport, and most importantly, the night I met my husband at Place du Chatelain.  I felt this deep feeling of pain, sorrow, and sadness.  However, I am sad to say I wasn’t surprised.

With those memories also came flashbacks from my deployment in Baghdad in 2005 where attacks of this nature were the norm.  Suicide attacks at weddings to markets were a daily occurrence in 2005 across Iraq. After seven months analyzing improvised explosive devices (that was my job), I learned how easy is to create terror, even in an area with such limited supplies.  At that time, my fear was that one day these actions will hit too close to home, and they most certainly have.  It doesn’t take much to create something that can create multiple casualties, and most of all, create terror.  Sadly, mass casualties are not needed in order to create chaos and uncertainty.  At the end of it all, that’s what a terrorist wants to achieve. Create a world in which we live in fear and give up the way of life we’ve sacrificed so much to achieve.

As much as I enjoyed living in Brussels, there was the negative underbelly of  a disenfranchised youth who were responsible for my unsavory memories of living in the city.  They carry the same profile of those who have committed these attacks, the type who call women “whore” if they are running by themselves and don’t entertain their advances (it happened to me several times, watch documentary Femme de la Rue), try to vandalize your car when you take the wrong turn and end up in Schaarbeek, or try to rob you at knifepoint (it happened to several people I knew).  Those are the topics that are difficult to discuss as it is better to talk about the good times, but one I feel that should be addressed.  I recall being a security manager at NATO focusing on industrial security.  At one of agency wide meetings, I asked about the threat of terrorism as the briefing focused more on cold-war type topics (mind you, this was 2011).  I was the only woman at that briefing.  The briefer looked at me like I was crazy, then scoffed at me by saying “that’s the job of the Belgian police” (in a tone of “how dare this woman ask me that question?”).  Sadly, this apathy for the state of world affairs is not uncommon in some security communities.

In my opinion, another more important question remains: how does a person who was born and raised in a city still hate it so much that it provokes them to cause such heinous crimes?  I truly don’t have an answer, however, I feel that this is something the authorities should address more in depth.  Apathy must stop.  Not only in Belgium but in the rest of the world.  How do we make all citizens, regardless or race or religion feel vested in the community they live in?  How do we make everyone feel a deep sense of citizenship?

I may not have the answers to the questions above, but one thing I am certain of:  these cowardly acts will not prevent me from continuing my yearly travels to Brussels or even living there again.  Because for every negative experience I had in Brussels, there are 100 memories to counter.  When we stop living, traveling, enjoying the lifestyle we’ve earned, that’s when they win.  Je Suis Bruxelles.

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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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The Scene:  I met my friends for a catch up dinner at The Gramm Restaurant.  The restaurant is simple, with clean lines and very little décor. However, the little details you do see capture the theme of the restaurant oh so perfectly.  The creative neon sign of the restaurant logo, a glass bar cart where tableside cocktails are made, and an open kitchen.  The dining room is long and narrow and there are a few outdoor tables.

About the Chef: Chef Erwan Kenzo Nakata is a young Franco-Japanese chef from the south of France.  His menu reflects his upbringing between France and Japan.  You’ll see those influences in the miso glazed fish or the smoked salmon garnished with edamame.  Chef Nakata and his young, energetic staff also focus on sustainability, sourcing their produce from local farms and adding organic wines to their list.  We spent hours eating, drinking and talking and had the opportunity to chat with the chef as they were wrapping up in the kitchen. We loved listening to him talk about his passion for food and what inspired him to create his menus.

The Food:  The Gramm Restaurant Brussels does not have a fixed menu but rather a tasting menu which changes daily depending on the availability of ingredients.  The six course tasting menu is 42 Euros.  We started the evening with the restaurant signature drink: a gin and tonic of gin distilled in Flanders.  Although I don’t remember the name of the gin, I sure remember the warm, herbal flavor of the drink.

The dishes arrived in creatively concocted plates.  The portions were small but packed in flavors.  We started with smoked salmon with thinly sliced black radish and edamame.  We continued on with a poached egg with a pulverized bacon garnish.  The heavier dishes consisted of a fish topped with black roe and a succulent cut of duck breast.  We concluded the meal with a rhubarb sorbet with cream.  The dishes were light yet satisfying.

The Service:  Brussels has a reputation for bad service, especially in restaurants.  My friends who live in Brussels and I, a six year expat veteran of the city were amazingly pleased with the service of the restaurant.  We heard our server talking to patrons in English, French, and Dutch.  When my friend said she did not eat pork, the server immediately provided her with an alternative dish of mushrooms. What we appreciated the most is that he thoroughly described each dish that was presented to us.

The Verdict:  Whether you are local or visiting the Brussels, The Gramm Brussels is definitely a Dining Traveler pick for a unique dinner away from the madness of the Grand Place area yet walking distance to the city center.  Between the tasting menu, cocktail, and two bottles of wine, our check came to 75 Euros per person (4 people). Very reasonable for the superb quality of food and excellent service.

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I am beyond excited to share a bit of Brussels with The Dining Traveler readers. This beautiful and underestimated city has been my home since 2002 and every day I fall more in love it (even if I now live in the “suburbs”).  Brussels is diverse, international, sometimes chaotic but utterly charming. It has the great advantages of big capitals without the pollution or costs of other major European capitals.  Brussels has an indescribable effect on people, the more you stay, the less you want to leave but no one understands why.

One of my favorite weekend routines, especially during spring time is to walk around Ixelles Lake, go to the Saturday Flagey market, and people watch while I sip a fresh mint tea from Café Belga.  I am obsessed with markets as they are the best portraits of a city.  Flagey market is very  popular among students and expats: it showcases a variety of fruit and veggie stands and small eats on Saturdays and Sundays.  The Champagne & Oyster bar on the market is a popular stop when the sun is out and an ultimate favorite to meet friends for a chat and quick catch up.

Indulge in Brussels Local Food:

Belgian & Edgy (splurge!): Rouge Tomate. Rouge Tomate has  wonderful and creative Belgian fusion dishes.  The interior is very beautiful and service is top notch, a total package culinary destination. One of my favorite restaurants to splurge!  Sentimental note: this was the first fine restaurant Jessica aka Dining Traveler ate at when she moved to Brussels in 2006!

Comfort & Budget (cheap eats): The fab burgers at Manhattn’s (Avenue Louise 164, 1050 Ixelles). It’s my new favorite burger place in the city but what I love the most is the fun, relaxed and helpful service.  A must after a busy day of shopping!

Yummy Japanese (ethnic): Izakaya (Chaussée de Vleurgat 123, 1000 Brussels) I used to live next door to this authentic Japanese restaurant and it never disappointed. Their sushi is the freshest in the city and their teppan dishes and yakitoris are worth the (sometimes long) wait.

Drink:

High-End:  Ideal for after- work drinks is the amazing bar at the Crystal Lounge of the Sofitel Brussels Le Louise. The decoration is modern, sophisticated and dreamy, the service super friendly.  I had the honor of trying The Angers-lima, a cocktail created by the very talented bartender Fabian van Roy.  The Angerslima has pisco, minth liquor, amaretto, cranberry juice, egg white and lime! Fabian made it to the prestigious Belgian Giffard West Cup Preselection with this cocktail and now is his signature drink at the bar. Being a cocktail lover I went to cocktail heaven with this!

Casual: Have a cold Leffe or a fruity Lindemans Kriek (cherry beer) at Café Belga, absolutely fun atmosphere day or night, sunshine or rain!  Cafe Belga brings together local bohemians, students, and expats in suits.  The ample indoor space welcomes DJ’s and live music from time to time on the weekends and the outdoor terrace is prime people watching real estate.  Sentimental note: Jessica aka The Dining Traveler went there on her first date with the Dutchman!

See:  There is so much to see and experience in Brussels, this is just a little glimpse of Ixelles (I had to start with my favorite part of the city) but I am looking forward  to share the fun and delicious places of all other Brussels neighborhoods.  For more tips, check out The Dining Traveler Weekend Trip Guide to Brussels.  Have you been to Ixelles?  What’s your favorite part of the commune? Share it with us on the comment box!

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