Flanders for Foodies

Flanders for Foodies

Normally Belgium is known as a great place for conferences and meetings rather than No. l. on a European itinerary. Being the headquarters for the European Common Market, and the European Union, it is a very cosmopolitan city, with wonderful shopping. I’ve been there many times and the last time the best price I could get from the West Coast was into Amsterdam, so I took that, and went by express train into Brussels. What is great about Europe, is due to the fantastic train system, it is easy to get from one country to another if the airline price is worth it. I had to go to a conference in Brussels, and afterwards went for a few days to Bruges, Ghent, and then to Antwerp where I boarded a river cruise into Amsterdam.

Did you know that there are close to 100 Michelin starred restaurants in this region, so Flanders is a mecca for anyone seeking palate expanding culinary travel. Known for the world’s finest chocolate and a century old history of brewing, Flanders emerging street food scene, micro breweries, innovative cuisine and creative young chefs continue to make this a must visit destination for foodies. The selection of hotels, shopping, and restaurants is the best in Europe.

Brussels food scene is one of incredible variety and outstanding choices and the Place du Chatelain is a good place to start your food focused exploration. I think the variety of food is due to some many European Foreign Offices being headquartered there. You have the opportunity to savor some of the best food of many countries. Even the street food selection is unmatched. Brussels also plays host to two popular culinary events. Culinaria and Eat Brussels, and drink Bordeaux Culinaria brings together the best chefs in Belgium. Eat Brussels and Drink Bordeaux are each a four day celebration which are fun events.

Bruges. One bar has so many wine glasses stolen that they make you leave your shoes at the door which you get back when you leave empty handed. One German chap told me they were told about the system so came in old shoes so they kept the glass. My favorites are perhaps the Olive Tree with its Mediterranean Greek flavor profile, or if you feel like a burger, try Paul’s Boutique, the toppings are unique, or for seafood stop into Breydel de Coninc, out of this world mussels and lobster.

Ghent is dedicated to small beer lovers. Stop into Dok Brewing Company tap room and sample some o the thirty beers on tap. Try their stew and Saint Hubert’s bread which is their version of a bagel. Griit Brewery uses a unique spice mix, including heather, ginger, nutmeg which make their ales special.

Antwerp has several food delights such as Belgium fries, handjes, and Bolleke beer. What Milan is to Italy, Antwerp is to Belgium, a historic city on the leading edge of fashion, art, entertainment and of course, the world’s diamond trade. A dynamic energy filled cobbled old squares lined with ornate buildings. Visit the Italianate city manse of celebrated painter Peter Paul Rubens, now a museum.

I recommend a 6 day package with Europe Express, Offer No. 1230789 -go on our website www.froschvactions.com enter the offer I.D. and click search. Smashing accommodation and breakfast daily which leaves you lots of time to wander and whet your appetite around the town.

You can always take a river cruise and end up in Amsterdam, Netherlands, like I did.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

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