Belgium Travel Thread

[Macenson]

Thanks Wino for the recommendation. I did the Mercedes House. Very nice and very reasonable for what you get. A nice way to wind down the day. I didn't like everything but what I did like I loved which was about 80% of it. Awesome atmosphere.

More impressively it seems pretty new according to the concierge. You must rely be in the know

 

[daniel1]

My wife and I will be in Brugge for a night and I'm looking for any restaurant opinions, specifically around Pro Deo and Pomperlut. There doesn't seem to be much separating them between online reviews, lists of places to eat when in Brugge, etc. I gues Pomperlut changed ownership recently? Anyone have any opinions on these places? Thanks!

 

[miamichael21]

Anyone in Antwerp tonight and feel like splitting a bottle of 3F Framboos at 't Antwaerps Bierhuyske? Send me a PM

 

[primebeer]

Do I need to make reservations for De Heeren on a Saturday?

 

[stupac2]

Do I need to make reservations for De Heeren on a Saturday?

Not in my experience. Especially if it's a nice day and the outside area is available.

 

[FrenchBeerGeek]

be prepared for the slowest service ever

 

[primebeer]

be prepared for the slowest service ever

As in I should allot way more time than I was planning to be there? I was hoping to get 2-3 nice bottles and enjoy a nice meal. 4 hours enough time?

 

[Saind]

As in I should allot way more time than I was planning to be there? I was hoping to get 2-3 nice bottles and enjoy a nice meal. 4 hours enough time?

4 hours should be enough. But in general service here in Europe is a LOT slower than in the states.

 

[CommanderofAwesome]

Anyone know if Uber/Lyft operate in Brussels? I'm seeing very conflicting information and a lot of newspaper headlines from Fall 2015 saying UberPop was discontinued. However, Uber's website has fare estimates for Brussels and looks like they do have it.

 

[Digita7693]

Anyone know if Uber/Lyft operate in Brussels? I'm seeing very conflicting information and a lot of newspaper headlines from Fall 2015 saying UberPop was discontinued. However, Uber's website has fare estimates for Brussels and looks like they do have it.

Uber is in Brussels, used it a couple of weeks ago.

 

[CommanderofAwesome]

Uber is in Brussels, used it a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks!

 

[stupac2]

4 hours should be enough. But in general service here in Europe is a LOT slower than in the states.

De Heeren is slower, sure, but it's not really all that slow. I've never really felt like I had trouble ordering another bottle when I'm nearly done with something, which can be a real hassle elsewhere. The waitstaff are pretty conscientious about checking in with you, which is the real issue with slow European service (in my experience).

 

[Saind]

De Heeren is slower, sure, but it's not really all that slow. I've never really felt like I had trouble ordering another bottle when I'm nearly done with something, which can be a real hassle elsewhere. The waitstaff are pretty conscientious about checking in with you, which is the real issue with slow European service (in my experience).

I've only been to the states once, but I found dining to be very uncomfortable with waiters coming to check in on you every couple minutes (or at least that's what it felt like). Like they were trying to work you out of the door. That's not an issue here at least But do feel free to ask a waiter for something if you see one, works better than waiting.

 

[stupac2]

I've only been to the states once, but I found dining to be very uncomfortable with waiters coming to check in on you every couple minutes (or at least that's what it felt like). Like they were trying to work you out of the door. That's not an issue here at least But do feel free to ask a waiter for something if you see one, works better than waiting.

Yeah, it's definitely different, but I think De Heeren bridges the gap pretty well. I've been to some places overseas where placing an order or getting a check felt like waiting for godot.

 

[Digita7693]

Yeah, it's definitely different, but I think De Heeren bridges the gap pretty well. I've been to some places overseas where placing an order or getting a check felt like waiting for godot.

Double like for the Beckett reference!

 

[apatrick17]

I've only been to the states once, but I found dining to be very uncomfortable with waiters coming to check in on you every couple minutes (or at least that's what it felt like). Like they were trying to work you out of the door. That's not an issue here at least But do feel free to ask a waiter for something if you see one, works better than waiting.

My understanding is that it's because waiters/waitresses in Europe make most of their wages based on hourly pay vs. over here where it's primarily driven by tips, right? The good ones in the states know the perfect balance of checking in at the right times while still letting you relax and enjoy your meal, but unfortunately many are like you described - stopping by constantly to rush you through your meal and turn over your table.

 

[Saind]

My understanding is that it's because waiters/waitresses in Europe make most of their wages based on hourly pay vs. over here where it's primarily driven by tips, right? The good ones in the states know the perfect balance of checking in at the right times while still letting you relax and enjoy your meal, but unfortunately many are like you described - stopping by constantly to rush you through your meal and turn over your table.

Yeah tipping is optional here. I mean, at a decent restaurant you still do, but usually just rounding the bill to the nearest round number. Waiters definitely make a decent wage. It's not like anyone will think you're an ******* if you don't tip.

 

[BeerWorld]

Do I need to make reservations for De Heeren on a Saturday?

If you want to be absolutely sure all it takes is sending an email to DHVL to confirm your table. I would just in case. Does not cost anything.

 

[primebeer]

If you want to be absolutely sure all it takes is sending an email to DHVL to confirm your table. I would just in case. Does not cost anything.

Noted. On that note, any TBers in Brussels on Saturday, June 4th, and looking to go to DHVL/Moeder/Cantillon?

Can bring US beers for enjoyment or trade as well!

 

[CommanderofAwesome]

Made it to Cantillon and 3Fonteinen today. Cantillon was incredible, 3F was not. They had no 3F on tap, and in fact sold me a Kreik on draft that tasted awful. When I asked the server about it, turns out it wasn't 3F Kriek, but Boon Kriek instead. Didn't feel like dropping 50e for their vintage bottles so we bounced.Went next door to their store, and only thing they had in stock was Doesjel, which I believe is a still beer correct?

Beersel however, is a nice fun little town to walk about in. Getting to and from 3F was also a bit of an adventure. Turns out Belgian Train Workers are on strike yesterday and today, we took an uber to 3F, but couldn't catch one back to Brussels. No taxis could pick us up (on acct of the strike increasing demand) so we ended up just hanging by the train station praying a train would show up. A train finally did (obviously I suppose since I'm typing this out) and luck would have it according to the train ticket person one of the few operating trains in Brussels today. Note to self, be aware of public transportation strikes when traveling.

 

[Scalzo]

I hate three floyds

 

[primebeer]

I forget where else I posted this and don't care enough to look because I'm lazy, but is anyone going to be in Brussels next weekend? Will be doing irresponsible things at Cantillon, Moeder, and DHVL if anyone wants to join.

 

[Saind]

I forget where else I posted this and don't care enough to look because I'm lazy, but is anyone going to be in Brussels next weekend? Will be doing irresponsible things at Cantillon, Moeder, and DHVL if anyone wants to join.

Wasn't planning to but I might be in for a Friday or saturday at cantillon.

 

[primebeer]

Wasn't planning to but I might be in for a Friday or saturday at cantillon.

Great, will message you with further deets!

 

[LuxWanderer]

Made it to Cantillon and 3Fonteinen today. Cantillon was incredible, 3F was not. They had no 3F on tap, and in fact sold me a Kreik on draft that tasted awful. When I asked the server about it, turns out it wasn't 3F Kriek, but Boon Kriek instead. Didn't feel like dropping 50e for their vintage bottles so we bounced.Went next door to their store, and only thing they had in stock was Doesjel, which I believe is a still beer correct?

Beersel however, is a nice fun little town to walk about in. Getting to and from 3F was also a bit of an adventure. Turns out Belgian Train Workers are on strike yesterday and today, we took an uber to 3F, but couldn't catch one back to Brussels. No taxis could pick us up (on acct of the strike increasing demand) so we ended up just hanging by the train station praying a train would show up. A train finally did (obviously I suppose since I'm typing this out) and luck would have it according to the train ticket person one of the few operating trains in Brussels today. Note to self, be aware of public transportation strikes when traveling.

3F definitely doesn't provide you with the wow factor or in house drink list that Cantillon does. The 1997 geuze and Zenne are worth every bit of €50 though! Helps to have a friend sharing of course Wino

 

[Wino1]

3F definitely doesn't provide you with the wow factor or in house drink list that Cantillon does. The 1997 geuze and Zenne are worth every bit of €50 though! Helps to have a friend sharing of course Wino

Awesome TB story - LuxWanderer and I were messaging trying to meet up at Cantillon or 3F one day during my Belgium trip. I didn't have cell phone service. Day of, my sister and I went to 3F. Bumped into another guy at the bottle shop who just happened to introduce himself as Adam...and then it clicked that he was LuxWanderer. Such a coincidence. We decided to grab a beer at the 3F restaurant and went with that '97 OG. This was the best beer I had during the trip, if not ever. Looking forward to meeting up again in early October if we can make it work!

 

[stupac2]

I can't really understand going to 3F and not getting something like the '97 OG. How often do you run into bottles like that? How much did you spend getting to 3F? 50 Euro is a steal!

........I mean, what a ridiculous price. No one should pay that. Otherwise there won't be any left next time I'm there...

 

[CommanderofAwesome]

I can't really understand going to 3F and not getting something like the '97 OG. How often do you run into bottles like that? How much did you spend getting to 3F? 50 Euro is a steal!

........I mean, what a ridiculous price. No one should pay that. Otherwise there won't be any left next time I'm there...

In retrospect you're right. Didn't help that I came straight from Cantillon where I drank a **** ton and spent a ridiculous amount of money. Thankfully, I'm pretty sure I'll live.

 

[stupac2]

In retrospect you're right. Didn't help that I came straight from Cantillon where I drank a **** ton and spent a ridiculous amount of money. Thankfully, I'm pretty sure I'll live.

But can you really call that living?

 

[CommanderofAwesome]

But can you really call that living?

Drank my sorrows away at Nuetnigenough, that place is amazing.