Eat AND Drink YOUR WAY THROUGH FRENCH-SPEAKING From street foods like frites or waffles with the toppings of your choice to traditional dishes like croquettes or mussels, gastronomy in Belgium is an art, an art de vivre. Brussels is bursting with cafés to enjoy a world-renowned Belgian beer and the Grand Sablon Square is surrounded with shops from Belgium’s artisan chocolatiers Wallonia, French-speaking Belgium, is a delight of local restaurants, affordable and charming inns, castles and small breweries throughout the rolling countryside. Trappist AND ABBEY Beers Brussels Cheers! A Toast to Belgium, the Land of B eer! Tournai Waterloo Liège Val Dieu Saint Hartin Mons Spa St. Feuillien Namur Abbaye des Rocs There are almost as many beer styles as there are breweries in Belgium, and with so many options, you can’t go wrong. Blanche: Sometimes called a wheat beer - it is light and cloudy, with a hint of citrus. White beers are young beers. Lambic: A non-malted wheat beer naturally fermented by wild, airborne yeasts. This draft beer is unique to the Brussels area. Gueuze: A blend of two or more Lambic beers to create a secondary fermentation with a Champagne-like sparkle. Trappiste: Dark ales brewed by monks according to centuries-old methods Leffe GERMANY Rochefort Chimay Bastogne Orval Trappist B eers These rich, dark ales are produced by monks according to centuries-old methods. By law, the use of the Trappist name can only be used for brews that are produced by one of these abbeys. www.trappiste.com The Trappists of Orval: In 1070, Benedictine monks settled in Belgium but the brewery was open in 1931. Orval is the Belgian beer with the strongest taste of hops. www.orval.be The Trappists of Chimay: In 1850, a small Cistercian Trappist community near Chimay. The brewery produces three beers, the Blue Label (a dark, vintage beer), The Red Label, the most popular one and the White Label (a pale amber color). Since 1978, the bottling is done off-site. www.chimay.com The Trappists of Rochefort: Although the records already refer to brewing activity in 1595, the present-day brewery dates back to 1899. There are 3 types of beers, “La Six,” “La Huit” and “La Dix,” they are available in small quantities since the monks do not want the production to interfere with their ethics and their monastic way of life. www.abbaye-rochefort.be Brown Beers: An interplay of caramel-like malty sweetness and sourness gained from several months of maturation. Red Beers: Produced from red barley, these beers are aged in oak. Fruity, sweet & sour, very thirst-quenching! Golden Beers: These beers are similar to Pilsner lagers using very pale malts and hops, while retaining ale yeasts. · Leave the beer to rest for at least a week before serving . The yeast will sink to the bottom, leaving a clear beer in your glass Saison: A low-alcohol refreshing beer, brewed seasonally in farmhouses. · Drink the yeast from the bottle (like the monks do), it is rich in vitamins. Winter or Christmas Beer: Many breweries produce special beers during December, they usually have more alcohol and contain spicing. · Serve the Trappist beer in its own beer glass. Kriek: Created in Brussels, a Lambic beer in which further fermentation is brought about with the addition of cherries or raspberries. mbourg xe lu Breakdown: E C The Dinant AN It is easy to see the depth to which beer has become one with Belgium’s culture. What other country has a driving tour through the countryside called the Beer Route? After a day of castle hopping, visitors can stop by one of the local cafés to enjoy some chocolate with their beer, as their worries melt away. Whether you were visiting a brewery, sitting in a café or attending a festival, visitors will remember the first time they discovered their favorite beer. Maredsous Aulne FR In Belgium, beer is more than just a frothy beverage – it is a culture. With over 650 different varieties, many Belgian beers have personalized beer glasses in which only that beer may be served. The shape of each glass enhances the flavor of the beer for which it is designed. This tradition may seem like behavior reserved for wine snobbery, but Belgians take their beer seriously - and with good reason. The country has enjoyed an unparalleled reputation for specialty beers since the Middle Ages. Connoisseurs favor Belgian beers for their variety, natural flavor and character. Abbey B eers BREWERIES Up to forty years ago, most of the “abbey beers” were brewed within the precinct of an abbey. Now most of the beers are brewed outside the abbey but follow the traditional monastic methods. Abbaye de Maredsous: Founded in 1872 by Benedictine monks, three types of beers are brewed. The Abbaye’s beautiful property and delicious food also makes it a great place to stop for lunch. The light Maredsous Blonde was the abbey’s first beer and the monks still drink it daily at lunch. The brown beer “Brune” was originally only brewed for Christmas. The Maredsous Triple is served in the abbey on special occasions. Rue de Maredsous, 11 – Denée www.maredsousbieres.be Abbaye de Val Dieu: The abbey of Val-Dieu was built in 1216 by Cistercian monks. In 2001 the three remaining monks left the abbey, but the production of 3 types of beers continue in the abbey farm using traditional monastic methods. Tour for groups upon request. Val Dieu 225 – Aubel www.val-dieu.com Abbaye de Leffe: Brewery started in the Middle Ages until 1809 and stopped after the turmoil of the French Revolution. The beer is no longer brewed in the Abbey. Leffe is undoubtedly the most famous Walloon beer; it is exported throughout the world. Place de l’Abbaye 1 – Dinant www.abbaye-de-leffe.be; www.leffe.be Abbaye de Saint Martin: Founded in 1096, the Abbey of Saint Martin at Tours (Tournai) perpetuated his teachings and the recipes developed by the monks. Rue des Panneries – Brunehaut www.brunehaut.com Abbaye d’Aulne: The brewery is located next to the remaining abbey who was a Cistercian monastery. Rue Vandervelde, 273 – Gozée www.valdesambre.be Abbaye des Rocs: Located in a little picturesque village, the brewing activities started in 1979. Chaussee Brunehaut 37 – Montignies-sur-Roc www.abbaye-des-rocs.com Abbaye St Feuillien: These beers have been brewed by the same family since 1873, but the history of them goes back several centuries. Rue d’Houdeng – Le Rœulx www.st-feuillien.com Experience Brussels Brussels Gueuze Museum and Cantillon Brewery: Observe the traditional style of Belgian beer brewing and taste a traditional Gueuze-Lambic at Cantillon brewery. Rue Gheude 54 – Brussels www.cantillon.be Brasserie de la Senne: A brand new brewery. Chaussée de Gand 65 –Brussels www.brasseriedelasenne. Historical Cafés: Meet the B elgians Estaminet : A traditional café, bar, or bistro. Le Falstaff: A beautiful Art Nouveau setting. Rue H. Maus 17-21, www.lefalstaff.be Cirio: All the charm of the Brussels Belle-Époque. Rue de la Bourse 18 Delirium Café: With over 2,000 different beers to choose from, this is the perfect place to spend an evening in Brussels! Impasse de la Fidelite via Rue des Bouchers, www.deliriumcafe.be La Bécasse: Traditional lambic, gueuze and kriek beers served in jugs Rue de Tabora 11 A L’Imaige Nostre-Dame: A nearly hidden tavern, but an unforgettable experience Impasse des Cadeaux 3 A La Mort Subite: A famous tavern just across from the Royal Galléries, not to be missed Rue de la Montagne-aux-herbes Potageres 7, www.alamortsubite.com Estaminet du Musée du Théâtre Royal de Toone: Enter the magical world of traditional 19th and 20th century Brussels, it is also a puppet theater. Petite Rue des Bouchers 21 Au Bon Vieux Temps: Wood paneled café with locally brewed beers. Impasse Saint-Nicholas 4 Moeder Lambic: More than 300 different bottles beers on the menu. Rue de Savoie 68, www.chezmoederlambic.be with a BeeR In the capital city, there is always somewhere to grab a glass and meet the friendly locals. Brewers House: This beautiful baroque building is the headquarters of the Belgian Brewers Association Grand Place 10 – Brussels www.beerparadise.be Poechenellekelder- Brussels © G. Batistini Les Brasseurs de la Grand Place: “The Brewers of the Market,” a famous pub on the Grand Place featuring a micro-brewery. Rue de la Colline 24 – Brussels www.lesbrasseurs.eu Poechenellekelder: Across the Manneken Pis, a very typical café with eclectic decoration and an amazing beer list. Rue du Chêne 5 La Fleur en Papier Doré: Small house dating from the middle of the 18th century and was once a convent and years later the meeting lace of the surrealistic scene of Brussels. Rue des Alexiens 53 In’t Spinnekopke: Located in a stagecoach inn from 1762, this café offers regional Belgian cuisine and a vast selection of traditional beers. Place du Jardin aux Fleurs 1 www.spinnekopke.be Breweries Close to Brussels At the turn of the 19th century, every village used to have at least one farm Brasserie La Binchoise and Museum: Experience first-hand the alchemy of beer manufacturing and the brewing process. Tours for groups upon request. Tavern open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. Faubourg Saint Paul 38 B – Binche, www.brasserielabinchoise.be La Brasserie Lefevre: The producer of Abbey de Floreffe beers in Quenast, 25 miles south of Brussels. 7 rue du Séminaire B – Floreffe, www.abbaye-de-floreffe.be Brasserie Friart: The producer of St.-Feuillien beer utilizes centuries-old brewing techniques passed through generations. Rue d’Houdeng 20 – Le Rœulx, www.st-feuillien.com Namur Sip by the Citadel in MUSEUMS & around malt house - brewery Brew and Lounge in MUSEUMS Lieg e & around Beer & Peket Museum: Located in a 12th century castle, this museum invites you to discover the secrets of beer : how it’s made, the different tastes and looks, its origin and its integration in Belgium’s culture. Open every day expect Mondays. Avenue de l’Abbaye, 19 – Anthisnes www.avouerie.be BREWERIES Museum of Belgian Beers: This museum has many beer-themed collectibles including more than 15,700 bottles and glasses of Belgian beer as well as beer-mats, flags, and old advertisements for Belgian beers. Open on Saturdays and Sundays. Rue de la Gare 19 – Lustin Piedboeuf: The company, founded in 1812, was initially specializing in brewery equipment and only started to actually brew in 1853. It produces the world-famous Jupiler brand, the best selling beer in Belgium. Open on Mondays, closed in July and August. Avenue Joseph Prévers – Jupille sur Meuse www.visitesbrasserie.be, www.jupiler.be Gambrinus Drivers Museum: A one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to brewery trucks with an incredible collection. Open Saturdays and Sundays. Rue Fontaine St-Pierre – Romedenne, www.gambrinus-drivers-museum.be Brasserie Grain d’orge: Microbrewery specialized in exclusive beers. Tours available upon request. Rue Laschet 3 – Hombourg www.grain-dorge.com BREWERIES Brasserie Du Bocq: This large brewery produces many wellknown beers like La Gauloise. Tours at 2 pm and 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays from April to November and every day in July and August. Reservation necessary. Rue de la Brasserie 4 – Purnode, www.bocq.be Brasserie Caracole: Located in an 18 century house. Open every Saturday afternoon and every day from 1 pm to 7 pm in July and August. Côte Marie-Thérèse 86 – Falmignoul www.brasserie-caracole.be Abbaye de Maredsous: Rue de Maredsous, 11 – Denée www.maredsous.be Abbaye de Leffe: Place de l’Abbaye 1, B – Dinant www.abbaye-de-leffe.be; www.leffe.be , with more than 3,387 breweries in 1907. Brasserie Bellevaux: Beers brewed with the famous Ardennes spring water. Open on Saturdays and Sundays, closed in winter. Bellevaux 5 – Malmedy www.brasseriedebellevaux.be Brasserie des Fagnes: The modern working brewery is set alongside the restored 19th century brewery. Open every day except Mondays. Route de Nismes 26 – Couvin www.brasseriedesfagnes.be Artisan and Didactic Brewery of Du Flo: Situated in the ancient town hall, this small brewery produces the “Cuvée Saint-Antoine”. Rue du Chateau 4 – Blehen Abbaye de Val Dieu: Enjoy a beer and a stroll through this beautiful abbaye. Val Dieu 225 – Aubel www.val-dieu.com Grab a beer around Mons Brasserie Brunehaut: Artisan brewery uses centuries-old recipes to create unique Belgian ales. Tours available upon request. Rue des Panneries 17 – Brunehaut www.brunehaut.com Brasserie Dupont: This brewery not only brews numerous ales, but also features a cheese-making farm and bakery as a compliment to their wonderful beers. Tour available only once a month but possibility to taste the beers at Caves Dupont located across from the brewery. Rue Basse 5 – Tourpes www.brasserie-dupont.com Brasserie de Silly: Silly is one of the few Saison brewers that still stores a first batch of the top fermenting beer for about a year, and then blends the old beer with a fresh brewed batch. Tours for groups only. Rue Ville Basse 2 – Silly www.silly-beer.com Brasserie à la vapeur: This brewery opened in 1785 and famous for its Saison de Pipaix. Open every last Saturday of the month upon request. Rue du Maréchal 1 – Pipaix www.vapeur.com Brasserie de Blaugies: Small brewery producing seasonal beers like Saison d’ Epeautre or Darbyste. Rue de la Fontaine 435 – Dour www.brasseriedeblaugies.com Brasserie Dubuisson: Created in 1769, it is one of the oldest breweries in Wallonia and still located at the same place. The beers Cuvée des Trolls & Bush de Nôel are renowned around the world. Tours every Saturday at 3 pm Chaussée de Mons 28 – Pipaix www.cuveedestrolls.com www.br-dubuisson.com Brasserie de Cazeau: Traditional farm brewery since 1753 producing 4 beers La Tournay, La Tournay Noire. Tours available upon request (minimum 10 persons) Rue de Cazeau 67 – Templeuve www.brasseriedecazeau.be Abbaye de Saint Martin: Rue des Panneries, Brunehaut www.brunehaut.com Abbaye d’Aulne: Rue Vandervelde, 273 – Gozée www.valdesambre.be Abbaye des Rocs: Chaussee Brunehaut 37 – Montignies-sur-Roc www.abbaye-des-rocs.com Abbaye St Feuillien: Rue d’Houdeng 20 – Le Rœulx www.st-feuillien.com Reminisce with a beer in the Luxembourg Region BREWERIES Brasserie d’ Achouffe: Modern Brewery producting the famous « La Chouffe ». Tours for groups upon request. Rue du Village 32 – Achouffe www.achouffe.be Brasserie Rulles: Traditional brewery located in Rulles where the quality of the water is exceptional. Visits upon request. Rue Maurice Grevisse 36 – Rulles www.larulles.be Brasserie Saint Monon: Family brewery, past winner of the “Golden Hop Award”. Open every day expect Sunday (closed in January & February). Rue principale 41 – Ambly www.saintmonon.be Brasserie Fantome: Small brewery producing seasonal beers like Saison d’ Epeautre or Darbyste. Visits upon request on weekends. Rue Preal 8 – Soy-Erezee www.fantome.be Brasserie De Bouillon: Located in the hills of Bouillon, several beers are brewed like Cuvée de Bouillon or La Médiévale. Visits upon request. Rue de la girafe 76 – Bouillon www.brasseriedebouillon.be Brasserie De Bastogne: New brewery open in 2008. Visits upon request. Belleau 3 – Sibret www.brasseriedebastogne.be Each cities, towns, villages in Belgium has a square surrounded by cafés Beer Tours US Based Tours BeerTrips.com www.beertrips.com To commemorate the country’s beer tradition, Belgian cities and towns across the country hold festivals. These beer-filled events provide locals and visitors with the opportunity to gather and share a pint of their favorite brew while trading stories. BelgianBeerMe.com www.belgianbeerme.com Belgian Tour Operators Global Enterprises: Brussels’ beer tasting tour every Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 2 pm www.globalenterprises.be Bus Bavard: Walking beer tours of Brussels www.busbavard.be Mons: Beer Festival of Mons: Every year the Party Service and tradesmen of the Grand’Place organize a weekend dedicated to beer. Numerous stalls allow visitors to taste traditional beers and the big brands that made Belgium famous as the World Center of Beer. Scenic Tours: Beers tours out of Dinant www.scenic-tours.be Europ’ Adventure: Beer and sports tours for individuals and groups www.europaventure.be QualiGuides: Beer tour in Belgium www.qualiguides.be Achouffe: Great Chouffe Party to celebrate the famous Chouffe www.achouffe.be Anvaing: The Festival of 100 Beers: A weekend long festival of fun and games which ends with the tasting of the 100 beers and barbecue. Archennes: Arch’en Beer Festival: Located outside Brussels, this festival aims to make people discover lesser-known beers in Walloon Brabant. Every year, the organizers endeavor to present new products to visitors and offer samples. Brasserie des Fagnes Covin: Beer Festival: Continuous visit of the Brewery, special meals, various animations, beers specially brewed for the occasion and 5 orchestras and different bands. Brussels Beer Weekend: Tents and stands take over the Grand Place as various breweries of all sizes offering the opportunity to discover some of our best Belgian beers. Many other events such as jazz bands, brass bands, activities for children will entertain you while tasting local beer. Museum of Belgian Beers Lustin: Belgian Beer Festival: See the beer glasses, bottles, labels, coasters, old ads, clocks, mirrors, and other collector’s items housed at the museum. You can try or buy more than 850 kinds of Belgian beers and meals cooked with beer. The event includes an exchange and flea market. Val de Sambre: Hops Festival: A fun and light-hearted celebration of hops with great entertainment throughout the weekend including live music, guided tours of the brewery, hot-air balloon rides, and craft exhibitions. Rulles: Brassiguame – The International Festival of Small Breweries: Music, food, and fun are in store with 22 master brewers showing their best beer and more than 80 kinds available for tasting. Soheir: Special Beer Festival: For three days, more than 130 different beers, many traditional and some “exotic” beers, are presented. Along the years this event has grown considerably and it attracts more visitors every year (1200 to 1500). Grand Place — La Chaloupe d’or Chocolaterie Duval: Workshops, visits, and tastings are available for groups (5 people minimum). Rue des Chardons 19 – Brussels www.chocolaterieduval.com Belgian chocolate has been a lure for lovers, the indulgence of kings and today, everyone’s favorite sweet. The country’s reputation for chocolate began with the creation of the praline in 1912 by Jean Neuhaus, founder of the iconic Neuhaus Chocolatier. Belgian chocolates stand out from the rest because of the use of only natural products. Even in today’s technology driven world, Belgian pralines continue to be made by hand and different flavors are created by adjusting the amounts of sugar and cocoa in chocolate mixtures. Can’t decide which artisan Belgian chocolate is your favorite? Try them all! After exploring Brussels, venture to Liége, just one hour by train from Brussels, and see the new train station designed by Santiago Calatrava. Then head to the town of Spa, where you can finish a relaxing day of spa treatments with a praline or two. For a romantic getaway, stroll along the cobble stone streets of Namur. Preview what is in store for the town of Mons in 2015 when it becomes the European Capital of Culture. After witnessing the passion that goes into the creation of these sweet treats, it’s no wonder chocolate has become an international symbol of love. You can travel the four corners of the earth, but you have not truly lived until you have your first bite of Belgian chocolate. The Chocolate Factory Zaabar: This factory and chocolate shop offers hands-on classes and tastings for all ages! Chaussée de Charleroi 125 – Brussels www.zaabar.be Planete Chocolat: Modern chocolate factory in the heart of Brussels with presentations on weekends at 4pm. Rue du Lombard 24 – Brussels www.planetechocolat.be Chocolatier Manon: Tours highlight the crafting of these very famous handmade chocolates rue du Congrès 24 – Brussels www.chocolatiermanon.com Cyril Chocolat: Demonstrations, films, and tastings reveal the secrets to making delicious and unforgettable pralines at Samree (La Roche-en-Ardennes) – open every Saturday afternoon Samree, 63 – Samree (La Roche-en-Ardennes) www.cyrilchocolat.be Visit and even take classes at the factories where mouthwatering Belgian chocolate is crafted daily! (No golden ticket necessary!) La Maison des Maitres Chocolatiers Belges: Ten chocolate masters display their pure traditional creations. Open for tours, tastings, and workshops. Grand Place 4 – Brussels www.mmcb.be Musee du Cacao et du chocolat: Discover the world of chocolate from its origins to the finished products. Closed on Mondays. Rue de la Tete d’Or 1-9 – Brussels www.mucc.be Laurent Gerbaud Chocolatier: Brussels chocolatier pairs his hand made chocolates with international fruits and spices. Workshops available upon request. 2 D Rue Ravenstein – Brussels www.chocolatsgerbaud.be Chocolaterie Artisanale Ph Defroidmont: Visit the museum and switch from taster to learner in the workshop. Closed on Mondays. Briscol 19A – Erezee www.chocolatier-defroidmont.be Jean le Chocolatier: Workshop every Thrusday upon request. The chocolatier also created special beers to taste with the chocolate. Rue de l’Hotel de Ville 15 – Habay-La-Neuve www.jeanlechocolatier.com Get your Chocolate Fix Need to feed your chocolate addiction? Here are some artisanal Belgian chocolate shops to check out! Chocolatier Laurent Gerbaud: Store in Brussels (Rue Ravenstein 2D) www.chocolatsgerbaud.be Wittamer: Store in Brussels (Place du Grand Sablon 6) www.wittamer.com Chocolatier Marcolini: Flagship store place du Grand Sablon in Brussels and another store in Liege. www.marcolini.be In 1912, invented the by filling an empty chocolate shell with sweet flavored filling. Three years later, Corne Port Royal: Flagship store Galerie de la Reine in Brussels and other stores in Liege, Charleroi, Louvain la Neuve & Arlon. www.corne-port-royal.be his wife invented the Chocolatier Jean Philippe Darcis: Stores in Liège, Namur, Lasne, Heusy, Verviers & in Brussels (Petite rue au Beurre,14) www.darcis.com the cardboard presentation box. Chocolatier Manon: Store in Brussels (Rue Tilmont, 64) www.chocolatiermanon.com Maison des Maitres Chocolatiers: 10 chocolatiers are represented in this store located in the Grand Place www.mmcb.be Corne 1932: Store in Brussels (Galeries du Roi 24-26) www.corne1932.be Passion Chocolat: Store in Brussels (Rue Bodenbroek 2/4) www.passionchocolat.be Covered Mary Chocolatier: Store in Brussels (Rue Royale 73) www.mary.be Chocolate Les Chocolats d’Edouard At La Maison des Maîtres Chocolatiers and also in Florenville. www.leschocolatsdedouard.be Many Belgian Chocolate companies ship worldwide and have stores in many countries! Docobu At La Maison des Maîtres Chocolatiers and also in Waterloo www.ducobu.be Godiva: One of the biggest names in chocolates, this chocolate establishment opened 80 years ago and is available in 80 different countries! www.godiva.com Benoit Nihant: Store in Liege (passage Lemonnier, 30) and Embourg www.benoitnihant.be World Leonidas: This century-old company sells of 100 kinds of chocolate through 1,400 outlets around the world! www.leonidas.com Neuhaus: The inventor of the Belgian Praline has stores in 50 countries around the world! www.neuhaus.be Galler: Launched 30 years ago, by 21-year old Jean Galler, this chocolate is now sold worldwide through 2,000 different retailing outlets! www.galler.com Côte d’Or: Created in 1883 by Charles Neuhaus, Cote D’or is the best seller of chocolates in Belgium with more than 600 millions chocolates per year. The flagship store is located in Brussels (Place du Petit Sablon,1) www.cotedor.com november 2012 Les Ch ocolat s d’E do ua rd — Flo re nv ill e C h o c o l at e w e e k in B russe ls French Fries: We invented the ReaL ones in 1781! According to the historian Jo Gérard, Fries were first cooked in the town of Huy. A 1781 family manuscript describes how the poor in the Andenne Region (which includes Huy) used to catch small fish in the River Meuse and fry them as a treat. In the winter, when the river froze and it was not possible to fish, they would cut potatoes into fish-shaped pieces and fry them in the same way as they fried fish. The writer in 1781 states that this practice was already current more than a hundred years previously. Belgian fries are different from the French fries, they are thicker and are baked twice. They are eaten with meals or as a snack and they are served with a large selection of sauce like mayonnaise, tartar sauce, Russian dressing, or béarnaise sauce. Belgians consume an average of 165 lbs of fried potatoes per person each year, a third more than Americans. There are more than 5,000 friteries (fries stands) in Belgium and fries are served in sheets of paper rolled into an upside down cone. The most famous is Maison Antoine located on Place Jourdan (www.maisonantoine.be). A variation is to serve the meat, the frites, possibly salad and sauce in a half of a baguette and is called a mitraillette which literally translates as machine gun. Waffle : Finally breakfast is served all day Waffles have been an important part of the Belgian diet for centuries. Most waffles are served warm by street vendors and dusted with confectioner’s sugar though in tourist areas they might be topped with whipped cream, soft fruit or chocolate spread, they are a snack or a dessert and are not eaten for breakfast. There are two types of waffles or gauffres: the Brussels and the Liege waffle. The Brussels is rectangular in shape with a light goldenbrown exterior and deep divots. Great with whipped cream or just powder sugar. The Liege was invented by the chef of the prince-bishop of Liège in the 18th century, it is made with chunks of sugar, which caramelize and form a crispy, crunchy coating. The Liege Waffle is the most common type of waffle on the street available in Belgium and is prepared plain with vanilla or cinnamon. Cheeses B eers: & a perfect match made in Belgium Beer is less acidic than wine, making it a more harmonious match with cheeses and Belgium is home to more than 300 cheeses. Since the Middle Ages, monks are known for making cheeses along their production of beers: a staple of their daily diets and form of income. Even now, in most beer bars, your order will be served with a small bowl of cubed semi-soft cheese sprinkled with celery salt. Chimay: Six different cheeses prepared solely with milk from the area since 1876. www.chimay.com Maredsous: Semi-hard Trappist cheeses. www.maredsousfromages.be Orval: Made at the Orval Cistercian Trappist Abbey using wholefat pasteurized milk of the Gaume region. www.orval.be Herve: Characterised by its square lines, deep orange hue and pungent aroma, they are produced since the XV century in the farms around the town of Herve. Remoudou, Gourmet, Grand Maitre, Exquis are all Herve Cheeses (Protected Geographical Status) www.herve-societe.be Bailli: Soft cheese with a hard crust. Cheeses can be bought at the farm from Monday afternoons to Saturday mornings. Chemin des Theodosiens 126 – Soignies www.lebailli.be Bernister: The Bernister Fleuri is an organic cheese. Cheeses can be bought at the farm on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Route de Spa, 52 – Burnenville – Malmedy www.fermegrodent.be Boulette: Fermented, soft farm cheese obtained from skimmed raw milk. Can be eaten cold on a slice of bread and butter or warm. Bouquet des Moines: A creamy gourmet cheese, produced at the Abbey of Val-Dieu. Carré de Liège: Soft cheese made with pasteurized milk. www.camal.be Floreffe: A triple-cream cheese made with non fermented whole milk. Bio Basilic and Bio Nature are organic cheeses. Fromage de Bruxelles: Made from cows’ milk and is considered a table cheese that is used for spreading and snacks. Fromages de Thoricourt: Several different types of cheeses can be bought directly at the farm. Closed on Thursdays. Rue de Fouleng 16 – Thoricourt (Silly) www.fromagesdethoricourt.be For your Sweet Tooth Dandoy: Establised in 1829, this biscuiterie (cookie store) is famous for speculoos. Seven stores in Brussels – Rue au Beurre 31 – Rue Charles Buls 14 – Place Saint Job, 22 www.biscuiteriedandoy.be Maquée: Soft cheese, it is one of the oldest cheeses and is made on farms everywhere. Also called Makêye in Liege or Stofé in other provinces. Pas de Bleu: As spicy as the French Roquefort. Rochefort: Made following a secret recipe owned by the monks at Notre Dame de Saint Remy Abbey. Vieil Aubel: Soft cheese with a creamy texture. Brandies P ekets Whisky Water Still thirsty: , , & From the Ardennes region known for its steep valleys and its rapid rivers to the naturally hot water spring of Chaudfontaine, Wallonia offers a variety of mineral waters flat or sparkling: The original one Spa (www.spa.be) but also Bru & Chaudfontaine (www.chaudfontaine.com). Distilling is an art and it has been master in French Speaking Belgium with a range of eau de vie. Peket is the Belgian version of gin (juniper spirit). Whether natural or flavored (lemon, strawberry, melon, violet, etc.), it is the traditional drink of the Liège festivities, but it is also consumed every day in the many bistros of the city like la Maison du Peket which offers more than 200 types of pekets. www.maisondupeket.be Eau de Villee: Lemon flavored alcoholic beverage made out of distilled lemons, apples and plums, produced in the little town of Ragnies. They also produce Liquor with Willams pears, with chocolates (Noir d’Ivoire) and P’tit Peket. Tours available every day except Monday at 3:00 pm during the week & 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm in Saturday and Sunday from April to September. Store located next to the distillery. Rue de la Roquette 36 – Ragnies (Thuin) www.distilleriedebiercee.be Maitrank: Aperitif drink from the south of Belgium made with dry white wine, alcohol and orange. Belgian Owl: Belgian whisky made from barley raised in Belgium. Rue sainte Anne 94 – Grace Hollogne www.belgianwhisky.com Delacre: Charles Delacre was a chemist and a businessman managing some chocolate shops. He was the first to make the delicious combination of a biscuit with pure Belgian chocolate. The flagship store is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm Place de la Vieille Halle aux bles 27 – Brussels www.delacre.com Artisan Markets at their best Brussels Place du Chatelain: Every Wednesday from 1:00 to 7:30 pm Place Flagey: Every Tuesday & Friday from 7:00 am to 1:30 pm Place Sainte-Catherine: Every Wednesday from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm Marché du Gué: The oldest organic market in Brussels. Every Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm Marché de Boitsfort: market with a village feel and suitable for family outing. Every Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Marché du Midi: Every Sunday from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm Liège/ Spa Area Liège – Marche de la Batte: Every Sunday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm Spa - Centre: Every Tuesday morning Aubel – Place Nicolaï: Every Tuesday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Malmédy – Place Saint-Géréon: Every Friday from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm Bastogne/Bouillon Area Arlon – Place Léopold: Every Thrusday from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm Tintigny – Han 36: Every Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm – 20 local farmers sell their produce with possibility to eat on premise www.halledehan.be/marche/ Marcourt: Every Wednesday in July and August from 5:00 to 9:00 pm Hives: Every Tuesday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Possibility to eat the local produce on premise. Namur /Dinant Area Namur – Avenue Félicien Rops: Every Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Namur – Place du Palais de Justice: Every Saturday from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm Tournai/ Mons Area Tournai – Place de Lille: Every Saturday from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm Mons – Place du Béguinage: Every Sunday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Charleroi – Ville Basse: Every Saturday from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm Ferme de la Comogne: Organic horse dairy farm. Farm can be visited every day form April to October at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm & 4:00 pm. Comognes 1 - Focant www.fermedelacomogne.eu Ferme du Vieux Tilleul: Petit-gris Snails Of Namur farm. These brown snails, who are smaller and softer, are usually served in a creamy garlic sauce. They are sold in glass jars in delicacy stores in Namur, Liege or Brussels or directly at the farm every day expect Sunday. Rue du Tilleul 14 - Bierwart www.escargots.info Domaine de la Pommeraie: Orchard specialized in apples and pears. Open every Saturday morning and Wednesday from September to March. Chaussee de Namur 73 – Gembloux www.lapommeraie.be Bastogne/ Bouillon Area Ferme des Sureaux: Goat farm with organic production of cheeses. Open Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 to 6:00 pm & Sunday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Rue des Roses 4 – Maissin www.fermedessureaux.com Tour de Farms Near Brussels Ferme de la Tour: Artisanal production of foie gras. Open Tuesday –Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Closed on Mondays. Place St. Joseph 4 – Glimes www.lafermedelatour.com Ferme du Hameau du Roy: Traditional bakery where bread cooks in wood burning oven. Chemin de Bruxelles 70 – VieuxGemappe www.fermeduhameauduroy.be Mons/Tournai Area Ferme Dôrlôu: Organic farm since 1990 with the possibility to buy the farm products directly at the farm. Open every day except Mondays. A farm restaurant is open Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday for lunch. Vieux Moulin 44 – Wodecq www.fermedorlou.be Namur /Dinant Area Ferme de Jambjoule: Dairy farm with production of organic cheeses and yogurts. Open Wednesday and Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm & Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Convié - Calicis rue de Jambjoule 2 -Villers-sur-Lesse www.jambjoule.be Chèvrerie d’Ozo: Goat farm with visit following a trail. Open Friday & Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 to 6:00 pm & Sunday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Ozo 25a – Izier www.chevreriedozo.be Bergerie d’Acremont: Sheep farm with the oldest race of Belgian sheep. They made a large variety de sheep milk products. Open Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. More opening during school recess. Rue de Bernifa 17 – Acremont www.bergerie-acremont.be Liege/ Spa Area Fromagerie Counasse: Traditional dairy farm, organic since 1977. Sale of organic cheeses at the farm every Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Chauveheid 47 – Stoumont www.fromagerie-counasse.be Ferme Grodent: Organic Farm producing Le Bernister & Le Malmedy cheesses. Open Friday from 2:00 to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Route de Spa 52 - Burnenville - Malmedy www.fermegrodent.be FARM ACCOMMODATION Accueil Champêtre en Wallonie: For farms information; accommodation, educational, evenements & local goods. Website in French only www.accueilchampetre.be Gites de Wallonie: Possibility of farmhouse stay www.gitesdewallonie.be Many of the local products can be found in supermarkets. BRUSSELS AND BEYOND Jambon d’Ardennes: Air-dried ham, manually dry-salted with sea salt, juniper berries, thyme, and coriander. Every ham has a yellow-numbered leaden seal as a guarantee of quality and origin. Croquette aux crevettes: Traditional Belgian appetizer made with tiny shrimp. Croquette au parmesan: Breaded parmesan cheese with other delicious flavors. Caricoles: Seafood from the North Sea, prepared to eat on the go since they can be bought from street vendors. Stoemp: Invented in Brussels in the 19th century, the Stoemp is a sort of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables (carrots, spinach, leeks, peas, sprouts, etc.) and served with sausages, an entrecote, etc. Sole Meuniere: classic dish consisting of sole, whole or fillet Tomates aux crevettes: tomato filled with a tiny shrimpbased stuffing. Filet americain: (Steak tartare): Meat dish made from finely chopped or minced raw beef. Dame Blanche: Classic dessert, often called Hot Fudge Sundae in English, is made with premium vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate fudge sauce and cherries. Couque de Brussels: Bread sweetened with or without dry grapes Cramique: Brioche, garnished with sugar and raisins, served in many different ways (butter, cocoa, foie gras, etc.) Craquelin: Type of Belgian brioche filled with citrus marinated sugar cubes. Cuberdon: Very small cone-shaped Belgian candies. Usually raspberry flavored, there are now over 25 flavors available (strawberry, cherry, lemon, banana, vanilla, cinnamon, etc.). Marzipan: Paste made from finely blanched and ground almonds, mixed with egg white and sugar. Speculoos: Initially baked for Saint Nicholas’ Eve, December 6, but are now available all year long. These slightly browned short crust cookies are very crunchy. On the front side are usually stamped images or figures of the life of Saint Nicholas. Namur/ Dinant area Flamiche de Dinant: Local version of the quiche, made with boulette de Romedenne (a cow’s milk cheese), butter & eggs. Gozettes: Turnover with apples, cheeries, abricots or plums. Baisers de Flawinne (Kisses from Flawinne): Little cakes made with moka and almond paste Biétrumés de Namur: Caramels La Goutte or ”li gote” in Namurois: plum liquor Mustar Bister: Principally known for its L’imperial mustard. But they product also the piccalilli (a sauce seasoned with vinegar and spices) and the Bister Jamboise (a mustar beer available in light or brown versions). Mustars can be bought directly at the factory. A family company founded in 1926 – Rue de Francquen 1,3 – Jambes (Namur) www.bister.com Couques de Dinant: Biscuit with a honey-sweetened flavor that is impressed with a carved wooden mould before baking. A family company since 1774 Couques Collard – Rue En Rhee 24 – Dinant www.couquesdedinant.com Liège/Spa area Salade Liégoise: Salad with grean beans, potatoes, diced bacon Fricassée liégeoise: Omelet with bacon or sausage. Potée liégeoise: A Liège institution made with green beans, potatoes, and bacon bits cooked together and drenched in vinegar Boulet à la liégeoise: Large meatballs in a sauce made from dark beer, Sirop de Liege and prunes, served with fries, mayo. This true Belgian institution is served all around Belgium and in every cafes in Liège. This dish has even its own critics and reviews: www.bouletchelin.be (only in French) Café Liégeois: Dessert made with coffee ice cream, coffee and chantilly cream and called a Viennese coffee until World War I, when it was renamed after the Battle of Liège in 1914. Baiser de Malmedy: Meringues filled with cream dessert and can be flavored with lemon, orange or even Grand Marnier. Tarte au riz: Rice pie often garnished with macaroons, cherries and other fruits. Originally from the region of Verviers, near Liège, it is also called “Doreye”. Sirop de Liège: Syrup made with apples and pears, used by Belgians throughout the meals of the day – spread on bread for breakfast, as part of sauces for lunch or dinner and for snack Created in Aubel (near Liège) in 1902 www.sirop-de-liege.com Tournai/Mons Area Salade Tournaisienne: Salad with endives, onions, apples, beets, white beans. Côtelettes à l’berdouille: Pork chop with bacon, white onions & white wine. Gateau Desobry: Fine Belgian chocolate biscuits renowned around the world produced in Tournai since 1947. www.desobry.be Luxembourg area Matoufè Marchois: Sort of omelet eaten on bread, speciality of Marche en Ardenne, there is also a botherhood of the matoufe. Pate Gaumais: Oven baked meat pie marinated in either wine or vinegar with spices and herbs that can be found in all bakeries and butcher’s shops. It is one of the few Belgian specialties that were granted the Protected Geographical Status by the European Union. Cougnou: Sweet bread baked during Christmas time, also found in the Namur area. All of these specialties can be found in shops throughout French Speaking Belgium, especially at Rob, a gourmet market in Brussels. Bd de la Woluwe 28 – Woluwe Saint Pierre. www.rob-brussels.be Wépion Strawberries The city of Wepion is known for its micro-climate and sun-exposure, perfect for growing strawberries. White Asparagus Largest and tastiest of the species and very smooth. Auberge de la Ferme — Rocheraut DEC Shrimp croquettes: appetizer NOV Tomate-crevette: a tomato filled with shrimps in mayonnaise OCT Tiny shrimps fished in the North Sea. SEP Shrimps AUG Second half of the iconic Belgian dish Moules frites. JUL Mussels JUN rolled in ham and cheese MAY Chicon au gratin: Baked endive APR Endive (also called Chicon) MAR Grown in the Brussels region since the 13th century. FEB JAN Brussel Sprouts La cuisine de Flore: Cooking atelier where you learn how to cook and enjoy a friendly meal after the lesson. Rue de L’arbre Benir 26 – Brussels www.lacuisinedeflore.com Dine Around More than 25 restaurants in Brussels and Wallonia have one or two Michelin stars. Our sense of humor can be found in the originality of our restaurant’s name: Ma folle de Soeur (My crazy sister), Le bruit qui court (rumor has it), Le pou qui tousse (the coughing lice), Qui va promener le chien (Who is going to walk the dog), Au milieu de nulle part (In the middle of nowhere) ou les petits plats canailles du Beurre Blanc. www.resto.be www.sensum.be www.restobookings.be (for reservation) For suggestions and recommendation for restaurants in Brussels and French speaking Belgium, please call 212-758-8130 or email us at info@visitbelgium.com Bistro de Terroir: Small Cafes offering local food and promoting cultural experience. Smell, taste, enjoy. www.bistrodeterroir.be Les Filles: Cooking studio created by 3 girls but open to men too. Rue Vanderschrick 85 – Brussels www.lesfillesplaisirsculinaires.be Stimul’art: Learn how to cook an organic meal , for adults but also for children/parents on Wednesday. Avenue de Jette 322 – Brussels www.stimulart.be La Ferme du Rotteleur: Culinary atelier with a différent focus each session. Rue de la Procession 49 – Thieusies www.lerotteleur.com Hotel Le Castel: Atelier Cuisine every third Saturday of the month (except July & August) reservation required. Rue du Chapitre 10 – Fosses la ville www.lecastel.be Marmiton et Polochon (guest rooms with a culinary workshop): Cook a full meal with your host using unique recipes and local produces. Enjoy the meal and stay over. (breakfast is also included) Several locations in Wallonia www.gitesdewallonie.net March 2012: Bocus d’Or Europe: 20 internationals chefs compete to create 2 perfects dishes www.bocusedor.com Tables du terroir: Restaurants offering local-based products on their menu. Many restaurants in Belgium are closed on Sundays evenings and Mondays. Lunch is usually served from 12 to 2:30 pm and dinner from 7:00 to 10:30 pm. “Durbuy, the smallest city in the world, also has the reputation of being a foodie haven, with more restaurants lining the medieval cobble stone streets than you can fit into your visit!” Become a B elgianMaster L’Atelier Yves Matagne: Learn how to cook like a chef – two appetizers, one main course and a dessert. Tour & Taxis, Avenue of the Port – Brussels www.atelieryvesmattagne.com MMMMH!: Four fully-equiped cooking workshops used for cooking classes but also a store open 7 days a week with 8000 products and cooking utensils. Chaussée de Charleroi 92 – Brussels www.mmmmh.be Cooking Time: Large range of cooking-classes from beginner to expert level, from 1/2 to 2 hours cooking time. Quai au Foin, 51 – Brussels www.cooking-time.be May: Culinaria is one of the main culinary events in Belgium, where you can taste a 4-course dinner and sample various food www.culinariasquare.com May & October: Gastronomic meals at light-weight prices in more than 300 restaurants during one week in May and October. www.restodays.be June: Gastronomic village ,the biggest open air restaurant built in the center of Liege. www.epicuriales.be JUNE: Farms Open Day: 70 farms are open exceptionally to the public www.jfo.be July: Agricultural and Forest Fair of Libramont: outdoor exhibition with more than 1,500 exhibits that showcase the rural world (machinery, livestock breeding, forestry, the agrifood industry, horticulture…) www.foiredelibramont.com August: Giant barbecue Place des Musees in Brussels prepare by Brussels famous chefs www.urbanbbq.be Also in Mons. August: Several cheese makers show their production at the Chateau de Harze www.fetedufromage.be August: Agricultural fair of Eghezée www.foire-eghezee.be September: 60 restaurants in Brussels propose a Slow Food menu www.gouterbruxelles.be November: Flavor fair at Erquelinnes with tasting of local products www.erquelinnes.be December: Fries take center stage in Wallonia www.semainedelafrite.be For more events please visit www.brusselicious.com or our Calendar of events at www.visitbelgium.com Get a leg up: Sugg ested Itineraries Please check our website for special itineraries www.visitbelgium.com To book your personal guide If you want to make fries at home, like Belgian grandmothers, try this: Peel and cut potatoes into even strips. Soak potatoes in cold water for 1 hour. Fry in deep fat at 325° F for 5 minutes. Drain. Increase heat to 375° and fry until Belgian fries are crisp and nicely browned. Drain on kitchen paper towel and serve hot. For the best taste in the US, use Yukon potatoes. QualiGuides: www.qualiguides.be Get to Belgium: www.get-to.be Europ’Aventure: www.europaventure.be Bus Bavard: www.busbavard.be To go with a group Tour de Forks: www.tourdeforks.com Intrend International travel: www.intrend.com Learn more Organic cheeses from Wallonia: www.fromagesbiodewallonie.be Organic food stores: www.sequoiashop.com Gourmet store: www.rob-brussels.be INGREDIENTS English guide to a sustainable life in Brussels www.tebiki.be Makes 8 Liège Waffles Local producers in Belgian Luxembourg www.maisontourisme.nassogne.marche.be (under to discover) · · · · · · · · · 1 (1/2 ounce) package yeast 2/3 cup lukewarm water Baker association www.maitre-boulanger-patissier.be 3 tablespoons granulated sugar Fromage de Herve www.fromagedeherve.com 1/4 teaspoon salt Brew your own beer near Brussels: www.novabirra.com 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Recipes of all the Belgian specialties: www.labonnecuisine.be (in french only) 4 cups flour 6 eggs 2 cups softened butter 2 cups pearl sugar DIRECTIONS Michelin Restaurant: www.viamichelin.com Gault & Millau: www.gaultmillau.be Stay in Wallonia: www.walloniebienvenue.be The most beautiful villages of Wallonia: www.beauxvillages.be 1. Mix yeast, water, sugar, salt and cinnamon and let develop for 15 minutes. How to get around in Belgium 2. Place flour into a large bowl. By car with Auto Europe www.autoeurope.com 3. Make a well, pour in yeast mixture, and begin to knead. 4. Continue to knead, add eggs, one at a time, and add soft butter, 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing well. By train with Rail Europe www.raileurope.com Facebook - Belgian Tourist Office North America Twitter - twitter.com/belgiuminfo 5. Let dough rise in bowl until doubled. 6. Gently mix in pearl sugar. 7. Let rest for 15 minutes. 8. Heat waffle iron. 9. When hot, butter waffle iron, then pour in 3 tablespoons dough per waffle. 10. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until waffles lightly brown on top. 11. Serve warm or room temperature. This flyer highlights noteworthy information about Gastronomy in Brussels and Wallonia and is by no means a comprehensive list. Nothing in this brochure shall bind the Belgian Tourist Office in any contract or obligation and remains informal. All pictures provided by WBT (opt.be), Pascal Willems (ftlb.be), Susan Manlin Katzman (sweetleisure.com) and G.Batistini.