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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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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We paired the Hugo with buttery soft burrata and toasted bread.  I must admit I don’t get to Georgetown often, and when I do, I almost feel like a tourist as it is so different than my North East DC neighborhood.  I like to have a seat by the window at the cozy brick room on the second floor of the bar.  It allows me to stay cool on the hot summer days and still get my people watching in.  It’s one of my picks if you need a shopping break, a catch-up with friends, or date night.  Tip: ENO has free two hour valet parking at the adjoining Four Seasons DC Hotel.  During my other visits, I’ve tried their wine selection on tap (favorite: the King Acrobat Estate Rosé). Verdict:  if you need to feed your European nostalgia, head to ENO Wine Bar and have a Hugo!

Eno Wine Bar, 2810 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

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