Just six kilometres of a lush tree-lined canal separate Damme from Bruges, making Tante Marie (Aunt Marie) the perfect stop-over on a walk or bike ride. It doesn't matter what time of day it is; the menu caters to all tastes and appetites - big or small, sweet or savoury.

In our case it was midday, so the lunch menu was appropriate. For €23.50, it includes a flute of Champagne, an assortment of hearty fare, a glass of wine and a cup of coffee. With our last sips of the decadent daytime bubbly, two warm plates arrived.

My companion's Mediterranean assortment consisted of an ample slice of Tuscan lasagne, thick focaccia bread cloaked in Parma ham and a flaky puff pastry stuffed with leeks and feta cheese. I opted for the Tante Marie assortment, figuring you can't go wrong with anything named after the house. Indeed I was pleased with large, homemade shrimp croquette, a helping of the same lasagne as across the table and an oven dish filled with gently warmed goat cheese.

Both plates were flanked by a side of green salad with homemade vinaigrette and fresh- baked, warm rolls with butter. There are eight different assortments, including a vegetarian option. This is an ideal way to dine if you are, like me, indecisive and love to dabble.

If it's later in the afternoon, try the tea-time menu: Champagne, an assortment of pastries, ice cream, fresh fruit and a pot of tea or coffee for €16. There's also an option of three crêpes with various sweet toppings, such as different types of sugar and raspberry jam.

Just as we were contemplating ordering something from the fairly amazing display at the pâtisserie counter (Tante Marie has its own pastry chef), our coffee arrived and next to them two little servings of chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and a homemade butter cookie. It's truly in the details.

Following more than a decade of steady success, the original owners put up a "for sale" sign and went travelling. Who took over the business? Damme resident and one of Tante Marie's most loyal customers, Bernard D'Hoest, who traded in his legal career for an apron. "I didn't change a thing because I wanted to keep it just as good as it has always been," he smiles.

What Bernard did do is open another Tante Marie last year, next to the Vismarkt in Bruges. It follows the same concept as the original but serves full traditional meals as well. Still, there's something about Tante Marie that feels intrinsic to Damme.

Kerkstraat 38, Damme; 050.35.45.03
Daily, 10.00-19.00
Cosy and relaxed pâtisserie and brasserie, with a menu suited to satisfy every craving

www.tantemarie.be

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