Introducing…

I recently got the pleasure of being invited to a SMARTMAT launch in Brussels.

The concept is pretty simple – Smartmat helps you & your family to eat healthy & tasty food by supplying the ingredients and recipes to your home each week. That’s right – they do the shopping, provide the meal planners and deliver directly to your home… so all you have to do is the actual cooking (and eating of course).

They offer formula’s for 1, 2 or 4 people for 3, 4 or 5 meals… even offering Vegetarian, Quick/Easy & breakfast choices.

The meals are at least 25% organic, have no unnecessary additives or preservatives and focus on providing sustainable fish and local meat choices to create varied, healthy & original recipes.

I will be receiving a box from them in the next few weeks – so stay tuned for more details about the contents…..

So that is what SMARTMAT is all about… and as I mentioned – I was lucky enough to attend one of their launch events at the Yoghurt Farm in Ixelles, Brussels in the middle of June (hosted by the PR agency Nightingale).

Firstly – the venue was decked out in a Swedish MidSommar theme (as the date was correct and of course, Anders, the head of Smartmat is originally Swedish although having lived in Belgium for the last 20years)

That is Anders telling us more about the evening and the SMARTMAT concept

Think cosy, country feeling …..

After enjoying a home-made vodka cranberry cocktail (virgin for moi)

We settled down on the outdoor terrace to enjoy a slice of Smörgåstårta – which is a Scandinavian savoury cake (slices of bread spread with avocado, carrots, leeks and cream cheese and decorated … even with edible flowers!)

Some enjoyed it with a shot of schnapps (while I looked on … jealously… but at 38% alcohol content, I was probably better off not drinking it!)

And then we moved inside for our mains… home-made Smartmat hamburgers…on a guacamole bed, nestled in a soft hamburger roll.

What started out as a simple, humble burger was easily “pimped” out by the add-on bowls on the table – featuring leaves of green (aka lettuce), slices of tomato & onion, crispy onion pieces, pickles, sauces which included a delicious homemade ketchup… and BAM… the makings of a KING burger where there.

For those who were still hungry… a second round of burgers was distributed… but I had my eye on the prize…

The Yoghurt Farm provided dessert… home-made frozen yoghurt which could be uniquely topped based on the individuals preference! I opted for freshly chopped pineapple, berry coulis (which is made on site), chocolate granola and chocolate chips (don’t judge me on the amount of chocolate… I use the excuse that I am eating for two… and my little girl has a sweet tooth 🙂 – plus I have to confess that I could have consumed my body weight in this dessert it was SOOOO good!)

Not only was I super impressed by the Smartmat concept and the amazing frozen yoghurt – we were also allowed to build our own bouquet to take home (7 flowers, that were supposed to be placed under my pillow that night in order to dream of my future husband… I still joked and asked if I would dream of my 2nd husband!) before leaving with our goodie bag (co-organized with Dille & Kamille)

Once again – an enormous thank you to The Yoghurt Farm, Nightingale & Smartmat for a truly memorable evening!

HIM & I were recently invited to spend an evening at the recently opened Terhills Hotel in Maasmechelen (right next door to the Outlet Village) as guests of the PR agency & the hotel.

We arrived mid afternoon on a friday – with a few dark clouds threatening to break what promised to be a beautiful weather weekend – but never fear, a few dark clouds makes for some gorgeous pictures!

With the presence of the former Eisden coal mine still ever-present in both the structures outside…

As well in the artwork in the rooms – the essence of history & old-world feel of the neo-classical Baroque exterior in no way competes with the plush luxuriously decorated interior (done by Dôme Deco … even offering the opportunity that guests who fall in love with particular pieces can even enquire at reception about purchasing to take them home!!) – in fact the new & old merge so perfectly together that you couldn’t imagine it any other way.

check the artwork on the mirror above the bed… pretty cool, eh?

The lights… oh the lights…

And a reception area that isn’t like any other hotels… demure and unassuming while remaining CHIC in every way…. with staff working off ipads to complete check-in & check-out.

One thing that really struck me was that this is a perfect getaway for EVERYONE… not just shoppers who love Maasmechelen… but also for Nature lovers with the Hoge Kempen National Park right next door… and active sports folk who can enjoy a day of wakeboarding or water ski-ing at the Cable Parc next door… PLUS the future brings plans of a wellness centre (“hello spa treatments”) and a restaurant/conference area. (Although it must be noted that if you are interested in Spa treatments such as facials, manicure and relaxing or deep-tissue massages – these can already be offered by the hotel either in their mini spa or in your own room!!!)

After the tour (and a good portion of the afternoon doing retail therapy at Maasmechelen Village) – we settled down at the Bar for an evening of drinks & bar food – from Chef Danny Vanderhoven with their DNY, very personal, food & drinks concept.

Although we sat in the bar lounge area – patrons could make use of the breakfast area for a more traditional table & chair eating experience – if they so wished.

The food concept revolves around street food – with small tapas style sharing dishes being on offer ranging in price from 8 to 12euros per dish. The idea is to order a few & share. We started with an Asian fish/seafood soup (which was probably my least favourite dish of the evening), then some shrimp croquettes & a charcuterie board.

Once these dishes were cleared – we moved onto the next round – hand cut Belgian Frites, vegetable bitterballen, vegetable tempura & rabbit skewers.

In terms of food – it was perfect as bar food nibbles – but I am not sure it would be sufficient as a full meal if you were staying for longer than an evening.

We spent the rest of the evening in our Comfort Room – just one of the 60 stylishly decorated & spacious hotel rooms available.

The next morning… we sauntered down to the Breakfast area… (whose lights I have fallen head over heels in love with) and enjoyed a shot of fresh fruit juice smoothies along with cups of freshly brewed coffee.

The buffet selection is compact but fully comprehensive – offering a selection of different breads (including gluten-free!!); cheeses, meats, salmon, spreads; fresh fruit (whole or already sliced); cakes and of course boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, bacon & sausage.

I actually couldn’t eat everything that I wanted to… but I can say that it was a great way to start the day … and an even more wonderful way to end this little getaway experience.

Price wise – you are looking at 4star exquisite accommodation from 139€ per room (but they also have a whole host of amazing specials… including their introductory price of 83.50€).

Disclosure: I feel it is very important to disclose that we did not pay for our experience there – but I do promise that this a 100% accurate review of our experience.

Terhills Hotel

Address: Zetellaan 68, 3630 Maasmechelen, BELGIUM

http://www.terhillshotel.com