Sunday, September 16, 2007

Brussels Beer Festival

One of the really neat things about living a block away from the Grand Place, is that there is ALWAYS something interesting going on. We've seen spontaneous marching bands, a circus camp for kids, choir performances, and our favorite to date...

The Beer Festival.

We had company in town over Labor Day weekend, and heard that there would be a beer festival. We wandered down on Friday night to check out what was going on, and it was crazy. We had a quick beer, and then decided to go back earlier the next day before all the drunken revelry was in full swing.The first thing we encountered on Saturday was a parade of horse-drawn beer wagons representing the local breweries.We swung by Brussels' mascot, the Mannequin Pis, and noticed that he too was all dressed up for the festival (he's normally naked). The town's political officials actually wear the same outfit the statue was wearing for the beer festival.Then, we purchased tokens (beer caps...clever) and went in search of beer. Belgium is of course known for beer, and yet when you go out to restaurants you always seem to encounter the same few brands. The beer festivals are where Belgian beers really shine, and you find all the special local brews. I have quickly become a fan of Belgian fruit beers, and got to try a pink grapefruit beer, a rose beer, and coconut beer (yes...it came in a cool coconut cup).Dave tried something called a Kwak (pronounced "quack") that comes in a glass so special, it requires it's own stand. A fellow festival goer insisted the glasses were specially fashioned glasses for horsemen (the idea being the beer wouldn't spill out if you were on on a horse). An interesting theory but considering the source, I remain a bit skeptical.Thanks to Alena and Kelly for coming out to Brussels and giving us an excuse to get out and enjoy the festival!

3 Comments:

Blogger Anna hypothesized...

GASP

*So Jealous*

I love Brussels, you guys AND Beer ... it is just not fair to be stuck in Wisconsin when all of this fabulousness is going on!

 
Anonymous Anonymous hypothesized...

You may have displayed THE ONE THING that would convince my husband to take me to Brussels for Christmas---BEER! How many friends, relatives, and otherwise do y'all expect for the holidays? Feeling adventuresome and in need of spending the children's inheritance, I would love to visit.
Love from your Aunt Beverly

 
Blogger Dave hypothesized...

We might be able to find one or two different types of beer for CJ to try. (If memory serves, the city of Brussels boasts around 200 unique brews of beer.)

As of right now, we have exactly 0 guests booked for the holidays, but we expect the reservations to start rolling in any time now. Naturally my favorite Aunt will get priority booking.

 

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