Best View - Top of Arc du Triomphe, Parc du Cinquantenaire

There are a few good views in Brussels. The best in my opinion, is the view from the top of the Leopold's Arc du Triomphe in Parc du Cinquantenaire. You enter through the Military museum entrance and tell the kind gentleman that you would like to go to the top of the arch. He'll instruct you to go past the mounted cavalry and up the stairs to reach the view point. The best part: it is FREE! It isn't specifically noted in English guidebooks, but well worth the trip. Get there from either Metro Merode or Metro Schuman. We lived 3 blocks from this testament to the brutality of colonialism -- built on a foundation of Congolese blood, ivory and gold. Leopold's answer to Napoleon's puny arch in Paris...

Runner up is the top of the musical instrument museum.

Best Fashion

I can't really speak for womens' fashion, nor fashion in general.  I still own T-shirts that are over 10 years old...  However, if you really want to go shopping, Antwerp would be the place.  Great for a day trip, pick up some haute coiture and a few diamonds.  In Brussels, there are a few places to hit: generally Ixelles (Avenue Louise), or for the more frugal, H&M on Rue Neuve.  The name of the blog "Belgique Geek Chic" comes from the look I am sporting in the picture above.  It says, "I am aware of my appearance.  I am trying to look good.  I am chic.  I am also geek."  Almost all men in Belgium (if I can generalize) sport this look -- the main element is the sweater over top of a button down collared shirt.  Preferably all matching colours: pants, socks, shirt and sweater.  Can be worn with Pumas or any sort of dress shoe.  The best part is the versatility -- you can tie the sweater around your neck if the evening is too warm (i.e. circa 1980s).  I liked to wear this look occasionally around town, if only to blend in :-)

Best Belgian Cuisine

Belgian restaurants have a standard of excellence in food second to one.  Service on the other hand is something to be rewarded if ever found...  Enjoy your meal, may the ambiance be gezellig.  Be patient.  After your food, you will not see your waiter for at least 45 min to an hour.  Getting the bill or desert may take some time.  Order a second bottle of wine when they drop off your food and enjoy relaxed dining.  You've rented the table for the entire evening!

Frites and Moules are the Belgian national dish.  Find some good Waterzooie or Crevette Gris and you'll be happy.  My pick for best of Brussels for authentic Belgian cuisine is Au Vieux Bruxelles, in Ixelles near the Porte de Namur metro stop (Rue Saint-Boniface 35, B-1050 Brussels; Tel: 02.503.31.11).