Mannequin Pis

Mannequin Pis (Flemish for little man peeing) is a bronze fountain in a pleasant corner of Brussels. It is also the name of a restaurant located in a strip-mall storefront in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Olney, Md.

That description of the restaurant doesn't do justice to it. Once inside, the ambience is warm and convivial. Mussels are prepared in any of 17 different ways — the traditional Mariniere style, with lavender, provencale, etc. Last night, we had an excellent dinner there.

Mannequin Pis has a good selection of Belgian beers and ales.

Reservations are a must because the restaurant is fairly busy, especially on weekends, and there are only a dozen tables or so.