Fancy a smashing sandwich from anywhere other than your local greasy fast food joint? Well, the founder of Burgers & Grapes in Mechelen has set himself a new challenge: to convert Antwerp to smash burgers, a beef patty smashed on the griddle as it cooks and stuffed into a soft bun. In this concrete and brick cube of a space with a raucous atmosphere, we gorge ourselves on roasted cos lettuce dressed in a tomatillo buttermilk vinaigrette, while waiting for the stars of the show to arrive: a classic smash burger (mustard, ketchup, red onion and melted American cheese); a crispy fried chicken version with daikon radish, Thai basil and a peanut Schezwan sauce; or for vegetarians, a spicy date and celeriac galette met scamorza, coleslaw and pickles. Still hungry? The homemade miso marshmallow with a pineapple chunk will satisfy even the most monstrous of munchies. Game, set and smash! // Louis Sipido
FEELING THIRSTY? High-end cocktails shaken up by Dogma, including the house’s legendary Bloody Mary (the best in Belgium? €13) and a signature You’re So Plumpy (whisky, Aperol, lime and rhubarb, €15), along with a Saumur-Champigny from the Domaine des Amandiers (€7 a glass) or a Wild West sour from Alvinne (€7).
PRICE: Burgers €12-15, dishes €8.50 to €12, sides €8 to €8.50.
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