A micro-world in the middle of the park
Launched last summer in the wake of Luga, the urban gardens festival, Mikrokosmos is one of De Gudde Wëllen’s venues, situated right in the heart of Édouard André Municipal Park. For its second season, the concept remains the same: a little world of its own, blending music, greenery and cuisine, which takes on a different character depending on the time of day. The menu focuses on the essentials and suits the setting perfectly: flammkuchen (the classic version with Isigny cream, bacon, onions, mozzarella or the vegetarian version with courgette and aubergine), croques (including a Mediterranean version with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and rocket), a pulled pork burger spiced with jalapeños, and a salad of the moment that changes every week. Come evening, from 6 p.m. onwards, it’s time for sharing platters (bread, local cheeses and charcuterie, spreads), perfect for a leisurely aperitif. To finish, an ice cream or the cake of the day – just ask at the bar. The place is only open during the warmer months and in fine weather, which adds to its rather exclusive feel.
Address: Édouard André Municipal Park, Luxembourg (city centre).
Pizzas and cold beers in Bonnevoie
Many people are familiar with Les Rotondes in Bonnevoie: it’s one of the city’s liveliest cultural venues, with its programme of concerts and events. What has changed is its buvette (the venue’s bar), which De Gudde Wëllen has taken over. The team is putting their own stamp on it without altering the rest: craft beers, cocktails (and mocktails) and snacks to share, to be enjoyed outdoors whilst taking in the atmosphere of the venue. The real highlight of the summer is the pizza menu created in collaboration with Essenza: a Margherita with fresh basil, a prosciutto cotto, a diavola with spicy salami, a vegetariana with grilled seasonal vegetables, and a mortadella-stracciatella that’s a real treat. You order them from the food truck parked next door and eat them outside, drink in hand. The refreshment stand and outdoor bar are open from Wednesday to Saturday from 5 p.m., as well as during every event at Les Rotondes.
Address: 3, Place des Rotondes, Luxembourg (Bonnevoie).
Essenza's pizzas, on the menu at the Buvette des Rotondes, taken over by De Gudde Wëllen. (Photo: de Gudde Wëllen)
The Kirchberg Open-Air Café
If there’s one outdoor institution in Kirchberg, it’s the Kyosk. Since 2011, this kiosk, nestled in Central Park, right next to La Coque, has carved out a niche all of its own: street food from around the world, mismatched furniture, pétanque courts, pastis in the sunshine and organic ice cream. You’ll find families and revellers in equal measure, along with dogs and children – a real mix of people on fine days. Like the others, it only opens its shutters when the weather’s fine (it’s best to check before you go). Each month, Le Lunch chooses a theme, and July sets its sights on North America: pork ribs with smoked barbecue sauce, Big Mac-style hot dogs, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, generously topped poutine, tacos (including a version with oyster mushrooms), or the El Santo salad for those with a lighter appetite.
Address: 10 Rue Léon Hengen, Luxembourg (Kirchberg).
