death by [Belgian] chocolate

It's recently occurred to me that Belgium has a lot of "typical" things. I mean, we've had Belgian beer, Belgian waffles. And we haven't even hit on Belgian fries! but today, we will discuss the wonder that is Belgian chocolate. 

Chocolate shops can be found in all shapes and sizes and styles all over Brussels. Seriously, on ever corner there was another chocolate shop - and each one looked just as deliciously inviting as the next.

The displays alone were enough to make you die of happiness, and yet they still barely did the actual flavor justice. 

And since we were in town on Easter weekend, we got to enjoy all the amazing Easter displays and special seasonal treats.

...Ok I'm gonna go shove my face with chocolate now. 

IHOP's got nothing on Belgium

Of course when you go to Belgium, you can't forget to try a real Belgian waffle. Waffle-eating opportunities present themselves all over the city. You could get one at an ice cream shop, they had little walk up windows that served waffles, but my absolute favorite were the little waffle vans. 

I mean, first of all - genius! Waffles to go on the go! Need I say more? Also, isn't the little van pretty much the most adorable thing you've ever seen? 

When Patrick and I made stop for a waffle, we went with the walk up window option. They had so many different toppings to pick from, and I really enjoyed how they displayed it for people to pick their preferred topping. 

Once you've made your selections the waffles are made fresh in front of you and served hot and delicious! 

Patrick went with the trusty topping of Nutella, while I was feeling a little more simple with just brown sugar sprinkled (or, you know, caked) on top! 

And I can tell you for sure, Belgian waffles are every bit as good as their reputation implies. 

Brussels, as experienced by beer.

Remember that time that I professed my love for Belgian beer? Well, imagine how magical it was for me finally get to experience all that fantastic beer in it's homeland. My favorite part was all the beer shops. Little shops with walls covered floor to ceiling with beer and all the matching glasses for every type of beer.

Even if they are just little tourist traps, I had no problem picking up my only souvenirs from the weekend there. 

But buying bottled beer to bring back was only half the fun of the trip. I made it a rule to never drink the same beer twice while out in the city, so I could try as many different types as possible during our long weekend. If you follow me on Twitter, then you got the beer tour in real time. But if you don't, this was my trip to Brussels as experienced by beer. 

this beer got ordered by accident. It was too sweet for me, but tasted just like a tootsie roll!

Delirium Nocturne at the Delirium Bar

this beer has potentially topped Chimay as my favorite Belgian beer. It was delightful!

all three of us enjoying Delirium Tremens and Nocturne at the Delirium bar.

Mussels in Brussels

Did you know that Brussels had a reputation for mussels? 

I definitely did not. In fact, for the first week of Patrick's and Karrie's visit when they would go on about "mussels in Brussels" I assumed it was just because it rhymed, and who doesn't like things that rhyme?! 


Eventually I figured out the rhyme was a reality, and I was so excited to be partaking in such a cleverly named, culturally enriching meal as we took our seats at a restaurant called Chez Leon on our first night in Brussels. 



Did you also know that it is scientifically proven that meals taste exponentially better when they have catchy titles. And our Mussels in Brussels did not disappoint! 

It was my first time ever eating mussels, and I have to admit, they were delightful! Though now I'm just nervous that if I ever eat mussels again, I will only be let down. I mean, how could mussels in Dortmund or mussels in Atlanta or mussels in Нижнева́ртовск be anywhere near as good as Mussels in Brussels?

  
They can't, that's how. 

A Brusselian Surprise

Um, what exactly is the adjective form of Brussels? Regardless...

Remember how I mentioned that I had a few Belgian friends in Switzerland? Well, one time, one of my Belgians mentioned to me that Brussels wasn't the nicest city. Upon reflection, I think he might have just been talking about the crime, because Brussels does have a bit of a reputation. But somewhere along the way, I took it to mean that Brussels was just an ugly city. So my expectations for our weekend trip weren't terribly high. 

Well imagine my surprise when this was our very first view when we arrived in the city.

Over the next 3 days I would find out just how severely I had misjudged this city. Brussels was gorgeous - seriously more beautiful than I would have expected even without my preconceived misconceptions. There was so much more to do and see than I would have thought. I could go on and on, but I think the pictures will do it just a little more justice than my OMGs and BEAUTIFULs. 

   

needless to say, I would definitely recommend a trip to Brussels to anyone with sometime to kill in Europe!