Corica, Brussels

I remember perfectly my first espresso, early in the morning, on a highway rest stop parking lot, the Italian border still within reach. I was 18 years old. A real revelation. But let's be honest, when it comes to caffeinated revelations, in Belgium you have to search a bit… Fortunately, there are still sanctuaries like Corica, totally devoted to this fabulous product.

Here, they explain things to you, they advise you… they'll talk bitterness, acidity, intensity, roundness, aromas… coffee is subtle and complex and, like wine, it offers a wide palette of aromatic and taste profiles. Enough to please yourself, whatever your tastes on the matter.

The concept is super simple (and therefore perfect): about thirty coffees are selected and roasted to be tasted on the spot or taken away. Yes, "that's it." And the place is a reflection of the business, terribly well done. A few tables on the sidewalk, two large counters inside. One on the left for tasting, the other on the right for takeaway. There are quiet moments, others where people gently jostle… but the pleasure of a (very good) small coffee, sipped standing at the counter, is something you shouldn't miss if you're in the neighborhood.