Hi, we find we will be overnighting in Brussels on our way home from Morocco in January. Have already booked the little Hotel Welcome, which seems to have a central location. About the only thing we'll have time for is dinner _ does anyone have a suggestion? The restaurant at the hotel looked nice, but is closed for holiday.

Bear with me a bit here, b/c my memory is a little cloudy: There is a restaurant street and alley near the Grand Place that I believe runs near the back of the Gallerie St. Hubert. I'm sorry but I can't recall the name of the street, but one end of the street/alley was where the Hotel Opera (where we stayed) is located. Anyway, the street/alley had a number of restaurants, some better than others, lined up similar to the Latin Quartier in Paris. Touristy, probably, but we had a nice meal for a good price in one of the restaurants and it was fun looking at the displays of seafood, etc.

Try t'Kelderke on the Grand Place. They are usually open all the time -- hearty food and nice service. We would recommend just about any restaurant in Brussels, the food is that good!

Even if you don't eat there, do walk that "Resturant Row" area -- great fun seeing the displays. Even in cold weather (last Thanksgiving) there were tables out with heaters going under them! Also, do walk through the covered Galleries (King/Queen/Hubert) -- have a great cup of hot chocolate! Little P will be there to see however late the evening is. When we were there at Thanksgiving, the stores were open until 1-2am! You may have more to do/see than you think.

thanks for your suggestions! you've given me places to look _ i'm getting excited about the chance to see brussels, no matter how briefly. it's a nice bonus onto our trip!