The Brussels Tram Experience – Our Review

Better late than never! Here comes our Tram Experience.

It’s not every night you eat a four-course meal while riding around Brussels on a tram, but maybe it should be.

You may remember, back in February, I was invited to a sneak peek at the Brusselicious Tram Experience.  At the time, I thought it was a great concept and I couldn’t wait to try it out for myself.

After months of waiting and hearing about how much our friends had enjoyed it, we were finally able to give it a try. Andrew and I had the Tram Experience last Saturday night, along with my parents, on the final night of their five week visit to Europe.

Here’s a little look at our evening:

The Tram Experience looks shiny and inviting.

The tram looked great when it finally arrived – however it was about 20 minutes late. We were lucky it wasn’t raining too hard (as it so happens from time to time in Brussels). We all felt that if the Tram Experience is going to become a permanent feature in Brussels, they need to build their own starting point with a good shelter from the weather. Standing around Place Poelaert in a downpour isn’t a great way to start a fine-dining evening.

Sitting down at the Tram Experience table – looks inviting!

The first look at our table for four was a real treat. The tables are specially designed with cut-outs for glasses, plates and cutlery, to keep things from sliding around. The funky blue and purple lighting and glasses of champagne set the tone for a fun night.

Bubbles and Amuse Bouche while we study our menus

Our amuse-bouches were waiting for us as we sat and looked over our menus. They consisted of an aubergine and green curry mousse and a salmon-y nibble. Both were quite tasty.

Bread on a stick

There were also herbed breads with olive oil and whipped butter to enjoy as we began our journey.

First Course – Foie Gras and Baby Leeks

Our first course was a marbled terrine of baby leeks and goose foie gras with a mixed salad and a sweet vinaigrette.

Codfish with speculoos and thyme butter

Our main course was codfish with speculoos and thyme butter (a surprisingly tasty combination) with cauliflower mousseline and hazelnut sauce.

Blood orange and Sangria dessert

Dessert was a Blood Orange and Sangria jelly with a crispy biscuit.

The menu was conceived by Pascal Devalkeneer of Le Chalet de la Foret. Chefs and menus change regularly on the Tram Experience so there is always something new to try.

So what was our verdict? Was it the best food ever? No, but the menus are always changing and the experience was truly unique. The service was good and the wine was flowing freely. The atmosphere was lively and all around us diners seemed to be having a great night. We particularly enjoyed watching the looks on people’s faces as we passed by them waiting at tram stops. Overall, it was a fun and tasty evening we would certainly consider repeating.

Bookings have been extremely popular so the Brusselicious folks are releasing seats for the Tram Experience a few at a time. You have to check back to the booking site regularly in order to snap up a table.

Have you been on the Tram Experience? What were your thoughts? Should it become a permanent part of the Brussels food scene? Give your feedback in the comments below.