Despite what all the bad French jokes, Belgium has more to offer to gourmets and fans of local and healthy fare than Frites (Fries), Mussels and Beer.
You have to look no further than Taste Brussels, Brussels Slow Food Festival, in its second edition from September 21 to September 27, to see proof of that.
I was invited to a Media Briefing the organizers had today, Friday, September 11 at Tout l' Or Du Monde, a Fair Trade Food Shop (should I say Food-Coop) and Tasting Bistro in Brussels. Unfortunately a plane ticket was not included so I had to pass.
The combination of cabbage and escargot on the festival's page gives it a homely feel.
It seems that the 'English' version of the site does not quite translate.
Not that it bothered me but I wanted to warn you.
There are some free tastings such as Belgian wines (never had one) at Mig’s World Wines (11am to 7pm, Sept 21 to 26). Just let a person at the counter that you are there to taste Belgian wines.
Seems like a fun place with a humorous tone. Who would offer an "Orgasmic Organic" (bio/organic world wines) tasting?
In a different sphere there will be a discussion of the myth that eating healthy is expensive on Wednesday, September 23 at Restaurant K Fete (French only site). This is not your usual restaurant. Located within the walls of La Chôm'Hier AID, a training center for the unemployed and/or in need of new skills. Their guiding principle is to offer environmentally friendly, healthy food reflecting all cultures. They even offer 'hala' meat to their Muslim patrons. Access to Restaurant K Fete is not restricted to staff and trainees, their door is opened to local residents, community organizations and the like.Looking at their menu I discovered 'Pistolets' which I could loosely translate into 'small guns' but for them seems to mean sandwiches, must be a local expression.
In the same realm, from Monday 21 to Thursday 24, Cooking-Time, a cooking school for the amateur will offer a Lunch time (12:30 pm) Class/Tasting Meal introducing Vitalite Gourmande, in other words how to cook a tasty dish that is healthy and makes you brim with energy in half an hour (or less).
Cost is 17 € and you can make reservations by e-mail at ihb [at] cooking-time [dot] be.
To conclude you can have a Taste of Honey from Brussels at Tout l'Or du Monde with urban beekeeper and honey maker Xavier Rennotte on September 23. Doors open at 6:30 pm and Event will run from 7pm to 9pm. Reservations needed by e-mail to asuberville [at] toutlordumonde [dot]be….
Looks like I will have to come up with a follow up piece on restaurants taking part in Taste Brussels….