stardust

One other thing about Sluis is banks... lots of Belgians (especially from rich area Knokke) go (or used to go?) there to deposit there money they want to hide from Belgian tax authorities. It's just fun to be say you 'biked to the Netherlands'

www.dekarmeliet.be
www.molentje.be

A new Michelin-star restaurant in the area is Bartholomeus in Knokke. Zeedijk 267. Tel (+32)(0)50.51.75.76

MyriamC

Stardust, Unfortunately for many Belgians it's "used to go" to Sluis to deposit their money ... Banker's discretion has been lifted.

SydneySteve, When are you coming to Belgium? I just noted in another post that De Karmeliet will be closed during the month of July. I doublechecked and, indeed, they're closed from July 4th until August 2nd.
"Den Gulden Harynck" in Brugge gets good reviews as well as "'t Molentje" in Zeebrugge.
If you want to read a bit more about the history of Sluis, they do have an informative website (also in English): www.sluisonline.nl

2 months, 4 continents ... another jealous Fodorite!

SydneySteve

Thank you Stardust. As a banker I will look into the tax breaks. Thank you for the web references.

usbeauty

Tulips, can you tell me where Bistro de la Mer is in Knokke?
Thanks.

Tulips

It's on the Oosthoekplein, close to the butterfly garden (Vlindertuin). The kitchen is very good, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is great, very cosy. No outside seating though.
Just around the corner from Bistro de la Mer is the Kindersiska; a restaurant with large playground, famous for its waffles. An essential stop for anyone with children (or for anyone who loves waffles).

MyriamC

<<We will take a train to Antwerp one morning to visit the diamonds.>>
Steve, I do hope you will visit historic Antwerp as well. The diamond quarter is definitely not the most attractive part of the city! It would be such a pity to have a bad impression of such a beautiful city.