Gastronomic Establishments

This is how all the guide books refer to restaurants. I think it is the result of an interesting translation. I know the word, but I can’t say I have ever heard them used in context before our trip. We have eaten sausages, sauerkraut, and schnitzel in Germany, waffles in Belgium, crepes in France, and Swiss cheese in Switzerland. My favorite I think were the waffles, though during our week in Belgium, I found myself missing the bratwursts that had become a regular feature of our diet.

In Mons, two particular establishments stand out above the rest: the Indian place and steak on a rock. Sadly, I did not take note of their real names, but both places are located on the main plaza in Mons. The Indian place will be easier to locate, and well worth it. The staff speak English and you can order food to go, or stay and eat in the restaurant. I have done both, and I have not been disappointed by anything they served. The prices are also very reasonable.

Steak on a Rock is up the street from the tourist office and looks to be a run-of-the-mill bar, but I promise you, it is not. While they offer other fare, their main dish is raw meat served on a hot stone. This arrives at your table on a tray with salad, potatoes, and a dipping sauce: you tend to the cooking yourself. The meat is seasoned, but I highly recommend the pepper sauce. It’s delightfully spicy without alienating those who don’t like spicy things. And the meat is delicious. I can’t comment on the cooking, as you watch it yourself and are in control of the doneness and dryness. We order the mixed grill because it lets you taste a little bit of everything. In addition to the draw of the food, there is the beer. Dozens and dozens of beers to choose from, each in their own specific glass; I never had a repeat while I was there. A word of caution though, Belgian beers are usually stronger than American ones, and 1 beer in Belgium can have 2-3 times the potency of their counterparts in America.

We bought our Belgium waffles from a street vendor during the Christmas market. These waffles are vastly superior to the ones available in the states. It’s a different flavor and I’m not sure how to describe without borrowing from the Mad Hatter: they have more muchness.