BELGIUM - Beer, Chocolate, Unique Fries, and the Enchanted City of Bruges
In addition to Europe's marquee cities – London, Paris, Rome, etc. – there are lesser-known gems we can suggest. Did you know…?
> Europe’s best-preserved Medieval city is Bruges, Belgium – very walk-able, picturesque, enchanted, incredibly romantic, and laced with canals – the “Venice of the North.” See the above photo, taken by Joan on one of her visits. The Belfry (bell tower) in the middle dates back to the year 1240, and was the center of the action in the 2008 movie, In Bruges.
> Tiny Belgium has nearly 200 breweries, some in monasteries, making about 1,500 different beers. Each beer is served in the trademarked glass of the particular brew. Even a small Belgian bar must stock an inventory of various glasses. Belgians and Germans are friendly rivals who argue over whose country has the best beer.
> Maybe they should be called “Belgian fries.” Another rivalry: Belgians and the French debate who invented “French” fries! Whatever – fries are special in Belgium. They are thick, double-cooked, common street food sold in “fries shacks,” with many dipping sauces – mayonnaise, ketchup, and creative variations. A signature Belgian restaurant dish is mussels with fries.
> Chocolate lovers rejoice! This is another national specialty (e.g., Godiva is Belgian). Chocolate shops are ubiquitous in this delightful little country.
> Europe’s best-preserved Medieval city is Bruges, Belgium – very walk-able, picturesque, enchanted, incredibly romantic, and laced with canals – the “Venice of the North.” See the above photo, taken by Joan on one of her visits. The Belfry (bell tower) in the middle dates back to the year 1240, and was the center of the action in the 2008 movie, In Bruges.
> Tiny Belgium has nearly 200 breweries, some in monasteries, making about 1,500 different beers. Each beer is served in the trademarked glass of the particular brew. Even a small Belgian bar must stock an inventory of various glasses. Belgians and Germans are friendly rivals who argue over whose country has the best beer.
> Maybe they should be called “Belgian fries.” Another rivalry: Belgians and the French debate who invented “French” fries! Whatever – fries are special in Belgium. They are thick, double-cooked, common street food sold in “fries shacks,” with many dipping sauces – mayonnaise, ketchup, and creative variations. A signature Belgian restaurant dish is mussels with fries.
> Chocolate lovers rejoice! This is another national specialty (e.g., Godiva is Belgian). Chocolate shops are ubiquitous in this delightful little country.