Epicure

Chef Bernard Dehaene was born and raised in Brussels. He once owned Mannequin Pis, a Belgian restaurant in Olney, Md., and his current venture, The Corner BYOB, serves Belgian waffles for dessert and brunch. But Dehaene doesn’t want anyone to mistake The Corner BYOB for a Belgian restaurant. Sure, he sells enough moules frites that he orders mussels in swimming pool-size quantities, but he also offers Dover sole, escargot and hanger steaks— and has kangaroo, yak and python on hand for the adventurous. Dehaene and owner Cecille Fenix have turned their lack of a liquor license into a selling point (especially since The Wine Source is next door). “You can bring your six-pack of Bud Light or wine from your wine cellar,” says Dehaene. “You can bring a bottle of Maker’s Mark and we’ll provide the mixers.” The 50-seat restaurant is decorated sparsely on purpose, allowing diners to focus on food and friends— and the view of Hampden street life framed by the large picture windows. Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. 850 W. 36th St., 443-869-5075. —Laura Wexler