Sint-Amandsberg

Loved being surprised! We'd chosen Ghent as a halfway point to stopover from Luxembourg to London. Just a beauty of a small city- full of stunning old buildings that made us want to stay longer and explore!! never mind the shopping we had no time for! A University town - good vibe - many many small cafes, restaurants, all strung along canals - well worth a return.

However, bought some chocolate, Rich and Mike paused for a coffee while Britt and I poked through a few lovely shops...loved the tailors shop esp. from 1919 - stunning fabrics, scarves.. shop mistress was delightful, showing us a phenom scarf that was a print of shirts which you wouldn't know wearing it. Stopped for a beer before heading back for a snooze and freshen up after exploring the Medieval area for precious restaurants.

Found the highly recommended Valentin's and made a reservation- only 5 tables! Precious owner/server whose husband was the chef. After our aperitif (I learned to put star anise in gin & T!) we all decided for the "Menu" - each had choice of 2 or 3 my 1st starter was smoked mozzarella with fresh toms, second was a homemade lemoncella, entre of sea bass to die for and oh the dessert!! 3 mini's - coffee drink in a wee jar, teeeny Creme caramel, and fresh strawberries in some sort of creme!! Didn't even feel stuffed at end! Just one bottle of a crisp Pinot Gris and we were comfy - beautifully paced meal - friendly owner who had all the time in the world for us - we closed the place :).

Easier in and out of the old town area than Brugges or Brussels!!Read more