Business is booming at this pandemic-hit Brussels resto as it bounces back in style.
Imagine opening a new business just on the eve of what turned out to be the worst health crisis in living memory.
That is the fate that, inadvertently, befell the owners of The Fifty One a restaurant in Brussels.
Little did they realise when opening the new business that, just days later, the coronavirus pandemic was unleased on the word.
It meant that, no sooner had they opened, than they had to shut the place again due to lockdown.
It is an experience that would have persuaded many to give up the ghost and remain closed.
But the owners of this place kept their nerve and courageously battled on.
Fast forward, then, to the start of 2024 and their faith and belief has – finally – been rewarded because their business is still with us and, not only that, is doing rather than, thank you.
That is due, in no small part, to the quality of both the cuisine and service.
But it has not been at all easy and the owners deserve credit for sticking with the concept and, in doing so, ensuring this cosmopolitan part of the city is served with something a bit different.
The reason is that restaurant offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine in the form of tapas or simple, well-presented dishes. The cocktail menu is just as original and delicious, not forgetting a small selection of lovely mocktails, just fantastic and quite original too.
It is open all day, with a reduced menu at off-peak times, but there’s always something to snack on. For lunch, they have a quick option with soup and main course, or main course and dessert served at the same time, so you can eat as quickly as you like. The 2-course option costs a very affordable €24 pp and this is something the resto is particularly keen to promote currently. It is very well located but word needs to get out about its excellent,value-for-money lunch offering (noon-2pm).
Chef Andrea Avella is the culinary brains behind all this very good work, ensuring the quality and “deliciousness” of the dishes. Having worked in leading Brussels establishments such as Bocconi à l’Amigo, La Manufacture, L’Ancienne Poissonnerie and Racines, Andrea moved to take charge of the kitchens of The Fifty One.
The focus is very much on the tapas offerings but the dishes on the a la carte menu are wonderful as well.
Customer favourites among the tapas are the BBQ wings, simple but always popular, gambas and the all-day sharing board consisting of things like salame, grilled veg, burrata, cheese and parmigiana.
The lovely octopus is a best seller among the starters while that old classic, fish and chips, and grilled squid are popular from the fish selection.
The most popular meat dishes are the terrific beef rib steak (only very good quality meat is used) and the burgers.
Veggies are not overlooked and the mini-gnocchi of herb-roasted pumpkin served with sautéed wild mushrooms and a parmesan fondue sautéed with mushrooms is a real fave.
The menu is tweaked a couple of time a year on average and there will be a new version out soon to mark the start of Spring.
However, Andrea ensures that best sellers (like the fish and chips, wings and sharing board) are always retained.
There’s a couple of salads to choose from if that’s your preference, a lovely dessert selection and some terrific choices of beers, wines and the aforementioned cocktails and mocktails.
Parisian Sebastien Charade is both the resto manager and also in charge of the very original and delicious cocktails creations. He says the “secret” of a top class cocktail and/or mocktail is not just about the right juices and syrup but using good quality products. Judging by the popularity of his creations he knows how to hit the spot when it comes to a good cocktail.
This a very cosy restaurant, with the 80-seat restaurant area (tables) on one side, and even a few tables in front of the open kitchen so you can see the chef and his hard working team in action. On the other side of the room is more of a “lounge-type” area, where you can have a drink and eat some tapas as if you were in your own living room.
With the better weather on the way don’t forget the nice terrace outside that can seat up to 40.
Like Brussels, the friendly/welcoming team here are multi-national, with staff originating from all over the globe, including Senegal, Argentina and Romania.
How fortunate that the owners, despite the awful health crisis, stuck with this business concept because it’s proved a really great addition to the city’s culinary landscape.
The Fifty One
Rue du Prince Albert 2, Ixelles
