The Roste Muis is a rather rambling and disjointed wooden structure on Belgium's border with the Netherlands. Hastily thrown together as any smuggler's hut, it has that "you never know what's lurking around the corner" kind of charm. The Roste Muis has a checkered past beyond smuggling; women are involved.
But today it's the region's most popular restaurant. Tables are crowded at unlikely hours, but the friendly staff is always willing to make a space for newcomers.
The menu, like the house, is a rambling affair that covers all bases, from snacky offerings to full (and filling!) meals. There are simple plates of meat and cheese, to sandwiches to the regional specialty: eel. And the eel are served in several regional and fancy French sauces, all of them good. There are the famous Belgian frites, of course.
You wash all this down with a beer, because this is Belgium after all. And the Roste Muis has a decent enough selection to keep you busy for a while. The wait staff can help you with choosing, even if you speak only English.
The area around the restaurant is compelling as well. Sit at an outdoor table and be transfixed at the scenery all around you (and the animals roaming the property, which range from goats, to hungry peacocks and their young, to a rather tame rabbit or two).
The Roste Muis is a place to both eat and experience. All restaurants should be so versatile. It's also closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
