Sheltered inside L’Arbre Qui Pousse, a sort of rural third place for communal living and shared farming, is this strange little restaurant attached to a bicycle repair shop, without a care in the world for coherence. Hence the name, Paulette à Bicyclette, which is also a reference to the nostalgic owner Pra Smetrnys’ grandma and her passion for bikes. Inside, there are 40 or so covers scattered about the wood-beamed room, oozing a rather bohemian atmosphere (enamel signs, vintage furniture, a hanging chair) that rejects formality. The same goes for the outdoor area, where an old caravan-turned-bar is open when the sun shines. That lunch, we spotted Sebath Capela (ex-Indrani Lodge) through the serving hatch, who’d come to lend a helping hand. The menu featured dishes connecting the local terroir with global cuisine – a big up to Pra and her Indian roots for that one. Samosas, braised endive, Liege-style meatballs in a sweet-and-sour sauce, tikka masala… it’s all over the map! Vibrant and comforting, the iconoclastic focaccia comes topped with gochujang pesto hiding under a mound of arugula, bechamel loaded with Parmesan, raw and pickled Brussels sprouts, as well as crunchy sweet potato chips. // Salty Litchi
FEELING THIRSTY? Local goods…what else? Locally made sparkling chardonnay from Bulles de Glabais (€9 a glass), Wister-Z triple beer from a social brewery enterprise (€5 for 330 ml) or Eau Vertueuse kefir made in Lasne (€5).
PRICE: Dishes €20-25, side of fries €5, ice cream €3.50 (a scoop), desserts €8-15.
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