Botanical by Alfonse

Alphonse? The two-headed spot from the inseparable Charlotte “Charlie” Guilliams and Valentin Norberg, who are united in matrimony as well as on the cocktail scene. They decided to build their nest on Rue des Brasseurs, in a corner joint that’s really cute, to say the least (lush greenery lining the windows, a communal table, velvet banquettes). On the menu, the classics first, whose classicism is all relative – the Sgroppino (vodka, cherry, black tea, lemon sorbet and champagne, €13) doesn’t really punch in the same weight class as your typical student happy hour caipirinha. And on the other menu, the one that changes every month and leaves us guessing every time, since it depends on the temperature of the cauldron, the mood of the druid, and the fruits and veg of the season. Being bound to our professional conscience, we tasted everything, with each tipple more exciting than the next. We even sometimes wake up at night thinking about the Révélation (vodka, peas, Batak berry, mint, aquafaba, €13) or the Symbole (tequila, white asparagus, white wine, parsley, aquafaba, €13). Is it the alchemy of the place or the mixologist’s genius, if you wake up with a head like a Picasso (from his Rose Period)? As for nibbles: nachos, fromage blanc, chili oil and herbs (€8), house-marinated olives (€3.50), and some extremely fresh summer rolls (€8). // Héloïse Bartsoen