A "Brusselicious" Tour of Belgium: Waffles, Festivals & Mussels
Posted on May 2, 2013 by Nikki Pepper
Place Sainte Catherine, Brussels, Belgium. Credit: Belgian Tourist Office.
Brussels‘ Minister of Tourism Christos Doulkeridis isn’t a stranger to quality eats. In 2012, he started a movement called “Brusselicious“, which crowned 2012 the year of gastronomy. The Tram Experience – the staple of the year-long celebration of Belgian food – was so successful, it has been extended through 2013 . For about $100.00 USD, you can travel via tram around Brussels, sampling the delicacies of an accomplished Belgian chef. Each chef’s menu is featured for six weeks, creating a dynamic tour of the European Union’s capital over wine and dinner. With the Minister’s dedication to the gastronomic scene of Brussels, we interviewed this self-proclaimed food-o-phile, on where to go for his favorite local places to eat signature Belgian delicacies.
Minister Christos Doulkeridis shares his favorite Brussels eats with OTPYM Founder, Michaela Guzy. Photo Credit: OTPYM.
Waffles, Biscuits & Speculoos:
Maison Dandoy is the House of Special Belgian Products. Belgium is home to 10 different kinds of waffles, Brussels’ being just a bit different than the rest. Brussels waffles are made fresh and served warm every time. And always with whipped cream on top. They’re lighter on the inside and crispier on the outside. Don’t miss Dandoy’s traditional biscuits which are all are crafted from 100% natural ingredients and Speculoos – a crunchy biscuit of sugar and spice – a favorite treat of the Minister.
Locals and visitors of all ages adore Belgian waffles!
For a taste of Brussels in NYC, visit Wafels & Dinges, who were awarded the “Best Tasting Belgian Waffle” waffle during Waffle Week by the Minister and OTPYM Founder, Michaela Guzy in April 2013. Taste for yourself at their trucks and carts located around New York City- you can track via “find us” on their site. And don’t forget to add on spekuloos spread!
The prized title of “Best Tasting Belgian Waffle” in NYC goes to Waffle & Dingus. Credit: OTPYM.
Beer:
With over 450 different varieties to sample from, Belgium is for beer lovers. Visit Cantillon, a microbrewery founded in 1900. The Minister’s favorite? A variety of Lambic – the traditional Begian brew – known as Kriek. Kriek is a black cherry flavored malt beverage with a rich rouge hue. Brussels offers pub crawls where you can have a taste of the local pub scene for yourself.
A bottle of the Minister’s favorite Belgian brew. Credit: Beer for a Year blog.
Brussels’ love of beer is highly competitive. Last year marked the start of the Brussels Beer Challenge, where devote brewers from around the world come together to compete for the top honor. Cantillon was among the gold medal winners. If you’d like to witness the second annual competition, it will be held November 1-3 2013 in Luik. Or check out the footage from last year’s challenge.
Neuhaus chocolates with a view. Credit: OPT-J.Remy.
Chocolate:
The Minister has a few picks when it comes to chocolate:
1) Laurent Gerbaud. Not too sweet and in petite portions. The unusual flavors, like ginger, dried apricot and pistachio are an unconventional twist on Belgian’s chocolate tradition. Gerbaud’s fusion of chocolate, fruit and spices makes Gerbaud Minister Doulkeridis’ favorite chocolate in Brussels.
Gerbaud offers a taste of his original creations. Credit: Belgian Tourism Office.
2) Pierre Marcolini Haute Chocolaterie: Marcolini – a Brazilian native – found success in the Belgian chocolate world with his perfectionism. Meticulously selecting beans from around the globe, Marcolini blends the various selections to create his original blends.
3) Neuhaus: This famous chocolate house was founded in 1857…as a pharmacy. The innovative Jean Neuhaus coated his prescriptions in chocolate for easy swallowing. Voila- luxury chocolate was born. The rest is international history. If Belgium isn’t in your travel plans, Nehaus is sold on five continents or you can order from the comfort of your sofa.
Neuhaus chocolates. Credit: Belgian Tourism Office.
Mussels:
Sainte Catherine is an entire area dedicated to delicious Belgian mussels. Walk around and sample mussels at each of the different restaurants- you can’t go wrong. Check out La Marie Joseph or Francois. Both are local recommendations, and Francois was named Best of Brussels by Conde Nast Traveler.
A fresh pot of Belgian mussels.
Fries:
The best Belgian fries come from a fritkot, or specialty street carts for just fries. Maison Antoine, located at place Jourdan, was the winner of the 2012 Fritkot Festival; thus, crowning these fries Brussels’ best. The 2013 festival will be held in September, until then, Maison Antoine holds the title. To eat like a local, the fritkot should be served with a bit of salt and mayonnaise. And for a taste of Belgian fries at home, take a shot at making your own with this Belgian fries recipe.
Brussels’ fries are double cooked for a crispy bite. Credit: OPT-I.Monfort.
Brussels may be home to the European Union, over 1 million residents from around the world and the international cuisine to match, but nothing beats the traditional Belgian classics.
