Antwerp

Deloitte's annual standardization meeting was held in Antwerp this year. As always, spouses were invited (this year there were many more trailing spouses than in years past). We (the spouses) got to go on an organized tour of the city while they (the employees) worked. Deloitte also provided dinner at a nice restaurant and accommodations at the Hilton.

The tour was interesting because we got to sample a lot of local food and alcohol. We would walk for a bit and then stop, from time to time, either at a specialty shop to try some food or at a bar to drink some alcohol. I don't think I've ever had a tour quite like this! The food included chocolate, some weird meets, and raisin bread. The drinks included shots of Elixir d'Anvers and Jenever as well as a glass of De Koninck beer. Elixir d'Anvers is a liqueur that has been in existence since 1863 . It is made from 32 plants and herbs from all over the world and is thought to cure anything that ails you. Jenever is a juniper-flavored traditional gin from the Netherlands, Belgium and Northern France. Both are very strong! I enjoyed talking with our tour guide. She grew up in the area and, thus, was very passionate about sharing her knowledge. She explained the history of Antwerp's name, which I found bizzare, but interesting. I don't remember it by heart so I've included this blurb from Wikipedia:

According to folklore, and as celebrated by the statue in front of the town hall, the city got its name from a legend involving a mythical giant called Antigoon who lived near the river Scheldt. He exacted a toll from those crossing the river, and for those who refused, he severed one of their hands and threw it into the river Scheldt. Eventually, the giant was slain by a young hero named Brabo, who cut off the giant's own hand and flung it into the river. Hence the name Antwerpen, from Dutch hand werpen—akin to Old English hand and wearpan (= to throw), that has changed to today's warp.

Everyone usually goes out somewhere after dinner. This time, Rick rallied the troops together to visit the KULMINATOR, one of the world's best-known specialist beer cafés (according to the Beer Book). The KULMINATOR is famous for having a huge stock of cellar-aged beers. Rick and I have been to this place once before and he has been wanting to go back ever since. He was so excited (like a kid in a candy store). Unfortunately, we got there really late due to a long dinner and got cut-off after only 2 rounds.

Rick took the next day off and we walked around Antwerp's diamond district. I wasn't that impressed. Later that afternoon, we headed back to the KULMINATOR with our friends, Nathan and Leah. I guess Rick didn't really didn't get KULMINATED enough the night before!

TOUR

Kaas is cheese in Flemish

I gigantic speculoos cookie

THE KULMINATOR

Aren't they sweet?

DIAMONDS

NO COMMENT :-)

A Beery Good Valentine's Day

Here are some pictures from our romantic Valentine's Day at Kroegske, a beer café in West Flanders. Believe it or not, it was actually romantic! The café was candle-lit and had a coal-burning stove, which I sat right next to. The decor was almost over-the-top with "brewerania", but not so much that it was tacky. The place was really warm and comfy and had hops hanging from the ceiling! We enjoyed a nice meal (traditional Belgian cuisine) with good beer. We also enjoyed chatting with the owner. What more can a girl ask for on Valentine's Day? Okay, maybe dinner at a 5-star Michelin rated restaurant with a vintage bottle of wine....OR....perhaps diamonds. Oh well, I guess I'm more of a beer-drinking pub grub kind of gal. Especially, when the beer and the grub are top-notch. Some girls love roses; I love hops....hey, it's a plant, right?

On a side note, I never thought I would describe myself as a beer-drinking kind of gal. Belgium has definitely had an effect on me. Have no fear, I still partake in my fair share of French wine. I haven't gone completely over the deep end!

Heeren Van Liederkercke

In an effort to pay a visit to as many of the better beer cafés in Belgium before leaving the country, we have been examining the "Beer Book" very closely. Our research has recently lead us to this gem located in Denderleeue, less than 30 minutes from Brussels in East Flanders (Flemish speaking region). I don't know why it took us so long to discover this place, but I'm glad we finally did. The opening line of the book's review is "This is one of our favorite cafés-restaurants in all of Belgium". The "Beer Book" rarely lies! After having some wonderful local beer and aged beer, along with a delicious lunch, I have to say that I agree. The beer list is extensive and includes a lot of old beers that they keep down in their cellar. The menu is quite large as well and most of the cuisine is prepared with beer. Each dish lists the type of beer used. Rick had a 4-cheese lasagne and I had some scampi. The café had a comfy, rustic feel to it and the servers were all very helpful in translating the huge menu.

It was at this café that I discovered my love of Orval after drinking one that had aged for 4 years. I never liked Orval before and now I finally understand why. We were told that Orval is made with a special, slow-working yeast that needs a minimum of one year in the bottle to do it's magic. We didn't take many pictures that day, but I'm sure we will be back to take more.