National Geographic: Asian-Inspired Chocolate in Brussels

March 25, 2013

I spent a morning with chocolatier Laurent Gerbaud in Brussels and got to indulge all my fantasies of opening a chocolate shop in the wonderful country of Belgium. Here's more on National Geographic Urban Insider.

Instagram

I love this tiny restaurant so much. Because it was where newborn Sophie and I would hang out and meet people from the neighborhood. Because it says he opens at 10:30am but it’s almost never 10:30am. Because he - Lillo, the owner - used to run a bakery in Rome and makes the best cornetto this side of Italy. (They’re much less buttery than a croissant, faintly scented with orange zest. Unless you get the Nutella version, but I hate hazelnuts 😮). Because it makes me happy to walk here and then through Cobble Hill. Everything - soup, pasta, cabbage alla Lillo, salad - is so good. No bathroom/cash only.

It already feels like a distant memory (!!) but there was a solid 2 months where I dreaded the sun going down. Because it meant another sleepless night was ahead...there was a point where she was waking up every 90 minutes for four straight weeks. There was one really bad night when - if it wasn’t for my friend @barrediva texting me - I wanted to jump off a figurative cliff. And then, seemingly overnight, it turned. She found her thumb, or maybe it was the sleep consultant, or maybe it was when her little body finally hit 12 pounds, or maybe it was when we let her cry it out more. Or maybe it’s 8 long flights in her first four months?! She’s so, so good now. She puts herself to sleep almost immediately, sleeps 12 hours, and wakes up smiling. And I’m so proud of her. And I already miss those sleepless newborn nights. Hahahahaha - JUST KIDDING.

I dream of @jeffleatham one day arranging flowers in my home. I ❤️ you and your gorgeous flower arrangements, Jeff! Sunset in L.A. ☀️

Raise your hand if this guy has shaped your travel to Europe in any way. I can’t count the number of travelers I’ve seen carrying his blue books in London, Paris, Rome, Switzerland, and beyond. He’s the best! Such a great dinner @1000placestoseebeforeyoudie @thetravelphile @ricksteveseurope @alexherrmannnyc @samanthabrowntravels @giankevo @travadventure

Maybe in another life, I will live near Joan’s on Third. I wish!! #chinesechickensalad #LA

We barely have photos of us together anymore, but here’s photo proof that your heart can expand and explode more than you ever thought possible. Thanks for toting our piccolina around town, loving her with stars in your eyes, and being a true partner so I can chase after what I want, too. And for letting me sleep as much as possible. On another note, my grandparents used to send us Valentine’s cards with $5 in them, and a little note signed, “Love, Pop-Pop and Dub-Dub” - I love this holiday celebrating all the LOVE!

Thanks for being the best sister (and aunt!) ever my smooth little hurricane Bit @maggie.fitzsimmons - Love visiting you in your London home. #diaperbag #drugdealhappening

One of the most stunning hotel suites I have seen: the Hermès suite at @milestone_hotel - decorated with vintage Hermès scarves, lacquered Art Deco-style cabinets, and a private balcony looking over to Kensington Palace. This one is for you @amherrera #milestonehotel

Came to London, lost Sophie. (In the fierce Meghan Markle suite! Normally kids aren’t allowed, but we snuck her in quickly.) @milestone_hotel

This woman is a breath of fresh air and full of great ideas! We❤️ Lauren! @aspiringkennedy not pictured: @tylerdknight

Tiny neighborhood French restaurant of my dreams. #hampstead #london

@anniefitzsimmons

Recent Tweets

This thread 😂😂😂 @LuxeTiffany this is for you. https://t.co/AvUTww1JQO
about 4 days ago
RT @HillaryClinton: The real national emergencies: - Relentless gun violence. - Children separated from their families at the border.… https://t.co/6tkFI9kBQ5
about 5 days ago
The L.A. dream @FSLosAngeles https://t.co/JBmhrNAcCW
about 6 days ago

Follow Annie on Twitter >>