Roger is right about Brugges - worth a trip all by its lonesome.
It's been a few years but In 't Spinnekopke for food and beer - together, Le
Paon Royale for food, and Mort Subite just because stick out in my memory.
You must also head out to Beersel for Drei Fonteinen and Centrum Hotel
www.centrumhotel.com . You can get there by train or tram. We've never
taken the tram - you have to change trains and climb a pretty respectable
hill but it's a short, manageable trip for lunch. The last trip (uh oh -
three years ago), we stayed in Brussels at a place just off the square
called L'arlequin for about 90 Euros. Convenient and decent - I found and
booked it through
travelocity.com - but there's no shortage of decent
accommodations in all price ranges.
The two spots I liked best in Brugges were Erasmus and Den Diver. Den Diver
requires reservations and something more dressy than cut-offs and a ripped
tee but it and Spinnekopke are especially known for their beer cuisine.
Erasmus is a perfectly delightful cafe in the hotel of the same name with a
fantastic beer list and wonderful food - the only place we went to twice on
our first trip.
I can't imagine needing a car as train service is fast, frequent, and
relatively inexpensive. There are three connected stations in Brussels and
all station platforms have complete schedules for that station including
track numbers. See about buying a multi day pass. You can take the train
to any part of the country from the airport.
A word of caution - some of these family run places close for a few weeks
for the holidays. We took the train to Beersel between Christmas and New
Years, climbed the hill in a wet snowstorm to be greeted by the sight of a
closed Drei Fonteinen. We found much solace and gueze at Centrum Hotel a
few yards away. Spinnekopke was closed, too.
Enjoy,,,,, hmm - time for a road trip
-----Original Message-----
From: Chicago Beer Society Home Brewer List
[mailto:CBS-HB@LISTSERV.UIC.EDU]On Behalf Of Adam
Sent: Friday, December 05, 2003 1:51 PM
To: CBS-HB(a)LISTSERV.UIC.EDU
Subject: Belgium Info Please?
Hi All
Long time Clark St. Ale House employees Rebecca & Cody are getting
married and will spend part of the honey moon in Belgium,
I am asking for info since I've never been, and know there are many experts
on the list.
General info is good, places to stay, how to get around would be most
appreciated.
and of course,, were to go for beer, which breweries & Pubs should not be
missed.!?
Good places to eat, any other info they might be able to use. If a rental
car is recommended.
Thanks
Adam
Clark St Ale House
742 N. Clark
Chicago,Il 60610