- Cary Spotlight
- Posts
- Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #475
Cary Spotlight (Travel + Discover Edition): Issue #475
Hello, Brussels! The 9 Must-Try Foods in Belgium, Discover Cary: MC Restaurant Review
Chris Coetzer
09 Feb
In this Cary Spotlight Issue…
💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia
😀 Meme of the Day
🧭 Hello, Brussels! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits in Belgium
🍽️ The 9 Must-Try Foods in Belgium
✈️ Fly Nonstop to Pensacola, Orlando, and More as Breeze Expands at RDU
😋🍴 Discover Cary (East & Drink): MC Restaurant Review
❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Cindy!
🏛️ Support Local Businesses
Question: Who invented the fire extinguisher?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients.
“Dined with you today and had forgotten how fresh your ingredients are and how tasty the food is! Thanks for making me feel like I am visiting Family when I come in to eat. Friendly staff welcomes you in and eagerly share their knowledge about the choices to ensure you get exactly what you want/need! Love Bee BanhMi!” ~Lorraine Cross
You can read their Business Spotlight | Order Online | Catering Service
📚 TWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS! 📚
To get two free audiobooks from Audible, just follow this link: Learn more
Partner with us to reach our local audience in Cary, NC.
Start here to advertise with us.
Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.
What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.
Who else do you know in Cary who might also want enjoy reading the Cary Spotlight?
Meme-o-meterClick to cast your vote (see live results) |
Ready to Race for a Cause? |  |
Credit: Brussels, Belgium
Hello, Brussels! A Five-Day Adventure Awaits in Belgium
Welcome to the Heart of Europe, where grand squares, Art Nouveau masterpieces, and the aroma of freshly baked waffles fill the air. Over the next five days, you’ll dive headfirst into the charm of Brussels—from strolling through gilded halls at the Grand Place to savoring the city’s world-famous chocolate and beer.
Whether you’re a history buff eager to uncover centuries of heritage or a foodie ready to indulge in Belgian delights, this itinerary is your passport to experiencing Brussels like a local. Pack your appetite (and your comfiest shoes)—this is going to be a trip you’ll never forget!
To complement your 5-day Brussels itinerary, here's a video that is the “10 BEST Things To Do In & Around Brussels”.
Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3RO1JbL02U
Here's a suggested 5-day itinerary to explore Brussels and its surroundings:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Brussels
Morning: Begin at the Grand Place, Brussels' central square and a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its ornate guildhalls and vibrant atmosphere.
Afternoon: Visit the Manneken Pis, the iconic statue of a little boy peeing, which has become a symbol of the city's irreverent spirit.
Evening: Dine at a local Belgian brasserie to sample traditional dishes like moules-frites (mussels with fries) and stoofvlees (beef stew).
Day 2: Art and Culture
Morning: Explore the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, housing extensive collections of classical and modern art.
Afternoon: Visit the Magritte Museum to delve into the surrealist works of René Magritte.
Evening: Stroll through the Mont des Arts area, offering panoramic views of the city and access to various cultural sites.
Day 3: Day Trip to Bruges
Morning: Take a train to Bruges, often referred to as the "Venice of the North" due to its picturesque canals.
Afternoon: Climb the Belfry of Bruges for a panoramic view of the city and explore the medieval architecture.
Evening: Return to Brussels and relax at a local café, perhaps sampling some of Belgium's renowned chocolates.
Day 4: Modern Attractions and Belgian Delights
Morning: Visit the Atomium, a unique structure originally built for the 1958 World Expo, offering panoramic views of Brussels.
Afternoon: Explore Mini-Europe, a park featuring miniature models of famous European landmarks.
Evening: Enjoy a beer tasting at Delirium Café, famous for its extensive beer selection.
Day 5: Shopping and Farewell
Morning: Shop along Avenue Louise, known for its high-end boutiques and designer stores.
Afternoon: Visit the Sablon district, famous for its antique shops, art galleries, and chocolatiers.
Evening: Conclude your trip with a farewell dinner at a traditional Belgian restaurant, savoring local specialties.
This itinerary offers a balanced mix of cultural exploration, modern attractions, and culinary delights, providing a comprehensive experience of Brussels and its nearby treasures.
Learn about more family trips built for adventurers of all ages.
G Adventures is the leader in small group and solo travel for 30 years, they know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides. Check out the Online Deals: The Whole World is on sale! Shop Travel Deals
Travel Guides - Here are two reputable travel guides to help you plan your trip to Brussels:
Lonely Planet: Brussels Travel Guide
Lonely Planet offers comprehensive insights into Brussels, including expert guidance on top attractions, local tips, and detailed information to ensure a smooth visit. Their guide covers the city's best neighborhoods, day trip suggestions, and essential travel advice.
Rick Steves' Europe: Brussels Guide
Rick Steves provides an in-depth look at Brussels, featuring recommended places to visit, practical travel tips, and cultural insights. His guide includes information on key landmarks, local cuisine, and useful advice to enhance your travel experience.
🍽️ The 9 Must-Try Foods in Belgium
Belgium is more than just waffles and chocolate—it’s a food lover’s paradise! From crispy frites to indulgent mussels in white wine sauce, this video takes you on a mouthwatering journey through 9 essential Belgian dishes you can’t leave without trying!
Get ready to discover:
🥖 The waffle showdown – Brussels vs. Liège, which one is king?
🍟 The secret to Belgium’s legendary frites (Hint: it’s all about the double fry!)
🦪 The most flavorful mussels you’ll ever eat, cooked to perfection
🍺 Why Belgian beer is considered some of the best in the world
🍫 Chocolate, croquettes, Flemish stew, and more!
Warning: This video may cause extreme food cravings! Watch now and let us know which dish you'd try first! 😋
Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJen0yo4EzQ
Just curious…
Fly Nonstop to Pensacola, Orlando, and More as Breeze Expands at RDU
Breeze Airways is set to expand its footprint at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) this spring by adding five new nonstop destinations. Beginning April 30, the airline will introduce seasonal flights to Pensacola, Florida. Additional nonstop routes to Memphis, Tennessee; Orlando, Florida; and Rochester, New York, will begin on May 9, with service to Albany, New York, following on June 5.
To celebrate the expansion, Breeze is offering promotional fares on select days, with tickets starting as low as $39 for some routes. Flights to Pensacola will be available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while Memphis and Rochester flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays. Orlando-bound travelers can find the lowest fares on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and Albany flights will be available on Thursdays and Sundays.
The addition of these new routes underscores RDU’s continued growth as a regional travel hub. With Breeze Airways' focus on providing affordable, convenient travel options, Cary and Triangle-area residents now have even more choices for reaching popular destinations with ease. Read Full Report
Credit: MC Restaurant
MC Restaurant Review
MC Restaurant is one of the local restaurants nominated by Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary project. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below. MC is Michael Chuong's restaurant on the corner of Kildaire and Academy (the white house across from the arts center and park). It has been there for years.
Here are the results from our last reader poll (see below). Check out their menu on their website: MC Restaurant
Address: 324 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions
Reader Poll Results (Issue # 359)
MC Restaurant (8 Votes)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (3)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 😊😊😊 I have never been there but I might give it a try (5)
Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:
“Tail of 2 tunas Land and sea Tuna flight and donut roll when a special Everything’s great especially while enjoyed with porch dining! Bring a sweater for inside!”
MC RestaurantClick to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu. |
one-of-kind cat boutique | Shop Online or VIsit Cary Location
You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Cindy!
Spread The Word
If you want to help Cary Spotlight even more, share Cary Spotlight with your friends and neighbors.
Support Local Businesses
Do you know a Cary business or nonprofit whose story deserves to be shared with our Cary Spotlight readers in Cary, NC? Here is our offer: Be featured on our podcast and connect with our audience. Let’s share your story.
✅ No fancy equipment needed
✅ No video—just audio recorded on a phone call!
✅ Takes only 20 minutes
This is your chance to connect with the Cary community and share what makes your business unique—all for FREE.
The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
Thomas J. Martin, an African-American inventor, was awarded U.S. Patent 125,063 on March 26, 1872, for an improved fire extinguisher design. His innovation involved a system of pipes and valves that allowed water to be directed to specific areas within buildings, effectively acting as an early form of the fire sprinkler system. This advancement significantly enhanced fire safety by enabling more efficient and targeted fire suppression, laying the groundwork for modern fire prevention technologies.
For more information, you can read about Thomas J. Martin and his contributions here.
How Did We Do With This Issue?Click to cast your vote |