When I picked up my baby today at creche (french for daycare), she had in her hand a little piece of soggy waffle. My baby is turning Belgian, I thought to myself. She has spent more of her life here in Brussels than in Brooklyn, NY and is more familiar with the sites and sounds here than in the US.
The Belgian waffle is unlike any waffle you have ever tasted. If you get them from the waffle-mobile or somewhere where they make them from scratch, they are dense
inside and crispy on the outside. They are usually finished off with a nob of butter and then sprinkled with powdered sugar. Of course, they can be topped with Belgian chocolate, whipped cream, fruit, jam, or ice cream but no maple syrup. You will find waffles on menus in most Belgian restaurants and at stands all over the country. Then there are the waffle-mobiles that are sort of like the icecream truck. These vans are parked anywhere and inside is a little kitchen with a waffle iron and thick batter. They are made to order and are delicious. Waffles are the perfect street food but you will end up with sticky fingers. Of course you can buy waffles in all the supermarkets. Store bought ones are never the same but my baby loved her little Belgian sweet.
As an American, it is hard to get used to the fact that Belgian stores are open only 6 days a week. In the US of A, most stores are open long hours every day. Like many European countries, Belgium shuts down on Sundays. Maybe this meant to force families to spend some quality time together. Frankly, on Sundays, I like to parse the baby off to my husband and be ALONE. Who needs family time, I want "me" time. Unfortunately, now that I am sort of Belgian, Sundays are family days.
However, there are random supermarket branches open on the Belgian day of rest. While foodmarkets are not the most exciting place to visit, at least if you need bread, beers, nylons or milk, you have somewhere to go. Not all branches are open and finding THE ONE can sometimes be a family activity in itself. The hitch? Open on Dimanche (Sunday) means the store will be closed one day during the work week. Unbelievable yet very crafty of the Belgians. They still manage to get a six day work week!
However, Brussels is chock full of little bodegas. These stores are open every day and some are only open at night. You can buy all your provisions there along with a calling card to Camaroon. Sometimes you can even get fresh samosas and baguettes. These little markets lurk on almost every single street in Brussels. For example, there was an Indian take out restaurant a block away from my apartment. One day it shut down and the next day, it opened up as a little market. Thank goodness. Like supermarkets, these little gems usually have a decent alcohol selection. Hard liquor is usually behind the counter but beer and juice are displayed prominently in the window (check out the picture above). While the beer selection won't be extensive it is decent. Stella Artois, Maes, Jupiler and Leffe beers are usually found in all these places. These beers are pretty good Belgian brews. I particularly like the Leffe because it goes very well with waffles.
No comments:
Post a Comment