A Taste of Belgium

I started my day today by leaping out of bed (at noon), thinking I had slept through my lunch date. Luckily, I hadn't, and I was able to make it down to Chelsea in just enough time to catch up with an old friend I hadn't seen for four years. She met me at the corner of 21st and 6th and we bustled into a wonderful Belgian restaurant on the corner called Markt.

I was totally impressed. The staff was incredibly friendly and formal, and they collected our coats at the door. It had a rustic kind of feel to it; even the napkins had character. It was a little noisy, but it definitely captured the authentic European bar feeling well. Or at least what I remember it to have been the last time I visited Belgium.

I was craving pasta after a week of Mexican food in sunny San Diego, and their penne with tomato, basil, and mozzarella was simple, classic, and quite good. The portions, too, were quintessentially European: enough food to fill you up and nothing more. I can't remember the last time I was able to actually finish a meal! And for good food and a funky, classic atmosphere, the price was definitely right as well. Check it out next time you find yourself in Chelsea--any time, really; they're open from 8 a.m. to midnight!