Journal

This is the new go-to spot for brunch, lunch, coffee, and pastries in Stockel, opened by Anh-Tu (Nénu, Le Nénuphar, Anam) and her sister Vivi Pham, who had long dreamed of creating a place of their own together.

It’s very much a daytime address – a cozy, everyday, ultra-family-friendly spot – with a thoughtfully curated menu designed for every moment of the day. You’ll find comforting, nostalgic dishes like half rotisserie chicken with fries and salad (€20), burgers (€18), or mac & cheese (€16), alongside seasonal, wholesome dishes. Think a winter bowl with squash, lentils, and kale (€18), or an excellent homemade waffle topped with smoked salmon, a poached egg, and fresh herbs (€18.50).

The space feels like a holiday home you instantly feel good in – inspired by the North Sea, Hamptons beach houses, and California surf shacks where Anh-Tu and Vivi grew up. Wooden slats, pops of soft chick-yellow, and striped fabric lamps create a flawless, detail-driven design by Zazie Maquet (whose work we already loved at Volta and Bisou in Ixelles).

Around 4 p.m., kids take over, arriving straight from school with their swim bags, often accompanied by their grandparents, for afternoon treats like French toast (10€), matcha Basque cheesecake (7€), bread pudding (4€) – truly exceptional, by the way, highly recommended – and all kinds of lattes.

One last very, very nice detail: evening service and the back terrace will both open for the warmer months.

In short, it’s a place that ticks all the boxes. We’ve already been twice in two weeks – and chances are we’ll be running into each other here quite often. Big congratulations to them.