Monday, September 13, 2010

Belgium: Beer and Waffles

The second we got off the train in Belgium, we knew something was different. The bad smells were gone. The train station was pristine, and signs were in English, French, Dutch, and German. On our cab ride, the driver apologized for having to take the long way; the streets were closed because of a festival.

On our 5 minute walk to the "cool" section of town, you could feel the atmosphere was just so different. Relaxed, friendly, happy. As we made our way to the world famous Delirium Cafe, we had to wait for the Dutch marching band in the alley to finish their song. They threw oranges to the crowd for some reason.

Never have I been so torn on what beer to order once I had got inside the cafe. Their menu is like a large book, with 2000+ beers. In the day and a half I was there, this is what I got to try.

Augrenoise
Lupulus
Cookie Beer
Arteveld Grand Cru
Applebocq
Eichbaum Weizen Grand Cru
Mikkeler Tomahawk
Saxo Blonde
Judas
Corsendonk
Martins 100 Year
Bons Deaux Brasserie Dupont
...and numerous other fruit beers and lambics that the ladies were getting.

Now that's a nice little list of beers right? But think about it: that's a drop in the bucket compared to the amount they have in this place. Simply amazing.

I also wanted to talk about the availability and cost of beer in Brussels. When we were in Paris, beers were 6-10 euros at bars. At bars in Brussels, they're 2-5 euros. Convenience stores in Brussels put BevMo in the states to shame. They carried most Trappist ales, and then some, at ridiculous prices. Delirum Tremens? 1.75 euros a bottle. Chimay? 1.50 euros a bottle. We spent some time in the convienience store just laughing to ourselves.

We are are leaving shortly for Amsterdam. I know it'll be fun, but wow, I'll miss Brussels. It's everything I wanted London and paris to be.

Until next time -

- Eric

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